Hi Laura! What a lovely way to spend your silver wedding anniversary. Miami is just glorious in January. I would start with a Miami Culinary Food Tour in either the Art Deco District or the new avant-garde Wynwood area, which is full of neat art galleries and restaurants. Take a 90-minute Duck Tour and see The Magic City (Miami) from the water, along with the homes of the celebrities narrated by a stand-up comic. Go shopping at The Village of Gulfstream just north of Miami. Check out the schedules at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami or the New World Center on Miami Beach. At the New World Center, they have indoor concerts and outdoor Wallcasts facing a public park, where you can have a picnic. Visit Fairchild Tropical Garden and have lunch in their verandah, or spend time at Vizcaya, one of America's greatest private homes, now a museum. Have capuccino or an ice cream in Coconut Grove, or shop at the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables. Enjoy a pastelito or café Cubano or in Little Havana.

These are some of my favorite things to do in South Florida. I hope you have a fabulous Silver Anniversary celebration, and that you come back for your Gold Anniversary too. Thanks for writing and reading my stories.

Hi Minika, there are a number of good options throughout Florida. One of the regions that encompasses everything you would like for your Florida sojourn is Amelia Island, where Summer Beach guests can play the Ritz-Carlton course and eat at at the award-winning Salt restaurant. I love the quiet beach here and the historic fort for excursions.

In the Panhandle, the Watercolor Inn is affiliated with two excellent courses, Camp Creek and Shark's Tooth. Closer to Orlando, a small but relaxed course is Mission Inn. It's a bit apart from the hustle and bustle in Orlando, and therefore may fulfill most of your requests. Mission Inn has two good courses.

Closer to St. Pete, look into the Pasa Tiempo Resort and Sarah's Seaside.

Thanks for writing. I hope you and your partner have a wonderful time on your Florida vacation.

I have my favorite spots also. Among my favorite beaches are Destin, Seaside and Pensacola Beach. The sand is as fine as powdered sugar, and I love walking to restaurants and for entertainment. Beyond that, I also enjoy exploring the historic and archaeological sites and the coastal sand dunes in the area. In Seaside and Destin, there is a lot of summer programming such as concerts and family events, too.

Use the search engine on our website to read some of the stories about these beaches, and also to find new accommodations. Enjoy!

Hi Bill - Watching from the water is a great idea! I can't predict how much trouble you may have getting to Kelly Park that morning. I would call the park's administration to ask about access that morning. In general, both Kelly Park locations are open by 7 a.m. However, since hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the launch and most of them will be driving into the area, I am telling everyone to get to their chosen spot by 5 a.m.

Also, be sure you have clear directions and that you know whether you need to be at Kelly Park East or West to meet the boat captain. Remember your sunscreen and have a fabulous time!

Yes, I've been to every one of the communities that you mention, and like them all – a lot. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. 

If you go to www.MyFlorida.com, you'll find the details you need to evaluate before you move here, including schools, neighborhoods, driver's license, etc. That website has a link to information geared to new residents, too.

Here's another thought: Check out the Facebook pages for each community to see what things people post there. That might be quite interesting. Ask folks that have young children what they like about their community.

Congratulations on deciding to move to the Sunshine State! I hope your transfer here goes smoothly.

Lori - Thank you for sending us the information about the Gulfport restaurants! I forwarded it to my colleague, Kara Chalmers, who wrote about this opportunity for people to go sample the terrific food in advance of the Rand McNally visit. You can read her story here.

Good luck during the next month. I'll be cheering for Gulfport!

I would head to Pine Island in the Gulf. Here's an article about some of the interesting things to do in the area. While you're in the area, head to Babcock Wilderness Adventures for a Cypress Swamp Safari. I did this last year and loved it.

Enjoy your adventure!

Click on this link to see a complete list of the Ft. Lauderdale sea turtle-related opportunities.

My children and I went to the sea turtle talk at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood and then went to the shore to release the hatchlings. We loved the experience!

Whichever option you choose, remember to leave no trace of your visit and respect the need to keep the beaches dark. Thank you for your interest in these gentle animals.

There are a couple of options for fishing. In Orlando, you can go Cane Pole Fishing from either Disney's Port Orleans Riverside or Disney Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground. For details and information, call the Resort Recreation Reservation Center at 407-WDW-BASS (407-939-2277). They can give you information on the extensive list of equipment available for rental.

For the "World's Most Famous Beach," the adjacent fishing in the Atlantic plus an incredibly picturesque view, go to the Sun Glow Pier in Daytona Beach. You can fish here, and take a break for a hamburger at Crabby Joe's Restaurant overlooking the Atlantic! Crabby Joe's is built into the pier in the middle of the ocean. Talk about ocean breezes!

Hope the fish are biting on your trip!

I don't like leaving my black Lab at home either. I recommend that you use this link to find accommodations in Cape San Blas, where the paw prints beside the name of the property indicates that it is pet-friendly. A second option is Gulf County.

Have a wonderful time!

There are 23 miles of unspoiled beaches on Hutchinson Island, the barrier island just offshore from St. Lucie and Martin Counties. You can read brief descriptions of many of the public access beaches at this website.

My favorite is Bathtub Reef Beach, which I love because of the incredibly warm water, sand and idyllic setting. It is one of the most popular beaches for sunning, swimming and long beach walks.

While you're in Port St. Lucie, you can view dolphins on the "Sunshine Lady," a 40-passenger vessel, or the 28-passenger "Sirenia" pontoon boats. Check out rates and dates at www.sunshinewildlifetours.com/ for more information.

Another option is to visit the Manatee Observation and Education Center, a waterfront wildlife observation and nature education center located in downtown Fort Pierce. It overlooks the Indian River Lagoon, a saltwater estuary and Moore's Creek, a freshwater creek and historical resting spot for the endangered Florida manatee.

To view the manatees year round, stand along the covered observation walkway or climb the second story observation tower. These are wild, not captive manatees, so you may need to wait patiently until one swims by. Best of all, a visit to the Manatee Observation and Education Center costs only $1 for admission.

Stand anywhere along the Indian River Lagoon to enjoy a spectacular sunset, too.

Hope you enjoy the eco-tourism and natural opportunities on your visit to Port St. Lucie!

Many of the hotels in the Cocoa Beach and Titusville area can arrange a shuttle for you during your visit. Each hotel has a different option. Here are two options that are close to the Kennedy Space Center.

Days Inn - Space Coast
3755 Cheney Highway    
Titusville, FL 32780
321-269-4480
Fax: 321-383-0646
http://traveldaysinn.com/details.cfm?LocationID=97

BEST WESTERN Space Shuttle Inn!
3455 Cheney Highway
Titusville, Florida, 32780-2502
321-269-9100        
Fax: 321-383-4674
www.bestwesternflorida.com/hotels/best-western-space-shuttle-inn/

Enjoy your visit to Florida!

Florida has many marvelous beaches. For your special request, I would head to one of the Sarasota area beaches. These are Sarasota, Venice, Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key. Siesta Key, another Sarasota area beach, was recently named the top beach in the USA by Dr. Beach. And here's a story I wrote about Venice recently. It's one of Florida's hidden gems.

You can reach all of these via the Sarasota airport. To find your accommodations, type Sarasota in the search engine on our website, then select Hotels / Places to Stay. Use this link to get started!

Enjoy your restful vacation and don't forget your sunblock!

I love the Naples/Marco Island area for a dozen reasons, including its proximity to the Everglades. Many properties promote summer deals. For instance, the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club hosts summertime, beachfront concerts on its property and has a third night free offer.

Plus, here is an article with more information about Naples/Marco Island.

Enjoy your vacation!

Hi Winky - I'm delighted to learn about Sopchoppy and will contact you to learn more about your community. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories, and for suggesting a new place to cover in my blog.

On the west coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island may provide you the perfect experience. It's laid back and quiet. People ride their bikes all around the island and the beaches are excellent. For your parasailing adventure, go to Bradenton Beach Parasailing. You can also call them at
941-961-2065.

Another option is Siesta Key, which Dr. Beach and other experts have called one of the finest in the world. If you go to Siesta Key, which is close to Sarasota, seek out the Drum Circle on Sundays at dusk. People gather just south of the main pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4 on Siesta Public Beach about one hour before sunset.

One of the largest state parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park, is also one of the loveliest and provides the most varied experiences. Myakka has 39 miles of trails, and offers canoing kayaking biking and an amazing canopy walk.

At the end of a one mile nature trail, you'll find a wooden tower to climb. Then you'll be able to walk through a canopy 25 feet above the forest floor. This 85-foot-long canopy allows you to see a biologists's dream of diverse birds, foliage and airplants.

It will lead you to a second tower where you can see prairies, forests, wetlands and hardwood hammocks in this, Florida's largest state park.

Have a wonderful time on your first visit to Florida!

What fun you're going to have! My colleague Lauren Tjaden, who loves adventure on land, in the sea and in the air, suggests that you do an intro SCUBA course in Marathon, where you can peer into North America's longest barrier reef. Of course, you can also snorkel there. Marathon is one of my favorite places in the Florida Keys, and I would consider taking a sunset cruise or booking a fishing expedition. Call Christy at SeaSquared Charters to book a special adventure. Near Marathon, you'll find the award-winning Bahia Honda, where you can spend a day at the beach.

Another possibility is Longboat Key, which is lovely, luxurious and quiet. Rent a Hobie cat and take a sailing lesson. And its beach is often mentioned as one of the tops in the USA. While visiting the Gulf, take a boat to visit Caladesi Island State Park, which you can read about here.

While you're visiting Florida, consider hang gliding at Quest Air in Groveland. You can take a tandem discovery flight or start lessons, go canoeing on the lake and eat venison and wild game at the Redwing Restaurant. Check out the views in this video that Lauren did.

Have a wonderful time!

For your vacation, I would head to the Beaches of Fort Myers, which has a nice variety of activities in this community. Do a search for Fort Myers on our website to find articles about this destination, and also check the Fort Myers travel website.

Have a fabulous time in Florida!

There are a number of family- and wallet-friendly places in northwest Florida. Here are three ideas:

1- The beaches of Gulf County. If you’ve never been to the area, you’re about to experience an unspoiled beach with crystal-clear, emerald waters and incredibly soft, fine sand. My colleague, Lauren Tjaden, the Beaches Insider, filmed this video on the beach in Cape San Blas in Gulf County. Check their website for deals in the communities of Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe and The Beaches.

2- Carrabelle, near Apalachicola, a charming, undiscovered part of Old Florida about 90 minutes from Tallahassee, and close to many relaxing activities including Wakulla Springs State Park. The Carrabelle Beach Resort is right across from the beach and has wonderful on-site entertainment for both adults and kids. Check my blog in the next few weeks to see my video of Carrabelle and judge for yourself.

3- A final possibility is Mexico Beach. One of my colleagues, Kevin Mims, the Outdoors and Nature Insider, enjoyed his stay at El Governor Motel last summer. Their website has this offer right now: Stay Sunday - Thursday for $100 a night! Call for details! (888) 648-5757. Also, check our VISIT FLORIDA website for deals and special rates by clicking on Motels on our "Accommodations" tab.

In answering this question, I assume that you're going during the summer season. Less expensive accommodations are possible in more locations if you're not going during this heavy travel season. Please check our website for Deals if you are going very quickly or after the summer season.

Enjoy the time with your family!

Here are two romantic inns for you to consider:

1- In Tarpon Springs, a wonderful community with many entertainment options, the Spring Bayou Inn. 2- In Tampa, the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn, Tampa, 866-206-4545.

Enjoy your trip!

Here are two possibilities:

1. Head to the Kennedy Space Center, approximately 100 miles from Stuart, and take one of the  tours of the Apollo/Saturn building and other facilities. The experience of walking by an Apollo space craft is indescribable for those of us who lived glued to our televisions during those missions. Here's information about their tours.
2. Another possibility is to travel to Palm Beach, and tour Whitehall, the former home of Henry Flagler. This grand estate has much to offer, and schedules a number of interesting events. Check the Whitehall website for information, www.flaglermuseum.us/.

Have a lovely trip!

I was pleased to shine light on the history of Florida's cattlemen and the impact they continue to have on our state. Their love for our land is an inspiration! And I was delighted that a number of readers wrote in to comment on my story about the Fort Pierce event. (Interested readers: please go to this website, http://vimeo.com/floridacrackermovie, to watch a Trailer about the movie, which you can now buy directly from the filmmakers.)

Please do keep me informed on other showing dates and I will post the information on my Facebook Fan Page.

You can't go wrong selecting either St. Augustine or Neptune Beach for your Florida vacation. I am leaning just a bit toward Neptune Beach for your location because there is such a variety of things to do for teenagers and they are less likely to want the quiet, quaint ambiance of St. Augustine's beaches.

Plus, from Neptune Beach, it is easy to schedule day trips to visit St. Augustine. For instance, you can visit the Pirate Museum, take a ghost tour of St. Augustine or attend a Dark of the Moon tour on the Lighthouse on nearby Anastasia Island.

In Jacksonville, here is information on ten ways to have fun for under $10. I have done a number of these things, and they're quite fun. Surf through the Jacksonville articles on VISITFLORIDA.com for more things to do and places to go.

Enjoy your visit!

Wow. That's a tough question since I like all four areas a lot. I also have a sixteen year old and am thinking of going to Destin for a week this summer. So my vote goes to Destin, though I love all three areas.

Have a wonderful time!

Marc - We are so glad that you like Florida. Come back again soon!

Thanks for writing,

My son's favorite place to surf is South Pointe Park at the tip of South Beach. There are usually waves, some days better for surfing than others. Virtually every day though, there is a fabulous beach and a wonderful boardwalk. Here's an article about the park itself.

Hope you get to Hang Ten while you're in Miami!

How nice of you to find my blog! I love South Beach this time of year. There's a lot going on but a few less people.

How public do you want to be? For cocktails and watching the beautiful people, it's hard to beat the Blue Bar in the lobby of the Fontainebleau Hotel. Make a splash by following up with dinner at Prime 112, where you are likely to see NBA players or movie stars. Afterward, head to Mansion for a night of clubbing or to Van Dyke on Lincoln Road for Miami's best jazz club.

If you'd like a big night in a remote setting, go for dinner at The Villa by Barton G, the glamorous boutique hotel that was once the Versace Mansion. Afterward, walk to Lincoln Road for some world-class people watching and casual window shopping.

Hope this gives you some ideas. Please write me back if this is not what you had in mind. Have a wonderful time!

Jupiter and Fort Pierce both have amazing attractions and experiences available, and it's a short drive from your home in Miami. Here is some background info on this area known as The Treasure Coast.

Click on all these other links to see some of the spots that I've visited:

Jupiter:

    * Gilbert's Bar and the House of Refuge, the last remaining US Lifesaving Station;
    * Elliott Museum, which has a fascinating collection of Americana. I actually love their gallery of 19th and 20th Century dining heirlooms and vintage car and bicycle collections; although, this story is focused on the baseball collection.
    * Trapper Nelson's Cabin, in Jonathan Dickinson Park. Take a ride on a scenic river to a place that looks more like a movie set than a homesite.
    * For accommodations, try Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, Hutchinson Island Resort or Caribbean Shores on Jensen Beach. It's a little less upscale but quite lovely. They have full kitchens and are sparkling clean.

Fort Pierce: - This video shows you downtown.

    * A. E. Backus Museum - Highwaymen background: The Highwaymen were a group of young black men and one woman from the Fort Pierce area who were mentored by the late A.E. "Bean" Backus. Their paintings on inexpensive upson board featured traditional Florida scenes of palm trees, royal poinciana trees and rivers. The artists earned their moniker traveling along U.S. 1 and other Florida roadways, selling the paintings from the trunks of their cars. (I remember how odd this seemed on many car trips in my youth.) For more information about the festival, check this website.
    * Walking around Main Street Fort Pierce (in the downtown area) on a Friday night is nice. In nearby Stuart, there is a riverfront promenade that is lovely.
    * Zora Neale Hurston lived and died here. There are historic spots to explore, although I haven't yet taken this trail.
  
I hope you find this helpful! Check for a house or a real estate agent on www.VISITFLORIDA.com/jupiter to find accommodations.

Have a nice reunion. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

I'm honored that you want to share my blog with your members. Since National Park Week is over, I would like to suggest that you use my recent story on Fort Clinch State Park. Fort Clinch is one of the most important Civil War-era installations in the USA and there are a lot of different natural environments to explore in this park. You can find the link to my story here.

Thanks for writing to say that you enjoy my stories and good luck finishing your newsletter!

I asked one of my colleagues, Lauren Tjaden, Beaches and Adventure Insider, for help with your question because she has spent a lot of time in the area. Lauren's recommendations include Provisions in Port St Joe, a hidden gem for dining. You can also enjoy a cocktail at the Thirsty Goat.

Cape San Blas is a stunning nearby town where you can horseback ride on the beach. Nearby Windmark Beach (just west of Port St. Joe) features the most incredible, clear, shallow, emerald waters, and just past it, in Mexico Beach, you can shop in the town.

A new shopping center named Pier Park just opened on U. S. Highway 98 in Panama City Beach. Among the tenants are Dillards, JC Penney, Old Navy, Hollister Co., Ann Taylor Loft and Lane Bryant. If you get tired of shopping, stop for a capuccino at Panera Bread Company (my favorite coffee), or you can eat at Reggae J’s Island Grill, Rocky’s South Philly Cheesesteaks or Olive Garden.

I hope you and your mom have a lovely time in Port Saint Joe. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

• Winter Park, para ver la colección de arte de Louis Comfort Tiffany más grande del mundo. 
• Mt. Dora, un centro de venta de antigüedades y con un pueblo muy culto. 
• Aquí tienes un artículo sobre las tres ciudades. 

• Bok Tower Gardens. Te recomiendo ir durante la hora de concierto a ver este jardín que ahora está completamente florecido.
• Me encanta combinar un viaje a Bok Tower con un almuerzo en Chalet Suzanne. Sería lindo llevar a tu mami aunque el viaje es de una hora y media.
• En Lakeland, encontrarás el recinto más grande de edifícios del brillante arquitecto Frank Lloyd Wright.

There is one all-incusive resort, Club Med's Sandpiper Bay on the Indian River. It's lovely and family-friendly.

Little Palm Island has a rate that includes all meals at its luxurious Florida Keys location.

Occasionally other resorts offer an all-meals package. If you find a resort that you like, ask their reservations team if they have a meals package price.

Enjoy your stay in Florida!

Here are links to a few of my favorite gardens for you to check out:

1- Sunken Gardens, in downtown St. Pete, a sweet spot with beautiful vistas.

2- Ringling Museum & Ca d'Za in Sarasota, which has an exhibit called Gardens in Perpetual Bloom.

3- Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, which is in peak bloom season right now.

4- Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, fascinating places that take you to an exciting time in history.

5- The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park, with its significant 20th century artwork.

Thanks for reading my stories! Hope your trip is colorful!

Your road trip sounds quite lovely. I would start by going to Mount Dora in Central Florida, which has the largest antique market in the world and a large adjacent flea market. Next go to Micanopy, which is also an antique store haven.

On this website, type the name of the city you want to research in the search bar. Then you'll get an option for "Hotels and Places to Stay." Click on it and go to "Select Lodging Type." I would choose Bed & Breakfasts. In fact, here's an article I wrote about a few of them: Historic Bed & Breakfast Inns Throughout Florida Offer Charm, Hospitality and Many Modern Amenities

Next, check out some of these answers I gave other people that wrote me with similar requests. Look specifically for these Q&A:

Central Florida's Scenic Drives, Quaint Towns & History
Asked by David on January 22, 2011

Scenic Drive to Central Florida Antiques
Asked by Patrick on January 21, 2011

Scenic Driving on a Two Week Honeymoon in Florida
Asked by rebecca on July 25, 2010

Day Trips & Excursions Around Live Oak
Asked by Sue on July 22, 2010

Looking for Quiet Beaches, Good for Small Children
Asked by Aby on July 22, 2010
 
Next, check the Worth A Drive e-book using this link.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you for posting this Rosa. I can't wait to see the results. The Biltmore is spectacular. I love having brunch by your spectacular pool!

You are most likely thinking of the Ichetucknee River, where you can choose three different launch sites from which to float down the waterway. Here is an article by Outdoors & Nature Insider Kevin Mims that describes this famous tubing experience and a video by Family Insider Jill Martin about this famous and beautiful spot.

Bon voyage!

First of all, congratulations on your daughters' accomplishments! You must be so proud of them both. Here are two different options for your stay in the Keys, one in the upper keys - Key Largo - and the second in Marathon, close to the Seven Mile Bridge. They are about an hour apart. Marathon is close to the historic and cultural spots that abound in Key West. Key Largo is closer to the green tourism/natural attractions of John Pennekamp Underwater Park, home of the only living coral reef in North America.

I love your theme for trips around Florida! One of my favorite places is Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. This compound has a feel that is quite holy. Hard to explain it but it was almost palpable. There is a chapel there that is lovely and they hold special services such as for the blessing of the animals.

A second place that I loved is Clara's at the Cathedral in Jacksonville. Here's the story that I wrote about my experience having lunch there.

I've just learned about the Wat Tampa Buddhist Temple, which will be celebrating the Songkarn Festival on April 10. This festival is also known as Thai New Year or the Water Festival. According to the website, it is a Thai tradition to offer alms to monks and to offer this good deed to relatives who passed away by pouring a small glass of water on a big tree. This brings good luck for the beginning of a New Year. At the Wat Tampa Buddhist Temple, they will sprinkle the Buddha statues and Monks with flower pedals and perfumed water. And, the congregation will also sprinkle perfumed water on each other for good luck, good health and a prosperous New Year. There will be Thai food available.

For more than a century, the Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs has been remembering the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. With a mix of cultures being represented, the event includes homemade food, entertainment, shopping and religious ceremonies all day. Then at noon, Greek Orthodox males dive for the Epiphany cross in Craig Park. The victor is believed to be blessed for the rest of the year.

Those of the Jewish faith celebrate the giving of the Torah (known to others as the Old Testament) each year in a fall festival called Simchat Torah. There is a wonderful service during which the biblical scrolls are unrolled and the congregation rejoices at receiving the word of God. You might consider contacting a Reform temple in your community to ask if you can attend their service or take part in another type of spiritual experience. Another option would be to research an interfaith Passover dinner. Passover occurs in the spring.

A final option in Miami is at Florida International University, whose Program in the Study of Spirituality has a host of events. Check them on out using this Facebook link.

Thanks for writing. Enjoy your travels on your spiritual path.

Here are a few ideas:

Near the bucolic town of Micanopy, you'll find Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park, a rain forest 120 feet down the side of the earth. Nearby is Cross Creek and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. In Marianna, near Tallahassee, the Florida Caverns offer a unique opportunity to go underground. White Springs has both Florida's strongest rapids and the Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park. Finally, St. George's Island is secluded and the pristine beaches are lovely. There are four historic lighthouses to tour in the general area, too.

There are many suggestions I could give you, but I'd like to know where you will be starting your trip. Please write to me again so I can give you more targeted advice.

Hi Ms. Morris: I suggest Ponce Inlet, Anastasia Island (near St. Augustine) or St. George's Island (in the Panhandle). These are all viable options to avoid the crowds. Enjoy your trip!

I admire your verve! I'd suggest that you review this Florida State website with details and information about moving to Florida: www.myflorida.com/taxonomy/visitor/moving to florida/.

A few communities that might fulfill your artistic bent and your love of nature are Anna Maria Island, Venice, Sebring (with its extensive lakes) and Cedar Key.

Best of luck!

I can understand your desire to retire to Florida. It's wonderful here. Please Google 'retiring to Florida' for better advice.

In regard to Hollywood Beach, I live nearby and love it. The area is in the midst of a revitalization and is wonderful. For a quieter time and slower speed, you might want to look a little further north to Martin County. Good luck!

I love flamingos, and I would love to come visit Sebastian, as I haven't been for quite a few years. Please do send me more details and thank you for the inside track. Also, I emailed you but my email may have gone into your Spam folder, since you haven't replied. Thanks, Lisanne!

I'm so glad that you and your kids are returning to Florida! You'll have a great time in the Treasure Coast, as there's a lot to do. In the meantime, here is a link to the calendar of events in the region.

Also, all of you will definitely enjoy the Old Florida Wildlife Tours. First you climb aboard a custom swamp buggy to ride through the largest native and exotic game preserve east of the Mississippi River. You'll drive through swamp and cattle farm, and explore a working Florida cattle ranch plus 4000 acres of wildlife preserve.

I've done this tour and it's fantastic. Some of the animals you'll see include alligators, water buffalo, antelope, deer, wild hogs, many species of birds and much more. Call 772-597-4750 for an appointment and tell them that the lady from VISIT FLORIDA sent you!

Also, Downtown Riverwalk in Stuart hosts a free concert every Sunday from October through June from 1 to 4 p.m.

Finally, plan to visit the Elliott Museum's collection of baseball memorabilia and also the McLarty Treasure Museum. Both of these are interesting places with unique collections.

Enjoy your visit! And remember, one day, your teens may have teenagers themselves. (I have two myself.) :-)

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place for teens and adults. I would first take a 90-minute Duck Tour, so you can see the area from the water and get a sense of history in a fun way.

Fort Lauderdale Duck Tours – 954-761-4002 - From their website:
"IT'S QUACK-TACULAR!" Everyone has fun aboard our most unique amphibious vehicle. It's the best way for families to tour our city, because we combine fun and music with history and sights and of course lots of "Quacking". Adults and seniors will have just as much fun as kids, as our Captain leads you through Fort Lauderdale's historic streets before a dramatic "SPLASHDOWN" into the Intracoastal Waterways where we will splish splash among Mega Yachts. You will also get to see the many homes of the rich and famous.  It's the best way for locals and visitors to see all that FTL has to offer. Duck Tours is the FTL attraction to experience when you visit just for the day, a weekend or a week.

Or, head to the IGFA FISHING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM, for some virtual reality fishing. It's located near the airport; 954-924-4370. From their website:

Visit the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum and you are immersed in an underwater world filled with world record fish. The museum provides sport fishing and record information, interactive displays and virtual reality fishing. In The Wetlands exhibit experience the natural environment of marshlands complete with live alligators.

I would end my visit at Jaxson's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour, where you can get a delicious All-American meal and some of the best ice cream in the United States before hopping on the plane; 954-923-4445. From their website:

We are an old fashioned ice cream parlour with one of the nation's largest collections of rural American memorabilia, including a world class automobile license plate collection. Jaxson's Ice Cream and toppings are prepared daily on the premises using the freshest dairy cream, berries, and nuts. In addition, our sodas, sundaes and other ice cream creations are topped with real whipped cream. The same concern and attention is given in the preparation of all foods in Jaxson's Country Kitchen.

For more ideas, check the Fort Lauderdale Visitors & Convention Bureau website.

Bon voyage!

Mr. Smith: I regret that I know very little about real estate outside of the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. All I can tell you is that there is a great deal of variance between South Florida prices and some of the more rural areas of the state. If you're interested in moving here, you might find this Florida Residency Guide useful: www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=132

Also, many of Florida's counties have useful website with relocation guides. You might choose a region and then investigate using each individual county's website for information. Here is a map of the 67 counties in the Sunshine State.

Good luck in your research!

When I think about spending time in Central Florida, I make plans to visit:

• Take a zipline tour of Forever Florida, located on a 4,700-acre cattle ranch and nature preserve. Forever Florida offers three types of safaris. Read this story for details.
• Have breakfast at DeLeon Springs State Park, at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Then jump on the 50-minute eco/history boat tour that departs every hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Visit the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and rent a canoe or paddleboat. Birding is excellent, and deer, turkey and Florida black bears have been spotted. Or you can hike the four-mile Wild Persimmon Trail.
• Go to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park to see the largest Louis Comfort Tiffany collection in the world. Details in this story.
• Drive to the Ocala forest for a horseback ride at the Florida Carriage Museum, nestled in 400 bucolic acres in Florida’s horse country. You can also tour the museum's 160 carriages including elaborate royal models. Details here.
• While in Ocala, take a glass bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park.
• Tour the twelve Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Lakeland's Florida Southern College campus. Here's an interesting story about their recent restoration.
• Take the Ridge Scenic Byway, a38.7-mile route that travels through many historic communities, winding along the Lake Wales Ridge as SR 17.
• Investigate Spook Hill and see if your car rolls backward up the hill. Details here.
• Lake Wales, where I could spend a day visiting Bok Tower Gardens and follow-up with dinner at Chalet Suzanne. Be sure to time your arrival so that you can listen to the 205-foot carillon at Bok Tower during its twice daily concerts.

To find other Scenic Drives, read through the National Scenic Byways Program website.

Another good source is Jan Godown Annino's book, Scenic Driving Florida, which features many scenic drives already planned out. Read through this publication, then return to www.VISITFLORIDA.com to use the extensive online information to confirm the hours of operation at attractions, find nearby parks and museums.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

I suggest that you travel down to Lake Wales, take the Ridge Scenic Byway, then head to Mt. Dora, the antique capital of the United States. After a stay in Mt. Dora, which also has a lively arts scene, head to Micanopy, further north near Gainesville. Look through

In Micanopy, the oldest inland town in Florida, popular movies including "Doc Hollywood" and "Cross Creek" were filmed. Many consider it the most beautiful town in Florida.

There are three sources that can help you plan:

First, there's the VISIT FLORIDA "Worth A Drive" e-book. You can find it at this link.

Secondly, the Florida Scenic Byways website gives you lots of exploration ideas. Also read through my recent answer to  a question titled "Central Florida's Scenic Drives, Quaint Towns & History."

Hope should get you started on some planning. Enjoy your scenic drive!

Two places immediately come to mind.

First, Atlantic Beach, just east of Jacksonville, where you can stay at The Palms Retro. This friendly, funky motel is quite cool. I stayed there in October and was charmed by the decor, friendly atmosphere and location. It's walking distance to the surf and nightlife on Jacksonville Beach.

Nearby, Jacksonville has the shopping you'd like. Here's a neat story by the Shopping and Smart Travel Insider, Dalia Colon, that mentions the million square feet of shopping at the St. Johns Town Center.

A second, slightly quieter location a little further north is Amelia Island. On my recent visit, I fell in love with the Fairbanks House, where one of the cottages might be perfect for your group. Fort Clinch State Park, a Civil War-era military installation, is one of the neatest places I've seen and the surrounding park is extraordinary. Check out www.AmeliaNature.com for more detailed information, plus my story on the River Cruises. Finally, lest you think it's too quiet, the Amelia Island Museum offers neat Pub Tours led by a historian.

If you'd like more suggestions, let me know. Hope you girls have a blast!

Esther: How nice of you to take the time to say hello! I'm delighted to learn that you found my blog useful. (You've just made my day!) Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information for your daughter or your vacation planning - It would be my pleasure to assist you.

Please give your sister my regards, too.

Hilda

Marineland is located in Palm Coast between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. You can learn about Marineland on its website, www.Marineland.net.

This historic attraction was called an “Oceanarium” when it first opened. Although created to satisfy the need for underwater shots for the film industry, it became a sensation among the general public, which had never had the opportunity to see marine life live and up close. It was the model for many marine parks founded in the ensuing decades.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

Since you're looking for activities to please a variety of ages, check out these communities that offer a large range of interesting things to do: St. Petersburg, Panama City Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.

This website has a tremendous amount of information to help you plan your family reunion, which you can access at this link: www.visitflorida.com/reunions. I have selected these stories for you to read:

Article on family trips and reunions

Article about saving money on your reunion

Article about reunions in the Fort Myers - Sanibel Island area

Article on resort-style reunions

Also, you can read this on-line brochure about helping you plan the perfect reunion.

Good luck and enjoy!

Hola Malvina. I never tire of traveling in Florida either! The Marriott Corporation is offering special deals in Florida. Use this link to find bargains while you plan your trip. My colleague, Dalia Colón, writes a blog called Shopping & Smart Travel which has lots of valuable shopping information.

On the way to Orlando, I would consider stopping in Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, Ponce Inlet, DeLand, Mt. Dora or Lake Wales. On the return, check out Sanibel, Bradenton, Fort Myers or Naples. To find Marriott brand hotels in these areas, use this link.

Here's an article about some of the premium outlet malls in Florida.

¡Qué disfruten sus vacaciones!

Palm Beach has a wealth of locations and events going on each winter. As the song says, here are a few of my favorite things within one hour's drive of Palm Beach.

Polo Matches - Go watch polo and sip champagne at the Gulfstream Polo Club in Lake Worth. I love watching the interplay between horses and riders in this difficult and exhilarating sport.

Kravis Center - Listen to Barber's rich violin concerto performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with soloist James Ehnes and conducted by Peter Oundjian. Every seat is wonderful in this acoustically-gifted venue.

Society of the Four Arts - If you prefer a smaller venue, choose the Sun., Jan. 9 performance of
The American Chamber Players at The Society of the Four Arts.

Tea and Tours at the Flagler Museum - Once described as more wonderful than any palace in Europe, Whitehall was Henry Flagler's 75-room, 60,000 square foot gift to his third bride. In the afternoon following your tour, have a Gilded Age style lunch served on exquisite Whitehall Collection™ china. The prix-fixe menu features an array of delicacies and refreshments reminiscent of the elegance of entertaining during the Gilded Age.

Elliott Museum - Innovation and Americana are celebratged at the Elliott Museum  in Stuart. I love the various drawing and dining rooms that show life in the United States during the last 150 years. Additionally, it's got the second largest collection of baseball memorabilia in the USA and is home to 25 vintage cars that trace the evolution of the automobile.

Seminole Inn - The Seminole Inn is in the heart of Florida's cattle and citrus country. It was built in the 1920s by a land developer named S. Davies Warfield. His niece, Wallis Warfield Simpson, was the official hostess at its grand opening before becoming the Duchess of Windsor a decade later. In 1999, the Inn won both the Sustainability Award and the Bed & Breakfast of the Year and in 2006, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

A. E. "Bean" Backus Museum - "Bean" Backus was Florida's most celebrated native-born artist. I was captivated by his fluid range, especially the paintings in the impressionist style that evoke Florida's coastal scenes so beautifully. The museum's collection also includes works by the Highwaymen that he mentored and the Indian River School artists, famous for their Florida landscapes.

Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden - Wander the peaceful anhd beautiful gardens of the Morikami, which will observe Oshogatsu - the traditional New Year celebratory festival – on Jan. 9 with activities such as Japan’s customary rice-pounding, making mochi rice cakes and a sado tea ceremony as well as kakizome, hands-on calligraphy; nengajo, New Year's card making and omikuji, fortune telling. A special appearances by shishimai, the lion dancer, is said to bring good luck for observers. Then experience a high tea ceremony in the tranquil setting of the Seishin-an, the Morikami's authentic teahouse at noon.

Enjoy your visit to Palm Beach.

I believe you are describing either Little Palm Island, Hawk's Cay or Ocean Reef. Any of them would make an outstanding choice for a destination wedding.

Please let me know if you need any other information. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

What a fabulous Christmas present. Here are a few ideas, all within a two to three hour drive of Naples.

• Mt. Dora Historic Inn in Mt. Dora
• Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales
• Shamrock Thistle & Crown in Weirsdale (near Ocala)

There is lots to do in all three of these towns and I've written about some of their attractions. Check out some of my blog posts for more ideas.

Happy holidays!

hilda

Naples and Marco are wonderful places to bike and participate in beach sports. I go there frequently.  Sanibel and Captiva Islands also are wonderful. The islands have wide sidewalks and have a little less traffic, which makes it easier to bike as a family. If you don't mind heading north and are interested in a slightly different experience of Florida, Sandestin has shady trails on 2400 acres, glorious beaches, and in the summer, it's fairly inexpensive, cheap too.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories. Enjoy your family vacation!

Miami is the kind of place you can stay for days and not finish exploring, so giving you a one-day itinerary is not an easy task. My favorite part of Miami is experiencing many different cultures in one location, and sometimes in one room.

Here you can flow from a rural, kitschy attraction like Coral Castle to the ultra-sophisticated scene on Brickell or Miami Beach, free but for the gas that it takes to drive through the main thoroughfares.

Given your desire to see it cost-efficiently, I recommend that you check out these ideas:

• Visit Fairchild Tropical Garden, or another outdoor attraction; the road to Fairchild is so lovely that the journey is a destination, too.
• Stroll through the Seaquarium, home of Flipper and other aquatic residents;
• Take a Duck Tour of South Beach, and bring your camera to ogle the mansions of the rich, famous and just plain lucky; (this is a pricier option);
• Take a self-guided walking tour of the Art Deco district (more inexpensive option but you won't see the mansions or experience Miami Beach from the water);
• Use your taste buds and other senses to travel to Latin America via an inexpensive and delectable meal at Palacio de los Jugos (Juice Palace) or Versailles, where every American presidential candidate stops for Cuban coffee (and a hefty dose of political discourse).

For all these options, make sure to check the deals page on the Greater Miami Visitor & Convention Bureau website. You can also buy a Go Miami Card for savings at a variety of places. Enjoy your visit!

Sebring is a lovely place, and you'll enjoy your time there. I would also suggest that you head west to Arcadia.

In spite of turbulent wars, disastrous fires and boomtown expansion, this lovely town preserves its 19th Century architecture and Old Florida charm. In fact, many buildings are on the Registry of Historic Places and Arcadia became a Main Street city in 1985.

Just north of Sebring is one of my favorite places, Lake Wales. Read my stories about Bok Tower Gardens and Chalet Suzanne for a lovely daytrip idea.

Other places to consider stopping on the way to the Keys, are Pineland, Venice and Goodland, famous for fresh fish. Right before starting down to the Keys, check out the Coral Castle attraction and Robert is Here Fruit Stand for out-of-this-world treats and Schnebly's Winery for unique Florida wines. These special places are on the Historic Redland Tropical Trail. Robert himself will cut mangos for you to eat as you wander around, and don't pass up an opportunity to try his world-famous milkshakes.

Enjoy your trip to Florida!

Florida has 825 miles of sandy beaches, so a great beach for your daughters is an easy task. I'd recommend that you look at Fort Lauderdale, Panama City or Daytona Beach, which have abundant night life and fabulous beaches. If you think they'd like to add an Everglades National Park outing or a fishing expedition, you might consider Fort Myers or Clearwater.

How lucky your daughters are to have such a generous mom! Hope they enjoy their vacation.

How lovely that you are planning another romantic honeymoon! Here are a few places that fit the criteria:

• Boca Grande, on the West Coast, a 100+ year old community where you can walk or bike nearly everywhere, and there's easy access to both water and land-based recreation. This seven mile barrier island is a paradise in Southwest Florida, just one hour south of Saraota. Pristine sandy beaches, world-class tarpon fishing and historic charm. www.bocagrandechamber.com Look at the Anchor Inn for a quiet retreat in a historic, fully-restored four-unit motel.
• Marco Island, where you can see as many people - or as few - as you wish. Go to Goodland for fresh fish, lose yourself on a trail at the Rookery Bay Estuarine Preserve or go on a kayaking tour of the Ten Thousand Islands. My personal favorite activity is a dolphin watch and eco-tour on the Dolphin ExplorerDiscovery. Consider staying at the secluded Marco Island Lakeside Inn. It's like the family-run motels of yesteryear, but with a bit more comfort and finery, and you'll love the birding on their private lake.
• Amelia Island is a wonderful spot to enjoy hiking, biking, exploring Fort Clinch, taking one of the romantic sunset cruises, and going on the pub crawl led by the Museum of History in the charming downtown. The Fairbanks House can custom-tailor a second ceremony for you too. I've written about most of these things recently, so check my blog for details.
• Cedar Key, an artist's colony where people are incredibly friendly, just north of Tampa.

I'd love to be able to send you on your third honeymoon someday. Congrats and enjoy!

Jacksonville is a wonderful location for day trips to St. Augustine, White Springs, Mount Dora, Amelia Island and Daytona Beach. Here are a few local ideas plus possible day trips:

One recommendation is Jacksonville Landing, and a walking tour of the city with AdLib Tours. I will let you know what else I hear from my contacts. Did you see my story on Clara's at the Cathedral?

Jennifer Bryant at Visit Jacksonville recommended these options:

Budweiser Brewery Tour – The complimentary tour ends with a tasting or a factory floor tour, which is really fun. www.budweisertours.com

Segway Tours with EcoMotion – www.ecomotiontours.com

Latitude 30 – Upscale bowling, live shows, restaurant/bar - www.latitude-30.com

Sports – Jags games and Gator Bowl and its festivities – www.jaguars.com and www.gatorbowl.com

In St. Augustine, the new (and I hear, spectacular)  St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum opens on Dec. 3. That has got to be a fascinating place, and it's spicy enough to appeal to college students (and many others.) I have friends who took a pre-launch tour and are impressed.

Then there's the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which is hosting a Dark of the Moon tour on Sunday, December 26. The tour's focus may be the paranormal, but really, the reason to go is the view. It's from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., $25 per person. RSVP at 904-829-0745. Or perhaps on another visit, you can go to the Sunset Moonrise Tour, but that date is not yet posted for January and I think the full moon falls late in the month.

The Amelia Island Museum of History hosts a pub crawl that's a hoot, and at least one of your kids is old enough to go. These Thursday night outings are quite popular because of the stories of pirates and eight flags that have flown over the island. Another option is the Amelia River Sunset Cruise, which I loved.

Enjoy your new home! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

Mr. Cromwell, I've polled my colleagues at VISIT FLORIDA about their favorite place to see holiday lights.

Tim McDonald, the Golf Insider, told me that "The Jacksonville Landing, downtown on the riverfront, is very walkable and always has excellent Christmas decorations."

Shopping and Smart Travel writer Dalia Colon told me of a hidden treasure in St. Petersburg, "where the Old Northeast neighborhood near downtown usually has nice Christmas (and Halloween) displays. It's an upscale neighborhood right on the water, and the residents usually go all out."

Another place that decorates with gusto is St. Augustine. Here is a story about their annual illumination, which involves more than two million lights. My colleague Jill Martin, who writes the Family blog, recommended it. St. Augustine's decorations last through January.

Further north, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, which displays more than four million lights throughout the park, Dec. 3 – 31, each evening until 9 p.m. This Festival of Lights includes the majestic oak trees adorned with thousands of lights, an antebellum Museum dressed in full holiday splendor, and a gingerbread village. The centerpiece of the park’s light display is the Carillon Tower, which illuminates the night sky standing more than 200 feet tall dressed from head to toe in lights as holiday music rings from its bells.

I've just written about two communities that also may relate to your question. The first is Amelia Island, where the historic Victorian inns celebrate the season in grand manner.

A final place I'd like to mention is Punta Gorda, where Fishererman's Village puts up one million lights. Here's a story I've just posted about this resort on the Charlotte Harbor,

Thanks for writing to me and reading my blog!

Yes, Florida has played important roles throughout the history of the European colonization of America. I've been to the sites that are of historical importance to the Revolutionary War in Pensacola, which has an extraordinary history.

Here's information from the Florida Division of HIstorical Resources:

Were any Revolutionary War battles fought in Florida?
Yes. After Spain declared war on Great Britain in 1779, Spanish forces defeated the British in the Battle of Pensacola in 1781. In addition, there were several unsuccessful expeditions by Colonial militia and regulars that crossed from Georgia into British East Florida. The British forces defeated the Colonials in small battles at Thomas Creek (1777) and Alligator Bridge (1778), in what is now Nassau County, Florida.

Frank Howard, Ph.D., was an educator with a love of history. This website contains some of his lessons and writings. He said that the Spanish forces were led by "Gov. Gen. Bernardo Gálvez y Gallardo, conde de Gálvez, who had just completed a very successful campaign against the English in New Orleans, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. Indeed, this leader showed his brilliance from the outset of this campaign. As Gálvez had his 14 ships ready to attack at Baton Rouge (1779), a great storm struck sinking most of his ships and destroying their provisions. Undaunted, he recovered cannon from the sunken ships, built a shore battery, and attacked the fort. He succeeded where lesser leaders would have confessed failure."

During my tour of Pensacola, I was told that Gen. Gálvez' actions were pivotal in the Colonies' winning the war against the British. Interestingly, a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution remains active there, and it has a sister chapter in Madrid.

Another area important to the Revolutionary War is Jacksonville, which was then called Cow Ford. You can read about The Battle of Thomas Creek and other skirmishes here.

Thank you for writing and reading my stories!

Roxanne:  The United States' National Scenic Byways Program is an excellent resource. Scenic Byways are recognized as America's Byways® -- All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways -- based on one or more archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic intrinsic qualities. I used this link to research Florida's Byways.

You could start at the Indian River Lagoon and leisurely make your way down to the Keys. I would take two weeks to do this, because there is so much natural beauty, interesting culture and fantastic nightlife to see and do along the way.

Another option for you would be the VISIT FLORIDA publication called "Worth the Drive" would be most useful to you. Use this link to review it online, as an eBook.

Finally, an author friend of mine, Jan Godown Annino, penned a book, "Scenic Driving Florida," which  features many driving tours. Use Jan's book to chart your course, then return to www.VISITFLORIDA.com to use the extensive online information to confirm the hours of operation at attractions, find nearby parks and select museums, and book your hotel rooms.

Thanks for reading my stories! Enjoy your trip!

Hilda S. Mitrani
Off the Beaten Path Insider
VISIT FLORIDA

You have a terrific opportunity to visit wonderful places in Old Florida. Whether you drive down I-75 or I-95, I would suggest you plan to spend a few days exploring towns on the Old Florida Heritage Highway, which goes through Micanopy. Read my story about this charming town and watch the interesting video at this website.

Another place you may not read about elsewhere is Sunken Gardens in St. Pete. This is one of Florida's original roadside attractions. Today it's a lush oasis.

There are two VISIT FLORIDA publications that might be useful to you. One is called Worth the Drive. Use this link to review it as an eBook. Secondly, this article Been There, Haven't Done That provides a roadmap of sorts for selecting small town attractions. Read it here.

Another excellent resource is Jan Godown Annino's book, Scenic Driving Florida, which  features many scenic drives already planned out. Read Jan's book, then return to www.VISITFLORIDA.com to use the extensive online information to confirm the hours of operation at attractions, find nearby parks and select museums.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for reading my stories!

Here are two sources for members of the travel trade, like you, to contact for planning vacations in Florida:

At the Orlando CVB.
www.orlandoinfo.com/trade/contact/

At VISIT FLORIDA,
www.visitflorida.com/travel_professionals/travel_trade/

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

Best,

There are several types of tour packages available here in South Florida. I recommend that you look over some of the information on our website using this link. I believe that Billie Swamp Safari, located in the Everglades, does pick people up at Miami hotels.

One of Miami's newest operators is Miami Food Tasting Tours. My contact, Grace Della, helps visitors get to know the culture behind the food. Tours are offered in Little Havana and South Beach. 

Bottom line - You may not have to rent a car. It depends on how long you'll be staying and whether these tours will satisfy your personal interests.

Have a wonderful time in Miami!

I just helped plan a honeymoon for one of my readers. Scroll down on my Q&A page and you will see my suggestions for traveling from Pensacola to the Keys incorporated into the Two Week Honeymoon question.

As for the distance and driving times, I plan all my trips now using the map feature on maps.Google.com. I recommend it to everyone!

Similarly, I find Weather Underground's Trip Planner feature quite useful. I'm not sure where you're going in Florida, so I chose Orlando in the middle of the state. Here's a link to the historical temperatures: www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KORL/2010/12/14/PlannerHistory.html

It says that the average high temperature is 73 F with a historical range of 61 F to 84 F.
The average low temperature is 57 F with a historical range of 42 F to 68 F.

In other words, take both your sweater and swimsuit! Have a safe drive and a pleasant trip, and thanks for reading my stories.

Ft. Lauderdale has a nice collection of ethnic restaurants and fine dining. As you can see by my list below, they are quite spread out and you'll find a car much more convenient in order to visit them. While it's not easy for me to select just five top restaurants, here are a few that I often return to:

1. Padrino's Cuban Restaurant  - My favorite Cuban restaurant outside of Miami. Has more than one location but this is the one that I frequent.
   2500 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd.
   Hallandale, FL 33009
   954-456-4550
2. Casa D'angelo Ristorante  - You'll need to make reservations in advance. Plan on a leisurely, gastronomically delightful meal. This is a gourmand's restaurant.
   1201 N Federal Highway
   Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
   954-564-1234
3. Zona Fresca Mexican - Delicious and fresh, not fast food but inexpensive. No service, you just pick up the food at the counter after you order. It's all made to order.
   1635 North Federal Highway
   Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
   954-566-1777
4. Johnny V's Restaurant - Las Olas - American cuisine with Latin and Caribbean influences. Lovely atmosphere and tasty food. Afterward. stroll along this delightful street, window shopping and stopping for chocolate at Kilwin's.
   625 East Las Olas Boulevard
   Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2234
   954-761-7920
5. Levy's Kosher of Hollywood - I just have to have a Falafel and Shawarma every once in awhile. Plus, I love the middle eastern pickled cabbage and cukes. humus, babaganoush and laffas. This restaurant is closed from Friday at 3 p.m. to Sunday lunch.
   3357 Sheridan St
   Hollywood, FL 33021
   954-983-2825

The Costa d'Este Resort in Vero Beach is my recommendation on the Atlantic Ocean side. It has everything you're looking for and the Vero Fashion Outlets are nearby.

A second option is Daytona Beach, where you might consider using Audrey's Beach House for accommodations for your group.

The Gulf Coast is about two hours away, so I'm ruling it out so as to keep your driving to a minimum. Let me know if you want me to give you other recommendations.

Enjoy your time! Thanks for reading my blog, too.

I like to go to the city's home page on our website, and look at all the accommodations. In this case, I would go to www.visitflorida.com/apalachicola, then click on Hotels and Accommodations. I have heard lovely things about all of the hotels and inns on this list.

During my next visit, I think I'd like to check out the Bryant House Bed & Breakfast, the Water Street Hotel & Marina, or the Bryant House Bed & Breakfast. You can find information on all of them on our website.

Perdido Key, near Pensacola, seems to offer more condominium rentals than anything else. Several companies on our website can help you rent a condo for your visit. Last summer, I spent two days in Pensacola and stayed at the Sole Motel near the Historic Plaza Downtown. It's centrally located, economical and squeaky clean.

Godspeed to your daughter. Hope she has a successful year searching for just the college!

There are two places I'd like to suggest. One is the Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast in Ocala. It's been listed as one of the 10 most romantic bed and breakfasts in Florida by the Palm Beach Post. It's got panoramic views from the hilltop setting and offers an elegant breakfast. Also, check out the Florida Carriage Museum's six day festival in honor of Veteran's Day which is taking place precisely during your stay.

My colleague Jill Martin, VISIT FLORIDA's Family Insider, recommends a place in nearby Winter Gardens called Palisades Resort, owned by Sky Resorts. She told me it's nice and quiet, surrounded by nature, yet still close enough to activities if they wish to partake. The units are lovely one, two and three bedroom. Best of all, they have amazing rates, especially in the fall.

Jill did a news feature about the Palisades on FOX recently, which you can watch here.

I hope you have a fabulous time during your Central Florida visit. Thanks for reading my stories!

Hi Emma: You have picked three lovely areas and asked me to rank them. It's almost like asking me to rank my children!

Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key all have wonderful beaches and an abundance of wildlife. There are lots of photos and at least one video of each of these three areas on our website. I would like to suggest that you spend a bit of time loooking at these links and photos before making up your mind.

I may respond to this post again in a day or two after I have thought about your question again. Most importantly, I don't think you can go wrong choosing one of the three.

Enjoy your time in the Florida sun!

Hi Robin! Thank you for introducing me to Crealdé. I'm quite impressed with the mission of the organization. Check out my latest blog post, as I've included information about your interesting locale and the upcoming calendar of events.

Take care,

Oil has not gone even as far as Mexico Beach or Panama City. Fortunately, oil has reached very few Florida beaches.

For your ease of mind, check www.VisitFlorida.com/FloridaLive to see up-to-the minute information plus daily photos and videos taken around the state.

Thanks for reading my stories.

Thanks for the information! I have clicked the "LIKE" button so I can get more information on the area. If they switch to a Fan Page, I will be able to add them to my "Favorites."

Thanks for reading my stories and writing to me!

Two of my sources, including Lauren Tjaden, the VISIT FLORIDA Outdoors and Nature Insider,  have suggested that you contact the Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston. This marina and its operators are famous for helping anglers enjoy world-famous bass fishing and a great tiki bar.

Lauren suggested that you ask them to help arrange an airboat ride, go out fishing in the lake or . She also suggested that you consider skydiving over it with Real Adventures or Florida Ridge Hang Gliding just down the road.

Another of my colleagues, Terry Tomalin, mentioned that he likes to hilke or ride the trail around the lake which is right on the dike.

Let me know if you try any of these options, and post your photos in the FloridaLive section of the website.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

I think it's time for you to take a road trip to Jensen Beach, Vero Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Anastasia Island and PalmCoast.These are all lovely areas that have all the attributes you mentioned. Good luck in your search!

Thanks for reading my stories.

What a romantic place to go for your anniversary! One of my favorite things to do in St. Augustine is the Dark of the Moon tours of the Lighthouse, which is on Anastasia Island. During these nighttime docent-led tours of the Lighthouse, you will be introduced to stories of the various ghosts that are said to inhabit the place.

Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to climb the light to see its spectacular views of this harbor and island first explored nearly 500 years ago. The view leaves no doubt as to why the Sunshine State was named "Florida" by the Spanish. These tours are from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. You'll need to call 904-829-0745 to make reservations.

If you're a fan of architecture, I'd recommend a Legacy Tour of Flagler College, a National Historic Landmark which dates back to 1887. It was built by millionaire developer Henry M. Flagler in the Spanish Renaissance style and was one of the most exclusive resorts of its day.

During the tour, you'll see the beautiful 80-foot domed ceiling supported by eight ornately robed women that are copies of those in the temple of Diana in Greece. The Dining Hall hosts 79 stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany while the Flagler Room features Austrian crystal chandeliers and a massive onyx Thomas Edison clock. The clock was one of the first ever to be used in a public building.Tours begin in the main lobby (Rotunda) of the College located at 74 King Street. You'll need to arrive early to purchase your tickets.

Barbara Golden, of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, also suggested:

Sunset Tours on the Guana River to explore the pristine waters of the Guana River at twilight, where you can catch dolphins, bald eagles, and many other estuary-dependent species. This tour also helps support the Environmental Educational Center and helps to provide the research, education, and stewardship necessary to preserve this unique area. Call 904-347-1565 or register online.

Sunset Sail on the Schooner Freedom, a 72 foot authentic replica of a 19th century blockade runner. What a marvelous way to see the city's historic charms! Sail into the sunset with music on this two-hour excursion that departs from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located at 111 Avenida Menendez on St. Augustine’s Historic Bayfront.

Ride a bike at Anastasia State Park, which has more than four miles of pristine beaches that are accessed only by foot or bicycle. Take a picnic and blanket and ride on the hard packed white sandy beaches where you will feel like you have your own personal beach.

I hope you and your husband to enjoy an eternal honeymoon this year, and every year.

Thanks for reading my stories.

I suggest that you go either to Anna Maria Island. It's laid back and quiet. People ride their bikes all around the island and the beaches are excellent.

Another option is Siesta Key, which Dr. Beach and other experts have called one of the finest in the world. If you go to Siesta Key, which is close to Sarasota, your children might enjoy the Drum Circle on Sundays. About one hour before sunset, people gather just south of the main pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4 on Siesta Public Beach.

Let me know if you need other options. Have a refreshing time on your break!

    Florida’s natural beauty beckons closer inspection, and then there are all the unique and interesting attractions that dot the state. Your two week honeymoon trip will give you the time to explore it thoroughly. 

   From Ocala, I would head north to Micanopy, one of the prettiest towns in all of Florida. It’s where Doc Hollywood was filmed.  You might enjoy a romantic private cottage at a bed and breakfast there and a visit to Gainesville’s Butterfly Rainforest the next day.

   Then head east to St. Augustine for a couple of days. Spend some time at the historical sites like the jail (quite interesting!) and the more adventurous ones, like a ghost tour.  One fun way to visit the lion’s share of places is by hopping on the trolley tour.

   Next take the A1A Scenic & Historic Byway to Amelia Island. Check out this article for info. 
From there head to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. The 90-bell carillon is beautiful to hear, so be sure to call ahead for concert times. This park also includes gorgeous hiking, some minor rapids and lovely views of the Suwanee River. You might enjoy renting one of the cabins in the park.

   In Tallahassee, go to Mission San Luis, a 16th century settlement and fort where the Spanish lived peacefully with Native-Americans. I’d drive straight through to Pensacola to hit the Naval Air Museum, Historic Pensacola and treat yourself to dinner and dancing at one of the theme rooms in the Seville Quarter restaurant/nightclub complex. Check on Blue Angels flights so you can watch their training or a show, then move on to Destin’s gorgeous beaches.

   On your return, head to Tarpon Springs for Greek food, dancing and fun. There’s a lot of history at this location and wonderful bed and breakfasts too. Following the Gulf coast, stop in Sarasota for a spell, or check out one of several islands whose beaches are often mentioned on lists of the world's best. These include Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Caladesi Island, which is only accessible by ferry.

   Sarasota’s many charms include the Ringling Museum and Ca d’Za. The abundance of arts, culture, nature and beaches all within a short drive rivals that of any metropolitan area. Afterward, head to Islamorada to enjoy snorkeling over the reefs or view them from glass-bottom boats. There are parts of Florida best appreciated through a boat, and I would be sure to go on a fishing expedition or a romantic sunset cruise here.

   Depending on whether you have enough time, you can go all the way to Key West or head to South Beach – SoBe – which has become a sophisticated playground. Enjoy people watching here, take an Art Deco walking tour, and save your calories to indulge in the large variety of spectacular food in the area. (My favorite restaurants include Chef Allen in North Miami Beach and da Leo Trattoria on Lincoln Road.)

   I would definitely visit Fairchild Tropical Gardens, have a cup of Cuban coffee and one of the delicious pastries at Versailles restaurant in Little Havana and wander through the Old Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach. Then heading north, stop by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, which was home to the Japanese immigrants who founded the Yamato Colony in 1904.  They host events including tea ceremonies and concerts there.

   Take the scenic drive north through Palm Beach's mansions to Jupiter, in Martin County. In Jonathan Dickinson State Park, you can visit the restored camp of Trapper Nelson, the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee," or walk out to see the Atlantic spray at Blowing Rocks Preserve.

   Just an hour north, Stuart is great for fishing and a very walkable waterfront downtown promenade. Then continuing your traveling by visiting rocket ships at Kennedy Space Center Complex where the Apollo Space program celebrated its 40th birthday. There is so much to do on the Space Coast, I'd like to suggest that you plan a stay there for a couple of days.

   End your honeymoon with either a romantic dinner and overnight stay at Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales, a visit to historic Ponce Inlet and its gorgeous lighthouse complex, or perhaps a zipline tour of the forest through Forever Florida in St. Cloud.

   Another good source is Jan Godown Annino's book, Scenic Driving Florida, which features many scenic drives already planned out. Read through this publication, then return to www.VISITFLORIDA.com to use the extensive online information to confirm the hours of operation at attractions, find nearby parks and museums.

   Thanks for reading VISITFLORIDA.com and for writing to me!

Hilda S. Mitrani
'Off the Beaten Path Blog
VISIT FLORIDA

Live Oak can be considered an excellent gateway to a wonderful vacation in natural Florida with lots of interesting history nearby. Here's a story to whet your appetite.

There are also numerous day trips from Live Oak that touch on history. Madison, Monticello and Tallahassee to the east are within a 90 minute drive. Read this story about some of the interesting things to do in Madison, which has a walking tour of its architecture, and Monticello, where the Opera House architecture is a popular stop as is the winery.

The Suwanee River Wilderness Trail, which stretches from White Springs in North Florida, to the town of Suwannee on the Gulf Coast, offers more than a hundred miles of adventure such as canoeing and kayaking. Nearby is the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in White Springs, where the interesting historical exhibits about the composer's life are augmented by the beautiful concerts from the 97-bell carillon.

To the south are Cross Creek, home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Gainesville, which has excellent museums, and Micanopy, considered the prettiest town in Florida. They form the basis of the Heart of Florida Scenic Trail. Everything you need to know about the towns and the trail is in this story. Gainesville has a lot of interesting sites too. Here's a link to more information in that lovely town.

Finally, there's the Devil's Millhopper State Park, a natural wonder. From a stairway at the rim of a 120-foot-deep sinkhole, you can descend into a miniature rain forest. It was formed when an underground cavern collapsed. You can explore the sinkhole from the boardwalks and stairs.

Thanks for reading my stories!

There are wonderful parts of Florida that have uncrowded beaches. Ormond Beach, on the Atlantic Coast, is the one. In addition to the unspoiled beaches, there is tremendous ecological diversity and lots of opportunities to see sea turtles and other natural attractions up close.

One way to do that is to drive, hike, bike and walk parts of the Scenic Loop Trail that takes you through this unspoiled part of natural Florida. Use this link to read information about the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and follow the links to the on-line brochure.

While visiting, note that parts of the beach have sand that appears orange in hue due to the coquina shells fragments. It makes for quite a pretty effect. You can also go to Ormond Memorial Gardens for nature trails, fish ponds and fountains set amid lush tropical gardens. And these attractions are free too!

Ormond Beach has a Scenic Historical Society Bus Tour to view historic neighborhoods and an 18th-century sugar mill. John D. Rockefeller’s winter home, The Casements, and an Indian burial mound are also open for tours. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is a lovely spot for both indoor and outdoor exploring. While there, help the kids spot the turtles perched on water lilies.

Another opportunity is in the Big Bend area,  which you can read about in two recent posts, one by the Beaches Insider about Cape San Blas and another by the Outdoors Insider about Mexico Beach.

Sometimes called the Forgotten Florida, many families return to this region every year for summer vacation. While there, drive down to St. Joe Peninsula State Park for the lovely beach, take a walk down to the Mexico Beach pier, visit the four historic Lighthouses and go to Toucan's on Mexico Beach. Toucan's is a popular restaurant and tiki bar, and has a playground right on the beach.

Hope you have a lovely vacation with your children.

Thanks for writing to me!

Check on the SeaWorld website using this link for their hours of operation.

Thanks for writing!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is about an hour north of Tampa. Weeki Wachee is an Indian name that means "Little Spring" or "Winding River" in the Seminole language. I can't blame your friend for wanting to go back. I too went back this year, and both wrote a story and filmed a video there.  I hope you and your friend get enthusiastic about planning your own visit to this most beautiful of natural attractions.

Thanks for reading my stories!

I've done itineraries for several people doing this same trip, which is a lot of fun. There is a tremendous variety of places to explore in South Florida. Please look through the Q&A section on my blog using this link. The answers you should read have these headlines:

• Family Attractions between Ft. Myers and Key West
• Scenic Drive from Orlando to Miami
• Pompano Beach Visit & Area Day Trips
• Treasure Coast Family Attractions

Also read through these stories that I wrote about South Florida's cuisine and unique places:

• Many Treasures to Discover at Indiantown's Historic Seminole Inn
• Florida’s Overseas Highway Awarded the Coveted All-American Road Designation
• Culinary Treats at Cuban-Style Market in Miami
• Tasty Turkish Delight on Sunny South Beach

Thanks for reading my blog! Have a wonderful trip!

You're staying in a central place to explore a bunch of different beautiful and interesting locales. To help you, I've written a list of places (below) and a hint as to what you can find in each. Most are within a 90 minute drive of Anastasia Island but a couple spots stretch to two hours.

I suggest that you enter one name at a time into the search bar in the middle of our homepage. When you do that, the search engine will give you a list of stories and videos to read through or watch. Usually, there will be a link to the general info page. This will definitely get you started to planning your dream vacation in the Sunshine State:

• Ponce Inlet - Lighthouse Museum
• DeLand - Walking tour of Downtown, art galleries
• Amelia Island - Unique history and Downtown
• Gainesville - Cell phone tours & Butterfly exhibit
• Micanopy - Antiquing and drive through
• Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins State Park - Cross Creek restaurant and natural wonders
• Stephen Foster Cultural Center - Carillon and exhibits, monthly square dancing

Don't forget to spend at least a couple of days exploring St. Augustine. There is enough to do there for a week!

I hope you enjoy your stay in Florida! Thanks for writing!

What a blast you all would have on a zipline safari at Forever Florida, an attraction located on a 4,700-acre cattle ranch and nature preserve. Here's general information and also a neat story.

Forever Florida's vast wildlife conservation area encompasses nine distinct ecosystems, including streams, forests, pastures and wetlands. The on-site attraction, Florida EcoSafaris, offers three types of safaris. You'll likely see alligators, black bears, white-tail deer and the endangered Florida panther, along bald eagles and other magnificent flying creatures.

I hope you enjoy your vacation with your siblings. Thanks for reading my stories.

You might want to check out Mexico Beach in northwest Florida. Read this article about my colleague Kevin's recent visit to the area.

Another location is Anastasia Island near St. Augustine. It has many small motels and cottages that are reasonable.

Use the search bar to find the destination city on this website. When you're on the city page, look for Accommodations & Places to Stay on the right side of the page. Use that link to find the right spot or engage a realtor's help.

Good luck! Enjoy your escape from the cold!

Here are two options:

1) The FFA Leadership Training Center or Ben Hill Griffin Lodge might be the perfect place for you. Check out this link for more information on this unique facility in Central Florida, not far from either Orlando or Tampa. It is located on the shore of Lake Pierce. Attendees can stay at the Lodge or choose a private Villa and arrange for golf, boating, a bonfire or even a hayride.

2) The Steinhatchee Landing Resort has wonderful meeting rooms. This bucolic riverside setting is rustic but has many amenities. Check out this video for a peak to its charms.

If you don't think either of these is quite right, contact me again and I will research other ideas.

Thanks for reading my stories!

Daytona is chock full of wonderful events and interesting locales. You might enjoy reading through a few of the articles on this website. I've selected a few for you:

General Overview of Daytona Area Attractions

Beachin' it in Daytona

Daytona Luxe

Hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation. Thanks for reading my stories!

There are quite a few places along the way that the entire family can enjoy. In Fort Myers, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates have 20 acres of historical buildings and tropical gardens, including Edison's Botanic Lab and the Estates Museum. Both of these brilliant inventors left substantial original material here to view.

Just a bit further south is the Naples/Marco Island/Everglades area. Here you can sign up for a dolphin or manatee encounter in Naples or go shelling in Marco Island. Check out the Dolphin Explorer cruise boat, where teams of participants work with a naturalist to collect data, photograph and log activities of bottlenose dolphins. All ages can participate.

Here are more of my favorite places:

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in Everglades City
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki means “a place to learn”. This museum features the life and culture of the Florida Seminoles. In the “Living Exhibit” demonstrates how the Seminoles lived in south Florida during the late 1800s.

Big Cypress Gallery on US Highway 41, (a/k/a Tamiami Trail) in Ochopee
I first learned to appreciate the Everglades through the work of artists such as photographer Clyde Butcher. His is where you can best appreciate his large-format, stunning photographs of the Everglades and other natural environments. (Please don’t be put off by the fact that this is art. The kids will definitely appreciate a stop here. Call to confirm his summer hours, (239) 695-2428,

Nearby is The Nation’s Smallest Post Office on US Highway 41. It measures 7’ x  8’. The town only has about a dozen residents! You can take cute photos outside the building, which some say was actually a tool shed.

The Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead. Stop here for a taste of the tropics. It's hard to leave once you sample the fruit and natural shakes. They're world-famous! You can have the delicious strawberry shakes or try the more exotic fare. My favorites are mamey, monstera deliciosa, carambola, and mango.

When you get close to the edge of the mainland, tell your kids about the Overseas Highway. It is amazing to see the many bridges and the Atlantic and Gulf waters that look different on the east and west sides as you drive down. Stop to view the coral reefs at John Pennekamp State Park by taking a boat ride on a glass bottom boat such as the Spirit of Pennekamp. Tours are 2 ½ hours long but I promise you won't want to get off the boat at the end.

At the Marathon Turtle Hospital treats and then releases turtles rescued in Florida waters. There’s a self-guided tour but you may want to confirm in advance, since an emergency may make it difficult to visit. 2396 Overseas Highway (305) 743-2552

When you get to Key West, take the 90-minute spin on the Conch Tour Train, and visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where one of America's greatest authors wrote much of his best work. The kids will love looking at all the six-toed cats!

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories. Enjoy your vacation!

I suggest a few hours at Bradenton’s Parker Manatee Aquarium, particularly if you can go during one of the daily scheduled feedings of these magnificent mammals. There's also a 220-seat planetarium featuring astronomy shows and a rooftop observatory.

Secondly, there's the Edison/Ford Museums in Ft. Myers. There's so much interesting stuff here for older kids that can appreciate the creative genius of these inventors. Watch this video for a better idea of what you'll see there.

Enjoy your visit!

You can check the VISIT FLORIDA Oil Spill Updates page, www.visitflorida.com/florida_travel_advisory/, for up to the minute news and videos. Fortunately, it doesn't appear that your vacation will be impacted. Additionally, check the St. George Island Facebook fan page for daily updates.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation with your family at lovely St. George Island.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

There are a few scenic highways in your area that could be just right for you and your husband. One of them is the Ridge Scenic Byway that goes through the highest land point in Florida. This 38.7-mile route travels through many historic communities, winding along the Lake Wales Ridge as SR 17. There are scenic vistas and access to lakes, natural areas, citrus agricultural fields and unique Florida attractions such as Bok Tower Gardens and Sanctuary. Try to time your drive so that you can listen to the 205-foot carillon during its twice daily concerts.

Other interesting roads are the Palma Sola Scenic Highway which leads to the DeSoto National Memorial and the Courtney Campbell Causeway and Scenic Highway. The latter is of historic nature and also is a birder's paradise. Audubon Scientists have spotted dozens of bird nests including the Tri-colored heron, Snowy egret, and little blue heron. Other regular inhabitans are the Great Blue heron, Great egret, American Oystercatcher and Yellow-crowned night-heron.

You can also travel through the Greater Ocala Ecoregion, which has tremendous biodiversity. This link provides you with a one day travel plan. Starting from the west, you can spend some time at Silver River State Park, a 5,000 acre area with 10 distinct natural communities, numerous small freshwater springs, and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center.

Among the many interesting cities and attractions within a short drive of your home are Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Dade City and Tarpon Springs. I have written or filmed videos about all of these communities, so I hope that you will check out some of my stories.

Hope you enjoy all these day trips! Thanks for writing to me and reading my blog.

Tom:

I think you will benefit from using a VISIT FLORIDA publication called Worth the Drive. Using this link yYou can review it as an eBook Scenic Drives.

Jan Godown Annino's book, Scenic Driving Florida, features many scenic drives already planned out. Read through this publication, then return to www.VISITFLORIDA.com to use the extensive online information to confirm the hours of operation at attractions, find nearby parks and museums.

The Treasure Coast of Florida has many interesting attractions. Here are some places that I like to visit:

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce
The only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the elite warriors of Naval Special Warfare, Scouts and Raiders, OSS-MU, Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDU), Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and SEAL Teams. Visit many outdoor exhibits on the site of the original Navy Frogman training grounds. Inside the museum are exhibits highlighting each conflict from WWII to the present. The museum theater presents Naval Special Warfare videos.

A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce
Founded in 1960 the museum houses the nation's largest exhibit of paintings by A. E. Backus including some of his earliest paintings as well as his last painting, left unfinished at his death in 1990. In addition to the Gallery's permanent collection, privately owned paintings by Backus, selected Highwaymen and Indian River School artists are available for purchase. Five exhibition areas feature artwork from contemporary artists from across the U.S. Juried exhibits offer opportunities to amateurs.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park in Ft. Pierce
The shores and coastal waters at this park provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. The breathtaking beautiful half-mile beach welcomes visitors for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and scuba diving. Beachcombing, picnicking or just relaxing on the sand are also popular activities. Dynamite Point was once the training site for WWII Navy Frogmen, but is now a haven for birdwatchers. Along the south end, Fort Pierce Inlet is popular with anglers.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Stuart
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on Hutchinson Island. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the 57-acre parcel houses the Society's headquarters, library, nature trails, Children's Activity Pavilion, Rays on the Reef Ray Pavilion and the Frances Langford Visitor's Center. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove forest communities, the site provides excellent opportunities for education and research aimed at increasing the general knowledge of these unique environments. During September, they might still be offering sea turtle walking tours. Watching these pre-historic creatures follow their ancient rhythms to deposit eggs on the beach

Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter
Florida as nature intended it. Jonathan Dickinson has interactive areas, including an old river settlement, plus some of the best canoeing in the state. Blowing Rocks Preserve is a natural wonder.

Also, the Florida Department of State compiled a series of trail guides based on various Heritage or history themes. Here's the full list:

Have a wonderful time on your drive and on the cruise!

Hilda S. Mitrani
Off the Beaten Path Insider
VISIT FLORIDA

The oil spill is not expected to impact Tampa at all. Plus, you can get up to the minute photos and information on our Florida Live page at www.VISITFLORIDA.com. We are updating it daily with photos and viddeos, plus travel advisories and pertinent information.

Fortunately, only a small fraction of the more than 1,200 miles of shoreline and 663 miles of Florida beaches have been impacted by this situation. I recommend that you also monitor the stories from the Beaches Insider on VISIT FLORIDA for interesting stories about the sand and surf around the Sunshine State.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

Florida has such a tremendous variety of locales. From the Spanish Colonial heritage sites such as Mission San Luis in Tallahassee to the beaches of Captiva Island to the international flair of Miami to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum, there are many, many things to see and do for every type of visitor.

It's hard to just select a few to recommend to you. But here's an idea: On each of the Insider's pages, there are a list of favorite articles or places. Browse through some of those featured places for some interesting highlights about our state from eight different perspectives!

Enjoy your web surfing! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

Pompano Beach is a wonderful area from which to visit attractions in a wide area of southeast Florida. Here are a few to put on your schedule:

• Cap's Place is a former 1920s speakeasy that has hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt, George Harrison, the Temptations, Mariah Carey and even Tom Hanks? It's just off of Lighthouse Point in north Fort Lauderdale. I find it rather exhilarating to travel back to the era of rum runners at this landmark spot near the Hillsboro lighthouse, the most powerful beacon in the United States. The restaurant serves fresh seafood. Both the Old Florida smoked fish dip and key lime pie have earned kudos. Take the Cap's Place ferry for a meal and a step back into a colorful history.

A few miles west in Delray Beach,

• The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens was home to the Japanese immigrants - all bachelors—who founded the Yamato Colony in 1904. The group had intended to grow pineapples in south Florida. Instead, the subtropics (the blight, the brush, the bugs), along with competition from Cuba, defeated them, and the colony dispersed by the 1930s.

• To the north, I like driving through Palm Beach's mansions, seeing exhibits at the Norton Museum of Art and having lunch in the downtown area. Then head to Jupiter, in Martin County, where you can visit the restored camp of Trapper Nelson, the "Wildman of the Loxahatchee," or walk out to see the Atlantic spray at Blowing Rocks Preserve. 

• A bit further north in Hutchinson Island, shipwrecked travelers used to find safe haven. The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar offers a unique view of pioneer living in Florida, when lighthouse keepers provided food, medical attention and a safe place to stay as part of the US Life-Saving Service, later part of the Coast Guard. After freighters were torpedoed off the Treasure Coast in 1942, an on-site tower was used to scan the waters for German U-boats.

• Less than a mile from the House of Refuge is the Elliott Museum, which has the largest collection of baseball memorabilia outside of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Mr. Sterling Elliott was an inventor, a master of ingenuity and creativity. Here you can see the evolution of our automotive industry while enjoying the museum’s extensive vintage car collection. 

• Indiantown, which is in the west part of Martin County, is a historic country inn first opened by Wallis Warfield Simpson's uncle. Mrs. Simpson was at the Inn's grand opening. Here's a story I wrote about my visit there. www.visitflorida.com/experts/Off-the-Beaten-Path/action.blog/id.2910

To the south in North Miami Beach, you'll find the

• Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere. For 700 years, it was in Segovia, Spain until it became a granary after political turmoil in its home country. William Randolph Hearst had it disassembled and brought to America, where it lay in storage until developers had the monastery reassembled at its current site in Miami Beach in the 1950s. Today it is an active Episcopalian church and popular spot for weddings. Because it's popular for special events, please be sure to call in advance of your visit. Sometimes they rent parts of the facility, especially on weekends. I wouldn't want you to drive down for naught.

• After a stop there, head to Paquito's Mexican Restaurant on US 1 and 163rd Street for authentic and inexpensive Mexican food.

Have a wonderful stay in Pompano Beach! Thanks for reading my stories!

One possibility would be to stay on St. George Island, near Apalachicola. The area is so pretty that it would be a shame if you can only stay one night. There are four historic lighthouses that would make for some interesting touring also. While most visitors rent a home for a week, there is one small motel, the Buccaneer Inn.

The VISIT FLORIDA Beach Insider, Lauren Tjaden, had other suggestions for you. Here's what she shared:

"Between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe (only about 10 miles apart) is a little beach called Windmark Beach, which is truly one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been on. The sand is sugar white, the water is clear and emerald colored, and it's a nature-lover's paradise. Here is a link to a YouTube video I made of it about two weeks ago. They can find the "Turtle Glass" hotel/condo in the area.

Port St Joe is not right on the beach, but they could go to St. Joseph Peninsula and stay in a cabin on the beach which would be the coolest thing in the world. Here's a link to the park."

Here's a link to Lauren's VISIT FLORIDA video "Horseback Riding on the Beach" on nearby Cape San Blas. The area has the same laid-back, quiet atmosphere. Here's a link of places to stay there and a link to the Port Inn's list of area attractions.

From Orlando, head to Ponce Inlet and explore the lighthouse there. Take the water tour too! Then head to St. Augustine, where you can either go to Casa Monica, a luxurious historic hotel right in the main district or go for a B&B like the Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880. It is one of the few inns located directly on Matanzas Bay, within a short walk of the historic district. Each guest room is romantically decorated with period antiques, some with double Jacuzzis and fireplaces. They serve homemade hot breakfast every morning and complementary wine and cheese in the late afternoon.

From this location, you can explore St. Augustine, Anastasia Island and Lighthouse, and the Dow Museum of Historic Homes. Each winter, St. Augustine illuminates its streets with more than a million lights. You can read about it here.

Have a wonderful sojourn sans kids!

There are many interesting smaller inns and cottage-based vacation spots in Florida and I'm glad to help you find the right property for your vacation. One lovely community not too far from Orlando is New Smyrna Beach. Here are a few places there for you to review:

Cabana Colony Cottages 800-293-0653 - This charming historic oceanfront inn is located on a quiet residential streeet on the quiet south end of Daytona Beach (so don't let the city dissuade you.) This inn is newly remodeled and has an oceanfront heated pool, DVD and CD players, complimentary Wi-Fi, and has been recommended by Frommer's, Orlando Sentinel, New York Post. Breakfast is included and fishing is nearby.

Bahamian Club Rentals 800-465-4261 - This is on the Atlantic Intracoastal and has its own 160-foot dock. You can watch pelicans and dolphins, from the wrap-around porch or your own room. This is not quite rustic but it is full of character with intricate, natural wood in every room. A full breakfast is included.

Driftwood Inn in Vero Beach 772-231-0550 - This treasure was built in 1935 entirely from ocean-washed timbers and planks. Now it has beautiful art objects, antiques, and artifacts, making it  a wonderful spot. Located in Historic Vero Beach Florida, directly on the Atlantic Ocean, this unique location combines historical importance with all the comforts of the present.

Caribbean Shores 866-474-6737 - This charming motel in Jensen Beach, where I stayed last month, is not rustic but offers a tranquil respite from urban life. It's located on the Indian River, one of the most biodiverse areas in North America. The beach is a 10 minute drive. Many fishermen stay here.

There are many interesting accommodations in Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. Since the Shuttle Atlantis is planning a launch on May 14, those communities don't have much availability right now. They might be available on May 15 though. So you can also look through our website for ideas there.

Thanks for writing to me! Hope the fish are biting when you arrive!

There is no way for us to know what the oil situation will be in June, so check the Mexico Beach Community Development Council website, (the local tourism bureau). You can also call them toll-free at 1-888-723-2546.
 
Another resource is our own website, www.VISITFLORIDA.com, since we are updating it daily with travel advisories and pertinent information.

Fortunately, more than 1,200 miles of shoreline and 663 miles of Florida beaches have not been impacted by this situation. Every inch of Florida coast is open to normal water and beach activities!

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

I am delighted to learn about the Florida Chautauqua Assembly and honored to be invited to speak at your 2011 Assembly. Thank you! I look forward to seeing you in January 2011 in DeFuniak Springs.

What a romantic idea! One of my colleagues renewed her vows on the beach at Lover's Key just a few months ago. You can read Lauren's story here.

In the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is highly rated by Dr. Beach (whose real name is Dr. Leatherman). He also ranked Siesta Key one of the the top 10 beaches in the world. The local Chamber of Commerce offers this website to help you plan your perfect event there.

Finally, you might find this story about how to plan the perfect beach wedding useful.

Wishing you a honeymoon that lasts a lifetime!

Peace River Seafood is known for its blue crabs. First time diners will find that the wait staff is happy to demonstrate how to eat them. (Pay close attention to the "whack and crack" technique!)

According to Jennifer Huber, Tourism Public Relations Manager for the Charlotte Harbor Visitor's Bureau, on weekend nights, guests prefer to enjoy the ourdoor musical entertainment although Indoor seating is available, too.

Peace River Seafood is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Make sure to arrive by 7 p.m. if you'd like to order blue crabs. You can find it at at 5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda; Tel: (941) 505-8440.

I had blue crabs for the first time just last month. They are yummy! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

Bon appetit!

Here's information on two historic Bed & Breakfasts in the area:

Avera-Clarke House Bed & Breakfast
580 W. Washington St.    
Monticello, FL 32344    
850-997-5007

The McFarlin House Bed & Breakfast
305 E. King St.    
Quincy, FL 32351    
850-875-2526
877-370-4701

You can see full descriptions if you go to this link. Have a wonderful trip!

You can find a shrimp boat captain on many commercial fishing piers in Florida. Near Orlando, I would try the Cape Canaveral Pier. 

Also, contact the Florida Fisherman Guide Service or call them. This outfit connects interested anglers with top boat captains.

Finally, when you get here, ask the Concierge or Activities Desk at your accommodations for help.

Good luck shrimping! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

You're in luck. The Florida Department of State compiled a tremendous resource on the Spanish Colonial period in Florida. It's a website called www.VivaFlorida.com and there's an accompanying Trail Guide. There are other Heritage Trail guides too. Here's the full list:

• Black Heritage Trail
• Cuban Heritage Trail
• Jewish Heritage Trail
• Native American Heritage Trial
• Women's Heritage Trail
• Spanish Colonial Heritage Trail
• World War II Heritage Trail

You can read these online or order your own copy. They're a tremendous resource!

Please let me know if you need any further information. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

I found a few places to rent four wheelers. Your best bet is to call each location's beach patrol to ask about restrictions. Eagle Rider, which is well known for renting motorcycles, also rents all terrain vehicles. They have locations in Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Stuart, Stl Augustine and Orlando.

You can drive on the beach in Daytona, so that would be a good place to start. However, most beaches don't allow vehicles. Another possible vendor is Fun in the Sun Rentals.

Finally, here's a link to places to ride in FL: http://atvflorida.com/where.php.

I hope one of these options will work for you. Thanks for reading my stories and writing to me. And thank you to my colleague, Beaches & Adventure writer Lauren Tjaden, for her help to research this answer.

Sure you can! In addition to various one day cruises offered by Discovery Cruise Lines, you can charter a boat with a seasoned captain. I suggest you call the Dockmaster at Dinner Key Marina at 305-579-6980 or at Grove Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove.

Hope you find smooth waters! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant is in DeLeon Springs, right outside of DeLand. Here's a link to their website. The Sugar Mill is in DeLeon Springs State Park.

Have a good time at the tableside grill!

A popular gourmet shop, Truffles and Trifles, offers regular cooking classes. On Thursday, they will be teaching sushi. Unfortunately, these classes are so popular that they sell out well in advance. They do have a waiting list, but you shouldn't count on going here.

Truffles and Trifles is located at 711 W. Smith St. in Orlando; phone is 407-648-0838.

Springtime in Florida is fabulous. You might want to visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Read more about this magical place here.

Another option is to go see the Tiffany artwork at the Morse Museum in Winter Haven. Here's more information about their extraordinary collection, the largest in the world.

There's also SkyVenture, which gives you the thrill of skydiving without jumping our of a plane! And it's so realistic that professional skydivers practice their moves here, but it's safe enough for virtually anyone from three years old to seniors. Your hour-long adventure includes training class, flight suit and gear rental, two flight rotations flying one-on-one with a professional instructor -- equals two skydives! Commemorative Flight Certificate, DVD Flight Recording and High-res Photo CD of your flight available for additional fee.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a fabulous time.

Amanda - What a lovely thing to do with your mom! Take a look at Fort Pierce and Hutchinson Island. I've just filmed a video in the historic downtown area of Fort Pierce and found it full of unique shops. Plus, there are 22 restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines. I'm going to get you a few specific recommendations and get back to you with more specifics.

Stay tuned!

Hilda S. Mitrani

Please go to the www.VisitFlorida.org website. Under the column 'Inside VISIT FLORIDA', there is a link to Internships. Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

You're in luck! According to Tina Bucuvalas, Ph.D., who is Curator of Arts & Historical Resources for the City of Tarpon Springs, there are a number of opportunities to see the industry up close.

Sponge diving season is actually April through November. Active sponge divers mostly dock their boats along the wharf at Dodecanese Blvd. If the boats are in, the divers are usually willing to interact with the public and are the best source of information about sponge diving and the industry. The dock is wide and built of concrete so a wheelchair can easily navigate it.

Also, the new exhibit on the history and culture of the Greek Community at the Heritage Museum in Craig Park includes many artifacts and a documentary on the sponge diving industry. Check their schedule on the website before going. This includes a section on the sponge industry and a number of artifacts. 

Finally, the Sponge Factory shop at the east end of Dodecanese Blvd. also has a small theater area where they show a documentary. These are wheelchair accessible.

Hope you enjoy your trip to Tarpon Springs!

I'm happy to report that Beaches & Adventure Insider Lauren Tjaden and I are shooting videos on the Treasure Coast and they will be on our website in three to four weeks! I am focusing on Main Street Fort Pierce and the surrounding area, including the Backus Museum and the Sunrise Theatre.

In addition, I will be doing two or three blog posts about St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Please do check our pages again in the next month, and feel free to share some of your favorite places too.

Also, you might be interested in seeing the news stories about my visit to the Treasure Coast in the Fort Pierce Tribune or on NBC5. Jill Martin and I did a radio interview on the Talkin' Tourism radio program too. You can listen to the intervieews at www.wpsl.com/.

Thanks for writing to VISITFLORIDA.com and for reading our stories!

Here are a few events I found on the VISIT FLORIDA website in the Events section:

Cracker Village Tour at the Silver River State Park in Ocala
352-236-7148
Take a guided tour through the Cracker Village learning about Central Florida lifestyles in the 1800's. This is one of the few times that the replica village is open to the public.

Live Concert Series at Bok Tower Gardens - featuring Muriel Anderson, Danny Gottlieb &Tierra
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, FL
863-676-1408
National guitar champion Muriel Anderson performs with drummer Danny Gottlieb and the European nouveau flamenco duo Tierra Negra featuring a variety of musical genres from classical to bluegrass as well as Anderson’s custom-made harp-guitar.

Cosmic Comic Connection at the Orange County Regional History Center on 4/10/10
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-7010
The History Center celebrates some colorful characters with a day devoted to comic books, animation, anime, and more. Explore storytelling, costuming, and filmmaking during an action-packed day with vendor booths, activities, workshops, screenings, and trivia. Meet comic book legends Dick Giordano and Allen Bellman! Don’t miss the LEGO® Stormtrooper Minifigure Speed Build for children ages 6-14. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Congratulations on your pending marriage! Here are a number of ideas for planning your honeymoon in Charlotte County, which I've just visited and enjoyed immensely.

Fishermen’s Village definitely fits the location for amenities with easy access to fishing charters, shopping, in room kitchens, bicycles, massage by Charles of the Village and quick access to downtown Punta Gorda. The Village Fish Market at Fishermen’s Village will prepare someone’s catch. The Port Charlotte Beach is about a 10 minute drive, and since it's a popular destination, you might have a little more noise and a little less privacy.
 
Banana Bay Waterfront Motel is another option. It’s a sweet motel in Port Charlotte located on the water (not on the beach). They offer kitchens in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It’s near Portofino Restaurant and a wonderful bayfront miniature golf place that I enjoyed playing with my son. (The sunset view here is incomparable!)

The Boca Grande Club on scenic Gasparilla Island features 65 acres of beautiful tropical grounds. Many of the units and homes are privately owned and available for let.Boca Grande, you'll find the charm of "Old Florida." There are no traffic lights, no high-rise buildings and no malls but you can expect bike paths, a community center offering free movies, and amazing fishing.

On Manasota Key, Conch Out Vacations would be the best bet to arrange a nice condo overlooking the beach with kitchen facilities. They also work with a lot of other businesses, such as fishing charters, massage therapists, etc., so you can easily make the arrangements for the rest of your acgtivities.

More good news! There are an abundant number of restaurants in the Charlotte County/Punta Gorda area of Florida that can accommodate your request for gluten-free dining. Here's a list:

PLACIDA/ENGLEWOOD AREA
Fishery Restaurant
Fishery Rd
Placida, FL 33946
941-697-2451
www.margaretalbrittongallery.com/Fishery%20Restaurant.html

PORT CHARLOTTE
Carrabba's Italian Grill - Port Charlotte
1811 North Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-743-5299
www.carrabbas.com/carrabbas-menu.aspx

Chili's Grill & Bar
1471 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1069
941-255-0058
www.chilis.com

Jason's Deli
1100 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1016
941-235-3354
www.jasonsdeli.com

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
3883 Tamiami Trl,
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-624-3535

Olive Garden
1341 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-625-8807
www.olivegarden.com/menus/garden_fare/nutrition_alternatives.asp

Outback Steakhouse
1481 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1069
941-766-7077
www.outback.com/FOODANDMENUS/nutritionalinfo.aspx

Dockside Grill at
Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
33 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3630
941-637-6770
www.fourpointspuntagorda.com 

Peace River Seafood
5337 Duncan Road
Punta Gorda, Fl 33982
(941) 505-8440
www.peaceriverseafoodfl.com

Pies & Plates
2310 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-5935
941-505-7437
www.piesandplates.com

Presseller Delicatessen
209 West Olympia Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-4819
941-639-3990
www.pressellergallery.com/images/deli_index.htm

The Perfect Caper
121 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-3635
941-505-9009
www.theperfectcaper.com

Jennifer Huber of the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau compiled this list for you. Enjoy your wedding preparations! And thanks for reading my stories!

Hi Silvia:

Marianna, in North Florida, is home of the Florida Caverns. It's one of my favorite places. Here's an article about this unique place from the VISIT FLORIDA Adventure Insider, Lauren Tjaden.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for reading my blog!

Rob - The video is now posted on VISIT FLORIDA.com. Hope you're doing well, and out there winning awards for your delicious Sunshine State BBQ!

Thanks for writing to me and working with me on the video.

Regards,

hilda

Here are a few things that the locals like to do on Amelia Island, also known as Fernandina Island:

• Okane's Bar is a popular hang out
• Hike in the Sunken Forest
• Kayaking, try Kayak Amelia
• Cruise along Cumberland Island, www.ameliarivercruises.com
• Go for a special dinner at 29 South
• For casual dining and to try a local brew, go to Cafe Caribou
• Take a Segway Tours, www.ecomotiontours.com/
• Explore Fort George Island, which is usually a full day of fun
• And of course, fishing is popular activity

Enjoy your stay on Amelia Island!

    You might also find the Reunions section of our website to be quite helpful in planning your trip.

    I'd like to suggest that you look at Amelia Island, Palm Beach, St. Augustine or Punta Gorda, given your request for historic areas with a nearby beach and more of a pedestrian atmosphere. There are a few locations to consider. For instance, Amelia Island's historical museum has fascinating tours of its downtown area. St. Augustine offers a variety of fun and comprehensive trolley tours in the historic district but which also reach the outskirts of town. Charlotte County, where Punta Gorda is located, has a lovely historic downtown with cobblestone streets. Look for my story on this charming area in Charlotte County in the next ten days.

     Also, I suggest you search through the articles on these cities so that you can decide which is the right spot for your group. Many of the local tourism bureaus are listed and you can ask them about reliable public transporation since I am primarily familiar with trolley tours and such.

     Enjoy your girlfriend time! Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories.

The Florida Scenic Highways Day is coming up on March 26, and there are more than two dozen nationally recognized roads in the state. Communities including Pensacola, Micanopy, Lake Wales, Tallahassee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando are holding events.

Here's a story that I wrote about the Scenic Highway events in Alachua County, including Gainesville and Micanopy, where the movie "Doc Hollywood" was filmed.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories!

While I do some research for you, please review some of the Q&A that I have answered, as many of them are about some of the most interesting things to do within a one hour drive of Orlando. These are a few:

• Micanopy, where the movie "Doc Hollywood" was filmed, is great for antiquing;
• Winter Park's Hosmer Museum, which has the world's largest collection of Tiffany art;
• Bok Tower Gardens, designed by the renowned Frederick Law Olmstead Jr.;
• Mt. Dora, which has one of the largest congregation of antique stores in the USA;
• Lakeland, the largest campus of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the USA;
• A family-owned BBQ restaurant in Groveland, and
• DeLand, a small town with charm and beauty, both natural and manmade

Finally, keep checking back to the VISIT FLORIDA event calendar and website, as we update it daily with news, information and tips.

Hope this helps you start your vacation planning.

New Smyrna is a great place from which to do several interesting activities. I would research:

• Skydiving in DeLand
• Nature hikes at DeLeon Springs State Park (read my story about this lovely place)
   with a stop at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House
• Segway tours of Mt. Dora
• Spiritualist tours of Cassadaga
• Surfing

Use this website and peruse the stories written by Lauren Tjaden, Beaches and Adventure writer and Kevin Mims, Outdoors and Nature Insider.

Have a wonderful trip!

There are quite a few festivals in December. Some last through the entire month and may have events during that date. It's still a little bit early for some of the dates to be announced but here's a sampling:

Festival of Lights in Silver Springs
Late November - December 31, 2010
Millions of sparkling lights guide visitors through this magical attraction amid a maze of illuminated gardens, twinkling topiaries and dozens of animated holiday scenes

Nights of Lights in St. Augustine
November 21, 2009 - January 31, 2010
Florida's oldest city becomes a magical city with a grand holiday celebration of lights. The Nights of Lights features over two million lights that illuminate the colonial buildings, downtown parks, and historic bayfront.

Pirates in Paradise & Taylor Pirate Fest in Key West
Nov. 26 - Dec. 5, 2010
Ten days of escapades and merriment celebrate Key West's colorful aritime heritage at Fort Taylor. It features living history pirate encampments; His Royal Majesty’s Military Forces; pirate skirmishes, period clothing, arts and crafts; pirate treasure and black powder weapons demonstrations, careening camp & fight circles. Entertainment includes strolling minstrels, combative stunt men and bands in concert.

Pensacola Winterfest & Trolley Tours in Pensacola
Downtown Pensacola from Historic Seville to the Palafox Business District is lit for holiday memory tours for the entire family, including a special Santa's Express Tour the week before Christmas that's great for young children. The beautiful horse and carriage are available for rides through the Historic Districts. The flagship Performance Tour which featured 16 fun stops with your favorite holiday characters.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park
Thursday, December 2, 2010 with special events throughout the month of December
Each year, on the first Thursday of December, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble in concert. December 2010 is the 32nd annual celebration of Christmas in the Park.

In a couple of months, more festivals will be listed in the events section of our website. Check back for more information!

Thanks for reading my blog and writing to me.

It's wonderful that you want to move to the Sunshine State permanently. I suggest that you vacation in both Northwest Florida and Tarpon Springs before deciding on a new home. You can read about Tarpon Springs here and also look into some of the other small towns in the area with  this article. To look into Northwest Florida, read this article about the Emerald Coast towns.

Finally, the residents of Havana often write to tell me about their charming and friendly town. Havana is close to Tallahassee. Read about it here.

Happy hunting!

I think you would enjoy the beaches of Martin County.

Lauren Tjaden, Florida's Beach and Adventure Insider, shared this information with me. "There are no buildings -- in the entire county -- that are over four stories, and no parking meters. The atmosphere is quiet, but you can do almost any kind of water sport there (parasailing, jetskiing, surfing, kayaking, etc.) and the fishing is legendary."

You can read more about these beautiful beaches in this article. To find your perfect accommodations, go to this link on the Martin County tourism website. You might also find the right offer right on our website by clicking on the Hot Deals button.

Finally, two other locations to investigate are Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast and New Smyrna Beach on the Atlantic. Use the search bar on our website to find information on those communities.

Have a fantastic vacation with your family.

There are wonderful historic sites in Pensacola, just a short drive from Destin. Spanish sailor Don Tristán de Luna stepped ashore in Pensacola in 1559, founding one of the first European settlements in what would become the United States of America. Now, 450 years later, Pensacola is a dynamic place that is often called the City of Five Flags because the standards of Spain, France, Great Britain, the Confederacy and the U.S. have all flown here.

Folks here live immersed in history. Here are some options for viewing that history:

• T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, which includes the "City of Five Flags" exhibit on the history of Pensacola from Spain's first attempt at settlement in 1559 through the American period.
• The Historic Pensacola Village is a lovely area to walk around and appreciate the centuries of history still visible. In the Village, living history demonstrations of colonial period activities are offered on a seasonal basis. The Village includes the Lavalle House and Julee Cottage, both constructed in ca. 1805 during the Second Spanish period. A reconstruction of the Tivoli High House, used as a public ballroom and gaming house during the Second Spanish period, is also within the historic village area as the gift shop.
• The Archaeology Institute at the University of West Florida, whose hall has prehistoric and historic archaeological exhib its of the northwest Florida region from pre-European times through the 1800s, including the colonial Spanish archaeological sites.
• Two Forts and  the 1698 era Presidio Santa María de Galve allow for extensive exploration. The Presidio became the first permanent settlement in Northwest Florida. These detailed historical places are right on the grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola.

No visit to the area would be complete without a stop at the National Naval Aviation Museum,  where guided tours by retired servicemen provide an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Navy to our country. Its 150 beautifully restored aircraft are in 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, and some are in the surrounding 37 acres. The Museum has more than 4,000 artifacts include flight gear, weaponry, medals and decorations. The exhibits tell stories of service and bravery from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Located on the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Museum is also home base for the awe-inspiring Blue Angels, which you can watch from March through November. They have “meet and greets” for the public on many Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the season.

Finally, the original Rosie O'Grady's saloon is now Seville Place, a multidimensional event and restaurant space right in the heart of Downtown whose architecture-themed rooms are spectactular.

As you can see, there are a tremendous number of interesting sites in the Pensacola area. I hope you enjoy your explorations.

You're in luck because Lady Lake is within a 60 to 75 minute drive of a tremendous number of interesting places. You can get information here from a story I wrote about history-themed day trips in Central Florida.

Another good place in the vicinity is Mt. Dora. Depending on the age of your kids, you might enjoy the Segway tours of the artistic and interesting downtown area. Here is a city profile that can provide you with background information.

Forever Florida im St. Cloud is an attraction that offers really cool zip line tours to see the beautiful natural wonders of Florida. They offer three types of safaris, and a variety of animals - alligators, black bears, white-tail deer and the endangered Florida panther - are often visible on the various fully guided tour options. If you're into bird watching, you will love the bald eagles and other magnificent flying creatures in the area.

In Gainesville, just north of Ocala, your entire family will enjoy Butterfly Rainforest, a delightful place.

Finally, I just filmed a video about one of my favorite places, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, the only place in the world where you can see human mermaids performing under crystal-clear spring water. Watch my video and read my story report about this enchanted place.

You have lots of options, and I hope you enjoy your Easter trip to Florida, which was discovered nearly 500 years ago at exactly this time.

Silver Springs, considered one of Florida’s premier natural attractions, is where the glass bottom boat was invented in 1878. Early on, people in the area sought to share their extraordinarily clear springs with visitors, and this led to the creation of the glass-bottom boats that are now common throughout Florida. The water here is 99.8% percent pure, so you can literally see for hundreds of feet underwater, and from above.

There are actually seven major spring formations coming out of the headwaters here. Each has a distinct feel. The tours on the glass bottom boats offer passengers an unparalleled view. According to the website, “one spring, Fish Reception Hall, is home to dozens of species of fish as well as alligators, clams, crawfish, shrimp, snails and six different kinds of turtles, all amidst the backdrop of tiny fossilized shells from 70 million years ago.”

Today, Silver Springs is a complete family attraction with rides, concerts and events for the entire family.

I hope you are able to share this beauty and the memories with your husband. Bon voyage!
 

Hilda - Here are a few quick thoughts, since you're leaving tomorrow:

• Miami International Boat Show and the
• Coconut Grove Arts Festival, two of the premier events in their genre, are both here this weekend
• Special tour of Coral Castle and opportunity for couples to renew your vows. Watch for my latest blog post later
• The Schnebly Redland's Winery in South Miami-Dade County has a wonderful line-up of events going on during Valentine's Day weekend. Their signature wines made from exotic fruits are legendary, as are the romance of their winery.

Thanks for writing to me! Enjoy your trip!

"The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes highways that are outstanding examples of our nation's beauty, history, culture, and recreational experience by designating them as All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways. The roads being featured were designated by the Secretary of Transportation from nominations submitted by the states and federal land management agencies. These designations provide a compass for people from all over the world to explore America's treasured open roads."

The folks in Key West handle this question a lot. So they have a great link on their web page. Here are a few options to get from Avon Park to Key West, which is approximately 85 miles:

• Consider an Amtrak-bus link or going all the way on Greyhound
• Take the Key West Express Ferry from Fort Myers, which has a terrific rate at the moment. If you buy your ticket eight days in advance and travel Monday through Thursday, the round-trip cost is $112. And you'll travel in a modern ship on one of the most beautiful ocean rides in the world! Use the link above or call them at 888-539-2628.

Thanks for writing to me and reading my stories. Bon voyage!

Most of the major ports offer them. Check the Ports of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa. You might also try using this website.

Hope lady luck travels with you.

Hilda S. Mitrani
Off the Beaten Path Insider
VISIT FLORIDA

• Three Week Car Trip Through Florida, Dec. 22
• Scenic Drive Through Florida, Nov. 19
• Motorcoach to the Keys, Aug. 18
• Scenic Motorcycle Tour, July 24

• Ringling Museum in Sarasota
• Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete
• Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa
• Ybor City, Spanish-Cuban city
• Herlong Museum in Micanopy (near Gainesville)
• Bok Tower & Gardens in Lake Wales
• Chalet Suzanne for dinner in Lake Wales
• Morse Museum in Winter Park.
• Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland

1. Best to head to Daytona/Flagler/Ormond beaches. Best route is to take the back roads through Eustis and go through Deland.
2. Or, cut through the Ocala National Forest on Hwy 40 and pop out on the coast in Ormond Beach.

1. The closest beach to Ocala is Daytona Beach on the Atlantic, at 1 hour 32 minutes and 78 miles. Go there if you want waves; go to the gulf if you like calm waters. (Either can be fun for children.)
2. Hernando Beach (1 hour 27 minutes and 82 miles) is the closest “beach” on the Gulf side, but the name is a little misleading. It’s very marshy.
3. The closest real Gulf beaches are in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay isn’t a horrible drive from Ocala – about two hours. The good news is the beaches there are really nice. Here’s a link to Lauren's favorite VISIT FLORIDA video about the beaches there. It gives an overview and shots of the area beaches, so it’s very useful.

1. Visit the Ted Williams Baseball Museum in Inverness
2. Enjoy great golfing - Orlando's been voted the USA's best golfing community; read VISIT FLORIDA's Golfing insider blog for details
3. Browse the world's largest Tiffany window collection in Winter Park's Morse Museum of American Art
4. Go biking in Inverness, which has 46 miles of paved bike paths
5. Visit the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Lakeland at Florida Southern College
6. Head to Tampa for a meal at the historic Columbia restaurant in Ybor City
7. Visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales for their twice daily carillon concerts amid spectacular gardens
8. Dine at Chalet Suzanne and buy their unique pottery as souvenirs (also Lake Wales)
9. Shop for antiques and collectibles in nearby Mt. Dora
10. Head to the Ocala National Forest for horseback riding or a hiking trail

1. Swim with the Manatees; check this video
   
2.  Withlacoochee State Trail and Withlacoochee State Forest
3.  Fort Cooper State Park FL 3.1 mi.
4.  Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park FL 16.8 mi.
5.  Dade Battlefield Historic State Park FL 18.1 mi.
6.  Rainbow Springs State Park FL 19.3 mi.
7.  Withlacoochee Trail State Park FL 23.0 mi.
8.  Lake Griffin State Park FL 26.7 mi.
9.  Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park FL 28.7
   
10.  Silver Springs, Silver Springs FL 31.1 mi.

• Ponce Inlet - In addition to its plentiful natural beauty and intriguing lighthouse and museum, Ponce Inlet has a fabulous beach. It's close to De Land, DeLeon Springs Park, Titusville and NASA, all of which have superior natural resources and family opportunities. You might want to visit the Old Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs Park for breakfast. I wrote about the park in this story. 
• Anna Maria Island - Time seems to have stopped in an earlier version of Florida on this charming island on the West Coast. It's an easy drive to the interesting historical spots and culture in Sarasota. Watch this video to learn a little more about the area.

• Time to Fall for the Emerald Coast
• Spanish Colonial HIstory in Florida

--> Spend some time at the Florida Carriage Museum, which I recently covered in a story about holiday receptions.

--> Tour Florida Southern College, which has the world's largest grouping of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings. It's in Lakeland, and you can read about it here.

--> Check out the largest collection of Tiffany glass, which is in Winter Park's Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

-->  "Three Days, No Theme Parks", July 2009

--> "Winter Stay in Central Florida:", August 2009, also on my blog.