Multiple markers honoring local soldiers who lost their lives during war years are set beautifully, outside the museum building. The area is open to the public. This particular marker honors those who gave their lives during wars in the Middle East in the years 1990-2014 and is dated 2015. The marker features a large eagle at the top.
This marker is part of the larger display featuring other plaques honoring lost service members from other conflicts. Be sure to view all the other plaques and reflect on the service these soldiers provided.
I will be creating posts for the soldiers lost and commemorated on these plaques. If you have information on these individuals, or photos you are willing to share, I will gladly add them to the individual postings. You will receive acknowledgement of your contribution to this project.
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The marker reads
THE MIDDLE EAST 1990-2014
TO HONOR THE PATRIOTS OF
WEST VOLUSIA COUNTY
WHO SERVED IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, AND THE MIDDLE EAST
& TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
If the soldiers name shows a hyperlink, I have created an individual page for them. Please give those pages a read. If you have information to add about the soldier, their life, their service, or images, please contact me. I would be honored to share your information. You will receive acknowledgement for your participation in this project.
I invite you to read my post about the Volusia Flagler Law Enforcement Memorial, located only a short distance from this memorial in downtown DeLand. The law enforcement memorial honors officers from Volusia and Flagler counties who lost their lives while on duty.
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Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in September 2024? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts.
The Emerald Coast Beer Festival is back for its 28th year! Pensacola’s largest and oldest craft beer tasting event. This year’s craft beer festival will be held on September 6th, 2024 at Seville Quarter in Pensacola, Florida. The beer fest will feature breweries all around the Gulf Coast area, including 50+ microbreweries and another 50-100 represented by their distributors. In addition to the microbreweries, there will be 10+ homebrew clubs providing beer.
VIP Admission gets early access at 5:00pm, and General Admission starts at 5:30pm. The festival will also feature live music, food trucks, and a variety of other activities.
This is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best beers from the Emerald Coast and beyond. With over 200 craft beers to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love. So come out and enjoy the festivities!
$30 general admission, $75 VIP tickets in advance. $40 and $100 day of the event.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event that brings together the best in food, music, and community. Whether you’re a blues aficionado or just looking for a great day out, the Breaking News Blues, Burgers, and BBQ Festival has something for everyone.
Check the website for performers and the schedule.
2024 Florida Fin Fest presented by Natural Life is a FREE two-day Ocean Conservation, Education, and Music Festival happening in Jacksonville Beach, FL on September 13th & 14th, 2024. VIP ticket options are available for purchase.
See artists like St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Paco Versailles, Stop Light Observations, Vincent Antone, Prizilla, Faze Wave and more!
Meet stars from Star Trek, X-Files, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. Learn about the voices behind your favorite shows. Come dressed in costume and participate in the cosplay. Enjoy the gaming.
Check the website for tickets and prices. There are multiple options as is common for these type events. If you are staying over, be sure to look at the special room rates offered at the World Golf Village.
The initial lineup for Punk In The Park Orlando includes punk rock legends Alkaline Trio, The Vandals, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, T.S.O.L., Down By Law, Swingin’ Utters, and Dwarves, with more to be announced. The festival will feature band performances on two stages, with no overlapping set times.
In addition to a day full of music, festival attendees 21+ can enjoy tastings of delicious craft beers and other craft beverages, including award-winning local and regional favorites with the added tasting pass ticket.
Tickets start at $59. VIP tickets start at $149. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring the whole family for Chihuahua races, a Domino tournament, a kids’ zone, and more. It’s an evening that unites residents, local businesses, and visitors in a celebration of music, dance, and delicious food. Immerse yourself in the lively Latin-inspired ambiance with colorful decorations, sparkling lights, and captivating music. Savor a wide variety of local food and drinks, and explore the offerings of diverse vendors.
Sips and Salsa fosters a sense of community, offering networking opportunities and strengthening bonds. It’s a night of celebration, bringing people together to enjoy South Lake’s rich diversity.
Musicians from Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the U.S. come together in a FREE concert of Latin Jazz at the BayCare Sound!
Check the website for performers and to see how to reserve your admission. Did we mention FREE!
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One of Destin’s most celebrated traditions, the Destin Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo that extends the entire month of October. The event was started in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary. While the festival has grown into its new home on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Destin Seafood Festival remains the primary fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association.
Admission to the festival is free and more than 60,000 are anticipated over three days. VIP tickets, which include special chef prepared dishes, private music stage, separate restroom facilities, cash bar, and more, are available at $75. Purchase tickets online.
SEAFOOD, SEAFOOD, and more SEAFOOD. From local restaurants and caterers to food trucks and cart vendors. Delicious food will be everywhere. Don’t like seafood, well don’t miss out as there are foods for the landlubber as well.
In addition, don’t miss the arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors, and promotional opportunities. From paintings to ceramics, clothing, metal work, gourmet goods, and more, you will find it on display and ready for your purchase.
Want live music. The Pensacola Seafood Festival has you covered and the lineup will be posted soon. The children’s area will feature face painting, crafts, games, and more.
Admission is free. There may be charges for parking at some lots. Food is available for purchase. This event is NOT PET FRIENDLY! The event is rain or shine.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Latin cinema at the Tampa Bay Latin International Film Festival, a thrilling two-day event at Creative Pinellas celebrating the rich tapestry of films inspired by Latin culture. Join us in Largo for an unforgettable cinematic journey filled with captivating stories, compelling performances, and cultural exploration.
PLEASE CONFIRM THIS DATE BEFORE ATTENDING. I HAVE SEEN CONFLICTING DATES OF SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 28.
Anime, gaming, voice actors, celebrity appearances, and more. If you are into anime, this is the event for you.
$25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, weekend pass is $40. VIP passes are $125 for two days admission plus more. Check the website for details.
Need tickets? Visit Ticketnetwork, or click in the box above and find tickets to the best events at great prices!
To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in September 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.
Click the image to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps pay for website fees and maintenance, research fees for blog and book writing, photo usage and rights fees, and other associated costs. And maybe, it will go to buying a bag of coffee to help keep me focused on the research topic at hand.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions
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Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. This review is completely independent of their generosity.
The Siege of Vicksburg is usually thought of as the forgotten relative of the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg had all the glamour, including Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Three days worth of fighting and a visit later in 1863 from President Abraham Lincoln, and his few appropriate remarks, have forever sealed Gettysburg as the pivotal, turning point of the American Civil War.
Countering this eastern centric interpretation are those who feel that the leadership of Ulysses S. Grant, the siege of Vicksburg, and ultimately taking control of the entire Mississippi River are the events that truly turned the war in the favor of the Union.
No matter your interpretation of the events of June and July 1863, there can be no doubt that actions at Vicksburg played a crucial role in the outcome of the war over the remaining two years. Readers wanting to know everything there is to know about the Siege of Vicksburg (or as close as you can get to everything) are referred to the work of Civil War scholar Timothy B. Smith.
The Book Itself
Elizabeth Hoxie Joyner is taking us on a visual tour of Vicksburg National Cemetery. This is not meant to be a history of the siege, though you will learn a bit in the short chapter introductions.
It is important to remember that this is Vicksburg NATIONAL Cemetery and contains burials from not only the Civil War but from other engagements. Chapters include
Establishment of Vicksburg National Cemetery: Creation of a Lasting Tribute
The Drum Beat and the Cannon Roared: Mexican War and Civil War Soldiers
Duty, Honor, Country: Spanish-American War through Korean War
Remembered with Honor and Respect: Vietnam War 1955-1975
Vicksburg National Cemetery Superintendents: Guardians of the Hallowed Ground
The images are heavy on headstones as might be anticipated. Readers will also find images of soldiers, nurses, cemetery landscapes, battlefield action, ships that men might have served on, military honors, and more. There are modern and vintage photos with period engravings sprinkled throughout.
The author is a retired Museum Curator at Vicksburg National Military Park. Ms. Joyner well prepared to have put together a book such as this.
Resources
For those wishing to learn more about Vicksburg National Military Park, please use THIS LINK.
Readers can find a listing of over 5,000 burials at Vicksburg National Cemetery by visiting FINDAGRAVE. While more than 17,000 are interred here, the vast majority from the Civil War era were unable to be identified. Those considered “famous” by Findagrave standards include Embury Dufree Osband, a brevet brigadier general, and a cenotaph recognizing congressman Robert Blair Campbell, who is buried in London.
To learn more about the National Cemetery Administration, find a listing of national cemeteries, and to apply online for interment in a national cemetery, please use THIS LINK.
Final Thoughts
For those interested in cemetery history, national cemeteries, or the Siege of Vicksburg, this is a recommended title. A reader can skim or read this book in any order. The captions are short, in keeping with the series, allowing readers who only have a few minutes to pick this up and not worry about time.
Arcadia books have increased in price over the last several years. They still offer a good value for the casual reader and they often make excellent souvenirs or keepsakes from a visit.
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If you would like to read more of my reviews of Arcadia Publishing titles, please click THIS LINK.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.
Thank you for taking time to read my restaurant review of Voo la Voo Cafe.
Voo la Voo Cafe 829 Canal Street New Smyrna Beach, FL 954-310-7293
New restaurants opening in New Smyrna Beach are almost a dime a dozen. Everywhere you look, something new is opening, many with an old, tired, theme and really offering nothing new for the diner. That’s why there were hopes for Voo la Voo Cafe, which opened just a couple of months ago in the old Auntie’s Soul Food Kitchen building on West Canal Street.
New Smyrna Beach didn’t have a French style restaurant (at least to my knowledge) until Voo la Voo opened. Owner Sylvie Le Nouail recalls making crepes from the age of six or seven. She and her family would make thirty or forty at dinner, having any leftovers the next morning.
The restaurant entrance is at the rear of the building and not facing Canal Street. Notice the grill on the right hand side of the image.
My wife and I ate there on a Sunday afternoon shortly after they opened. Not so close to opening that the bugs couldn’t be worked out, though maybe they needed a bit more time. The first thing we noticed is the entry is not the most obvious. It is at the back of the building, near the sign advertising barbecue ribs, an item not in keeping with the menu. Can you order them inside, is this for take away only, and how much are they? These are questions I was unable to answer.
The Restaurant and First Impressions
I noticed four things immediately upon entering the restaurant. The first was the heat. I don’t know if the air conditioning was not working, was set too high, or just couldn’t keep up, but the building was extremely warm. The second was that it was very loud inside. Most restaurants in New Smyrna Beach seem to have this issue to be perfectly honest. The large influx of new residents do not seem to eat at home. Good for restaurant owners and workers!
This is the entry to the restaurant. Cash register, dessert area, food pick up on the right, and the entry door is behind the photographer.
The third issue was the cramped quarters at the front entry. If you will notice in the photo, the food pick up window is right at the register area and the entry door is right behind where the photo was taken. This could easily become a bottleneck of servers, bussers, and guests. The final immediate takeaway for me was that I just didn’t sense this to be a French restaurant.
Everything was neat and clean and there were no kitchen smells which can sometimes take over a restaurant. It appear there is an outdoor seating area, though with the Florida heat and regular threat of rain, this is not a great summer option. It might be nice in the evening if there aren’t too many mosquitoes. I was unable to determine if the outdoor area is dog friendly. If so, consider that a big win in my view.
Service
We waited several minutes to be seated. There was no extended wait for a table. What was more concerning is that the limited staff seemed kind of flustered and there appeared to be no standard greeting. A host or hostess did not welcome us, but rather, our server ended up seating us.
It took a while for our server to get back to us and in the mean time, another table decided they had waited long enough and left, leaving money on the table for their drinks, but having never ordered food. In the server’s defense, he seemed to be covering more tables than he should have been and he seemed a bit overwhelmed by everything.
The restaurant menu.
We made our selections and were ready to order when the server returned. For me, the menu was a bit light on options. I wasn’t in the mood for sweet, and to be honest I am not a salmon or mushroom fan. I went basic and ordered the croque monsieur. My wife had an omelet.
Note: the menu image shown above was from our visit but differs from the menu shown online.
Spinach, feta, tomato omeletteCroque Monsieur
The Food
What you see in the images is what you get. The presentation is just OK. Mine tasted OK. It was good but it wasn’t the best ham and cheese I’ve ever had and for the price I was underwhelmed. The little side salad I could have done without to be honest. I would have rather had a bag of chips. My wife seemed to feel about the same on her meal. It was OK but nothing special.
We passed on dessert, which should have been considered a crime, however, we just weren’t feeling it after the meal and seeing the options at the front entry.
The Bill
Look, eating out anywhere is expensive, I get it. Our bill for the two entrees shown above, two unsweetened teas (at $4.50 each we would never make that mistake again), taxes, and tip, was pushing $50. For lunch, $50 is really getting up there.
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Final Thoughts
New Smyrna Beach is having an explosion of both population and restaurant options. Voo la Voo Cafe is currently unique in their offerings and poised to take advantage of this opportunity.
There are a limited number of tables so good food and service should be expected. From our visit, both need a bit of improvement. While new to the area, the owners are far from new to the restaurant industry. Their experience should allow them to right the ship, so to speak.
Would I go back? Maybe, if we were meeting friends for lunch and that’s where they really wanted to go. I don’t think I would go for dinner. There are other options in New Smyrna Beach that I personally would prefer.
Please consider reading my other restaurant reviews by clicking THIS LINK.
Click the image to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support pays for web services, research trips, photocopies, and photo usage fees.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence the views and opinions shared on this blog.
Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in July 2024? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts.
2024 is shaping up to be the best Key Lime Festival yet. We’re pleased to offer a full 5 days of culinary events for every taste, including favorites from past years like the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll and Key Lime Pie Hop and new favorites for Key Lime lovers! We’ve also added a few intimate culinary events for our VIP Key Lime lovers!
Like other food challenges on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, the NSB Bbq Challenge guests will use their tasting passports to visit the host sites and taste sample sized bbq portions prepared in multiple different ways like chicken, beef, pork, seafood. Tasting passports and maps picked up at the Welcome corner of S. Cooper Street and Flagler Avenue on the day of the event. Passports will be for sale on the day of the event starting at 1230 pm however, we strongly suggest pre-ordering your passport on Eventbrite as WE WILL SELL OUT!
Tickets available in advance using the link provided. Tickets are $20 plus service charge.
We are proud to present for the third consecutive year the Orlando Tiki Fest 2024 with great celebrities from the industry, where we will have tastings of Rum, and other spirits, including emerging experiences Master Classes, as well as the most important cocktail competition at the national level “Tiki League USA”, heading to the Grand Final of the Latin American Cocktail Championship (LACC) and for the first time more than 20 countries compete for the great BARTENDERS LATAM USA CUP 2024 with great prizes.
Buy your tickets online, starting at $14.99.
Mango FestivalJuly 13 and 14 Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Coral Gables
Make your mango dreams come true at the 2024 edition of Fairchild Garden’s annual Mango Festival. This highly-anticipated, two-day mango fest showcases countless varieties of the succulent fruit as well as an exciting lineup of events and activities that include cooking demos, mango tastings, signature mango brunch, mango lectures, live music, lawn games and more. Food options abound with refreshing mango smoothies, an assortment of food vendors featuring mango-based menus and specialty mango cocktails. If you’d like to grow your own mangos, mango seedlings will also be available for purchase.
The festival is slated to run over the weekend from Saturday, July 13 through Sunday, July 14. Tickets for the Mango brunch, mango tasting, mango smoothie, mango cocktail flight and La Tropical Beer tasting must be purchased separately in addition to festival admission.new sTickets are about $25 per adult. Discounts for seniors and children.
While in the Miami area, be sure to take a visit to the Little Havana area. This incredible area is filled with music, food, history, and culture of all types. To make the most of your time, take a 2.5 hour guided walking tour. From the Bay of Pigs to Santeria to the story of cigar making to the famous chess players you see and hear it. Get recommendations on where to eat and avoid the average, while enjoying traditional Cuban fare. Click the link for details and to reserve your tour.
Hosted by the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa, Florida, Ballroom Bluesfest is a two-day, indoor festival that includes all-day LIVE blues from your favorite national artists! Also, featuring VIP reserved and reserved seating, full liquor bar, food packages, secured VIP car and motorcycle parking, optional overnight accommodations, and no need to worry about the weather!
Featuring acts such as Pat Travers, The Robby King Band, Solomon Hicks, The Boneshakers, and many more, this is an event any blues fan will want to attend.
Join us at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum on July 13th for Loxahatchee River Heritage Day, a unique event designed for adults to explore and celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of the Loxahatchee River region.
Meet local history authors and representatives from various historical societies and museums at our vendor booths!
Admission to the lighthouse looks to be $12 with a couple of discount programs for seniors, children, and veterans.
Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers, and fans of the late author’s work are to gather in Key West Tuesday through Sunday, July 16-21, 2024, for the annual Hemingway Days celebration. The festival honors the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s.
Hemingway Days events take place throughout Key West.
Lake Placid, Florida and the surrounding Sebring area are rich with natural beauty, excellent growing conditions, and talented people. While caladiums are the heart of our popular Caladium Festival, the event also highlights our creative community as well as our local heritage and culture.
In addition to caladiums, find a car & bike show, floral arrangement competition, art & craft booths, food, entertainment, and bus tours. The event looks to be free but there is a charge for the bus tours.
They advise not bringing your pet due to the July heat in Florida. The hot pavement can become dangerous for little paws.
To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in July 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.
Click the image to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps pay for website fees and maintenance, research fees for blog and book writing, photo usage and rights fees, and other associated costs. And maybe, it will go to buying a bag of coffee to help keep me focused on the research topic at hand.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions
Visit Conquest Maps and let me Create My Map. Whether you want to make family plans, create that once in a lifetime vacation, remember your travels, or just dream big, let Conquest Maps help you. Free shipping on orders over $99. Maps are made in the USA.
How to clean your Chemex? This is a question that all lovers of the pour over coffee brewer ask themselves on a regular basis. Find the simple answers below.
The Chemex is a staple in the world of third-wave coffee. The brewer works using the pour over method of extraction. Ground coffee is placed into a folded filter and water is poured over the grounds. Water pours through the grounds and filter, into the glass Chemex carafe, allowing for a smooth blend that won’t have the grit of coffee grounds as can happen with extraction methods such as the French Press.
Part of the appeal of the Chemex is the ease of use. That is not to say there isn’t a learning curve in order to get the best brew, there is. And it can be lengthy. Grind size, the coffee bean itself, bloom time, water pour, and more all play into the final cup you brew.
The Chemex is made from non-porous Borosilicate glass which will not absorb odors or chemical residues. The removeable wooden collar makes for easy and secure handling of the brewer when pouring your cup.
Design Details
Small details help make the Chemex continue to be a stand out in the world of specialty coffee brewing even after more than 80 years. First, is no doubt the look. This is a sharp looking appliance that when sitting on your counter will draw attention. Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a chemist who in his career obtained more than 300 patents, the Chemex design is so unique, and was so forward thinking at the time, a Chemex brewer is included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Second is the prior mentioned removeable wooden collar with rawhide tie. This collar is removable for cleaning purposes and is easy to replace. The bottom of the collar is an indicator of a full carafe. The pour spout provides air access, allowing for easy water flow through the filter, but also for an easy and safe pouring experience for the user. The small “belly button” located under the pour spout is a half-full marker.
The Chemex is available in multiple cup sizes, with the 6 and 8 cup variety being most popular. Cup size is measured at 5 ounces. If you purchase a Chemex, be sure to purchase the correct type filter. Regular batch coffee filters will not work and you will end up with a terrible cup of coffee and probably a mess when you try to pour.
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How to Clean Your Chemex
Based upon your usage you may need a more targeted and thorough cleaning than if you just occasionally use this brewing method.
The easiest cleaning methods are quite simple. The first step is to remove the wooden collar from the glass carafe. Simply untie the leather cord and the two pieces of wood will release. You may want to pay attention to how this is originally put together so you can quickly replace the pieces after cleaning. Once you do it a time or two, you’ll be a pro at it.
The first method is you can put the glass carafe in the dishwasher. Mine doesn’t really fit very well to be honest and is too tall to stand straight up. I worry about it knocking in to other dishes and cracking so this isn’t a method I use that often or personally recommend.
The second easy method involves simply filling the carafe with a few drops of unscented dish soap and water. Be sure to use unscented soap. While the carafe itself will not absorb the odor of the soap, if you don’t completely remove the residue, you will end up with a soapy taste in your cup. Nobody wants to spend five minutes or more making what should be a delicious cup of coffee, only to get a mouthful of soap. Anyway, mix the soap with water and swirl around so that the soap reaches as much of the glass as possible.
You can use a bottle brush or kitchen scrub brush to try and wipe down the inner walls, making sure the soap reaches everywhere. Pour out the mixture and give a thorough rinsing, making sure no soap bubbles still appear in the water. Turn it upside down on a kitchen towel and allow the carafe air dry. It will be ready for the next use in no time.
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When Your Chemex Needs a More Thorough Cleaning
So you regularly clean your Chemex and keep it as nice as hand washing allows. It may still develop some scaling and the glass may look a bit cloudy after considerable use. The oils from the coffee may be building up on the interior walls despite your best efforts. It happens over time. Depending upon the water you use, there may be mineral deposits that are left behind during the brewing or cleaning process. Again, it happens over time.
How do you remove this scale buildup from inside a carafe that is difficult to reach? This is again, a quite simple process.
The Deep Cleaning Process
The supply list is short.
White Vinegar
Warm Water
A bottle brush or kitchen scrub brush
Unscented dish soap
When your carafe is cool, remove the wooden collar and safely store for reattachment.
Fill the carafe to the top rim with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let the full carafe sit for a few hours, or even overnight. The glass will be fine and won’t absorb the vinegar odor. If the outside of the carafe is a bit dirty, particularly the area where the wooden collar sits, give it a quick scrub with the vinegar and water mixture.
When you are ready, pour out the vinegar and water mixture. Give the carafe a thorough rinse with running water to remove all the vinegar. Give it a good cleaning as you regularly do with unscented dish soap and warm water. Make sure to get the spout area where the vinegar mixture could easily be sitting. Allow the carafe to air dry. Next morning, give it a good sniff to make sure you have removed all the vinegar and soap residue, attach the collar, and you are ready to brew a delicious cup or two of your favorite coffee.
Chemex Brand Cleaning Products
I would be remiss to not mention that Chemex offers its own line of cleaning products including a brush and coffeemaker cleaning solution. Both are available on the Chemex website under the accessories tab. Normally I would refer you to Amazon, however these two products are cheaper directly from Chemex at the time of writing.
So there you have it, simple, easy, and effective ways to clean your Chemex coffee brewer. Using these simple methods, your Chemex brewer should provide you with years of delicious coffee.
Click the image, or THIS LINK, to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support pays for web services, research trips, photocopies, and photo usage fees. Your support may also buy the next bag of beans that help keep me working!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence my views and opinions.
Are you searching for the best events and festivals in Florida in May 2024? Thanks for visiting. Please use the links below to find fun events for all ages.
Florida hosts some amazing events and festivals. Each month I hope to take a look at a dozen or so of these in hopes of bringing you fun, exciting, and unexpected ways to enjoy our state.
If you have an event or know of one coming up that you feel should be highlighted, please drop me a line with as much information as you can, including a website. I’ll be glad to include your suggestions in future posts.
The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world, and known as a career starter for top country talent. The festival has kicked off the careers of household names such as Kacey Musgraves, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Randy Houser and Maren Morris. In its 28th year, KWSF has grown into a top destination for music lovers who flock to Key West for five days and nights of live music and storytelling from veteran songwriters and the next big hit-makers
This event is held at various venues and tickets are required for each. Prices vary by venue and act. Check the website in advance to guarantee the best seats.
This festival has something for everyone. Highlights include live entertainment including a parade and the Miss Shrimp Festival 2024 Pageant. Live music and fireworks are always crowd favorites. Maybe you want to participate in the best dressed pirate competition. On Sunday, there is a shrimp boat parade and a blessing of the fleet. Come hungry and join the ice cream eating contest. The kid zone has all type of activities for the younger ones.
Save room for the shrimp. That’s the whole reason you are here isn’t it. No commercial food vendors will be on site. These are booths run by local not-for-profit organizations. Enjoy great food and support a worthy cause. Win-win.
The best racers, in the most technologically advanced cars will be competing at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, which takes place over 57 laps of the Miami International Autodrome in Florida, USA, on Sunday, May 5.
With the Hard Rock Stadium at its epicentre, the 5.41km layout features 19 corners, three straights, three DRS zones, and top speeds of over 340km/h (211mph for those of us in the states). There are elevation changes too, the main one found between Turns 13 and 16, with the track heading over an exit ramp and under various flyovers across uneven ground. The Turn 14-15 chicane, meanwhile, has an uphill approach, with a crest in the middle, and then drops down on exit.
In addition to all the great music, enjoy the floating cocktail bar, the Ford Experience, the Creative Arts Village, plenty of vendors with every type of food and drink you might want.
Music from Billy Idol, Cassadee Pope, Cole Swindell, The Fixx, Nelly, Matisyahu, Third Eye Blind, and dozens more great acts. Get your 1, 2, or 3 day pass online. Don’t forget your parking pass.
A few things to remember. This is a cashless event. Make sure you have your credit/debit card or Google pay or something similar. The event is rain or shine. No refunds due to weather.
Riverfest is a public, two-day, FREE event that is held the first weekend in May each year. The festival spans the entire length of the Riverwalk including several parks and features family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians and restaurants.
The festival includes Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday. There is also a full concert series of regional and local bands on the main stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and a balloon glow at sunset on both nights. Other activities include a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade (please see the video below), yoga, a water ski show and a paddle invasion.
While the event itself is free, certain portions do have a charge. These include the VIP tent, the Taco Fest, and Taste of Riverwalk. Click the link for information and to purchase tickets.
LHBF features a diverse program that spans storytelling and hands-on children’s activities, dynamic dance and music performances, traditional Haitian games, and a comedy showcase. Engaging panel discussions, complemented by interactive sessions, will delve into thought-provoking topics. A community meet-and-greet provides an opportunity to connect with esteemed guests and local leaders from Little Haiti. This curated selection of events is designed to both entertain and educate, reflecting the festival’s dedication to cultural celebration and intellectual discourse.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your products and services in this vibrant, engaging environment! You’ll connect face-to-face with thousands of attendees as they celebrate Haitian heritage and culture! Vendor and exhibitor applications may be submitted until April 15. We welcome publishers, authors, booksellers, literary organizations, and vendors selling food, art, crafts, and other items related to the theme of LHBF.
Our goal is to showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past through over 30 Special Events and Historic Sites – from our founding in 1565 to the most advanced technology available in 2024 to research and study every year in-between.
Check the website for date, time, and location information of various talks and presentations.
Are you are hard rock music fan? Do you love attending music festivals? This is the event for you.
With headliners like Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Anthrax, and Foo Fighters, mixed with acts such as Mudvayne, Clutch, Machine Head, Drowning Pool, and dozens more this is the Florida concert event of the year. Make your plans to be at Daytona International Speedway, and bring your earplugs.
This one isn’t cheap. Single day ticket start around $150 plus parking charges of around $50 and up depending upon your preference and location. Multi-day passes are available. Don’t wait to get your tickets. With a lineup like this, it’s likely to sell out.
Now, in Trejo’s Tacos, Danny Trejo not only shares 75 recipes for cantina favorites like succulent carnitas, vegan cauliflower tacos, and pillowy-sweet cinnamon-sugar lowrider donuts, but offers insights into his life and pays respect to his hometown, his roots, and all of the colorful characters who helped him along the way, creating a delicious tribute to L.A. and the city’s vibrant Latino culture.
A waterfront festival with tons of authentic tacos, premium margaritas and great live music is coming to downtown St Pete’s Vinoy Park on Friday & Saturday, May 10th & 11th. The St Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival will feature over 30 tacos vendors, many great margaritas and other cocktail options, many great live bands, live mural artists, cold beer, games, prizes and so much fun!
Join us for one of Tampa Bay’s Largest Taco & Tequila Festivals at one of the most beautiful waterfront parks in Tampa Bay!
Join the Air Force Thunderbirds and more for this incredible show that takes place over the beach area. Tickets are required and traffic is not permitted to stop in the areas surrounding the show. Traffic is expected to be quite heavy and the event recommends arriving early due to congestion. Be sure to read the ticket refund and event cancellation policy on their page. It’s not the most user friendly policy particularly in light of Florida weather. Check the FAQ page on the website for details.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake launched in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, but, in the decades since, it has grown into one of Florida’s largest and most celebrated annual outdoor art festivals. Presented on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire features more than 150 artist booths and is held on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland.
One of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, Mayfaire has been ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for ten years in a row. Admission is free.
Six Central Florida historical organizations will be on hand to introduce you to their organization and answer questions. Come out and see the railroad museum and learn about other groups in the area. The day will also feature five drawings for great prizes. The event will last from 9a until 3p. Participating groups include
So come and spend a day at the beach and join us for an exciting craft brew festival, where you will sample an assortment of 170+ beers from some of America’s best craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. Along with the great brews and blues, there will be an assortment of local foods, cold beverages, and arts and craft vendors.
General admission tickets, including souvenir glass and unlimited tasting (well, as long as you are sober I imagine) look to start at $65. VIP tickets, which include a longer time in the festival, food samples, VIP beers, and a covered tent area, start around $95. Click the link for information and to purchase your tickets ahead of time. FREE for designated drivers and others not drinking. No wrist band, no beer.
This event will be held rain or shine. This is a pet friendly event. Please keep your dog leashed and be sure to clean up after them.
Plenty of live music, kids events, food, and games. Everyone is welcome.
We are here to share the rich mix of cultures with our community and our children so that it may be enjoyed, honored and passed on. In music, dance, poetry, arts & craft, and by our faith in God we endeavor to accomplish our goals.
Fun for the whole family! Register to toss a mullet. Prizes for longest distance in a variety of categories. Casting contest, vendors, punchboard, raffles and more! Proceeds benefit the Homosassa Civic Club, Community Club House, Learning Center, Community Charities, College Scholarships, Veterans groups and other like endeavors. Our festival also serves as a showcase for other non-profit organizations that serve as the foundation of our community.
All things watermelon. Join in the parade, decorate your golf cart and join the competition. There’s even a Newberry Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant.
Food, crafts, games, entertainers, and kids zone make this a fun way to spend a Saturday.
Home of the country’s finest Tupelo Honey, farmers from the area will have booths of honey at the festival in many different sizes and packages, accompanied by food vendors, art & crafts vendors, and live music right on the banks of mossy Lake Alice.
There will be a car show sponsored by the Sunshine State Corvette Club, a honey tasting contest, music, a blood drive, and the Miss Tupelo contest.
Returning to its roots at Metropolitan Park and unveiling a fresh experience at the Daily’s Place Amphitheater, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival will fill the streets with beloved artists’ sweet sounds. For over 40 years, this festival has united music enthusiasts for a weekend of food, drinks, community, and, of course, music! Join us for a weekend kickoff with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition on Thursday, followed by three days of FREE live music in Jacksonville’s Sports & Entertainment District.
VIP and preferred seating packages are available for purchase starting around starting around $100 per day.
This is a rain or shine festival and no refunds for preferred or VIP tickets will be offered unless the entire event is cancelled. Artists are subject to change. For a list of scheduled performers, click HERE.
Check out highlights from 2023 in the video below.
The event features national headliners, full day concert line ups of regional musicians, dozens of vendors and food trucks, activities and entertainment for all ages, and a massive kids’ zone. Headliners this year include Mark Wills on Friday night and Trick Daddy on Saturday evening.
This family-friendly festival (which has been around for nearly 30 years!) takes place the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day in downtown Palatka and along the scenic waterfront.
To conclude, I want to thank you for reading my listing of the best events and festivals in Florida in May 2024. Check back every month otherwise you might miss out on a great event you did not know about. If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, drop me a line so I can include it. Maybe we can work together on a blog post and social media posts to promote the event. Let’s hear your ideas.
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The Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing provides readers/viewers with a formula ready way to learn a brief history of a selected topic. Some teach more history than others and some titles are more needed than others. I think the argument can be made that Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is a photo history that is needed.
Authors Colby Lipscomb and Derrick Brown have decades of experience at the battlefield as visitors and, currently, as staff members and this experience shows in their treatment of the material. As the authors themselves note, the book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville, nor is it meant to be a history of the Bentonville community. Rather, “it is the authors’ fervent desire that these images relay the story of the struggles, victories, and labor that went into the creation of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site and making it the place it is.
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Chapters
Authors Lipscomb and Brown cover a wide swath of ground in a concise 128 pages that can easily be consumed in a single sitting. Chapter one is titled The Battlefield, as should be expected. Maps, period engravings, and photos of the primary players comprise the majority of the chapter.
The community of Bentonville and battlefield monuments and memorials are chapters two and three. These chapters contain a nice mixture of vintage and modern images. The Goldsboro Rifles monument takes center stage with several nice images throughout the years. This monument was erected by veterans of the battle years before the Historic Site was created . Begun in 1894 and unveiled in 1895, the marker is in memory of the Confederate dead.
The Harper House, built in 1855, served as the home to John and Amy Harper. During the war, Union troops occupied the home. The use it as a temporary hospital for troops from Sherman’s XIV Army Corps. This structure is the only war era building still standing at the site and as such it plays a significant role in this book. Images include former inhabitants, grounds, the home through the years, and renovation efforts. For me, however, the chapter went on too long, reaching twenty-four pages.
The chapter titled Establishing a Historic Site brings to life the 1950s and 60s efforts to create the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. With images as diverse the signing of the property document, to parades, to fieldwork, and the development of the visitor’s center, this is a fascinating chapter. Several images show just how far museum exhibits have come in the last sixty years.
Programs and events are a key part of any historic site and Bentonville has been an active participant since inception. From a special Boy Scout badge to the development and expansion of annual reenactments, and the arrival of army staff rides, Bentonville is eager to share an accurate and true history of the battle and the events surrounding it. This enthusiasm leads to the final chapter, Bentonville in the 21st Century.
In 1999, the opening of a new visitor’s center allowed the battlefield to welcome more guests than they had previously encountered. The “Dean of Civil War Historians,” Ed Bearss; “the unofficial mayor of Bentonville,” Tim Westbrook; and Eric Wittenberg, among others set the stage for the modern Bentonville park . With ongoing archaeological work, reinterpretations, and archival research, Bentonville is not an overlooked, end of the war, encounter. Visitors will learn of the 80,000 soldiers who fought here on March 19-21, 1865.
This book helps provide a gateway for readers wanting to learn more about the waning days of the Confederacy. Through this easy to navigate volume, readers will find themselves developing an interest in this late war conflict. They can then move to full battle treatments. Recommended.
This book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville. The authors do make two suggestions for readers interesting in learning more about this battle.
For readers seeking a modern look at the battle in a concise and accessible format, you are referred to Calamity in Carolina: The Battles of Averasboro and Bentonville, March 1865. As part of the established Emerging Civil War series, this book is short, but full of detail, and comes with a budget friendly price of around $20.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. If you click my special Arcadia link and place an order, you will receive 15% off your total order. Orders over $50 qualify for free shipping. Use code REDD24 to save 15% on your entire order direct from Arcadia.
Click THIS LINK to read additional posts about books published by Arcadia Publishing/History Press.
If you are interested in soldiers from North Carolina, you should read my post on Charles George, a member of the East Band of the Cherokee Tribe who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. CLICK HERE to read more.
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence the views and opinions shared in this blog.
Navigate the often-overlooked history of the resolute defense of the Texas coast during the Civil War.
With volumes written on the Civil War, little attention has been given to the defense of the Texas coast. Most military-aged Texans had been dispatched across the Mississippi, but those left behind resolutely weathered naval bombardments and repulsed invasion attempts. It was only at the end of the conflict that Federal troops were able to make their way into South Texas, as the Confederacy prepared its last stand at Caney Creek and the Brazos River. From famous battles to obscure skirmishes, William Nelson Fox provides an account of the Lone Star State’s defensive strategies during the Civil War.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.
Thank you for reading my post announcing Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War. This new book release from Arcadia Publishing will add to the growing literature on the role of Texas and naval affairs during the Civil War years. Read my reviews of other Arcadia Publishing titles using THIS LINK.
Click the image or THIS LINK to support this site through Buy Me A Coffee. Your support pays for web services, research trips, photocopies, and photo usage fees.
This post may contain affiliate links including Amazon.com.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors providing products do not influence views and opinions provided in my blog.
For those interested in Galveston, TX during the Civil War, I recommend this excellent volume written by James M. Schmidt, and published by Arcadia Publishing.
