I made it to Florida! After another red eye – Ben and I are once again on the east side of the US 
Luckily, I did get some sleep on the overnight flight so it wasn’t too bad.
LAX has the “naked scanner” as I like to call it. I opted for a pat-down since I’m conflicted on this situation. It was no big thing at all. I was ready for a gyno exam and was delighted to find out it’s barely more than a handshake. Just sayin.
Since we flew into Tampa, I was determined to meet up with my favorite Orlando Tampa blogger, Meghann! She picked us up from the airport. Thanks Meghann 
The first stop at any blogger get together is food! We went to Datz.
We had a lovely tempting view of the pastry case from our upstairs table. Yes, I hear you cookie. Please stop calling my name.
Ben and I shared the Madame Croquet. It was a massive ham and cheese sandwich topped with an egg.
It was hard to capture the beauty of this crazy sandwich in a dimly lit restaurant, but it was packed with ham and cheese.
Ben’s family lives in Florida (where he was born and raised), this is the reason for this trip. It’s actually an annual summer vacation to their time share. His mom and dad came to pick us up from Datz and wisked us away to eat again. (The drive is almost another hour and a half from the airport.)
My stomach has been bothering me since we got off the flight, so I didn’t order anything. But, I couldn’t resist stealing one of Jill’s (Ben’s mom) blueberry pancakes! 
We don’t have Cracker Barrel in California. This means we’re officially on vacation!
I’ll share more in a bit, but I’m all jacked up on caffeine and syrup right now. See ya soon
Question: What makes you feel like you’re officially on vacation?
Ben says vacations mean beer with breakfast. I don’t know about all that, but I won’t turn down a mimosa 
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Checking into a hotel…or pitching a tent.
Not having to wear a watch / care about what time it is.
Having wine at lunch means I’m on vacation. We do love our Cracker Barrel down here in the south!
Welcome back to the East coast!! Ah sweet vacation!! It’s official when a frosty beverage is in hand and toes are in the sand
I know Im on vacation when I can’t remember what day it is. What is Cracker Barrel?? I’m from Montreal so I wouldn’t know…
A little southern style restaurant in some parts of the US
Yay for Friends!!!!!!!!! Come and visit anytime!!!
I know I’m on vacation when I stop feeling guilty about eating (unhealthy) meals out. And when I make no effort whatsoever to fold my clothes or make my bed. Have fun in Florida!
Vacation = not making the bed in the mornings and leaving toiletries out on the bathroom countertop – - two rules immediately broken from “at home” life.
im so with you on the mimosas!
Do we have a mimosa sponsor for the Urban Running Summit? That should be a priority.
Have fun in FL!! I’ll be down in St. Augustine next week for a wedding, and I’m starting to get excited for the trip!
Also, FYI–the link in Meghann’s name in the post goes to mealsandmoves.com instead of mealsandmiles.com. Just thought you’d want to know!
Major fail on my part, thanks for letting me know!!!
They used to have buckwheat cakes at cracker barrel. They were soo good.
I almost got the granola pancakes even though I wasn’t hungry – they sounded so good!
Cracker Barrels are exciting for me. I think this makes me a nerd. I don’t know if I’ve eaten there more than once but it reminds me that I’m not home anymore.
Mimosas.mmmmm have fun!
Having no concept of time always makes me feel like I am officially on vacation. Have fun!
It’s the same for me, that and forgetting to take my phone out… and not caring one little bit!
You’re here, youre here!! We should get together!
Where are you? Email me and we’ll try to work it out
Cracker Barrel used to make me think I was on Vacation, but now I have one right down the road from me. Too bad I never find time to go anymore!
I guess now vacation is marked by long car rides and hotel check-ins.
Have fun in Florida! I’m in Tampa while I go to USF, and I love it here!
Sunshine, Mimosas or Bloody Marys in the morning and breakfast after 9pm (meaning I got to sleep in
, that’s my vacation definition.
BTW, I think your link to Meghan’s blog is wrong. It’s http://mealsandmiles.com/
Watching TV or going for a run during the day means i’m on vacation. And that is a very nice feeling
Have a fab trip!
Um um um! I was one of Datz’s FIRST employees, when the building was still an empty shell!!! And then I moved to OC, and missed Datz’s.
On vacation = waking up naturally at 6:30am, instead of hitting snooze and cursing my 7 am wake up for work time.
Enjoy the humidity!
That ham/cheese/egg sandwich looks incredible! Have a blast
What is it about vacations that call for EXCESSIVE alcohol consumption?? My vote for what makes a vacation= margaritas or mojitos. And when I’m SUPER in “vacation mode” pina coladas happen at an embarrassing rate.
HOLD THE PHONE…you don’t have DD or Cracker Barrel??? Why did you move back to CA again??? lol….oh that is right…snow isn’t your thing…It was 102 today in my car…UGH!!
I know it’s a vacation when I don’t have my day planned out. On vacation I’m much more likely to go with the flow. Although I do still have to plan out some things; I can’t be too far away from allergen-free food!
mmm, cracker barrel <3