Florida Beaches

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Theme Parks

Families Love to Vacation in Florida and This Is Why!

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Florida is a state with a rich history, full of cultural traditions. With its countless tourist attractions, theme park rides,  places of interest, beautiful Florida Beaches it has something to offer for everybody, regardless of how old they are or what walk of life they are from.

So, if you are planning to go visit the “The Sunshine State” this year with your family, you might want to take a look at our handy little list of the top five places you must visit to make the most out of your Florida family vacation! [Read more…] about Families Love to Vacation in Florida and This Is Why!

Sarasota: Home of the Ringling Brothers

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The city of Sarasota (population of 53,326), has a lot going for it. Apart from its beaches that are renowned nationwide, it is also the home port of the “Ringling brothers” – arguably the most famous circus the world has ever known.

The city itself is the seat of Sarasota County and is located at the southern end of the Tampa Bay Area, which includes the famed Sarasota Bay area as well as several barrier islands located between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Indeed, these barrier islands (referred to in local parlance as ’Kays’) draw tourists from all over the world for the pristine whiteness of their sandy beaches.   

Siesta Beach

The most popular kays that separate the gulf of Mexico with Sarasota Bay are Lido and Siesta kay. The latter is so-called because tourists who visit that beach find the gentle sound of the sea washing on to the sand so soothing that it lulls them to sleep.  In 2011 Dr. Beach  (Dr. Stephen Leatherman) of the renowned ‘Dr. Beach’ evaluation website went so far as to award Siesta Key as the nation’s #1 beach.

Dr. Beach stated “Siesta Beach in Sarasota boasts that it has the finest and whitest sand in the world, and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal.  The beautiful blue-colored water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers and swimmers.”

Pre-history

The Sarasota beach and bay areas have been inhibited since prehistory (around 15,000 years or so according to conservative estimates) and are rich with archeological digs and regularly draw both enthusiasts and scientists who pick through the large mounds of shells and fish bones our ancestors left behind, to understand the lives and times of that bygone era.

Circus Sarasota

Among the things to do when you travel to Sarasota, quite unlike other Florida Beaches, is the opportunity to visit Sarasota’s own Circus.  Indeed Sarasota has been associated with circuses since the 1800s when the famous Ringling family made it their home. Circus Sarasota not only performs exciting shows in the big ring but offers special classes at their Sailor Circus and Humor Academies to both young and old alike. So famous is Circus Sarasota that it will feature at the Smithsonian Folk life festival next year.  

Crowley Natural Center

The Crowley Nature Center is a 190-acre farm established way back in the 1870s.  You can take a trip through time there and get to see not only Florida’s natural flora and fauna but also pioneer buildings that depict life as the first American settlers lived it.

The Ringling Circus Museum

No visit to Sarasota can ever be complete without a visit to the monuments created by its most famous residents,The Ringlings. The Ringling Circus Museum was established in 1948 and has everything from the cannon that used to propel “Airwonders” to the posters and glitterati of those halcyon days.

Florida Jungle Gardens

One of Sarasota’s oldest attractions; these gardens were established back in 1939 and to this day they play host to almost 200 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, from macaws to unorthodox primates to full-sized alligators.  If hand feeding wild pink flamingos catches your imagination, don’t miss a trip to the Florida Jungle Gardens.

If it’s a relaxing vacation you are looking for, then Sarasota’s beaches, museums and gardens should form a definite part of your travel itinerary.

Follow our blog for more fun-filled Florida vacation ideas. Tell us in the comments below about any other adventures not to miss when visiting the West Coast of Florida in Sarasota County.

What Are Some of Florida’s Recreational Activities?

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Florida offers recreational activities beyond your wildest imagination. So here are a few things everyone must try in the Sunshine State:


Go Cruising

Florida offers numerous cruises along its coastline as a retreat from everyday life’s troubles in full comfort and style. Embark on a memorable sunset cruise with breathtaking views, mouthwatering dishes, and heart thumping music. You can even fulfill your buccaneering dreams and turn on the pirate mode on the Pirate Ransom sunset cruise over the Gulf of Mexico. Sip beer in big wooden mugs on deck and learn about the tales at sea. Or go on treasure hunts and partake in water fights. It’s fun for all ages.

Go to a Natural Spring

Florida has some 750 or so natural water springs scattered across its terrain, most of them with water as clear as the day sky and always being at a blissful temperature of around 70 degrees, regardless of the season. These springs are not only perfect to escape any hot or cold day surrounded among fauna and flora, but also serve as popular spots for aqua therapy sessions.

Go Shell Collecting

The beaches of Florida have shellfish galore. There are so many of them everywhere, in every shape, color, and size, you won’t know what to do with them. And if that’s not enough, there are entire galleries and shops dedicated to exhibiting and selling shellfish arts and crafts.

Go on an Adventure

Nearly half a million acres of land in Florida, spanning across 160 parks, are dedicated for the sole purpose of nature preservation. These sites offer some exciting adventures, regardless of whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just craving some fun time with your family.

Zip line over one of the world’s largest and oldest natural canopies, and experience the thrill as you jump from extreme heights totally unsecured, test your courage as you wander into ancient natural cave formations, tumble across gushing chasms in your modest little canoe and so much more. Or you could just rent a bike or a kayak and tread through peacefully, exploring your surroundings at your own pace.

Go to an Aquarium

Florida has several aquariums where you can immerse yourself in marine life. Get educated through various interactive exhibits and presentations, or check out one of the dozen exciting dolphin, orca, and sea lion performances that are sure to delight guests of all ages. One aquarium to visit while visiting Florida, is Miami’s Frost Science Museum. 

Go on a Safari

Venture into the untouched beauty of Florida. Hop aboard an adrenaline pumping airboat ride at The Everglades and get up close and personal with the wildlife. Have a chance to see Florida’s famous snapping alligators, manatees, bald eagles, and hundreds of other birds and animal species in their natural habitat. Or go for a VIP safari experience at Jungle Island and cuddle lemurs, feed baby kangaroos and pet African penguins.

Go Scuba Diving

Florida offers some of the finest spots for diving and snorkeling. Go live crabbing or visit America’s first underwater park.

These activities will make your visit to Florida a truly unforgettable one, and let you have the time of your life with family and friends! Follow our blog for more fun-filled Florida vacation ideas. Tell us about any other adventures not to miss when visiting Florida.

The Miami Bucket List: 5 Things to Do in Miami

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Miami is the county seat of Miami-Dade County, located in Southeastern Florida. It is a vibrant city that runs at a fast pace and with panache. From the waters of Biscayne Bay to the enticing South Florida Beaches covered in beautiful white sands, every sight in Miami is tempting. The beaches, the buildings, arts, entertainment, culture, cuisines, all are second to none.

This city offers once in a lifetime experiences. From the divine flavors of Cuban comida to the vibrant night life, Miami has the best of all. Every view of the city is spellbinding. You may leave the city, but your heart won’t. [Read more…] about The Miami Bucket List: 5 Things to Do in Miami

Your Dream Vacation to Florida Awaits You

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Looking for the perfect Florida vacation?

Of course you are. Who isn’t!

We all need a break from the tiring day-to-day chores and escape into a world of clear blue skies, crystal clear beaches that stretch for miles, luxury oceanfront hotels, and lush landscapes (yes, just like in the movies).

So if you are looking for an exciting vacation for yourself and for your family, you should definitely consider visiting Florida this year.

Home to Miami Beach, Florida hosts an exciting environment that offers everything for people of any age or interest. From cultural events to museums to fine dining restaurants, just name your activities of interest and you’ll find them all in Florida.

Museums, bars, cafés, zoos, jungles, beachfront hotels – it’s like a package that consists of everything that you have always wanted for your dream Miami vacation. Not to mention the mesmerizing white grainy, sandy beaches that offer an experience second to none.  

Yes, please!

We are referring to the famous Beaches of Miami Beach, Florida. The warm water and the beach activities will further enhance your vacation experience.

Also, if you are on the lookout for trendy restaurants and shops that offer exquisite clothing trends, then Miami Beach is definitely the city for you.

We are sure you’ll also find a few celebrities here as well while you are drinking your favorite beer or eating those yummy Cuban sandwiches.

And when you get tired and it’s time to get some rest, you get a room in a luxurious and comforting hotel that will provide you with services that you are bound to remember for a long time.

Some of these hotels will also offer you breathtaking views of the sunsets and the scenic beauty of endless beaches and ocean water.

Select Miami Beach hotels hold a number of surprises of their own. From exclusive drinks to delicacies that will leave your mouth watering for more, these premiere hotels offer a range of food items that will leave you licking your fingers and coming back for more.

If you are traveling with your family then Florida offers activities that will make your family vacation even better. From shopping malls to safari’s and Everglades airboat rides, it offers something for everyone. 

If you are a lover of wildlife, then you need to visit any Florida State Park, like the Everglades, even theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

If you are a fan of theme parks and are not easily scared of roller coasters (we all are to some degree though), then there are a number of parks that will provide you with thrilling experiences and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Just to name a few, The Magic Kingdom Park, The Disney Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios are some places that you should check out.

So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags. Florida awaits!

Follow our blog for more vacation planning tips and ideas. Tell us about your adventures in Florida in the comments below.

Theme Park Rides to Try in Florida – What’s Your Favorite?

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It’s surprising how one can be dropped to near death and still feels euphoric at the end of the ride. All thanks to the advanced technology, we are never in any real danger in these rides. Florida has got some of the best bloodcurdling rides for the adventure lovers. Here are the chosen three rides you should definitely add in your “things to do in Florida” list.

Doctor Dooms Fear fall ride

DOCTOR DOOM FEAR FALL

If you are not familiar with the Evil character of Doctor Doom from the Fantastic four series, this ride will expertly introduce you to the menace. Once the belts of the ride are strapped into place and the count hits zero, you are thrown 185 feet against the gravity, with more thrust than what a 747 jet engine uses. As fast as you have been thrown upwards, you will be dropped down even faster, defying gravity. Thankfully, the ride ends before the riders burst their lungs from all that screaming. Once on the ground, you will be grinning from ear to ear, making your friends believe you were not afraid even for a second.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The Hollywood Tower, Housing The Twilight Zone Ride

Hollywood Tower - Orlando, FL

The ride is housed in the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel. The sight of the iron-wrought gates and overgrown weeds at the entrance of the tower, builds up the tension even before the ride comes into view. The ride is an elevator that takes you all the way up and begins with a video after you mount the elevator, telling the story of 5 unfortunate disappearances that occurred in the tower. You are than asked to say goodbye to the real world, and you obey happily, being oblivion to the horror you are about to encounter.

Suddenly everything goes dark; only the tiny bulbs over your head are flickering now, cue for your elevator to rise. And what a rise it is! You are thrust upwards with lightening speed in this blinding darkness and glass shattering shrieks from the fellow riders, I said fellow riders, not you of course.

Different props from the original Twilight zone series make their appearance in the screen in front of you, including a toy telephone, a pair of broken spectacles, an electronic razor and an antique radio.

Your lift stops at some 13th floor, and then descends unexpectedly with the same acceleration, fooling you into thinking that you are going down finally. But alas, this is not the end. The descent is cut short in between and your lift is again thrown upwards, clenching your intestines into a fist.

The elevator continues to hover up and down unexpectedly, and then finally decides to lower you down to the ground. This ride is going to be the longest 2 minutes of your life, rising and dropping you at terrifying speed. Ride it only if you dare!

Revenge of the Mummy

Revenge of the Mummy

The Mummy Ride in Orlando, FL

The curse of the Mummy comes live in this roller coaster ride. Once inside the ride, you are plunged into darkness, with only beetles, huge fireballs and a whole army of blood thirsty mummies as your companions. Special light effects, scary howls and screams combined with some of your own, and accelerated speed of the roller coaster; shoot up your adrenaline levels teaching you a lesson to wake up the sleeping mummies.