Monthly Archives

July 2018

State Parks to Visit in Florida

Florida State Parks are some of the greatest in the nation because of the diverse beauty found throughout the state. The 159 state parks in Florida offer a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and cultural and historic exhibitions. At some of Florida’s state parks visitors can even enjoy snorkeling and diving in the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Central Florida State Parks are tourist favorites because of their variety of landscapes and outdoor activities. Beach lovers can enjoy sunny Flagler Beach at the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This Florida State Park offers ocean side camping in a fully equipped campground, as well as many recreational opportunities, including the popular beach and a refreshing nature trail. Bring along your Coleman inflatable sit-on-top kayak and enjoy boating through the Intracoastal Waterway on one side of this Central Florida State Park.

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park photo credit: http://www.floridaparks.com/

Another great Central Florida State Park for boating, as well as exploration of Florida’s rich history, is the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Guests are not allowed to camp overnight at this national historic landmark, but the park makes a terrific day trip. Visitors can walk through the trails surrounding the plantation ruins and see various interpretive demonstrations about the site’s history. Picnicking, fishing, and boating along Bulow Creek are also popular activities.

Faver-Dykes State Park

Also in central Florida, Faver-Dykes State Park is a favorite for bird watching and canoe camping. This Florida State Park, just south of St. Augustine, borders peaceful Pellicer Creek, a state canoe trail. Guests to the park can enjoy picnicking, camping, and fishing. There are several nature trails throughout the park for a closer look at the abundant wild life, including otter, deer, hawks, and herons. Canoe rentals are also available.

Campsite at Lake Kissimmee State Park.

To experience a life long forgotten in Central Florida, visit Lake Kissimmee State Park, only a shot drive from America’s most popular vacation destination, Orlando, Florida. Lake Kissimmee State Park is home to 3 beautiful lakes that are perfect for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the area wildlife that includes bald eagles, cranes, and even wild bobcat. Living history demonstrations are also available at the restored cow ranch like the ones in the area more than a century ago. Full facility camping is available at this popular Central Florida State Park, as well as primitive and group camping facilities, and there are over 13 miles of hiking and riding trails through the scenic park.

Ravine Gardens State Park
Photo Credit: boa247.com/

The amazing beauty of unique Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida draws visitors from all over for all sorts of occasions. The large, air conditioned Civic Center is a popular location for meetings and weddings, while the 1800 sq. ft. wired picnic pavilion is perfect for receptions, family reunions, and other large gatherings. Smaller picnic tables are also available, as well as many miles of hiking trails through the breathtaking azalea gardens planted throughout the once barren ravine.

Florida State Parks are so popular with tourists from across the nation that the state division of parks and recreation has developed an informative guide to the 159 wondrous parks. Called Passport to Florida State Parks, the book is available through the state parks division.

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida

A Day in Walt Disney World

If one is given the chance to visit and spend a vacation in the United States, one of the most must to and go to state is Florida. This place has been blessed with beaches, amusement parks, national parks, and an array of unique tourist attractions which makes it one of the most visited state in America. Of course amongst all these to go to places on top of the list must and should be Walt Disney World.

Visitors who visit Walt Disney World for the first time often make a lot of mistakes, simply because there`s just a lot of things to do and of course so little time and not to mention things you won`t simply know until you go there. That is why here`s a simple guide based on the experience of seasoned Disney World goers and my personal experience.

First Stop: Animal Kingdom

It`s best to start things off here since most animals are more active in the morning and the wait time for the rides are shorter during this time of the day. You can kick things off by trying out with Expedition Everest roller coaster ride and make your way to the Dinosaur ride and if you still have some spare time try Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. After which, it would be good to walk around the park a bit before proceeding to the next stop which is the Hollywood Studios.

Second Stop: Hollywood Studios

Our next suggested stop on the list is the Hollywood Studios Area, the go to rides I would suggest are the Tower of Terror!, Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and of course The Great Movie Ride. The last ride a mention takes you to a memory lane drive of how things were back then during the classics and it`s transition to our current films.

Third Stop: Epcot

Next on the list is the Epcot Area, the front of the park has all the rides and the back of the park has all the restaurants from around the world, with a couple of rides like Frozen (Warning: If you decide to go for this ride, prepare yourself for a long queue. Especially since people book this ride as early as 60 days in advance. ) Aside from Frozen other popular rides are Test Track and Soarin. You probably have time to choose 1 of these rides and it`s best to go for not so long-lined rides like The Seas with Nemo & Friends and other more to maximize your trip.

Fourth Stop: Magic Kingdom

Of course our Final stop for our quick Walt Disney Trip since it stays open the latest and you can watch the famous fireworks and parades by Cinderella’s castle. You can probably fit in 5-7 rides depending on wait times and your energy level. Rides that are featured here are Pirates of the Caribbean. Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Note: The rides mentioned have a long queue so it`s best to plan which rides you want to really try and go for the less long waiting time rides).

Walt Disney World is a Huge place it`s approximately 25,000 acres, has 24 hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks. With that in mind it is strongly suggested to plan your trip especially if you only have limited time. If you find our suggested walkthrough for your 1 day Walt Disney World trip a good one or you might have some suggestions on what rides you must try, please feel free to send as a message.

Cities of Florida Florida Orlando Restaurants Restaurants

Bubba Gump in Florida

When you visit Orlando, Florida it is mandatory that you stop by one of the outlets of the townsfolk restaurant favorite Bubba Gump. Yes, you heard it right. For those who have already watched the movie Forrest Gump (Portrayed by Tom Hanks) I believe it was somehow discussed and explained in the movie the origins of the company named Bubba Gump. If not a short recap of the movie is an autobiography story of a military man named Forrest Gump and the people he met and inspired in his life. In which, one of them was Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue. Who had a vision of putting up a shrimping business after the Vietnam War.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant and Market is an American seafood restaurant chain inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump. … The first Bubba Gump restaurant opened in 1996 in Monterey, California by Rusty Pelican Restaurants in partnership with Viacom. Like the name suggests, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s menu consists mostly of shrimp dishes and other seafood, as well as Southern and Cajun cuisine. The restaurant offers dishes named after characters in the movie, like Jenny’s Catch and the restaurant’s bestseller Forrest’s Seafood Feast

Food is the hero at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. that is why they strive their best to always cater the needs and deliver on what their customers expect. Their menu specializes on different recipes with shrimp as the primary ingredient and other seafoods. Restaurants have standard theme, in which they display movie memorabilia throughout the restaurant. Guests can play Forrest Gump movie trivia and can signal their waiter with a “Stop, Forrest, Stop” sign. Also, since the restaurant was inspired by the movie, they offer a 10% discount to all military.

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants West Palm Beach

Italian Cuisine at Its Finest

Living in paradise can be tough. With so much sunshine and beauty all around – there are so many decisions to make about things to do. For instance: ‘Will we spend the day shopping or going to a local festival?’; ‘If we decide to go shopping, will it be at an indoor mall or outdoor mall?’; ‘Do we go boating or relax on the beach?’.

I took an unexpected trip to southern Italy the other night without a passport or luggage. In fact, I wandered the Amalfi Coast and took in its flavors without leaving Palm Beach Gardens. La Masseria, the 4-month-old restaurant on the PGA dining corridor, has this effect on an unassuming diner. It brings a sliver of an Italian vacation, a glimpse of the authentic, to the table.

La Masseria got its start in New York and Rhode Island before heading south to Palm Beach Gardens. To find nuanced flavors that remain true (to Italy, not New York) is a lovely thing. During the years, clientele who lived up north and vacationed in South Florida requested a La Masseria near their summer homes; and to their relief, it has arrived.

The restaurant offers upmarket style without fussiness, from the crisply suited hosts to the rustic bread basket and the welcome saucer of lentils in olive oil (for spooning atop the bread). The place is stylish yet understatedly set. It’s a good spot for a dressy lunch or a special-occasion dinner. But should you amble up to the door, casually dressed for a weeknight bite, you’ll be welcome just the same.

South Florida is filled with some of the best places to eat in the world. From seafood restaurants on the water to the best steakhouses inland – the Palm Beaches have got you covered.

Photo Credit: www.jupitermag.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

The Sanctuary for Manatees

If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, your significant other or just by yourself, you have to stop by the Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach. Manatee Lagoon is an FPL Eco-Discovery Center and Palm Beach’s latest educational center, providing residents and tourists alike with the perfect vantage point to see these magnificent creatures.

Once a casual spot next to the local electric plant’s discharge waters, this center celebrating the manatee opened in 2016 at a spot where the peaceful creatures naturally congregate. The airy, two-story facility is surrounded by wraparound decks to accommodate sea-cow spotters from fall to spring. Educational, interactive displays tell the story of this once-endangered species. More than 150 giant manatees visit because of the warm waters put out by the nearby power plant.

Florida Power & Light, the main electric company for Palm Beach County, made this all possible as the warm waters that flow from the power plant have been a sanctuary for hundreds of manatees since the 1940’s. The power plant has worked with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure the manatees safety.

The marine science center includes interactive touch screen displays, galleries, a pavilion and picnic area, meeting and classroom spaces, a café and gift shop. A great benefit of this project, besides the entertainment aspect, is that raising awareness about these animals will help ensure their survival for the long term.

Manatee Lagoon offers visitors engaging opportunities to learn about the endangered and unique Florida manatee and the Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem it inhabits. Visitors can also understand the role power plants play in sustaining the species. The warm water outflows from the adjacent FPL Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center attract hundreds of manatees each year, particularly during these cold winter months.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ManateeLagoon/

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

A Major Performing Arts Facility

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts works to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international performing artists and companies of the highest quality. The Kravis Center also fosters arts education by offering comprehensive educational and community outreach programs.

As a community leader and major economic catalyst, the Center showcases regional performing arts organizations and supports efforts to increase travel and tourism to West Palm Beach. Set on 10.6 acres of property at the highest point in the city, the Kravis Center includes three venues — the 2,193-seat Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the flexible 300-seat Rinker Playhouse and the outdoor Michael and Andrew Gosman Amphitheatre with a capacity for 1,400 patrons.

The Center’s Cohen Pavilion houses the Weiner Banquet Center, The Picower Foundation Arts Education Center and The Elmore Family Business Center for the Arts, along with a five-level parking garage.

After celebrating its 22nd season the number of events hosted annually has grown to more than 800, with attendance of more than 500,000 patrons. Many regionally based arts organizations call the Kravis Center their home including Miami City Ballet, Palm Beach Opera, and the Palm Beach Pops.

During the 2013-2014 season, the Kravis Center itself will present more than 350 performances featuring acclaimed artists from every discipline. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself.

To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for more than 1.7 million school children as well as thousands of economically disadvantaged senior citizens, minorities and community groups.

Photo Credit: https://www.visitwpb.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

All in One Park in West Palm Beach

Dog Parks are rapidly appearing across the nation and The Palm Beaches are home to many beautiful grounds through Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation. This four-acre grassland is equipped with five fenced-in enclosures with three separate sections for small, medium and large dogs, five covered gazebos, multiple dog wash stations, and several water fountains. Along with Lake Woof Dog Park, The Palm Beaches are home to many other dog parks. Jupiter is also in the process of building a park that pups and owners are guaranteed to enjoy.

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is recognized as the best in Florida and tops in the nation, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities.

Your playtime is our business. And we take it seriously. Professional staff are always planning for your next visit. New facilities accommodate the latest in leisure trends, as well as the always-popular, timeless needs of our growing community. Exciting, educational, and rewarding recreation programs will stimulate your imagination and provide the challenges you’re looking for.

Palm Beach County’s award-winning park system offers the widest possible range of leisure opportunities. Over 8,000 acres of parkland are available to discover. Sports, fitness, environmental, and cultural opportunities abound, as well as restful places for solitude.

When it comes to safety, we don’t play games with your safety. High quality construction followed by rigorous inspections and maintenance schedules ensure your visit will be a safe one. Park rangers are nearby to greet and assist you, answer questions, and watch out for your well-being.

Say good-bye to boredom and the often-hectic routine of everyday life. Looking for a getaway? You’ll find it here!

Photo Credit: https://twitter.com/pbcparks

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants

Must Try Food When in Florida

One of the joys and things to look forward to in travelling is the thrill of exploring new foods, delicacies, cuisines and specialties. In fact, travelers who consider themselves gourmands often base their destinations on the food they want their palate to experience. A good example is when you say stone crabs, rock shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters, Cuban sandwiches and key lime pie then there`s no place better than Florida to indulge yourself with these treats.

Due to its geographical location the availability and abundance of the crustaceans mentioned above, Florida has become the primary go to place for travelers to experience and enjoy affordable seafood. So which foods are uniquely Floridian? Let us list down the must foods to try when in Florida:

Stone Crab Claws

-Although the body of the stone crab is not eaten, this seasonal prize possession for fisheries from October through May is a must for all avid seafood eater. You just can’t get enough of these sweet, meaty claws served chilled and pre-cracked with a side of mustard sauce.

Florida Rock Shrimp

– One of several shrimp species found in the deep waters along the Gulf coast Florida to Florida, as well as the eastern shore off Cape Canaveral, rock shrimp are highly sought after for their uncanny similarity in taste and texture to that of lobster meat.

Apalachicola Oysters

-Also known as Boss Oyster, these colossal oysters are sweet and highly valued among bivalve enthusiasts. Often it is best to enjoy scenic riverfront dining and the freshest oysters are served directly from water-to-table.

Spiny Lobster

They may not have claws, but they more than make up for it with their meaty bodies, which proportionally have more meat than Maine Lobsters.

Cuban Sandwiches and Every other Cuban Dish

Close proximity to Cuba and a large immigrant population means Florida has the best Cuban food in the country.

The list goes on, so If you’re planning a visit to Florida anytime soon bare in mind that some of these delicacies are seasonal.

Cities of Florida Miami Restaurants West Palm Beach

A Mediterranean Cuisine Fit for The Gods

From hearty vegetarian fare to authentic Mediterranean favorites, Agora offers options for everyone in your family. Dig into a Greek salad or dive into the Cevabi while taking in a view of the water. Roasted eggplant, homemade hummus, and the lamb are amongst the favorite dishes of the locals. With superb meals and friendly owners, Agora proudly and deservingly proclaims itself as one of West Palm Beach’s favorite Mediterranean digs.

The place just re-opened after 6 months of huge remodeling, they now are on full blast and they are ready to serve their dearest Mediterranean Food Lovers. You will surely be addicted to their new atmosphere and watch the chef-owners unique food creations come to life; you will feel comfortable as you are at home with their smiling servers- managers and relaxing music.

The Mediterranean Kitchen serves a variety of specialties with a focus on Turkish preparations. One can enjoy a delicious meal and drink in a gallery-style restaurant with a view into the workings of the kitchen or outside on their patio. At the Agora Mediterranean Kitchen, they do their best to create a lively and fun atmosphere while enjoying your meal.

Also, the owner Semith Arif Ozdemir focuses on bringing the best out of their fresh ingredients and transforming them into a delightful Mediterranean dish, full of flavor. They promote locally sourced ingredients and cater to a variety of dietary options by including a wide array of vegan dishes.

The Mediterranean Kitchen has a cozy and inviting setting with very attentive Hostess, staff and servers. The menu selections are many but the Octopus is the main star of the restaurant.

Photo Credit: http://foodio54.com

Cities of Florida Miami Restaurants West Palm Beach

Nothing Beats A Classic Steak

A lot of restaurants claim to put their city or town on the map. But when Okeechobee Steakhouse opened in West Palm Beach, Florida, on an October day in 1947, there wasn’t an atlas or road that could even find the place. Just like everything else at the restaurant, stories from those early days are passed down through generations. Current proprietor Ralph Lewis, the grandson of the original owner, also Ralph, recounts the tale.

“It was so far out of town, they couldn’t even get deliveries,” he says. “They told my grandfather the restaurant would never make it this far out in the boondocks. But first night they opened they were on a two-hour wait, and the place has been busy like that ever since, for 70 years.”

Okeechobee Steakhouse holds the title as Florida’s oldest steakhouse, celebrated seven decades in business the most fitting way possible: by dry-aging some 38-ounce cuts for 70 days. They used the same process Lewis’ grandfather invented in the 1930s, and the same one the restaurant deploys today

In a restaurant industry rife with trends that flit in and out of conscious by the hour, delivery-only models, robot-flipping burgers, and countless other innovations, Okeechobee Steakhouse really hasn’t turned a 180 since Ralph and Norma Lewis brought it to life. The restaurant has, of course, adjusted over the years, but the heart of the experience remains in line with its original vision.

Expect no foodie lingo here, no “artisan” this or “hand-crafted” that, no menus tripped up in adjectives. Expect no calculated stabs at branding or ambiance. You won’t find proclamations of culinary hipdom here. But you will find a mighty fine steak. They have developed their own exclusive aging process for beef- it’s a decade old guarded family SECRET… creating a succulent flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for one more bite.

Photo Credit: www.foodnewsfeed.com