Traveling alone, not lonely.

Wordless Wednesday: Flavors of Japan

Food is an important part of travel and during my Fall 2004 trip to Japan, I certainly had my fair share of common and odd bites. Following is a snapshot of my culinary journey through Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures.

Typical Meal Served at Rotary Meetings During Trip

Experiencing Casual Tea Ceremony (I'm in Purple) — Experiencing Casual Tea Ceremony (I’m in Purple)

Selfish Restaurant - Had to Take a Photo — Selfish Restaurant – Had to Take a Photo

Toured & Sampled Spirits at Gotemba Distillery

Matt Displays Dried Octopus - Yum! — Matt Displays Dried Octopus – Yum!

Not Sure What Was in the Water, But Made These Guys Happy

Be sure to check out my post, “Circle of Eel Life in Hamamatsu, Japan.”

You can donate to the Red Cross to support Japan’s recovery or any organization of your choosing.

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

Steamed blue crabs during Blue Crab University at Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda, Fla., Aug. 17, 2026.

Learning to Crack Crabs during Peace River Seafood’s Blue Crab University

At Peace River Seafood & Botanicals in Punta Gorda, Blue Crab University turns a Monday night into a hands-on lesson in Southwest Florida crabbing culture. From crab biology and local history to blue crab cornbread and all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, the inaugural class delivers a uniquely Old Florida experience. I left with my Masters in Crabology.

Savor Sarasota Celebrates 20th Year, June 1 - 20, 2025. Pictured, samples of Cochinita Pibil from Kolucan

Culinary Travel Featured Florida Fun

Savoring Sarasota with a New Perspective: Planning for Restaurant Week While on a GLP-1

Savor Sarasota returns for its 20th season, June 1 – 20, 2025. Although I’m taking a GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes, I’m planning my culinary adventure. More than 50 Sarasota area restaurants are offering delicious and creative prix-fixe menus. New this year is the Savor Sarasota Flavor Trail.

Packzi at Yummies Donuts & BBQ in Venice, Fla.

Culinary Travel Featured Florida Fun

I’m Prepared for Paczki Day Thanks to Yummies Donuts & BBQ in Venice, Fla.

I’m prepared for Paczki Day with a visit to Yummies Donuts & BBQ in Venice, Fla. Are you?