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.

• 
  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.

Florida Fishing

Offshore anglers have somewhat to smile about in the New Year. Amberjack, the support of the West Coast sport fishing fleet, will once again be open for anglers on Jan.

Amberjack, an open ocean predator known for its fighting ability, is one of the few species you can catch with near belief during the winter months. These bruisers’ average 20 pounds or more, and it is not uncommon to catch 60-pound fish.

Amberjack are great smoked or cooked on the grill. Federal officials have managed this species closely over the years because the species' widespread popularity make them prone to overfishing. The National Marine Fisheries Service closed the spare time return on Oct. 24 because spoftfishermen had already filled their quota for the year.

Amberjack are a deepwater species typically found 10 miles or more offshore. State waters, which run out to nine miles, remained open during the central closure.

Florida Fishing in North


Fishing in North Florida has many Hot Spots including: Deer Point Lake, Orange Lake,  Crescent Lake, Suwannee River,  Lake Talquin, St. Johns River, Lake Seminole, Escambia River, Lake Jackson, St. Vincent Refuge, Lake Weir, and Lake George.


Florida Fishing in Central


Fishing in Central Florida has number of Hot Spots including: Lake Jesup, Lake Harney, Lake Poinsett, Tsala Apopka Lake, Crystal River, Lake Istokpoga, Lake Placid, Blue Cypress Lake, Lake Harris, Lake Griffin, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Apopka,  Lake Toho, Lake Tarpon, and Lake Walk-In-Water.


Florida Fishing in North


Fishing in South Florida has many Hot Spots including: Charlotte Harbor, Florida Keys,  Lake Okeechobee, Biscayne Bay, Peace River, Lake Worth, Everglades, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Theme Park Tips

Suitable Session to go

Besides seasonal considerations, assured days of the week are slower at the theme parks, usually Tuesday through Thursday. Go early to avoid crowds; timing your arrival can be set the mood for the whole day.

Strategy and planning begins before you enter the gate. Study web sites and maps to plot your priorities. Pre-purchase tickets if possible (multiple-day passes and Orlando FlexTickets save time and money). Keep in mind that weather, crowds, ride availability and other factors will affect your plan, so be flexible for everything. Do the most popular rides early in the morning, moving to the back of the park first. In the peak times in the early afternoon for eating, shopping and shows. Recharged, you'll step out into the park ready for more thrilling fun. Ride lines often slack off toward late afternoon, so save the big attractions you missed in the morning for later.

Disney parks issue a FASTPASS outside some of the best rides (available to all guests at no extra charge). FASTPASS tickets set an appointed time for you to return to an attraction via special, shorter lines. Universal's similar program is Universal Express (available at an additional charge; or free to guests at Universal Resort properties). Universal Express allow you to take the "express" line to some of the most popular rides, and does not require that you come at an appointed time.

If you're willing to split up your group, opt for quicker Single Rider lines. Afterward, comparing the thrills of the ride with your family and friends is almost as much fun as the ride itself.

Comfort & Safety

Should Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and quick-drying clothes. Consider dressing your small kids in swimsuits underneath their clothes so they can enjoy the wet play areas. Rather than a purse, a small backpack is a good easy-carry option. If you love the “soak” attractions, bring towels and extra clothes, and rent a locker. Ask store clerks about the convenience of free package pickup or delivery at some theme parks. You'll want to be unfettered as you enjoy the parks' attractions.

Florida Holiday Flight Travel Tips

Charter or Scheduled?

Scheduled flights (possible  advantages).

Flights not have to be in multiples of 7 days as they do with charter flights.

Flights can be booked for return/ departure  on any day of the week. This can be an advantage if you can travel mid-week (Mon to Thurs) as flights are cheaper than at  the weekends.

The luggage allowance is often more generous and you are not charged extra for golf clubs.

You are less likely to suffer delays on a scheduled flight than on a contract flight.

You can usually allocate your own seats when you book.

Check-in online 24 hours before departure.

More choice of arrival/departure airports.

Charter flights

Often come into view cheaper than scheduled flights, but you need to be careful to check all the possible additions to the base price which are most likely included in the scheduled airline price!

Direct or Indirect flights?

Indirect flights can sometimes work out to be cheaper than direct flight.

The direct flight time from London to Orlando is about 9 hours (less on the return from Orlando to London!), but is obviously considerably longer if you fly indirect with 1 or 2 stops.

Slight risk of missing your connecting flight if your departure from the U.K. is delayed.

Florida Holiday Places

Florida is one of the perfect tourist destination especially for families. The state presents lots to see and lots to do. As you can See Florida travel videos existing in Travelovideo.com, The sunshine, the beaches, various theme parks ,water parks, resorts and wildlife make Florida a great place to visit. ,Florida means fun. This fun must be experienced!

A state of the United States, Florida has popular travel destinations. It is situated in the southeastern region of the country. Actually, it is mostly placed on a large peninsula. Florida is also called as "The Sunshine State". The popularity of the state as a travel destination is mainly due to its attractions, beaches such as theme parks and for sure brilliant sunshine. Florida offers a very long list of things to see and do.

The capital of Florida is Tallahassee. The other major cities of the state are Maimi, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, Sarasota, Hialeah, Naples, West Palm Beach, Gainesville, Fort Myers, St. Augustine, St Petersburg.

There are so many attractions are available in Florida that it is better to plan the travel especially according to the regions (North Central, Northeast, Northwest, Central East, Central, Central West, Southeast and Southwest) or according to the popular areas like Jacksonville Area, Daytona Beach Area, Orlando Area, Miami etc.

Florida offers some of the best beaches in the United States. Daytona Beach, Lummus Park Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Virginia Key, Haulover Beach, Fort Myers Beach, Miami South Beach, Palm Beach, Pensacola Beach, Vero Beach, Daytona Beach Area, Venice Beach, Sarasota Beach, Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island State Park Beach are amongst these.

Theme parks, waterparks and other attractions present great time and fun for all the visitors of Florida. Some of them have worldwide fame and must see places such as, Sea World, Universal Studios, Disney World, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Busch Gardens Tampa, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Weeki Wachee Spring Waterpark, Wet 'n Wild, Boomers, Jacksonville Beach Florida, Adventure Landing, Cobra Adventure Park, Kennedy Space Center

 Blizzard Beach water park, Visitor Complex, The Holyland Experience, Marineland, Silver Springs, Sam's Fun City, Discovery Cove and for sure Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are the world's two most splendid theme parks. Even, people visit Florida only  to see these places.



Florida is a great place to scrutinize wildlife. It also has fame with its wildlife variety. There are many types of marine mammals and mammals, birds and reptiles here. Because of this reason, Florida owns kinds of natural parks some of which are awarded ones like the Everglades National Park.

The most popular Other Attraction of Florida

• Kennedy Space Center


• Hemingway home


• Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science


• Florida International Museum


• Adventure Island, Gatorama


• Caribbean Gardens


• Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida


• National Museum of Naval Aviation


• Circus Sarasota and much more

If you have interested in motorsports particularly NASCAR, it means when you are in Florida, Daytona Beach should  be visited. The ones who have great eagerness for fishing are invited to Florida, too. The Keys, Lake Okeechobee and Stuart are amongst  the best places for fishing.

Smarter Packeging Tips

Lighten your load with this crashcourse in wardrobe planning!

Know-how globetrotters seem to know automatically how to travel with less. If you're seriously restricted, you could credibly go for months at a time with a small shoulder-strap cabin bag. Of course, not all travelers want to live out of a carry-on bag. There are times when you want to have more with you. Still, capable packing will save you time and allow room for your purchases things.

Family Travel
How Suite it is!

The best fashion accessory you'll ever have for your family's vacation is a door. Not just any door, but the one separating your children's hotel room from your own.
children are a speculate to behold. They are more of a wonder if you don't have to sleep with them. If you have ever tried staying in one hotel room there possibly were traffic jams to the bathroom, nightly games of musical beds, and an Olympic-caliber obstacle course made up of two double beds, two children, a half-dozen suitcases, and approximately five stuffed animals per child.

Florida Family Vecations

Florida Golf Vacations

Many holiday makers come to experience the unrivalled Florida golf vacations on the manicured greens of some of Florida's leading courses. There is a mix of over 1100 public and private membership golf courses all over Florida.

Given the huge popularity of golf throughout the state, it comes as no surprise to find that golf vacation packages are available to suit all tastes and budgets. Many major types are available via resort and vacation packages that incorporate an agreed number of rounds of golf combined with resort lodging and access to the resort's guest facilities.

Florida Beach Vacations

A vacation at a Florida beach is all about basking in the sunny warmth, swimming in the warm clear waters and enjoying the relaxed lifestyle.  There are numerous beach vacation destinations to choose from within the 1100 miles (1760km) of incredible Florida beaches that fringe this unique peninsula.

Glorious sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and the oceans, waterways and lakes attract anglers from all parts of the world for the implausible Florida fishing.

Many of the best destinations for beach vacations are available throughout the year.  Birding, surfing, shelling, hunting for treasure, snorkeling in the emerald waters, reliving Florida's history, enjoying a romantic getaway..... Florida has a beach that's perfect for you.

Florida Family Vacations

It's very easy to understand why family vacations in Florida are the preferred choice for both USA families and visitors from overseas. Family vacations are available throughout Florida to suit every taste and budget.

Some visitors come to swim with dolphins while others appreciate the conserved Florida heritage and history that is so accessible with a Florida driving vacation. Florida is driver friendly with an excellent road network and numerous RV parks.

This guide includes the ultimate collection of Florida accommodation from all the major brand names that you know and trust. Choose from resorts, hotels, self catering vacation rentals.... and all at the best prices available on the internet

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