| Mitzi Gordon's Blog Archive |
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| Save Gas, Save Money |
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| June 27, 2008 |
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| The Florida Department of Transportation recently released some gas-saving tips that can help drivers pinch pennies and better then environment.
Follow these guidelines for using less fuel while driving, and revel in the knowledge that you're reducing emissions, greenhouse gases, CO2 ..... more |
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| More Sizzling Summer Deals |
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| June 27, 2008 |
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Florida residents, prepare to get your trip on.
Continuing the recent barrage of hot summer incentives, Marriott hotels are offering special room rates for Sunshine State locals only.
Now through September 29, 2008, qualified travelers can choose from 20 Marriott hotels and resorts throughout ... more |
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| Cheap Chic Secrets: Anna Maria Island |
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| June 04, 2008 |
| Looking to plan your next escape from the daily grind? Well, look no further. I’ve discovered another hidden gem, and this one is set into an island paradise.
The boutique resort called ... more |
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| Gas Rebates For Summer Travelers |
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| May 29, 2008 |
| As fuel costs continue to rise, the family road trip becomes endangered. Who’s going to pile three kids into a sedan when the gas pump takes such a big bite?
Flying may be cheaper in some cases, but of course there are those pesky fees to deal with …
Overall, when the economy is tight, your family trip to Florida drops a few notches on the budget list, am I right? Fortunately, there’s an up side to the situation.
Folks working in the hotel and tourism industry recognize the need for traveler incentives, and a smart shopper can snag all kinds of sweet deals these days.... more |
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| Great Rebates from Loews |
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| May 23, 2008 |
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| The equation works like this: Gas gets expensive. Plane tickets get expensive. Airlines add service fees.... more |
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| Unparalleled Ybor - Part Three |
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| May 12, 2008 |
| The next topic in my exploration of all things Ybor? Liquid refreshment!
Now, if you’ve read my previous blogs about this historic district, you’ve already heard me compare Seventh Avenue to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.... more |
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| EcoFest in Lake Worth |
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| April 17, 2008 |
| I think green is everyone’s favorite color nowadays. The push to educate about eco-friendly lifestyles continues here in Florida, as Palm Beach County gears up to host its first ever ... more |
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| Unparalleled Ybor - Part One |
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| April 09, 2008 |
A recent afternoon spent snapping photos along the brick streets of Ybor reminded me why I return to this miniature metropolis time and time again.
Once a bohemian arts enclave, the historic district of Ybor City dropped into a Bourbon-Street-styled pitfall in the late 1990s, driving out antique stores with high-rent bars and dance clubs.... more |
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| Shop the Friendly Skies |
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| March 31, 2008 |
| Ever had the unpleasant experience of losing your luggage, permanently?
Ever wonder what happens to your favorite jeans and your Swiss Army knife, once they’re gone? Wonder no more.
Luggage (and its contents) remaining unclaimed for more than 90 days is sold to the public through state surplus property agencies.
Same goes for all forbidden-in-flight items – like liquids and sharp objects – seized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints throughout the country.... more |
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| Cheap Chic Secrets: Miami |
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| March 28, 2008 |
| It would be difficult to count how many dozens of chain hotels I’ve patronized during my travels. They’re simple, reliable and conservative … in short, they’re pretty boring.
These days, before visiting a new place I make a sincere effort to track down the best small to mid-sized boutique hotels – hidden gems with chic décor, unexpected amenities and competitive room rates.... more |
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| Castles That Rock - Part Three |
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| March 14, 2008 |
| No discussion of Florida castles would be complete without mentioning those crafted of sand. Building sandcastles pays homage to the essence of Florida: sand, water and sun.
Also, it's just good fun.... more |
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| Castles That Rock - Part Two |
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| March 03, 2008 |
| Hidden within a grove of oak trees, tucked away from the main road and surrounded by a moat, this castle is well protected.
Fortunately, its inhabitants are friendly.
Just a jog northeast of the Myakka River State Park stands Solomon’s Castle, another firm testament to that special blend of quirkiness and ingenuity found in so many Florida characters.... more |
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| Castles That Rock - Part One |
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| February 25, 2008 |
| Travelers are often surprised to discover Florida has a fair share of castles – and not just those made of sand or housing cartoon princesses.
Our tropical state has sheltered many creative and quirky residents who have crafted homes beyond compare. These Sunshine State castles stand the test of time, drawing visitors from around the world who marvel at these monuments (and their makers).... more |
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| Exploring Florida's Wineries |
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| February 14, 2008 |
A recent trip to Lakeridge Winery in Clermont opened my eyes to the abundance of vineyards and wineries that Florida nourishes.
Some sites grow their own muscadine grapes, while others import grapes to press and bottle new wines each year. Each location offers something special, served up in free tastings and daily tours.... more |
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| St. Patrick Goes Green |
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| February 06, 2008 |
| When celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, revelers in Delray Beach will do more than just wear the green. They plan to be green, in the environmental sense.... more |
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| A Small Slice of Tampa Town |
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| February 05, 2008 |
| Exciting things are happening here in my hometown of Tampa, particularly among the local arts community.
As the creative scene continues to grow, cultural momentum is even changing the shape of our downtown with the rebuilding of the Tampa Museum of Art.
Demolition of the original museum building (erected along the Hillsborough River in 1979) began on Feb.... more |
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| Getting Away From It All |
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| January 22, 2008 |
| Need a break from your daily routine?
Explore “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” with a trip to the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola, a Gulf Coast community rich with natural history.
Unwind in the Gibson Inn’s downstairs lounge, or doze the day away in a front porch rocking chair. This restored Victorian hotel features an immense wrap-around veranda and 30 antique-furnished guest rooms.... more |
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| Wonderful West Palm Beach |
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| January 10, 2008 |
| On Florida’s Atlantic Coast – less than 2 hours north of Miami – sits the colorful gem of West Palm Beach, brimming with genuine south Florida character.
Looking for a great escape? Smart travelers can enjoy a long weekend in this flashy, sub-tropical city without a side trip to the poorhouse.
Start with a reservation at chic Hotel Biba (320 Belvedere Rd.... more |
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| Chill Out at Airport Spas |
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| January 02, 2008 |
| You’ve navigated long lines at security and managed to get your shoes back on while balancing several pieces of baggage. Now carting this cumbersome load toward the terminal, you’re feeling tense and tired, not at all prepared for a cramped four-hour flight in coach.
Fortunately, relief is just a chair massage away – at the airport spa.... more |
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| Handling the Holidays |
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| December 21, 2007 |
Ah, the holidays.
The older I get, the more I wonder how it happened that the season of peace, goodwill and brotherly love got wrapped up in so much stress. From long shopping lists to long airport lines, we’ve all got a lot to manage.... more |
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| HOT Rides |
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| December 12, 2007 |
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| All aboard! The HOT Express Beach & Downtown Circulator Trolley is ready to roll in Hollywood Beach.
Starting Dec. 13, 2007, visitors to the area can catch scenic trolley rides for only a dollar roundtrip.... more |
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| Theme Park Savings |
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| December 11, 2007 |
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Breaking news for theme park travelers:
Orlando FlexTicket – a single price ticket specialist offering 14 days of unlimited access to several of Florida’s most popular theme parks – recently announced plans to join independent tour operator marketing consortium, TIPTO, on January 1, 2008.
In plain language, this means FlexTicket will be working to increase sales through independent travel agents, creating potential for promotional savings to be passed along to consumers.
FlexTicket currently offers unlimited two-week access to four theme parks at a cost of $160.... more |
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| Travel Tips: In Good Taste |
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| December 03, 2007 |
| I love to eat, so sampling new foods and regional specialties is an essential part of all my vacations. Along the way, I’ve learned how to avoid over-spending while still leaving room for indulgence.
For starters, I recommend selecting a hotel that offers free breakfast or booking a room with a kitchenette, especially if traveling with children.... more |
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| Sweet Sanibel Island |
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| November 30, 2007 |
The tranquil paradise of Sanibel Island makes an excellent weekend getaway, but begs you to stay longer. It’s easy to get used to empty two-lane roads, a rainbow of seashells on every beach, and the slow pace of island life.
Any trip can get exorbitant – but this one doesn’t have to.... more |
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| Adventures in Thrift - Part Two |
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| November 29, 2007 |
Ah, the filing cabinet. A hallmark of the organized home, keeper of sacred papers and tool of the tidy office.
How could we say no to that?
Deep into the second leg of our Sarasota excursion, and still on the lookout for furniture bargains, Dustin and I discovered a Goodwill store on Tamiami Trail.... more |
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| Adventures in Thrift - Part One |
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| November 14, 2007 |
After years of apartment living, I finally settled down this summer and purchased a townhouse with Harold, my boyfriend of almost six years. Unfortunately, most of our furniture pieces were holdouts from the College Era -- think rickety futons and TV trays.
Always ready for an excuse to shop, I decided our home decor needed to grow up, and planned a trip to Sarasota's antique district with my good friend Dustin.... more |
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