Q-Tips Reviews

OLD JAIL MUSEUM 167 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-3800

Q-Tips say: Mr. Q really wanted to do this so Mrs. Q went along. It was ok. Lasted about 45 mins. and we had a family with 5 teenagers along with us on the tour so the teens made it a lot more fun.

Good for families and the tour guide does an excellent job of acting like a Jail Warden for that period in time.

Mrs. Q says: If you seen one jail you have seen them all. NOT that mrs. Q was in jail, she TOURED Alcatraz when in Ca.

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS – 167 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-3800 – www,trolleytours.com/st–augustine

Q-Tips say: Get your Trolley tickets and go for the complete ride and get an idea of what you might like to see and do. Also, do a little checking via the internet ahead of your trip and it helps you with how much each tour/museum, etc costs and how much you can see in one day along with restaurant reviews. The trolley tickets last for 3 days and take you back and forth but the last trolley pick up is usually around 4:30. No trolleys in the evening. Mrs. Q suggests you drive to restaurants/bars in the evening because street parking is free after 5:00. Certain lots have 1/2 price after 5:00.

The trolley drivers are helpful and explain what they are going by and a little history behind each exhibit. As always, some trolley drivers are better than others and the Q’s had two exceptional drivers, Matt and Jimbo. Matt was younger and shared a younger person’s perspective and Jimbo was older and shared his years of experience. Both excellent trolley drivers.

A note of caution: The trolleys are open with a top cover – so if you are there when it is windy, cool or extremely hot come prepared.

Also, most things seem to cost around $10.00 to see/do and park. Yes, even to light a big candle in the Basilica cost, yes you guessed it, $10.00

THE OLD SENATOR – 137 San Marco Avenue, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
(800) 889-9735 – www.hojo.com

The Old Senator, the 600-year old treee on the ground of Howard Johnson Hotel. No need to make a special trip to see it. All Trolley tours go past it to turn around and tell you about the tree.

Mrs. Q’s Note: Suggest you don’t stay at HOJO unless you really want to. Read some of their reviews before staying at HOJO.

EDELWEISS GERMAN CUISINE 611 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208, (941) 748-3838
www.edelweissbradenton.com

Q-TIPS SAY: EDELWEISS has good food. All homemade and the ambiance has a small cozy feeling to it. Mrs. Q enjoyed: Hunter Schnitzel – Served with Spätzle (German Egg Noodles in light
Butter and Herbs) and creamy Mushroom sauce. Mr. Q enjoyed: Sauerbraten Marinated in a tasty Wine & Vinegar marinade and served with Spatzle, rich flavorful Gravy and red Cabbage.
Both delicious and reasonably priced at around $16.00 Of course, the Q’s had to have a German Beer with dinner and enjoyed a light German beer. It was busy but they were able to seat us even tho we did not have a reservation. Mrs. Q says: German Food is delicious but heavy. She does not think she could eat this way often but it was enjoyable. Next time, she will try the homemade “potato pancakes”.

If you need a GERMAN FOOD FIX, EDELWEISS is a good place to go.

VENICE ART & CRAFT SHOW – Venice FL – When: Saturday and Sunday, Venice Avenue, between U.S. 41 Business and Harbor Drive

Q-Tips say: Go and enjoy! It is FREE Walked along enjoying the beautiful sunny, warm day eating our way thru the Show.  They moved the Craft Show to another street – crowded and busy. Near the end of the show they had various tastings: dips, olive oils, etc. Then, if time permits, stop at the Venice Jetty and see the dolphins – a fun day all around.

Off to visit our old “hood” we once lived and then find a restaurant that doesn’t have a “Sunday Buffet.”  Went past “Turtles” and saw our former condo and walked to Turtles Beach. Turtles Rest. had a “Sunday Brunch.” Then drove down the road to Ophelia’s but I was told they had a “Sunday Brunch” and just closed but will reopen for dinner at 5:00. Another favorite is “Miguel’s” but they don’t open till 5:00.  Off to Philippe Creek:).

REVELRY – 3005 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 355-1218, www.revelrypubandgrill.com

Q-Tips say: Good food, outstanding service, and a great selection of beer choices. Of course, they also have a “Full Bar”. The ambiance is nice and looks like it was recently remodeled.

Revelry offers Happy Hour from 11:30 to 7PM, Be introduced to a new craft beer every time you and your friends visit, They now offer what they call “6 by 6:00 for $10” every night. There are six entrées served between 4pm and 6pm daily for only 10 dollars.

Our entrees from the “6 by 6:00 for $10.00 menu” were enjoyed by all. Meatloaf, Fish, Chicken Special and Mrs. Q had the Bratwurst. She expected a Brat on a bun with some sauerkraut and fries(she requested fries instead of mashed potatoes). When the Brat meal arrived there were 2 large Brats with sauerkraut and fries and no bun. Just like she likes it. The serving was enough to take some home and enjoy the remainder for lunch. The waitress went and made stuffed olives for Mr. Q’s drink – now that is what I’m talking about – outstanding service. Hope Revelry Pub survives past the “busy snowbird season” – many times they don’t.

So go and enjoy! We and our friends certainly did.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

CAST: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Abigail Breslin, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dermot Mulroney, Steve Heidebrecht, Sam Shepard.

Q-TIPS SAY: Mr. Q says: A chick flick. Mrs. Q says: A good movie but not a movie for everyone. Some great acting and some might get a nod for awards. It’s tiring. it’s full of despicable people, and can be depressing. This is a grueling story of the destructive force of addiction, danger of anger, the hurt of betrayal, and the pain caused by keeping secrets. Your family, no matter the problems, will look like Leave it to Beaver after you see this film. See it, enjoy the fabulous acting and be grateful that you’re family despite its problems is nothing like this family.

31th GREEK GLENDI – an authentic cultural Greek experience –
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34243 www.stbarbaragoc.org

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday:11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: 2/9/2014 Noon – 8:00 PM – Adult Admission: $4.00, Children under 12: free

Free on-site and off-site Parking! Shuttles available from Church of the Trinity, 7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd (1 mi. No. of St. Barbara’s)

Q-TIPS SAY: It is not FREE ADMISSION but this one is worth the admission fee. They offer a kid’s tent, vendors selling their goods that are made in Greece. Greek music, dancers and, of course, the food, beer, wine and soft drink bar, and a Flea Market. The food and vendor products are reasonably priced. Ample seating inside and out. We went and enjoyed. The Q’s chose the oven roasted Lamb Shank that comes w/choice of 2 sides – we chose the potatoes and green beans. The other choice was a Gyros sandwich and our pastry choice was Loukoumathes – Piping hot, light and fluffy honey puffs served with syrup and dusted with cinnamon. Everything was ok.