| Hilda Mitrani's Blog Archive |
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| Towering Sculptures on Exhibit In Gainesville; Cell Phone Tour Available |
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| July 07, 2011 |
So you are at a cultural event and everyone around you is on their cell phone… how rude, right? Not quite!
It's all part of an exhibit of nearly two dozen sculptures by John Seward Johnson Jr. The best part? You can listen to a narrative of the sculptures using your cell phone!
The exhibit's headline piece, "Whispering Close," is a towering, 20-foot tall sculpture of a man and woman dancing. Mr.... more |
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| Tips for Watching A Space Shuttle Launch: One of Florida's Greatest Adventures |
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| June 29, 2011 |
Space shuttle launches are a time to marvel at the achievements of man. And one of the greatest adventures possible is to experience a space shuttle launch in person.
I did this as part of the STS-132 tweet-up last year and would like to remind my readers to get in the car, the plane or on the train and go see the last launch on July 8.... more |
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| Free Wi-Fi at Extensive List of Florida Airports |
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| June 05, 2011 |
Are you traveling to Florida this summer and need to stay connected? I've been doing a lot of travel through Florida airports, and it seems my first question at the ticket counter is "Do you have free Wi-Fi?"
So, here's a handy list of Florida airports with free Wi-Fi:
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Daytona Beach Airport - signal in Ticketing area
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Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport - My favorite!
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Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers
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Gainesville Regional Airport
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Jacksonville Airport
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Key West International
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LaBelle Municipal Airport
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Melbourne International Airport
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Okaloosa Regional Airport in Fort Walton Beach
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Orlando International Airport
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Palm Beach International
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Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport
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Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
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Tallahassee Airport
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Tampa International
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Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach
Safe travels!
...... more |
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| Splendor in the Grass at TPC Sawgrass in Northeast Florida |
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| May 05, 2011 |
Ever see a picture so perfect that you know someone used Photoshop to enhance it? Sometimes, I find spots like that in Florida and I do a double take to record the scene in my head before reaching for a camera.
That’s precisely what happened when I visited TPC Sawgrass in ... more |
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| National Park Week from April 16 to 24 to be Celebrated All Over Florida |
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| April 09, 2011 |
Have you decided which national park you're going to visit during National Park Week, April 16 to 24? I've been contemplatinh this for more than a week and I'm having trouble making up my mind.
In Florida, there's a national park for every interest, from the history at Fort Pickens in the ... more |
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| Ride Like Royalty at Ocala Carriage and Tours |
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| March 23, 2011 |
Can't make it to London for Prince William's wedding to his betrothed? Want to ride like a princess through the forest? Good news! You can at least ride into the wind in Central Florida, where Ocala Carriage and Tours takes you through pastures full of Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos, Percheron Draft and Quarter Horses.... more |
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| Captiva Island's 'Tween Waters Inn Offers $80 Dining Credit through May 26 |
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| March 14, 2011 |
There's an eightieth (that's 8-0!) birthday party going on this entire year at Captiva Island's 'Tween Waters Inn! And the best part? It's the guests who get the gifts!
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Inn is offering an $80 dining credit with a three-night booking from April 3 through May 26. That certificate will surely buy a few scrumptious shrimp cocktails!
Plus, the poolside rooms are only $150 per night.
The Inn is also running a contest.... more |
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| Outstanding Spiritual Experiences in Florida |
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| March 12, 2011 |
Nearly five hundred years of history has given Florida some heft in almost all areas of human endeavor, and some in the spiritual area too. Consequently, I was quite delighted to share information on this interesting topic recently when a reader asked me where in Florida she might have spiritual experiences.
In ... more |
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| Exploring Central Florida's Picturesque Attractions and Towns |
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| February 18, 2011 |
If you're visiting Central Florida and would like to explore the region, here are a few places that are well worth driving "Off the Beaten Path":
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Forever Florida, located on a 4,700-acre cattle ranch and nature preserve, offers three types of zip-line safaris. Read ... more
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| Cradle of Naval Aviation in Pensacola Celebrates Milestone, Opens New Exhibit |
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| January 24, 2011 |
On Jan. 3, 1914, a banner headline in The Pensacola Journal read, “Pensacola is Designated As the Aeronautical Center of Navy.” Soon after, nine officers, 23 men, seven aircraft, portable hangers, and other gear from Annapolis, Maryland arrived to set up a flying school.... more |
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| Country Brunch, Wine Tasting and Wild Game Hunts at the Seminole Inn in Indiantown |
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| December 26, 2010 |
At the lovely Seminole Inn in Indiantown, Sunday means a country brunch featuring Chef Lesber Cuadra's hearty food and innovative palate. Served in the Windsor Dining Room surrounded by the beauty of Palladium windows, a 12-foot pecky cypress ceiling and gleaming hardwood floors, the setting is a draw as is the cuisine.
Brunch hours are 9:30 a.... more |
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| Welcome and Giving Back: Christmas at the Florida Welcome Centers |
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| December 14, 2010 |
Florida's Welcome Centers are a tremendous source of information for incoming visitors. Since 1949, nearly 90 million visitors have received more than 350 million maps and brochures to help make their vacation a success.
As a child on one of our family's many car trips, I remember stopping and getting treated to a free cup of Florida citrus juice, much as visitors still do today.... more |
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| The Nutcracker Features Russian Traditions, Colorful Costumes and 104 Dancers |
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| December 03, 2010 |
Snowflakes, sugarplums, toy soldiers, magical dolls and a Mouse King… It’s time for The Nutcracker! This charming holiday classic is being presented by Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida at several locations in Miami, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale.
This highly-acclaimed production, choreographed and directed by renowned Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev, features a cast of 104, including the company’s professional dancers performing the principal roles. Local character artists and children and students of the prestigious Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet complete the cast.... more |
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| Invasion of Giant Pink Snails Hits Miami Beach |
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| November 19, 2010 |
Forty-five giant pink snails are roaming the southern part of Miami Beach. However, most people are delighted, not alarmed. This is the work of Galleria Ca' d'Oro, a Rome-based gallery which is opening an exhibition space in Coral Gables in December.... more |
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| Elvis Presley's Filming History on Florida's Nature Coast |
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| November 12, 2010 |
At the request of a reader, I've done some research on Elvis and the time he spent filming on Florida's Nature Coast. Of course, it wasn't called "Nature Coast" back then. Elvis filmed primarily in Yankeetown, which sits on the ... more |
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| Stone Crabs Are Star Attraction in Everglades City |
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| October 19, 2010 |
Up north, people mark the seasons with colorful leaves and pumpkin patches. In parts of South Florida, we mark the arrival of cooler weather with a harvest of a completely different nature.
In South Florida, fall means it's stone crab season!
We don't actually climb on the rooftops to sing, but many people head to City Seafood in ... more |
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| Gourmet Restaurants in Destin Area of Northwest Florida |
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| October 17, 2010 |
I picked up my love of travel and gourmet food from my late father, Jaime A. Mitrani. He was always the "go-to" guy for travel planning and information on savory restaurants among his family, friends and work colleagues.... more |
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| Five Favorite South Florida Ethnic Restaurants |
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| October 14, 2010 |
South Florida has an abundant collection of ethnic restaurants. While it's not easy for me to select just five, here are the ones that I often return to because they offer scrumptious food (and have a mild effect on my wallet!)
The Painted Pickle in Wilton Manors - The owners of this charming spot consider their restaurant a "del-istro" - part deli and part bistro. The tuna salad here has my favorite ingredient - capers! - but consider taking half your over-stuffed deli sandwich home.... more |
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| Spirited Stories Come to Life during Ghost Tours in Charlotte Harbor |
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| September 21, 2010 |
There’s a traditional Scottish prayer that I used to recite. It goes like this:
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
And yet, at Halloween, many of us human types go seeking the ghostly ones. To the delight of Southwest Florida thrill seekers, ... more |
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| Miami's Arts Scene Kicks Off New Season on Sept. 12 |
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| August 30, 2010 |
I'm an arts lover and former musician, so I can "Fall for the Arts" virtually anyday, anytime.
Even so, there's something special about autumn, when all the new season's programs are announced. So it's pretty easy to predict where I'll be on Sept.... more |
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| Ticket Sales for Last Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery |
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| August 06, 2010 |
On Monday, November 1, the shuttle Discovery will be launched for the final time at Kennedy Space Center at 4:40 p.m. It’s one of the last two opportunities for this quintessential American experience, and I urge everyone who hasn’t witnessed a live launch to try to put block their schedule and come share in the awe.... more |
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| Cell Phone Tours Enable Unique History Tours at Gainesville's Morningside Nature Center |
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| June 19, 2010 |
Gainesville's s Living History Farm offers visitors an interesting tour of the area's agricultural past, circa 1870, using 21st Century technology - cell phones!
Farm visitors receive a brochure to guide them through the farm with assistance from a local phone number. After dialing and entering a tour stop number displayed, visitors hear information about that specific item, building or location. The tours are free (except for your cell phone usage.... more |
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| Join me as I travel through NASA's Kennedy Space Center |
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| May 13, 2010 |
Today I'm at the #NASAtweetup, the opportunity of a lifetime to learn and meet the many people involved in our amazing NASA space program. I lost my breath when I drove onto the Kennedy Space Center and saw the main NASA building. It's beyond amazing.... more |
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| Florida Authors Present New Books Throughout the Sunshine State |
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| May 04, 2010 |
Several Florida authors are presenting books in the coming weeks. Here's a rundown of their appearances throughout the Sunshine State:
"She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal Leader" will be presented by author Jan Godown Annino on Saturday, May 15 at ... more |
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| Plan a Summer Car Trip for Exploring and Family Fun |
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| April 22, 2010 |
Planning your summer car trips? Florida offers a spectacular variety of attractions and experiences. From the cultural to historical, here’s a round-up of some stops I’ll be making when my kids are out of school:
Lakeland – This Central Florida town is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world. Glide past these architectural delights, plus the lovely Lakeland Swans, and Hollis Gardens on a ... more |
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| Wild Azalea Festival on March 20 in White Springs |
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| March 14, 2010 |
In the spring, wildflowers begin to bloom in north central Florida. Their re-emergence is heralded at the Wild Azalea Festival at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in White Springs. This year, the colorful event will be held on Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.... more |
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| In Palm Coast, Walk Back in Time with the Florida Agricultural Museum |
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| March 09, 2010 |
Folks from Florida’s past including Timucuans, Spaniards, Free Blacks of the Colonial era, the British, Seminoles, Confederate era Cow Calvary, moonshiners and women of the rural South will be represented at the fourth annual Walk Back in Time on March 20 and 21 hosted by the ... more |
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| A Breezy Weekend at the New York Times Travel Show |
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| March 05, 2010 |
I had the pleasure of meeting many people during an exhilarating weekend at the New York Times Travel Show. Joining me were VISIT FLORIDA partners from throughout Florida. We talked a lot about Sunshine State weather since New York had just gotten 20 inches of snow the prior day.... more |
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| Weeki Wachee Springs Retains Charm with Human Mermaids and Natural Beauty |
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| February 19, 2010 |
Quirky roadside attractions like Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, less than an hour north of Tampa, are a part of Florida’s storied past and also its future. Weeki Wachee means “little spring” or “winding river” in the Seminole language, yet this park is much more than those two terms.
I recently revisited this place that is one of my all-time favorite Florida spots, and you can watch a video of my visit ... more |
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| Share a Little Sunshine and Maybe Win a Trip! |
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| February 15, 2010 |
Calling all Floridians to Share A Little Sunshine!
VISIT FLORIDA's new marketing campaign, aptly called 'Share a Little Sunshine,' offers residents online tools to encourage friends and family to come visit. The first phase of this grassroots campaign was launched last fall and has been updated to include jazzy video messages with homespun images. Another aspect are interesting postcards meant to be shared via email.... more |
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| Seminole Culture and Native American Traditions Are Highlight of Sarasota Festival in Late January |
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| January 18, 2010 |
Seminole culture is intertwined in Florida history and throughout the state. Upcoming events, beginning with the Third Annual Sarasota Native American Indian Festival on Jan. 29, 30 and 31, celebrate hand-made, authentic arts and crafts, rich paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, bead and leather work items, along with traditional Seminole and Navajo foods.... more |
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| Top 5 Waterfront Dining Spots Range from Picnic Tables to Fine Dining |
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| January 14, 2010 |
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| Waterfront dining in Florida’s peninsula is both spectacular and varied. Our early pioneers found stone crabs, oysters and shrimp, still plentiful today. The views are among the best in the USA, from the aqua waters of the beaches of Santa Rosa to the rugged shoals of the Atlantic.... more |
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| Cedar Key Christmas Tree Listed on One Hundred Trees Blog |
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| December 30, 2009 |
I've just returned from spending Christmas in Barrington, Rhode Island and have a thousand-fold appreciation for why we are the Sunshine State.
Many New England residents follow centuries-old holiday traditions, so I was tickled to see a lovely and innovative tree from Cedar Key Marina as number 52 in this ... more |
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| Chanukah Celebration in Hallandale Beach One of Largest in USA |
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| December 11, 2009 |
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a holiday that celebrates miracles, the power of faith and religious freedom. So in addition to the gifts and shopping, there's candle lighting, songs and food (ubiquitous in most Jewish celebrations).
This year in Hallandale Beach, the 30th annual South Florida Chanukah Festival will be held on Dec.... more |
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| Pensacola's National Naval Aviation Museum is One of World's Largest |
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| December 07, 2009 |
Today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as “a date which will live in infamy/”
My late father taught me its historical importance and lamented the more than 2,400 servicemen killed and nearly 1,300 wounded there. Most of them were serving in the United States Navy.... more |
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| National Geographic Traveler Reporter Andrew Nelson Plans Impromptu Miami Trip via Twitter |
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| December 01, 2009 |
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Last weekend, I was part of an exhilarating social media experiment with Andrew Nelson, a reporter for National Geographic Traveler magazine. He traveled to Miami, as a "Thanksgiving-day orphan" according to his editor, and relied on our Twitter-savvy residents to help him decide what to do or see.
Quite a few of us in town were delighted to share our favorite spots with Andy, who sifted through the options by tweeting and asking for feedback.... more |
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| Florida Was Birthplace of America's Cowboy Traditions |
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| November 17, 2009 |
At the Florida Agricultural Museum, a new permanent exhibit on our state's early cattle industry recalls how the word “cowboy” originally came to describe a black male slave who tended cows. The word has roots in South Carolina during the 18th century, and yet, the quintessential image of the cowboy on horseback began here in Florida. Eat your heart out, John Wayne!
The cattle herding tradition dates back approximately 6,000 years to the Sahara region where Africans were tending vast herds.... more |
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| Latin American Art at the Southwest Florida Museum of History |
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| November 13, 2009 |
Like Florida, Latin America is a confluence of cultures and peoples.
These many influences translate into a rich artistic heritage, and it’s on display through Dec. 5 at the third annual ‘Art Expressions of Latin America III: The People,’ an exhibit at the ... more |
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| Miami Book Fair Offers 350 Author Events at Beloved Regional Festival |
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| November 11, 2009 |
Today we thank our veterans for the freedoms that we hold dear every day. None seems as valuable right now as the right to free speech, given the restrictions in Cuba, Tibet, Venezuela, Darfur and North Korea.
Opinions, ideas and thoughts are the heart of what makes each individual unique.... more |
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| Punta Gorda Museum Showcases Muscle Cars and More |
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| October 24, 2009 |
| An aqua-colored Thunderbird sometimes coasts by my home in South Florida. I love the Art Deco touches and gorgeous lines on this car. Muscle cars of yesteryear are becoming popular again but there’s nothing like the authenticity of the real thing.... more |
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| Historic Tour on Oct. 24 Showcases Area's Hispanic Heritage |
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| October 21, 2009 |
Like the voyages of Ponce de León, Cortés and Pizarro from the 1500s, you can explore the imprint that Hispanics have left in Miami-Dade County on free tours organized by Miami-Dade’s Transit Authority in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. The tours, offered in both English and Spanish, depart from the Government Center in downtown Miami and last approximately three and a half hours.
On Saturday, Oct.... more |
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| Engaging Keeper Tours at Stuart's Unique House of Refuge |
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| October 17, 2009 |
Long before Florida was home to world-class spas and hotels, quite a few accidental visitors looked for a safe haven here: those who were shipwrecked on our coast. On Hutchinson Island, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar offers a unique perspective of an important time in the United States' maritime history.
A local historian and re-enactment player, Marty Baum, conducts tours of the museum here on the second Saturday of each month from October through spring.... more |
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| History-Themed Day Trips Originating in Central Florida |
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| October 13, 2009 |
History is abundant throughout Central Florida, so I like combining trips to Orlando’s theme parks with unique places like Arcadia, close to the Gulf coast.
In spite of turbulent wars, disastrous fires and boomtown expansion, this lovely town preserves its 19th century architecture and Old Florida charm.... more |
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| Culinary Treats at Cuban-Style Market in Miami |
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| September 25, 2009 |
One of my favorite “Only in Miami” joints is “Palacio de los Jugos” or simply translated, the Juice Palace. In my book, its name actually ought to be "Slice of Heaven."
Actually an old-fashioned Cuban marketplace, it’s also a culinary delight filled with an array of fresh produce and kiosks selling delicious comfort food.... more |
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| Folk Music Festivals Signal Autumn in White Springs |
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| September 16, 2009 |
In grade school, I learned to love American folk songs but thought it quaintly odd that the Florida state song began with "Way down upon the Suwannee River." Looking at any map, it seemed clear to me that much of the state was below the river! Of course, that was before I learned a little history…
A rich sense of history is part of what draws people to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in ... more |
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| The Fishing Is a Pleasure in Wewa, a Florida Treasure |
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| September 09, 2009 |
In Wewahitchka, located in north-central Florida, oak trees drip moss and oysters are a mainstay. And yet, there are two other celebrated delicacies: catfish and tupelo honey.
Many of us learned about tupelo honey in “Ulee’s Gold,” a Hollywood blockbuster.... more |
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| The Spanish Plate Fleet and Florida's Shoals |
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| August 24, 2009 |
| When I heard the term “plate fleet” at the Archaeology Institute of the University of West Florida, I had a funny vision of Annette Bening and Michael Douglas in the White House China Room from the movie The American President. Chuckling privately, I asked the archaeologist to explain the term.... more |
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| Hollering for the Rodeo in Arcadia |
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| August 16, 2009 |
Arcadia’s getting ready for the Third Annual Best of the Ranches Ranch Rodeo, which will be held in early September.
On September 5, the performance begins at 6 p.m.... more |
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| The Fabric of Florida: Quilting Thrives in the Sunshine State |
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| August 10, 2009 |
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| Quilting is both a quintessential form of artistic expression and a centuries-old social activity. Quilters traditionally join together in groups. In Florida, many belong to the Sunshine State Quilters Association or attend the BeSewCreative Quilter’s Retreat on September 17 – 20 at DeLand’s ... more |
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| Cascade of Caladiums at Lake Placid’s 9th Annual Festival |
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| August 07, 2009 |
| In Highlands County, Florida, more than 1,200 acres of caladiums are growing in the rich muck earth. In fact, this area is blessed with natural beauty and friendly people who put their hearts and souls into the Annual Caladium Festival. This important event celebrates the local culture and economic impact of these lovely ornamental plants.... more |
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| Tasty Turkish Delight on Sunny South Beach |
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| August 02, 2009 |
| Finding good Turkish food nearby is an unexpected delight, as was our lunch today at Hakan Grill on South Beach. Here, savory cuisine is combined with warm service that proprietor Hakan Aksu learned during an earlier 23-year career at top hotel brands.... more |
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| Pirate Adventures Abound on St. Augustine Voyages |
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| July 24, 2009 |
Shipwrecked on the grounds of St. Augustine’s historic Ramada Hotel is a cunning and creative crew (of pirates) - circa 2009.
Har, har, you didn’t know there were still pirates in Florida?
Well matey, Black Raven Adventures has created a modern pirate attraction on a specially designed vessel.... more |
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| Following the Spanish Colonial Trail via Mission San LuÃÂs |
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| July 15, 2009 |
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Imagine digging through a trash pile that is 400 years old and finding an ornate metal cross. Who owned it? Why was it discarded? Was it a gift from a beloved gone missing on the sea or did the metal chain break, rendering the cross useless?
The archaeological team at ... more |
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| A Taste of Victorian in Central Florida |
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| July 15, 2009 |
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| Chalet Suzanne, a family-owned inn and restaurant on a 100-acre estate, makes it easy to travel to their tranquil spot of Florida; the 70-year old mini-resort has its own airfield! Not arriving by air? Chalet Suzanne is accessible from I-75, Florida's Turnpike and US-27.... more |
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| Follow Me Off the Beaten Path |
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| July 14, 2009 |
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Hi! I’m Hilda, a native Miamian of Cuban-Spanish descent (just like Florida!) who loves getting off the beaten path and discovering the real Florida.
My kids and I love exploring Florida’s more unusual and unique spots. Come along with me as I write and create videos about my hidden finds.... more |
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