Travel is . . .

. . .Often a series of coincidences



Earlier this week I wrote about visiting smaller museums. In essence, I said while the major tourist sites are important, sometimes smaller attractions can be exciting.



Prior to that, I had written a story about Branson, MO for another publication and in it I noted I'd visited an auto museum and seen some remarkable cars.



Both "news items" came into play this week when I attended a holiday party for the Board of Directors of the Memorial Hospital, Memorial South and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Auxiliary.



It was a surprise party, inasmuch as Volunteer Director David Reinmund, planned it as a surprise for our members, keeping the destination a secret until we arrived. We met at the hospital, boarded a bus and were taken to - drum roll, please -- the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.



We were served a magnificent catered luncheon and toured an amazing collection of 39 Packard cars, dating back to 1916. Beautiful luxury autos, with lace curtains, charming crystal flower holders and wondrous hood ornaments are the collection of the late Arthur and Shirley Stone. Shirley, now 92, runs the attraction with help from her family.



All the cars are in working order and the 20,000 square foot building is stocked with a great deal of Packard memorabilia, including cars belonging to many celebrities and statesmen. The building was designed as a Packard showroom from the 1920s.



The museum is located at 1527 SW First Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/ and worth a visit.



Once again, serendipity.