| Jill Martin's Blog Archive |
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| Nick Hotel's New Report Card Rewards Program |
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| November 16, 2009 |
Yesterday was report card day in our house and just as I was looking for a way to reward my 11-year-old for his straight As (yeah, Dustin!), I came across this latest news from the ... more |
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| Ribfest 2009: Way More than BBQ |
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| November 13, 2009 |
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In case you missed Ribfest last weekend at the Homestead Air Reserve Park, I used my new Kodak Zx1 video camcorder to show it to you! In addition to mouthwatering BBQ from all over the south, the Wings Over Homestead Air Show was happening right up the road as well, so we were treated to entertainment in the air by the U.S. Thunderbirds! It was fantastic.... more |
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| 35th Annual Harvest Festival - Dade Fair Expo |
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| November 12, 2009 |
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This one is a doozie! It's the 35th annual Harvest Festival and you need to put on your tennis shoes for this two-day event because it's HUGE. You'll find over 300 vendors from around the nation selling everything you can imagine: homemade soaps, quilts, food items, furniture, herbs, ceramics, jewelry and tons more. You'll also find the most adorable holiday crafts that can be customized for your family while you wait.... more |
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| Celebrate Veterans' Day with Free Admission |
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| November 09, 2009 |
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If you’re looking for something to do this Veterans' Day, you and your family can enjoy free admission to every Florida State Park and every National Park, forest and monument on Wed., Nov. 11, in recognition of this holiday.... more |
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| Holiday Gift Spectacular in Punta Gorda |
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| November 08, 2009 |
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As the holidays are right around the corner, it's time to start shopping! And if you're like me (always looking for something different AND affordable) then you should try visiting a local holiday gift sale. You never know what you'll find as people are just so creative, and the prices are generally really good!
Here is one such local show to tell you about in ... more |
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| Safety Tips for a Happy and Safe Halloween |
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| October 29, 2009 |
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With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, there are sure to be plenty of festivities going on in practically every neighborhood around the state. And there are definitely things we can all do to keep our kids safe so that everyone has a FUN and HAPPY Halloween:
- Kids can help carve Jack-O-Lanterns but don't let them use sharp knives. Purchase a kit with kid-friendly tools.... more
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| USAF Thunderbirds Return to Homestead! |
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| October 14, 2009 |
I know I get excited to tell you about certain events, but this one is very close to my heart. After being absent for 18 years, the ultra amazing USAF Thunderbirds are returning to Homestead Air Force Base to perform in a much anticipated air show, ... more |
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| 1st Annual Fort Myers Beach Art and Pumpkin Festival |
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| October 10, 2009 |
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Fort Myers Beach is an awesome place to visit any time, but add in fall weather, live music, great food, pumpkin carving, sand sculpting and lots more Halloween fun, and you've got one heck of a two-day festival!
It's the 1st Annual Fort Myers Beach Art and Pumpkin Festival, and all this fun takes place at Bay Walk Place on San Carlos Blvd between 3rd Street and the Harbor on Fort Myers Beach, Oct.... more |
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| Columbus Day: Perfect for Sailing and Navigating the Waters |
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| October 05, 2009 |
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You know the rhyme, "In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue." And since Columbus Day is the 2nd Monday in October (that's this coming Monday), I was thinking it would be a great day to get on the water and go for a sail (or at least a boat ride).
With that in mind (and hopefully you have the day off) here's a few places around Florida where you can celebrate Columbus Day and explore new worlds of your own:
... more |
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| Free Admission: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day 2009 |
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| September 25, 2009 |
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Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept 26, 2009 is Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day and that means FREE admission for you and a guest at hundreds of museums and cultural venues nationwide, including many in Florida. Simply ... more |
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| Oktoberfest Happenings Around The State |
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| September 24, 2009 |
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It’s nearly October and you know what that means – it’s Oktoberfest time!
Did you know that Oktoberfest came to be because a royal wedding was held in the city of Munich in 1810? When Crown Prince Ludwig was going to tie the knot, the Bavarian king decided that there should be a royal party the world would never forget – and that’s exactly what happened. It became an annual celebration in Munich that is now celebrated as Oktoberfest.
German social clubs around the state are getting ready for this big annual event that's as family friendly as they come! Make plans to attend one of these Oktoberfest happenings filled with fantastic food, music, dancing, singing, German libations, and much more:
Pinellas Park
It’s the most authentic Oktoberfest in the Tampa Bay area so don’t miss it held at the ... more |
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| The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Is Coming! |
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| September 22, 2009 |
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Are you a Harry Potter fan? Have you read the books, seen the movies and gotten lost in his magical, mystical world? Well, how would you like to be able to experience Harry Potter’s world for real?
Imagine taking a tour of Hogwart’s castle or stepping into Ollivander’s Wand Shop (where the wand chooses the wizard)! How about going on a Flight of the Hippogriff or sipping butterbeer in Three Broomsticks? Want to buy your own Extendable Ears in Zonko’s?
Well, get ready for the experience of a lifetime! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is coming - in spring 2010 – to Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.... more |
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| Halloween Fun in Florida (a Sneak Peek)! |
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| September 16, 2009 |
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I’ve got a treat for you! Coming very soon, I’ll be posting an article about Top Places for Halloween Fun in Florida. Ready to get in the spirit of things? Here’s a sneak peek that’ll send a few shivers up your spine:
ZooBoo 2009
Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa
Select nights from Sept. 26 - Oct.... more |
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| Fall Family Fun in Florida |
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| September 14, 2009 |
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I love the fall. It’s my favorite time of year in the Sunshine State. The weather cools off, the crowds are gone and the sunsets are amazing.... more |
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| Celebrate National Grandparents Day this Weekend |
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| September 10, 2009 |
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It was back in 1979 when President Carter proclaimed the first National Grandparents Day - and this Sunday marks its 30th anniversary. So to all the grandparents out there who strive to make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren, I wish you a heartfelt and fantastic Happy Grandparents Day.
Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are a few places around the state that are offering special deals and such to grandparents and families:
Davie
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| Labor Day Savings at Cypress Gardens & Splash Island Waterpark |
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| September 02, 2009 |
Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark have a Labor Day Weekend deal too good to pass up: Buy One Admission and Get One FREE! No strings, no coupons to clip, no special codes – just walk up to the ticket window this Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, and purchase a Splash Island Waterpark Ticket – you’ll get another ticket FREE! Plus, you’ll get admission to Cypress Gardens for FREE!
Cypress Gardens is in ... more |
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| Fourth Annual Pirate Festival |
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| August 25, 2009 |
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Mark your calendars mate! Coming up Oct. 9-11, 2009, you can swashbuckle with the best. This is the fourth annual Pirate Festival to be held in ... more |
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| Fall Value Rates at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club |
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| August 18, 2009 |
With summer coming to an end (drat!), now’s the time to start making plans for your Florida fall getaway. And in case you were wondering, fall is a FANTASTIC time to travel in Florida – fewer crowds, prices drop, and the weather is so inviting!
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| Sun & Fun Deals From Cruise Naples Through October! |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Yes, you still have time to enjoy the summer and check out these deals in the sunny city of Naples, offered by Cruise Naples!
- Take a 90-minute sightseeing and sunset cruise aboard the Double Sunshine at just $20 for adults, $10 kids (normally $30 adults, $15 kids)
- Cruise & Crab – go on a sightseeing cruise plus enjoy dinner at Pinchers Crab Shack at Tin City (good for any entrée up to $14.... more
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| Free Sundays At Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in August! |
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| August 12, 2009 |
There are three Sundays left in August to take advantage of this fantastic offer.
Every Sunday in August, you and your family can enjoy the splendor of Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden FOR FREE! That’s right! No catch, no strings, just come and wander through these gardens in all their summer glory (and they are glorious) from 9:30 a.m.... more |
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| Family Fun in Hollywood, Florida |
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| August 09, 2009 |
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Hollywood is one of those great cities that once you discover its charm and fun, you think, why haven't I been here before? Check out these family friendly events and great deals and ... more |
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| New! Sleepovers at SeaWorld Orlando |
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| August 06, 2009 |
I have to tell you, when I found out about this, I was super excited to share it with you. SeaWorld Orlando is now offering guests the chance to sleep over! My nieces and nephews have gotten to do this through their scout programs - and LOVED IT - and now anyone can have this amazing opportunity!
Imagine lying down to sleep in your sleeping bag, next to your kids, and counting stingrays instead of sheep! It’s all possible at SeaWorld’s newest attraction, Manta, their flying roller coaster and animal habitat. You can snuggle up near penguins, snooze by the sharks and dream of dolphins at this super exciting nighttime sleepover experience.... more |
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| Cirque D' OR by the World Famous Golden Dragon Acrobats |
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| August 05, 2009 |
This Labor Day Weekend, head over to St. Augustine’s Amphitheatre and take in one of two shows that will blow your mind!
It’s the Golden Dragon Acrobats, direct from Hebei, China, in Cirque D’ Or! This company has traveled around the world to all 50 states and to over 65 countries performing their amazing feats. You and your family can be amazed and entertained as you enjoy such performances as: Chinese traditional dance, shocking contortionists, jugglers and tumblers and human pyramids while riding tiny bicycles.... more |
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| Kids Cruise For Free During August With King Fisher Fleet |
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| July 31, 2009 |
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Looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the kids before they head back to school? Well, here's a great idea you and your wallet will love. King Fisher Fleet is having a super family special: Kids cruise free during the entire month of August with the purchase of an adult ticket. Choose a half-day cruise on the Charlotte Harbor or Peace River, OR a full-day cruise to either Cabbage Key or Cayo Costa - either way, your child's ticket is FREE.... more |
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| Nickelodeon to Be Featured on Travel Channel's EXTREME SERIES |
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| July 28, 2009 |
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What are you doing on Wednesday, Aug 12 at 8 p.m.? You should be in front of your TV watching The Travel Channel's new EXTREME SERIES! Why? Because Orlando's very own Nickelodeon Family Suites will be featured in a segment on amazing resorts.... more |
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| End-of-Summer Specials Too Good To Miss |
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| July 26, 2009 |
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Summer is flying by and if you haven’t made plans for your vacation, don’t panic! You’re still in luck! Here’s a list of some great end-of-summer specials around the state:
One more quick note – to find the best deals, let your fingers do the walking and put your Internet connection to use. Many resorts and attractions offer web-only deals. Once you find a deal online, call them in person and ask if that's their best offer.... more |
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| Big Brother's Day In Islamorada |
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| July 19, 2009 |
This past weekend was Big Brother's Day in our household. (If you've read my previous blogs, you might have seen that we celebrated Little Brother's Day back in June!)
Although just an invented holiday, of sorts, these are dates that my boys look forward to all year. Dustin, a.... more |
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| It's a Baby Boom at Discovery Cove! |
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| July 16, 2009 |
Dolphins are making waves at Discovery Cove in Orlando. Four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have been born within the last month! Here’s a photo of the latest addition – this is 12-year-old Clipper with her newborn male calf. How cute is he? He doesn’t have a name yet but they assure me he’ll be getting one in about a month.... more |
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| Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort To Open Fall 2009 |
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| July 06, 2009 |
Here’s big news for visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort area. Holiday Inn is opening a brand spankin’ new hotel which will open in fall 2009 right in the heart of Downtown Disney (the only Holiday Inn literally on Disney property). The Holiday Inn has undergone a “complete brandover” to the tune of $1 billion (which will include about 3,200 Holiday Inn properties).... more |
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| Keep Your July 4th Celebration Safe |
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| July 02, 2009 |
This weekend, America celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776! (OK, it’s better known as Independence Day or simply the Fourth of July!)
With all the fabulous bbqs, pool parties, picnics and fireworks, safety is not the first thing on most folks’ minds, but here’s a list of simple things to do to prevent injuries with fireworks – and also to avoid those not-so-pleasant food illnesses while you’re still having a great time:
Fireworks Safety:
- Use fireworks only outdoors.
- Always have water handy - a hose or bucket is perfect.
- Never relight a "dud" firework.... more
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| Spot Me ID for Kid Fun & Parent Peace of Mind |
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| June 20, 2009 |
As all of us parents gear up for summer fun with our kids at amusement parks, water parks, zoos and other attractions, I’m excited to tell you about a new product I’ve found – Spot Me ID. It’s a new line of ID bracelets, lanyards and temporary tattoos (my favorite!) that can help you reunite with your children if they wander off.
Spot Me ID has a lovable pup as its mascot, Spot Me, the safety dog.... more |
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| 67 Days of Smiles – First Ever Search for “The World’s Greatest Smiles” |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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Got a great smile? Want to show it off to the world while enjoying 100+ attractions in Orlando and staying in a 2/2 condo for free? How about taking off for 67 days and let the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau foot the bill for you back home with $25,000 prize money?
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| Father's Day Freebies, Fun, And More! |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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This Sunday is Father's Day, and there's lots of great things to do in Florida to celebrate. Most are even free. Here's a list to get you started about family fun with Dad:
Is your dad a good sport? Take him out to the ball game! ... more |
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| The Things We Do For Our Kids |
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| June 05, 2009 |
I have to tell you, Little Brother's Day is not really a holiday, per se. But we celebrate it every year in June, followed two weeks later by Big Brother's Day.
This all started three years ago when my little one was running short on patience as I was opening Mother's Day cards and gifts.... more |
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| Families Find Great Summer Value at The Shores Resort |
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| May 31, 2009 |
A beachfront, AAA Four Diamond resort perfect for families? And for a good value? Yes! Check out this two-night package at The Shores Resort & Spa that saves $150, and includes S’mores, Surf, Sun and Sand.
The Shores Resort & Spa (located in Daytona Shores about five miles south of Daytona Beach) has a two-night package that starts at $396*. Here’s what’s included:
· Two-night stay in deluxe accommodations
· Daily breakfast for two adults & two kids
· One lunch at Azure for two adults and two kids
· One dinner at Azure for two adults and two kids
· Two days of beach rentals (one umbrella, two chairs & a table)
· A beach bag filled with beach toys
· S'mores party pack for four
· Complimentary family movies from The Shores' library
· Complimentary valet parking & resort fee
No matter how tired you are from swimming, digging in the sand and eating free meals, you have to partake of the oceanside fire pits with your s'mores party pack.... more |
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| Wild Summer Fun at Florida Zoos |
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| May 28, 2009 |
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From north to south, Florida's zoos are going wild with special events and family fun. Make your plans now to do the zoo!
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| Fishing In Destin with the Family |
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| May 26, 2009 |
If you’ve always wanted to take your kids fishing, now is a great time to go. Summer is here, the fish are biting and it’s most definitely an adventure to remember.
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| Night At The Museum - At The AutoNation IMAX in Fort Lauderdale! |
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| May 17, 2009 |
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If your kids are like mine, they can’t wait for Memorial Day Weekend and the new movie, Night At The Museum. For a bigger, better experience, treat your kids to NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN: The IMAX® Experience! This event opens May 22, 2009 at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater at the ... more |
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| Universal Orlando's First-Ever Concert Series |
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| May 17, 2009 |
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando this summer, you’re in luck! That’s because they’re having their first-ever Summer Concert Series right there in the park at their new outdoor Music Plaza at Universal Studios.
Beginning Saturday, June 13, and taking place every Saturday night through July 4, park guests can stay and listen to chart-topping acts like Jordin Sparks, LL Cool J, Natasha Bedingfield, and the fabulous O’Jays.
Here’s the schedule:
June 13 Jordin Sparks
June 20 LL Cool J
June 27 Natasha Bedingfield
July 4 The O’Jays
These concerts are free with your theme park admission.... more |
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| Florida Residents: Share a Little Sunshine & You'll be Entered to Win One of 12 Free Trips!! |
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| May 12, 2009 |
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Calling all Florida residents! Summer is the perfect time to Share A Little Sunshine with your family and friends who aren’t lucky enough to live in our beautiful state. By inviting your family and friends to come for a visit, you’ll not only be helping Florida’s economy (one visitor to Florida equals one Florida job), you just might win a free vacation yourself!
And, inviting your loved ones couldn’t be easier (or more fun!). Just log on to ... more |
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| Free Admission For Moms this Weekend All Over Florida! |
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| May 06, 2009 |
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Moms Can Get In Free This Weekend
All around the Sunshine State, moms will be celebrated this weekend and many attractions are even offering free admission to the hardest working, most deserving women on the planet:
Orlando
Help mom relax by taking her on a stroll in a beautiful garden. Mothers get in for free at ... more |
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| Block The Sun Not The Fun! |
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| May 05, 2009 |
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, here are some easy and sensible tips for keeping your kids safe (and you too!) while enjoying the great Florida outdoors:
- Enjoy the sun early or late in the day when its rays are less intense
- Don't burn
- Just say no to tanning booths! The intensity of the UV radiation received may be 15 times that of the sun.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day (Neutrogena is great for sensitive skin)
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.... more
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| Earth Day Celebrations Around The State |
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| April 21, 2009 |
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This year marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day. United States Senator, Gaylord Nelson, declared that in the spring of 1970, there would be a demonstration to bring awareness to the environment. The goal of Earth Day is to create awareness and to create a healthy, sustainable environment.... more |
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| Celebrate Earth Day With EARTH, Disneynature's New Documentary |
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| April 17, 2009 |
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What are you doing on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22? Here’s something your entire family will love - Walt Disney Studios is debuting its first feature-length nature documentary, Earth. This simply amazing film is from the same award-winning British producer/director who did Planet Earth and The Blue Planet, so you know this is going to be great! (The gentleman’s name is Alastair Fothergill in case you were wondering.)
This groundbreaking documentary will show you our planet like you’ve never seen it before.... more |
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| The Most Family-Friendly Wine Festival in Sandestin |
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| April 16, 2009 |
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It’s been called “The Most Family-Friendly Wine Festival” so I wanted to tell you all about it! It's the 23rd Annual Sandestin® Wine Festival at The Village of Baytowne Wharf coming up April 23-26. (This is up on Florida's Emerald Coast near Fort Walton Beach, about an hour from Pensacola.)
There's plenty of fun for adults and kids to be found at the ... more |
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| Easter Events in Saint Augustine |
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| April 05, 2009 |
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If you're going to be anywhere near St. Augustine this Easter Weekend, you will love this super family friendly event - it’s an old-fashioned Easter Parade! Even your pets can get in on the action this Sunday, April 12th.
The fun begins at 12:30 in St.... more |
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| Miami Metrozoo's Great Egg Safari, April 11 & 12 |
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| April 05, 2009 |
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Miami Metrozoo is having their annual Great Egg Safari this weekend, April 11 -12, 2009, from 11-4 p.m. There will be continuous egg hunts for kids 12 and under and even the animals are getting in on the fun - some will have egg hunts of their own! You can also have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny and Radio Disney.... more |
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| Dade County Fair & Exposition: Be There! |
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| April 02, 2009 |
This is the BIG ONE! The Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo is in full swing now through April 12. The Fair is Miami-Dade County’s largest family attraction and is celebrating its 58th year!
This 18-day event is jam-packed with family fun with nearly 100 rides including a Kiddie Land, close to 170 food vendors, 50 games, thousands of student and adult exhibits, a daily Mardi Gras parade and free live entertainment, including a circus and musical acts.
The Miami-Dade County Fair is ranked as one of the largest and most successful fairs in the nation and attracts nearly 700,000 visitors each year – my family included.... more |
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| Spring Break In The Upper Keys |
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| March 28, 2009 |
Seeking a tropical escape for spring break with your family? Drive an hour south of Miami, and you’ll be in Key Largo, the northernmost Florida Key. Known for its diving and snorkeling, ... more |
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| Tallahassee for Spring Family Fun |
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| March 23, 2009 |
Spring break doesn’t have to involve sand in your shoes. How about a destination where you can enjoy lakes, springs, amazing history, incredible wildlife and loads of southern charm? I’m talking about ... more |
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| DeLand: 60th Annual Volusia County Cattlemen's Association's Cracker Day Rodeo |
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| March 18, 2009 |
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Bring your family out for a day of fun at the 60th Annual Volusia County Cattleman's Association Cracker Day Rodeo! Enjoy good ol' fashioned bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping and even greased pig races for the kids.
And, you can't beat this - your admission includes a homemade BBQ lunch! Tickets prices are only $15 for adults and children 12 and under are $5.
This 60 year old tradition takes place Saturday, April 25 at the DeLand, Volusia County Fairgrounds.... more |
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| 30th Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in South Florida |
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| March 11, 2009 |
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Get your green on and join in the Irish fun this weekend at the 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival sponsored by the South Florida Irish Community. Everyone is invited to this traditional Celtic celebration at high noon, Saturday, March 15 at Fred B.... more |
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| Worlds of Discovery Vacation Package |
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| February 24, 2009 |
Listen up all my Orlando-bound readers! Here’s a fantastic vacation value:
Nearly two dozen choice hotels in Orlando have teamed up with Worlds of Discovery (which is comprised of SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando, and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay) for an incredible vacation package offer.... more |
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| Spring Family Beach Break in Daytona |
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| February 19, 2009 |
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Spring Break is fast approaching so now’s the time to make plans for your family to spend some quality fun in the Florida sun – without spending a lot of cash. ... more |
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| Miami Metrozoo Feast With The Beasts |
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| February 11, 2009 |
Call your babysitter and make plans to attend Miami Metrozoo’s Feast with the Beasts on Friday, March 6.
Feast with the Beasts is the Zoological Society of Florida’s annual fundraiser, and it is one dynamic evening. Walk the zoo’s lighted pathways and discover a delicious new indulgence at every turn, wild animal encounters, full open bars and exciting musical performances.... more |
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| Music & BBQ Fun at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens |
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| February 03, 2009 |
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Looking for a great way to spend the weekend with your family? One that is filled with good times, great music,and smokin’ hot barbecue? Then get fired up for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens’ Bud & BBQ.
Every weekend, starting this Saturday, Feb. 7 and running through March 1, these parks will present a zesty line up of live performances by award-winning country and classic rock artists.... more |
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| New Everglades Exhibit Opens Feb. 7 |
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| February 02, 2009 |
The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville has a new exhibit opening Saturday, Feb. 7. First is a Double Feature exhibit called “FOR EVERGLADES: Photos by Clyde Butcher & Jeff Ripple.... more |
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| The NFL Experience in Tampa |
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| January 26, 2009 |
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Super Bowl XLIII is being played in Tampa, which means you can get in on all the fun and excitement at the 18 th annual NFL Experience presented by Bank of America.... more |
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| Key West for Families |
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| January 24, 2009 |
Key West as a family destination? You bet! My boys and I just spent a fantastic, warm weekend in Key West and I have to tell you how much fun we had.
We stayed at the end of famous Duval Street at the ... more |
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| Stay on South Beach, Help Fight Breast Cancer |
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| January 15, 2009 |
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Did you know that in 2008 more than 182,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in American women alone? In an effort to raise awareness around the world, I want to tell you about a fundraising campaign that may tie into your south Florida vacation – and it won’t cost you a cent.
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| Museum of Discovery and Science January 16-18 |
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| January 14, 2009 |
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Looking for an educational afternoon that’s fun and makes your kids THINK? The Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale has partnered with IBM to bring you its first DESIGN SQUAD: Build It Challenge, Jan. 16-18.
The Design Squad, in case you’ve never seen it, is a TV show on PBS and this three-day event will give you the chance to unleash your kids' ingenuity and get them thinking like engineers.... more |
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| Young at Art Children's Museum Special Event: Friday, January 2, 2009 |
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| December 30, 2008 |
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This Friday, Jan. 2, Young At Art Children's Museum in Davie (north of Miami) is offering a free evening of family fun for everyone!
It's called Circus Circus, and they'll be hands-on activities, face painting, treats and more. Also, free gifts will be given out courtesy of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus! This free event runs from 5:30 p.... more |
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| New Year's Resolutions: A Family Affair |
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| December 30, 2008 |
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For most people, a New Year brings a reality check. We tend to look back on the year that has past and ponder all those things we could have/should have done. This brings the opportunity to set new goals for ourselves.... more |
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| Dinosaur World Has Raptors and Florida Discounts! |
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| December 03, 2008 |
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Dinosaur World Has Raptors!
Big news from Dinosaur World in Plant City (near Orlando)! As if 150 life-size dinosaurs weren’t exciting enough, they have released a new Raptor Pack just in time for the Christmas holidays. This new exhibit will feature a variety of raptors like Oviraptors, Velociraptors, and a Dilophosaurus that you can find all along the trails. All these may sound familiar to you if you are a Jurassic Park fan, like me and my boys.... more |
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| Keep your Kitchen Injury-Free for the Holidays |
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| November 17, 2008 |
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The winter holidays are fast approaching, and cooking and baking with your kids is a great way to spend quality time together. Young ones especially LOVE to help out in the kitchen. Scooping, sifting, mixing and licking the spoon are all part of the fun.... more |
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| Jack Hanna's Annual Busch Gardens Visit |
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| November 11, 2008 |
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Big news for those traveling to or near Tampa this coming weekend, November 14, 15, and 16 - Jack Hanna, beloved nature guru and the star of the Emmy Award-winning television series “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” shares his wild adventures at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during a weekend jammed packed with educational animal shows, autograph signings and a new, limited-engagement breakfast.
The Jack Hanna Weekend features the renowned naturalist discussing his world travels and educating animal lovers of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Breakfast with Jack Hanna is available Sat.... more |
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| 1st Annual World Champion Weekend/Family Fun Day |
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| November 02, 2008 |
This Saturday, November 8th, bring your kids for an afternoon of free family fun at the 1st Annual “World Champion Weekend.” Tony “G” Gemignani, Food Network star and 9 Time World Pizza Champion, is hosting this celebrity charity event and just look at the lineup of fun things to do:
- FREE family entertainment from face painting and balloon art, to a bounce house and a live DJ
- Savor Italian favorites like World Champion Pies prepared Naples DOP style exclusively by Tony G (this is the best pizza you’ve ever tasted); also available will be sausage & peppers, gelato, and a specialty wine tasting tent for the adults, plus cotton candy and popcorn
- Tony G will perform his elaborate acrobatic dough throw and host an exclusive Kids Dough Toss. For $5.... more |
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| Family Fun on the High Seas |
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| October 21, 2008 |
With three ports in the Sunshine State – namely Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa – taking the family for a weekend cruise is easy and fun.
With that in mind, my family embarked on a high-seas adventure for two nights aboard Norwegian Pearl from the Port of Miami. After spending a leisure morning shopping at ... more |
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| Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party |
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| September 30, 2008 |
Picture this – all your favorite Disney characters dressed up in Halloween costumes; you and your kids dressed up in Halloween costumes; no lines for any of the rides at the Magic Kingdom ®; nice fall weather; friendly faces passing out oodles of free candy all around the park…this is ... more |
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| A Weekend at Pensacola Beach |
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| September 17, 2008 |
Even a Family Expert needs to get away without the kids sometimes, so Michael and I headed north to Pensacola Beach to spend three whole nights without brotherly squabbling - and without SpongeBob.
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| Schnebly's Winery, the Winery of the Redlands |
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| September 15, 2008 |
Normally, I don’t think I would take my kids to a tour of a winery, but this is not your typical winery. First, the wine isn’t even made from grapes, and second, they were having their semi-annual Carambola Stomping event!
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| Robert Is Here, Redland Fruitstand |
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| September 12, 2008 |
I’m blessed to live in an area about 20 minutes south of Miami, and 30 minutes north of Key Largo, called “Redland.” (The soil is actually red here, hence the name, or so I have been told.) On the weekends, my boys and I love to take a slow drive past the farm fields and barbeque stands to “Robert Is Here.... more |
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| Keeping Kids Hydrated |
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| September 09, 2008 |
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Florida's heat and humidity can be intense. One of the most important things you can do to beat the heat is to stay hydrated. This sounds easy enough, but dehydration is a serious concern; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300 people die each year from heat-related illnesses.... more |
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| Matheson Hammock Beach with Kids |
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| September 08, 2008 |
As a young girl growing up in Miami, I used to ride my bike everywhere, from Matheson Hammock Park to Parrot Jungle. The cool thing is, now that I’m all grown up (sort of), I can take my kids to see many of the same fantastic places. And that’s what we did today!
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