Archive for February, 2012

Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Spend a day at the Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village during your next Central West Florida Bed and Breakfast vacation.

Dusk at the Florida Botanical Gardens

Spend a day at the Florida Botanical Gardens.

Both the Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village are free and open daily. The gardens include 30 acres of cultivated gardens and 90 acres of natural areas. Visitors relax in a beautiful setting, admire wildlife, and learn about native flora and fauna.

The Heritage Village brings the history of Pinellas County to life. Some 30 historic structures, including a school, church, and sponge warehouse, are located on the 21-acre living history museum. People of all ages find the Heritage Village informative and fun.

The Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village are located in Largo, about 30 minutes north of St Petersburg, Florida. Additional information may be found at the Florida Botanical Gardens.

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Summer Lives on in Florida

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Summer lives on in Florida. Indeed, Florida is one of the only places in the country right now that feels summery. We’ve had our cold snap, thank you, and now we’re all relishing the warmer temperatures.

Vacation Key West, Florida

This could be you, happy in Florida.

You want to be warm, too. You know you do. Cold weather is lovely, especially when it comes with snow and crackling fires. But at present, much of the country is without snow. If you’re there, and not here, you know that chilly temperatures without snow get on a person’s nerves. The solution? Find a Florida Bed and Breakfast to your liking, grab your sweetie, and come on down.

Florida has so much to offer. You can wiggle your toes in sun-kissed sand. You can paddle along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and stroll through the historic town of St. Augustine. You can charter a boat and fish off of Key West, or search for shells on Sanibel Island. Float side by side on the surf. Swim laps in an outdoor pool. Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner out-of-doors. Wear summer dresses and shorts. Leave your sweaters at home.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Don’t hesitate. Come to Florida now.

 

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Central East Florida Nature Tours

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Some folks travel to Central East Florida for Disney World. Some come here for Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. Still others come here for the nature. This blog is for the outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Florida kayaking

Imagine yourself on a paddling adventures in Central East Florida.

Kayak tours are a fantastic way to explore both coastal waters and inland waters. Try a romantic sunset paddle, or a moonlight cook-out and paddle. Consider an afternoon of kayak sailing; it’s a great way to cover more distance and pick up a little speed. Kayak the Jack Island Preserve area of the Indian River Lagoon or the quiet Sebastian river. Explore Blue Cypress Lake, home to many wonderful birds, or paddle around the Barrier Islands, home to dolphins and manatee. Any time in a kayak will be fun. See Tropical Kayak Tours for more possibilities.

Stand up Paddle boarding is a fantastic way to feel fit and have fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced or a novice–if you fall in, the water is warm. See what it’s like to walk on water in the company of dolphins and manatee. It could be one of those life-changing experiences. Please see Super Eco Adventures for specifics.

Honest John’s Fish Camp is a local treasure. The legacy of an honest man who loved to fish lives on here, run by his grandchildren. This is a good place to rent a fishing boat and learn about the local waters and fish. You’ll also see wonderful wildlife.

Come explore the quiet side of Florida. Get out in nature. Keep it real by lodging in a Melbourne Beach, Florida Bed and Breakfast.

 

 

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Alligators and Affluence

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Florida can be a study in contrast, as the drive along Alligator Alley reveals. This unique stretch of road leads to alligators and affluence, simplicity and luxury.

Alligator Mississippiensis

The wild Florida Everglades surround much of Alligator Alley.

Alligator Alley is, in fact, I-75. It runs from Fort Lauderdale, in Southeast Florida, to Naples, in Southwest Florida. In between, there isn’t much in the way of “civilization.” The bulk of the road traverses an enormous expanse of Florida Everglades, home to birds and alligators, not shops and eateries.

Alligator Alley isn’t a dirt road, but it feels like one. Your cell phone won’t work on most of Alligator Alley. There aren’t numerous gleaming pit stops. Fill your tank at the Miccosukee Indian Reservation when you get the chance. Take a moment to stop your car, wait for a lull in the traffic, and listen. Imagine what lurks on the other side of the fence.

Flying solo

Sunset in Naples.

A whole different world awaits at the end of the road in Naples–a world of tranquility and luxury. Naples is the kind of place to visit with the person you love. It has restaurants for intimate dinners and beaches for strolling hand in hand. There is affluence here, but little attitude; the atmosphere of Naples is relaxed and welcoming.

Take some time to drive a stretch of Alligator Alley and explore Naples when you next stay in a Southwest Florida Bed and Breakfast. It’s a wonderful study in contrast.

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