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.

March 27 Show Link

Friday, March 27 "Hobe Sound and Callahoo Soup" show ready for listening and download from WPSL HERE.  Enjoy!

March 27 Talkin' Tourism: A focus on Hobe Sound

This week’s show was as promised, a great mix of topics, “chit chat and chatter” and no one “spilled all dar’ beans.”

Guest Jennifer Ferrari, executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, did an excellent job of describing how all five Martin County Chambers of Commerce work together in their respective areas to insure that their tourism related member business are on the forefront of the effort to promote the county and the Treasure Coast as a great destination.

Factoids: 95% of Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce members have 5 or less employees; Polo has arrived in Hobe Sound and the first polo match was played yesterday…look out Wellington!

Jennifer brought to the show one of her Chamber members, Ms. Susan Hanson. Ms. Hanson is an artist who owns a gallery in Hobe Sound called Pluto in Leo. Susan started painting “Full Moons” from Hobe Sound Beach. Learn what is known as a Blue Moon! Ms. Hanson is also a psychic and conducts Tarot Card readings.

Jennifer stayed on the air during the second half of the show and added more 'spice' to the callaloo.

Host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors touched on all the “Pre-Show Blog” topics and more. So, sit back, relax and enjoy another episode of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. (Audio file to be posted soon!)

March 20 Talkin' Tourism Recap

Today’s show hosted by Gary Guertin, with co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, was “all about the food.” Katy Lynch, editor and publisher of Dine Magazine, Paul Daly, owner operator of The Flagler Grill in Downtown Stuart, and Harborage Yacht Club’s Chef extraordinaire Mark Muller talked at length about the importance of “food and beverage” in creating and enhancing visitor destinations. Any listener who didn't walk away hungry from this show, just doesn't like food!

Katy discussed in detail the expansion of her magazine into the Treasure Coast area, her experience as a participant in a Dinner In the Sky adventure (http://www.dinnerintheskyevents.com/), and the importance of advertising, marketing and special events to a restaurant’s success.

Paul Daly, shares his involvement with the funky and cool Pelican Café, which is pet friendly” and the evolution of the Stuart Downtown area into a dining mecca that currently has 14 great restaurants to chose from.

Last in the line up but certainly not least, Harborage Yacht Club’s own Chef Mark Muller describes for the listening audience that awesome features and menu mainstays at the Harbor Grille.

Mark also reminds listeners about two great events happening in the next couple of weeks:

(1) The Taste of Martin County on March 31 (benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Martin County)

(2) The International Wine Tasting at Harbour Bay Plaza on Sewall's Point on April 4

The link to this weeks show will be posted as soon as it is available.

On a forward note, the March 27 show will welcome Hobe Sound Chamber executive Jennifer Ferrari to hype Appraisal Fest 2009, slated for March 28, starring "The Appraisal Guys," Tim Luke and Greg Strahm. A few more guests to be mentioned later this week.