Fun (and Sanity) with the Family in Florida

Posted on January 5, 2017 by nerdbot

Fun (and Sanity) with the Family in Florida

Traveling with the kids seems like such a grand idea when you’re planning a trip. Oh, the memories they’ll make, the things they’ll learn and see, and all the photo opportunities for this year’s holiday cards. Then, the reality sets in… Can they sit still for the car or plane ride without totally melting down, will there be Wi-Fi available for all the streaming shows while waiting on the plane/restaurants/car rides, and will there be a nice, quiet night of rest when you arrive.

It’s a gamble on how the ride will go. A sure bet, for both your money and peace of mind, is a vacation rental home. Florida is a prime spot for traveling families, and you won’t regret renting a house. Your whole family can feel right at home immediately, as opposed to a busy, noisy hotel room.

Must-Have Gear for Visiting Florida

When you get to the rental, there will be places around to get your necessities for going to the beach or the theme park. Here’s some suggestions to grab at the shop or grocery store. Bug spray or bug bands are needed as much as sunscreen, especially at sunset. Those legends of Florida’s super-sized mosquitos are no joke. You’ll need sand toys and shovels that won’t break the bank, because they will probably be forgotten or lost at the beach. Extra flip flops or water shoes so little feet can get around the beach or pool safely.

Surprisingly, some food and beverage items are allowed in Florida’s theme parks, like Disney and Universal Studios Orlando. Check out the restrictions and make sure you pack some noshes for your hangry troupe before you go to keep everyone from imploding at the park.

Beachy Fun

Going to the beach? It’s simply not at day at the beach without a family style picnic. Drop by the local Publix and get something for everyone to enjoy. There are cabana type umbrella vendors on nearly every public beach, so take advantage of them. You won’t want to haul your own beach umbrella or risk getting a bad sunburn. Also, bring a long-range squirt gun for any unwanted pelican attention when you break that food out. The kids will love it.

Back at the Temporary Homestead

When you’re traveling, some of the amenities at a standard hotel are completely sub-par. No more than two towels upon arrival, a measly microwave, and the annoying fact of trying to cut anything with a plastic utensil. Not to mention the noisy party across the hall or the lack of available space for the kids to spread out and play. Thankfully, your vacation rental home should have the towels, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and clothes dryer as well as room to spread out. All you’ll need to think about is stocking the fridge, getting some rest, and taking those pictures.

Make your Florida family vacation as effortless as possible with a vacation home rental. It’s the easier than getting the family to agree on what to see or do first.

Posted in Beach | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Florida Keys: Barefoot in Winter

Posted on December 15, 2016 by nerdbot

The Florida Keys: Barefoot in Winter

New York is exciting, but the average low temperature in January is 14 degrees F. It’s a little warmer in San Francisco at 45 degrees, but also the height of their rainy season.

The key to a barefoot winter is the Florida Keys. Folks there don’t even call it “winter.” They say “the dry-cool season,” and it is: the average low is 65 degrees, the average high is 74. The Midwest has greater temperature swings over lunch.

Hurricanes? Nope: that’s in August, on the other end of the year.

Getting Your Feet Wet

While everyone else is frozen over, Key West is bubbling with water fun. You can book a fishing trip. Dive in and go snorkeling. Explore shipwrecks. Eat fresh seafood you could almost catch by hand. Hang with the locals, or just hang in your hammock. You’re never late when you’re on island time.

Does This Float Your Boat?

Coastal waters surrounding the Florida Keys are protected by the National Marine Sanctuary, extending from Miami to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Spectacular coral reefs, shipwrecks, and seagrass beds offer dazzling and accessible viewing opportunities. Hundreds of vendors rent houseboats, pontoon boats, sailboats, fishing boats — with or without a captain. Help protect all this fragile beauty by checking out responsible boating practices at Reef Relief.

Then dive in. Novice snorkelers and scuba students get their feet wet along the colorful formations of Delta Shoals and Sombrero Reef, shallow areas along the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.

Here’s Looking at You, Key Largo

Key Largo is the northernmost of the Keys, and there’s a reason they call it the Diving Capital of the World. There’s even an underwater hotel for Jules Verne fans. The land impresses too, with its fascinating botanical marvels, hardwood forests, and national parks. It’s also home to the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, featuring indoor and outdoor screenings of his film classics, plus opportunities to mingle with Bogie-related celebrities.

Now head south to Islamadora. It sits between the Everglades National Park and the deep blue Florida Strait, and offers the world’s highest density of offshore charter boats with tournament-level captains. Go fish. Then check out the intriguing History of Diving Museum.

Marathon in the Middle

A ten-mile long stretch in the middle of the Keys, Marathon represents the old-Key lifestyle. Lots of waterfront access, beaches, and 1,200 wet-slips to welcome boating guests. Get your seafood here: stone crab and lobster crawl right under your boat.

The Lower Keys arch west toward the sunset. This quieter stretch is ideal for campers, hikers and bikers (the pedal kind). There are two national wildlife refuges and a marine sanctuary. Hammocks yes, jet-skis no. Locals shun artificial light, making this a haven for astronomers and stargazing philosophers.

Key West: the Writers and Uniters

It’s closer to Cuba than to Miami. That helps explain why Key West is so irreverent, a welcoming blend of Bahamian history and Cuban culture. The diversity of people, architecture, and romance is thrilling. One Human Family is the motto of this modern island community: simple, warmhearted and open. You’ll find a vibrant gay and lesbian community shared openly with global neighbors.

Among the open-minded: Tennessee Williams and Robert Frost made homes here. Ernest Hemingway produced his finest works at 907 Whitehead St., now open to tours. Today, leading contemporary writers worldwide gather at the annual Key West Literary Seminar to share insights and mingle with literature lovers.

This winter, ease on down to the Florida Keys. Nobody rushes. Nobody tells you you’re drinking your coffee wrong. Baggy shorts are as popular as tight jeans. And shoes? Fuggedaboudit.

Posted in Beach | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Bare Necessities to Florida’s State Parks

Posted on November 9, 2016 by nerdbot

Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, winter or fall, the abundant state parks of Florida are ready for you. There’s lots of detailed information, so to free up some precious reading time, we’ve created this mini guide to get you the bare bones of the rules, regulations, and handy tidbits. Let’s delve into all you need to know to make your next Florida state park excursion a hassle free one.

Rentals and Fees

Fees to enter a state park range from $2 for an individual cyclist or hiker, to $10 for a car of up to 8 people.

Hours

General business hours for Florida State parks is from 8 in the morning to sunset. Check with your park’s website for specific times.

Accessibility

Handicapped accessible boat tours and all-terrain wheel chairs are available for use at some sites. Sign language interpreters are also available if needed. Please schedule this in advance on this website to be sure you will be accommodated.

Camping

Primitive sites are available as well as pads suitable for RVs from 10 to 104 feet and have available electricity and water hook ups. Please check with the park you are visiting for RV size limits and accessible utilities.

Hunting and Fishing

Fishing in park is varied from site to site, so it’s best to verify from the park’s website or employee if it is allowed. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website to determine if you need a fishing license. The state parks are managed as a natural ecosystem, so hunting is limited to specific places. Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and the Marshall Swamp area of Cross Florida Greenway is open for limited hunting with special permit and, to provide the best hunting experience on your trip, please contact the reserve before your hunt.

Pets

Service animals are permitted in all public areas of Florida’s state parks. Pets are not permitted at any lodges, cabins, or cottages, but they are permitted on designated campgrounds. Please check with the campsite for more information.

Manatee Sightings

You may view the manatees in their natural habitat in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, but swimming with them is strictly prohibited.

After all the exploring and outdoor fun is done, make a vacation home rental your place to unwind and relax. Full-sized kitchen, peace and quiet surrounding you, and pricing that is lower than most hotels are just a few of the benefits. With ample room for any kayak, tent, or just for your entire family to spread out in their own space, renting a Florida vacation home is the very best bet for your sanity and wallet.

Posted in Outdoor Adventures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Losing the Winter Blues in Orlando, Florida

Posted on November 4, 2016 by nerdbot

5 Memory-Maker Theme Parks

When you need to depart from the ice and snow, there’s no better place to take the whole family than sunny Orlando, Florida. Winter is a perfect time to visit all the fun theme parks and attractions. There’s usually less waiting times for rides, the weather isn’t sweltering, and there’s holiday-themed activities and decorations everywhere.

Here’s a brief run-down of 5 kid friendly, snowflake dodging, memory making things to do in Orlando this winter season.

Holidays at Universal Resorts

There is something merry happening at the park from December to January. Here you’ll find parades with genuine, giant Macy’s balloons, Mannheim Steamroller performing all the Christmas classics live, and having breakfast with the Grinch himself, plus more.

Walt Disney World

See Main Street, USA decked in its winter finery and Cinderella’s Castle lit in icy white lights. Traditional shows, like the Illuminations firework show, combine with the all new Disney Count Down to Midnight can be something everyone can look forward to. Go visit Walt Disney World at its most magical.

Festival of the Trees

Celebrating its 30th year, Orlando Museum of Art transforms into a winter wonderland. The theme of holiday décor this season is “Art of the Holiday” and visitors will get to see designer decorated trees, wreaths, and even customized gingerbread houses. Come experience the wonder of an indoor forest of Christmas cheer. Tickets include all the museum exhibits, so get some culture while you’re there.

Spooky Empire Con

Forced to reschedule from October to December because of hurricane Matthew, this is perfect for anyone who loves to celebrate Halloween year-round. The annual horror convention has a kid zone, zombie walk, and a huge exhibition floor with everything a horror fan will adore. This year, the feature appearances will be Weird Al Yankovic, stars from the hot Netflix original, Stranger Things, and Kane Hodder from Friday the 13th VII.

Sea World Christmas Celebration

Take the kids to see the sea life exhibits and get an extra special treat on your visit from November 25 through December 31. Santa’s Fireside Feast is an all-you-care-to-eat meal and a family photo with St. Nick himself. The ice skating extravaganza Winter Wonderland on Ice show will make it an extra jolly time to visit Sea World in Orlando.

Visiting Orlando with the kids is the ultimate family vacation, and one of the most tiring. Ditch the hotel and consider renting an entire house as your vacation home. Vacation rentals are economical, roomy, and quiet. No worries about the kids being too loud when they’re trying to get you up at 5 am to get the day started. No problems with a noisy party next waking the baby up at 2 am. And, best of all, the price is usually cheaper than most hotels.

Having all the room to play, a full-sized kitchen for making a quick meal before heading out for the day, and blissful quiet when you need it all make a vacation rental home in Orlando the way to go.

Posted in Orlando | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Atlantic Beach, Florida

Posted on October 19, 2016 by nerdbot

The City by the Sea

Get to Know Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is a small, historic community home to two miles of white sandy beach, museums, food, and culture. An historically significant area, Atlantic Beach was discovered to be one of the oldest permanent native American settlements in North America. Primarily a tourist area until the early 1900s, the completion of a railroad station that connected Atlantic Beach with the rest of Florida allowed tourism to flourish.

The Continental Hotel, which housed close to 300 guest rooms, was built close to the beach and created numerous jobs and revenue for the town. Painted bright yellow with green blinds, the hotel was designed with a luxurious flair inside for guest enjoyment. On the grounds, guests could enjoy activities such as a 9-hole golf course, dance pavilion, fishing, tennis, and horseback riding.

With the onset of World War I the town experienced a lapse in revenue as tourists were afraid to visit the coast, but once the war was over land began to sell again and the town once again continued to prosper.

Small businesses began to settle rather than visit seasonally and eventually the area incorporated as a Town in 1926. For a closer look inside the history of Atlantic Beach, you can now visit the Beaches Museum & History Park which frequently hosts art festivals and concerts.

Activities for All

With 65 acres dedicated to parks such as the Dutton Island Preserve, Atlantic Beach is the ideal location to rent a vacation villa. Within these parks can be found a trove of activities including skateboarding, camping, fishing, hiking, tennis, and a number of many others for every age and area of interest.

Artwalks take place on the third Thursday of every month from 5-9pm where Atlantic Blvd and the ocean intersect. This monthly event is free to the public, hosting over 55 local artists, who travel from all over to participate. Here you can view and purchase hand-made jewelry, art, and other wares to take back as a souvenir of your time on the Florida coast.

Foodies will delight at the Wednesday Market. This weekly farmer’s market allows you to sample local offerings such as fresh produce, breads, and sweets. Each week a different type of bread is featured and made fresh with organic ingredients on the day of the market. Cindy’s Bakery, Alvarez Farms, and Southern Roots Herbal Apothecary are only a few of the vendors that frequent this great gathering. Music is also provided by local artists to create a fun and carefree ambiance while you smell, taste, and shop. For a relaxing experience that is truly unique, try the One Ocean Spa, which offers a signature Seashell Massage, which pays homage to the Atlantic Ocean while easing away stress.

Good Eats

There’s something to please any palate at Culhane’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, where you can bring your four legged friends to dine on the patio. Sip from your choice of 26 draft beers and 42 whiskeys while you feast on authentic Irish cuisine. Items as Reuben Egg Rolls and Scotch Eggs aim to please. Their recipe for the Guinness Beef Stew is so delicious, it is featured in television personality Guy Fieri’s cookbook!

Sunset Pier Park

For a perfect way to end a day of fun in the sun, eating, and shopping, visit Sunset Pier Park to watch the sun drift below the horizon. Receiving a perfect score on Trip Advisor, this site truly lives up to its name.

Posted in Beach, Outdoor Adventures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Livin’ La Vida Tranquila on Florida’s Gulf Shores

Posted on October 19, 2016 by nerdbot

Hustle and bustle is the norm for everyday life, so why should it be on your vacation?

Picturesque sunsets, fresh sea air, and the general low-key feel is what Florida is truly all about.

Come visit the beauty that is the Gulf Coast and pretend you’re a native Floridian by staying in a rental home. Make your coffee just as you like, let the kids make noise, take a stroll in the welcoming neighborhoods, or simply cook up a late night snack, all at your leisure. Comfort is the key when you aren’t restricted in room or neighboring guests. When you see how easy it is to stay in a private rental home, you’ll dread having to rent a hotel room again.

A Guide to Florida’s Sleeper Beaches

Anna Maria Beach- With white sands and no sand volleyball nets to obstruct the view, your personal beach awaits. What a winning combo if your ideal bliss is walking along the shoreline admiring all the beauty of the ocean without gobs of people in your way.

If you’re looking for a relaxing massage or facial, look no further than Acqua Salon and Spa. Using only quality Aveda products, they will tailor a delightful day of pampering to your desire. Best of all, they offer a “Stay Spa” incentive that comes to your vacation rental so you don’t even need to leave the house to enjoy a day at the salon.

Santa Rosa Beach- Beautiful emerald, Caribbean-like waters and cool, white quartz sand combine to make this beach unforgettable. Lounging around the beach is relaxing, but if you are a fan of cigars, sports, icy libations, and want to converse about all three of them, check out Shore Thing Cigars. Opened by country music star Luke Bryan and a close friend, Paul Copeland, this is an intimate shop that serves as the local man’s cave for the residents of Santa Rosa.

Treasure Island- A wide beach that accommodates any crowd and ample areas to walk to dine are just two of the island’s many features. Check out Middle Grounds if you would like a fine seafood dining experience from a wonderful local restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is renowned locally as a top five place to go for a five-star meal.

Sanibel Island- Shelling at its finest, this may be the busiest of the listed beaches. Young and old alike will enjoy discovering the variety of shells the Island has to offer. There is even an entire museum dedicated to shells that’s an interesting area attraction. Not digging the shells? Grab some locally grown produce at the Sanibel Farmer’s Market. Open October through May, a blissful array of fresh fruit and veggies just waiting for you to make a killer meal back at the rental house.

Marco Island- Nestled in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, it’s a prime place to visit if your life is boating and fishing. Take a charted fishing tour or enjoy casting away at the connecting bridge from the mainland. After your day of basking in the sun and tackling the fish is complete, visit with the locals and sample some tasty food at Snook Inn and Chickee Bar. Overlooking the Gulf under a thatched roof bar while sipping a tropical something is the nightcaps to end all nightcaps.

 

Posted in Outdoor Adventures | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Everglades: A Must-See in Florida

Posted on September 30, 2016 by nerdbot

Florida is infamous for its beaches, fresh sea air, and nightlife, but an unlikely attraction is the Florida Everglades. It is easy to overlook this natural beauty with all the things to do while on your Florida vacation, but its lush landscape and interesting wildlife will be a unique experience you won’t want to miss.

Explore the Everglades on foot, in an air boat, or even helicopter. Finding somewhere to rest and relax after your excursion is easy if you choose a vacation rental home. All the amenities, like plenty of room and a full kitchen, will be appreciated after a long day of discovery.

 

A Rich History of the Everglades

EvergladesIn 1934 the Florida Everglades was recognized as a national park. After Death Valley and Yosemite, it’s the third largest in all of the lower 48 United States.  Everglades National Park is recognized as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. It’s only the third place in all the world to net these accolades.

 

Celebrating 100 Years of National Parks

All of the nation’s national parks turn a century old this year. Everglades National Park has some fun activities to help commemorate the occasion. They will be offering 16 free admission days in 2016, beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ending with Veteran’s Day. There are other discounted ticket opportunities for select groups of all ages.

 

Importance of the Everglades

Don’t think of the Everglades as a swampy marsh. In fact, the area is actually a slow moving river and it supplies nearly 8 million Florida residents with their fresh drinking water. The Native American deemed it ‘pahajokee’ or grassy waters. It was nearly drained in the 1900’s for the planting of sugar cane to boost Florida’s economy.

 

Explore the Lands

Within its 1.5 million acres, there are three access points to Everglades National Park by foot, and many other entrances via the intercostal waterways. The busiest visitor seasons is December through March, due to the drier climate, lower temperatures, and minimal mosquitos. Feel free to camp, as they have various sites in the park from basic to running water and electric hookups, but make sure you have your vacation home booked.

 

What You’ll Find Inside

With nearly 73 endangered species, 500-year-old cypress trees, and flowers unique to the northern boundaries named Ghost Orchids, Florida would miss all those natural wonders, and probably more, if sugar farming overtook the area. Unfortunately, southern Florida lost nearly 50 percent of its original wetlands. What remains is essential to the ecosystem.

When you decide to leave the wondrous canopy of cypress trees and subtropical landscape of Everglades National Park, there’s no better feeling than a long shower, a hot meal, and a soft bed after a nice stent of roughing it or sightseeing. Enjoying all that Florida has to offer will be all that more pleasant with a home-away-from-home that you can only find in a vacation rental home.

Posted in Outdoor Adventures | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Yaking in Florida – Your Personalized Paddling Tour

Posted on September 20, 2016 by nerdbot

Kayaking

For a look at a cornucopia of options, browse Paddle Florida for any and all options for those that want to gain a deeper connection to nature and its wildlife in the Central Florida region. Depending on your ideal excursion, you can cater your Florida vacation to your group and its needs. Whether it is watery creatures, historic forests, or a glimpse back in time, Florida offers a multitude of places to visit when not enjoying a relaxing time at your vacation villa.

Meet the Manatees

The Blue Spring is the largest spring that feeds the St. John’s River, offering beautiful scenery for kayaking throughout. Adjacent to the Blue Spring State Park, this river offers fishing, paddling, and boating, so use caution when motors are nearby. After a short paddle, find yourself amongst manatees that glide through the water gracefully. From there, the Blue Spring State Park provides a number of family activities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and river boat tours after a day of paddling.

Take the Scenic Route

kayakingThe Dora Canal provides one of the most picturesque paddling experiences in Central Florida. Linking Lakes Eustis and Dora, this short journey is flanked by striking cypress trees, perfect for aspiring photographers and nature lovers alike. Multitudes of water birds, alligators, and otters live in the area adding to the pristine landscape that only nature has touched. Mount Dora, a nearby town, is most desired for its Victorian airs, restaurants, and antique shops. Spend the night at the Lakeside Inn, built in 1883, for a taste of vintage charm.

Disney’s Hidden Gem

Located along the border of Disney property in Kissimmee, Shingle Creek lies within Shingle Creek Regional Park. Flanking its borders are beautiful cypress trees and a myriad of wildlife, including alligators, water birds, and turtles. Voyaging on this seven-mile journey, the peaceful area gives a sense of relief and tranquility in nature, before mankind made its mark on the world.

Danger – Gators!

Danger GatorsBefore any adventurous excursion, it’s essential to know the best ways to remain safe from predators. To avoid unwanted contact with alligators, consider contacting the local Fish and Game department for the latest information regarding mating season and times of day with increased predator activity. This is usually around dawn and dusk, but can vary slightly from region to region. When encountering an alligator, it’s recommended to stay 100 feet away at all times for safety. If the reptile runs into the water suddenly and appears to be charging, it’s most likely getting into the water to feel safe as quickly as possible. Continue to maintain as much distance as you can and remain calm. If you see a smaller alligator with yellow stripes, it’s a juvenile and it’s almost certain that its mother will be nearby. Although these may be tempting to approach, a territorial mother with rows of teeth is not the ideal opponent to tangle with, especially while on vacation!

Follow these simple tips and you and the whole family will enjoy your Florida adventure happily and safely.

Posted in Fun, Outdoor Adventures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Broadway is Coming to Orlando

Posted on April 20, 2013 by john

The 25th anniversary season of Broadway Across America will open in Orlando with “Mamma Mia!” on October 3-9 at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. This will be followed by “The Book of Mormon” October 29-November 10, “Flashdance” December 3-8, “Once” January 28-February 2, “War Horse” February 25-March 2, “Evita” March 25-30, “Jersey Boys April 15-27, and “Ghost the Musical” May 13-18.

http://orlando.broadway.com/shows/tickets/?season=85

Photo by JOE MAMMA!!! [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

Posted in Fun, Music, What's up in Orlando? | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Romanza Festivale – 10 Days of Art and Culture in St. Augustine

Posted on April 19, 2013 by john

Romanza Festivale – a 10-day celebration of history, culture, art, theater, music, dance, exhibits, and cuisine – will take place in St. Augustine May 10-19. Visit the website  http://romanzastaugustine.org/index.html for a complete schedule and all the information.

Photo by Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Posted in Beyond Orlando, Music | Tagged , , | Leave a comment