Amazing Stories About Malibu|Wood Art for Every Boater in Your Life

Navigation:

• The Stories Behind Malibu

The Stories Behind Malibu

The city of Malibu is known for its beaches and beautiful sceneries. All over the city, signs boast about Malibu’s “21 miles of scenic beauty.” It’s home to many Hollywood movie stars and other influential people.

But before being a tourist destination and home to celebrities, Malibu was home to Chumash Native Americans. They called the territory as “Humaliwo” which meant “the surf sounds loudly.” The name Malibu is loosely derived from this name.

In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo reached Malibu Lagoon while searching for fresh water. But it was only until 1770 that the Spanish influence colonized the area. They extended their missions to Malibu in an attempt to convert the Chumash people to Christianity.

In 1802, the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit was given as a land grant. The ranch reached parts of Malibu. In 1804, the Rancho Topanga Malibu was first given to José Bartolomé Tapia by the Spanish Governor José Joaquín de Arrillaga.

After the Mexican-American War, California was surrendered to the United States. However, in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, it stated that the land grants would still be honored even after the cession. In 1848, Tapia’s widow sold the ranch to Leon Victor Prudhomme, her grandson-in-law. Prudhomme filed a claim for the ranch, but his claim was rejected. Instead, he sold the land to Matthew Keller in 1857. After Keller’s death, it was sold to Fredrick Hastings Rindge in 1891.

Fredrick Rindge protected the land from both individual and governmental influences for years. Rindge even hired guards to evict all trespassers. He won a court case to keep the Southern Pacific railroad line from building tracks within his property, leading him to build his own. Even roads rarely entered their lands until 1929. But Rindge died in 1905, leaving his wife, May Rindge, to continue protecting their lands.

In 1926, May Rindge founded the Malibu Potteries tile factory to raise funds in order to avoid selling their property. However, a fire destroyed the factory in 1931. She attempted to reopen the factory but was held back by the Great Depression.

Malibu was opened for development in 1926. The state of California built the Pacific Coast Highway after winning a case against May Rindge. At this point, May Rindge was forced to begin selling parts of her property. The Pacific Coast Highway served as the primary route through Malibu even today.

In 1929, the Malibu Colony became the first residential area in Malibu. Even with the developments in her land, May Rindge only opened the lands for select celebrities to build their vacation homes. She allowed permanent residence to celebrities during the 1930s. In 1991, most of the ranch was already incorporated as a city for local officials to control the area.

Since May Rindge’s decision to open the lands to celebrities, the Malibu Colony today is a gated community with multimillion-dollar homes. The Colony provides residents magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and beaches along its shores. Today, it continues to be homes to celebrities and influential people.

Want to have something to remember your Malibu trip? Carved Lake Art has an amazing collection of custom made wood art like this 3D topographical map of Malibu exquisitely made from Baltic birch wood. If you want to see more check out here.

Know the History Behind California's Largest Cities| Collectible Custom Wood Art For Your Home

Navigation:

• Story behind California’s Largest Cities
• Los Angeles: The City of Angels
• San Diego: The Birthplace of California

Story behind California’s Largest Cities

The two largest and busiest cities in California are Los Angeles and San Diego. Both cities are acclaimed in their own rights. But with great cities come rich histories. Let’s dive into how Los Angeles and San Diego became the great cities that we know today.

Los Angeles: The City of Angels

Before celebrities and the movie industry flocked to Los Angeles, also known as L.A., it was the home to its first known settlers, the Tongva and Chumash tribes. A Portuguese explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, discovered the southern area of California while on an official military expedition for the Spanish Empire in 1542. On August 2, 1769, Gaspar de Portolà and Juan Crespi discovered the site of Los Angeles.

The Spanish era of Los Angeles contributed to its Roman Catholicism. This period built the first mission and communities that were devoted to the religion. In fact, the name Los Angeles came from the name of its original Spanish community “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula”. This translates to “Town of Our Lady, The Queen of Angels of the River Porciúncula”.

In 1821, New Spain separated from the Spanish Empire. With this, the community moved on to be a part of Mexico. However, the Mexican influence lasted only until the end of the Mexican-American War.

The Americans won over battles and took control from the Californios, the descendants of Spanish ancestry that ruled over the area. Their victory led to the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga on January 13, 1847, which surrendered the territory to the United States.

Under the Americans’ rule, oil was discovered in the city in 1892. This led to the state’s success in being the country’s largest oil producer. This success attracted more residents to the city of Los Angeles.

In 1910, Hollywood, which was then a separate neighborhood, merged into Los Angeles via vote. The film industry had already been booming during this merge. The merge focused the world’s film industry within Los Angeles, which resulted in the star-studded city we know today.

San Diego: The Birthplace of California

When the Europeans first discovered the state, they set foot on the San Diego Bay. This is the reason why San Diego is known as the birthplace of California.

The first inhabitants of San Diego were the Kumeyaay Native American people. It was discovered by Portuguese born explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. After landing 1542, he named the area “San Miguel” and claimed it for the Spanish Empire. In 1602,

Sebastián Vizcaíno arrived on the flagship San Diego to map the California coast. His flagship later became the namesake of the city of San Diego. Despite his successful expedition, however, the Spanish did not colonize the land yet.

It was in May 1769 when Gaspar de Portolà founded Fort Presidio of San Diego near the San Diego River, making it the first European settlement of the state. Later that year, Franciscan friars founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá which drew in more people into Alta California.

When Mexico separated from Spain in 1821, San Diego became part of the Mexican territory. Here, they attempted to extend their power over the coastal territory of Alta California. But it was conquered by the United States during the Mexican-American war. The signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga in 1847 surrendered San Diego to the United States.

At this time, the town of San Diego was at the foot of Presidio Hill. Since it was several miles from the water, there were several attempts to move the town. In 1850, William Heath Davis proposed the constructions near the Bay shore to create New San Diego. In 1867, Alonzo Horton moved to the bayside area. He encouraged the move due to the convenience of being near water for shipping. Several residents and businesses agreed and thus created “New Town.” New Town became the center of economy of the city while the original settlement became what is known as Old Town today.

Looking for the perfect memento for the avid Angelino? Here's the perfect gift from Carved Lake Art! A custom 3D Nautical art of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Exciting Days in Lake Tahoe|3D Nautical Wood Art for the Boater in your Life!

Navigation:

• Exciting Days in Lake Tahoe
• Things to do in Lake Tahoe
• Picnic at the Park
• Water Adventure
• Winter Wonders
• City Life

Exciting Days in Lake Tahoe

Cradled between two of the most wondrous cities in the world, there’s a lot to do within and along the shores of Lake Tahoe. Known for its pristine waters and having mountain ranges along its horizon, Lake Tahoe deserves to be a popular tourist destination.

Settling in the middle of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States. At its deepest point, it’s depth reaches 1,645 feet. That’s deeper than 200 swimming pools stacked on top of each other! It also has a surface area of 191 square miles, giving room for plenty of water activity.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

Water, sand, mountains, and cities. Lake Tahoe is busy all year round in providing the best time for its visitors. Whether it’s sunny in summer or freezing in winter, Lake Tahoe has something to offer. But if you’re not in the mood to wrestle with other tourists, there are fewer people in Lake Tahoe during spring and fall.

Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy in Lake Tahoe.

Picnic at the Park

Enjoy a picnic with your family or let the kids run in the many parks along Lake Tahoe. The area around the lake is filled with state and county parks that boasts nature’s beauty while giving you a great view of the lake. The parks along Lake Tahoe are not only the perfect backdrop for your new group photos, they offer exciting activities for both kids and adults. Many of the parks offer playground and bike trails for the kids while the adults can go hiking. You can even spend the night to camp near the lake, enjoying the view under the stars.

Water Adventure

Fishing, kayaking, sailboat, water skiing, or a simple swim on the lakes. Gather your friends and enjoy the plenty of watersports that Lake Tahoe has to offer. There are beaches along the shores of Lake Tahoe where you can just sit back and enjoy the sun. Or if a whole new world is what you’re looking for, you can check out the Emerald Bay State Underwater Park. You can have your adventure, around, on the surface, and under the waters of Lake Tahoe!

Winter Wonders

Going to the lake during winter? More activities await even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds! Winter sports are popular in the areas around Lake Tahoe when everything is covered in snow. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by mountain ranges that offer plenty of activities. You can go snowboarding, skiing, or even just enjoy a hot cocoa from the restaurants and cafes surrounding the lake.

City Life

Coffee shops, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, Lake Tahoe has them all. With the lake being a popular tourist destination, there’s plenty of things to buy, food to eat, and drinks to share with friends. Imagine doing all these while basking in the magnificent view of Lake Tahoe and the mountains on its horizon.

Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s plenty to do in Lake Tahoe. Whatever kind of vacation or adventure you’re looking for, Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit.

Do you want a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Lake Tahoe? Here's a 3-D Nautical Wood Chart of Lake Tahoe from Carved Lake Art!

 

History of Huntington Beach|Collectible Wood Art

Navigation:

• The Roots of Huntington Beach
• The First Owner
• The Oldest Residence
• The Incarnations
• The Name That Stuck
• Oil in the Sands
• Surf City

The Roots of Huntington Beach

Known throughout the country as Surf City, Huntington beach has a rich history behind it, all commemorated in the museums all around the city. Like all cities, their history started with starting a replenishable source of economy, and being near the shores, it wasn’t long before a small settlement exploded into a full blown city.

The First Owner

In 1784, the first person to officially own the land under Huntington beach was a Spanish soldier named Manuel Nietos, who named the 300,000 acres of land, “Rancho Los Nietos” or simply, The Nietos Ranch. Here he raised cattle, horses and farmed barley. The economy practically started with him selling the barley to other emerging ranches.

The Oldest Residence

Among the first people who settled in Huntington beach, before it was called that, was William Newland and his wife, Mary Newland. In 1898 they built a small but functional Queen Anne-style house. With their sweat and effort, they turned 500 acres of swamp lands into croplands, growing beets, peppers and lima beans. Their house is considered to be the oldest residence in Orange County.

The Incarnations

Huntington Beach had many names before it became Huntington beach. The first name was called Shell Beach, during the times of the first settlers such as the Newlands. Eventually, in 1901, they built the first resort, big enough to rival Atlantic City. Subsequently, they changed the name from Shell Beach to Pacific City, to match the rivalry.

The Name That Stuck

In 1904, the first pier opened, creating opportunities for travel, exports and imports. In the sake of transportation, the community of Pacific City changed the name to Huntington Beach, in order to gain favor and secure the Red Car lines. The Red Car lines, also known as the Pacific Electric, is a mass transit system composed of electrically powered vehicles running on train tracks.

This fast tracked the development of the now named Huntington Beach as it was incorporated in 1919, but the city was about to take an interesting turn.

Oil in the Sands

The biggest economic boom came when the city discovered oil in their own lands in 1920. The population boomed to nearly four times in less than a month due to it. What truly surprised some people is that previously, an encyclopedia company sold land at Huntington Beach for a fairly low price. Little did the lucky land owners knew that there would be oil around those parts.

Overnight, the oil wells sprang up like daisies. They went on springing up until the 1950s where a movement was made to rid the oil rigs to make way for housing developments for new incoming citizens. The economic boom kept on going well into the 1970s, with housing projects being approved here and there.

Eventually, existing oil derricks had to be concealed, all for the sake of improving the beach’s image.

Surf City

While the city made one economic turn after another, surfers were abroad. In 1914, Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, introduced surfing to Huntington Beach. This Big Kahuna began popularizing the sport by using his connections in Hollywood to publicize it.

Soon enough, surfing became popular, further boosted by Huntington Beach’s great natural waves that break close to the beaches. In 1956, the first surfboard shop was opened and it paved the way for other surfers and surfboard shops to open.

In 1963, Jan and Dean, an American Rock Duo who, recorded the classic tune, “Surf City.” This, along with the city’s pioneers in surfing, gave Huntington Beach it’s nickname, “Surf City.”

Want to give the perfect gift for the boater in your life? Check out this collectible wood art of Huntington Beach from Carved Lake Art.

Trendy Home Décor Forecast for 2018|Custom Topographic Art for Your Home

Navigation:

• Black and White
• Harvest Gold and Avocado Green
• Brass
• Art Gallery/ Artisan Works

Decors are important in bringing the vibe of the home, making it unique and setting it apart from the usual display. Yet, some people neglect of the basic décor of their homes. A good combination of decors makes the home more inviting and homey. Making your homes as personal and as inviting as possible should be your top priority. You would want to go home after a hard day’s work in a house that is neat, well-decorated, and cozy. Not just that, but people will remember you, on how you make them comfy yet upbeat when you invite them over for dinner. 

Just like our fast pace lives, home decorations and interior designs come and go. New design trends launch every year, which is not surprising anymore. It only gives us more options to choose from. But a home makeover sometimes means breaking the bank. But for 2018, it might not be the case, as outdated styles are making a big comeback. 

Black and White

If this year’s highlight were all about accent colors, designers see a big comeback to the classic combination of black and white. It is one of the most prominent designs that may never go out of style. In a proper setting, these two are elegant, classic, and sophisticated. Don’t bother to tuck away those décor, you may find it trendy again for next year.

Harvest Gold and Avocado Green

Harvest Gold and Avocado Green once strolled the hallways of our homes back in the 70s. Combining avocado green and gold creates a nice accent in your home. The green has a soothing vibe while the gold gives an elegant accent. It will make a comeback next year, giving us nostalgic feelings of the good old days. If you still have the colors in your home, you don’t need to worry getting a makeover. You are just ahead of us.

Brass

Brass is a little tricky when it comes to interior design. Too much brass will make your home look old. But with just the right accent, your home will look magnificent and elegant. The lively yellow color of brass can make dark corners of your home interesting. Back in 2006, brass is everything, it’s a trending design in most homes. It may go out of style but always makes a comeback

Art Gallery/ Artisan Works

Pictures displayed in homes should never be dismantled. It’s the best way to personalize and show affection to one another. Just do not go overboard with it, and you will do fine. Try to fill the empty walls or hallways with pictures of your family members. Better yet, try to find a really good painting to hang on one side of your home. It’s always a conversation starter, trust us. There are works of artisans that can give your home that ‘unique’ piece of art. If you are a boating enthusiast or simply love the beach, you can check Carved Lake Art for one of their masterpieces.

Looking for a gift for the boater in your life? Get this 3D Lake Winnebago Topographical Wood Art.

Have a Tampa Bay Adventure! Exciting Places to Visit|Wood Art for Your Home

Navigation:

• Ybor City
• Columbia Restaurant
• Tampa Theatre
• Sunshine Skyway
• Henry B Plant Museum

Tampa Bay is a town full of natural estuary and harbor located near the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. It consists of Hillsboro Bay, Mckay Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, Lower Tampa Bay and Old Tampa Bay. As a center economic center of western Florida, Tampa Bay has historic old districts, and high-rise office buildings connecting the old town to the new. Must visit places in Tampa Bay include Ybor City, Hillsborough River, and the charming Columbian Restaurant. 

Ybor City

Tampa Bay once houses the world largest cigar factory in the world, Ybor cigar factory. The city was after the cigar magnate Vicente Martinez Ybor. Ybor came into the city around the mid-1880s after his workers threaten to unionize at his Key West cigar plant. At the height of his business at least 4,000 people hand rolled more than 900,000 premium cigars in a month. Sadly, during the Great Depression and machinery brought the end of his legacy. Today, the place is listed under National Historic Landmark District. Ybor City now becomes a city center home to many galleries, restaurants, cafes, and shops. 

Columbia Restaurant

Within the unique town of Ybor City lies Columbia Restaurants, the country’s largest Spanish restaurant. a Cuban immigrant named Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. started the restaurant in 1905. From a small café corner, it now grew into a world-class Spanish restaurant that can seat 1,600 people. At night people often come to Columbia Restaurant to watch the flamenco dance show. In some nights they feature Jazz music to serenade their customers along with their architectural charm. 

Tampa Theatre

Constructed in 1926, Tampa Theatre has a façade built on multi cultural designs like Greek, Byzantine, and Italian Renaissance. On a regular basis, it plays classic films and selected foreign movies along with concerts and programs. Watching a classic movie in this theater will complete the experience of old movie houses. 

Sunshine Skyway

As not a destination itself, Sunshine Skyway is one man-made marvel worth to laid eyes with. Dubbed as “highway on stilts”, the 12-mile bridge contains several lanes to accommodate vehicles to enter Tampa Bay. The middle section is an engineering feat that features two suspended gigantic pylons. This allows on-going vessels to pass easily beneath. Engineers changed the design when a cargo ship rammed into the bridge which crumpled it. 

Henry B Plant Museum

Henry B Plant Museum is a Victorian palace that has a unique Moorish design feature. The museum showcases the history of the hotel which was once owned by railroad magnate Henry Plant. Founded in 1933, it features the Plant’s contribution to the economic development of Tampa. Each room display very delicately designed period furnishings, getting a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of Henry B. Plant. Walk in its grounds and explore luscious greeneries which a gardener kept well maintained. The rest of the museum is now part of Tampa University.

Are you looking for a souvenir from Tampa Bay for the avid boater in your life? Carved Lake Art has custom made topographical art like this 3D Nautical Wood Chart of Tampa Bay.

7 Reasons Boating Can Teach You|Custom Collectible Wood Art for the Boater in Your Life

Navigation:

• Boating = Family Bonding + FUN
• Having adventures of a lifetime
• Boating is about finding happiness
• Getting Physical Fit
• Bringing out the creative craftsman in you
• Learning a new trade
• Leaving it all behind

Boating is not just for the adventurous mind, it is also for the brave and fearless heart. But you don’t need to be, boating could teach you all these once you embark on a journey. So why go boating? Well, these are some of the reasons why: 

Boating = Family Bonding + FUN

Boating is indeed fun for the family; you can go to places and stop whenever you want to enjoy a sunset, take a dip in the water, or simply relax in some secluded dock. Younger kids would love swimming in calm shallow water. While teenagers would love activities that generally involve some adrenaline rush like wake boarding, skimming at a high speed, going with the wind in a sailboat, the possibility is quite endless.  

You can go boating alone and just relax in the open seas but what fun could it be? Boating with your family and friends doubles the fun. Bonding together while sailing in the seas, taking turns as a lookout, cruising, and anchoring can strengthen your relationships. Why? Because you trust each other, it also serves as a great activity for team building if the usual boating activities bore you. 

Having adventures of a lifetime

Boating was always meant for adventure. Embarking on a journey will open doors for new adventure waiting to be discovered in each place you will visit. From the first voyagers who discovered islands and paved the way for new routes to the brave captains who fought massive waves in fierce storms who survived to tell tales. 

Whenever you go sail with your boat, new experiences are waiting for you to become amongst the seamen who ventured into seas. It does not matter if you own a fisherman’s boat or a luxurious yacht, what matters is the adventures and new life experiences that await you, one that cannot be felt anywhere in the land.

Boating is about finding happiness

Boating activities can lift your spirit, no matter how simple it would be. You can read a book in solitude in a beautiful sunset as your background. If you are more of an adventurous spirit, nothing more can give you happiness than sailing through the winds at top speed in a racing competition and winning it. Taste the salty sea when getting major air while wake boarding or seeing your child tries pedal boarding for the very first time. You could not possibly deny the joy of getting your first catch or setting a new record for reeling in the biggest fish. 

Getting Physical Fit

Looking for the best way to shake those love handles away? Then anchor away and go boating. It may not seem so rigorous like cross fit training. Boating requires every bit of your muscle to work like when anchoring and steering especially in high waves. Even if not on those situations, activities like kayaking, canoe racing, and hiking in a nearby island can burn hundreds of calories. That would make your next gym appointment days or even weeks away. 

Bringing out the creative craftsman in you

Boats, like your trusted vehicle but less complicated than an airplane, needs a creative craftsman. If you love DIYs, boating can bring out the best in you. Just like cars, boats need special attention to details, particularly when it comes to maintenance. There will always be a something to clean, paint, polish or holes to mend, even bolts that need replacements. Owning a boat can turn you like a certified motor head in no time but in a good way. It just means you are learning a new trade which could be productive and fulfilling at the same time. Nothing beats a job well done especially when you made it.

Learning a new trade

At first, buying a boat can be intimidating. You need to master the art of safety first before sailing in the vast oceans. You may need to learn how to tie a proper knot, an essential skill for boating or you need to get a formal education in seamanship, chart reading, rules of the road, and even piloting. Aside from these basic skills, you need to master conquering the waves and forecasting weather like a pro.  Boating is fun but it does not mean it is easy, learning this new skills can challenge your mind but can also fulfill your dreams of going into the boundless adventure of a lifetime. With continuing education, comes wisdom that only boating can give you.

Leaving it all behind

Feeling stress lately?  Then embark on an adventure aboard a boat. There are hundreds of places to go to, with the Great Lakes nearly accessible to almost every city, you can just go to a mini getaway over the weekend. Boating can take your mind away from all the stress of your office and city pollution. After a few days, come back with a invigorated mind ready to tackle those problems, one at a time. Then repeat.


Want to commemorate your boating adventures? Here are excellent selections from Carved Lake Arts  custom topographical wood art collection! See this beautiful 3-D Nautical Wood Chart of Hawaii The Big Island  

Enjoy the Beaches of Siesta Key|Finding the Perfect GIft for the Boater in Your LIfe

Navigation:

• Siesta Beach
• Crescent Beach
• Turtle Beach
• Food and Shopping 

Siesta Key is best known for its sandy beaches and shallow waters. Located in the outskirt of Sarasota, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, this barrier island has a lot to offer aside from its beautiful beaches. From Crescent Beach which offers a fantastic view from Point of Rocks to the Turtle Beach in the south. 

Two Years ago, Siesta Key was included in some of the prestigious awards for the best beach. It tops the AARP Best Beach in the World in 2015 and dominating Trip Advisor as the #1 Travelers Choice Top Beach in the US.

Siesta Beach

From dawn till dusk, Siesta Beach has it all. The beach has a peculiar high quartz content which makes it even more beautiful. With perfect warm waters from the Gulf, it is a nice way to break away from stress. Siesta Beach has concessions, best picnic spots, a playground, volleyball, and tennis courts. Watersports are a familiar sight in the area. If the suns get a little bit too hot, they have umbrella rentals and lounge chairs.  The best spot to catch a majestic sunset will probably in this beach as well. With all that and much more, one cannot simply walk away from Siesta Beach without the best memories of their lives. 

Crescent Beach

The Great International Sand Challenge dubbed Crescent Beach as “The World’s Finest Whitest Sand”, and most people take their word for it. Situated near the Points of Rocks, many go here for snorkeling in its super clear waters. Crescent Beach boasts of abundant marine life as well as plenty of corals.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is located at the southernmost part of Siesta Key. It may seem like a last resort for beachgoers but it’s the other way around. The more adventurous spirit would often come here because of their recreational activities. Not only that, Turtle Beach has a volleyball court, boat launch, and a horseshoe pit for families. Shell hunting is a thing in this beach as the sand has a steeper incline. This makes it as a great way to find shells that high tides might wash up. Anglers will enjoy the Blind Pass Lagoon near the beach as it’s a perfect place to reel in a catch. 

Food and Shopping 

For any necessities like water or snacks, there a grocery store at Morton’s Siesta Market. Located at the very heart of Siesta Key Village for convenience, so you can easily grab what you and your family need for the beach.

Another shopping destination and dining experience on Siesta Key is at Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road near Crescent Beach. Their local restaurants are a must try more so with their great dining options and even al fresco sitting. You can enjoy fresh of their daily catch of seafood, cocktails, cold beverages and international cuisine. 

Siesta Key Village is more of high-end boutiques for serious shoppers who would want to bring home some souvenirs from the island. Located at the north end of Siesta Beach, it is lined with shops and artisan shops. You can even listen to live music or just enjoy a leisure stroll while eating a cold ice cream.

Looking for the perfect souvenir? Get this one of a kind custom collectible 3D Nautical Wood Art of Siesta Key, Florida from Carved Lake Art! Get one now!

Have an Exciting Adventure in Palm Beach|Wood Art You Need to Have in Your Home

Navigation:

• CityPlace
• Panther Ridge
• Ragtops Motorcars Palm Beach
• Rapids Water Park
• Antique Row Art and Design District

Palm Beach is a town in Florida that separates cities of West Palm Beach and Lake Worth. It is a promising urban center with 47 miles of beautiful beaches in the United States. It has world class fine dining experience, shops, and entertainment. 

Small as it is, Palm Beach is one of the richest city in the world. The industrialist Henry Flager founded the island where he saw a big potential for the upper class family to reside in the 20th century. The interesting town surrounds the West Palm region, many of these towns are situated near the beach. Many craftspeople and artists showcase their art collection in downtown. From arts and fun recreational activities, Palm Beach has it all, and you will never run out of things to do. 

CityPlace

Fill your eyes and stomach in CityPlace, one of the biggest attractions in South Florida. It is a place where you can enjoy shopping from different well-known shops as well as indulge in top class restaurants. CityPlace has a very upbeat vibe where you can enjoy entertainment and live music. If you love shopping, you will definitely adore going into this place which has trendy shops of jewelry, gift shops, and clothing apparels. You can choose from Mexican, Japanese, and Southwestern cuisines. to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can grab an ice cream or frozen yogurt in the area. 

Panther Ridge

Judy Berens started the whole idea of saving big cats in the 90s which now turned into a sanctuary for the lucky felines. Berens would bring endangered and sickly large felines and nurse them back to health. The place would let you feel that you are in the middle of the untouched jungle. The conservation center serves as a facility for these big cats to wander freely in in the grounds, replicating their natural habitats. Other felines are protected in large cages that made to look like they are living in some jungle in Africa equipped with pools. 

The conversation center no has 20 clouded leopards, jaguars, tigers, endangered black panthers, cheetahs, and mountain lions. Watch in awe as Berens enter some of the cages and play with them. You can also enjoy petting some of the little cubs through the fence. 

Ragtops Motorcars Palm Beach

Bring out the motor head in you and check out Automobile Museum. Ragtops Motorcars Palm Beach in West Palm is one of the most visited automobile museums in town. The museum houses both classic and ambitious car designs throughout the history. The best part of the museum? They actually sell some of the restored automobiles in the museum like a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette and other classic beauty.  Other displays include street racers, convertibles, roadsters, movie cars and even luxury cars. Ragtops Motorcars also showcase Golden Age Automobile memorabilia, oil company emblems, and roadside signs. 

Rapids Water Park

If you are looking for an activity for the whole family, you can go to Rapids Water Park located north of West Palm in Riviera Beach. The water park is a popular destination since 1979 which offers several water slides for all ages. The have Pirate Plunge for the adventurous spirit that has two high-speed drops in a seven-story platform. Little kids will love playing activities in their Barefootin bay. You can also ride the six-foot waves in Big Surf.

Antique Row Art and Design District

When it’s time to head home, don’t forget to bring some souvenirs with you. THe best place to scout for these treasures is the Antique Row Art & Design District. More than 40 sellers of priceless antiques dating back from 17th to 20th century, you will surely find the right treasure for you. Take time to scout the many shops like Iconic Snob Galeries, Notso Fine Art, The Elephant’s Foot and Coastal Girls Co. Two of the notable diners to check in the area are City Diner and the Rhythm Café.

If you're looking for a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Palm Beach, here's a custom made 3D Nautical Wood chart from Carved Lake Art. 

Have a Fun-Filled Day with the Family at Sanibel Island|Custom Gift Art

Navigation:

• Beaches at Sanibel Island
• Bowman’s Beach
• Blind Pass Beach
• Other Attractions on the Island
• Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
• J.N. ("Ding") Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Great Calusa Blueway
• Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort

Sanibel Island is Florida’s top family-friendly destination, located a few miles south of Fort Myers. Its pristine white beaches attract thousands of visitors each year. The island has a lot to offer with their rich ecosystem.

But the main attraction in Sanibel Island is the beautiful beaches paired with perfect waves for surfing.

Beaches at Sanibel Island

There are a lot of beaches and parks around on Sanibel Island but these two are the best.

Bowman’s Beach

Vacationers head directly to Sanibel’s most popular beach – Bowman’s Beach. It’s a perfect place to breathe in that Vitamin Sea as much as you can. Bowman’s Beach also attracts surfers and serves as a good place to dock for sailors. Even though there are a lot of tourists in some days, it still feels secluded, away from the busy street lights. Try to dig in and find some interesting shells along its shorelines. People never miss their chance finding unique conches and cockles on this beach.

Blind Pass Beach

For a bit more shell hunting place, Blind Pass Beach is a great destination. Although the currents are too strong to swim, the fun happens along its shorelines. Located between Sanibel and Captiva Island, Blind Pass Beach is more of an adventure. The place is more like an off the beaten destination where the currents carry a lot of shells.  

Other Attractions on the Island

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Most shell hunter fanatics do not miss their chance of going to the Shell Museum. The place houses some of the biggest shells ever found on the continent. Their exhibits have a lot of fascinating finds where novices can have references of what kind of shells they found on the beach.

J.N. ("Ding") Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Sanibel is also teeming with wildlife along with other adventurous things to do. Try to visit the Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or what locals refer to as DING. It’s a 5,200-acre land serves as a huge refuge for animals and other endangered species. Jay Norwood Darling better known as DING Darling, an editorial cartoonist founded the wildlife refuge. Today, it is home to hundreds of animals like the endangered giant manatees and an abundance of bird life.

Most visitors enjoy their kayaking trails in the afternoon. Many like to take advantage of the beautiful scenery which they either hike the trail or traverse it on a bike.  For families who have smaller children, they can drive leisurely through the refuge. Driving into the wildlife refuge is a simple yet enjoyable experience for the kids as they look out the windows and name a few animals on the way.

Great Calusa Blueway

To fully enjoy the clear waters of Sanibel Island, the Great Calusa Blueway offers a canoe and kayak trail. It stretches 190 miles of trails made for beginners and advance peddlers. It’s a great destination to just relax and enjoy the view from the sea.

Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort

To cap off your vacation at Sanibel Island head on to Sanibel Moorings Resort. Their botanical garden has a lot of varieties of both native and non-native plants. Its humble beginnings inspire most people. The gardener at this 6-acre land brought in some rare plants on his own. It now flourishes as a beautiful garden and even designated as an official botanic garden in 2009.

Want a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Sanibel Island? Grab one of Carved Lake Art's 3D Nautical Wood Chart of Sanibel Island!