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Giddyap Let`s Go !!

HorsePower for Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a farm and petting zoo so that everyone can have the opportunity to benefit from interaction with animals and horses. We provide fun, educational opportunities for children and adults to interact with and care for animals that have been rescued from a variety of situations. In our experience, working with animals enriches our lives.

Through animals, children transform into young adults, learning responsibility and respect.  These interactions build character, foster relationships, and allow us to become more open as individuals. At our farm, we strive to provide these experiences to the public and share our love for animals with everyone.

Some people would literally rather come here than Disney because there are no lines, all the animals you want to pet, and it’s so relaxing. Also, aside from the animals and the rides the scenery is very relaxing, not to mention the freshness of the air as you enjoy galloping through the course while enjoying your horse ride.

We enjoy sharing our animals with anyone who will benefit including children who cannot afford to visit us due to finances can attend free of charge on scholarship; we also rescue unwanted and injured animals. We are self-supporting, therefore being open to the public is how we are able to house and care for hundreds of beautiful creatures.

 

Photo Credit: http://horsepowerforkids.com/

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AttractionsCities of FloridaTampaTravel

How Modern Day Museum`s Should Be..

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry – we call it MOSI for short – is a scientific playground with more than 100 hands-on activities! MOSI’s innovative exhibits urge you to ask questions and expand your mind. We show you how cool curiosity can be – there are no tests or quizzes here. We spark conversations about the world and the future among kids and their grandparents, between spouses, and with strangers. There’s no other place like it in Tampa Bay.

Be sure to also check out MOSI’s two newest permanent exhibits: Imagination Playground and Mission: Moonbase. Imagination Playground enables kids to engineer everything from robots to cities using cubes, bricks, cogs, curves and cylinders. Imagination Playground allows kids to play in a way that encourages creativity and collaboration, while continually exploring new directions and initiatives that promote the benefits of learning, social development, movement and, above all, fun. This breakthrough play space concept enables children to create open-ended designs in a safe environment led by one of MOSI’s education staff.

Guests can head over to MOSI’s children’s science center, Kids Charge-in! and dive into a play space unique from a traditional playground not made of monkey bars, slides or see-saws. In this innovative hands-on zone, children work with large foam pieces to connect and build in intricate ways, enabling them to bring their visions to life. I personally enjoyed the presentations at the Saunders Planetarium located here at the same area of the museum and rode the high-wire bike that is carefully balanced with a counterweight. Oh — that bike takes you 30 feet over the main lobby floor, so don’t look down!

A trip to MOSI means planning on at least a half day of non-stop seeing, doing, and exploring. If you go during a busy time of the year, such as the summer, I’d simply allocate an entire day at the museum. I suggest arriving early and check out what is showing at the IMAX theater, which usually plays documentaries geared toward science as well as some popular films.

Don`t forget to stop by the BioWorks butterfly garden. You could make hundreds of fluttering friends! On the way out, you might want to take a little trek through the historic tree grove, which flourishes with more than a dozen trees grown from seedlings of trees associated with significant people or events.

 

Photo Credit: http://www.destination360.com

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AttractionsTampa

Chilin and Relaxing Along the Riverwalk

You might have driven south down Tampa Street but never stopped, turned right and see what undiscovered beauty lies down by the River, just north of the city. You’d be amazed at the work the City of Tampa and great organizations such as the Tampa Riverwalk project, are doing for our community. Revitalization of buildings like the old Water Works building, are bringing new life to urban neighborhoods and new people are interested in coming out to play.

Tampa’s Riverwalk project dates back to the 1970s, a time when much of the downtown waterfront consisted of aging warehouses and industrial facilities related to the nearby Port of Tampa. Tampa mayor Bill Poe conceived the idea of a park and walkway behind Curtis Hixon Hall, a civic center along the Hillsborough River that was one of the few public spaces in the area. The city built a short stretch of boardwalk on the east side of the river behind the Hall.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic exploration of the downtown riverfront and connects most of the popular downtown attractions, parks, and restaurants. The broad paved path runs along, and in places, runs over the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. Easily accessible to everyone including the disabled, kids, and furry friends, the Riverwalk accommodates walkers, joggers, and bikers.

A few of the landmarks you will pass include the Heights Public Market, Waterworks Park, Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, the Convention Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center. Along the way you can discover numerous interpretive exhibits highlighting Tampa’s history and public art exhibits. The path is almost 3 miles long, but there are plenty of spots to stop for a rest and grab a drink or a quick bite along the way.

Bike, run, and discover the Tampa Riverwalk, linking downtown’s favorite attractions like gems on a string along the stunning Hillsborough River. The 2.4-mile path leaves you at the footsteps of great eateries like Ulele and Heights Public Market or at signature attractions like the Tampa Bay History Center and The Florida Aquarium.

 

Photo Credit: www.dreamstime.com

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AttractionsCities of FloridaRestaurantsWest Palm Beach

Life is Here in Clematis Street

Established as a commercial district for Palm Beach County in the 1890s, Clematis Street is now the cultural heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques and bookstores, not to forget the art galleries and antique shops, the street stretches all the way from Rosemary Street to South Flagler Street, encompassing the West Palm Beach Waterfront and three public docks on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Frequently cited as the historic heart of downtown West Palm, Clematis Street epitomizes the fun-loving atmosphere of the city. Beginning at the street’s intersection with Flagler Drive near the Intracoastal Waterway, all sorts of bars, shops and restaurants await visitors. And on Thursday nights, the street’s Centennial Square comes alive for Clematis By Night, which offers free live music from 6 to 9 p.m.

This historical part of town has been revitalized with shops, restaurants, bars, and a beautiful waterfront view. So regardless if you just want to shop and eat, or maybe take some nice pictures, you should make sure to stop in. It’s also a great spot for some nightlife – especially with the live music at the waterfront.

Travelers praise Clematis Street’s abundance of dining and shopping options, plus its waterfront views near Flagler. The Flagler end of Clematis Street also hosts the seasonal West Palm Beach Green Market, which features more than 70 food and plant vendors on select Saturdays and comes highly recommended by previous visitors.

Clematis Street is a joy to browse during the day, bumping in and out of places like the independent and specialty Liberty Bookstore, fine glass and sculpture center, Habatat Galleries and furniture and design store Authentic Provence. Take the free Molly’s Trolleys Yellow Line route or the 75-minute Diva Duck Amphibious Tours from City Centre down Clematis Street first, to get the lay of the land.

The latter starts on land before motoring up and down the Intracoastal for a historic tour of the region. You’ll also pass Centennial Square and Fountain Park, where the interactive fountain beckons children (and the young at heart) to play.

 

Photo Credit: https://clematisstreet.org

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AttractionsCities of FloridaFlorida

Spiegel Grove

The latest shipwreck dive site in the Florida Keys for scuba divers is the USS Spiegel Grove. This is a former US Navy Landing Ship Dock that was sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef in Key Largo, much like the Duane and Bibb ships were in the same general area.

The Spiegel Grove is 510 feet in length and 84 feet wide making it the largest of the shipwrecks accessible to scuba divers in the Florida Keys. This wreck sits at a depth of 134 feet near Dixie Shoals and the depth at the highest point of the ship is about 60 to 65 feet depending on the tide level.

The Spiegel Grove had been lying on her starboard side after initial sinking and was reported to be a great dive. Hurricane Denis which greatly affected the south Florida area, actually made this wreck dive even better. The waves and surges from the hurricane were strong enough to push the entire ship to an upright position much like how the Duane is sitting. This resulted in better orientation of the ship for scuba divers especially since there are some swim throughs located throughout the wreck.

Most of the scuba dive operators in Key Largo have dive trips to the Spiegel Grove since this site is the latest rage in the local scuba diving. Since it is a deep dive, advance certification is required. Scuba divers can also dive the Spiegel Grove as part of their advance certification course. The dive plan for this wreck is very similar to that of the Duane. The dive site is often in an area with heavy currents so as soon as divers jump in the water, they have to go grab a line and pull themselves towards the front of the dive boat where the line is attached to the descent line. Divers then pull themselves down towards the wreck. Unlike the Duane which has descent lines on both ends of the ship, the Spiegel Grove has three lines since it is a much larger ship. The ascent and safety stop is on these same lines since the currents can be strong at any depth. It is highly recommended that any cameras and other devices are secured by lanyards since losing them in these currents is possible.

As one descends on the Spiegel Grove, one will see just how large this ship is. This will keep many divers excited. Lots of divers in the area have dived the Spiegel Grove before and are only happy to dive it again to explore the different compartments accessible in the wreck.

This ship is also unique as it has a large crane in the stern area since it was used as a landing ship dock. For enthusiasts interested in the beauty of shipwrecks themselves, this will be considered a great dive. The only downside to this dive is the amount of marine life on the wreck. Barracuda, large angelfish and other fish can be spotted on the Spiegel Grove but not nearly as many as on the Duane. This is why some divers may still prefer the Duane over the Spiegel Grove if marine life is their primary interest in scuba diving. But the Spiegel Grove is still a relatively new dive site compared to the Duane so in time, the amount of marine life will increase at this site making it even better in the future. Both the Spiegel Grove and the Duane are highly recommended dives for all scuba divers with a minimum of advance certification when diving in the Key Largo area.

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Cities of Florida

The Florida Everglades

Most of those who haven`t been to Florida Everglades might be under the impression that there`s little to do in there but swamp, sweat, getting swamped by bugs and mosquitos and of course the fear of encountering an alligator. In reality however, this is not the case. There are numerous things to do in the Everglades, specially those who are inclined to eco and adventure types of activities.

Let us start by breaking down the word Everglades, it is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The Glades are also one of the most misunderstood and fragile ecosystems in the world and underrated in the United States for enjoying incredible outdoor adventure.

The Native Americans who lived here called it Pa-hay-Okee which means “into grassy waters.” The landscape here is primordial – swampy and marshy – and bursting with beautiful native plant species, exotic flowers, and some of the most incredible and endangered wildlife on the planet. Not only do the American alligator and American crocodile coexist here, there are also snakes, dolphins, bobcats, black bear, manatees, deer, and the elusive Florida panther as well.

 

Although the Glades have been reduced to less than half of its original size through over-development and agriculture, it’s still a big place. Everglades National Park spans roughly 734 square miles and the adjoining Big Cypress National Preserve adds 1,126 square miles to that area and the overall ecosystem.

 

As the old joke goes, there are two seasons in the Everglades: dry season and mosquito season. True that! But keep this in mind: there are always exceptions. The most pleasant time of year (and most popular) is December through April during its winter dry season, when average highs are in the upper 70s and average lows in the low 50s. Summer brings rain most afternoons, Which is exactly why you need to visit especially if you are planning to go somewhere fresh and cool during this season.

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Cities of FloridaFloridaSarasotaTravel

Travel The Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida, may not be either Disney World or Miami, but it is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, as well as serviceable art museums and a fascinating marine aquarium. It’s a great place to spend your next vacation. Siesta Key and Longboat Key, while pricey, have miles of award-winning beaches, along with plenty of beach activities: boating, dining, and playing. Every Saturday night, the drum circle occurs at Siesta Key. This is a gathering on the beach of musicians, poets, and drummers, and it’s famous in Sarasota – a great thing to go to for those looking for something to do “off the beaten path.”

Photo credit: sarasotacarmuseum.org

At the intersection of 41 and University Parkway sits the Classic Car Museum, a treasure trove of antique automobiles and other Americana, such as arcade games and posters. This is a great place to spend a rainy day as it’s mostly inside. Practically across the street from the Classic Car Museum is the Ringling Museum of Art, an ever-growing museum complex funded by circus magnate John Ringling’s estate. His house, C’adz’an, has recently been restored and is pen to the public.

The museum is much bigger than it looks, and the rotating exhibits change several times a year – this is a Sarasota “must-see.” Down the street from the Ringling Museum lies the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a botanical zoo in which one can feed pelicans and flamingoes, sit among exotic plants, or pose for a photo with several parrots perched on your shoulder. Further south along US 41, you will find the Mote Marine Laboratory, a marine aquarium. It’s more “scientific” than the nearby marine aquarium in Tampa, but it also manages to be quite family-friendly, and Snooty, the resident manatee- has been delighting visitors for decades.

Across the parking lot is the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary, which takes in lost, injured, or abandoned birds and rehabilitates them. Any aspiring birdwatchers will find a visit to this small charity really heartwarming.
For a small city, Sarasota offers a surprising amount of ethnic restaurants. For example, Tropical Thai on Main Street offers lovely and decently-priced meals. Mickey’s on Pineapple Ave is another great choice, offering “fusion” American – Italian cuisine, a friendly staff, lots of vegetarian options, and live music on weekends.

Sarasota is a small city, but the possibilities are vast, and this article has only just begun to scratch the surface. Hopefully it will get you started and pointed in the right direction for your visit!

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Cities of FloridaFloridaTampaTravel

Few Reason Why Relocating to Tampa Bay Is A Good Idea

Its no wonder that Florida’s Tampa Bay area has become such a popular choice for relocating adults and families to call home. The west coast of Florida has mile after mile of white, sandy beaches and magnificently, beautiful natural resources. These areas include the city of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, as well as Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar.

Picture if you will, the opportunity for renewing your spirit any time you need a recharge. Dip your toes into the gentle, warm gulf waters of Tampa Bay. Let your troubles roll out to sea with the tides. As the waves return to once again touch the shores, let them bring you peace and a renewed sense of self. Now that you feel newly invigorated, perhaps you will want to head over to one of the areas more populated beaches, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, for some adventure. Take the whole family for a day of fun-filled activities such as collecting sea shells, building sand castles, swimming, fishing, parasailing, or take a cruise for the chance for spotting a whale or a group of dolphins.

You will find exciting activities away from the beaches as well. You can spend the day shopping to find that unique gift for yourself or a loved one. Take in an art gallery or take the family on a historic tour of the area or even to one of the many museums you will find throughout Florida’s Tampa Bay area. When you get hungry, you will find plenty of fine dining and family restaurants to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.

The Tampa Bay area is also home to some of the best theatre productions, live music, and sporting events to be found anywhere. Attend a play or watch in awe, the beauty of ballet, for a cultural experience your family will not soon forget. The sports fan will be delighted as a spectator at one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers action-filled football games. Those who like to gamble a bit might enjoy a little time spent betting, at one of the areas Greyhound Racing tracks.

You will find that life along Florida’s West Coast offers on one hand, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and even the influx of tourists that visit Florida each year: but also provides you with many recreational and educational activities to enhance the time that you spend with your family. And of course, you are just a short distance drive from family attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, and Universal Studios. But unlike visitors who only get to experience some of what Florida’s West Coast has to offer, as a resident, you can discover and explore all that is here, at your own pace.

You can rely on your Tampa real estate representative to provide you with all of the information and assistance that you will need as you become an official “Floridian.” A real estate agent can help you select the neighborhood that best matches your living style and needs. Whether you’re looking for a suitable neighborhood to raise a family in, or a community for adults 55 and over, or looking to settle in where other single, middle-aged people are already living: your real estate agent can help you locate these areas.

Together you and your agent can explore the many housing options available to you. From single-family dwellings to single adult condominium complexes and retirement villas, so that you can choose the one that is best for you. These friendly and knowledgeable real estate representatives can also assist you in obtaining the financing you need to make your dream of relocating to Florida’s West Coast, a reality!

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AttractionsCities of FloridaFloridaOrlandoTampaTravel

What are the Must-see attractions in Orlando?

Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for vacationers of every age group; it is known for its beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. Three all-time tourist favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios, Florida.

Disney World:

The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offers a mind boggling range of things to see and do. The overwhelming extent of experiences that Disney World offers ensures that adults too have a great time. Accommodation at Walt Disney World, which has over twenty hotels, offers a choice to suit every wallet. The Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Disney Contemporary Resort are two of the most popular resorts with a unique theme and excellent service. Vacationers can take advantage of the various promotional packages offered by Disney World from time to time. In one visit, it is not possible to take in all the rides and get one’s fill of everything that Disney World has to offer; however there are some classic rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan, Primeval Whirl, etc. The Magic Kingdom, which is spread over 100 acres, can be accessed via the Monorail or the Steamer. It has several attractions of which the chance to pose with Disney characters and getting their autographs is high on the wish-list of many children. It is best to enjoy Disney World in the company of a local acquaintance who can point out the major attractions and also the early-entry days during which hotel-guests are allowed to enter early.

Busch Gardens:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an approximately one-hour drive from Orlando. Many vacationers find its location, which is away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, to be an added attraction. The Busch Garden Shuttle Express is a free service with a 5-Park Orlando Flexi Ticket; it’s an alternative for those do not wish to travel to the park by road. Busch Gardens offer several exciting attractions that replicate the wonders of Africa. The wildlife includes more than 2,000 animals and thrilling roller-coaster rides are a hit with the kids and adults alike. The Sky Ride cable car affords an excellent view of the park. Attractions at the park also include the Serengeti Railway that has several stations around the park; the Haunted Lighthouse, which is a 4D show for kids over seven; KaTonga, which is a 35-minute musical celebrating African fables; the tomb of King Tut; Serengeti Safari tours; the slides and rides at the Land of the Dragon, and many others. Food at the Busch Gardens ranges from pizzas and turkey legs at Quick Bite and fine dining at the Crown Colony Restaurant. Preferred parking is available alongside the main entrance.

Universal Studios Florida:

Universal Studios in Orlando is the largest studio outside Hollywood. This major tourist attraction of Hollywood has some very popular rides and experiences that are based on hit movies. Terminator 2 is a high-tech 3D adventure; Back to the Future is a simulated ride that has one falling down volcanic tunnels; Twister and Earthquake are other thrill-a-minute shows in which an individual experiences a five-storey volcano and the power of an earthquake. Other attractions at Universal include Kong, Nickelodeon, ET, the Animal Show, etc. The main rides and attractions are at the edges of the oval-shaped Universal plot, which is quite huge. Priority parking and valet parking are available, these make exiting the Universal premises at the end of a fun-filled but tiring day a little easier.

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FloridaTravel

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.

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