South Florida
Florida Food Festivals and Fiestas
The mesmerizing tropical climate of Florida is ideal for fresh vegetable and fruit produces. Being adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico also makes Florida an idyllic spot for catching exotic seafood. So it does not come as a surprise that Florida gets to be the host to some of the most enthralling food festivals and fiestas in the world. Here are some of the best fun food festivals and fiestas in Florida:
Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival has been organized in the Plant City since 1929 in order to appreciate the local crops of strawberry in the region. The 10-day long festival gathers a crowd of half-a-million strawberry lovers. There are musical concerts arranged and parades held. There is also a beauty pageant that crowns a “Strawberry Queen”. So, if you would like to know the numerous different ways in which you can enjoy strawberries, you should look forward to the festival.
Florida Seafood Festival
This is one of the oldest seafood festivals and has been taking place annually for the last 50 years. It is a 2-day event that takes place at the edge of the Apalachicola River in autumn. There are several carnivals, parades, marathons, fishing, blue crab races, concerts that will keep you bedazzled and entertained. So if you are deciding the vacation spots for November, you know where to head to!
South Beach Wine and Food Festival
Undoubtedly, the Miami South Beach Wine and Food Festival is the most treasured and popular food festival in the State of Florida. You will witness that far as your vision extends, celebrity chefs and connoisseurs of food occupy the space. There are tasting tents set up along the shores of Miami. Do you want to taste the best wines that the purveyors offer? You must eagerly await December to be a part of this gastronomic festival that is sponsored by Food Network.
Stone Crab Festival
Held at the Paradise Coast of Florida, the Stone Crab Festival in October, the stone crab festival is a free event that treats the patrons to the first stone crab catches. The festival also offers the visitors picturesque cruises at discounted rates. Scrumptious foods, refreshing beverages, and music will make you fall in love with Floridian beaches. After all what more can you expect from the Tin City which is the second largest fishery in Florida?
Fiesta of Five Flags
It is a heritage festival of Florida that takes place at Pensacola Bay Area. The aim of the festival is to celebrate the formation of Pensacola in 1559. The reason why it is called Fiesta of Five Flags is that five flags — American, French, Spanish, British and Confederate, Have flown over the city that was the earliest European settlement in the USA. To someone who loves history, wants to explore the beaches of Florida and enjoy delicious food or play soccer, the Fiesta of Five is not to be missed at all.
Have you visited Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach?
Clematis Street is considered to be the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. The area is known for its interesting and colorful restaurants, cafes, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs, and historic landmarks that easily make Clematis Street stand out from the rest.
Things have grown significantly for the better in the past few decades since Clematis Street History Commercial District was listed in the West Palm Beach Register of Historical places in 1996. Clematis Street is significant for its mainstay building which houses the library and is also well known for the waterfront park to the east end.
The area is also significant architecturally since it’s has some of the most interesting and distinguishable collection of architecture of the 20th century that fuses elements of great craftsmanship and intricate detailing, which can easily be seen.
The truth is that Clematis Street is the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach, and for good reason. Starting at Flagler Drive on the Intracoastal Waterway, you can head down to Clematis Street to get a unique experience of this vibrant South Florida waterfront downtown!
Here you will find many things to keep you busy all year long. And that’s not all. The district also offers much to its visitors during winter as well, where you get to visit Farmer’s Market, amongst other attractions that only happen during the cooler months on Clematis Street.
A Great Dining Location
Clematis Street offers a unique mix of both local retailers and international brands which makes the menu even more interesting.
Here, you can expect to find French, Italian, Mexican and Cuban delicacies, not to mention some of the most delicious Oriental foods as well. E.R Bradleys is one of the area’s long time favorites when it comes to local cuisine.
The eating destination is perfect for everyone, including families and has been serving residents of Clematis Street and tourists for over 30 years. But, this is just one of the many family friendly restaurants that are sprawled throughout the area’s spectacular waterfront.
Other eating destinations such as Rocco’s Tacos, Kabuki and Lynora’s Osteria cater to a wide array of palates and moods, which makes it easier for South Florida foodies to enjoy their meals either in a laidback environment or with live music. Take your pick from these Clematis Street restaurants.
Vibrant Entertainment
Apart from the food, there’s also the vibrant nightlife and entertainment that’s filled with dance, rock and Latin music. You also get to enjoy award-winning plays and musicals all year round. The array of entertainment offers something for everybody.
Main Events Destination
The historical Clematis Street is also the main destination in Florida for organizing special events for all the major holidays. From the 4th of July celebrations to New Year’s Eve festivities, you can expect to have a good time at Florida’s hippest destination.
Another major event is MoonFest, which is celebrated on Clematis Street, and features three stages of live music acts for the 70,000 people that pour into the streets of downtown West Palm Beach each on October 29th each year.
Country Clubs and Golf Courses in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County is known as a beautiful region throughout the world. Located in the state of Florida it stretches from Florida’s Atlantic coast all the way west to Belle Glade and Pahokee near Lake Okeechobee.
Palm Beach County is popular year-round for many things, but topping the list included things to do like:
- Golfing
- Beaches
- Events
- “Relaxing”
Palm Beach County serves as the perfect vacation destination in Florida for golf and beach lovers of all ages! Here is a list of Palm Beach County Golf and Country Clubs:
Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club
Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club is located in Lake Worth, FL. This 160-acre golf course fosters a friendly atmosphere.
You can choose among several tee makers offered by the club to make your tee time a little bit more challenging yet exciting. Playing the Four-hour round is mainstream at Palm Beach National Club.
Unlike any other golf club; this club gives you the experience you will never forget.
Enjoy a beautiful view at Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course
Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course is an exclusive golf club with three different golf courses. Its clubhouse has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. The club offers great dining and golf experience.
You can also enjoy yourselves at different family events and golf tournaments organized by Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course. Whether you are a golf lover or not, you will still fancy what this club has to offer.
Must Play at Madison Green Country Club
The Madison Green Country Club is one the best golf clubs in South Florida. Its golf course comes in the top 20s in all of Florida. Even the Golf Digest recommends getting an experience of a tee time in Madison Green. The golf course at Madison Green has a rating of 4.9 out 5 by Golf Digest.
The club also offers to organize events in their banquet facility. The restaurant and shops at Madison Green are also remarkable. So, the next time when you are about to reserve your tee time, the Madison Green Country Club can be a good option.
Fancy Yourself at the Scottish Style Golf Course of Old Marsh Golf Club
Old Marsh is another remarkable golf club located on the Old Marsh Road, Palm Beach, Florida. Everything about this place is just amazing. A huge Scottish style golf course designed by Mr. Pete Dye.
The view is just amazing. Next is the 22,000 sq-ft clubhouse which has an alluring view of the beautiful lake on the golf course between the 9th and the 18th holes.
You don’t require to book a tee time prior to your visit, you just need to pick up your golf bag and go to the club whenever you feel like playing. Old Marsh also has one of the best Caddie program, the skilled caddies making your golf experience all the more worthwhile.
Fun Tours in Palm Beach County
With 236 days of sunshine a year, Florida is an easy pick when it comes to cities to visit during the summer. Florida has some of the hottest attractions for kids and adults, which makes visiting the city even more enjoyable no matter what your age or interests.
If you were thinking of taking a fun tour in West Palm Beach, Florida, here are some options that will help you get it right.
Palm Beach Bus Tours
Palm Beach Bus Tours will give you a wonderful tour of the most beautiful mansions at Palm Beach. Visitors will also get to see some of the area’s most historic sites, including popular city landmarks and the homes of famous celebrities as well. This 30-passenger tour bus is great for spending the day in awe of some of the most interesting places you have been to in Florida, including the homes of Hollywood stars you love.
Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour
If you’re looking for something that’s different and unique then the Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour should do it for you. The 2,200 acre preserve out at Clewiston is home to alligators, snakes and other Florida native wildlife. The tour is a great opportunity to get to see the more natural side of Florida that one doesn’t get to see much of. While you’re out there, be prepared to capture a glimpse of the Black Bear or Florida Panther.
The Diva Duck Amphibious Tour
This is another sightseeing tour that operates within West Palm Beach, Florida. The best part about taking this fun tour is that you will get to view Florida from both a bus and a unique amphibious vessel, as in a boat. You will get to see some local hot spots along with some historical sights from Florida’s rich past. The highlight of the entire Diva Duck Amphibious Tour is the hilarious guide who is not afraid to share some interesting details to the places you visit, which makes it one of the more unique tours in West Palm Beach Florida.
West Palm Beach Food Tour
As the name implies, the West Palm Beach Food Tour is where you will get to taste some unique local cuisines and find out some interesting stories of local sites in West Palm Beach Florida. This is a fun sightseeing tour that should definitely be on anybody’s list whose visiting Florida. You can easily get your summer vacation off to a tasty start with this unique sightseeing tour where each food will tell you a story.
Ending Note
What was once the residence of laborers and servants of Palm Beach has today transformed into a lively and hip destination that boasts of a rich art scene along with some great shopping and restaurant options as well.
While you’re at West Palm Beach, Florida don’t forget to add the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and the Norton Museum of Art also to your must-visit list. Ticket information to all of these tours are available online.
Bring Your Pooch to These Dog Friendly Florida Beaches
Looking for a place to play outside with your dog?
How about the Florida Beaches?
Those who live in Florida are blessed with some of the most amazing beaches in the world that also happen to be very pet-friendly. The following are just some of the dog beaches in Florida where you and your pet can enjoy the waves and gorgeous, soft white sand.
At these Florida beaches, canines are king so be sure to visit them with your dog all year round!
Alligator Point
While this might not sound like the friendliest of beaches Florida has to offer, it is one of the most pristine and secluded beaches we’ve seen in the Forgotten Coast. How secluded you ask? Well, the nearest grocery store is 30 miles away.
So, yeah…it’s pretty secluded. You are your dog are welcome to this beach all year long. With over 8 miles of secluded beach Alligator Point sure makes an interesting walk.
Panama City Beach Dog Playground
The northwest side of Florida is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors almost 400 feet of beachfront that is complemented by beautiful turquoise waters.
Located at the West of City Pier at the end of Pier Park, this is considered as one of the best pet friendly playgrounds for pets in Florida.
And that’s not all, visitors also get to enjoy a number of outdoor pet friendly restaurants at Pier Park as well.
Bark Beach
This dog friendly beach sits just adjacent to the North Shore Open Space Park, another pet friendly place to take your canine companion out for stroll.
This is also another destination where there are plenty of pet friendly restaurants available if you get tired of strolling on the beach.
It is important to point out that even though its pet friendly, there is a designated area where people are allowed to stroll freely with the pets without a leash, so in other areas at Miami Beach’s Bark Beach you will need to keep your dog on a leash.
St. George Island
So technically, St. George is a 28-mile long island that has been divided into three sections. While the eastern part of the island has been reserved for a park, there is a middle section that includes a public beach along with shops and restaurants, while the western pa
rt is a gated community that has one of the most expensive homes you will find.
The best part about the beach at St. George Island is that the entire beach is pet-friendly, so you are allowed to let your dog off the leash, as long as they remain within sight and within a distance where they are able to respond to your calls.
Bonita Beach Dog Beach
The pet-friendly beach is situated close to Fort Myers and is considered to be one of the best off-leash beaches in Florid. Here your canine friend can romp freely with other canines of all sizes in the calm and low lying waters of Bonita Beach.
So, there you have it, if you are planning of visiting Florida, or already live there, these are some of the pet friendly beaches that are a must-visit.