The Historic Bok Sanctuary is a sculpted garden and luxury estate located in Lake Wales, Florida. The garden was donated by Pulitzer prize winning author and publisher Edward William Bok in appreciation of the adopted country he loved so much. The garden property was later joined with the nearby Pinewood Estate to create the Historic [...]
The Historic Bok Sanctuary is a sculpted garden and luxury estate located in Lake Wales, Florida. The garden was donated by Pulitzer prize winning author and publisher Edward William Bok in appreciation of the adopted country he loved so much. The garden property was later joined with the nearby Pinewood Estate to create the Historic Bok Sanctuary, a 250 acre nature preserve featuring Bok’s 205-foot neo-gothic “Singing Tower.”
Historic Bok Sanctuary
The Singing Tower is the heart of the sanctuary. Overlooking a reflecting pond that attracts innumerable species of birds and animals, the tower, with its modern deco influences, was completed in 1929. The meandering gardens which surround the tower are sculpted to create a colorful and peaceful experience year round, and the garden is lined with pathways and benches for enjoying the expansive splashes of color and the native foliage that make the garden an ever-changing work of art.
The Historic Bok Sanctuary is located off US-27 in Lake Wales, Florida. Take US-27 south of the Eagle Ridge Mall and turn left on the Mountain Lake Cut Off Road. At the caution light, turn right on County Road 17 for .75 miles, then turn left on Burns Avenue for 1.3 miles. The main gate to the sanctuary will be on the left.
The Historic Bok Sanctuary is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, with the Visitor’s Center open 9 AM to 5 PM.
Admission prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. Special rates are available for groups of more than 15 people. There is a separate charge ($5 for adults, $3 for children) to tour the Pinewood Estate buildings.
For more information about the Historic Bok Sanctuary, visit them online at http://www.boksanctuary.org or call (863) 676-1408.
Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Big Cat Rescue is a sanctuary for exotic cats. It began in 1992 with a single bobcat and has become the country’s largest exotic cat rescue, housing 150 tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others. The Big Cat Rescue keeps 18 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of which [...]
Big Cat Rescue is a sanctuary for exotic cats. It began in 1992 with a single bobcat and has become the country’s largest exotic cat rescue, housing 150 tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others. The Big Cat Rescue keeps 18 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of which are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild.
Big Cat Rescue--Tampa, FL
Big Cat Rescue’s mission is to provide a good home for abandoned or neglected cats. Due to limited financial resources, however, they can only save a small percentage of those in need. The Big Cat Rescue must turn forced to turn away more than 300 cats per year. In order to reverse this trend, the Rescue also seeks to educate as many people as possible about the conditions that lead to the plight of the animals. They do this through guided tours of the facility, their website, and various educational programs including visits from school groups.
Big Cat Rescue is a sanctuary, not a zoo, and reminds visitors that the only way to see the facility is through a tour. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays at 9:30, 11:30, and 1:30 PM. All tours at $20.00.
PLEASE NOTE: Children under 10 will not be admitted, except to the “Kid’s Tour” on Saturdays at 9:00 AM, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Admission is $10.00.
Big Cat Rescue is located in Tampa, 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport, 25 minutes from St. Petersburg Airport, and only 9 miles from Busch Gardens. The address is 12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida. Call (813) 920-4130 or visit www.bigcatrescue.org for specific directions.
The Tampa Bay History Center is a history and heritage museum located in downtown Tampa. Through quality, rotating displays, the Tampa Bay History Center brings to life the geographical, historical, and cultural influences that have shaped the region from 12,000 BC to the present. Temporary galleries and displays include photographic and historical presentations on the [...]
The Tampa Bay History Center is a history and heritage museum located in downtown Tampa. Through quality, rotating displays, the Tampa Bay History Center brings to life the geographical, historical, and cultural influences that have shaped the region from 12,000 BC to the present.
Temporary galleries and displays include photographic and historical presentations on the Seminole Wars, the Civil War in Florida, the “Cracker” cattle drives, and the growth of the citrus industry in Florida.
In addition to the center’s exclusive galleries and presentations of Florida’s storied history, the Tampa Bay Cultural Center includes the only operating restored street car in Florida, the Birney Streetcar #163, which was rescued in 1991. Over 100,000 volunteer hours went into the restoration and replacement of the car’s oak flooring and cherry seats. The car was re-dedicated in 1994.
The Tampa Bay History Center continues growing and will move in the near future. Plans are to develop an expanded and permanent site at Cotanchobee-Fort Brooke Park and to establish a number of satellite locations, and to attract traveling exhibits from around the world.
The Tampa Bay History Center is currently located in the Convention Center Annex in downtown Tampa and can be reached form Clearwater via state road 60, from St. Petersburg via Interstate 275, and from Orlando via Interstate 4.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The Tampa Bay History Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and is closed Mondays and Holidays.
For more information about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit them online at: http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org or call (813) 228-0097.
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive)
Tampa, Florida 33602
The TECO Line Streetcar System offers 10 station stops along its 2.4 mile route. The ride from the beginning to the end of the line takes approximately 22 minutes. Each streetcar is air conditioned and seats up to 88 passengers. Each Streetcar Station is unique and is designed to reflect the neighborhood in which it [...]
The TECO Line Streetcar System offers 10 station stops along its 2.4 mile route. The ride from the beginning to the end of the line takes approximately 22 minutes. Each streetcar is air conditioned and seats up to 88 passengers.
Each Streetcar Station is unique and is designed to reflect the neighborhood in which it is located. Five station stops are located in Tampa’s Channel District, four are in historic Ybor City and one is in downtown Tampa. The locations of the streetcar station stops correspond with major venues and parking facilities to make it easy for passengers to travel safely within the city and between downtown Tampa and Ybor City.
Tampa Streetcars
Streetcar Hours of Operations and Fare Structure
Hours of Operations
The streetcars run seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends.
Monday – Wednesday………………..11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Thursday……………………………………11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday………………………………………..11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Saturday…………………………………….9:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Sunday……………………………………….Noon to 8:00 PM
Service every 15-20 minutes.
Service every 30 minutes 9 AM to 11 AM, Saturday and 1 AM to 2 AM, Friday and Saturday.
Streetcar and Bus System Fares
One-Way Cash Fare: ….. $1.50
*Discount Cash Fare: …..$0.75
One-Day Unlimited Ride Fare Card: …..$3.00
*One-Day Discount Unlimited Ride Fare Card: ….. $1.50
Three-Day Unlimited Ride Fare Card: …..$9.00
**Children age four and younger: …..Free
(All streetcar passes may also be used on HART [Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority] local buses.)
*Discount fares apply to seniors age 65 or over, youths age 17 or younger, those on Medicare or with disabilities and adult students registered at participating educational institutions.
** Children’s fares apply when the child is no taller than the farebox and is accompanied by a fare paying adult. If a child is four years old or younger, but is taller than the farebox, proper ID is required for the free fare.
All One-Day Unlimited Ride Fare Cards are available from the streetcar conductor (exact change is required). One-day and multiple-day cards may also be purchased in advance at authorized sales outlets.
Whenever talking about the best and worst times to visit a city or area it’s always a case of “different strokes for different folks” and weather, for some folks, may be a key consideration. If weather is a factor in a potential visitor’s decision on when to come to Tampa Bay, a chart is presented [...]
Whenever talking about the best and worst times to visit a city or area it’s always a case of “different strokes for different folks” and weather, for some folks, may be a key consideration.
If weather is a factor in a potential visitor’s decision on when to come to Tampa Bay, a chart is presented below to help select the best and worst time to visit. The chart shows normal maximum and minimum daily temperatures for each month and also the amount of monthly rainfall that can be expected in the Tampa Bay area.
MONTH Normal Daily Low Temperature Normal Daily High Temperature Normal Monthly Rainfall Amount
(Degrees-F) (Degrees-F) (inches)
January 49.2 69.9 1.99
February 50.8 71.3 3.08
March 56.4 76.6 3.01
April 60.7 81.8 1.15
May 67.2 87.1 3.10
June 72.7 89.6 5.48
July 74.4 90.3 6.58
August 74.3 90.4 7.61
September 72.8 89.0 5.98
October 65.3 84.2 2.02
November 57.3 77.7 1.77
December 51.5 72.1 2.15
Peak tourist season in Tampa Bay is between January and April. March is normally the most crowded (and crazy) month because of college students on “Spring Break.”
If finances are a concern, the best time to visit and keep the cost of the vacation down is during the period between June and September. The weather is hotter and (as can be seen by the chart) wetter but there are fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and those daily showers . . . they don’t last too long.
One thing to keep in mind: Hurricane season is a very real concern for any city near the Gulf of Mexico or on the southern Atlantic coast. The period from June until September can bring the danger of a direct hit from a hurricane or flooding from a near miss. This MAY make these months the worst time to visit but there is no need to stay away — just the need to stay aware of weather forecasts for the area.
Tampa Bay Area Special Events
Aside from weather concerns, there are many festivals and special events in the Tampa Bay area that always draw visitors; events like the “Tampa Cigar Heritage Festival” in Ybor City, the Outback Bowl in Tampa or the Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Downtown Tampa.
Conquistador means “Conqueror” in Spanish, and is a term used to refer to the soldiers and explorers who brought the New World of North, Central, and South America under Spanish control between the 15th and 17th centuries. Ponce de Leon is regarded as the first European known to have visited what is the present day [...]
Conquistador means “Conqueror” in Spanish, and is a term used to refer to the soldiers and explorers who brought the New World of North, Central, and South America under Spanish control between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Ponce de Leon is regarded as the first European known to have visited what is the present day United States when he set foot in Florida in 1513. As the popular story goes, he was searching for the “Fountain of Youth” in the swamps and forests of Florida, though this is somewhat misconceived. In 1506, after the death of Christopher Columbus, who had been appointed lifetime military governor of the newly found discoveries, the Spanish authorities refused to grant the same title to his son Diego Columbus. The Spanish Crown by then had selected Ponce de León to colonize and govern the island of Puerto Rico. Diego Columbus took his claim to court in Madrid and won the title. Ponce de León was removed from office with a degree of scandal and personal shame.
History of Florida
He obtained title to explore the areas north of Cuba, and sailed toward Florida. It would seem that he was seeking a spiritual or social rebirth, with new glory, honor, and personal wealth, not a physical rebirth through the waters of the Fountain of Youth
On March 27, 1513, Ponce de León sighted Florida for the first time, still mistaking it for another island. Later, on April 2, he landed on the east coast of the newly discovered land at a point which continues to be disputed, but was undoubtedly south of present day St. Augustine. Ponce de León claimed “La Pascua Florida” for Spain, and in 1514 received a commission to colonize the “island,” though he would not return until 1521.
On the second visit, Ponce de León and his party were attacked by a tribe of the Calusa and de León was injured by a poisoned arrow. After this attack, he returned to Havana, Cuba, where he died. His tomb is in the cathedral in Old San Juan.
The Conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez was the first European known to have visited the Tampa area, on April 8, 1528, but fell upon disaster. Hernando De Soto arrived a year later to rescue the only remaining living member of de Narváez’s expedition. A peace treaty was conducted with the local Indians and a short-lived Spanish outpost was established, but this was abandoned when it became clear that there was no gold in the area, and that the local Indians were too skilled as warriors to easily conquer. Narváez was subsequently appointed governor of Florida by King Charles V.
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was a nobleman who commanded a great treasure-fleet of galleons on their voyage from Mexico to Spain. When he had delivered the fleet in Spain, he asked permission to return in search of a lost vessel. His request was granted on the condition that he would explore and colonize “La Florida” as king Philip II’s governor.
Pedro de Aviles arrived off the coast of Florida on August 28, 1565, on the Feast of Saint Augustine. Eleven days later, he and 600 soldiers and settlers came ashore at the site of the Timucuan Indian village of Seloy. He fortified the fledgling town and named it St. Augustine. With the coast of Florida firmly in Spanish hands, he set to work establishing missions to the natives for the Church, and exploring the east coast and interior of the Florida peninsula.
Florida has a plethora of romantic beach rentals. If you are craving beach front romance, there are a wide selection condos, vacation homes, and vacation rentals that are available. Being able to sit on a private patio, soaking in the warm sun, the ocean breeze and the sound of the crashing waves is a romantic [...]
Florida has a plethora of romantic beach rentals. If you are craving beach front romance, there are a wide selection condos, vacation homes, and vacation rentals that are available. Being able to sit on a private patio, soaking in the warm sun, the ocean breeze and the sound of the crashing waves is a romantic part of any Florida vacation.
Florida Romance
In Miami, for example, you can rent an ocean side vacation rental that includes such amenities in suite as Jacuzzi bath and walk-in showers, fully equipped kitchens, king size beds, and balconies with ocean views. Miami is also an important hub for American Airlines, whether flying across the country or internationally.
One place that is a must for romantic vacation rentals is the Florida Keys. They are a group of tropical islands that stretch 100 miles from the mainland of Florida. Many travelers begin their Keys vacation in Key West. There is a carnival like street life, storybook architecture, and a very relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy a romantic boat rental or rent scuba gear and enjoy the ocean life. It’s a tropical paradise. There are plenty of romantic bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, or vacation rentals available in Key West.
Think Disney is just for kids? The Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida has it all. They have quiet romantic spots, wild rides, great excitement for children and adults alike. Most people don’t realize how quiet and romantic it can get, however; especially when the sun goes down. You can find yourself in a tender paddle boat ride on the Liberty Belle, or experience a horse drawn carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
If your version of romance includes canoe rides, bicycling, backpacking and cabin rentals, NW Florida might be the best place for you. There are several locales in Florida, you can experience just that. No matter what type of romantic vacation rental you wish, you can find it in Florida.
Everyone has dreamed of that romantic getaway with warm tropical breezes, beautiful sunsets, exquisite dining, and luxurious accommodations with that special loved one. Balmy breezes, white powdery sand, throughout the year sunshine makes Florida beaches much visited vacation destinations. If one wants to experience warm sunshine, great shopping, and romantic dining they should plan their [...]
Everyone has dreamed of that romantic getaway with warm tropical breezes, beautiful sunsets, exquisite dining, and luxurious accommodations with that special loved one. Balmy breezes, white powdery sand, throughout the year sunshine makes Florida beaches much visited vacation destinations.
Romance in Naples
If one wants to experience warm sunshine, great shopping, and romantic dining they should plan their trip to Naples Beach which is referred to as “Americas best all around beach”. Local attractions in Naples are Naples, Florida Beach include Naples Zoo where you can encounter some exotic animals including panthers, rare tigers and alligators. Downtown Naples is where old Naples architecture comes alive with galleries and boutiques. One can indulge in day trips from Naples to Key West by boat, these boats are air conditioned with bar and galley. One can enjoy a romantic meal on the luxury yacht, Naples Princess Cruise, where they arrange for buffet lunches, or sunset and dinner cruises. To check out great beaches, wildlife and golf you can go on romantic getaway to Marco Island. You can add value to your romantic vacation by staying at the romantic beach rentals, or bed and breakfasts. While in Naples be sure to try this fine French Restaurant “Marie Michelle” with the romantic oceanfront terrace overlooking Venetian Bay.
Driving through the Fabulous Fun Capital of the World at Orlando, I was struck by the thought that Florida should probably add to the list a planetary title for human perversity. There is something wondrously upside-down about a state to which people flock, purportedly for its climate and natural loveliness, but where most of that [...]
Driving through the Fabulous Fun Capital of the World at Orlando, I was struck by the thought that Florida should probably add to the list a planetary title for human perversity. There is something wondrously upside-down about a state to which people flock, purportedly for its climate and natural loveliness, but where most of that loveliness has been drained and covered in Rooms to Go’s and Scratch and Dent Worlds, and where most residents feel about air-conditioning the way astronauts feel about spaceships.
If you are one of those people who has given up on Florida, I encourage you to venture about an hour and a half north of the Magic Kingdom, into Marion and Alachua Counties, where Orlando’s ravening grid falters and the landscape stops looking like something loaded off a truck. A green edema of hills rises from the coastal flatness. Tire dealerships give way to boiled-peanut stands. Artesian springs the color of glacial ice spill from the earth. Horses that are not on theme-park salaries stalk rolling acreage beside the highway.
South of Gainesville on Route 441, my friend and I passed McIntosh and Evinston, unassuming whistle-stops where Victorian clapboard houses sit alongside trailer parks under such dense canopies of Spanish moss that it looks like someone dragged a squeegee down the view while it was still wet. As dusk ripened, we stopped in Micanopy, a one-boulevard town of aged brick and log buildings, a place so steeped in old-style charm it’s hard to stand on the main drag without a faint anxiety that at any minute movie studio security guards are going to roust you off the set.
While Micanopy surely has one of the highest number of antique shops per capita in the nation, the town is sufficiently rust streaked and mold spangled that the place somehow pulls off the feat of not seeming twee. “This is Florida like it used to be,” said Monica Beth Fowler, the owner and operator of Delectable Collectables, a shop specializing in rare cameos. “It’s one of the few places in the state that hasn’t been ruined yet.” Past Micanopy’s antiques strip sits the Herlong Mansion, a bed and breakfast of commanding elegance — Corinthian columns the size of grain silos, verandas exploding with ferns. But at my friend’s suggestion we’d made plans to stay the night 20 minutes to the east, in the settlement of Cross Creek.
Florida Vacation
My friend is an editor who lives in North Carolina but who proudly descends from Florida “cracker” stock. In north Florida, “cracker,” a reverent sobriquet for the area’s swamp-dwelling pioneers, is far from an epithet. Cross Creek — home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the novelist and chronicler of the Depression-era cracker monde who died in 1953 — could probably be described as the Florida Cracker Capital of the World. Our destination was the Yearling Restaurant (“Home of Cracker Cooking”), named after Rawlings’s 1938 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A plain, roadside building of sun-scorched boards, the Yearling, we found, was extremely serious about its rustic bona fides. A varnished gator hide, a Confederate flag and a rack of historic outboard motors trimmed the restaurant’s walls. A local blues musician presided in the dining room, crooning to his dobro, while diners tucked into a menu of traditional fare. We ordered the “cracker appetizer plate,” which included fried mushrooms, fried ingots of gator tail, fried green tomatoes and fried frog legs whose girth and musculature would have put a speed skater to shame.
The Yearling’s owners also operate the nearby Lodge that rented Cabins, where we’d booked accommodations for the night. The lodge consists of seven humble cabins arrayed under a hangar of live oak limbs and echoes with the lusty belchings of bullfrogs in the nearby creek. “That’s what’s so great about it out here. This could never be Orlando. You could never get rid of all the banana spiders, palmetto bugs and snakes.” “So awesome,” she said. “It’s the land that time forgot!”
From the magnificent watery forests to the ecological wonders, a world of serenity and breathtaking seascapes awaits. It’s up to you to figure out what you want out of your Florida Keys dream vacation. From the fisherman to the cultural enthusiast, the sky is the limit in the Florida Keys. The Diversity of a Florida [...]
Florida Keys
From the magnificent watery forests to the ecological wonders, a world of serenity and breathtaking seascapes awaits. It’s up to you to figure out what you want out of your Florida Keys dream vacation. From the fisherman to the cultural enthusiast, the sky is the limit in the Florida Keys. The Diversity of a Florida Keys Dream Vacation Includes: Diving and Snorkeling Swimming with Dolphins, Fishing – Offshore and Charters, Arts and Cultural Experiences Camping in Over 10 Beautiful Parks Spotless White-Sand Beaches, Sailing in Beautiful Waters, Gorgeous Scenic Tours Adventurous, Hiking, Exquisite Dining, Fabulous Entertainment, Endless Shopping, and Much, Much More!
Planning a Wedding? Come to the Florida Keys and Tie the Knot in Style! Looking for Real Estate? Purchase your Dream Home or Vacation Get-Away in the Affordable Florida Keys from one of the many professional realtors in town.
Need Transportation? Getting to the Florida Keys has never been easier. With 4 airports to choose from, including 2 International Airports, the Florida Keys are accessible from anywhere around the globe. Scheduling a Conference? Why not meet in beautiful surroundings! With countless accommodations to satisfy the most discerning visitor, the Florida Keys has a full selection of lodging, including Resorts, Bed and Breakfasts, Motels, Cottages, Cabin Rentals, Beach Rentals, Pet Friendly Vacation Homes, Conference Facilities, and More.
Top Five: 1 — St. Johns River: salty and fresh 2 — When it’s on, West Lake Toho is hard to beat 3 — Sebastian Inlet is tricky, but worth the lost tackle 4 — Indian River Lagoon’s calm water boasts array of fish 5 — You’ll find it’s the redfish that bite at Mosquito [...]
Fishing in Florida
Top Five:
1 — St. Johns River: salty and fresh
2 — When it’s on, West Lake Toho is hard to beat
3 — Sebastian Inlet is tricky, but worth the lost tackle
4 — Indian River Lagoon’s calm water boasts array of fish
5 — You’ll find it’s the redfish that bite at Mosquito Lagoon
Other Great Fishing Spots in Florida
GENEVA – Meandering through Central Florida, the St. Johns River is a top-notch fishery and a scenic getaway for any angler. There are many lakes along the river loaded with fish, attracting all types to try their luck. The hardcore bass anglers tap Lake Monroe in Sanford and Lake George in Astor for trophy fish. Puzzle Lake is good for those wanting to get in on the shad run. But it’s the river that draws the most attention. This is a place all walks of life can fish. Those with high-performance bass boats and those with pontoon boats can cruise along at their own speed and find plenty of places to put a few in the bucket. Family outings are common and if you want to keep the kids involved, look for areas holding lots of bluegills, shellcrackers and bream; odds are you won’t have to look too long. While in Geneva, try a family fun cabin rental for a unique lodging experience.
The chain is made up of lakes from 200 to more than 40,000 acres. Lake Kissimmee weighs in as the biggest lake at 44,000 acres. West Lake Tohopekaliga is one of the most popular lakes, and is the host lake for Bassmaster Elite Series events on the chain. With the numbers of anglers on the lake, and the constant pressure, you have to use varying tactics to find out what the fish want on the day you fish.”The old adage is, if the fish are active on West Lake Toho, that’s the place you want to be,” said John Bitter, owner of Bitter’s Bait and Tackle in Longwood. “Of course, when they’re off, it’s really off, but it’s the best place to be when they’re on.” Other lakes include Lake Cypress, Hatchineha and East Lake Tohopekaliga.
Kissimmee grass and hydrilla are always good places to start your search. The lakes are filled with vegetation and plenty of ambush points. The time of year and the water temperature should be the deciding factors on your tactics. The thoughts of snook, redfish, tarpon and a wide variety of possible catches dance through the mind. As you near the bridge and enter the park, the blood starts pumping quickly when you finally see the water. When you hook up on one of the inlet’s bruiser redfish, huge snook or maybe a Goliath grouper, you understand just why you made the trip.
TITUSVILLE – With miles of flats to pick and choose from, the Indian River Lagoon gives anglers the perfect place to fish. The river, which stretches along the Atlantic Coast from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter Inlet, offers a huge variety of fish to target.”The Indian River Lagoon is the most diverse estuary in the world,” said Jim Ross, a veteran captain. “A lot of offshore and inshore fish breed in the river. You can find snapper, grouper and tarpon as well as the normal species.” In the northern portion of the river, from Titusville to Scotts-moor, redfish are the main draw. Not just any redfish, but big schools of large redfish. These fish have long been targeted and are strictly catch-and-release. The slot-size for redfish is 18 to 27 inches. Most fish in these schools are well over 40 inches. Look for a vacation rental for your Titusville fishing experience.
MERRITT ISLAND – The Mosquito Lagoon is a flats fishing paradise. Labeled as the redfish capital of the world, the lagoon lives up to its billing. Tailing redfish can be found all over this stretch of water that runs from the southern tip of New Smyrna Beach to the north end of Merritt Island. It’s a very shallow body of water. In simple terms, it’s a 20-plus-mile flat.”One of the best things about the lagoon is that you don’t have to worry about the tides,” said Jon Lulay, a captain who fishes the lagoon. “You can come out here anytime and find fish.” Merritt Island is a great place to find a bed and breakfast, pet friendly vacation home or vacation rentals.
Florida has four of the top ten Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States. Cape San Blas, Florida – It was easy to choose Cape San Blas as one of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States. This cape has 20 miles of beautiful beaches on Florida’s gulf coast which is located 35 [...]
Pet Friendly Florida Beaches
Florida has four of the top ten Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States.
Cape San Blas, Florida – It was easy to choose Cape San Blas as one of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States. This cape has 20 miles of beautiful beaches on Florida’s gulf coast which is located 35 miles east of Panama City and just outside the town of Port. St. Joe. In 2002, the state park at the end of the cape was selected as the best beach in America by Dr. Beach. One resident of the area, has this to say about the area, Cape “San Blas and Indian Pass Beach are “definitely dog friendly” and even though Gulf County says “dogs on beach must be leashed” it is definitely not enforced.”However, it is common beach courtesy here to leash your dog when you see another dog or persons coming, and unleash after passing, assuming your dog is under complete control.” During the off season, you can sometimes walk a mile or two on the beach without seeing another person or dog. Look for pet friendly vacation rentals, or bed and breakfasts in Cape San Blas, Florida.
St. George Island, Florida – St. George Island is located just across the bay from historic Apalachicola. St. George Island offers the area’s choicest beach vacation homes. This twenty-nine mile stretch of paradise is no wider than a mile at its widest point and provides access to both the seafood rich waters of Apalachicola Bay, and the emerald green waters of the Gulf. St. George Island beaches have been consistently ranked as one of the top in Florida. One third of the island is Florida state park land which does not allow dogs. But the rest of the island offers public pet friendly beaches, which do allow dogs on a leash or off-leash and under direct voice control. Try a St. George Island beach rental, or vacation rental, make sure it is pet friendly.
Dog Island, Florida – I’m sorry, but this place has to be considered. The main beach is Dog Park Beach. This beach maybe hard to get to, but it’s on our list. This island is a small remote island that is accessible only by boat, ferry or airplane. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be on leash. This island is south of Carrabelle on the Florida Panhandle and is about 50 miles east of Panama City. For accommodations, try a Florida beach rental, or pet friendly vacation home for your stay here.
Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Florida – Grayton is a beautiful 400-acre oceanfront park and was one selected as the best beach in America by Dr. Beach. Today, it’s currently being restored from Hurricane erosion. It is located on S.R. 30-A, south of U.S. 98 between Destin and Seaside. Hours are 8 a.m. to sundown. Pet policy from the Web site, says, “Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches, in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.” Pet Friendly Florida vacation rental, or cabin rental is a great for your visit to Grayton Beach.
Grab your sunscreen, beach umbrella, bathing suit, and get ready to do it Florida vacation style. For over two decades Florida has been our destination of choice for many good reasons. As you read this page and travel to Florida with me, let me paint you a picture… If you have been on a Florida [...]
Grab your sunscreen, beach umbrella, bathing suit, and get ready to do it Florida vacation style. For over two decades Florida has been our destination of choice for many good reasons. As you read this page and travel to Florida with me, let me paint you a picture… If you have been on a Florida vacation, you will know exactly what I am talking about, so reminisce with me for a minute.
Florida Vacation Rentals
The sun is shining brightly as you wake up to the waves crashing upon the shore. You sit up, yawn, stretch, and take the deepest breath you have ever taken as you inhale the aromas of the sea. A thought rushes to your mind – No work, no boss, no hassles, no bills. Nothing but the ones you love and a scene before your eyes that you thought only the rich and famous got to enjoy. Travel is expensive. I mean, most of us are on that vicious cycle of work, pay bills, work, pay bills, and it seems to never end.
However, a Florida vacation can be affordable!! My wife and I have visited the various Florida beaches many times and have become experts at doing it on a serious budget. We have found ways to find deals and stay on a travel budget, while still enjoying as much of Florida as possible. This includes the sandy beaches that go on for miles, spending quality time together we don’t get at home, taking part in the vast history, being young again with the hundreds of attractions, and discover a different vacation experience every time.
So, we looked for Discount Florida Vacations to help us, the travelers and Florida beach lovers who can’t seem to find the time/money to take a vacation. We looked for discounted travels, cheap vacation ideas, Florida family vacation packages, hot travel deals, romantic Florida vacations, last minute travel deal packages, to find they type of savings so we can enjoy our Florida discount vacations to the fullest. One of the best ways to make your vacation more affordable is to book your accommodations at a Florida beach rental, a Florida vacation rental, or vacation home, or Florida bed breakfast. We also look to many of the best Florida beaches and Florida vacation sites that will make you feel like you’re there before you even leave. You’ll be able to feel the sand between your toes!! One of my favorite quotes is: “A Penny saved is a Penny earned” Clark W. Griswold’s credo.
Those in search of a romantic celebration could opt for a weekend getaway to one of the area’s oceanfront resorts or acclaimed bed and breakfasts. Spend the day pampering yourself at one of the premier area spas such as La Bella Spa in Merritt Island, village Day Spa in Cocoa village or Kalianas Spa & [...]
Those in search of a romantic celebration could opt for a weekend getaway to one of the area’s oceanfront resorts or acclaimed bed and breakfasts. Spend the day pampering yourself at one of the premier area spas such as La Bella Spa in Merritt Island, village Day Spa in Cocoa village or Kalianas Spa & Wellness Sanctuary, a new Hawaiian themed “green spa” in Indian Harbour Beach.
Your romantic evening on the Space Coast includes a sunset or moonlit stroll along one of the many picturesque beaches. Some prefer, however, the romantic magic found on a sail down the intracoastal waterway on the 47-foot catamaran run by Indian River Cruises. The vessel’s captains offer a relaxed tour of the area’s turn of the century homes and breathtaking views of the spectacular sunsets as you relax on pillows spread out on the deck.
A few especially romantic restaurants that always receive rave reviews are Cafe Margaux and The Black Tulip in Historic Downtown Cocoa Village, The Mango Tree in Cocoa Beach and The continental Flambe in historic downtown Melbourne. There are also plenty of establishments offering a laid back Florida atmosphere and fantastic fare. For seafood, try Florida Seafood Bar and Grill in Cocoa Beach; Pineda crossings in Palm Shores or Chowders in Rockledge. All are local favorites.
Later, couples can spend a few hours dancing at one of the area’s popular discotheques like The Red head Martini & Cigar Bar in Port Canaveral or the classy jazz club, Heidi’s, located in the heart of Cocoa beach.
For those looking for a more adventurous night out on the town, a host of opportunities abound. Especially on the weekends, the historic city centers come alive in Cocoa village and downtown Melbourne. Both contain assorted locations for eating, drinking, dancing and of course, bar-hopping. Some area favorites include Meg O’Malley’s in downtown Melbourne, City Tropics in Indialantic, Murdoch’s Bistro and Char Bar in Cocoa village and Grill’s restaurant and Tiki Bar that offers live music and dancing in Port Canaveral’s Cove area. Down the street from Grill’s, along a street packed with entertainment venues, is Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill and Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, casual waterfront restaurants that are great for watching the cruise ships come in and out the Port. Great nightlife can be found dotting the map across the Space Coast, from performances at the King center for the Performing Arts to Summer Saturday Nights at Brevard Zoo to great hangouts nestled everywhere between Sebastian to Titusville.
Six Hot Spots for Romance
1. Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay off Port Malabar Boulevard in Palm Bay, a stroll through this nature center will take you back to old Florida. Besides it being a romantic walk through the sand pine forests and along the creeks of the sanctuary (there are hearts on the boardwalk with loving sayings) this 22-acre oasis is ideal for couples who want alone time. At times, it’s so quiet you can hardly hear a peep. There are lookout points where you can stop and look over the winding creek and watch the manatees. There is a nature center where you and your date can learn about the ecosystems of Florida, and you can even rent a kayak from the Palm Bay Marina and kayak along the creek to enjoy the vegetation and marine life that’s unique to the Space Coast.
Florida Space Center
2. The Botanical Gardens at Florida Tech in Melbourne. The botanical Gardens at Florida Tech hosts many weddings and romantic dates. You can walk the 35-acre oasis and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by one of the ponds or bridges. Secret pathways abound, and there is unique history in the area. A self-guided tour brochure can be downloaded from the website (www.facilities.fit.edu/botan.html and click on “Botanical Gardens”). You and your date can enjoy the adventure and rest for a picnic lunch.
3. Canaveral National Seashore – One of our most beautiful natural wonders, this seashore covers about 57,0000 acres along Florida’s East Coast. But the romantic part about this area is the beaches. Pristine, raw and untouched, these are some of the most natural and beautiful beaches on the Space Coast. Being on Playalinda beach makes it seem like there’s no one else there on Earth besides you and your date. Sometimes, these beaches can be so secluded it’s hard to see another person for miles. This unobtrusive vibe is rivaled only by the drive through the marshes on the way to the beach. The two-lane highway to the Playalinda Beach boardwalks cuts through old marsh areas and was carved out by the old mosquito patrols of the county in the 60′s. It makes for a romantic drive, because rarely does a car pass you on the lonely road.
4. Port Canaveral – There is so much more than cruise ships at the port. To start, there are restaurants where couples can dine on the dock and watch the ships come and go. There are events and couples can walk the boardwalk and look at the manatees frolicking in the water below. It’s a great place to watch the shuttle and rocket launches, for camping, fishing, bird watching, swimming in the surf and none of it is really expensive.
5. Cruise the River – There are a few cruises couples can take on the Indian River, depending on your tastes. There are intimate dinner cruises and loud, party ones. The Indian River Queen, docked in Cocoa Village, offers couples a nice dinner cruise, albeit, not so secluded. The paddleboat can hold up to 260 people. Indian River Cruises is a more intimate option. The catamaran can hold up to six people, and will take a minimum of two. Imagine an intimate dinner for two with your own personal chef on a sunset cruise. You can create your own menu and then set sail away in the Indian River sunset.
6. A Picnic in The Park – One of the nice things about this area is there is a lot of green space. One of the oldest, more secluded and most beautiful is Ballard Park off Thomas Barbour Drive in Melbourne. A large tributary welcomes boats, beautiful birds and one of the most spectacular views of the Indian River on the county’s south side. All of this together makes for one really romantic date – especially during the pre-evening hours, just before the park closes. There are little pagodas that sit close to the Indian River where you can have a picnic, and because of the slow speed manatee signs, the passing boats seem as if they’re barely there.
Complete your Romantic Florida Vacation with a romantic Florida bed and breakfast, Florida vacation rental, or Florida vacation home.
A Florida Vacation Rental will make your next family trip more rewarding. If you are looking for a great vacation idea, consider booking a quality Florida bed and breakfast in the Tampa Bay area – where you and your family can enjoy lots of fun, with privacy and comfort. Pick a great family getaway spot [...]
FL Vacation Rentals
A Florida Vacation Rental will make your next family trip more rewarding. If you are looking for a great vacation idea, consider booking a quality Florida bed and breakfast in the Tampa Bay area – where you and your family can enjoy lots of fun, with privacy and comfort. Pick a great family getaway spot on the Gulf of Mexico: St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Shores, or Indian Shores. Properties offered by vacation rental owners are either on the beach or on the bay. And to make it even better, they are close to the famous theme parks and attractions in Orlando.
There are lots of great places to visit in Clearwater, St Petersburg, Tampa and the area surrounding numerous fun day trips to make your getaway as fun and relaxing as you choose. Condos, vacation homes and villas come fully equipped with everything you need for a fun and relaxing time in Florida.
If you want to start your vacation at Disney World, there are sites that will show you how to put together your own package including the items you need from airfare to Disney vacation rentals, rental cars, and tickets. It is also your best source for info on any special price breaks Disney will be offering during the times you plan to visit. The best deals obviously are offered during the times when the parks are less crowded. In other words, don’t expect too many price breaks if you’re visiting in summer or during a major holiday. If you’re willing to consider staying at a non-Disney hotel, your next move is to find a Disney vacation home. If you’re visiting in the winter and not planning to visit the water parks, you don’t need ticket packages that include the water parks.
If you’re into fine dining and want to sample every ethnic cuisine at Epcot, a package which includes all your meals may be a bargain–but if you have young kids and prefer grabbing fast food on the run, a meal-inclusive package simply won’t pay for itself. The bottom line is that if something is included in the package you’re paying for it one way or the other, even if you’re paying at a reduced rate. A package full of non-essentials will end up costing you more than purchasing your room, tickets, and food separately. So don’t get so swayed by the pretty brochure that you forget to do the basic math.
Hiking in Florida is a great way to spend an active holiday. Some of the most popular hiking locations in Florida include the Ocala National Forest, Withlacoochee State Forest, and Kissimmee River National Scenic Trail, many of which are in close proximity to Florida cabin rentals and Florida vacation rentals. For those hikers longing for [...]
Hiking in Florida
Hiking in Florida is a great way to spend an active holiday. Some of the most popular hiking locations in Florida include the Ocala National Forest, Withlacoochee State Forest, and Kissimmee River National Scenic Trail, many of which are in close proximity to Florida cabin rentals and Florida vacation rentals.
For those hikers longing for solitude, the Kissimmee River National Scenic Trail is likely your best bet. This beautiful and winding trail is considered to be one of the most remote in all of Florida. Vacation rentals can be found in many areas with access to trail heads. Other hikers interested in hikes surrounded by water will certainly want to consider the trails of the Ocala National Forest, which is close to several Florida hiking vacation rentals and is located in North Central Florida between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers. This forest has the claim to fame of being the southernmost forest in the continental United States.
Another great area to keep in mind is the Withlacoochee State Forest – the third largest state forest in Florida. Withlacoochee State Forest’s location allows for easy access for many hikers because it is within two hours driving time from Orlando and many other heavily populated areas. On the way there, many perfect Florida cabin rentals can be found, and are favored among the most savvy of hikers. Withlacoochee State Forest also has the distinction of being awarded as one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund – a sure attraction for many hiking hipsters.
Other popular Florida hiking areas in close proximity to Florida vacation rentals include Blackwater River State Forest, Corbett Wildlife Management Area, Turkey Lake Park Nature Trail, and Myakka River State Park. Visitors to these destinations can be sure to find great deals on cabin rentals and hiking vacation rentals.