Tag Archives: bike

Cape FL Lighthouse: Shining beacon of Key Biscayne

The island of Key Biscayne is a haven for nature lovers, beachgoers, hikers, bikers and explorers and one of the best spots to enjoy all of these is at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

The park is comprised of nature and bike trails, a beach with picnic tables and barbecue grills and one of the most impressive sites on Key Biscayne, the Cape Florida Lighthouse.

Built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846, guided tours of the regal white lighthouse that greets beachgoers at the tip of the park, as well as the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, are available twice daily Thursdays through Mondays. The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

So, cook up some grub or eat at Lighthouse Cafe or Boater’s Grill, do some kayaking or snorkeling and by all means, be prepared to climb the lighthouse steps and be amazed by the view.

1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-361-5811, www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/

Bike Towards The Sunset with Bike and Roll

With a wide array of sights and attractions to explore in the nation’s capital, there is no better way to travel and sightsee by cycling. With Bike and Roll, a bike rental provider with a wide array of bike models to choose from, you can check in and out of the three kiosks by the National Mall, the Union Station, and at Old Town Alexandria.

Each rental comes prepared with a helmet, lock, flat kit, and a city map to better help you whizz past this lovely city safe and prepared. Trust me, stopping to smell the roses is easier on a bicycle.

Insider Tip: Renting bikes from Old Town Alexandria not only gives you a chance to stroll King Street, but cyclists can easily take the scenic Mount Vernon Trail to the famous George Washington’s Estate!

2. Out of the Box Venice Valentine Event Feb. 13-14

Picture 13Make your honey work for their Valentine’s Day gift this year at the Venice Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt organized by Out of the Box Events. You’ll challenge you and your partner’s mind and legs as your team of two bikes around Venice searching for clues. The hunt is specifically designed to get you to know your partner’s intellectual side. So if you’re with someone who is all brawns and no brains you’ll quickly find out, but if you compliment each other mentally you’ll have a chance to win a prize for the top 3 performing teams.

It’s Easy to Get Lost in Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is where you go to hike, bike, blade, boat, float, jog—or just simply walk around, but this is no ordinary park. Being the world’s largest municipal park, this park encompasses 92,00 acres and includes 62 neighborhoods!!! This extraordinary park is home to a number of museums, stables, mansions, boathouses, and historical buildings such as the Bellaire Manor with its floor to ceiling wood paneling that would make any art historian’s mouth water. Grown by John Bartram in the 1700’s, America’s oldest living botanic garden can also be found here. At Fairmount Park, quantity means quality as well.

Golf to Horseback Riding at Rock Creek Park

Picture 14Located in the heart of D.C., Rock Creek Park is not your average run-of-the-mill park. There is much more to do than just your usual stroll or picnic: play 18-holes at the Rock Creek Golf Course; swing a racket at the tennis courts; rollerblade or bike; rent a kayak, canoe or even a small sailboat at the boat center.

Want something more unique? Take a horseback riding lesson on the 13 miles of wide, dirt and gravel bridle trails in the northern section of the park.

But for those who just want to relax, this national park is great for that as well. Beautiful trees, fields, wild animals (coyotes!), and the serene sights and sounds of Rock Creek make a perfect setting for a hike on one of the many paths. You can even have a cell phone tour in specific areas. Just call the number and listen to a park ranger give a two-minute narration on various aspects of the park.