Strawberry Food Festival

What type of Pearl Girl (a.k.a. gracious Southern hostess with the mostest) would I be if I didn't expand an invitation to the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I persist you join us for this fabulous celebration of one of our state's most important crops. The Strawberry Festival is a fable in West Central Florida. Held every year in Plant City, it covers the range from Midway Rides to pig races... and, of course, the top strawberry shortcake you ever will eat. The daily festivities will keep Central Florida hopping until March 14. 

This year's festival promises to be additional special with a lineup of concerts that sound too good to be true, particularly when you consider the reasonable pricing that ranges from $10-$30. On March 11, the Oak Ridge Boys are playing, on March 9 you can catch Debbie Reynolds, and Lynard Skynard headlines the finale show on the 14th.

Bring your entire family and get a first-hand look at how real Florida unfolds. I can't imagine of a better way to spend a Florida day, when the weather's just right and the kids are climbing the walls looking for fun, the Strawberry Festival forever delivers.

Florida Hourse Riding

It is been said that those who “imagine” see the world as a heartbreak and those who “feel” see the world as a masterpiece. I almost certainly fit somewhere in between, but my first practice riding horseback on the beach went the way of a master work.


I was surprised to locate that the horses didn’t seem to mind it, either. I guess if I had to carry a bunch of people around on my back all day, I’d want to do it with my hooves in the sand.


You don’t have to be a horse spreader to appreciate this experience. Beginners in search of an venture with a little atmosphere will do just fine. Imagine moving through a painting of swaying sea oats. The sunlight stippling the water conjures a million small strobe lights. And at certain times of the year, the activity creates one of the best breezes you’ll find in Florida.


RIDERS TIPS

1.   When choosing a steady for beach horseback riding, you may want to query if the facility carries full horse rental insurance.

2. Many steady have age or weight limits, so inquire before you go.

3.  Most stables also need reservations. Arrive well ahead of your planned ride time – stables often conduct an orientation in advance of the ride.

4.  Wear a vented hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as defense from the sun.

Florida Water Sports

A beach trip has offers rich opportunities to try new adventures above, on and under the sea waves. Here are some suggestions for and details about sports that are particularly suited to the Sunshine State seashore.

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  Enter into the tournament, book a charter, swing your line off a pier or cast it into the surf, but absolutely hook into some family-friendly fun and go fishing. Destin and Islamorada are two destinations famous for their plentiful, hungry underwater populations.


• Whether you are from, Martin County, Miami or Bonita Springs, JetSkiing provides the wonderful medicine for a bored beach bunny. An afternoon lively over the surf in one of these speedy, fun machines is guaranteed to leave you smiling. Age restrictions apply.


• Kiteboarding is king in the Florida Keys with its profusion of shallow, level waters and laminar winds. This wind driven adrenaline game is fun for the whole family, but it is not without risk, so make sure to start with instruction from a qualified instructor or school.

Florida top 10 Vacations

Everyone is very familiar with Florida's top holiday destination — Disney World. However, there are more than a few other destinations that draw millions of visitors to this Sunshine State each year. If you're looking for a can't-miss place to go on vacation, you should consider one of these tried-and-true Florida holiday destinations.

Disney World


Who can oppose the fairy tale? Not many. Disney World is Florida's most popular vacation destination. Why shouldn't it be? Where else can you holiday at a magical and happy place? Where else can you exchange your simple life for a few magical days of castles, princesses and characters taken out of story books and your much loved Disney movies?

Unfortunately, Disney World can easily be the nearly all expensive vacation you'll ever take too, but it doesn't have to be. Disney provides hotel resort accommodations for every budget — including value, reasonable and deluxe — as well as a wide range of ticket choices.

Orlando



There is more to Orlando than just Disney World. Universal Orlando is a very popular destination resort with its own hotels and theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando anchors the popular International Drive area that plays host to over 100 hotels and 150 stunning restaurants.

The fun events in Orlando doesn't stop there. Plenty of options abound for both the budget minded traveler as well as the discerning vacationer. Additional resort opportunities, golf, themed and dinner theater experiences and plenty more attractions are expediently located within a few miles of the major theme parks.

St. Augustine

This is place for romance or a family destination, you'll find in St. Augustine what you are seeking. Its Old-World attraction, historical monuments, unique attractions, world-class shopping, and beaches just minutes away make it an ideal holiday destination for couples and families alike.

The Keys

Although they are becoming more and more touristy, Florida's Keys still draw over a million visitors a year. This string of islands bound together by the Overseas Highway have become a diving and sport fishing mecca. Each island has its own ambience – from Key Largo's suburbia, that serves as a bedroom society to Homestead and Miami, to Key West's Old Town that oozes with peculiar Key West attraction that has made the town famous.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wealth of things to do and see – world-class, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping and deep-sea fishing. Others will enjoy the history and endless entertainment.

Amelia Island

Florida's northern most barrier island, Amelia Island, boasts 26 square miles of rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive resorts or a quaint oceanfront cottage, a sea-side villa or an ocean-view hotel... you'll find all that and more - dining, golf ,shopping  and tennis.

Although the all comprehensive resorts can be a bit pricey, there are alternative accommodations for the budget minded — from camping at area state parks to reasonably priced hotels. While this may mean you might not enjoy oceanfront views, there is plenty of public beach access for a sand-sational vacation.

Miami

While the talk about of Miami may conjure up visions of a tropical paradise — beaches, palm trees and ocean surf — it is also one of the world's centers of commerce, fashion and entertainment. Greater Miami offers visitors the cutting edge of urban chic. Miami has evolved into an international destination and the world's most famous fun-in-the-sun playground. Visitors are lured to the area year round with perfect weather, award-winning beaches and a celebrity-driven, sizzling nightlife scene that grooves to an only-in-Miami beat.

Daytona Beach

It’s twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters make Daytona Beach an irresistible playground for kids of all ages. This popular family vacation spot pretty much makes child's play out of having fun.

If you and your family can manage to tear yourselves away from the beach, you'll discover the Daytona Beach area is full of fun actions and attractions.

Panama City Beach

The hub of what's often called the Redneck Riviera, Panama City Beach is not just a spring break hot spot, but a top beach destination for families. Rated the #1 beach in 1995 by world famous geologist, Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach), Panama City has over 27 miles of beach, emerald green waters and sugary white sands along the Gulf of Mexico.

Ft. Myers/Sanibel Island

While Fort Myers and Sanibel Island were hard hit in 2004 by Hurricane Charley, they seem to be well on their way to a full recovery. The area is known for its nice beaches and great shelling, but also holds a few surprises — the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge and some unique shopping and dining experiences among them.

Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater

This tri-city area, better known as Tampa Bay, is a favorite among those that prefer the white sand and gentle surf of the Gulf of Mexico. While Clearwater Beach is seemingly in transition — losing many of its quaint mom-and-pop motels to the queenliness of condo towers — it still boasts one of the best beaches in the area.

St. Petersburg not only offers a great beach, but a downtown waterfront wonderland featuring The Pier.

While Tampa can't brag about its beach, it has a busy journey port and attractions like Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium, as well as Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Six Best beaches in Florida

Clearwater Beach

It has rich in art and culture, Clearwater Beach boasts white sand, calm, clear water and beach sports such as jet skiing, volleyball,  fishing parasailing and water biking. Try to spot with dolphin. Every one  can enjoy stunning sunsets and clean shoreline. Choose from copious accommodations, dining and shopping. In the evening session, boogie down to Pier 60 to check out the vendors, local artisans and free concerts.  

Average temperatures of Clearwater Beach in March and April: high 74-80 degrees Fahrenheit, low 58-64.



 

Daytona Beach

Wind down at oceanfront hotels. Surf or play in the waves. Sprawl, hike or drive on the apparently endless beaches and mingle at famed nightclubs – all for bargain prices – at the original leap break hotspotof Daytona Beach.  It’s tamed its party-hearty image to a family-friendly one and is renowned for its International Speedway and motorcycle festivals.

Average temperatures of  Daytona Beach  in March and April: high 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit, low 54-58.



 

Fort Myers Beach

Steamy Fort Myers Beach is a family-oriented Gulf coast go away offering white-sand beaches and water sports such as fishing, sailing ,boating and more. Shop, dine and celebrate at the Town Square after admiring the sunset from the 560-foot-long pier. Tired of the action? Escape to nearby Captiva Island to reconnect with nature and reload your energy.

Average temperatures of  Fort Myers Beach in March and April: high 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, low 59-63.



 

Key West

Key West knows how to party like a fish knows how to swim, so imagine how mind-boggling mechanism break is there! By day, parasail, tan, play volleyball or kayak at Smathers Beach. Celebrate the sunset at Mallory Square before dancing down to Duval Street for nightlife galore. This steamy retreat boasts toasty temperatures, too.

Average temperatures of  Key West in March and April: high 78-81 degrees Fahrenheit, low 68-72.

Panama City Beach

The hottest destination place on the Emerald Coast during spiral break is Panama City Beach. It’s easy on the wallet, welcomes spiral breakers and features silky, white sand and emerald-green waters. Unwind on 27 miles of pristine beaches or enjoy a plethora of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, parasailing, fishing or jet-skiing. Compete in fun beach contests and attend concerts and events galore.

Average temperature in March and April: high 73-76 degrees Fahrenheit, low 55-58.



 

South Beach

Stylish South Beach in Miami is super for fashionable spring breakers who yearn to rub shoulders with – or at least get a sight of -- models, musicians and some of the prettiest people on the world.  The historic Art Deco District brims with boutiques, shops, activities and dining. The nightlife and club scene are notorious. The beach is supreme. And it’s weather is nice.

Average temperature of south street in March and April: high 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit, low 64-67. 

Florida Fishing Videos

Florida Beaches

Best Beach for Birding: Shell Key, St. Pete Beach (www.floridasbeach.com)


More than half of the 180-acre Shell Key is a bird sanctuary, but the beaches are accessible to human visitors. There are no buildings, no trash, no cars or telephone lines, just coconut palms, Australian pines, white sandy beaches lined with gentle, clear emerald surf and dunes topped with sea oat whiskers.



Best Tropical Beach: Bahia Honda State Park (305-872-3210, www.floridastateparks.org)

In this paradise of a park, palms wave in the breeze over pristine, sandy beaches. Widely considered to have the Keys' best beaches, Bahia Honda Key is a sheer tropical heaven, with mild, clear water and more than one lush and cozy beach from which to choose.



Best Beach for Surfing: Sebastian Inlet State Park (321-984-4852, www.floridastateparks.org)

Sebastian Inlet, south of Melbourne Beach, is the capital of East Coast surfing. The waves along this three-mile stretch of beach divided by the Sebastian River are consistent, hollow and fast. If any surf is breaking on the East Coast of Florida, it will be at Sebastian Inlet.

Best Beach for Feet: The Beaches of South Walton (800-822-6877, www.beachesofsouthwalton.com)


If you plant your soles on the glistening sands of the beaches of South Walton County, you will instantly become a spoiled-rotten sand snob. The grains are so fine, so white that you'll feel you are on packed sugar. The sand's secret is that it's almost pure quartz, washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over the years.



Best Beach for Treasure Hunting: Vero Beach (772-567-3491, www.indianriverchamber.com)

A Spanish fleet cracked open upon the reefs of Florida's East Coast in 1715, spilling its treasure into the sea. Sea Grape Trail in Vero Beach has proved lucrative for treasure hunters combing its sands. Finding a gold doubloon is rare because they are often so encrusted by the sea that it's hard to recognize them.



Best Beach to See a Millionaire: Palm Beach (561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com)

Rent a Jaguar and drive to Palm Beach if you really want to see how "the Donald" lives. This 14-mile stretch has a well-deserved reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. But you don't have to be a millionaire to tan beside one here, second home to the likes of the Kennedy clan.