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Hilda Mitrani
Off the Beaten Path
Former Insider
A native Miamian of Cuban-Spanish descent, I love getting off the beaten path to uncover the unexpected Florida every chance I get. Come along with me as I explore the Sunshine State's unusual and unique spots.
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Luxurious Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande Offers Outstanding Resort Amenities and Exclusivity
Luxurious Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande Offers Outstanding Resort Amenities and Exclusivity
July 31, 2011
Stepping into the Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande is like returning to the Gilded Age – but with today’s accoutrements. The attention to service and genteel ambience at this hideaway ... more
Boca Grande's Treasures Include Natural Beauty, Historic Sites and Championship Tarpon Fishing
Boca Grande's Treasures Include Natural Beauty, Historic Sites and Championship Tarpon Fishing
July 31, 2011
Today is my last day as VISIT FLORIDA's Off the Beaten Path Insider as a new writer joins the team on Monday. I've chosen the Historic Village of Boca Grande as my last feature. ... more
Tour de Fort Bicycle Event on Aug. 27 Along Gulf Islands National Seashore and Florida Scenic Trail
Tour de Fort Bicycle Event on Aug. 27 Along Gulf Islands National Seashore and Florida Scenic Trail
July 28, 2011
The pristine terrain of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is hosting a bicycle tour, cheekily titled Tour de Fort, to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island in northwest Florida. The event begins at  ... more
Inspired Cuisine and Fine Service Are Always on the Menu at Casa d'Angelo in Fort Lauderdale
Inspired Cuisine and Fine Service Are Always on the Menu at Casa d'Angelo in Fort Lauderdale
July 25, 2011
Near downtown Fort Lauderdale, a landmark restaurant is tucked into a nondescript shopping center. Discerning diners have long trekked there to Casa d’Angelo, one of South Florida’s finest restaurants. Chef Angelo Elia’s exquisite cuisine ... more
Vertical Garden with Nearly 11,000 Plants Adorns Worth Avenue Shopping District in Palm Beach
Vertical Garden with Nearly 11,000 Plants Adorns Worth Avenue Shopping District in Palm Beach
July 22, 2011
On tony Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s first vertical garden rises alongside the exterior wall of a Saks Fifth Avenue. The adornment, an 840 square foot masterpiece, is part of a larger revitalization project. The installation ... more
Jacksonville's Jazz Scene at Historic Ritz Theatre & Other Venues
Jacksonville's Jazz Scene at Historic Ritz Theatre & Other Venues
July 20, 2011
Jazz and Jacksonville go hand-in-hand, and not just at the world-famous Jacksonville Jazz Festival held each May. In the city, visitors can enjoy jazz at a number of locales. Near Downtown, a new wine and ... more
Airport Shops Throughout Florida Offer Read & Return Program for Book Lovers
Airport Shops Throughout Florida Offer Read & Return Program for Book Lovers
July 18, 2011
Here's my new pre-flight boarding drill: Picture ID, check. Boarding pass, check. Shoes back on, check. Book… Buy it at the airport! I’ve just returned from an excursion that began at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Aside from the joy of ... more
Scenic Harborwalk and Free Bike Loan Program Are Highlights of Punta Gorda Shore
Scenic Harborwalk and Free Bike Loan Program Are Highlights of Punta Gorda Shore
July 15, 2011
An innovative bicycle loan program helps visitors enjoy the Punta Gorda Harborwalk, a 2.4-mile public path that winds through three waterfront parks. This confluence of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor is also an ... more
In Pensacola's Historic North Hill, the Noble Manor Inn Offers Elegance, Comfort and Central Location
In Pensacola's Historic North Hill, the Noble Manor Inn Offers Elegance, Comfort and Central Location
July 12, 2011
In Pensacola, the Noble Manor Bed and Breakfast is by turn friendly, lovingly decorated and efficiently run. Another plus is the location in the North Hill Historic District, perfect for exploring the bygone ... more
Discovering Gelati at JJ Fitelli's, A Glorious New Dessert Emporium in Miami
Discovering Gelati at JJ Fitelli's, A Glorious New Dessert Emporium in Miami
July 09, 2011
Occasionally, going off the beaten path can mean right in your own backyard. Such is the case with JJ Fitelli's, a Gelati emporium in Kendall, one of Miami's suburban neighborhoods. How is this "off the ... more
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My Latest Q & A Archive
January in Miami for Silver Anniversary
Asked by Laura Garza on July 27, 2011
Q: Hi Hilda. My husband and I are traveling to Orlando for the weekend on January 6 next year for our 25th wedding anniversary. We like parks but my husband wants to visit Miami too. What do you suggest we could do on a Saturday in winter there in Miami? Thanks, Laura.
A:

Hi Laura! What a lovely way to spend your silver wedding anniversary. Miami is just glorious in January. ...read more

Luxurious Spa and Golf in a Quiet Spot with Beaches
Asked by Minika Harrison on July 13, 2011
Q: Dear Hilda, I was hoping that you might be able to help me. My partner and I are planning to visit Florida in September. We arrive in Orlando and plan to do some of the theme parks. We are quite casual travellers, meaning we enjoy staying in boutique hotels that provide facilities like golf (for my partner), a spa (for myself), beach, bar and somewhat peace and quiet. I am finding it quite difficult to find anything that fits in with our requirements, as most hotels appear to be quite large and impersonal. Can you suggest anything? I have been looking at Clearwater and St Pete, however they both seem very "city-like". I am a Londoner and my partner is German so you can imagine that relative peace and quiet and good restaurants play a significant role in terms of choice for us. I would appreciate any help that you could provide. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Kind regards, Minika Harrison
A:

Hi Minika, there are a number of good options throughout Florida. One of the regions that encompasses ...read more

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VISIT FLORIDA Experts
Hilda's picks
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore protects 5,842 acres of public land and 18,953 acres of water ... More
History Lives on at Spooky Florida Locations
History Lives on at Spooky Florida Locations
Florida’s centuries-old history provides a strong connection to interesting places and significant people. As it ... More
Dr. Beach's Florida Picks
Dr. Beach's Florida Picks
"There's even a 105-year old fort on-site that's a landmark of Florida history." ... More
Florida's Architecture
Florida's Architecture
After building his masterpieces all over the world, the indomitable Frank Lloyd Wright left the ... More
Cultural Encounters in Florida
Cultural Encounters in Florida
That place is the edge of the Everglades, a strip of land 11 miles by ... More
Music to Our Ears
Music to Our Ears
All around the state, musical organizations recognize the need to build audiences. ... More
On Florida's Literary Trail
On Florida's Literary Trail
Florida is a state filled with comedy and history, romance and mystery. ... More
Kennedy Space Center for the Family
Kennedy Space Center for the Family
Older kids and adults with an interest in space can immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind experiences ... More
Downtown Fort Pierce
Downtown Fort Pierce
Downtown Fort Pierce ... Watch
Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
Tour Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna ... Watch
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park ... Watch
St. Augustine for Families
St. Augustine for Families
St. Augustine for Families ... Watch


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