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Mingling with the Yacht Set in Fort Lauderdale
With more yachts per capita than any other place in the world, Fort Lauderdale is the center of the yachting universe.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, luxury, dining, resorts,
Cruising through Florida on Latin Cuisine
Eating Spanish food means discovering a world of delicious flavors and unique culinary treats throughout Florida.
Tags: dining, culture, Cape_Coral, Vero_Beach, Amelia_Island, Tallahassee, Port_St_Lucie, Ybor_City, Delray_Beach,
One-Stop Shopping at Festival Flea Market Mall
This hybrid marketplace and outlet mall packs more than 500 shops and restaurants into a quarter-mile of retail space, allowing you to browse and buy in the cool comfort of air conditioning.
Tags: shopping, Boynton_Beach, Miami, Palm_Beach, Naples, Key_West, dining,
A Fall Getaway to Florida's Space Coast
Located just 35 miles east of Orlando on the central east coast of Florida, Florida's Space Coast boasts some of the state’s best natural attractions, as well as world-class beaches, shops, resorts and hotels.
Tags: Cocoa_Beach, shopping, dining, beaches, Melbourne, Titusville, parks, surfing, Orlando, downtowns_and_small_towns,
Columbia Restaurant
Today guest enjoy arroz con pollo and paella, along with a wine list recognized by Spain’s leading winemakers as the world’s most complete and best collection of wines from Spain.
Tags: dining, Tampa, Sarasota, St_Augustine, St_Petersburg, Clearwater_Beach, Ybor_City, Spanish_Heritage,
Indulging Your Senses at The Shores
Therapeutic massages from the resort's famous The Indulge Spa cut to the core of what The Shores is all about: relaxation, from the outside in.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, luxury, resorts, beaches, dining,
Kissimmee for Kids (and their families, too)
Pack suits and a towel because the fountain in Celebration (and Downtown Disney) is famous for being irresistible! Best of all, it’s free entertainment.
Tags: Kissimmee, dining, parks, fishing, downtowns_and_small_towns, theater, wildlife, theme_parks, outdoors_and_nature,
A Perfectly Orchestrated Resort Experience
Award-winning singer/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan opened Costa d'Este Beach Resort in beautiful Vero Beach in June 2008.
Tags: luxury, resorts, dining, Vero_Beach,
Staying Green in Bonita Springs
In Florida, staying green doesn't mean settling for second-best. In fact, many of Florida's most eco-friendly hotels also happen to be the most luxurious, the most beautiful, the most romantic, as well as the most family-friendly in the state.
Tags: Green_Travel, resorts, Bonita_Springs, dining, parks,
Dive Into Deals and Diversions
Life along the Emerald Coast revolves around the water. I opt for a lazy day under a big beach umbrella with a good book and daydreaming. Dad digs sand fleas for bait and reels in dinner. The kids build the Starship Enterprise – no simple sandcastles for us.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, dining, fishing, shelling, snorkeling, wildlife, resorts, hotels,
Uncovering Historic Cocoa Village
Cocoa Village is a unique delight. There is something for everyone in this historic spot. Located in the restored downtown area of Cocoa Beach, it is 20 minutes away from Kennedy Space Center and less than an hour’s drive from Orlando and its world-renowned theme attractions.
Tags: Cocoa_Beach, Cocoa, historical_sites, Kennedy_Space_Center, history, shopping, art, antiques, dining, culture, theater, Orlando,
Wewa: The Land of Honey
As I wandered the area under the enormous, moss-draped oak trees, I saw few people walk by any of the tables without stopping to chat with the sellers, get a taste of the honey (from a spoon or a drop right onto their finger) and, finally, make a purchase – usually of more than one jar.
Tags: history, dining, festival, Apalachicola,
Put the Fun in Funky Florida Foods
Create your own pancakes by choosing from homemade pancake batters and sausages, blueberries and more. This is a great inter-generational event; every time we go, we're smiling before the first batch of pancakes gets poured on the griddle.
Tags: dining, culture, Orlando, Titusville, parks, Florida_Keys, Key_West, Pensacola, Cedar_Key,
Ten Local Loves
Tags: Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, art_and_culture, culture, historical_sites, dining, beaches, downtowns_and_small_towns, Scenic_Highway, outdoors_and_nature, sports,
Cultural Cuisine
No one should leave Florida without at least one Cuban meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. You don’t need to find fancy restaurants – comfortable, family-friendly spots where Spanish is usually the first language will do.
Tags: dining, Tarpon_Springs, Orlando, Hollywood, Miami, Tampa, Coral_Gables, Deerfield_Beach, Lake_Worth, St_Petersburg, Jacksonville, St_Augustine,
The Grand Experience
Indeed, I’m far from the first to be impressed with the Grand Bohemian. Travel + Leisure magazine ranked the hotel among the finest 500 properties in the world this year. And its AAA Four Diamond rating makes it the only true luxury property in downtown Orlando.
Tags: resorts, Orlando, dining, luxury, art, art_and_culture, music,
Ten-Mile Marathon
Marathon is the "Family Fun and Boating Destination" of the Florida Keys. And it certainly lives up to this title, with outstanding boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, dining and unique sites you won’t find anywhere else.
Tags: Florida_Keys, Marathon, dining, beaches, museums, wildlife, resorts, festival,
Longboat by Boat
As she picks through, Capt. Kim finds a tiny-nosed “fish” that is the color and size of an inchworm and has a nose that, as far as I can make out, looks rather like a toy Sea Monkey. “This is a pipe fish,” says Capt. Kim. “He is a cousin of the sea horse, but he is really little.”
Tags: Longboat_Key, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, dining, boating, tours,
Mystery on Rails
We hit the river crossing just before sunset, and a spectacular view of sunset over the Gulf of Mexico greets us.
Tags: Fort_Myers, transportation, dining,
Fab Food and Wine, SoBe Style
Savory food scents entice me – guests are scooping up tastes of chefs’ signature dishes as quickly as they’re dished out. This crowd has come for good times, good wines and good food.
Tags: dining, Miami_Beach, Miami, culture, festival, South_Beach,
Five Ways to Save Some Green
Join avid anglers on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier that extends a quarter-mile into the Gulf. Typical catches include mackerel, snapper, tuna, flounder, pompano and bluefish.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, deals, beaches, fishing, dining, history, culture, events, parks,
Living Off the Land at Rosas Farm
The Rosas pride themselves on raising everything organically. No chemicals come near these fields, where grass-fed beef graze, chickens peck and the Rosas sell the grass-fed beef, the farm-fresh eggs, organic cookies and other local, organic products such as honey and herbs from other producers.
Tags: Ocala, dining, food_wine,
Fort Lauderdale: City of Palms
Art, history, fine dining, nature and sight-seeing offer seemingly limitless possibilities in this cosmopolitan city on the ocean.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, beaches, dining, hotels, culture, parks,
Tallahassee: Capital of Culture
At the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, kids can hoist themselves up a pulley, brave the winds in a hurricane simulator or try their hand at lots of mind games.
Tags: Tallahassee, museums, history, culture, tours, African_American, dining,
Downtown Diversions
Fort Pierce has a vibrant arts and music scene. There are jazz and blues festivals held throughout the year and Art Walk, a monthly sidewalk art show where artists, sculptors and craftsmen discuss history, themes and technique.
Tags: Fort_Pierce, Port_St_Lucie, downtowns_and_small_towns, art_and_culture, art, dining, festival, shopping, theater, sports,
High-End Kissimmee
The Plantation Room restaurant, featuring Executive Chef Zachary Martin’s creative contemporary American cuisine (and Florida produce whenever possible), is one of the Orlando area’s hottest – not to mention most romantic – tables.
Tags: Kissimmee, luxury, Orlando, resorts, dining, spas,
The Grand Treatment
For the ultimate treatment, guests experience a four-handed massage (two massage therapists relieve your stress at the same time).
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, luxury, dining, beaches, shopping,
Sumptuous Beachfront Oasis
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is a perennial winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award.
Tags: Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, Captiva_Island, luxury, dining, spas,
Hollywood in the Spotlight
I stroll through ArtsPark at Young Circle, a 10-acre site featuring an innovative children’s play area, a visual arts pavilion and stage and a water sculpture with sound art by Ritsuko Taho.
Tags: Hollywood, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, dining,
What's New for Floridians in 2009
New hotels, restaurants and other venues are ready for visitors in 2009.
Tags: hotels, dining, Sarasota, Naples, Daytona_Beach, Clearwater_Beach, Jacksonville_Beach, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Hollywood, Apalachicola,
Fish Shack Chic
We call them, endearingly, fish shacks – plain, sometimes rustic throwbacks to simpler times when seafood went straight from bait to plate, and the linen thread-count was zero.
Tags: dining, Daytona_Beach, Pensacola, Clearwater_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Cocoa_Beach, Islamorada, Key_West, Anna_Maria_Island, Sarasota, Boca_Grande, Mexico_Beach, St_Pete_Beach,
Romantic Naples
There’s a reason it’s called the Paradise Coast, and the setting is perfect for love – think sunset champagne toasts, a massage for two and secluded island beaches.
Tags: Naples, Marco_Island, Everglades_National_Park, romance, beaches, dining, spas,
New for Beaches in 2009
If you’d prefer quiet contemplation of the Atlantic, head to Amelia Island’s Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. This 1890s shingle-style bed-and-breakfast was ranked the second-best hotel in the U.S. by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice awards.
Tags: Green_Travel, hotels, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, dining,
A Taste of Tomorrow
Get a fabulous meal at a bargain and meet young, talented student-chefs who are passionate about food and excited about their budding careers.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, Miami, dining,
Keys for Two, Three (or More)
Hang by the beach in the saltwater lagoon or rent bikes to explore Duck Key at its every-day-is-a-holiday pace.
Tags: family, Florida_Keys, sailing, resorts, snorkeling, diving, fishing, dining,
Frisbees to Fossils
At the well-known Sandbar Restaurant, diners can dig their toes into the sand while lunching on buffalo burgers or wasabi-encrusted salmon. Locals and visitors have been coming to this site since 1913.
Tags: Bradenton, beaches, Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton_Beach, Cortez, museums, dining,
The Yearling: Southern Hospitality
The signs for the restaurant look as though they may have been here when the place first opened as a bunkhouse for fishermen in the 1940s and as a restaurant in 1952.
Tags: dining, Cross_Creek,
'Round the Clock in Hollywood
USA Today named Hollywood Beach's 2.5-mile seaside walkway one of the top 10 nostalgic promenades in the country, making it the postcard-perfect spot to catch the final light of day.
Tags: Hollywood, beaches, nightlife, historic_districts, culture, transportation, biking, parks, dining, music, hotels,
Warm Up on the Water
No matter the season, it's a given that a walk along the shore is part of every trip to the Emerald Coast.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sightseeing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, outdoors_and_nature, romance, dining, hotels,
Steps from the Sand
At the end of a sun-drenched day, the open-air environment at Ocean Alley on Hollywood Beach provides sanctuary for sipping a cold beverage, just 15 steps from the sand.
Tags: Hollywood, food_and_wine, dining, sightseeing, beaches,
The Key to Having It All
The season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat Key.
Tags: Longboat_Key, beaches, boating, snorkeling, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, birding, biking, Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, hotels, shopping, dining, luxury, food_and_wine, Bradenton,
Affordable Orlando
Get more from your Orlando vacation, and your hotel, at The Fountains resort.
Tags: resorts, Orlando, water_parks, theme_parks, dining, sightseeing,
Cool Kissimmee
Fall in love with the family-friendly nature of one of Orlando's closest neighbors.
Tags: Kissimmee, Kennedy_Space_Center, history, family, outdoors_and_nature, theme_parks, dining, hotels, resorts,
Emerald Escape
Autumn along the Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is the quiet season and a perfect time to discover this slice of Northwest Florida.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sailing, fishing, parks, dolphins, family, dining,
Daytona Beach Break
Today, the three-mile section of beach around the pier has been designated for pedestrians only, and it's still where it's happening on Daytona Beach. The Bandshell and historic clock tower stand in contrast to the beach's hip new scene, a pretty city park has sprung up at the pier's end and monuments and plaques pay tribute to the beach's early racers.
Tags: beaches, Daytona_Beach, resorts, shopping, dining, luxury, spas, family,
Back to Orlando
I love a deal of any kind, but here's what I think works about this Endless Summer thing: If it's something you like to do again and again, here's a way to do it cheaper. And if it's something you're trying for the first time, take an affordable test-drive.
Tags: Orlando, theme_parks, dining, deals, hotels, resorts, events, festival,
Beyond the Broadwalk
Hollywood boasts seven miles of beaches, which have been designated Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's shores. And the area's expanse of white sand and turquoise waters makes it easy to see why. No wonder folks are serious about their beach-going in these parts.
Tags: beaches, Hollywood, boating, shopping, parks, kayaking, canoeing, dining,
Captivating Cuisine
If you time it just right, you can catch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while you savor Bistro Bouillabaisse or a butter-poached lobster tail with a hint of citrus and star anise.
Tags: Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Longboat_Key, dining,
Everything Old Is New Again
According to longtime club member Chris Kelly, the somewhat kitschy lure of shuffleboard attracts all sorts of people and has been the foundation of many friendships and love affairs.
Tags: St_Petersburg, history, historical_sites, hotels, dining, nightlife, music, shopping,
Celebrity Miami
If you’re looking for a glitzy evening, the endless nightlife options may seem daunting. However, there are a few sure-bets for a see-and-be-seen experience.
Tags: luxury, hotels, Miami, Miami_Beach, South_Beach, dining, nightlife, spas, shopping,
Black Grouper Recipe from Cypress Restaurant
At the Cypress Restaurant up in Tallahassee, the Southern cooking is authentic yet sophisticated.
Tags: dining, Tallahassee,
Georgia Pecan Chicken Recipe from Lakeside Inn
With all the coastline and international flavors in Florida sometimes it’s easy to forget you are in the South. At the dining table of the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, it’s hard to remember being anywhere else.
Tags: dining,
Steak Recipe from Flagler Steakhouse
Located inside the opulent Henry Flagler legacy in Palm Beach, it’s only fitting that Flagler Steakhouse serves dishes fit for royalty.
Tags: dining,
Pompano Recipe from Bud and Alley's
In the winter and early spring, Pompano is a popular, and Chef Edward Reese shares how to turn the fish into a delicacy not just for the mouth, but the eyes as well.
Tags: dining,
Bern's Chicken Curry Salad for Two Recipe
A regular dinner table for the Bushes when they are in Tampa, Bern’s Steak House is undoubtedly one of the state’s most prestigious restaurants and it didn’t get there by just serving great steaks that range from $30 to $200.
Tags: dining, Tampa,
Joe's Stone Crab Cakes Recipe
With a mean fish sandwich and colorful owners, Joe’s Stone Crab evolved into a full-service South Beach restaurant attracting everyone from J. Edgar Hoover to Al Capone (not at the same time of course).
Tags: dining,
Recipes from Chalet Suzanne
A visit to the eclectic inn and restaurant is a must for those who enjoy a taste of Old Florida, but I’ve also found a way bring a hint of the delectable experience home with the following recipes that are deceptively simple.
Tags: dining,
Soup Recipe from the Columbia Restaurant
Operated by the fourth and fifth generations of its founders, the Columbia Restaurant still serves many of the original family recipes that nourished Cuban cigar workers in Tampa’s Ybor City in the early 1900s.
Tags: dining,
Schnebly Redland's Winery
Wines are not made from grapes but instead from tropical fruits such as passionfruit and mango.
Tags: Homestead, dining,
Florida Wineries
What, you didn't know that Florida had wineries? The Sunshine States is home to several noteworthy wineries. Make plans to stop at one for a tasting during your next trip.
Tags: been_there_havent_done_that, dining, DeFuniak_Springs, St_Petersburg, Clearwater, Mount_Dora, Bradenton, St_Augustine, Homestead, Panama_City_Beach, Tarpon_Springs, Monticello, food_and_wine,
Been There, Haven't Done That!
You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions. Now it's time to go off the beaten path. On your next Florida excursion, plan for some extra travel time to visit these offbeat, quirky roadside attractions.
Tags: dining, museums, history, historical_sites, outdoors_and_nature, parks, culture, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Fort_Walton_Beach, Marianna, Milton, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, water_sports, Cross_Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Suwannee, Tallahassee, White_Springs, Steinhatchee, Amelia_Island, beaches, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palatka, St_Augustine, Crystal_River, St_Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Park, Hobe_Sound, Okeechobee, Ponce_Inlet, Sebastian, Stuart, Titusville, kayaking, Vero_Beach, Bradenton, Clewiston, Punta_Gorda, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Florida_Keys, Miami, Key_West, Homestead, Palm_Beach, Marathon, been_there_havent_done_that, Monticello, downtowns_and_small_towns, resident,
Dining in Sarasota
It’s difficult to even begin sampling the best of Sarasota cuisine in one weekend.
Tags: dining, Sarasota, Siesta_Key,
Culinary Naples
As one of the nation’s most sophisticated resort towns, Naples way outshines its size in culinary stature.
Tags: dining, Naples,
Florida Dining Tip
I use OpenTable.com, an online reservation service, to get my tables--or even to find out if tables are available.
Tags: dining,
Cool Downtown Eats in Bradenton
It's as far from the beach as you can get in Bradenton, and yet longtime local favorite Fisherman Joe's seafood is fresh, well-prepared and served in a charming building on Old Main Street, alongside burgers and steaks.
Tags: Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Longboat_Key, dining,
Sumptuous Solaris
The Solaris is a wonderful experience – the food is excellent, the entertainment first class and the yacht itself a beauty. But it’s the people behind the Solaris who truly make this dinner cruise exceptional.
Tags: cruises, boating, dining, Destin,
The Ultimate Summer Beach
The best thing about Panama City Beach shopping is you don't have to step far off the sand. In many cases, you can shop right on the beach.
Tags: beaches, Panama_City_Beach, piers, fishing, shopping, dining,
Conquering I-Drive
There are countless places to stay along International Drive. Deciding factors vary with each visitor, so do careful research to find a room that suits your specific needs.
Tags: Orlando, transportation, hotels, dining, theme_parks,
Insider's Guide to the Space Coast
Activities also abound for visiting nature lovers, as this coastal region is flush with natural wetlands that house manatees, sea turtles and other native species.
Tags: Titusville, Cocoa_Beach, Kennedy_Space_Center, dining, outdoors_and_nature, hotels,
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: A True Destination Hotel
With 17 restaurants and lounges, 30,000-square feet of meeting room space, a full-service European-style spa, 22 retail shops and 11 nightclubs in a complex known as Seminole Paradise (whew!) why would you need to leave the premises?.
Tags: Hollywood, resorts, luxury, spas, shopping, nightlife, dining,
Apalachicola on the River
This town is like a chilled oyster with cocktail sauce and pinch of horseradish. You have to try it at least once.
Tags: Apalachicola, dining, hotels, museums,
Secrets from the Space Coast
To balance its newfangled, youthful personality trademarked by spaceships and surfboards, the Space Coast presents a flip side where history and Old Florida style lend dimension.
Tags: outdoors_and_nature, Cocoa_Beach, Cocoa, Titusville, dining, museums,
More Sun for Less
Many Florida destinations offer travel incentives to encourage summer tourism, when lower prices and fewer people can compensate for less-than-perfect weather.
Tags: transportation, hotels, dining, nightlife,
Escape to Florida's Gulf Coast with a Gilligan's Island Star
Life is slower here, and the weathered bungalows and small motels that have been mainstays here illustrate what most of these beaches were like when Wells moved here in the early 1970s.
Tags: Indian_Shores, Indian_Rocks_Beach, St_Petersburg, beaches, hotels, dining, history, Madeira_Beach,
River Time
This is the Florida that the rat race scampered by. This is the Florida where casting a line and drinking lemonade on a porch create the kind of family memories that you remember from your own childhood.
Tags: Steinhatchee, fishing, family, dining,
A Gentler, Tastier Tallahassee
Some of Tallahassee's best sightseeing is done by car. You can also pick up a driving tour guide from the Visitor Center or, for a shorter version, just head down Miccosukee Road.
Tags: Tallahassee, dining, tours,
Splurging and Saving in Chic Fort Lauderdale
There's no better place to begin a vacation than at the ocean. Fort Lauderdale's golden beaches border 23 miles of Atlantic coastline, so you'll get plenty of it here
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, hotels, dining, shopping,
Daytona Beaches Hit the Gold Standard
The Daytona Beach area boasts 23 miles of mesmerizing shoreline, and the possibilities are just about endless for a memorable beach adventure.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, surfing, water_sports, beaches, dining, Ponce_Inlet,
Culinary Heaven Meets the Coast
One of the best ways to indulge your taste buds while on vacation is to take advantage of the resort's Trump Tasting Package, which includes a six-course meal served at the award-winning restaurant Neomi's Grill on-site.
Tags: Sunny_Isles_Beach, resorts, dining, Miami,
St. Augustine is for Honeymooners
Rent a private coach and take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride though the historic district and along the bayfront, past the fabled Bridge of Lions. Snuggle closer as the setting sun dips below beautiful St. Augustine Bay.
Tags: St_Augustine, honeymoons, romance, spas, dining, Ponte_Vedra_Beach,
Find Your Groove in the Grove
The two-story spa also features a steam room and outdoor spa with waterfall that overlooks Biscayne Bay, so arrive early or plan to stay on after your treatment.
Tags: Coconut_Grove, shopping, nightlife, spas, resorts, dining,
South Beach, Simplified
The vibe at Ola bar and restaurant, adjacent to the spa-style Sanctuary Hotel, is relaxing and sociable.
Tags: Miami, South_Beach, hotels, nightlife, dining,
Seven Countries in Seven Days
Delray’s rugged Atlantic coastline offers a distinctly international vibe, complemented by authentic treats like weiner schnitzel and sour cabbage soup served in meticulously decorated surrounds.
Tags: St_Augustine, Tarpon_Springs, culture, Ybor_City, Tampa, Anna_Maria_Island, Delray_Beach, Miami, South_Beach, Boca_Raton, dining,
Life in the Slow Lane
At the nearby Yearling Restaurant, I got acquainted with some cheese grits, super-sized hush puppies and tender morsels of batter-fried ’gator tail. Clever displays of memorabilia and the house musician, veteran bluesman Willie Green, make this rustic roadhouse an irresistible diversion.
Tags: historical_sites, Micanopy, shopping, antiques, bed_and_breakfasts, High_Springs, Cross_Creek, dining,
Go Dog, Go!
Forget biscuits – your best friend wants a vacation. (Though a few bites of steak and a stroll on the beach might earn you a lick or two.)
Tags: Tampa, Winter_Park, Miami_Beach, Key_West, beaches, parks, resorts, hotels, bed_and_breakfasts, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Dunedin, St_Pete_Beach, St_George_Island, Pensacola, dining,
Bohemian Revival
The Globe Coffee Lounge, with its mishmash of retro decor, board games, J.J. Walker poster and miscellany kitsch, is the quintessential artists’ coffee bar, attracting all ages.
Tags: St_Petersburg, Dunedin, Tampa, Ybor_City, shopping, culture, dining,
Four Seasons
It's easy to imagine sugar plum fairies in our Junior Ocean View Suite, which is awash in the vivid pastels of sea glass.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Orlando, Palm_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, luxury, resorts, hotels, dining,
Victorian Fairytale
The romance of the Victorian era lives on at Florida's bed & breakfasts, whether beachside, bayfront or in the middle of the state.
Tags: Apalachicola, Gainesville, Key_West, Lake_Wales, bed_and_breakfasts, museums, St_Petersburg, St_Augustine, dining,
Starry Eyes, Starry Nights
Nate and I saw Mars and the Orion Nebula, a fuzzy cluster of newly forming stars.
Tags: Bradenton, Cedar_Key, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Gainesville, High_Springs, Nokomis, Steinhatchee, Venice, romance, resorts, cruises, dining,
Small-Town Allure
We welcomed the wind in our faces and gazed at the gorgeous scenery below, an incredible mix of shimmering lakes and lush orange groves.
Tags: Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Haven, bed_and_breakfasts, flight, Bartow, romance, dining,
Executive Escapes
Later that evening, Gatsby-esque murals and saltwater aquariums, along with our three waiters - Birk, Ben and Don - greeted Meghan and I at The Maritana Grille.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Boca_Raton, Coral_Gables, Islamorada, Key_West, Longboat_Key, Marathon, Miami, Miami_Beach, Mount_Dora, Palm_Beach, Steinhatchee, West_Palm_Beach, spas, resorts, beaches, luxury, dining,
Parrot Heads
This is a place of bikini tops and Bloody Marys for breakfast. Where the talk is about fishing, the weather and what port of call is next.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fort_Lauderdale, Gulf_Breeze, Key_West, Marco_Island, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Nokomis, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Sarasota, South_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, Venice, nightlife, beaches, resorts, hotels, dining,
Northwest Florida Culinary Standouts
As construction rises on the Beaches of South Walton, so do fine dining opportunities.
Tags: Apalachicola, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Grayton_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Sandestin, Destin, dining,
Northwest Florida Cuisine
Finally, Ryanne serves me a dessert of peaches infused with and covered in a caramel mixture, topped by homemade vanilla ice cream. My notes for this read something like, "Oh my God, oh my God."
Tags: Apalachicola, Pensacola, dining, food_and_wine,
Under the Boardwalk
"Downtown" Hollywood is undergoing a modern makeover, but at Hollywood Beach, the Broadwalk wears its history proudly. There's a timeless appeal to the visitors' strolling, shopping, playing and dining before the open sand and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a haven for people and people-watchers of all ages.
Tags: Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, beaches, family, boating, fishing, dining, sightseeing,
Fishing Key West
As the water cools in the winter months, locals target barracuda on light line, and a variety of sharks, which also come inshore in search of an easy meal.
Tags: Key_West, fishing, dining,
Cabana For Two
We feed each other the savory, pepper-crusted petite veal rack and sensual butter-poached Florida lobster tail, dipping each in a menagerie of sauces.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, spas, resorts, romance, lighthouses, dining,
Blast Off or Come Down to Earth at Cocoa Beach
The "World's Most Diverse Estuary," the Indian River Lagoon snakes along The Space Coast, comprised of the Indian and Banana Rivers and Mosquito Lagoon. There's not a beach in sight, but you won't miss it a bit.
Tags: Cocoa_Beach, Merritt_Island, Titusville, Kennedy_Space_Center, kayaking, zoos, sealife, dining,
Naples: The Finer Side of Island Life
As Jimmy Buffett tunes played in the background, we cruised along Naples Bay and peeked into the backyards of the ultra-wealthy, where palatial estates resembled hotels more than homes.
Tags: Naples, vacation_rentals, beaches, theater, shopping, dining,
The Florida Keys by Motorcycle
Heading south, the famous Seven Mile Bridge offers views of endless sky and sea; it also presents the most challenging riding you're likely to encounter.
Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Miami, Florida_Keys, motorcycling, hotels, resorts, dining,
Fort Myers Beach on the Flip Side
As dusk turned to nightfall, we slipped away from the spirited, boisterous scene and headed to a quiet dinner table for two in Chloë's restaurant, at the flip-side, ivory-tower sanctuary of DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Tags: Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, romance, resorts, dining,
The Keys for Kids
Head south to Islamorada, where you can swim with playful sea lions and graceful giant rays, or just enjoy the animal shows and educational displays at Theater of the Sea.
Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, family, hotels, parks, museums, dining,
Celebrating Sisterhood
We giggled like high school girls as we trolled the hotel's private beach, sipping fruity cocktails, reminiscing and splashing in the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tags: Palm_Beach, resorts, spas, beaches, shopping, dining,
The Art of Doing Nothing
The sky became a canvas of pastel stripes as a perfect rainbow appeared and shimmered on the black bay waters.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, bed_and_breakfasts, dining,
Scalloping in Steinhatchee
The town is a delicious time warp where century-old fishing camps languish beneath mossy oaks, and weathered docks rock gently in the wake of fishing boats.
Tags: Steinhatchee, sealife, fishing, resorts, dining,
Southwest Florida Seduction
When we returned, the liveliness of downtown was intoxicating. People of all ages popped in and out of restaurants that turned into clubs of one kind or another after dinner.
Tags: Marco_Island, Naples, romance, hotels, honeymoons, weddings, dining,
Globetrotting Florida
Kaleidoscopic costumes of sequins and crepe paper bob along the street in step with whistles, bells and the leathery thrump of African drums.
Tags: Miami, Tarpon_Springs, culture, history, Coconut_Grove, dining,
Heat it Up!
The fireplace sits at the foot of the king-sized bed topped with fluffy, feather pillows. It's all just steps from the ocean, where you can lounge, bicycle, fish, sail or kayak.
Tags: Ponte_Vedra_Beach, spas, resorts, romance, dining,
The Keys to Romance
What could be more romantic than a remote island paradise ringed in white sands and amazingly blue waters?
Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, romance, resorts, dining,
Dinner and a Show in Kissimmee
Children of all ages thrill to the pounding hooves and glistening coats of the horses and the Broadway-quality costuming and effects.
Tags: Kissimmee, theater, dining,
Tropical Paradise: The Captiva Island Inn, Captiva Island
Because the inn is in the heart of this tiny town, most everything - shops, restaurants, and of course, the beach - is within walking or bicycling distance. Anything else is minutes away by car, including the sunset cruise we scheduled.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, beaches, bed_and_breakfasts, kayaking, outdoors_and_nature, hotels, dining,
Beauty Queen: The Seven Sisters Inn, Ocala
The Moorehardts also prepare wonderful meals for guests using recipes they collect from their worldwide travels.
Tags: Cross_Creek, Micanopy, Ocala, bed_and_breakfasts, equestrian, outdoors_and_nature, romance, dining,
The Amelia Island Williams House
Since the Williams House is in the historic district, it's a short walk to the scenic marina and the shops and galleries on Centre Street. It's also a pleasant bike ride to Fort Clinch State Park.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, bed_and_breakfasts, romance, dining,
Uncovering the Secret of Apalachicola
A fellow who moved from the San Francisco Bay area said that after a week in Apalachicola, he knew more people than he knew where he'd come from.
Tags: Apalachicola, historical_sites, bed_and_breakfasts, dining,
Matlacha
Rural Florida is mainly where the state's landmark preservation efforts have succeeded, where proliferating trails and greenways lay themselves out, where wildlife remains plentiful and where small towns harbor traditional life.
Tags: Cape_Coral, Charlotte_Harbor, art, museums, fishing, dining,
Florida Seafood from A to Z
Florida lobster: known as the spiny lobster, it has no claws like the Maine variety.
Tags: Apalachicola, Cedar_Key, Key_West, Steinhatchee, dining,
Unique Dining
If you're in the Space Coast area, make a lunch date with an astronaut. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Lunch with an Astronaut program is a popular dining treat for kids and parents alike.
Tags: Bradenton, Captiva_Island, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Grayton_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Miami, Miami_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, Ybor_City, St_Augustine, dining, food_and_wine,
Fish Shacks and Other Laid-Back Fun
The best seating is outdoors around picnic tables on the deck overlooking the salt marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway, just before it empties into Ponce Inlet.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Apalachicola, Hollywood, Miami, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Sanford, Steinhatchee, Tampa, Titusville, Venice, dining,
Chesterfield Hotel
The Chesterfield, in fact, is a favorite of Margaret Thatcher, and also Catherine DeNeuve, Faye Dunaway, and author Barbara Taylor Bradford, among many others.
Tags: Cocoa, Palm_Beach, hotels, romance, luxury, dining,
Chalet Suzanne
The inn soon became a favorite haunt of celebrities and royalty. And for three generations since, the family-run Chalet Suzanne has maintained its reputation for exceptional hospitality and four-star cuisine.
Tags: Lake_Wales, historical_sites, hotels, romance, dining,
Conch, Key Limes and Cafe con Leche
Conch Republic and Floribbean aside, the Florida Keys are still a part of the good old U.S., no matter how exotic it feels.
Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, culture, Florida_Keys, dining,
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