Category Archives: Florida

Decadent Treat from the Sea

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Maine Lobster- photo credit Deb Neumann

Broiled Decadence

I was born in the wrong time in history. My absolute favorite treat is broiled lobster tails. Any lobster is good—but I’m addicted to the tails.

Lobster wasn’t always the elite culinary gem it is today. At one time, it was so plentiful it was considered poor man’s food—fed to prisoners and even pigs. Can you imagine tossing a $50 lobster into a pigpen? And yes, I found a website selling Maine lobster tails for $58.99, so I’m not exaggerating when I say a “trash meal” turned treasure.

Maine Lobster vs. Rock Lobster

Every trip to Florida—especially the Florida Keys—includes at least one (usually more) stop for lobster tails. Why Florida? Because they use spiny lobsters, also called Rock Lobsters. These clawless crustaceans pack all their meat in the tail. The tails are larger, firmer, and have a brinier taste than Maine lobster.

Maine lobsters are great, but just using the tail feels like a waste. Let’s boil that beauty and enjoy the delicate claw meat too. Best to use a real Lobster Pot, not just any pan.

Fun fact: When I was younger, I had a lobster license and used to scuba dive for Maine lobsters. I could enjoy a lobster meal anytime I was willing to dive—which was often!

snuba at Turtletown 2020

National Lobster Day

Today is National Lobster Day, so head to your nearest seafood restaurant or fish market for an annual treat of broiled lobster. Restaurants might make it sound like preparing tails is a mystical art, but it’s really quite simple. Just don’t overcook them—nothing worse than a dry lobster tail.

Around here, it’s easy to find Maine lobster tails. Occasionally (though rarely), you’ll spot Langostinos—small crustaceans often substituted for real lobster. They’re tasty, but more closely related to crabs than lobsters. So for today, let’s go with the real thing.

Broiled Rock Lobster tails- Key Largo 2019 photo Deb Neumann

Let’s Cook

Ingredients

  • 4 lobster tails (10 oz each, or adjust cooking time for other sizes)
  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted (½ stick)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Thaw the tails
    If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven
    Set to Broil (500°F / 260°C). Position the oven rack so the lobster tails on a baking sheet are 4–5 inches from the broiler.
  3. Butterfly the lobster tails
    Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the shell lengthwise (top side only), stopping at the tail fin. Gently pull the meat upward, leaving the end attached. Rest the meat on top of the shell.
  4. Make the butter mixture
    In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Brush generously over the lobster meat.
  5. Broil the tails
    Cook until the meat is opaque and lightly browned—about 1 minute per ounce. (10 oz tails = 10 minutes; 5 oz tails = 5 minutes.)
  6. Serve with melted butter
    For extra indulgence, try drawn butter—it takes a little more effort but yields a clear, golden dip with rich flavor.

How to Butterfly a Lobster Tail

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love—especially when they involve lobster tails!

 

A Traveler’s Guide to Roadside Attractions

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Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products, places, and experiences I truly love and think you will too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping me keep the adventure going!

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📝 Lists: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love lists. I like to check off the things I’ve done and review the things to come. One of my favorites? A well-worn copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s part bucket list, part daydream fuel.

Every now and then, I stumble across a list of Roadside Attractions—those quirky, unforgettable stops that dot the highways like exclamation points. Starting in the 1920s and ’30s, the rise of the automobile road trip sparked a craze among entrepreneurs to build eye-catching structures and clever advertisements to lure passing motorists. The trend flourished through the 1950s and ’60s, often considered the “Golden Age” of roadside Americana. Route 66 was famous for it. And yes, I’ve driven parts of Route 66 myself.

Rt 66 2011 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

⏳ Time Is Passing

Sadly, as time marches on, many of these roadside oddities are falling into ruin—or worse, being sold to developers and replaced with modern billboards and generic signage. The charm fades, but a few gems still linger.

📍 Three Attractions That Linger

Here are three roadside wonders I’ve personally visited—and they’ve left a lasting impression.

🦖 1. Wall Drug Store — South Dakota

Located near Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is more than a pharmacy—it’s a full-blown destination. Think kitschy souvenirs, an 80-foot animatronic T-Rex, and a dining room that serves up hearty fare. When people say “You can’t miss it,” they mean it. Just follow the signs off Route 16.

Wall Drug Store 2011- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Thanks to a catchy jingle—
“Get a soda / get a beer / turn next corner / just as near / to Highway 16 and 14 / free ice water / Wall Drug”—
the cars started rolling in and haven’t stopped since.

🦕 2. Dinosaur Park — Rapid City, South Dakota

After a snack at Wall Drug, why not swing by Dinosaur Park? Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, this hilltop attraction features a towering 80-foot brontosaurus and six of its prehistoric pals.

Dinosaur Park Rapid City SD 2011- photo credit Deb Neumann

The idea was sparked by local discoveries of dinosaur bones and footprints—and it worked. The park captured traffic headed toward Mount Rushmore and became a beloved symbol of Rapid City. Today, the brontosaurus still stands tall, watching over the town like a gentle giant.

Big Brontosaurus- Rapid City photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🧜‍♀️ 3. Weeki Wachee Springs — Florida

Heading south to the Sunshine State, I was on the hunt for manatees—and found mermaids instead. Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its live mermaid shows, a nostalgic nod to old Florida charm. But like the vintage ads say, “Wait—there’s more!”

Mermaid Show Weeki Wachee Springs 2012 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Visitors can take a nature boat ride, go kayaking, or splash around in the water park. It’s a fun day for all ages. And yes, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a manatee gliding through the springs. ( Yes, that’s me swimming with the baby manatee)

Baby Manatee

Manatee Whisperer 2017

 

National Waffle Day

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National Waffle Day: Let’s Talk Syrup, Grids, and Golden Crispy Joy

I kid you not—this is the very first item on today’s list of National Days and Observances. Numero uno. Right there, top of the stack: National Waffle Day.

Why? Because on this day, the first U.S. patent for a waffle iron was issued. And honestly, that’s reason enough to celebrate. Waffles are more than breakfast—they’re edible architecture. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly designed to cradle syrup, berries, whipped cream, or whatever your heart desires.

Now, let’s take a quick peek at the other contenders:

  • National Peach Pie Day: Tempting, but we already gave peaches their moment this week.
  • National Maryland Day: A nod to the 7th state to join the Union. Respect, but not breakfast.
  • Pluto Demoted Day: Poor Pluto. Still spinning out there, doing its thing, even if it’s no longer a planet. I doubt it cares.
  • Feast of Saint Bartholomew: A solemn observance, not quite waffle-adjacent.
  • International Strange Music Day: Intriguing, but I’m not sure what qualifies as “strange.” Kazoo symphonies?
  • National Knife Day: Sounds like the setup for a murder mystery. Hard pass.
  • Kobe Bryant Day: A heartfelt tribute to a legend. Beautiful, but heavy.

So, back to waffles. One of my favorite breakfast foods—hands down. Whether you like them Belgian-style, buttermilk, or sweet potato-infused, today’s the day to fire up the iron and celebrate those golden grids. Bonus points if you drizzle maple syrup in slow motion like it’s a food commercial.

Waffles deserve their spotlight. And today, they’ve got it.

looking at two buttermilk waffles, topped with butter and syrup

Stock Photo

 

 

🏪 Waffle House: Southern Comfort on a Plate

Comedians love to poke fun at Waffle House, but Southerners? They swear by it. Why? Because it’s dependable.

“People may disappoint us in life, but Waffle House is literally there for us—open 24/7 and on virtually every interstate stop in the South.”

Whether you need a sunrise pick-me-up or a 2 a.m. soul-soothing meal, Waffle House is always open. It’s a South and Midwest chain that serves classic Southern breakfast fare. I’ve had the pleasure of dining in them in both Florida and Georgia. I’ll skip the grits, but the waffles? Absolutely worth the name.

20+ Waffle House Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

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🏨 Hampton by Hilton: Waffles in the Spotlight

Even hotel chains know the power of a good waffle. Hampton by Hilton features waffles prominently in its advertising, and their breakfast buffet includes “baked-by-guests” Belgian-style waffles.
Those ads always make me hungry. But they also raise a question: what exactly is a Belgian waffle?

Hampton by Hilton Ad

🧇 Belgian Waffles vs. Regular Waffles: A Tale of Two Textures

Not all waffles are created equal—and no, Eggo waffles don’t count (sorry, freezer fans).

Let’s break it down:

🇧🇪 Belgian Waffles

  • Batter: Made with yeast-leavened dough or whipped egg whites folded in for that signature fluff.
  • Texture: Crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside—like biting into a cloud with crunch.
  • Appearance: Big, bold, and beautiful. Deep pockets thanks to a specialized waffle iron.
  • Leavening: Yeast or whipped egg whites give it lift, not baking powder.
Belgian Waffle Images – Browse 113,433 Stock Photos, Vectors ...

Adobe Stock Photo

🇺🇸 Regular (American) Waffles

  • Batter: Denser, pancake-like, often enriched with buttermilk for a richer flavor.
  • Texture: More cake-like and compact.
  • Appearance: Thinner with shallower pockets—still tasty, just less dramatic.
  • Leavening: Baking powder does the heavy lifting here.

Belgian waffles are the red carpet version of breakfast—ready to be dressed up with berries, whipped cream, or syrup waterfalls. American waffles? More like your cozy flannel pajamas: familiar, comforting, and always welcome.

185,800+ Waffles Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

American Waffles Stock Photo

 

Waffle Recipes

Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe

This Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe is easy and makes delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles!  These waffles are perfectly crisp and golden on the outside while being light and fluffy on the inside!
CourseBreakfast
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes 
Cook Time 20minutes 
Total Time35 minutes 
Servings 8
Author Nichole

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your waffle iron, spray with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  • In a medium bowl beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl mix together the egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
  • Fold in the egg whites.
  • Pour the batter onto your hot waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s directions**
  • Serve immediately with butter, syrup, powdered sugar or any other favorite toppings.

American Waffles

Tender and Easy Buttermilk Waffles

These buttermilk waffles are crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. I love the results this gives while not having to separate the eggs and take time to whip egg whites! These will also reheat in the toaster for a quick workday breakfast.

Submitted by Diana Perry
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

  2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl until evenly combined.

  3. Whisk buttermilk and melted butter together in a separate bowl; whisk in eggs.

  4. Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until just combined and batter is slightly lumpy; stir in vanilla extract.

  5. Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.

  6. To cook each waffle, pour enough batter into the preheated waffle iron to reach 1/2 inch from the edge. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

185,800+ Waffles Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

Stock photo

Whether stacked high with berries or simply kissed with syrup, waffles remind us that joy can be golden, crispy, and served with a side of comfort. Waffles may not solve life’s big problems, but they sure make breakfast feel like a hug from the inside.”

National Roller Coaster Day: A Tribute to Terror and Thrill 🎢

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National Roller Coaster Day: A Tribute to Terror and Thrill 🎢

Who would have thought those mechanical monsters would have a day of their own?

I have a love/hate relationship with roller coasters. I love them—but I haven’t set foot on one since I passed out on the old wooden coaster at Nantasket Beach. (Yes, Nantasket—not Nantucket. Easy mix-up, but one has lobster rolls and the other had a rickety thrill machine that stole my consciousness.) That coaster is long gone now. Torn down. All that remains is a memory—splintered wood, the scent of salt air, and the echo of my teenage bravado.

Nantasket Beach Roller Coasters | News | collectorsjournal.com

Stock photo

But the new coasters? They’re breathtaking. Literally. I watch the loops and whirls and upside-down spins with a cocktail of fear and jealousy. Fear, because I know my nerves would never survive the launch. Jealousy, because deep down, I wish I were brave enough to fly.

Loop Coaster Universal , Orlando Fl 2012- photo credit Deb Neumann

There’s something poetic about roller coasters. They mimic life in the most dramatic way: the slow climb of anticipation, the sudden drop into chaos, the twists you never saw coming, and the moment you finally catch your breath—laughing, screaming, or both.

I stand at the edge of the platform, watching others strap in. Their faces are lit with adrenaline and joy. Mine? A wistful smile and a silent cheer from the sidelines. Maybe one day I’ll ride again. Maybe not. But today, I celebrate the wild ride—whether from the front seat or the fence line.

Nitro - Six Flags Great Adventure

Nitro at 6 Flags – Stock Photo

 

Happy National Roller Coaster Day, you glorious beasts of steel and speed. You terrify me. And I love you for it.

 

Thrill Rides at Six Flags New England in Springfield

6 Flags – stock photo

World Lizard Day & Balboa’s Birthday Bash

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🦎 World Lizard Day & Balboa’s Birthday Bash

Today is Balboa’s 5th Birthday! 🎉

Balboa – photo credit Deb Neumann

Happy Birthday, sweet boy—love you bunches. You’re sharing your special day with World Lizard Day, which might not be your idea of a party theme, but I couldn’t resist celebrating these scaly wonders.

Florida Iguana – photo credit Deb Neumann

I might be a little weird, but I genuinely like lizards. They fascinate me. I especially adore those tiny lizards I see everywhere when I visit Florida. I believe they’re called Anoles—there are brown ones and green ones, and I think they’re seriously cute. They dart around like little garden ninjas.

It's not easy being a green anole | | islandernews.com

Photo- Internet

 

Then there are the Iguanas. Bigger, bolder, and a bit intimidating. They come in vibrant shades of green and orange, lounging like royalty on sidewalks and rooftops.

So in honor of World Lizard Day (and Balboa’s birthday, of course), here are some fun and fascinating facts about lizards that might just make you see them in a whole new light. I may find them interesting, but don’t worry—I’m not about to bring one home as a pet.

Jurassic World Evolution Dilophosaurus Compatibility | Jurassic 2025 World Evolution Dinosaur Skins

 

🌿 12 Lizard Facts to Make You Smile (or Squirm)

  1. Tail Tricks
    Many lizards can detach their tails to escape predators. The tail keeps twitching while the lizard makes a clean getaway—like a magic act with a dramatic exit.
  2. Color-Changing Cuties
    Green Anoles can shift from green to brown depending on mood, temperature, or stress. They’re like tiny, scaly mood rings.
  3. Built-In Motion Sensor
    Iguanas have a “third eye” on top of their heads called a parietal eye. It doesn’t see images but detects light and movement—perfect for spotting sneaky predators.
  4. Push-Up Power Moves
    Lizards often do push-ups or head bobs to show dominance or attract mates. It’s like their version of flexing at the gym.
  5. Water Walkers
    The Basilisk lizard can run across water using its speed and wide feet. It’s nicknamed the “Jesus Lizard” for this miraculous feat.
  6. Tongue-Tasting the Air
    Like snakes, lizards use their tongues to “taste” the air and detect scents. It’s their way of sniffing out dinner or danger.
  7. Sun Worshippers
    Being cold-blooded, lizards bask in the sun to warm up and energize. You’ll often find them stretched out on rocks like tiny solar panels.
  8. Natural Pest Control
    Lizards love munching on insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. They’re nature’s pest patrol—no chemicals required.
  9. Miniature Dragons
    Draco lizards can glide between trees using wing-like ribs. They’re real-life dragonlets soaring through the forest canopy.
  10. Ancient Survivors
    Lizards have been around for over 200 million years. They’ve outlived dinosaurs and still strut their stuff across the globe.
  11. Venomous but Chill
    The Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard are venomous, but they’re slow-moving and rarely aggressive. Just don’t poke them.
  12. All-Female Wonder Lizards
    Some whiptail lizard species reproduce without males through parthenogenesis. No dates, no drama—just cloning themselves like pros.

So here’s to Balboa,

Balboa’s Stare – photo credit Deb Neumann

to lizards, and to the wild, wonderful world we share with creatures great and small. Whether they’re sunbathing on a Florida fence or gliding through jungle trees, lizards remind us that nature is endlessly inventive—and occasionally adorable.

green iguana- photo credit Deb Neumann