Spring Break at New Smyrna Beach
- Ingrid Lemme
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
“From Beaches to ‘Healing Waters’: A Spring Break Reunion with Linda Troeller”
Published in the May Issue 2025 of The Montauk Sun, in print from Montauk to Manhattan. Edited by John Lomitola and Riki Fenhoff.
Spring break has always been a time for fun and adventure for Marcus. Growing up in Germany, I had only seen spring break scenes in movies or on the news. This year, we decided to head to New Smyrna Beach, a place known for its expansive shores, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. The sun cast a golden hue over the wide, drive-on beach, setting the tone for a memorable day. New Smyrna Beach, founded in 1768 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull—a Scottish physician and entrepreneur—has deep historical roots. Settled by colonists from Minorca, Greece, and Italy, the town is one of the oldest in Florida. Its historic charm still shines through the architecture and in stories passed down through generations.
The beach buzzed with activity. Cars and trucks lined the sand, their radios blending into a lively soundtrack accompanied by crashing waves. Bathing beauties lounged under colorful umbrellas or played in the surf, adding to the festive atmosphere. The heat was on, and the vibes were just right.
We were especially struck by the presence of fit, good-looking police officers stationed at nearly every corner. Friendly and vigilant, they ensured that the spring break joy didn’t get out of hand. It was reassuring to see safety being taken seriously—it allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the moment.
After a couple of hours strolling up and down Flagler Avenue and soaking in the scene, hunger kicked in. Marcus suggested Third Wave Café, a beloved local spot known for its creative sandwiches and laid-back vibe. Tucked among palm trees, the place felt like a hidden gem. We grabbed a shady table beneath a large umbrella, drawn in by the scent of fresh-baked bread and brewed coffee.
The menu was full of delightful surprises. Marcus went with the chicken salad on a croissant, layered with Granny Smith apple slices, pickles, and marinated garlic. I opted for an avocado BLT. YUMMY and creative is all I can say! As we savored each bite, we couldn’t help but notice the good-looking, happy crowd—and we were thrilled to meet the General Manager and the talented chefs behind the magic. www.thirdwavensb.com
After lunch, we made a short drive to visit an old friend—renowned photographer and filmmaker Linda Troeller, who had recently relocated to New Smyrna Beach. Linda had been a cherished part of my life during my days as Marketing Director at Gurney’s in Montauk. She and her husband, Lothar Troeller—also a gifted photographer—welcomed us warmly into their serene, greenery-surrounded home.
Their house felt like a living gallery, its walls adorned with Linda’s stunning photography, including images from her acclaimed documentary Healing Waters. The 90-minute film explores Linda’s collaborations with key figures in the art photography world and draws inspiration from her book, Healing Waters, published by Aperture. Her work recently earned her the prestigious 2024 Vanguard Award from the Nevada Women’s Film Festival, honoring her life achievement.
We spent the afternoon reminiscing about our Montauk days—her legendary photo shoots at Gurney’s SeaWater Spa, our shared history, and the journeys that brought us to where we are now. I had the pleasure of recording a 10-minute interview with Linda, diving into her latest accolade and creative work.
As we wrapped up the conversation, Linda smiled warmly. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this,” she said. “It’s always wonderful to connect with people who appreciate the art and the stories behind it. Check out Healing Waters on Prime Video!” www.healingwatersfilm.com
I promised to upload my interview to my YouTube channel, eager to share Linda’s incredible journey and insights with my viewers. It was an honor to capture just a sliver of her artistic brilliance and share it with the world.
As we said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch, Marcus and I felt deeply grateful for the day. New Smyrna Beach gave us more than just a break from routine—it gave us reconnection, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.
Until next month from another interesting location.
Yours in travel
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger www.EscapeFromParadise.net
Award-winning TV Host, Publisher, Travel Writer www.MontaukSun.com
Ambassador for www.Seven-Stars.com &
15 Emmy award winning www.aTasteofHistory.org
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