Spring Break Adventure in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Spring break had always been a time for fun and adventure for Marcus. Growing up in Germany, I had only seen spring break scenes in movies or on the news. This year, we decided to head down to New Smyrna Beach, FL, a place known for its expansive shores, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. As soon as we arrived, the energy of the area was palpable, with the sun shining brilliantly and casting a golden hue over the wide, drive-on beach. New Smyrna Beach, with its roots deeply embedded in history, offers more than just picturesque views. 
Established in 1768 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician and entrepreneur, the area was initially settled by colonists from Minorca, Greece, and Italy. The town is one of the oldest in Florida, and its historic charm is evident in the architecture and the stories that have been passed down through generations.
The beach was alive with activity. Cars and trucks were parked along the sand, their radios blaring the latest hits, creating a lively symphony that mixed with the sound of the waves. 
We couldn’t help but admire the many bathing beauties lounging under colorful umbrellas or playing in the surf, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of downtown. The heat was on. One of the things that struck us was the reassuring presence of fit, good-looking police officers stationed on every corner. Their friendly demeanor and attentive vigilance ensured that the spring break joy didn’t get out of hand, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. It was comforting to know that safety was a priority, and it added to the carefree vibe of the day.
After spending a couple of hours strolling up and own Flagler Avenue, taking in the sights, our stomachs began to rumble. Marcus suggested we try out Third Wave Café, a local favorite known for its creative sandwiches and laid-back vibe. Nestled among the palm trees, the café was a hidden gem, offering a cozy outdoor setting that perfectly complemented the beachy mood. We settled at a table under the shade of a large umbrella, the scent of fresh toasted breads and brewing coffee wafting through the air. The menu was a delightful surprise, featuring an array of inventive sandwiches that promised to take our taste buds on a journey. Marcus ordered the chicken salad on a croissant sandwich with fresh Granny Smith slices, pickles, and marinated garlic, while I opted for an avocado BLT. YUMMY and creative is all I can say. As we savored our meals, we couldn’t help but chat about the handsome, happy people around us and were delighted to meet the chefs who crafted these culinary delights. www.thirdwavensb.com
After lunch, we set out to visit an old friend, Linda Troeller, who had recently moved to New Smyrna Beach, just a 20-minute ride from downtown. Linda, a famous photographer and filmmaker, had been a significant part of my life during my days as the marketing director at Gurney’s in Montauk. She and her husband, Lothar, a talented photographer as well, greeted us warmly at their charming home, nestled in a serene neighborhood surrounded by lush greenery. Their home was a gallery in itself, with walls adorned with her stunning photographs that captured the essence of her life and Healing Waters. Her film documentary, Healing Waters, celebrated for its artistic depth, had garnered her the prestigious Vanguard award from the Nevada Women’s Film Festival for her life achievement, which we share in her biography film. Healing Waters is a 90-minute documentary that explores Linda Troeller’s work with key figures in the art photography industry. 
We spent the afternoon reminiscing about the good old days in Montauk, where Linda’s photo shoots at Gurney’s had become legendary. During our visit, I had the pleasure of conducting a 10-minute interview with Linda, discussing her latest accolade—the 2024 Vanguard Award from the Nevada Women’s Film Festival for her “Healing Waters” film. This documentary delves into her life story, drawing inspiration from her book “Healing Waters,” published by Aperture.
As the interview concluded, Linda smiled warmly. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this,” she said. “It’s always wonderful to connect with people who appreciate the art and the stories behind it. Check out ‘Healing Waters’ on Prime Video!” I promised to upload the interview to my YouTube channel, eager to share Linda’s incredible journey and insights with my viewers. It was a privilege to capture a small piece of her immense talent and share it with the world. https://youtu.be/x4lWcQbkRxs — As we said our goodbyes, promising to keep in touch and visit more often, Marcus and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the day we had experienced. New Smyrna Beach had offered us more than just a break from the everyday—it had given us a chance to reconnect with cherished friends, create new memories, and share stories that would inspire others. Driving back along the beach, with the cool evening breeze rustling through the open windows, Marcus turned to me with a smile. “Today was something special,” he said. I nodded in agreement, feeling the warmth of the sun still lingering on my skin. “It really was. Here’s to more days like this, filled with laughter, friendship, and the simple joys of life. “As the car moved forward, leaving the historic beach town behind but carrying the day’s memories with us, I knew that this spring break would be one we would always cherish—a perfect blend of sun, sand, history, and rekindling an old friendship.”
— Yours in travel, Ingrid
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