Talkin' Tourism in Hobe Sound at Harry & the Natives

Talkin' Touism co-host Robin Hicks-Connor, with show guests
Harry MacArthur and Jan Otten, and  Talkin' Tourism
host and co-producer Gary Guertin.

Talkin’ Tourism has been known to “walk on the wild side” from time to time and our visit to one of Martin County, Florida’s iconic visitor attractions was definitely one of those times.

Doing a remote broadcast from Harry and the Natives, a restaurant, gift shop, former motel, and all around local hangout was a very special treat. As usual, owner/operator Harry MacArthur was his gracious self and was most accommodating (even personally taking, cooking and serving Robin’s coconut pancake breakfast which she ate during the second half of the show).

There were certainly many stories to tell since the establishment has been a part of Hobe Sound since 1941.  Harry’s mom and dad bought the property in 1952 and his mom Pauline, at 95 years young, still goes to work every day.

There are many reasons why such places across Florida (and the world for that matter) withstand the test of time.  When you listen to the show you will hear some great stories and get a glimpse into what makes Harry MacArthur and Harry and the Natives so unique.

Also joining us on the show was Ms. Jan Otten, the director of member services for the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce.  In addition to letting us know what is happening in Hobe Sound these days, she also was very passionate about what makes Hobe Sound such a tight-knit community.

It was a great show, filled with great guests, and even a downpour in the middle of the show did not dampen the enthusiasm and fun.

Check out the photo album of Harry and the Natives to see the definition of “eclectic”!

Thanks for listening enjoy the show. If you liked it, share the link with a friend or two!

Here's the audio file!

And here's the Harry & the Natives photo album:

Live in Hobe Sound from Harry & the Natives

Photo credit: Perrin Post, Conde Nast, cntraveler.com.

Every tourism destination has one or more very special tourism gathering holes: iconic establishments that have been providing unforgettable hospitality (and experience) to guests and visitors for generations. While many business may come and go, the very best withstand the test of time, having “the right stuff” to keep guests and visitors entertained and coming back again and again.

This week, Robin and Gary will be broadcasting live from one of those very special places: Harry and the Natives, (the only waterfront restaurant...when it rains) located in the village of Hobe Sound). Jack and Pauline MacArthur bought the restaurant in 1952. This family owned and ran establishment has one of the greatest histories imaginable. The influences were many over the years. Today, Jack and Pauline's son, Harry MacArthur, is chef and the operator of Harry and the Natives. This restaurant, motel, gift ship and attraction (yes, all rolled into one) is truly a one-of-a-kind Florida gem. You will truly enjoy our conversation with Harry as he describes the evolution of his parent’s passion for guest service and adaptation to the changes that came their way. To sum it up, their story could be classified as sort of a modern-day Jonathan Dickinson journal.

Stepping back into more modern times, a special Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce VIP (who will it be?) will join this week's show to describe how modern day Hobe Sound is evolving with the times.  Located just across the Intracoastal Waterway from one of the richest zip codes in the good old United States—Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound—has managed to retain its quaint, quiet and unspoiled village atmosphere. There aren't many of these places left to discover. (Pssst! Abaco 007 say's "Don't tell anyone!")

What else is in store?  Frankly whatever Radio Man and History Lady feel like talking about because they are the hosts of the show and they can. So there! (How's that for attitude?)

Join the unpredictable duo this Friday (March 8) at 10 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or www.wspltv.com for another edutaining episode of Talkin’ Tourism.