Archive for May, 2011

Silver Springs Nature Park

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Silver Springs is the largest artesian spring in the world. Each day, 550 million gallons of sparkling clear water pumps forth from the spring – enough to supply New York City. It is an astonishing display of nature’s power. See for yourself. Travel to Central East Florida and stay in a nearby Ocala FL Bed and Breakfast.

White alligator, not albino

See the rare white alligator at Silver Springs Nature Park.

One of the best ways to experience Silver Springs is to take a cruise in a glass bottom boat. The water is so clear you can see deep below you – views normally reserved for scuba divers. The U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains steer the boats to all seven of the major spring formations at the headwaters, and offer several tours.

Look for alligators and six different types of turtles at Fish Reception Hall spring, and notice the fossilized shells that date back 70 million years. Go back in time with the Fort King River Cruise, which leads passengers past a working archaeological dig, a Seminole Indian village, and a “Cracker” homestead from pioneer times. The Lost River Voyage brings you even farther back in history, along untamed riverbanks lined with ancient bald cypress trees and populated with alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds.

In addition to the phenomenal natural springs, visitors of Silver Springs can view a number of wildlife exhibits, walk through lush botanical gardens, and get the adrenaline pumping on thrilling rides. Concerts and special events also take place at Silver Springs: see Cirque Shanghai and Sea Hunt over Memorial Day Weekend, 2011.

Silver Springs Nature Park is a fun addition to a stay at Ocala Florida Bed and Breakfasts. For more information, please see Silver Springs.

The Historic Edison and Ford Estate Gardens

Friday, May 20th, 2011

The great inventor Thomas Alva Edison was also an impassioned amateur botanist and enthusiastic gardener. Edison and his wife Mina began gardening soon after arriving in Fort Myers, Florida. Today, gardens at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates encompass 20 acres and contain more than 1,700 plants. The collection includes more than 400 species from six continents. These gardens are on every “must see” list for SW Florida, and a visit is easily incorporated into a stay at a Cape Coral or Bokeelia Bed and Breakfast vacation.

Largest Banyan Tree In The US / Thomas Edisons Estate / Fort Myers / Florida

Banyan Tree at Edison's Winter Estate in Fort Meyers

Edison approached his gardens as he approached his work, methodically and with purpose. Ever the inventor, Edison constantly researched the uses of plants. He used bamboo in his lightbulbs, and by the late 1920′s was known throughout the world for his work with rubber trees. Yet he and his wife also loved nature; many of the flowers were planted to attract birds and butterflies, and many fruit trees were planted for their fruit. (more…)

The Art Deco District of Miami Beach

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Simplicity ~ Miami Beach

Don't miss the fantastic architecture of Miami Beach.

The Art Deco District of Miami Beach has become one of the city’s main attractions, and with good reason. The district boasts a good many buildings designed and built in the 1920s and 1930s, and even if you don’t think that style of architecture is cool, it is undeniably highly stylized and retro. The neighborhood bounded by 6th Street to the South, Alton Road to the West, Collins Canal to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east has a unique atmosphere. Guests of Southeast Florida Bed and Breakfasts should at the very least drive through the district during their stay.

Today, most of the 800 Art Deco buildings have been restored, and the district is full of cultural hot spots. Start with a walking tour of the district, all of which start at the Art Deco Welcome Center. After the tour, quench your thirst at one of the sidewalk cafes or bars clustered along Ocean Drive, then browse the funky boutiques and antique shops lining Lincoln Road.

If Miami is your point of arrival and departure for a vacation at a Southeast Florida Bed and Breakfast, the Art Deco District is worth a visit.

Plein Air Paintout in NW Florida

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Art enthusiasts are invited to travel to NW Florida for the 2011 Plein Air Paintout, May 13-22.

Come to NW Florida for the the Plein Air Paintout, May 13-22, 2011.

Plein Air painting first captured the hearts of artists in 19th century Europe. John Constable was one great artist to leave the studio behind. He painted the natural world as he saw it, when he saw it. Simple as it sounds, it was revolutionary. Other artists also felt the call to paint every day life and the world as it was. Plein Air painting was the predecessor to a movement recognized by all – Impressionism.

True plein air paintings are created on location; ideally, there is little or no work done in the studio at all. Artists much capture the sun as it rises or sets, finding the right colors in a matter of minutes. It is challenging, but the rewards are many.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational spans ten days and includes 5 exhibits, daily demonstrations, workshops, public receptions, and art sales. Although specific artists are invited to participate, many other artists also set up their easels up and down the coast.

NW Florida Bed and Breakfasts welcome both artists and art enthusiasts. The Plein Air Paintout spans several communities on the Forgotten Coast, including but not limited to Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Apalachicola.

Please see Plein Air Paintout for additional information.

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