Hitting the Winter Park Farmers Market is one of the best reasons I can think of to get up bright and early on a Saturday morning. Tackling my laundry? Not exactly an incentive to roll out of bed. Cleaning the house? I can certainly think of more exciting things to do. Strolling around with coffee in hand, eyeing the fresh fruits and veggies and beautiful displays of plants? Now that’s more like it. ... Read More

I had been to Cedar Key some years back and thought it was a neat little seaside town. I promised to go back one day and explore it. Years later, I finally had my chance, so I spent a day and a half working in the area, and when I wasn’t working, I explored. This small island is definitely a great place for those in need of a relaxing spot off the beaten path.... Read More

I’ve always been curious about Florida’s Panhandle and have heard the area referred to as “the forgotten coast.” As many of us do, I traveled on Interstate 10 through the Panhandle and thought— oh yes, I’ve been to the Panhandle. 

Well, let me say that if I-10 is the most of the Panhandle that you’ve seen, then you are in for a real adventure if you travel away from the main thoroughfare and wander the beaten highway of U.S. 98. What a pleasant surprise I had awaiting me.... Read More

You’ve probably seen the television commercial that shows three blue-headed men stomping on a globe to the beat of tribal drums, their black clothes strung with colored blinking lights. Kind of like a cross between the Smurfs and the Broadway show “Stomp” with Christmas decorations added.

Their commercial captured my attention more than a few times, and I saw the group on“Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” (or was it with Kelly?), but I still wasn’t quite sure what the show was all about. So, on a warm night earlier this year, my sister and I took a drive to Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando to catch a performance at the Sharp AQUOS Theatre.... Read More

Open to the public October 15, Legoland Florida promises to be a hit with kids of all ages. Legoland occupies what was previously Cypress Gardens and is located 45 minutes south of Orlando. Several of the original coasters have remained, cleverly converted into Lego-themed rides. 

I recently previewed Legoland with my two grandchildren and, despite a sometimes-heavy rain, we found the park intriguing and lots of fun.

Upon entering Legoland, turn to your left and take a ride on Island in the Sky, a rotating lift that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.  From here you can map out your plan for the day. Even the little ones will enjoy this enclosed ride with its 360-degree view.... Read More

Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th anniversary this past Saturday with a scattering of special events at Magic Kingdom Park … the only theme park at the resort on opening day Oct. 1, 1971. A full cast of Disney characters paraded up Main Street U.S.A. to Cinderella Castle kicking off the morning festivities. A mix of musical themes from parades past escorted the cavalcade along the parade route.

Disney ambassadors greeted the large gathering of guests around Cinderella Castle, many of whom – identified by a display of cheers – were also in attendance 40 years ago. Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton spoke briefly and shared the words from Roy O. Disney's 1971 dedication speech:... Read More

It was springtime; it was time to think about planning our summer vacation. I called a family meeting and discussed ideas.  Everyone agreed they wanted to head south to Florida. The kids wanted to go to Orlando; my wife wanted to go to Sanibel Island. My 9-year-old son, who loves trains, asked if we could take a train. Everyone thought that would be fun, so I went online and did a little research.... Read More

I know Daytona Beach has great beaches and attractions, but I decided to do a little pub/night club crawl and see if there was as much variety at night as there is during the day.  My personal tastes may lean more to 70’s, but I put my toe in the musical waters to see what else was available.
 
I thought I might pick up more mellow vibes at oceanfront watering holes. A favorite of locals and out-of-towners alike, The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club, 127 S. Ocean Ave., faces the Atlantic and is decked out in sea shanty décor with colorful marlins hanging from the ceiling and restrooms marked Gulls and Buoys. Sipping a margarita and listening to live music on the outdoor deck was an excellent way to start my evening. ... Read More

Read Part 1: Islands of Adventure and Part 2: Universal Studios

Universal’s three on-site hotels (all AAA Four Diamond rated) provide an atmosphere for guests to enjoy their vacation, no matter how they define the word relax …... Read More

SeaWorld’s new whale show, “One Ocean,” features majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show connects visitors with these remarkable animals and immerses them in vivid underwater colors and sensations. At the core is the message that animals and humans are part of one world with one ocean that is in our hands to cherish and protect.

“One Ocean” is now open at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego. It will debut at SeaWorld San Antonio this month. AAA members save up to 15 percent on park admission tickets at AAA.com/seaworld. ... Read More