It was by far the most romantic Valentine’s Day I’ve ever enjoyed.
A couple of years ago, my husband and I renewed our wedding vows in a ceremony at the beach at Lovers Key. To say it was special is a vast understatement.... more
Lincoln Road in South Beach bustles with lights and motion, with a million conversations and music, and the air is rich with the smell of exotic foods.... more
The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club provided everything to ensure my stay there last weekend was memorable: a comfortable, quietly elegant room; a friendly staff to indulge my every whim; luscious food – and even a spectacular sunset!
Take a peek at my video to see how Ma Nature celebrates the end of the day in ... more
I could dish until the tide comes in about Clearwater Beach: about its white sands and emerald-hued waters, about how wide it is, about all the people and activities – but as they say, seeing is believing!
The Central Florida attraction, home to over 40 rare and vintage aircraft, is celebrating Black History Month in February 2012 with a three-day limited engagement event featuring the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first African-American military aviators – and you’re invited.
Should I drive a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, an Audi or a Porsche?
I’m as serious as a stingray – I have a choice! Next week, I’m roaring over to Walt Disney World Speedway to drive my dream with the Exotic Driving Experience.... more
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. – Ben Williams
Taking your pooch to the beach is the ultimate feel-good recipe. It’s infectious to see his unbridled joy and watch him enjoying life: sniffing the ocean breeze, thumping his tail against the sand, maybe digging in it or rolling in it, trotting alongside the waves or leaping into them.... more
Flags shudder in the wind, cannons explode, and pirates swarm, not only on their own glorious ship, but also on the flotilla of more than 1,000 watercraft accompanying it.
You can thrill to this spectacular sight on Jan. 28, 2012, when the Seminole Hard Rock ... more
To become a Women Airforce Service Pilot during World War II was sort of like making the finals on American Idol.
A whopping 25,000 wanna-bes applied to join this elite group of civilian female pilots that flew military aircraft; a paltry 1,830 were accepted and took the oath. Out of those, only 1,074 women passed the training and joined.... more
Here are wishes for a warm, wonderful holiday, wherever you are, that your day is brimming with love and light and everything good; that your tummy is full of something delectable and that your soul is full of joy.
Have you ever imagined what it was like for the explorers who set out for the New World with Columbus?
Pretend you are one of them.
When you climb into your appallingly small ship, you don’t really know where you’re going. You may end up in a land with people like you’ve never seen before, people who speak strange languages.... more
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. – Norman Vincent Peale
To me, it’s the sweet, simple rituals of the holiday season that soothe my soul into the holiday spirit. It’s a turkey, emerging from the oven glorious and golden and perfect; it’s the sharp perfume of pine trees; it’s the warm glow of being surrounded by loved ones.... more
It’s hard to beat New Year’s at the beach. Imagine it: People raising toasts, the air perfumed with salt and laughter, counting down to the start of a brand-spanking-new-year with sand in your flip-flops and a smile on your face.
The only sad part is you can only do it once a year.... more
If you’re in the area of Siesta Key – only the best beach in the nation – surf over to its sweet shores this Monday (12/19/11) or Tuesday (12/20/11).... more
You've got to love an event that includes a beach bash where footwear is forbidden. That'smy kind of party!
If you're a beach bunny who likes to going barefoot, too – or if you just have a yen for a lip-smacking celebration – hop over to thethird annual ... more
It’s hard to imagine what could be sweeter than pedaling down Scenic 30A on a bike, with the salty perfume of the ocean riding the breeze, with your legs pleasantly burning and the sky blue and clear above you. Nevertheless, I can think of one thing that would top it – snagging that bike for free!
Does a high-flying adventure in a serene Sunshine State setting sound like your cup-of-crazy? Then check out this three-minute ziplining video from Visit Pensacola!
All this time, I was feeling a little sorry for Santa, braving the brutal winter up north. I imagined him shivering under a mountain of clothes, icicles trembling from his beard, his fingers stiff and blue from the cold. But it turns out he’s not at the North Pole at all.... more
You can feel the air brush your cheeks, and if it’s moist or dry, and you can feel it change from hot to crisp to cold depending on how high you are. Sometimes it’s perfumed with the scent of oranges; sometimes you can taste it on your tongue.... more
You might find real treasure, spilled into the sea from a Spanish Galleon that was driven by a gale and wrecked on the reefs. You might find a valuable shell, or maybe one that’s not so valuable, except to you, because when you look at it, it reminds you of how the sand felt under your feet on the day you found it.... more
I just ditched the Halloween pumpkin, and now Thanksgiving's here! And the rest of holiday season is hot onits heels!
How are you celebrating the holidays? A trip to the Sunshine State might be just what Santa ordered. I'll bet my beach towel a lighted boat parade or turkey trot down the beach would help you get your jingle on!
Me want cookie! Me eat cookie! Om nom-nom- nom! ~ Cookie Monster.
Like the aforementioned Muppet on Sesame Street, I have a fondness for cookies. I adore chocolate chip; I am a pushover for peanut butter; I embrace oatmeal and even sugar cookies.... more
Fall in Florida. It means it’s time to throw open the windows at night and let the cool air rush inside, time to bike and hike and get outside, time to marvel at the hues of autumn.... more
It makes my toes curl just to look at the footage of the storms hitting the north.
People huddle inside layers of jackets, their faces twisted into grimaces. Tree limbs groan and crack and fall under the weight of the ice and snow.... more
Music is what feelings sound like. ~ Author Unknown
Jazz tells stories, of sultry summer nights, of women and smoky bars, of lingering sadness that eats at the bones, of spirit that makes a man stand up tall. It can be groovy and hip or moving; it can make you smile or make you choke back sudden tears.... more
In honor of Veterans Day, I was going to include one of the letters that a soldier friend – I’ll call him John – sent to me while he was serving in Afghanistan. I wanted everyone to catch a glimpse of what some of these men and women sacrifice to protect us.
But as I went through the letters, I realized I couldn’t use them.... more
One of greatest wildlife spectacles on the East Coast, bargain-priced rooms at a four-diamond oceanfront resort, and a beautiful Atlantic Beach – what’s not to like?
From December to March, as many as 50,000 gulls gather each evening along Daytona Beach Shores, fluttering their wings, resting on the sand, searching for tidbits and snacks, stretched out against the horizon as far as the eye can see.... more
As far as I can tell, the only thing Roar and Soardoesn’t feature is a bevy of tigers dancing the tango in a ring of fire – and who knows, they’ll probably add them at the last minute.... more
You’d think the whole island was made up of a bunch of kids, the way they make such a big deal of celebrations, dressing up and pulling out every imaginable stop. Which is one of the reasons I adore ... more
I didn’t think so – and that’s as sorry as a fish without fins!
If you’re looking for a beach getaway with old-time-Florida flavor and flair, then this southern Space Coast gem is hard to beat. It’s only 20 minutes from bustling ... more
So, how bad was it? In a walnut shell, pretty horrible. ~ Lauren Tjaden
Add together three routes, seven mountains, 4,000 plus wheels, and you’ve got the Horrible Hundred! Central Florida’s toughest ride is rolling into Lake County Nov.... more
I adored Halloween as a kid. You not only got to pretend to be a fairy, witch or princess – you actually got to dress up like one. And then you got to rap on doors and collect candy from your neighbors.... more
On a scale of one to 10, how excited am I about my upcoming trip to Seaside?
At least an 11!
That’s because Seaside is special!
I’m doing a video of the Northwest Florida gem on Friday with the VISIT FLORIDA film crew, to share how it’s different and why it’s so wonderful.... more
The first thing I think of when someone mentions crabs is “Bring on the butter,” not “What interesting creatures.” Nevertheless, crabs are interesting – very interesting – and not just when they're adorning your dinner plate!
You can learn about these fascinating marsh dwellers the old-fashioned way at the ... more
I’ll bet you a beach towel that the view from my office is better than yours!
Take a peek at this slide show and you’ll know what I’m talking about. The footage is of me taking a friend tandem hang gliding at Quest Air Hang Gliding in Groveland.... more
If you’ve strolled barefoot on Fort Myers Beach you know its soft, sugar-white sands are sweet on the feet – but what you might not know is that those sands are also the finest building blocks on the planet for sand sculptures.
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~ Ben Williams.
I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to be unhappy when I see a dog having a good time – which is why just thinking about this event is making me smile.... more
I’ll bet my beach towel that you’ve never seen a parade like this!
Forget fancy floats and prancing ponies! Forget giant balloons and marching bands! The 62nd Annual Swamp Buggy Parade features wacky, wonderful and soon-to-be-filthy vehicles gearing up for the Swamp Buggy Races.... more
I imagine them swimming along, minding their own little fishy-business, maybe thinking about the bugs they ate for breakfast or maybe a sore fin – when they suddenly see some guy hacking up a pumpkin by the reef!
I am not only a sand-snob, I am somewhat of a resort snob, too. For starters, I like a room with a view, plentiful pillows and a staff that’s always smiling.... more
I’ll bet my beach towel you haven’t been to this beach, and that means you’re missing out, because it’s as sweet as springtime sunshine. As the ultimate sand-snob, I would advise you from the bottom of my beach bag to check out Windmark Beach, one of my most beloved Sunshine State seashores.... more
If creatures of the deep and escapees from Davy Jones’ locker sound like your cup-of-crazy, I’ve got a festival with your fins written all over it.... more
I’m afraid that me giving instructions on how to build a better sandcastle is a little like a dog giving instructions on how to fly: Neither of us is qualified for the job.
While I adore the beach and have spent countless hours lounging on the sand, hiking over it and even drizzling it through my fingers, the sad fact is that my sandcastles lack spine. Since they tend to collapse into a formless mass of muck, I had resigned myself to merely admiring others’ sculptures – until I found these tips.... more
What do you get when you add together a clever captain, a slick sailboat and an evening when Ma Nature is in a particularly generous mood?
You don’t need to be a math wizard to figure out this equation!
They add up to a perfect, utterly enchanting, utterly relaxing evening. Check out this video of the sunset sailboat cruise Paul, my parents and I took with Capt. Mick of... more
Who’s up for a sizzling-good time by a fab beach this Sunday? By a good time, I mean lots of music, dancing, activities to keep the kids smiling and free admission.
I thought that might get your attention!
Beach bunnies who like to boogie should hop over to the ... more
Blues, bikes and buses! Festival season is flip-flopping into Daytona Beach, and it would be as sad as a surfer without a swell if you missed out on the action.... more
Songs are often more than catchy jingles created on a whim. Often, they offer a glimpse into the souls of their creators – of their lives, their loves, their struggles and their victories.
And often, the stories behind those songs are fascinating.... more
If called by a panther, don't anther. ~ Ogden Nash
Ever wondered about panther capture techniques, why biologists track panthers, how orchids play a role in panther habitat health or what it's like to hold a Florida panther kitten?
Writers are full of clichés, just as old barns are full of bats. ~ Wolcott Gibbs
I tried to resist writing about this event – because it’s about as beachy as a bulldozer – but it was just too batty to resist. Besides, any beach bunny worth her flip-flops would concede that going to a festival featuring slightly creepy flying mammals qualifies as an adventure.... more
You’d better grab a beach towel and sit down, because I have some shocking news. I actually shot a video that won’t make you seasick! In fact, it’s pretty good.
Don’t believe me? Check out this movie of delectable ... more
Suck up some fun at a bat festival, do the “Chicken Dance” in Cape Coral or enjoy toe-tapping tunes on the beach. These five Florida festivals offer something for everyone!
A little polka, a little beer, a little bratwurst and lots of cheer!
Beach bunnies who’d like to tap into some good times should hop over to the German-American Social Club ofCape Coral (2101 SW Pine Island Road) for its ... more
I’ve always wanted to share what SCUBA diving is like with – well, everyone. I want everyone to have the chance to wonder at the fish, in all their vivid glory and shapes and sizes. I want them to see odd plants that are really animals swaying in their secrets rhythms.... more
I believe in celebrating life. I believe in scrunching sand between your toes and spending time with loved ones. I believe in simple pleasures like being outdoors and paddling across the water.... more
What do BBQ, beer, Latin dancers and surfers have in common?
Each is being featured in a different, upcoming Sunshine State beach event. (No, not all of them in the same event – though it would be pretty interesting to see a surfer dancing the salsa while he noshed on ribs and drank beer.)
Take a peek – one of these festivals is sure to float your flip-flops!
I’ll show you two good reasons to visit Madeira Beach.
The first is John's Pass Village and Boardwalk. The quaint village, nestled at the southern end of Madeira Beach, boasts unique boutiques, shiploads of shops and notable noshing in a boatload of restaurants – plus a 1,100-foot boardwalk overlooking the Intracoastal.... more
Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza. ~ Dave Barry
Beach bunnies who fancy a frosty beverage should hop over to ... more
There is indeed, perhaps, no better way to hold communion with the sea than sitting in the sun on the veranda of a fishermen's cafe. ~Joseph W. Beach
If you’re shellfish about your seafood – or if you just want some toe-tapping good times that won’t leave your wallet singing the blues – I have a festival with your lips written all over it! Just surf over to the ... more
Are you a beach bunny whose toes go flip-flop for a good deal?
Me, too!
Here’s a simple hint for snagging super Sunshine State savings. Just look up the visitors’ services for your destination on the Internet. Many times, you can find a link on the home page for deals of all kinds.... more
Surfing, alone among sports, generates laughter at its very suggestion, and this is because it turns not a skill into an art, but an inexplicable and useless urge into a vital way of life ~ Matt Warshaw
Are you a beach bunny looking for a swell time by the seashore?
At a hefty 23 and a half pounds, the gopher tortoise is one of the largest in captivity, but what I found most unusual – and charming – about him was his personality. His favorite colors are pink and red, because they remind him of the flowers he eats.... more
To say you can go lots of cool places in the United States is like saying Flipper is a smart dolphin – a vast understatement! Which is the reason this award Destin won is such a big deal.... more
I have been called a sand-snob before – with good reason! I am particular about my beaches. I notice if the water is clear, how steeply the bottom drops off, what the town is like, and if you have to pay for parking.... more
Can you lend a paw to a cute cub? All you need to do is click!
Busch Gardens’ baby cheetah – dubbed ‘Kasi’ – has a chance to win the title of cutest zoo baby. I swear on my flip-flops he deserves the title – but he needs your help to win it!
Kasi lives with his best-friend-forever, Mtani, a Labrador puppy, at ... more
Want to know what kind of beach floats my flip-flops?
First, the beach itself has to be the bomb. It should be generously wide, so you can stretch out on the sand without your beach towel brushing up against your neighbor’s. The bottom of the ocean should slope gradually – instead of falling away suddenly – and it should be shallow a long ways out.... more
The air is rich with the perfume of salt on this warm Florida evening. A smattering of stars adorns the sky. Waves play a rhythmic, peaceful song against the beach.... more
I’m sipping coffee and listening to the ocean while I write, sitting on the private balcony of my hotel room. Besides listening to the ocean, I can see it, ... more
I love events that have instructions like this: Grab your beach chair, a cooler and all of your friends for an evening of great music. I like those events even more when you can register to win fabulous prizes – and it really twirls my beach towel when they’re free!
Can a visit to a theme park – even one with the word ‘adventure’ in its name – truly be considered an adventure? My husband Paul and I drove to ... more
Driving can be about as fun as sand in your beach bag. Besides those long hours where your backside is whining – and the kids are asking are we there yet? – it can be so boring, rolling across the miles with little to look at.
The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the backyard on a hot night or something said long ago. Louis Armstrong
Now here’s a reason to smile – smile and say "cheese," that is!
If you’re a beach bunny who’d leap at the chance to win prizes that include a Florida vacation, a Mazda SUV and Kodak HD video cameras, hop on over to enter the Sunshine Moments Sweepstakes.... more
I’ve been getting these gas pains lately. Not the kind you get from noshing on pizza in the morning – the kind you get from fueling up your car.... more
Anna Maria Island winning an award for having family friendly beaches is about as surprising as sand on the seashore – which is to say, it's not surprising at all! After all, it’s budget-friendly, beautiful and boasts a boatload of soft, white-sand beaches with emerald hued waters – as well as a trolley and sports like sailing, kayaking and biking.... more
You couldn’t find a more perfect place for celebrating seas turtles.
Sea turtle nesting grounds are limited to the southeast region of the United States, and a mind-blowing 80 percent of the nests laid on the east coast are between the Sunshine State’s ... more
If I were dropped out of a plane into the ocean and told the nearest land was a thousand miles away, I'd still swim. And I'd despise the one who gave up. -- Abraham Maslow
The online guide to swimmer’s terms says a "long course" is a 50-meter pool.... more
My hubby Paul and I put the top down on my little convertible, cruised the beach and waved at cyclists with our cameras slung around our necks.... more
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape ~ Author Unknown
Yoga and the beach share several assets: Both can soothe your soul, raise your sagging spirits and allow you to view the world in a slightly kinder, more relaxed way. So you can imagine what a powerful – and pleasant – punch they pack when you mix them together.
Beach bunnies who want to stay balanced can enjoy ... more
On those hot Sunshine State days – when your seat belt buckle doubles as a branding iron, trees are whistling for dogs and the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance – I have an idea for some cool family-fun in the Orlando area that you may not have heard about.... more
What I always remember about a beach is how good of a time I had there. For me, it’s about how magical the entire trip is, a recipe made from things like the texture of the sand, the meals eaten, the adventures experienced, the wildlife seen, the special moments shared with loved ones.
Snuggled against the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida, Destin is famed for its sugar-white sands and emerald hued waters – but that’s just the tip of the sandbar of why this Florida favorite was named to TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice list of ... more
Given the lack of mountains, it’s a tad surprising -- but you can enjoy hang gliding in oh-so-flat Florida. You just tow behind an airplane instead of jumping off of a cliff to get airborne.... more
Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing wrong with building castles in the sand. Particularly when that sand looks like sugar and feels soft between your toes and the sun is caressing your shoulders.
Beach boys and bunnies who dig white sand should hop over to the ... more
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station boasts being one of the best preserved, most complete light stations in the nation – and it also happens to be the tallest one in the Sunshine State.... more
Music – whether it’s Honky Tonk, Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, Reggae, Country or even Rockabilly – always sounds better while you’re scrunching some sugar-white sand between your toes.
Beach bunnies who like to boogie should hop over to ... more
The Florida Keys aren’t the same as the rest of Florida or the rest of the United States. They’re as laid back as juice-in-the-blender, as quirky as six-toed cats and as high-spirited as a hurricane. Visiting them is almost like visiting a different country.... more
Saying there’s a lot of coastline in the country is like saying there are lots of stars in the sky – a vast understatement!
According to the CIA World Factbook, the United States boasts over 12,000 miles of coastline, which means it boasts a boatload of beaches, too. So, as you can imagine, simply making the list of the top 25 beaches in the country is quite a feat, because there are so many to choose from.
I’m here to tell you that the Florida beaches just blew the competition right out of the water.... more
You’re cruising on a catamaran, the wind tousling your hair, listening to a star songwriter sing his sweet tunes only a few feet away. Mother Nature is doing her part, providing the backdrop with a spectacular sunset, the clouds stretched above the ocean in fingers of orange and purple.... more
Who hasn’t had the yen to toss a dead fish at a target?
The mullet, the only fish with a gizzard and said to possess mystical powers, is the headline attraction in the Interstate Mullet Toss contest, splashing into the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge (17401 Perdido Key Drive, ... more
I know of a way to search for treasure on the beach where you don’t have to use a metal detector or sift through the sand or anything.
You can savor the flavor of tons of treasures, including jangly jewelry, cool ceramics, wonderful wall art, picture-perfect paintings and photos and more at the ... more
First, why is Charley gnarly? Does he have a surly temperament or does he not shampoo his hair often, or do I just not want to know? And I’m not even sure what a GROM is, much less why anyone would want to groom one…
An osprey tucking his blade-like wings against his sides and plummeting into the ocean; pelicans, gliding in formation along the beach, riding the invisible currents of air as one; a bald eagle simply resting on a branch, majestic and strong and fierce: these sights move me.
If, like me, you’re inspired by birds like these, consider soaring over to... more
Here’s a helpful hint for snagging super savings all around the Sunshine State. Just look up the visitors’ services for your destination on the Internet. Many times, you can find a link on the home page for deals of all kinds.... more
Nibbling on sponge cake, watching the sun bake,
All of those tourists covered with oil,
Strumming my six string, on my front porch swing,
Smell those shrimp, they're beginning to boil – Jimmy Buffett
If you’re a beach bunny who’s searching for your lost shaker of salt – or if three days of sunshine spent celebrating the Parrot Head spirit on the sugar-white sands of Panama City Beach sounds like your cup of crazy – I have a rendezvous made for you.... more
The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet. -- Robert Orben
It’s the big one.
Turning sixteen is said to be sweet, and turning 50 might be frightening, but turning 100 is undeniably the biggest birthday of them all – and you’re invited to this seaside centennial celebration!
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water -- Loren Eiseley
It’s as obvious as wings on a dove.
The beach, with its natural, timeless beauty, is the perfect place for a wedding - or to renew your vows. But I’ll bet my flip-flops you’ve never considered paddling into passion.... more
If you’re a beach bunny who’s super with a scoop and perfect at packing and patting – or, if you’re just in need of a fun weekend on a beautiful beach – I know where you can snag some sand-sational fun.
Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river - Cordell Hull
Do aerial obstacles like tightropes and teeter-totters tickle your tootsies? Do you think alligators are awesome? If so, I know of a treetop adventure that just might be your cup of crazy.
The brand-spanking-new ‘Crocodile Crossing’ aerial eco-adventure course will be swinging into the ... more
Is high adventure is your idea of a high time? These five Sunshine State Adventures are designed to thrill!
· Hang Gliding: So where are the mountains? You don’t need them to go tandem hang gliding here! You and your instructor will tow up to altitude behind a Light Sport Aircraft, and then soar down while enjoying spectacular views.... more
Live beachfront music, mouthwatering food and an acclaimed art show – the only way the 20th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest could get better is if admission was free.... more
A date by the seashore is a sure way to make your sweetie swoon with delight, and the folks at Jacksonville Beach have cooked up a cool concoction for a romantic date.... more
The whole festival sounds interesting, but what I really want to see is the blind pilot demonstration. I’m as serious as a stingray – the demo is for-real!
Looking for some toe-tapping good times that won’t leave your wallet singing the blues?
The Cool Sounds of Hot Summer Nights - jazz concerts by national recording artists and regional performers - dances into the Sea Walk Pavilion at ... more
It’s free, it’s fabulous, and it’s on a beach that rocks like a horse!
I thought that might get your attention – and if you’re a blues-loving beach-bunny, it would be as sad as a fish without fins if you missed the South’s largest free blues festival on the ocean. The ... more
If you’ve been looking for an excellent excuse to escape the cold, I’ve got a Florida festival with your name on it – one that features a beautiful beach, fabulous food and marvelous music! The Great Atlantic Seafood and Music Festival splashes into ... more
In Florida, you hardly need a cute little furry creature to predict how long winter is going to last. In fact, without any hints whatsoever from groundhogs- or woodchucks, whistlepigs or land beavers - I can pretty much guarantee the Sunshine State will be basking in a steady stream of warmth and sun in the coming days.
Which is why, when ‘Mount Dora Mike’ peeks out of his palm tree during Mount Dora’s ... more
Oh my. If you’re an aviation addict this is guaranteed to make your heart soar.
Touring rare, historic World War II aircraft is a sweet treat – but can you imagine what it would be like to actually fly some of them? I swear on my leading edge that I’m not fibbing when I say you can.... more
The weather outside is frightful! Except, umm, it’s not. In fact, where I live in Groveland, today’s going to be around 79°F. Lots of sunshine.... more
Lake Dora is usually placid, still and peaceful. It’s the kind of place where a few osprey wing silently overhead and you can hear every whisper of the wind.
It’s about as surprising as fins on a fish – which is to say, it’s not surprising at all – that Siesta Key made the list of top Florida beaches in Florida Travel +Life.... more
Girlfriend, I’ve been watching the weather reports, and I’m thinking you might be ready to chuck your snow jacket in the nearest drift about now and splash on down to the Sunshine State.
If shopping sprees, spas and – best of all – some downtime on a beautiful, white-sand beach sound like heaven to you, I’ve got a getaway deal with your name on it.
Palm Tree Villas, located on Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, is offering a ... more
Rolling down a Sunshine State Beach in your car is a sure-fire way to start smiling – and if you want to go surfing, it provides a very convenient way to carry your equipment, too. Here are six sweet Sunshine State locations where you can drive on the beach.... more
To say that Grant – located south of Melbourne between Palm Bay and Sebastian – is not a booming metropolitan area is like saying you might not want to wear a snow jacket to the beach in July: a vast understatement.... more
If you’re searching for a good excuse to throw your snow-jacket in the nearest drift and bolt to a beach that rocks like a horse, you can’t do much better than this.
You’ve got to love a contest that requires you to shovel up some of the Sunshine State’s sweetest sands – particularly when the prize is a fabulous three night vacation, plus $100 to use towards Old Captiva House dining.
The saying that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is so yesterday.
A video is what’s worth a thousand words – or more! Pictures are great, but videos give you a much broader view of what a destination really looks like, not a carefully chosen little snippet. And they give you a little feel of what it sounds like, and how close the beach really is to the shopping and so forth.... more
I get to see lots of cool sights – and get to do lots of cool stuff – through my job as VISIT FLORIDA’s Beaches and Adventure Insider. However, the morning that environmentalist Missy Christie took me out bird-watching will always shine.... more
Ring in the New Year Florida style! Grab your dancing flip-flops and prepare to party, because the Sunshine State offers celebrations galore, in a vast variety - from family-friendly gatherings to glamorous balls to bashes by the beach. Check out these offerings:
I thought it was about as likely as a squirrel marching up to me and singing the Star Spangled Banner that my mom would ever go hang gliding.
Nevertheless, a couple of weeks after watching me take my beautiful niece Jessica for a tandem hang gliding flight, my mother said she might like to try it, too – specifically, for her 77th birthday!
The reason I was so surprised is that my mother has been terrified of flying for years, even in jumbo jets. Further, she is not a dare-devil, and has periodically made announcements that even though she knows flying is an important part of my life, that she is much happier with her feet planted firmly on terra firma.... more
When I tell people how hard my job as VISIT FLORIDA’s Beaches and Adventure Insider is, all I get is smirks. People tend to start giggling and making snide remarks about how much I must have to spend on sunscreen and how many pairs of flip flops I must need, never mind all that strenuous travel to all those glamorous locations.... more
I don’t know about you, but I feel fortunate beyond all reason. I have a nice home and a loving husband. I certainly don’t have to worry about getting enough to eat.... more
It’s those little things at the ocean that make me happy: the perfume of salt water, the rough, cool sand rubbing at my feet, or the sight of a small child with his arms outstretched in front of the ocean in unabashed joy.
If you’re in need of a smile, check out the video I shot at Indialantic Beach of that very scene. Hopefully it will make you happy, too.... more
Almost every time I go to the beach it happens. Something remarkable.
Now, I’m not talking about a specific event, but the fact that the ocean almost always offers up an unexpected treat: a sunset that bathes the sand and sky in rainbow colors, an osprey gliding silently past with a fish held streamlined in his claws – or in the case of this week’s visit to ... more
Particularly if you’re someplace cold, dreary, or wet, this little season’s greeting sent from the shores of Fort Myers Beach might inspire you to dump your snow jacket in the nearest ditch and surf on down to the Sunshine State.
Wishing for some beach fun that won’t leave your wallet wailing? Check out my top five Florida bargain-beach adventures.
· Birding: The beaches are home to bunches of birds, and it’s great fun to watch them feed, flock and fly –and it’s fun to try to spot rare species, too. Don’t know a willet from a tern? Check out this ... more
A dolphin ecotour via waverunner may sound as wacky as a fish without fins – but it sure worked for me.
The combination of rip-roaring rides through the waves interspersed with utterly peaceful times bobbing silently on our little watercraft watching the delightful antics of dozens of dolphins – often, only a few feet away – made for a perfect morning.
My husband Paul and I enjoyed this unusual adventure with ... more
It was a shock to me, too. However, though I’m wearing shorts and a T-shirt as I type this – and my air conditioning is roaring -Christmas and the holidays are right around the corner.
One of the best parts of the holidays in the Sunshine State is the ship-load of spectacular events heralding its arrival – including one of my favorites, the 24th Annual ... more
I like events that have instructions like this: Bring the family and bring a beach blanket!
I like those events even more when they’re free.
You, too? That’s about as strange as fins on a fish – which is to say, it’s not strange at all. That’s why you should make sure to dance over to the Beach Bonfire Party at ... more
If military Jet-Demos, Warbirds, a Nite Air Show, a Dirty Flight Suit Party and great stunt acts sound like a soaring-good-time to you, make sure to glide over to the Stuart Air Show Nov.... more
It’s amazing that the human body can take so much punishment. It’s amazing that someone would ask their legs to keep slogging for a distance beyond all reason and even more amazing when their legs actually obey. It’s amazing that each and every one of the contestants don’t just collapse on the closest chunk of sand for a good cry.... more
A breakfast of eggs and pancakes and steaming oatmeal tastes doubly good when you’re sitting outside in the rich ocean-air, smack-dab next to the beach, watching dolphins’ backs curve out of the water. In fact, to me, it felt like heaven, mopping up syrup with the pancakes while the sea-breeze licked coolly at my skin, with the sunlight dancing on the waves, sparkling endlessly across their crests like a million stars.... more
Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures -- Henry Ward Beecher
I’ve drawn the conclusion that I’m not painting an overly-rosy picture when I say the first annual Canaveral Seashore Plein Air Paintout promises to be a colorful event.... more
Searching for a seriously spooky flight into the unknown? Or, is an event that’s light-on-fright and focused on spirited fun your idea of a happy Halloween?
Whichever you fancy, Fantasy of Flight is the perfect haunt to tingle-your-toes this October.... more
Want a sure-fire recipe for a rockin’ good time by the beach?
DeLuna Fest has all the best ingredients --warm temperatures, low lodging rates and scorching hot talent – and it’s whipping them up into one unbeatable beach festival.... more
Lonely tower on an Island near the shore, Give Hope To all the Homesick sailors -- Offer your light; send Up a signal to guide their Ships in the night, Even on this dark, sullen sea. *
Florida’s coastlines boast more three dozen lighthouses, and Joe from ... more
To say I’ve been stressed is like saying the Sunshine State boasts a boatload of beaches – a vast understatement. Too much pressure on too many fronts combined with too little time have conspired to fray my nerves and shorten -- what is, by all accounts --my usually perfect, sweet, good-natured temperament. ;)
For me, the most soul-soothing medicine is the beach, and today I plan on beginning a high-dose regime of relaxation at ... more
Wilbur Wright quoted about flying that More than anything else the sensation is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost, if you can conceive of such a combination.
I understand perfectly.
People who know me know that I spend much time with my head in the clouds – or, well, close to them, anyhow -- in all kinds of aircraft, but particularly hang gliders.... more
I have drunk deeply from the cup of adrenaline—and it was good.
Yesterday, I scrambled into an airplane, rode it up to 13500 feet, and then marched out of the back of its open belly. My tandem skydive adventure at... more
It flatly states that if you enjoy long, hard, hilly days, riding all day long with nothing to do and sub-par meals -- and in addition, if you hate camping next to the ocean and beautiful scenery -- that this biking event might not be for you.
However, it also states that if you want manageable mileage, magnificent views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, plus a boatload of other activities and spectacular meals this event is most definitely for you.... more
A flight to 13500 feet, leaping out of a plane and freefalling at 120 mph are going to be part of my skydiving adventure this coming Monday at Zephyrhills’ famed ... more
Rich coffee, sweet waves and sunlight skipping across the water make a marvelous way to start the day. The Melbourne Beach area has old-time Florida flair, with low-slung buildings, miles of nearly empty shoreline and an abundance of smiles and Sunshine State hospitality.... more
The waters of Gatorland are literally boiling with the toothy predators; drop a hunk of chicken into one of the pens and you’ll discover the true meaning of the words feeding frenzy.... more
The sad fact is that I can build a sandcastle about as well as a dog can fly a plane. That makes the awesome works-of-art that sand sculptors create -- using nothing but sand, water and imagination -- all the more amazing to me.... more
Even if you don’t have a passion for a purple, believe in purple-power, or own even one pair of unapologetically-purple pants, you should jog over to Jacksonville Beach on Sept.... more
It’s sea-turtle nesting time on Sunshine State beaches, when mother sea turtles crawl ashore to lay their eggs and bury them in the dunes.
Though last year Florida boasted a staggering 52,374 loggerhead sea turtle nests (according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), that number pales in comparison to past years. The number of loggerhead nests has dropped approximately 40 percent since 1998 at Florida beaches tracked for long-term trends.... more
I wrote a blog recently that included a little slide show of adventures I’ve had in Florida and someone -- quite reasonably -- asked if I could provide info about where the pictures were taken, as well as links.
Gulp. Do you know how many pictures were in that thing? Well, I don’t either, but suffice to say there were LOTS.... more
Isak Dinesen quoted that the cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea.
I can say without any hesitation whatsoever that of those three, the sea is the medicine I’d choose to inject a little fun, romance or relaxation into my life. After all, it’s pretty hard to feel glum or stressed when a sight like this greets you in the morning.... more
If you’re in a need of a smile, I suggest you watch this.
It’s a little flick I shot of my friend Dana after her first soaring flight in a hang glider – that is, a flight where you stay aloft in thermal lift, instead of just gliding back down to the ground.
Of course I wouldn’t show you this if you couldn’t do it, too! You can enjoy a hang gliding Discovery Flight at:
When it comes to grooming groms, no one can say the Florida Surfing Association doesn’t do its share.
Wait – what’s that I hear from the peanut gallery? You say you don’t know what a grom is, much less why grooming one would be desirable? That’s more than understandable!
The Wikipedia definition of a grom – aka grommet -- is a young surfer, specifically, anyone younger than you.
The third and final event in the Florida Surfing Association’s 2nd Annual Super Grom Surf Fest Series is riding into ... more
I didn’t think so -- and that’s as sorry as a fish without fins!
If you’re looking for a beach getaway with old-time-Florida flavor and flair this southern Space Coast gem is hard to beat. It’s only twenty minutes from bustling ... more
It's so hot, today I saw a chicken lay a fried egg.
Okay, it’s an old joke – and not even a very good one – but the Sunshine State is indeed steamy in July. A little bit of water makes the days a lot more enjoyable, and if you’re in the ... more
Who wants to book a trip to the beach – particularly in Northwest Florida – when you’re not sure how the oil-spill is affecting the shores? Reading reports and even chatting with people on the phone about the condition of the beaches is peachy, but wouldn’t it be better if you could see the sea for yourself?
Turns out you can. Live beach webcams have become about as common as sandals,... more
A rose by any other name still smells as sweet. Not that there are any flowers involved here.
On World Turtle Day, celebrated in June, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation formally changed the name of the group to the Sea Turtle Conservancy.... more
To say it didn’t work out exactly as planned is an understatement.
I’m not sure what I expected, towing up a hang glider over a mile high behind a light sport aircraft and then trying to take pictures of it taking pictures of the space shuttle launch – but the results weren’t exactly stellar.
First of all, Dustin Martin – one of the instructors at ... more
It may be called the “Peace River,” but come Independence Day, that particular body of water promises to be anything but peaceful – though it promises to be a boatload of fun, too!
More than 300 swimmers – some equipped with flotation devices – plus a flotilla of canoes, kayaks, rafts and more, will be splashing 1 ½ miles across the river in the Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim. The cool, quirky event is part of the ... more
At first glance, the complex looks like a miniature golf course on steroids.
A fake, crashed plane is nosed into the pavement; establishments with names like Floyds Shrimp House and Tropical Trends and Caribongo vie for attention.
I can’t wait to get my hot little hands on some of these critters!
Scallop season just swam into the Sunshine State - 12 days early this year - offering the opportunity for some scrumptious, shallow-water snorkeling and family fun. Check out this ... more
I’ve been upside down in an airplane before – and I even lived to see dinner!
Aerobatics are awesome, but they’re as dangerous as they are exhilarating. It’s easy to overstress the aircraft and break it. Wings can fall off.... more
Longing for funnel cakes and miniature golf? A stretch of sand so crowded you can barely find a place to plunk down your beach towel? T-shirt shops with tired sayings?
Jacksonville Beach is serving up some toe-tapping good times by the seashore this summer - for free!
Just dance on down to the Sea Walk Pavilion to enjoy ... more
Independence Day celebrations at the beach are the bomb!
My pun may be pathetic, but I’m as serious as a stingray that you’ve never really seen fireworks until you do it with the sea breeze tousling your hair, and the surf mirroring the show in the sky.
Sound sweet to you? Scope out these Sunshine State Fourth of July beach blasts (Events are listed alphabetically.):
If you’re a surfer-girl looking for a “swell” time by the seashore, the Sisters of the Sea have a wave with your name on it! The non-profit organization for women surfers in ... more
Writer Kate Chopin once said that the voice of the sea speaks to the soul, and it’s true. The sound of waves, the perfume of rich, salt air and the feel of soft sand between your toes combine to soothe the spirit.
If you’re feeling the yen for that kind of conversation, ... more
From the sands of Panama City Beach to Pensacola to Port St. Joe, Memorial Day weekend in Northwest Florida promises to be rockin’ like a horse. Check out these seashore offerings and you’ll be packing your beach bag before the next high tide:
Celebrating the sunset and stargazing are always outstanding, but the Jupiter Outdoor Center adds a twist that floats them out of this world!
The Center invites you to climb into a kayak – or atop a stand-up paddle board -- and explore the clear waters of the Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve and the Loxahatchee River while you admire Ma Nature’s spectacular twilight show.... more
Every Thursday evening, from May 28 – Aug. 12, 2010, Rosemary Beach is offering Moonlight and Movies. Just bring a blanket, pick a prime spot on their greens, and settle-in for a night of family entertainment under the stars – snuggled right next to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.... more
The Sunshine State and the Orlando area in particular are rightfully famous for having the best-of-the-best of theme parks, and they’re great to visit. But while you’re in town, you should try some other Florida fun, too. Here are some Orlando area day-trips and adventures for you to consider:
Islamorada is to diving what Shaun White is to snowboarding: legendary.
Clear water, an abundance of diving sites and a lack of crowds coupled with its proximity to North America’s longest living barrier reef make it the perfect place to explore the underwater world.
As if that wasn’t enough, here’s one more reason the ... more
My hubby and I discovered the aptly named beach on a recent ramble down the Atlantic coast. If you’re a wave-lover, beach bunny or are just looking for a peaceful place to get some sand between your toes, you should check out the little flick I made of it.
Want to know the way to Paradise Beach Park? It’s smack-dab on A1A, just south of Eau Gallie Beach (south of... more
If you’re looking for a show, it’s hard to beat the one Ma Nature puts on every night with her stars – thousands of bits of light that seem to wobble and pulse, mysterious, fascinating bits of lights. Now imagine combining the wonder of stargazing with the sound of the sea slapping the shore and a cool breeze washing over your shoulders, and you’ve got a recipe for an evening that you’ll never forget.
If that sounds like a treat to you, you’re in luck, because the ... more
I’m about as good at building sand castles as a dog is at climbing a tree-- you could say that we’re both “challenged!”
I – and you – will have the chance to watch how masters of the craft construct their creations from 8 a.m. - 12 noon, May 25, 2010, during Sand Sculpture Demonstrations at Rosemary Beach.... more
You’d better grab a beach towel and sit down, because I have some shocking news. I actually shot a video that won’t make you seasick! In fact, it’s pretty good.
Don’t believe me? Check out this movie of delectable... more
If you’ve ever had the yen to get some sand in your boots, this is a “must-sea” movie!
This wobbly footage of my seaside horseback ride may make you woozy, but I’ll bet my beach towel that you’ll be chomping at the bit to join in the fun, too. Just canter over to... more
It’s a day to reflect, to remember and to respect the souls that have given their lives for us, to make sure that we have rights and privileges and that our country has checks and balances and remains the freest place on the planet.
The long, last weekend in May is also the unofficial start of summer, and I can think of no better way to celebrate it than to splash into the Sunshine State for some sizzling hot fun – and some hot deals, too.... more
Sometimes, we all have the urge to throw the computer in the bathtub, and chuck the cell phone in right behind it. Sometimes, there’s just too much noise, too much stress, too many messages and too many Tweets.... more
You could hear water, almost all the time, the sound of it flowing, twisting its way through a puzzle of mangroves or trickling over sandbars. The area was thick with wildlife, with mullet leaping from the streams, with ibis, herons and pelicans gathered in the shallows, with bald eagles and osprey and even pink flamingos soaring overhead.
Louis Armstrong quoted that “the memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night or something said long ago.”
I can’t think of a better place to get nostalgic than on the powder-white sands of ... more
About the odd little village, the beach and the mood and the zillion special quirks that make the island paradise, well -- special. Check out my very-unprofessional video of my recent afternoon to find out why I’m captivated by ... more
First, who is Charley Gnarly? Does he have a surly temperament or does he just not shampoo his hair often, or do I just not want to know? And I’m not even sure what a GROM is, much less why anyone would want to groom one…
To say my Friday was interesting is like saying there’s a lot of sand on the beach – a vast understatement.
I stuttered my way through TV spots, met top young open-wheel racers, and made a last minute scramble up a ladder – on one foot, using my arms to pull myself, since I have a broken foot and am on crutches – to a tower overlooking the famed Sebring International Raceway, where I waved the green flag to start Round One of the ... more
I am about as adept at movie making as a dog is at paddling a boat. I shake like I’ve got hypothermia and I pan so fast it will make your stomach heave.... more
It’s no secret that the Easter Bunny is one amazing rabbit, but I never dreamed that he'd go to such depths to share his holiday spirit. The aforementioned hopping wonder is hosting an ... more
Here’s a little flick I made of Fort Myers Beach, including a bikini-clad beach bunny and her buff buddy dishing on sandcastles and spring break in front of my (and their) hotel, the ... more
I often search for beach events that sound tempting, and when I stumbled on this calendar titled “Events by the Sea,” I knew I’d hit pay dirt in a big way.... more
Spring training season has swung into the Sunshine State, offering the chance to watch major league baseball teams like the Phillies and Yankees up-close and on the cheap. ... more
A famed surf break, a renowned surfing town and more cold, hard cash than you can stuff in a beach bag mean that the LandShark Pro, April 14-18, 2010, is going to be rockin’ like Hendrix.
The blockbuster surfing tournament, held at New Smyrna Inlet surf break, was hailed as the Best New Contest/Epic Event in the January 2010 issue of Eastern Surf Magazine and offers a whopping $20,000 Purse.... more
Words, I mean. No matter how much I work to hone the craft of writing, it’s hard to convey what an activity or beach is really like – particularly without miring the reader in a massive mess of text.... more
I am ill-equipped for the journey I am about to make.
My closet floor is packed with sandals. Two or three pairs of dusty, closed-toed shoes are lurking in the corners for the rare occasions that call for something dressier or warmer.... more
Like crawl into a small, wet entrance to a limestone cave that looked to be a favorite haunt of creepy-crawly-critters. I admit, it would have made the video more interesting – but I still think the footage my hubby and I shot will give viewers a good idea of what mountain biking at the Santos Trailhead (by ... more
Blizzards and ice storms and cold, oh my! Aren't we Floridians lucky to be spared the wintry weather?
Much of the country has been getting pummeled by horrific weather lately. Strangely, throughout this same period, our guest room has become immensely popular with our friends and family from chillier states who have suddenly remembered how much they adore us and want to see us. more
Can you imagine what it would be like? The nerves, the pressure and the honor of representing your country in the Olympic Games all would be off the chart.
I’m keeping my fingers – and my toes – crossed for our superstar Sunshine State athletes to shine brightly in the ... more
It was blowin’ like stink – which, in hang gliding lingo, means the wind was blasting – tempting my buddies and me to make a trip to Cocoa Beach in an attempt to soar the dunes and/or hotels.... more
You may as well just grab your sunscreen and a towel now.
“Go Play Weekday,” the first of several promotions planned in celebration of the Florida State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, is a super-bargain designed to entice you into playing hooky for an afternoon – or a morning, or a whole day or several days – at some fabulous Florida destinations.
Throughout 2010, Go Play Weekday specials will highlight parks in each corner of the Sunshine State, and during the promotional months, you’ll only have to fork out a 75-cent admission fee Monday through Friday at the featured parks.... more
No sounds of cars or planes or crowds assaulting your ears, just the melody of the waves lapping against the shore and the occasional cry of an Osprey. Your feet unburdened by shoes, enjoying the cool roughness of the sand wedging between your toes.... more
My Marathon vacation featured a funky fifties motel, ocean air rich with salt and beautiful shells that turned out to be alive and ran away in the night.... more
When my friend Kristen discovered a lump in her breast she wasn’t terribly concerned because in her words, 21-year-olds don’t get cancer. Except this time, that wasn’t the case.... more
So I wonder what exactly a Florida king snake eats for breakfast. It’s probably not a bagel, but I hope it’s not a cute, small, grey creature with whiskers. more
I’ve been to the beach more times than there are stars in the sky (perhaps a slight exaggeration) and I’ve been on a balloon ride, but I’ve never been on a balloon ride at the beach. And how cool would that be?
I – and you – will have the opportunity to try this adventure over the waves from Jan.... more
If you’re a guy or gal who loves metal, motors and miraculous machines, you should roar into Central Florida. Check out this plethora of events that feature fast cars, hot bikes and flame-spewing rockets:
I love the seashore, but what I know about shelling could be stuffed inside of a Ring Top Cowrie (a tiny shell that I just looked up on the Internet which is why I know its fancy-shmancy name).
You might say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime-shot. After all, it captures a spectacular seashore sunrise – not the sort of dawn that ordinarily occurs, much less is captured on film.
It’s home to chickens, cats with extra toes and a plethora of party animals. It features water sports galore, sunset celebrations and lots of other celebrations, too.
Anybody who’s ever been there will recognize the destination I’m talking about: the inimitable paradise known as ... more
I admit it’s not something I’ve thought a lot about before. Nevertheless, I am curious to know which college football coach has the prettiest pins. more
After all, it's my first effort at making a movie. And that's not even true. My first effort -- that had all kinds of cool footage from an Orlando Magic basketball game -- accidentally got deleted, which should give you some clue about how (un)skilled I am on the computer.... more
Yes, that’s a tandem hang glider soaring while the space shuttle blasts off in the distance! My pilot friends have snapped pictures of shuttle launches from a hang glider before, but we thought it would be even cooler to snap a picture of the hang glider and the shuttle from another airplane – so that’s what we did.
I believe this photo is the first of its kind.... more
With an astonishing lack of competence on my new computer and with my new movie-making program, I managed to delete most of the photos and all of the video I shot of the Orlando Magic basketball game the other night – including video of my idol, Dwight Howard, only a few feet away from me as he warmed up.... more
Well, I have doubts myself, but this holiday season offering is so spectacular that it could make the biggest skeptics reconsider if the jolly, fat guy is real after all. At least if they’re racing fans.
Get this! The Rolex 24 – the annual, legendary 24-hour sports car endurance race – is roaring into ... more
Is your skin turning gray from lack of sun? Has it been months since your toes have seen a pair of sandals? Is your mood going south?
How about you going south instead? Winter means it’s time to ditch your jacket in the nearest snowdrift and hurry to the Sunshine State for the holidays. There’s a ship-load of seashore celebrations where you can celebrate the season – and the weather – including these Northwest Florida offerings:
So are you tough enough? Or are you going to let the warning on the website scare you? After all, it sounds a bit brutal, stating clearly that you might even need a long sleeve T-shirt to brave the elements if the temperatures dip below 80 degrees.
I don’t think anyone’s going to be frightened from the ... more
I’m afraid that me giving instructions on how to build a better sandcastle is a little like a dog giving instructions on how to fly: Neither of us is qualified for the job.
While I adore the beach and have spent countless hours lounging on the sand, hiking over it and even drizzling it through my fingers, the sad fact is that my sandcastles lack spine. Since they tend to collapse into a formless mass of muck, I had resigned myself to merely admiring others’ sculptures – until I found these tips.... more
You’ve heard about the right mix, the right stuff, the right move, the right start and certainly the right wing, but I’ll bet my beach towel you’ve never heard about the right whale – at least, not before right now.
I’m not sure about must-see TV, but I can sure recognize a must-see flying festival by the seashore. This one couldn’t be more attention-grabbing if it bit me in the ankle.
Which super-surfer is going to end up crowned as the king of the peak? And who is just going to end up with a hearty slice of humble-pie and a nose full of saltwater?
I’m always searching for an excuse to grab my beach towel and splash on over to ... more
If you’ve got a yen to slip on your high heels or a tux, you can forget about Huguenot Park. It’s not a place you go to hit the latest nightclubs or ride roller coasters, or to buy cotton candy, either.
It’s a place where you go to escape, where the surf rolls against the shore, where the sand is white and clean and you can see the stars at night.... more
Fall in Florida. It means it’s time to throw open the windows at night and let the cool air rush inside; time to bike and hike and get outside; time to marvel at the hues of autumn.... more
Making sure you’re not breaking the bank is important, but it’s also important to take some time to enjoy life, to stop and smell the sea breeze, to take that special beach trip with the kids and watch them build sand castles or to rekindle the romance with your spouse. And what about giving back, giving to folks who have fallen on hard times? That’s important, too – but how do you balance that into this already difficult equation?
Well, not really, since we’re talking about the Sunshine State. Here, October isn’t the start of a shivery season where you need to be thinking about where your long underwear is stashed. Here, October means blue skies and weather that’s just right for enjoying the outdoors.... more
Imagine this: The surf laps at the shore, rhythmic and hypnotic. Even by moonlight, the Atlantic Ocean is beautiful, bits of light reflecting across its dark waves. A band plays, and you’re dancing to its music, swaying by the beach under a smattering of stars, thinking it couldn’t get much better than this.... more
I predict those poor puppies are going to be having nightmares about their spooky encounter with some Gators a long time after Halloween passes.
I’m talking about the upcoming college football game between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the exceedingly brilliant, 2008 National Champions, our own University of ... more
I just watched a YouTube clip titled “John McEnroe goes ballistic at the umpire.” It provided a vivid (and amusing) reminder of why the hugely talented tennis star was famous for his equally huge temper.
He’s baaaa-ck!
McEnroe will be marching onto the court next February with fellow tennis icons at ... more
My husband snapped these Sunshine State soaring shots yesterday from a light sport aircraft over Groveland. He’s towing up a hang glider in one. Look closely; you can see it in his mirror.... more
Well, that’s what they say, anyhow. Personally, while I was flooded with a sense of accomplishment after finishing the ride, the way my legs, rear end and back felt was, well, for lack of a better word, horrible.... more
Can you imagine what you’d think if you didn’t know about the event? If you were SCUBA diving and came across a bunch of divers carving Jack-O-Lanterns under the waves? The sight just might inspire you to silently flap your flippers and glide to a saner section of the sea – hopefully, before one of the nuts with dive-knife in hand spotted you.
Consider yourself forewarned, because Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort in ... more
Winning the award was as surprising as standing in the rain and getting soaked. Which is to say, not at all. Of course the Sunshine State beaches are the best.... more
Sometimes they are soft and leathery; sometimes they are stony. They have names that describe their vast array of shapes: sea fans, sea pansies, anemones, and even bubblegums and mushrooms. I’m talking about corals, the odd, amazing, often beautiful animals that form Florida’s barrier reef, the most extensive living coral reef system in North America.... more
They might look as if they know what they’re doing, but I guarantee these surfers would sink like stones offshore. Sure, he’s waxing up his board and she’s scoping out the ocean like she’s studying it. But trust me.... more
The air is rich with a salty perfume that you can taste on your tongue; the sand is soft, clean and white, pushing up between your toes. The Gulf is endless and vast, a hypnotic, turquoise, liquid thing that is almost alive. It’s hard to look away from it.... more
The facts, laid bare, are more interesting than anything I could invent:
• It’s a surf contest.
• It’s at a rockin’ beach.
• It’s just for females (though admittedly, the guys seem to consider it a worthwhile spectator sport).... more
As far as I can tell, the only thing the Roar and Soardoesn’t feature is a bevy of tigers dancing the tango in a ring of fire – and who knows, they’ll probably add them at the last minute.... more
I thought this picture met that standard and more, so I’m going to push back from my keyboard and let this beauty of a sunset taken from Pensacola Pier take center stage.... more
Who doesn’t love a party? And who doesn’t love the beach? Now let’s take it even further. Ponder the sad soul who doesn’t like the Mecca that is created with the sum of these two greats: a party on the beach.
Okay, I admit, not all of you may be in the mood for a family-friendly romp at beautiful St.... more
Getting bucked off by a horse is about as much fun as a root canal, but it beats the heck out of getting bucked off a bull.
See, when a horse dumps you, he’ll probably be intent on getting out of Dodge. You may be stranded miles from home (I speak from unfortunate experience), but the horse isn’t going to try to trample you or attack you.... more
Don’t worry, I’m hardly heartbroken. I’m just making a bad pun about how tennis is scored in an attempt to come up with an amusing start for this blog about The Summer Smash Regional Championships.... more
The words in the title – the Flying Elbow—are what caught my eye.
It turned out to be a blog in the Orlando Sentinel that covers wrestling (a subject I admit I know as much about, as say, the virtues of wearing sunglasses to bed). However, the wrestling blog was just one of many I found in the Orlando Sentinel covering everything from Florida sports and fitness to the space program.... more
Witnessing a space shuttle launch always leaves me shaking my head and gasping at the incredible heat and white fire; at the sheer power; at the audacity of the men and women with the courage to ride what is unquestionably the coolest craft in our corner of the galaxy.
It’s hard to beat the beach for watching a launch, since you can spend the time before and after it hiking by the surf, playing Frisbee or volleyball, surfing or just lounging in the sand – but my friends and I have made watching shuttle launches from unusual places into something of a hobby. Check out the photo that my friend Dustin took from a tandem hang glider at ... more
If you baked a cake made of salt and straw, you’d hardly be surprised if it didn’t leave your taste buds singing for joy. Likewise, if your diet is rich in potato chips and French fries and you spend an abundance of time lounging on the couch, you shouldn’t be surprised if your health suffers.
That’s why I’m a big fan of events that promote exercise.... more
Pedaling into a family-friendly adventure in the beautiful Florida Keys sounds good, right? However, imagine if that adventure was free. That would be as awesome as ice cream in July.
Get prepared to smile, because the freewheeling fun that I’m talking about will cost you nada.... more
Last night, belly full of BBQ and cornbread from our family dinner, I was spinning along the back roads in my beautiful new convertible. The top was down, and I could see the vast sky, the moon and the fireworks and towering clouds highlighted by them. The night air, rich with pine and firecracker smoke, felt cool against my shoulders.... more
I couldn’t have been more shocked if a squirrel trotted up and sang the Star Spangled Banner when I heard that tickets are still available for ... more
The truth of the old saying that says if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything becomes abundantly clear to me whenever I have the flu. The better I feel, the more I enjoy myself, accomplish, and can give to other people. Likewise, I feel one of the biggest gifts you can give your children is teaching them to eat right and that exercise is fun, because you are, in essence, giving them the gift of health.... more
“Beagle Maximus” is one unusual pup. He weighs a healthy 522 pounds, is more than 119 feet long, and with his height of 82 feet it is no exaggeration to say he towers over the average Snoopy. And if that weren’t outstanding enough, he can fly.... more
67 days is a pretty long time – and, if it’s raining or the wind is howling or you have to spend each morning scrubbing the driveway with a toothbrush, it seems like forever. Conversely, if you were with a loved one in sunny ... more
Attention, triathletes! Get ready to lace up your tennies, pump up your tires and splash into action, because theHeartland Triathlonis coming to ... more
Sixty high-energy hang-glider pilots and their helpers from places around the globe—like Russia, Australia, Columbia and more – had gathered at the Florida Ridge for the Rob Kells Memorial Competition, and it was too windy to fly – not for one day, but for three. If the adventure-loving pilots got bored, who could guess what they’d do to amuse themselves?
Thankfully, the Sunshine State’s freshwater frontier came through in spades.... more
After a day boating near the beaches and in the bays of the Fort Myers area, my friends and I boogied over to Doc’s Beach House, nestled on the sands of ... more
Little loggerhead turtles are born with powerful instincts to crawl towards the brightest light they see. Traditionally, the brightest light has been the ocean – but nowadays, car lights on highways near the beach often confuse the little fellows. Sadly, sometimes they end up on the road instead of gliding into the waves, and their population is considered endangered.... more
“Look!” said Scott, pointing as the backs of three dolphins arched out of the Gulf, mere yards from us.
“That’s so cool,” said Linda, “Don’t you think?” I nodded and settled deeper into the seat of the sleek boat, enjoying the breeze, scented with salt water and sunscreen.
Seven of my buddies and I had headed out to ... more
You’ve heard the old saying about the early bird getting the worm. Only in this case, instead of creepy crawlers, the reward will be seats at the 52nd annual Daytona 500, NASCAR’s legendary, season-opening, Sprint Cup series race.
Pretty much beats the heck out of worms, if you ask me.... more
At my top speed of 146 miles per hour, the car was twitchy and loud, the track was rough and incredibly narrow, and it seemed as if it would be exceedingly easy to pile into the wall. I’m talking about the ... more
Sharing your dessert is super, and sharing your happiness is swell, but sharing your sunshine is even better; it’s as sweet as a springtime strawberry.
I’m talking about reconnecting with the people you care about in our own Sunshine State – something that’s good for you and good for Florida’s economy, too. You can send your friends and family from around the globe a cool video invitation to visit you in Florida by going to ... more
Some folks collect stamps, others collect books and still others, mailboxes. Some even hoard cats. Luckily for car lovers, Rick Treworgy’s passion is the pumped-up ponies of the past known as muscle cars -- Pontiac GTOs, Chevy Corvettes, Camaros and more.... more
I had a grand time buying my new tennis duds, a tidy, collared white shirt, a black ‘skort’ – a blend between shorts and a skirt – and even some blindingly white shoes. Unfortunately, it may be all downhill from here.
I’m a competent water skier, a natural at SCUBA and can ride a horse and hang glide better than most – but the average 5-year-old could best me at ball sports.... more
I’ve never touched a stingray. At least, not on purpose.
Once, my foot brushed against a ray by accident while I was wading in the Indian River, but he had as little enthusiasm for our meeting as I did, and we parted ways without injury -- to either of us.... more
Want a can’t-miss recipe for family fun? Try this event on for size. The ingredients are the world’s most beautiful beaches, live music and several hundred fancy horses, sprinkled with abundant sunshine and a touch of laughter.
What would it be like to be tethered to a spacecraft, trying to repair things or run tests? What would it be like to be blasted – literally – into outer space?
I’ve watched shuttle launches. They’re blinding. The earth shakes.... more
I was relaxing at home, catching up on dusting, looking forward to snuggling with my kitty in front of the tube when the call came. Our friends were headed towards ... more
I think my mother envisioned me clad in a tidy, white outfit trotting out to various country clubs for competitions when she signed me up for tennis lessons as a child. Was I any good?
Um, suffice to say I was a disappointment. My coach probably had a party when I gave up lessons, and besides, white has always been a bad color for me.... more
Have you ever had an itch to know what it feels like to skydive; to have the wind tug at your cheeks as you plummet through the air; to know what it feels like to turn, speed up or slow down at will by arching your back, shrugging your shoulders or moving your arms or legs? If you’re like many people, free-falling sounds great … except for that part where you have to fly a couple of miles into the air and leap out of a plane. That can be a deal-breaker. Then there’s the landing to fret about.... more
Spring break and the beach go together like hot apple pie and ice cream - perfectly. The reasons are simple as an earthworm’s brainwaves. The feel of sugar-white sand between your toes, the hypnotic rhythm of the surf lapping the shore, the perfume of the rich air, heavy with salt, and the sights – bright towels, bikini-clad bodies and the vast, endless ocean – combine in a way that’s hard to beat.... more
As a woman pilot, I am in a minority. While many people – both men and women – have supported me strongly, I have also sometimes had to battle the perception that women aren’t tough enough, smart enough or strong enough to cope when the pressure is on, when the turbulence is crazy, when the decisions are hard and have to come fast.
So, I have always been a fan of WASP– Women's Airforce Service Pilots.... more
Spring break brings to mind sun, sand and beaches, and by all accounts, Florida has them in spades. But how about celebrating your break from the books this year with a different cup of excitement,one featuring fast, bumpy, adrenalin-filled fun?
You’ve seen surfers on TV and in movies. They are cooler than iced tea in June, bronzed, muscled hunks or bikini clad babes riding the waves, crouched over their boards. The waves often curl over their heads as they race along, at one with nature, before they emerge from the spray, victorious.... more
You couldn’t find more adrenalin flowing if you jumped off of the Trump Tower in a squirrel suit. I’m talking about the FSL (Formation Skydiving) Shamrock Showdown 2009, an International Skydiving Competition that will be held March 20-22 at ... more
Okay. I admit it. The folks up north, clad in long underwear, toting snow shovels and bags of salt would giggle to hear me say that the Florida weather - forecast to be a bone-chilling 73 degrees today - is still on the cool side.... more
This was my friend Scot’s post on Facebook a few days ago: “Scot had some fun hang gliding flights yesterday over the Gulf; saw lots of dolphins and some Loggerhead turtles which would cover the flight deck of my boat.” How cool is that?
Now here’s a fun fact. Human beings actually exist who believe that regular old skydiving is a tad dull, so they spice it up with a practice called ... more
Prepare to don some sunscreen, nosh on a hotdog and cheer. Spring training has sprung, which means it’s the season to be jolly for baseball fans. For small change you can thrill to the excitement of major league baseball.... more
Fifty-five contestants will be climbing into their motor-less, sleek planes next week, to be towed into the skies of central Florida, over the swamps, lush pastures and orange groves. They’ll each rack up hundreds of miles of flying, using only the abundant thermal lift that Florida is famous for, to glide around the Senior Soaring Championship's challenging courses.
I used to ice skate when I was a kid, and I even performed in an ice show. Don’t get too impressed – while my sister Suzanne starred in a solo routine, I was the letter “E” in the alphabet. Check out my old photo!
Though my skills aren’t much to brag about, I still love to skate – and there’s a perfect place to enjoy on-the-ice fun in Florida: ... more
You can hear their hooves beating against the ground before you see them. It’s a team of four horses, harnessed to a carriage, thundering across the field. They throw up clods of dirt and grass; lunge through water as deep as their hocks; squeeze through trees, fences and gates with inches to spare, all at breakneck speeds.... more
I soared above Lake County, so high the cars and building shrunk to little toys. The thermals were rich with the scent of oranges; and the world became a slow, quiet, surreal-ly beautiful thing, full of puffy white clouds and hawks that treated me like kin.
Guess what? You can fly without a motor, too, thanks to tandem hang gliding.... more
I’ve been getting more questions about sports schedules than there are flies on a hog, so here’s a rundown on the action so you can make sure to catch the kind of fun you're after on your trip to Florida.
Major League Baseball
Each season consists of 162 games (or 163 in the event of a tie breaker) which generally begins on the first Sunday in April and ends on the first Sunday in October, with the playoffs played in October and sometimes in early November.
Baseball Spring Training runs from late February to early April.... more
Fat. The word itself is a squat little thing, unlikely to win you friends. A fat lip is hardly a joyous thing, whether caused by bee sting or a blow.... more
I’ve mentioned what fun it is to schedule a vacation around a theme, such as SCUBA diving, hang gliding or surfing. How about one scheduled around spring training, which typically runs from late Feb. to early April?
You’ll have lots of teams and locations to choose from, since 289 games (!) will be played in 15 Florida locations during this year's ... more
The bikes tumbled out of the start together. Almost instantly, the earthen track rose into a steep hump in front of them. The swarm launched off of it almost as one, soaring over a gaping depression before touching down on a second hill.... more
On my very first vacation with my husband, I discovered a fundamental truth about myself: I would rather scrub the driveway – with a toothbrush—than do nothing. If you want to make me unhappy, plant me on a beach and tell me I must lie on it for any length of time.
That’s when I came up the idea of the adventure-themed- vacation.... more
“Get going snakes!” I yelled, scraping my toe though a bramble. “Go on rats!” When my friend Terry invited me to hunt his Red-tailed Hawk with him, I didn’t understand my role in the venture was to traipse through overgrown fields, laden with stickers, fallen limbs and deep grass, trying to scare up vermin.
Terry suckered me into helping by allowing me to hold the magnificent creature named Red.... more
Having what I call “try” is an admirable attribute. "Try" is the quality that inspires you to climb back on the horse or surfboard after a tumble; the quality responsible for resolving to study harder after failing a test; the quality to grit your teeth and bear down instead of crawling away in defeat.
What I have discovered, though, is that try alone is not enough to ensure success, whether taking a math quiz, flying a hang glider or writing an essay.... more
Only those wintering on Pluto don’t know that on Feb. 1 the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers are headed for Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium.
The National Team Roping League Finals – the largest annual roping competition held east of the Mississippi – will be held Jan. 29-Feb. 3 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.... more
In case you were on Pluto last night instead of tuned into the action at Miami’s Dolphin Stadium, the The Florida Gators won the BCS National Championship over the Oklahoma Sooners 24 to 14.... more
Due to my low threshold for boredom, I have been accused – unjustly, of course – of having the attention span of a goldfish -- an immature goldfish. It’s not that I don’t enjoy relaxing on the beach. I love it.... more
Normally, my writing is lighthearted, my words often tongue-in-cheek. This is for the exceptionally good reason that no matter how earnest I feel, when I try to sound like Hemingway -- or just halfway serious -- my writing often reeks like long dead fish.
Even the title of this, New Year’s Reflections, is heavy-handed for me.... more
Baby, it’s cold outside! The temperature is only going to reach the mid-sixties today. That's not exactly a blizzard, but it’s chilly for a thin-blooded Floridian like me.
I’m talking about taking to the track in an IndyCar or a NASCAR race car. Ladies, give this holiday gift to the guy in your life, and you will earn enough brownie points to open a fudge factory.... more
Half a mile above my head, the paraglider floats peacefully, moving so slowly it looks painted in the sky. My old hang gliding buddy, Alex, is piloting the engineless, parachute-like wing. The blue and white water of ... more
Chomp, chomp, bet there’s quite a party by the Swamp! (Just a little verse I made up… nice, huh?) Saturday night the University of Florida’s Gator football team defeated, chomped – there are so many words that work well here -- Alabama in front of a record crowd of 75,892 at the Georgia Dome.... more
Anyone who has watched gymnasts vaulting, performing on the uneven bars, the balance beam, or floor exercise knows the way they jump, dance, twist, turn and perform acrobatics is crazy.
All I can figure is gymnasts were born with springs in their feet and hands, or maybe rubber instead of regular bones.... more
I was in a rut was so deep that you could have trapped a semi in it. In the mornings I’d ride my horse, and in the afternoons I’d fly my hang glider. No, I’m not joking about the rut.... more
“A coconut palm rustles its fronds against my balcony. I sigh and inhale the soft, humid balm of the air. It is rich with the perfume of salt and seaweed.... more
I just returned from a fabulous “Flipper” adventure in the Florida Keys. I actually got to frolic with some of the famous dolphin’s offspring at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon when I participated in a “deep water dolphin encounter.”
Did I like it? Check out these pictures and see what you think.... more
Last night's game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the defending champions, the Boston Red Sox, was the most exciting, nail-biting sporting event I’ve ever seen (Check out the details on ... more
My friend Kim was was not too concerned when she discovered a lump in her breast, because, in her words, everyone knows 21 year olds don’t get breast cancer.
Unfortunately – though Kim did not smoke or drink and didn’t carry an extra ounce of fat, besides the fact that she was barely old enough to vote -- she was wrong. She did have breast cancer.... more
I’ve got to see if I can find my black-leather-halter-top. I think I have some black leather chaps, too, that I got for riding horses. If I pair them up with some orange shorts, I’ll look perfect.... more
I would love to travel into space and be able to gaze at the miraculous, beautiful blue marble of our Earth. However, the hours before launch might not be quite as peachy.
Anyone who has watched a shuttle launch knows its power is incredibly fierce.... more
I predict the University of Colorado’s Buffalos will be mooing for mercy when they face the Florida State University Seminoles at the upcoming 2008 River City Showdown. If you are tempted by the idea of a seriously good time you should boogie down to Florida to watch the football game on Saturday, September 27 at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville.
If you’d like to stay close to the action but not so close to the crowds, you should consider nearby Amelia Island (45 minutes from the stadium).... more
I began last Saturday crouched behind a bunker with teenage boys firing at me, while my husband Paul yelled things like “Advance! Be brave!” No, I had not just been whisked away to a war zone, but only to ... more
Gators will be swarming in the Swamp soon, and I can promise you it’s a spectacle you don’t want to miss. You heard that right, the Florida Gators – the fifth-ranked football team that represents the University of Florida – will be playing the University of Miami’s Hurricanes at "The Swamp," as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville is nicknamed. The game is this coming Saturday, Sept.... more
Ladies and gentlemen, lace up your tennis shoes! The Villages’ recreation department is offering a series of three 5K races beginning in September and ending early 2009.
These races, sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, are open to the young as well as the young at heart. If you’re 15 or older, whether you’re a resident of The Villages or call someplace else home, you’re welcome to join in the fun at Lake Sumter Landing.... more
I am surprised that doctors are not required to stamp the bottom of newborns with the warning that parenthood may be a lot harder than you thought it would be, just so new moms and dads don’t sue them. Companies feel compelled to instruct you that you should not eat the little plastic thing that comes in your bottle of aspirin. The Styrofoam cup holding your coffee warns that its contents may be hot.... more
I just visited the Pensacola area, a sun-bathed, nature-lover’s paradise that features white sand beaches where you can indulge in almost any water related activity. There is so much to do in the area that listing all of the possibilities is out of the question, but I’ll list some of my favorites.... more
If you are one of the zillions of people who have been breathlessly reading my blog you will know that my friend Bobby Bailey designed a glider to fly in the Red Bull Flugtag held last weekend in Tampa. I had to post about it one more time because his glider won!
The team he designed it for, the Tampa Baywatch, took home top honors with a final distance of 109 feet. It would have flown further if Bobby was piloting it but it still trounced the others --the second place winner only snagged 32 feet.... more
I had never been in front of the camera before I started as the Adventure Expert for VISIT FLORIDA. I still wince at some of my efforts, but as the year has rolled by I’ve gotten more relaxed about it. I can occasionally even sleep the night before a shoot -- which just goes to show you should never let down your guard.... more
Check out the aluminum skeleton in the picture! My friend Bobby made this thing. It's going to be sporting wings and flying high –or maybe flying low, or maybe just plummeting into the ocean – in less than a week. Not only that, it will have changed into some exotic creature like a seal or a reindeer or maybe even a giant Oompa Loompa.... more
Sure, maybe the first thing you’re thinking about Sunday morning is lazing in bed. The most strenuous activity on your mind might be lifting a pudding-filled pastry.
Da-da-da-duh! Adventure Woman is here to save you! (Are you grateful? Good.... more
Flying an airplane upside down or spinning it can be a quick way to demolish it, and that goes for the pilot, as well. Nevertheless, I understand how a pilot could get addicted to extreme attitudes in an aircraft.
One of my most incredible memories is of the day I rocketed into the sky with Nancy Lynn in her fabulous Extra 500 stunt plane.... more
Lobsters Beware! The time has almost arrived for Lobster Mini Season again, when no rock, reef, or ledge is safe for a crustacean. The hotels of Key West and the rest of south Florida will fill, the waters will swell with boats, and for 2 days, you will be fair game for the divers that want nothing more than to grab you up and eat you.
Yup, if you’re a lobster, the news isn’t good.... more
Bobby’s face wore a look as rapt as if he had just been introduced to Angelina Jolie. Only his gaze wasn’t directed towards a beautiful woman, but instead, towards a pile of aluminum tubing scattered across the floor of his hangar.
“What’s this?” I asked, gesturing at the pile.... more
If you’re planning to be in the Miami area, I’ve put together a list of possible things to do. It includes not only famous, well-known attractions and adventures, but also a few that are off-the-beaten-path.
For those of you planning a trip to the Orlando area, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite adventures for you to consider. This list is by no means complete – but it will keep you occupied for at least the first week!
Florida and horses go together like puppies and cuddling. The state’s year-round moderate climate, mineral-rich water and soil, coupled with its exceptional facilities and power-house support industries make it the perfect place for breeding, training, racing, horse shows, polo, rodeos and almost every other kind of equine activity.
In fact, with over 900 farms contained within its boundaries, Ocala/Marion County boasts more horses and ponies than any other county in the nation (according to the United States Department of Agriculture census).... more
The air is rich with the perfume of salt on this warm Florida evening. A smattering of stars adorns the sky. Waves play a rhythmic, peaceful song against the beach.... more
Whenever I have gazed into the ocean-- even when the water was clear, or only tinted with a wisp of turquoise-- the creatures and terrain that my eyes could pick out under the waves looked muddied. I would have told you the fish and rocks and coral were a fuzzy brown, grey or muted green.... more
I had been warned that when it happened, the ground would tremble. I had been told that the roar of the explosion would consume the sounds of the waves rhythmically slapping the sand, the cries of the gulls, and the chatter of the children playing. I knew the flame jolting out of the bottom of the rocket would look molten hot and far more intense than any television could convey.... more
I never intended to be in the situation I found myself in last Sunday, perched on the edge of a plane’s open door at 2 miles above the earth, clipped to a strapping Italian man nicknamed “the Gladiator.”
I blame it on Linda, my boisterous, beautiful buddy. She has long, dark hair that swings close to her waist and a generous mouth that never lacks for a witty, smart comment.... more
Leapin’ Lassies! You’re invited to the canine social event of the year. The Mandarin High School in Jacksonville is going to host the high flying action on May 31st, when some of the world’s most talented canine Frisbee teams leap to the challenge at the 13th annual Florida State Canine Frisbee Championships.... more
About a week ago I began hoping for a rainy day, but fate was offering up nothing but perfect weather. Our refrigerator was empty except for a couple of bottles of water and a hunk of moldy cheese, litters of dust bunnies had taken up residence in our home, and I had about as much energy as a rock.
It seems when I hear people talk about fitness what is most often emphasized is lifting, puffing and sweating your way into a hot bod. Well, hey, what gal wouldn’t want to look fabulous in a teensy-weensie bikini?
Nevertheless, I think we sometimes get so focused on appearance that we forget the real benefit of exercise; that is, to be healthy and to be able to participate in activities or sports that we want to. If you don’t feel good it’s hard to spring out of bed in the morning and want to celebrate another day of your life – and if you’re not healthy, it’s hard to feel good.... more
Here’s your chance to soak up the sun and watch some of the best women softball players in the world battle it out. TheUniversity of Southern Florida’sUnder Armour Invitational and Showcase are rapidly arriving. These division/softball tournaments are the largest held east of the Mississippi River.... more
We glided across the water in our gleaming vessel, barely rippling the lake’s surface. The motor was running, but my impression was of silence. I snuggled deeper into my comfortable seat and checked out the sights.... more
I floated in the lake and chewed on the insides on my mouth while I waited. “How do you stand up?” I asked for the umpteenth time, maneuvering the disobedient wakeboard strapped to my feet.
Paul yelled an answer from the back of the boat.... more
Imagine it’s 1908. The automobile has barely been around for a decade, and driving one at all is thought to be radical. This unproven bit of technology may well leave you stranded, and most people -- sensible people -- believe that horses are a far more trustworthy means of everyday transportation.... more
In the Richard Petty Driving Experience, I got to pilot a NASCAR-style racecar around the Daytona International Speedway. I reached 146 mph -- wild stuff, for me.
Some primitive part of my brain that recognized danger reacted. I screamed and flew backwards, tripping over my own legs and nearly ending up on my backside. Emile might have screamed, too, but it’s hard to be certain since my voice drowned out all other noises in the western hemisphere.... more
If you’re planning a trip to the Keys, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale or almost anywhere in Florida,here are two ideas for air adventures.
If you’re going to be close to the ocean – which you probably will be, since Florida boasts 1,197 statute miles of coastline, 2,276 statute miles of tidal shoreline, and 663 miles of beaches -- it’s a good betyou’ll also be close to a parasailing operation.
If you’re not used to being up in the air, except maybe when you’re safely encapsulated in a 747, parasailing may sound as radical as eating grasshoppers for breakfast.... more
I been lucky enough to have lots of wonderful adventures, but swimming with the manatees is near the top of my list. Citrus County, located on Florida’s west coast, is the only place in the world where you can have an experience like this. I have been out with Cap’n Mike’s ... more
I had no idea how dangerous the new game I was about to play was. After all, lots of people play it, even people that one could most politely refer to as geezers. Certainly, I should have been up to the challenge.... more
My stomach pushed its way into my throat as the man helped me with my neck brace. “Here’s your HANS device,” he said. “I just need to clip it to your helmet.... more
It’s nearly that time of year again. If you’re smart, you’ll nab the chance to watch some of the country’s best equine athletes and riders compete over awe-inspiring fences at Horse Shows in the Sun. The 2008 “HITS” Florida show series runs out of the 450 acre Post Time Farm in Ocala.... more
We were soaring high, high enough that the cars on Highway 33 looked like mere toys, high enough to see as many as 20 lakes at once, scattered across the countryside like jewels that had been dropped from the heavens, high enough the billowing clouds looked close enough to touch. The air was sharp and cool, but the sun spread across the plastic window above our heads and lent us some warmth. The white, blade-thin wings of our little plane cut through the sky silently.... more
The sun became a fiery ball, bleeding pink into the clouds as it dipped closer to the horizon. Our boat glided silently across the tranquil lake. The evening was as relaxing as a double martini, and far healthier.... more
My back ached, but its whimpering was mild compared to the screams coming from my calves and butt. I blinked away the sweat that threatened to blind me, and concentrated on pedaling my bike up Sugarloaf Mountain. Why I – an older, decidedly recreational bike rider – had decided that entering the 37 mile section of the “... more
By the time Paul and I stumbled out of bed, brewed our coffee, and drove to the Great Floridian Triathlon, we could see heads bobbing across the vast expanse of water.... more
This morning had that crisp feel that makes you throw open the windows and doors and invite the fresh air inside. I could see the bass striking the surface of the glassy lake behind our house – and they’re hungry enough even a hacker like me can catch them – but we decided to go hang gliding instead of fishing.
After a quick dip in the pool, my husband Paul and I drove to Quest, the small airport south of Groveland that we fly out of, only ten minutes away.... more
I woke to another perfect day. Paul and I scrambled to get in a bicycle ride this morning. The nearby town of Clermont has a trail that winds around Lake Minneola; it links up with other trails and you can take it for literally forty miles.... more
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And I’m not even sure what a GROM is, much less why anyone would want to groom one… 
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