Quaint Downtowns on the Treasure Coast

By: Terry Gibson The quaint and lively downtown areas, where locals and visitors alike enjoy excellent dining, shopping and nightlife, are prime reasons why my family lives on the Treasure Coast. Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, Stuart and Port Salerno all offer warm, hospitable small-town downtown…

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Driving to Florida: Philadelphia to Orlando

By Kevin McGeever After roughly 850 miles of driving I-95 from Philadelphia to Florida and then a stretch of the legs at the Official Florida Welcome Center, it would be perfectly understandable to say aloud to no one in particular: “One hundred sixty-five miles to Orlando. Let’s go!” Who can…

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A Day in Avon Park, for Some Sunshine State Fun, History and Heritage

By Vanessa Caceres For a blend of agriculture, history and heritage, plan a visit to the town of Avon Park, about an hour south of Orlando. Named after the town Stratford-upon-Avon in England, Avon Park is Highland County’s oldest city. Avon Park is where brown-and-serve rolls -- the kind you’ve…

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How to Explore St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach

By Kara Franker From downtown St. Petersburg to the white sands of Clearwater Beach, there's much to do in this sunshine-drenched area of Florida. Vibrant Scene in Downtown St. Petersburg Downtown St. Peterburg boasts a vibrant waterfront dining and nightlife scene with new eateries and rooftop…

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Driving to Florida: New York City to Miami

By Kevin McGeever Let’s start with a confession. In 1984, on my first drive from New York City to Florida, I crossed the state line on Interstate 95 and rolled down the windows of my 1972 Chevy Malibu. It was March and it was 75 degrees. I stopped at the Official Florida Welcome Center to stretch…

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Sarasota Ecotourism Attractions and Activities

By Patty Ryan In Sarasota, the beach residents turn off lights to avoid distracting sea turtles. When birds of many species adopt a county drainage field, the community responds by building an Audubon Nature Center. Voters tax themselves to extend a popular bike trail. It isn’t difficult to be an…

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Miami Ecotourism Attractions and Activities

By Jodi Mailander Farrell Ecologically and culturally diverse, Miami extends a friendly ¡Bienvenidos! for responsible, green-minded visitors. From eco-friendly hotels and low-impact activities to give-back voluntourism opportunities that help the community, the greater Miami area offers many…

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Destin Ecotourism Attractions and Activities

By Julie Landry Laviolette Sugar-white sand beaches, emerald green waters, abundant marine life and tranquil parks and conservation areas are a few of the jewels in Destin’s crown. The city’s plentiful ecological attractions and environmental treasures make it a natural for visitors looking for…

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LGBTQ-Friendly Destinations in Northeast and Central Florida

By Dalia Colón With world-class attractions set against the backdrop of Florida’s natural beauty, the Sunshine State’s northeastern and central regions offer plenty of enticing reasons to visit. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a good meal, entertain the kids or cut loose after dark, here are…

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Cruising Florida's Tamiami Trail, East to West

By Kara Franker Gators, snakes, birds and lakes -- that's what I'm reminded of when I think of the stretch of water-drenched land between Miami and Naples, a.k.a. the Everglades. From my home in Miami, I've zipped across the Everglades many times to visit the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, but I've…

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