St. Patricks' Day

It’s the turn-the-rivers-and-drinks-green, catch the leprechaun, pot-of-gold day, and quite honestly, I’ve never really known how this day began! So, naturally, I googled, it and I’m happy to share what I’ve found! First of all, I have a strong Irish heritage, so I should’ve taken the time to learn this years ago. Either way, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. According to The History Channel’s website, St. Patrick died on March 17 in the fifth century, and this date has been celebrated for over 1,000 years! St. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16, but later escaped and is credited with spreading the news of Christianity throughout Ireland. The Legend of St. Patrick states that he used the three leaves of the shamrock, the native clover in Ireland, to explain the Trihead of Christianity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The celebration of St. Patrick was brought to the US reportedly by homesick Irish Soldiers serving in the English Military, as they marched in NYC in 1772 to honor their patron Saint. Enthusiasm grew among Americans and parades began popping up in most US cities. The celebrations which takes place during Lent, omits the meat restriction for the day, so the Irish can enjoy the classic meal: Irish bacon and cabbage.

Good to know, huh?!

I’ve never been much for corned beef and cabbage, but you know we had to join in the green fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here at Lane’s End, too! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and our recent trip to Florida (more on that below), we’re creating a single batch flavor to bring both together. It’s a surprise, but I think you can get the hint  Our new gelato releases tomorrow, Saturday 3/18/23 at our Farm Shoppe and next week at a shop near you!

In other news, Molly and I took a quick, but well enjoyed three day trip to the Gulf Coast of Florida this week. A short spring break, of sorts. It was a tribute to my first-born and all the help she gives us, without even knowing. She’s always ready to help the little kids while we’re working in the barn. She’s the first to line up and feed the calves. She takes great care of her little dog, Della. She does all her schoolwork without prompting, knows when to ask for help and manages to keep her grades up on her own. She such a valuable part of our family, and I needed to get her away for a few days to really celebrate her. It was such a treat.

The weather was so warm, the gulf views stunning. The gulf is the most beautiful shade of turquoise, and the sand is the whitest, softest I’ve ever encountered. We found beautiful shells at the quaint beach in Pass-a-Grille, and this residential, quiet spot is definitely on our list to return!

We kayaked in the isles at Treasure Island and saw so many dolphins! Some were a mere 20 feet from us–I’m not going to lie, I got nervous! We’ve watched documentaries on the friendly, playful nature of dolphins, and I could imagine them flipping over our clear kayak as the floated helplessly in the gulf. Thankfully, they kept their distance. But it was quite an experience!

The weather was a beautiful 70’s and the sun was bright. We had the best time, and the best food! Fresh fish and you guessed it: KEY LIME PIE! This classic Floridian dessert is a must-have while in Florida, and some of the best is served up on the gulf. Now you can understand why I needed to recreate it in snowy Pennsylvania, as gelato!

In light of our trip, I’m sharing some favorite gulf coast finds and links for this week, including the special hint at this week’s single-batch gelato flavor 

• We stayed in St. Pete Beach, it’s a quirky beach town with and old-Florida feel. We loved it!

• I booked last minute, so only a few hotels had rooms. We picked the PostCard Inn on the Beach, and were pleasantly surprised! Though it’s dated, it has a retro feel and is so clean. With several beach-front tiki bars, it was a happening place during spring break, but we had no trouble. They provide beach chairs and towels and good coffee, so we had no complaints!

• Every morning, we stopped by Fresh Factory at St. Pete Beach for the freshest, most delicious açaí bowls. I miss them already.

• If we go back, I’m booking early to stay the stunning, history landmark hotel, the Don Cesar. It’s pink castle-like feel is the sight of St. Pete, and it borders Pass-a-Grille, so I think it’s location is perfect.

• Speaking of Pass-a-Grille, the shelling experience was unbelievable. This town and beach is the tip of the island, just down the road from St. Pete Beach. And it has a water view to Shell Key Preserve. This makes it the best spot for shells! Molly found 5 perfect sand dollars in just minutes. And some pristine shells, too. The beach is covered with shells. It’s a must-see.

• We had to stop at the infamous Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelato. Honestly, it was delicious, but I think ours tastes fresher!

• Lastly, our clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve was cancelled due to excessive Red Tide (apparently a neurotoxin), but if we go back, I am rebooking this. It was named by Travel + Leisure the best activity in the US in 2022! And after our non-guided clear kayaking in Treasure Island, I can see why! Imagine a guided tour, in clear kayaks, to an undeveloped island–on the way you see manatees and dolphins, sea turtles and so many fish and birds! I was so bummed it was cancelled, but I’m not taking it off my bucket list 

Happy Friday, and happy St. Patrick’s Day, friends! Look for our new gelato tomorrow at our farm shoppe (open every Saturday 10am- 1pm)!