a view of Ma Ruby's bar

If you know Jimmy Buffett’s much quoted song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise,”  about finding nirvana between two slices of bread, with a sea breeze wafting in the background, you might be interested in finding the source of that famous ode. But even if you’re like me and are greatly irked by Buffett’s “Gulf and Western”  pseudo Caribbean crooning, you will still most likely love Ma Ruby and her legendary sandwich.  Ma Ruby’s tiny eatery on the even tinier Harbour Island, Bahamas oozes with charm as well as huge cheeseburgers. Read More »

Swirling Hurricane at Margaritaville

You don’t have to be a Jimmy Buffett fan to be captured by the zaniness of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Jimmy’s pseudo-tropical, off kilter tunes but I forgot all that as I nibbled jerk salmon and conch fritters.  The sprawling, two-story restaurant anchors the popular Broadway on the Beach shopping  district and tops the list for Myrtle Beach  family friendly activities.  Jimmy Buffett fans are called Parrot Heads and the first thing you’ll see are tons of people roaming around in balloon parrot hats. You’d think this was a draw for the kids but you’ll spot more adults wearing them.  The other spectacle that greets you is a swirling hurricane, complete with sound effects and weather forecasts. Read More »