Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival

Mount Dora is the perfect place to visit and enjoy a weekend of rocking blues in downtown Mount Dora with some of the most original and raw American Blues artists from throughout the South, including Blues Brothers Revisited, Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists.  It wouldn’t be a wine festival without an ideal selection of wines for your tasting as you stroll around town!

Mount Dora is one of the easiest towns to stroll around in to visit their many shops, restaurants and Bed and Breakfast Inns.  It epitomizes the quaint charm of a southern town with friendly and welcoming people.   This Blues and Wine Festival sounds like a great line up of entertainment and a fun way to spend the weekend.   Farnsworth House  and the Magnolia Inn are downtown Bed and Breakfast Inns for your convenience to stay; and the Cinnamon Inn is located in a rural setting.

The Blues and Wine Festival kicks off at Elizabeth Evans Park with the poignant vocals and unique guitar style of Charlie Morris and his rock-steady rhythm!  Followed by Mount Dora’s own Blues Brothers Revisited Show and featuring Andrew Mullen as Jake, T. Scott Walker as Elwood, Jacqueline “Queenie” Jones as Aretha! and the “Eustis Horns”. The Nightly Blues Band will follow with their mix of Southern Blues.  Then Miss Jacqueline “Queenie” Jones will wrap up the evening with her unique soulful blues style.

Saturday activities begin with a Wine Stroll and Tasting at Maggie’s Attic.  You can sample wines from vineyards around the world.  Enjoy the blues sounds of Brad Catron and Albert Bashor.   Entertainment begins at Lakeside Inn with a FREE Concert featuring  David Oliver Willis , a Mount Dora native and a Season 12 Top 25 Contestant on American Idol. David gives us his unique style of folk/blues.  Following David you will enjoy Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists.  Franc Robert brings us a stripped-down raw and powerful blues sound!  After the show, make your way down to Elizabeth Evans Park for the feature show at Elizabeth Evans Park, opening with Jerry J’s Triple Shot, “Southern Fried Outlaw Blues” and followed by: Thomas Wynn and the Believers “Southern Soul Rock with Muscle” – Orlando Sentinel.   “Soulful, gritty tunes, some as sweet as honeysuckle and others ferociously jagged … reminiscent of Levon Helm, Neil Young and the Allman Brothers, but they still boldly radiate a sound and southern charm all their own.” – Metromix Orlando.   The headline act is Chris Simmons and Royal Blue
Chris Simmons spent the last five years touring the world as guitarist with Leon Russell. He is an extraordinarily talented blues man that will make you feel his emotion and heart with every note. He’s now out there with his own band, sharing his music.

Sunday at the Community Center begins with great BBQ from Black Bear Smokehouse. BBQ sold separately and can be added to Blues ticket order.
Sunday’s show features the Beautiful Bobby Blackmon followed by Little Jake and The Soul Searchers

Have a great weekend of Blues and Wine at a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Congratulation to the Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach, FL; Horse and Chaise Inn, Venice, FL; and Victorian House, St. Augustine, FL who are all members of the Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns, for making the Top 10 Bed and Breakfast list in Florida, as published in The guardian, UK.

On Monday, April 29, 2013, Bonnie Gross and Bob Rountree of The Guardian chose from historic guesthouses with old Florida charm to luxurious inns and comfy lakeside cabins in the Sunshine State and chose some interesting places to stay.  This is what they had to say.

Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach

This elegant B&B overlooks the Halifax River and takes its name from the dolphins that patrol the waters off its dock. The expansive great room downstairs includes a bar, sitting area and breakfast room, where a full Southern-style breakfast is served at weekends. You are within walking distance of restaurants and shops in the historic downtown area and a short distance from beaches , surf shops and Flagler Avenue’s beachside galleries and eateries.
• +1 386 410 4868, blackdolphininn.com. Doubles from $129 B&B

Horse and Chaise Inn, Venice

This charming inn lies in the heart of Venice’s historic district, developed as a planned community as an investment by a railroad union during the 1920s. At the time, railroads were rapidly spreading across Florida for transport of winter crops to the populous north and to bring northerners south for respite from Yankee winters. The stucco exterior and tasteful landscaping blend well in this neighborhood of stately homes and wide boulevards. All nine rooms are comfortable and plush, and the reading room serves as a gathering place for guests to play games. There’s a 24-hour snack cupboard to supplement the gourmet breakfasts. You are a pleasant walk from white-sand beaches and be sure to try the seafood at the nearby Crow’s Nest, overlooking the inlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Just don’t try to book for the summer months: t
• +1 941 488 2702, horseandchaiseinn.com. Doubles from $119 B&B. Closed from July until 15 October

Victorian House, St Augustine

St Augustine was founded in 1565 by a Spanish admiral, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the US. It’s full of historic B&Bs, and the Victorian House, a well-preserved 1895 building, epitomizes all the things that are enchanting about them. A key asset is its excellent location, on a quiet street in the historic district, where horse-drawn carriage tours clip-clop past over the cobblestones. Another is the breakfasts, a cut above the usual.
• +1 904 824 5214, victorianhousebnb.com. Doubles from $119 B&B

guardian.co.uk Copyright (c) Guardian News and Media Limited. 2013 Registered in England and Wales No. 908396 Registered office: PO Box 68164, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1P 2AP

Perfect weather, beaches, festivals and fun, fun, fun!   Better yet, get all your siblings to meet you there and smother your mother with attention and love.

Go for a walk on the beach before breakfast. Poke around shops, 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 fresh 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.  Florida is always a nice getaway.

The Fountain of Youth Park has been the site of many exciting archaeological discoveries of national historic importance. New archaeological excavations are intermittently underway with funding provided by the State of Florida, the Fountain of Youth, and Flagler College. The project, directed by Dr. Kathleen Deagan, renowned Florida archaeologist from the University of Florida, is in search for the foundation of the first wooden fort built by the Spanish and the first Catholic mission constructed on the site.

St. Augustine is known as the city of Bed and Breakfast Inns.  What a great way to end the day and enjoy all the great restaurants inside the old city where you can walk and enjoy shopping or the night life.   St. George Street is known for it’s great shops.  I have spent many days enjoying the shopping.   Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns offers over 12 Bed and Breakfast Inns to choose from.  They are each unique and inviting.  Plan your next visit to St. Augustine with a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn.  The Innkeepers are your own personal concierge for helping you plan your trip.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

Enjoy the ultimate weekend of smooth Jazz from April 17 – April 21, 2013 on Panama City Beach, Florida.  There is a full lineup of award-winning artists who are ready to hit the stage at the Gulf Coast’s annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival.    Aaron Bessant Park sets the stage for a jazzy, all-star weekend, which draws music lovers from near and far. Named “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, The Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times– all on the west end of Panama City Beach.  The event attracts jazz lovers from the USA, Canada, and Europe for what many call “The Ultimate Weekend” in one non-stop performance-packed weekend of music.

Located in Panama City Beach is Panama City Beach Bed and Breakfast Inn.  It’s the perfect place to spend your down time after the Seabreeze Jazz Festival. Warm hospitality and a great place to lay your head. In this beachside village, you can walk or bicycle. If you are into antique automobiles, you are in for a treat.

Since 1995, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival has been staged at scenic Vinoy Waterfront Park , with acres of plush grass and palm trees. Vinoy Park is the perfect tropical setting for one of the world’s greatest blues music festivals.

The line up for Friday, April 12, 2013 is Dave Fields, Lucky Peterson, JANIVA MAGNESS, ROD PIAZZA & THE MIGHTY FLYERS, DICKEY BETTS & GREAT SOUTHERN.  On Saturday, April 13, 2013 you can see Marquise Knox, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES, CURTIS SALGADO, JONNY LANG and celebrate “New Orleans”  on Sunday, April 14, 2013 is A Fabulous Day of New Orleans’ Blues  Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD FEATURING:
CYRIL NEVILLE, DEVON ALLMAN, & MIKE ZITO, TAB BENOIT ,TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE

The Tampa Bay Blues Festival has established itself as one of the world’s preeminent blues music events, having presented over 250 of the world’s greatest blues performers. The festival has truly become a destination event, with friends from all over to enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather and this magnificent celebration of music.

Throughout the festival grounds, you can enjoy good food, including seafood, barbeque, Cuban cuisine, and other culinary treats. Festival vendors also include arts & crafts. Premium beer and wine are also available.

In addition to great music and warm weather, you can also enjoy visiting downtown St. Petersburg, with its many restaurants, clubs, and art museums, including the world famous Dali Museum. From St. Petersburg you may also wish to travel 20 minutes to the beaches of St. Petersburg Beach, Treasure Island, and Pass-a-Grille. The area’s Ft. DeSoto Beach offers a large, public park and was recently named one of the world’s finest beaches.

There are several Bed and Breakfast Inns in downtown St. Petersburg to relax and rest your head after a fabulous day of listening to great blues music.  You can choose from the Dickens House Bed and Breakfast or LaVeranda Bed and Breakfast in downtown St. Petersburg, or Sea Breeze Manor in Gulfport, a few minutes away, or The Peninsula Inn & Spa or Park Circle in St. Petersburg.

Gyrocopter

One of my favorite events to attend in Wauchula, Florida is the Bensen Days Fly In at the Wauchula Municipal Airport. This year it’s Wednesday April 3rd – Saturday April 6th, 2013.  I have come to this Fly In for the past 13 years and have always enjoyed watching the Gyrocopters taking off and landing, as well as, the fun of the competition of turning off the engine and trying to land in a particular spot.  It’s always exciting.  This is a celebration of an aircraft called a gyroplane, sometimes known by the brand name “Gyrocopter.” The gathering is named after a pioneer in home-built gyroplanes, Igor Bensen. Each spring, enthusiasts gather in Florida to fly and reconnect with other pilots from around the country and world in one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the US.

A gyroplane is a propeller driven aircraft, which uses a non-powered rotor for lift instead of a wing. It does not spin or stall like fixed wing aircraft. It stays fully controllable even if the engine quits. It is the most agile and maneuverable of aircraft and lands with little or no roll out.

Bensen Days is one of the oldest and largest gyroplane fly-ins in the world. Each Spring  enthusiasts gather in Wauchula to rekindle their bond with each other and drill holes in the sky in a celebration of aviation unlike any other.

Most participants camp right at the airport, but there is a fine and Bed and Breakfast a short drive away. Food is available at the airport and there is also a variety of restaurants within easy driving distance.

The event officially starts on Wednesday April 3rd and wraps up Saturday the 6th. Visitors are welcome and a day pass is available at the registration tent.

The nearby Quilter’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your down time.  The hospitality is wonderful and the beds comfortable.

Wauchula Municipal Airport (CHN)
1202 Maurice Sonny Clavel Road
Wauchula, Florida 33873

Shark Tooth

From April 12 – 14, 2013, fossil collectors from all over come to Venice Florida to celebrate the overabundance of prehistoric sharks teeth found in the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”, located at the Venice Municipal Airport Festival Grounds on Airport Avenue.  Sharks Teeth are on display as well as other prehistoric fossils.  Millions of black and white sharks teeth fossils wash up on Venice Beach every year.  Not only sharks teeth are on display, but you will find over 100 arts and craft displays, delicious food, and live entertainment.  Bring the entire family to the Venice Shark Tooth Festival so the children can participate in the Sharks Tooth Scramble or be amazed at the Mote Marine hands on exhibit.  This carnival like atmosphere is the perfect way to spend a beautiful spring weekend.  There is also a 10K Run on April 13^th that benefits Athletes of Special Olympics of Sarasota County.  The Sharks Tooth Festival is a project of Special Athlete Boosters, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency.  All proceeds of the festival benefit Special Olympics of Sarasota County.

Horse and Chaise Bed and Breakfast Inn
Venice, Florida

Consider the Horse and Chaise Bed and Breakfast in Venice as a base for exploring the Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival.  With plenty to keep you busy in the surrounding area, such as specialty shops and antique shops only minutes away, staying in one of nine historically themed rooms will provide you with true comfort and relaxation.  You can shake off the stress of your hectic life, enjoy a full course breakfast and walk along the beach to experience Venice as it was meant to be seen.

While in town, you may also want to visit Historic Spanish Point, an archeological, historical, and environmental museum on 30-acres in neighboring Osprey, Florida. The only exhibition enclosed within a prehistoric shell mound in the world is found there.

Brides Room and Bride, Julie Poucher

When you think of a setting for a perfect country wedding, Solomon’s Castle is a must see.  There are many spots to host a wedding at the Castle, but I wanted to showcase a true country wedding under the oaks.  These photos show what happens when 200 guests participate in the Wedding under the Oaks and Reception in the Chocolate House. When Alane Solomon was planning this wedding for Julie Poucher and Clay Taylor, she agreed to build a special cupcake tree just for them.  Like famous Artist father Howard Solomon, Alane Solomon has the skills and talent to pull off the impossible.  Many little girls have fantasies of getting married at a Castle and Solomon’s Castle is the place for getting married in front of various setting at the Castle or in the woods under the oaks.  Also on the property is a “light house” that is a perfect location for the Rehearsal Dinner.  The beautiful Bride, in the Brides Room, in the Chocolate House can see out into this enchanting setting.  The perfect wedding day being a Queen for the day.

During the event attendees will be able to take in the pristine surroundings of Danville Bed and Breakfast.