Only minutes from downtown (both walking and by bicycle or golf cart) our tiny houseboat was perfectly located as a cozy jumping off point to our romantic getaway.
Famous Tiny HouseboatAfter putting down our bags and a quick champagne welcome toast, we grabbed our bikes (thanks to Sanford Golf Cart Rentals) and took a quick ride by the marina, to enjoy the scenic view as we started our day.
Sanford Golf Cart RentalsOur first stop was a bit of antique shopping. After seeing our record player and checking the collection on the boat, we knew we wanted to find a few records of our own. We headed over to Treehouse Antiques, a shop that literally has any and everything you could ever want (and even a few things you didn’t know you wanted!). We were greeted warmly by the owner, Stephanie, who felt like a magician as much as a shop owner. Any time we picked up something interesting, she would magically pull out the perfect item to compliment it, from a spot right in front of our noses we had somehow missed. The shop is packed with all kinds of wonderful things waiting to be discovered.
Treehouse AntiquesOur next stop was to head to Hollerbach’s Outfitters, which was a brief bicycle ride down the street. For those who recognize the name, yes, it’s owned by the same people who run the famous German restaurant in Sanford, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe. Tyler and I were ecstatic about our dinner reservations later that evening, as Willow Tree is one of our favorite places to eat. Our stop at Hollerbach’s Outfitters put us in a festive mood, we both tried on traditional German attire (me a dirndl and Tyler even played along with some lederhosen).
Hollerbach’s OutfittersThe Pedal Cruise run by Captain Rob Paul is Sanford’s latest pedaling attraction. Much like the pedal bicycle bars you see on the streets, this pedal cruise takes that same fun energy on a guided boat tour up and down the Saint Johns River. We caught the soft opening, so it was Tyler, myself, the owners and their friends.
The Pedal CruiseOnce we returned to shore, it was time to collect our golf cart for the evening (thanks to Sanford Golf Cart Rentals) and get ready for our sunset dinner date.
Sanford Golf Cart RentalsNow it was time for dinner on the rooftop biergarten (made out of refurbished wood from Bavarian farms and buildings) of Willow Tree Cafe. Sitting on the rooftop drinking Hefeweizens, eating Riesenbreze Aufschnitt, and hearing the sounds of the band playing below felt very authentic. It was such a treat to experience, and you won’t find anything like it in Central Florida.
Hollerbach's Willow Tree CafeWe checked out of our tiny houseboat and walked one pier over to catch our activity for the day, the Saint Johns River Ship Co relaxed lunch cruise. The ship has live music performances while you dine, and passengers are free to explore the various decks of the ship.
St. Johns Rivership Co.