Sarasota After Dark

May 10th, 2012
Sarasota Florida

Discover all there is to do in Sarasota after dark

No matter how you spend the daylight hours in Sarasota–kayaking around Sarasota Bay, stretched out on one of the white sandy beaches, or perusing the numerous shops and art galleries–you’ll want to stay up to discover Sarasota after dark.

The Banyan Theater Company is a delightful summer theater. This summer, guests of Sarasota Bed and Breakfasts can watch A Lesson from Aloes, by Athol Fugard, The Piano Teacher, by Julia Cho, and Crimes of the Heart, by Beth Henley.

The Players Theatre puts on a Summer Sizzler Series that is sure to pique your interest. In 2012, the series includes Taffetas, Terra Nova, Lettice and Loveage, and Stay.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota sponsors events throughout the year. Their Jazz on the Water series with LeBarge Tropical Cruises is particularly fun.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall brings amazing performers from all over the world to Sarasota. See the Philadelphia Orchestra on June 1 or a fantastical performance by Momix on June 30.

Spend some time at a Sarasota Bed and Breakfast this summer, and discover all the city has to offer after dark.

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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

May 1st, 2012
Epcot flower garden festival

See Toy Story Topiaries at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival..

Everything is in bloom right now at Epcot Center, and the blossoms are being celebrated with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. If you like flowers, you’ll find that May is an excellent time to plan a trip to an Orlando, Florida Bed and Breakfast.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is hosting several special events.

  • Flower Power Concert Series. See the New ELO Orchestra May 4-8, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone May 11-13, and THE MONKEES lead singer Micky Dolenz, May 18-20.
  • Special Displays and Topiaries. Themes include Sustainable Beauty; Haiti: Garden of Many Colors; English Tea Garden; Epcot Gardens of the World.
  • HGTV Designers Shows will take the stage Fridays through Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. See Antonio Ballatore give The Antonio Treatment on May 4-6, Carter Oosterhouse and Million Dollar Rooms on May 11-13, and Genevieve Gorder on May 18-20. Additional shows take place throughout the month of May.

What with live music, special events, and more than 100 topiaries, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is not to be missed. Find a room in an Orlando Bed and Breakfast, pack your bags, and head to Epcot as soon as you can.

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Ride the Orange Blossom Cannonball

April 30th, 2012

You may not recognize the name, but you’ll probably recognize the train. The Orange Blossom Cannonball is a historic steam train in Central Florida. It’s also a movie star.

Historic Steam Trains.

Ride the historic Orange Blossom Cannonball the next time you're in Central East Florida.

This little train has been featured in more than 20 films, such as “True Grit”, “Appaloosa”, 3:10 to Yuma, and “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”.  Folks who ride in it sit in seats once occupied by the likes of George Clooney and Jodi Foster. That’s cool.

The Orange Blossom Cannonball dates from 1907, and when you ride it, you really feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The wooden passengers cars are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Travel 16 miles along Lake Dora and through the Florida countryside to Lake Jem, then back. The scenic trip lasts two hours. Passengers are encouraged to stretch their legs at Lake Jem while the train is being prepared for the return trip.

The Orange Blossom Cannonball departs from Tavares, which is less than an hour from most Orlando, Florida Bed and Breakfasts. Mount Dora Bed and Breakfasts are just minutes from the historic train.

Riding the Orange Blossom Cannonball is a fun addition to any trip to Central East Florida. Additional information may be found at Orange Blossom Cannonball.

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Take Mom to Florida

April 21st, 2012

Take Mom to Florida this year for Mother’s Day. If you can, get all your siblings to meet you there. Stay in a luxurious Florida Bed and Breakfast, and smother your mother with attention and love.

Mother's Day in Florida Bed and Breakfasts

Bring your mother to Florida for a special Mother's Day treat.

If your mom is active, plan a day of kayaking along the coast or deep sea fishing. Go snorkeling together (when was the last time you did that?). Swim with a manatee or a dolphin. Or simply lie on beach and cool off in the water.

Go for a walk on the beach before breakfast. Poke around shops or museums or art galleries. Get a pedicure and a new pair of sandals. Stay up late talking, sitting outside  and enjoying a cool drink and the warm air.

The truth is, it doesn’t really matter what you do together. What matters is that you make time for her.

Show your mother how much you appreciate her by going out of your way for her now. She’ll remember a trip to a Florida Bed and Breakfast much longer than a vase of flowers, lovely though they may be.

 

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Florida in the Spring

April 11th, 2012
Little Havana in Miami

Enjoy bustling Little Havana, in Miami.

Spring is a wonderful time to travel to Florida. The temperature tends to hover in the low 80s throughout the state, and humidity is low.

It’s a great time to visit the cities of Miami, Tampa, St. Augustine, Tallahasse, Orlando, and Naples. Many Florida Bed and Breakfasts are located in walkable, historic districts.

Explore the neighborhoods of Miami, many of which offer art strolls; galleries in the Bird Road Art District host an art walk from 7-10 p.m. the third Saturday of each month; There is an arts and culture street festival and gallery stroll every Friday evening in Little Havana; and galleries and showrooms in the Miami Design District stays open late the second Saturday of each month.

Treasure Island Florida

Sunset on Treasure Island.

Lounge on the fabulous beaches around St. Petersburg (St. Pete) by day: Treasure Island, Gulfport Beach Park, and the scenic Fred Howard Park. Then take advantage of the many restaurants, wine bars, and clubs in the city. Downtown St. Pete has lots of good places to dine while enjoying views of the waterfront: Ceviche has a romantic atmosphere and outstanding Tapas; Hurricane Seafood Restaurant features amazing sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico and fabulous crabcakes and grouper sandwiches.

Find a Florida Bed and Breakfast in the middle of a bustling, colorful town like Key West or a town steeped in history like St. Augustine. Explore the town on foot as much as you can, seeking interesting neighborhoods often overlooked by tourists. Ask a local (the innkeeper) where to go, and have fun exploring Florida this spring.

 

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Scenic Hikes In Cape Coral

April 3rd, 2012
Koreshan State Park Florida

Historic cottage at the Koreshan Settlement.

Hiking is one of the best ways to get a feel for a place, and scenic hikes in Cape Coral reveal spreading mangroves, winding rivers, and lots of natural beauty.

Perhaps the best way to find good local hikes is to ask the innkeepers of your Cape Coral, Florida Bed and Breakfast. That said, read on for a few trail suggestions.

The trail at Four Mile Ecological Park is easy and well maintained. The loop meanders some 1.3 miles along the Caloosahatchee River, and much of the trail is a boardwalk. Wonderful, large, spreading mangroves along the river offer cooling shade. Wildlife abounds, especially egrets, herons, and migratory birds. Keep an eye out for alligators, which sometimes make an appearance.

Pine Island has a short, pleasant hike through mangroves. St. Jude Trail is perfect for hot afternoons when you feel like stretching your legs but don’t want to get too hot. The path is largely shaded and quite short–just one mile round trip. You should bring bug spray if you plan to make use of the benches.

Koreshan State Park, in Estero, has trails along the river and around the park boundary. Walkers traverse pine woods and have ample opportunities to sit and rest. An interesting stop is ‘New Jerusalem”, a historic site of buildings and gardens created by the community of Koreshans who settled here in the early 20th century.

There may be excellent walking trails close to your SW Florida Bed and Breakfast. Ask around, and bring your walking shoes.

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Celebrate Special Occasions in Florida

March 23rd, 2012

Special occasions are just that: special. There are only so many of them in a lifetime. A marriage, the birth of a child, a big anniversary (silver, gold), a retirement. Certain occasions beg for special recognition.

Florida Weddings

To get married on the beach in Florida. Bliss.

Celebrate your next special occasion in Florida.

Are you planning a wedding? Have a destination wedding in Florida, where you can say your vows on the beach and spend your honeymoon at a Florida Bed and Breakfast, kissed by sunshine and warmth.

Approaching your silver or gold anniversary? Celebrate it in Florida. Travel with just your spouse, or bring along the whole family. This is indeed cause for jubilation.

Retiring? Travel to Florida with your closest business associates and their spouses. You’ve worked a long time, and you deserve something more than a party.

Special occasions deserved to be recognized and celebrated in style. Bring your next special occasion to a Florida Bed and Breakfast.

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Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

March 21st, 2012

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT)is about more than just transportation. It’s about recreation.

The trail currently spans more than 70 miles between Key Largo and Key West. More sections of the trail are under construction; and eventually it will stretch the whole way from Key West to the mainland, running parallel to Highway 1.

FKOHT is scenic from start to finish. It’s a beautiful venue for walking, running, cycling, in-line skating, and even fishing. The trail crosses 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges, many of which now have cantilevered fishing platforms. Anglers will want to check out Channel Two Historic Bridge and the Tom’s Harbor Channel Historic Bridges.

10 Florida State Parks are located along the trail, making it easy to explore different sections of the trail without traversing it entirely by bike or on foot. These parks also provide great opportunities for snorkeling, paddling, and swimming.

While it is true that every traveler wants a unique experience, immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the Florida Keys is an essential part of a Key West vacation. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail helps people–both travelers and locals–get close to nature. It provides safe opportunities for walking and cycling, and scenic opportunities for fishing and picnicking. In addition, it has many good launching points for kayaks.

Ask the innkeepers about the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail during your next Key West Bed and Breakfast vacation. It’s worth discovering.

Florida Keys Overseas Trail

The Florida Keys Overseas Trail.

florida-keys-overseas-heritage-trail

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Spring Events in Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas

March 14th, 2012

People from up and down the Eastern Seaboard flock to Florida each spring, and with good reason. It’s nice down here.

The weather is all over the map in many parts of the country, which is typical for spring. In one day alone, one can experience snow, rain, wind, and sun. While this can be exhilarating, it can also be exhausting. Sometimes a person just wants to know how to dress for the day. That’s why we suggest a lengthy stay in a NW Florida Bed and Breakfast.

As of this writing, it is sunny and 76 degrees in Port St. Joe, Northwest Florida; in a word, it’s perfect. The forecast says it will be close to this temperature for the next ten days. We may see a little fog and a few clouds, but in general, we can expect sun and warmth. That’s why people travel to Florida in the spring.

NW Florida Bed and Breakfasts and Spring Events

Head to NW Florida for the "From the Heart Music Hour".

Several fun events are on the horizon in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas:

  • Sandcastles of St. Joseph on Cape San Blas, March 31 and April 1. Folks of all ages are invited to let their creativity and building skills shine during this event. Learn a few Sand Sculpting tips from masters and then plunge your hands into the sand. Awards will be given for Best Architecture, Most Humorous, Most Artistic, and People’s Choice.
  • Downtown Merchant’s First Fridays at Five. If you prefer to spend your daytime hours on the beach rather than in town, take advantage of the fact that shops stay open late the first Friday of the the month in downtown Port. St. Joe. You can browse the shops until 8 p.m., and dine at any number of restaurants until 10 p.m.
  • First Fridays Music Series. Beginning in April, there will be live music every First Friday of the month on the porch of the Thirsty Goat Bar & Grill. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant, then head outside, pull up a chair, and let the music flow over you from 7 to 11:30 p.m.
  •  A Gulf County Weekend with Billy Dean. The sixth episode of the documentary style music television program, From the Heart Music Hour, will be filmed in several venues around Gulf County on April 6, 7, and 8, 2012. There are sure to be some outstanding performances.

Whether you’re in town to take advantage of any of these fun events or not, you’ll enjoy a holiday in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas. The simple fact is, it’s very pleasant around here in the spring.

 

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Countdown to Shrimpfest!

March 6th, 2012
Amelia Island Shrimp Festival pirate

Watch out for pirates during the Amelia Island Shrimp Festival, May 4-6, 2012.

The countdown to Shrimpfest has begun!

Each year, the Shrimp Festival celebrates the humble shrimp and all shrimp has brought to Fernandina Beach. The modern, motorized shrimping industry has its roots here, and shrimp remains critical to the economy of the town. At night, lights from shrimp boats glimmer on the water. During the day, those same boats are moored in Fernandina Harbor. Day after day, locals and visitors alike dine on fresh, local, wild-caught shrimp. Life is good.

Shrimpfest is one of the biggest events of the year on Amelia Island (it has grown considerably since the first celebration in 1963). Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the live music, the crafts and antique fairs, fireworks, and the Shrimp Festival Parade. Visitors expect to be invaded by pirates (all in good fun), and to consume shrimp just about any way it can be prepared.

The Amelia Island Shrimp Festival takes place the first weekend in May; this year, that’s May 4, 5, and 6. Book your Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast soon. See you at Shrimp Festival 2012!

Additional festival events can be found at Shrimp Festival.

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