Archive for April, 2012

Ride the Orange Blossom Cannonball

Monday, 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

Saturday, 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

Wednesday, 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

Tuesday, 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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