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Kara Chalmers
Dining, Entertainment & Luxury
Former Insider
Grab your credit cards and spa slippers, and bring your appetite for life! Join me as I experience the créme de la créme of Florida, from its finest dining and entertainment to its most luxurious spas and hotels.
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A Sign-Off Blog on the Spectacular Sandpearl Resort
A Sign-Off Blog on the Spectacular Sandpearl Resort
July 31, 2011
Today’s is an important blog post, as it’s the last I will write as VISIT FLORIDA’s Dining, Entertainment and Luxury Insider, a position I’ve really enjoyed over the past year. There’s perhaps no more fitting subject ... more
Michael’s on East: More Than Just a Restaurant
Michael’s on East: More Than Just a Restaurant
July 30, 2011
If you read my blog post on Tuesday, you know all about Sarasota's highly acclaimed restaurant, Michael’s on East. If you live in Sarasota, like I do, you also probably know that this ... more
Taste of Omni Amelia Progressive Dinner
Taste of Omni Amelia Progressive Dinner
July 30, 2011
Now diners at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation don’t have to choose just one resort restaurant for dinner. Check out the Taste of Omni Amelia Progressive Dinner, which is an exclusive tour of ... more
Blue Dog Art and Martinis at Seagar's in Destin
Blue Dog Art and Martinis at Seagar's in Destin
July 29, 2011
Fans of artist George Rodrigue’s Blue Dogs should head to Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood in Destin, where more than a dozen of the iconic prints are on display. In fact, the restaurant has ... more
Performing Arts in St. Petersburg and Clearwater
Performing Arts in St. Petersburg and Clearwater
July 29, 2011
A few months back, I wrote about Tampa’s Performing Arts. Now, here’s the 411 on performing arts in the neighboring cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The biggies are Ruth Eckerd Hall in ... more
A Luxury Itinerary in Pensacola
A Luxury Itinerary in Pensacola
July 28, 2011
Visit Pensacola has created a great three-day luxury vacation itinerary – perfect for those looking to spend a few days in the Pensacola Bay Area in style. For accommodations, suggestions include ... more
Delicious Deals at Michael’s On East
Delicious Deals at Michael’s On East
July 27, 2011
Planning a trip to Sarasota? Don’t miss dining at Michael’s on East. This place has held AAA’s four-diamond rating for 21 consecutive years – more than almost every other Florida restaurant (it’s one ... more
Fabulous Food for Less During Restaurant Weeks Across Florida
Fabulous Food for Less During Restaurant Weeks Across Florida
July 26, 2011
A bunch of restaurant weeks are coming up in Florida, with Miami Spice starting things off on Monday, Aug. 1. This dining promotion, which will run through Sept. 30, features Miami’s top restaurants ... more
Key Largo Food & Wine Festival Coming Up
Key Largo Food & Wine Festival Coming Up
July 23, 2011
The Key Largo Food & Wine Festival, which begins Friday, July 29, is 10 days of wine tastings, wine dinners, pairing classes, art and wine shows and cooking demos. The festival also has a ... more
A True Beachside Escape
A True Beachside Escape
July 21, 2011
A perfect end to a day in Fort Lauderdale – a night at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. This place is really amazing. And I just dined under the stars at ... more
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My Stories
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My Latest Q & A Archive
Asked by Sara on July 21, 2011
Q: Hi There! Was thinking about a couple days mini-vacation right around where I live (Sarasota). I only want to drive an hour at most. I was thinking the Don Cesar at St.Pete? I'm looking for relaxation and a good spa package. Is this a good choice? Or perhaps somewhere else would be better? Thanks for your help!
A:

Hi Sara!

I live in Sarasota, too, so I have a lot of ...read more

Asked by gabrielle bartolo on June 21, 2011
Q: hi no my hotel is paid for we arrive july 10th and it is my partners birthday on july 16th so i think i would like to try burbon steak
A:

Bourbon Steak is so amazing. Here is a blog post I wrote about if after dining ...read more

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VISIT FLORIDA Experts
Kara's picks
Notable Nightlife
Notable Nightlife
Filled with nightclubs and bars, Ybor City draws thousands of revelers to its streets on ... More
Celebrating Culture, Art and Architecture
Celebrating Culture, Art and Architecture
The new Tampa Museum of Art will be the centerpiece of a new cultural hub ... More
Top Wine and Food Festivals
Top Wine and Food Festivals
For one long weekend, fan favorites like Paula Deen, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray and Emeril ... More
Healing Waters
Healing Waters
I lost myself in the feel of the water swishing around me, the sunlight on ... More
A Taste of Tomorrow
A Taste of Tomorrow
Get a fabulous meal at a bargain and meet young, talented student-chefs who are passionate ... More
Staying Green in Bonita Springs
Staying Green in Bonita Springs
In Florida, staying green doesn't mean settling for second-best. In fact, many of Florida's most ... More
Unique Dining
Unique Dining
If you're in the Space Coast area, make a lunch date with an astronaut. Kennedy ... More


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