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25th Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic 2013

Monday, May 20th, 2013

Over 200 anglers participated in the inaugural Tournament in 1989. This event has established itself as the largest professionally run fishing tournament in the Florida Big Bend Gulf Coast. With an average 700 competitors in recent years the Tournament ranks among the top saltwater fishing tournaments, by participation, according to Florida Sportsman Magazine. All proceeds derived from the event are used to expand and develop a system of artificial reefs in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico, OAR’s purview of operation.

Since 1990, the Tournament has been a three-day event set on Father’s Day Weekend. It is a rodeo format featuring multiple species in three divisions for competitive fishing for Juniors to Pros. The format has proven itself productive and inviting to participants and their families. The Bend Saltwater Classic is the Fishing Family’s place to be on Father’s Day Weekend in North Florida.

On Father’s Day weekend 2013 the Big Bend Saltwater Classic will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. For this special occasion, we will be moving the headquarters back to the Moorings in Carrabelle where the tournament was held for many years. We are excited to renew this great tradition. With over $50,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, you’ve got plenty of reasons to come celebrate with us June 14th-16th at the 25th annual BBSC.

Departure points: Tournament entrants must depart from port (or may fish from shore) along the portion of the Gulf of Mexico coastline from the Keaton Beach Canal in Taylor County to the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.

While planning your trip, consider staying at a local Bed and Breakfast. Turtle Beach Inn offers warm hospitality and a wonderful place to sleep, relax and spend Father’s Day weekend.

Tags: Anglers, Big Bend Saltwater Classic, competitive fishing, Father's Day Weekend 2013, fising tournament, Florida Bed and Breakfast, Florida Big Bend Gulf Coast, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Florida Sportsman Magazine, Florida vacations, Northwest Florida, outdoor recreation, Port St. Joe, Port St. Joe Bed and Breakfasts, Port St. Joe FL lodging, Saltwater Fishing, Turtle Beach Inn
Posted in Florida Inns, Northwest Florida | No Comments »

Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival May 17-19, 2013

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

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.

Tags: Andrew Mullen, Blues Brothers Revisited, Blues Brothers Revisited Show, Bobby Blackmon, Charlies Morris, Chris Simmons and Royal Blue, Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast, David Oliver Willis, Farnworth House Bed and Breakfast, Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Franc Robert, Jerry J's Triple Shot, Little Jack and the Soul Searchers, Magnolia Inn Bed and Breakfast, Miss Jacqueline "Queenie" Jones, Mount Dora, Mount Dora Bed and Breakfast, Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival 2013, Mt. Dora, Southern Soul Rock, the Boxcar Tourists, Thomas Wynn and the Believers
Posted in Central East Florida, Florida Inns | No Comments »

Top 10 B&B’s in Florida, The Guardian, UK

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Top 10 B&Bs and guesthouses in Florida as chosen by The Guardian, UK

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

Tags: Bed and Breakfast Inns Florida, Black Dolphin Inn, Bob Rountree, Bonnie Gross, Crow's Nest, Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Horse and Chase Inn, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, The Guardian, The Guardian UK, Top 10 B&B's Florida, Venice, Victorian House
Posted in Florida Innkeepers in the News, Florida Inns | No Comments »

Mother’s Day Gift Certificates 2013

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Now 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.

Tags: Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns, Florida Bed and Breakfasts, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Mother's Day 2013, Mother's Day Getaway, Mother's Day Gift Certificate
Posted in Florida Inns | No Comments »

St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Visiting St. Augustine, Florida is always a treat and especially if you love learning while you travel. This historic city has lots of offer and one of my favorite places to see is St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth which is an Archaeological Park and the original site of St. Augustine. Visitors can learn about Spanish explorers who risked everything to journey to the New World and how the Spanish arrived in 1565 and established the first and oldest settlement. Learn the history of Ponce de Leon’s search and his Spanish claim for Florida in 1513. Drink from the legendary Fountain of Youth spring that has flowed under this site for as long as anyone can remember. Explore the Timucuan native Indian village that natives inhabited for almost 3000 years. Gather in the Village of Seloy to experience how Timucuas lived, hunted, ate and thrived. Hear the stories of long ago and connect past to present. See the stars at the planetarium where stars appear as they did in 1513 and journey under the historic night sky. Imagine a two story high glowing globe that traces the routes of Spanish exploration in the New World. How did Explorers find their way across the ocean so long ago? Imagine a time long ago when Pedro Menendez built his first fort right here. Think about Native Timucua Indians shaping pottery on this very same spot. Archaeology helps us to rebuild the past. Visit the first Christian Indian burials in North America with Mission Period interments or see the Timucua Indian hut foundations and relics. There is archaeological evidence that Pedro Menendez’s colony occupied the site after landing in 1565.

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.

Tags: archaeological discoveries, archaeological excavations, Archeological Park, Bed and Breakfast Inns, Dr. Kathleen Deagan, Flagler College, Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Fountain of Youth, Mission period interments, Pedro Menendez, Planetarium, Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine, St. Augustine's Fountain of Youth, Timucuas
Posted in Florida Inns, Northeast Florida | No Comments »

Tampa Bay Blues Festival Apirl 2013

Monday, April 1st, 2013

The 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.

Tags: Arts and Crafts, bed and breakfast, Blues Festival, Dali Museum, Dickens House Bed and Breakfast, Florida, Florida Bed and Breakfasts, Florida lodging, Florida vacations, LaVeranda Bed and Breakast, Park Circle, Pinellas Association for Retarded Children, Salvador Dali Museum, Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Blues Festival, The Peninsula Inn & Spa, Vinoy Park, Vinoy Waterfront Park
Posted in Central West Florida, Florida Inns | No Comments »

Bensen Days Annual Fly In 2013

Monday, March 25th, 2013

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

Tags: bed and breakfast, Bensen Days, Bensen Days Fly In, Experimental aircraft, Florida Bed and Breakfasts, Florida Inns, Florida lodging, Gyrocopters, Igor Bensen, The Quilter's Inn Bed and Breakfast, Wauchula, Wauchula Airport, Wauchula Municipal Airport
Posted in Central West Florida, Florida Inns | No Comments »

Florida Inns Give Thanks for a Wonderful 2010

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Dear Guests – Past, Present, and Future,

You make our work not seem like work at all. It is a delight to meet you for the first time and to see you return again and again. It is fun to learn what you do, where you live, and to share our slice of Florida with you.

Thank you for making 2010 a great year for us.

We wish you the very best in 2011.

Sincerely,

Florida Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers

Tags: Florida lodging, Happy New Year
Posted in Florida Inns | No Comments »

The Cool of Florida State Forests

Friday, May 28th, 2010

If the heat of summer has you wilting, step into the shade of Florida State Forests. Florida has incredibly diverse forests – find the one closest to your Florida bed and breakfast.

The small, deciduous Fringetree has one of the most unusual flowers in the state. Mangroves trees keep their salt-water ecosystems clean, while persimmon trees tempt us with their sweet fruit.

So don’t turn on the air-conditioning when the temperature soars. Take a dip in the pool of your Florida bed and breakfast, then head out to explore the beautiful and diverse State Forests of Florida.

Tags: Florida lodging, Florida State Forests
Posted in Florida Travel | No Comments »

Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns

Bed and Breakfast Association of Florida