Posts Tagged ‘Florida Bed and Breakfasts’

Mother’s Day Gift Certificates 2013

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Mother´s DayNow is the time to start thinking about what you can do to surprise your Mom on Mother’s Day and a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn Gift Certificate is the perfect Gift for your favorite Mom that can be used any time during the year.  Mom’s enjoy a time away to regroup, rethink and regenerate.  Mother’s give so much to their family and you can show her how much you care by giving her a Gift Certificate from the Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns.  Who doesn’t want to stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Florida? She’ll remember a trip to a Florida Bed and Breakfast much longer than a vase of flowers, lovely though they may be.

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.

Jazz Festival Panama City Beach, FL April 2013

Monday, April 8th, 2013
Seabreeze Jazz Festival

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.

Tampa Bay Blues Festival Apirl 2013

Monday, April 1st, 2013

this rhythm them blues tattooThe Tampa Bay Blues Festival is one of the best blues festivals happening at Vinoy Waterfront Park on the shores of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 12, 13, & 14, 2013.  The Blues Festival is an ideal setting to enjoy Florida’s sunshine and warm spring weather.  With mild temperatures and nice weather year-round, St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the best areas for festivals of all types.  The Tampa Bay Blues Festival prides itself on providing the very best in blues entertainment, in an ideal tropical setting. Proceeds from the event benefit our charity partner, Pinellas Association for Retarded Children.

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.

Bensen Days Annual Fly In 2013

Monday, March 25th, 2013
Gyrocopter

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

Country Wedding at Solomon’s Castle 2013

Monday, March 11th, 2013

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.

Murder City Pinup Photo Shoot, March 10, 2013

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

A young woman employee of North American Aviation, Incorporated, working over the landing gear mechanism of a P-51 fighter plane, Inglewood, Calif. The mechanism resembles a small cannon  (LOC)Danville Bed and Breakfast, Geneva, Florida is hosting photographers for a once in a lifetime photo shoot of pinup models on various sets with vintage weaponry, military vehicles and more.  This unique event will raise funds and awareness for the Raise Your Weapons Project, a traveling art photography exhibit that depicts scenes from four American Wars, using actual weapons and uniforms from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, with hopes of bringing the shocking realty of war much closer to audiences across the country.  Photographers will shoot vintage style pinup girls using authentic props and sets. All models are provided by Murder City Photography and all proceeds raised will benefit local VFW’s (Veterans of Foreign Wars)  and their charities.  Any donation made toward the $35,000 project cost will create a traveling fundraiser for VFWs and their charities in each host city. Veterans’ groups have expressed an early interest in “Raise Your Weapons,” with several offering their uniforms, patches and equipment for use in the photos (some have referred to this as a way for their patches to serve again).
When:  Sunday, March 10, 2013
Time:    1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost:     $30  per photographer and  $5   General Public
Where:  Danville Bed and Breakfast, 232 N Jungle Road, Geneva, Fl  32732

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

 

Palm Beach County Beaches 2013

Monday, March 4th, 2013

As the oldest resort destinations in the United States and one of the first such destinations to offer beach “bathing” in the ocean,  Palm Beach offers a wide variety of beaches. Palm Beach is the Eastern most point in the state of Florida and protrudes out into the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which is comes up from the Caribbean. The result is that the water here is a crystal clear blue and turquoise which stays warm year round. For many decades, the beaches of Palm Beach were considered to be medicinal. Here are some beach recommendations:

My favorite beach to relax, John D MacArthur Beach State Park, is nestled on Singer Island and is the only state park in Palm Beach County.  It is an environmental treasure, featuring two miles of pristine beach and swimming, snorkeling and fishing in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic. Other amenities include a nature center, gift shop, children’s playground, nature trails, kayak rentals, and picnicking facilities. On April 21st, enjoy an afternoon of Blue Grass as Nathan Rich and the “Untold Riches” bring their foot-stompin’ and hand-clappin’ music to the park’s amphitheater.

For a beach with more activities and infrastructure,  the Lake Worth Municipal Beach is one of the most popular beaches for locals, both for the young and the young at heart. The 1922 Lake Worth Casino and Beach Complex, which will re-opened after a multi-million dollar restoration on March 01st, 2013. The charming facility, which is unique for South Florida, offers a new oceanfront park, new restrooms and picnic facilities, restaurants, ice cream parlor, beach shop and regularly scheduled events and activities.  In addition, the Lake Worth Municipal Pier with the famous “Benny’s on the Beach restaurant, continues to be a popular tourist attraction for visitors and fishermen alike. www.lakeworth.org

Finally, Delray Beach offers the unique combination of an “Old Florida” small town located directly on some of the nicest beaches in South Florida.  Atlantic Avenue, which ends directly at the public beach, is the famous main street of Delray Beach and offers beach goers a wide selection of restaurants, shops other attractions to combine with a day at the beach.

Inside Tip:  Located just off the beach in the town of Palm beach, take a history walking tour of Worth Avenue. Lasting about 1 hour, the tour discusses the history of America’s oldest luxury boutique shopping district, including its influence of architecture and fashion in the high society and the development of the legendary social scene.  www.worth-avenue.com.

When choosing your accommodations for your stay, you may want to consider the Bed and Breakfast Inns of the area.   Palm Beach Historic Inn is located on Palm Beach.   Popular in West Palm Beach is Palm Beach Hibiscus, Grandview Gardens and Casa Grandview all within walking distance of City Place, a downtown destination itself.   When staying in Lake Worth look into the Sabal Palm House or the Mango Inn.  Both Lake Worth inns are within a reasonable distance from Delray Beach.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, February 15 – 19, 2013

Friday, February 8th, 2013

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show

Conducted by the Palm Beach Show Group,  this show opens with a gala preview party on Friday, February 15, 2013.   The Palm Beach Show features collections of more than 180 international dealers and attracts private collectors, museum curators, investors, designers and the curious.   It’s the largest of its kind in the United States with exhibitors displaying fine works from across the globe including fine jewelry, exquisite works of arts and fascinating antiques.

One of the highlights of this year’s show is the “Hope Designer Showcase”, curated by AD100 interior designer Scott Snyder featuring five room vignettes created by Snyder and other top interior designers, including Bruce Bierman, Jim Aman and John Meeks, the design team behind some of America’s most prestigious families,  Campion PlattSuzanne Gutfreund  well-known interior designer, society hostess and wife of financier John Gutfreund and Bunny Williams.    The designers will create beautiful spaces that exemplify how antiques integrate into today’s style.

Located at the Palm Beach Convention Center in City Place, you will find great restaurants, shops and Bed & Breakfast Inns within walking distance so you’ll beat the crowd when it comes to finding a parking space.  Grandview Gardens, Casa Grandview and Palm Beach Hibiscus are the perfect places to stay for your visit to the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art and Antique Show.

 

 

Valentine’s Day 2013 Romantic Inn Ideas

Friday, February 1st, 2013

Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast, Melbourne Beach, Florida

Valentine’s Day is Thursday, February 14, 2013.  It’s that time of year again where couples are reminded to do something special for their loved one.  Usually the first thought is Flowers and Chocolate, which are both good ideas.   It’s also a good time of year for Champagne and Strawberries.  If you want the perfect romantic ambiance you might want to plan a short road trip to a Romantic Bed and Breakfast Inn in Florida.  The weather is perfect here, with no snow to shovel and the Valentine’s Packages at the Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns are numerous.  Many offer delicious cuisine, a romantic setting and plenty of privacy where you will be pampered.  Take advantage of Valentine’s Day landing on a Thursday to take a 3 day weekend.  If you can’t getaway, maybe consider an FBBI Gift Certificate so you can enjoy a romantic weekend some other time in the year.

Port d’Hiver Bed and Breakfast in Melbourne Beach is an awesome luxury Romantic Inn that also offers bicycles and all supplies needed for relaxing days at the beach including chairs, umbrellas, towels, boogie boards and coolers.   In the evening, sweet turn-down treats will be left on your bed. Complimentary bottled water, sodas, snacks, coffee, tea and fresh baked cookies are available 24 hours a day.  Likewise, one of the most Romantic Inns I’ve stayed at is Casa Grandview in West Palm Beach, who also offers beach chairs and bicycles for a romantic day at the beach. You’ll be enveloped in luxury and comfort at this beautiful and romantic property.  At Addison on Amelia Bed and Breakfast, located on Amelia Island you can stroll the beaches looking for shells and shark’s teeth, snuggle up with your sweetie on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Historic Downtown or just curl up in front of the fire with a good book.  Each day begins with a delicious breakfast and you can mingle with the other guests at the Addison’s Happy Hour before heading out to dinner at one of several excellent local restaurants.

When you choose a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn, you can be assured of a wonderful romantic experience for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

A Sampling of Some of Florida’s Best Zoos

Monday, July 16th, 2012
Macaw meeting a family photo courtesy Central FL zoo

Photo courtesy of Central Florida Zoo. Central Florida Zoo macaw meets a visiting family. Many Florida zoos offer opportunities to interact with the animals in addition to offering visitors attractions such as rides, tours and overnight stays.

During your vacation at our Florida bed and breakfasts, you’ll almost certainly encounter some of Florida’s wild animals. With nearly 1,200 miles of coastline and a rich variety of ecosystems, Florida is a natural choice for viewing wildlife. Sometimes, though, you’ll want to see the animals in a more controlled environment. This is especially true for those with mobility issues or for children who might be a little too adventurous. If you want an activity that’s fun for the whole family, visiting the zoos of Florida is great way to safely experience wildlife from Florida and beyond.

Below are just a few of the fine zoos you can enjoy throughout Florida. For a more complete list of zoos and other animal attractions in Florida, go to VisitFlorida.com/zoos.

In Northwest Florida: Gulf Breeze Zoo is in Gulf Breeze close to Pensacola. This smaller, family-friendly zoo features a walking path, petting zoo and train ride through their lush gardens and animal habitats.

Northeast Florida: Jacksonville Florida Zoo is also a botanical garden featuring exhibits, fun rides, guided tours and other exciting educational experiences such their Zookeeper for a Day program.

Central West Florida: Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa was rated the #1 Zoo in the U.S. by Parents magazine. They offer interactive experiences such as giraffe-feeding, a camel safari, and a safe stingray touch tank.

Central East Florida: Central Florida Zoo in Sanford just east of Orlando is one of Florida’s largest and most popular zoos. It has over 400 animals plus unique attractions such as the ZOOm aerial adventure course, water Splash Ground, and Laser Tag field.

Southwest Florida: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nationally accredited zoo as well as a beautiful historical botanical garden offering entertaining shows, exhibits, cruises and more.

Southeast Florida: Miami Metro Zoo has environments housing over 2,000 animals as well as gardens with over 1,200 plants. Programs include Zookeeper for a Day, Zoo sleep-overs, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Click here to find your Florida B&B inn close to these great Florida zoos, as well as the best of Florida activities and events.

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