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Jess Wilson

A Taste of Florida Lager by Florida Beer Company

August 23, 2012 by Jess Wilson 1 Comment

Florida Lager bottle

Light 2026 note. When we first wrote about Florida Lager, it was under Florida Beer Company (Melbourne-area roots). The brewery later continued in the Space Coast orbit under the Carib Brewery USA banner, and the easy-drinking Florida lager tradition lives on in their lineup (often seen as Sunshine State / Florida lager styling). Availability on South Florida shelves rotates — check your local bottle shop.

Florida Lager pint glass

Our original tasting note still fits the style: a golden, approachable craft lager with malt-forward comfort — a friendly “starter” Florida brew beside hoppier local IPAs. Pair with backyard cooking or a low-key Intracoastal sunset, not a homework assignment in beer snobbery.

Curious what to eat with that pint? Drift over to the Eating in South Florida guide.

Historical review with a branding/continuity note. Confirm current beer names and tap lists with the brewery or retailer.

Filed Under: Featured, Food, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Breweries, Craft Brew, Florida Beer, Florida Beer Company, Florida Lager, Melbourne

5 ways to keep your dog cool during summer

August 5, 2012 by Jess Wilson Leave a Comment

Evergreen how-to refresh for South Florida heat. Summer here is not a suggestion — it is a lifestyle. If you share your home with a dog, cooling strategies matter year-round, not just in July.

Puppy in kiddie pool
A shallow splash pool is still one of the easiest cool-downs.

This guide keeps the spirit of our original tips (yes, including Thunder the black lab’s early adventures) and updates them for modern South Florida living. It is not veterinary advice — if your dog shows heatstroke signs (heavy panting, collapse, bright-red gums, vomiting), seek emergency care immediately.

1. Controlled water play

Pools, bay-friendly beaches where dogs are allowed, or a clean kiddie pool in the shade all help. Supervise constantly, rinse after saltwater or treated pool water, and never force a nervous dog into deep water.

2. Hose, sprinkler, or misting fan

A soft mist beats a high-pressure blast. Early morning or evening sessions keep pavement cooler for paws. Skip icy shocks right after intense exercise.

Frozen dog treats
Frozen treats help — keep ingredients dog-safe.

3. Frozen treats (dog-safe only)

Freeze low-sodium broth, dog-safe fruits (skip grapes/raisins), or commercial lick mats. Portion small treats so you are not overfeeding calories for cooling’s sake.

4. Walk timing + paw protection

Asphalt in South Florida can burn paws by late morning. Walk at dawn or after sunset, test pavement with the back of your hand, and consider booties or grass routes. Cars heat-trap fast — never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle.

5. Shade, airflow, and indoor backup

Portable shade, cooling mats, and a fan aimed across (not roaring into) your dog help. AC remains the real hero on heat-advisory days. Grooming for double-coated breeds should follow a groomer’s advice — shaving is not always safer.

South Florida extras

  • Sand fleas and no-see-ums love dusk — pack prevention.
  • Freshwater lakes may have algae advisories; check local notices.
  • Hurricane season prep should include pet go-bags and carrier practice.

Heading outside together? Our things to do guide and beaches guide can help you pick dog-friendlier outings — always verify current pet rules.

Tips are general. Ask your veterinarian about breed-specific heat risks, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs.

Filed Under: Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Broward, Humane Society, South Florida

Haulover Beach Park – Bike Route

August 2, 2012 by Jess Wilson 4 Comments

Updated for 2026. Haulover Beach Park sits on a barrier-island stretch of Miami-Dade coastline with bay on one side, ocean on the other, and enough paved paths and park roads to make a satisfying beach-cruiser or hybrid ride. This is a casual scenic route — not a mountain-bike trail guide.

The vibe

Think breeze, bridges, and people-watching more than elevation gain. A beach cruiser or hybrid works fine. Bring water (a hydration pack helps), sunscreen, and a lock if you plan to stop at the beach or marina areas.

Sample approach from North Miami / Sunny Isles

  1. Work north along Biscayne Boulevard (US-1 corridor), then east toward the beach via Sunny Isles Boulevard.
  2. You will pass near Oleta River State Park — worth its own visit for kayaks, trails, and mangrove scenery.
  3. After the bridge, continue on Collins Avenue until park signage for Haulover / Sunny Isles approaches appears, then follow park roads and paths.

Exact turn-by-turn can shift with construction and seasonal traffic patterns — use a current map app, and prefer marked bike lanes and park roads over high-speed segments when you have a choice.

At the park

Haulover is known for Atlantic beaches, a marina area, and picnic spots. Parts of the park have distinct beach cultures; read posted signs and respect designated areas. Lifeguard coverage, parking rules, and any special advisories are posted on-site and on Miami-Dade Parks channels — check those before you go.

Safety notes for coastal rides

  • Watch for sand on pavement, especially after windy days
  • Bridges and causeways can be windy; keep both hands ready
  • Hydrate early — ocean breeze masks how hot you are
  • Do not leave valuables visible if you lock up at beach lots

Pair it with

  • Quiet Waters Park mountain biking (dirt trails in Broward)
  • Best Beaches in South Florida
  • Things to Do hub
  • More Travel guides

Route descriptions are general and informational. Verify park hours, fees, and beach conditions with official Miami-Dade sources.

Filed Under: Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bike Route, Haulover Beach Park, North Miami, Sunny Isles

A’dam Good Bar and Grill’d – Coral Springs (Archive)

July 29, 2012 by Jess Wilson 3 Comments

Archive note (updated September 2026): A’dam Good Bar & Grill’d in Coral Springs appears in multiple directories as permanently closed. The University Drive space has since been associated with other concepts. This page is kept as a historical review snapshot, not a current recommendation.

Our original 2012 visit notes (UFC night, kitschy Americana décor, mason-jar drinks, and the goat-cheese quesadilla) remain below as a time capsule of what the spot felt like then.


Historical review (2012): Last Saturday I went to A’dam Good Bar & Grill’d with my sweetie to watch the UFC 149 fight. The drinks, atmosphere, and food made the night — projectors on oversized screens, quirky Americana décor, salads in tortilla bowls, tomato bisque in mismatched mugs, and that memorable “A’dam Good Quesadilla” with goat cheese.

Looking for somewhere to eat now? Start with our updated Eating in South Florida food starter guide and always verify current hours on the restaurant’s own channels.

Status based on public “permanently closed” listings at check time. If the brand reopens elsewhere, confirm independently — we are not asserting present-day service.

Filed Under: Food, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: Coral Springs, Florida, Food, Reviews, University

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