Category:

Cities of Florida

Attractions Cities of Florida Tampa Travel

Reconnecting with Nature

If you are looking for a good place to take a nature walk while in Tampa, stop off at Lettuce Lake Regional Park. The park is located on Lettuce Lake, named so for all of the vegetation that grows on top of the water. It’s a beautiful park that offers pavilions, restrooms, playgrounds, and trails. There is a 1.25-mile paved pedestrian trail, a 1.3-mile non-paved nature trail, and a long boardwalk that goes along the water.

There are so many things to do at this park! One of the most popular things to do at Lettuce Lake is to follow one of the trails and take a walk. You have three options to choose from – Boardwalk, Nature Trail, and Paved Path. Each one offers a unique experience through the park.

The boardwalk path will take you up to the Hillsborough River and to an observation tower. Oh, keep a lookout on things while walking on the boardwalk path, we saw some pretty like a five-foot alligator up close and personal! He was just hanging out right off the boardwalk and some turtles, bowfin fish, egret, and a roseate spoonbill.

Next is the Paved Path, this route is approximately a 1.25-mile loop around the park and most of this path is shaded with a nice hammock overhead. This is a great path for both hiking and biking! The only friendly resident animal that greeted us was an armadillo because this path was bustling with people! Which seems natural since this path was the most accessible one from the parking lots.

Last but certainly not the least, the Nature Trail. This is a more typical hiking trail, we didn’t see too many animals on this trail either. This trail is definitely the best if you want to get away from the crowd and truly enjoy nature.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! This park also offers very reasonable canoe and kayak rentals. The rentals were $25 for 4 hours. You pay for the rental at the entrance and they give you a key to the kayak/canoe. Included in the rental price was the use of a life jacket, whistle, and paddle.

Overall, the lake and river are absolutely stunning with so many sites to see. If you are in the Tampa area and have a few hours to spare I would definitely recommend checking out Lettuce Lake Park.

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

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida Travel

3,2,1 … Blast Off Florida!!

No doubt about it, Florida is a very popular destination for the winter holidays. If you are treating yourself to sun, sand and space this holiday season. The tour starts with a 90-minute bus tour of the entire complex that showed us the actual vehicle assembly building where the rockets are assembled, the launchpad for the shuttles all the while explaining what goes into getting to space. We stopped off first to watch the history of the NASA space program and its progress over the years

The introduction was all about how the ‘man on the moon’ mission came about along with the speech from Kennedy, followed by the actual control room from where the first successful shuttle to the moon was launched, to live the ‘race to the moon’. With a countdown timer running on the side, the relevant controls lighting up in front of us and the realistic sound and light effect of a rocket launch. The exhibit closes with one walking into a large area displaying Saturn V, at 363 feet long, the largest rocket ever built.

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is located in Cape Canaveral. The approach road takes on a deserted appeal as you close in to KSC – security restrictions coupled with the fact that the 3-mile radius of the launch facility is strictly out-of-bounds explains this. Since 1968 to date KSC has been the launch site for all US manned space flights, while its neighbor Cape Canaveral Air Force Station conducts the unmanned civilian launches. Also, KSC is considered as part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge which was established by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in its quest for space exploration way back in 1963 and as such it is illegal to kill wildlife within the facility.

A trip to NASA is guaranteed to inspire awe and amazement, it will give you a renewed feeling of wide eyed wonder at really how amazingly expansive the universe is, and how, despite all our breath-taking achievements, we’ve only gone so far…. and the sky calls to us.

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

Attractions Cities of Florida Travel West Palm Beach

A Splashing Good Time

For more than 35 years, Rapids Water Park has been one of the best places to go in Florida for exciting water slides. It’s an ideal spot for family fun just outside West Palm Beach. Fort Rapids uses a western theme throughout the complex. The water park has displays and attractions that highlight the wild west.

The enormous park is known for its many water slides – there are 35 in all, from those best suited to adrenaline junkies to some more family-friendly slides and rides. The park calls its most thrilling rides its “Biggest” attractions, including rafting through a Tornado slide in complete darkness and six slide lane`s, excellent for racing.

The water slides start indoors and then twist and turn outside of the side of the building before coming back inside. This makes for more room in the facility and a great advertisement as you drive by the hotel.

Other attractions are designed for all ages, including several that are specifically meant to be kid-friendly. There is a large wave pool, a lazy river, kid-sized slides, and obstacle courses in which guests need to walk on floating objects to cross pools. Also, they have an “Activity pool” which is an area for swimming and water basketball for older kids and the “Rascal Roundup” is a nearby play water structure with water cannons, dumping buckets and water slides for kids as well.

Overall, getting away and spending quality time together as a family is what this place is all about. When you are staying at the hotel, you can swim before your check in time and also enjoy the water park after you check out. It is highly recommended that you bring a hairdryer if you plan on using the pool after you check out. Oh, and there are also lockers available for rent.

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

Cities of Florida Restaurants Tampa Travel

Brunch Capital of Tampa

Hidden among a natural landscape, the new Oystercatchers draws those who seek tastes from the Gulf of Mexico. Stunning bay views and decor designed to complement the inherent beauty make this celebrated Tampa seafood restaurant a delight for the eyes as well as the palate. Indulge in the flavorful creations of Chef de Cuisine Kenny Hunsberger, who artfully blends the freshest catch with innovative touches, as only one born to the water can do.

Oystercatchers is in the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Tampa Bay, right near the airport and the International Mall. It’s classic Tampa. On the top floor is Armani’s restaurant, said to be where everyone gets engaged in the city; on the bottom floor, beachside Oystercatchers. If you’re there for a romantic dinner on the rooftop, you get to overlook Tampa Bay. If you’re there for the fabulous seafood, you get to stroll on the beach after your meal. It’s the best of both Tampa worlds.

Inside Oystercatchers, it’s all wood paneling and sunlight, as if you’ve just walked onto a brand-new massive yacht. Even the wait staff is dressed in all white, ready to serve. The Sunday brunch buffet is impressive in its quality and yet not large enough to be overwhelming, which I like. To break it down, it’s separated into sections, or bars. There’s the breakfast bar in the middle, a cheese bar, an omelet bar, a seafood bar, a raw pasta bar, a fish and meats bar, a bagel bar, a salad bar, a fruit bar, a sushi bar, and a guacamole bar. OK, it sounds overwhelming, but it’s really not. I mean, this is not Vegas-style. The focus here is on the quality of the food. Every section is extremely well thought-out and maintained.

Oh, wait. My goodness. I almost forgot to mention the dessert bar, which was so glorious it commandeered its own room. There was everything imaginable: moose martinis, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, tarts … you name the indulgence. Even chefs at the waiting, ready to whip up fresh bananas foster on a waffle with vanilla ice cream on top.

Photo Credit: www.10best.com

Cities of Florida Restaurants Tampa Travel

Steak and Wine Overload

There is only one window in Bern’s Steak House, and it’s one customer`s will never see. Replacing natural light is a red wine-colored aura cloaking the carpet, walls, and staircase, giving rows of antique paintings an alluring, ghostly glow.

The Tampa restaurant opened in 1956 at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard and Gertrude Laxer, or Bern and Gert, New York natives who had been running a mom-and-pop “luncheonette” and hoped to add a bar to their repertoire. Instead, they created a fine dining institution and pilgrimage point for wine lovers.

In Bern’s universe, everyone is welcome. Entrées come with a soup and salad. Meals are best ended with something sweet from your own private booth in a second-story dessert lounge. The piano player takes requests. And anyone can afford to drink their preferred wine, whether it’s a $3.50 supermarket pour or one of the rarest bottles in the world.

“We believe that every guest that comes to Bern’s is a special guest,” Frank Russo, dining room manager, says. “We want everyone to experience the ultimate in fine dining.”

And they will. The wines, steaks, and service at Bern’s have earned the restaurant such accolades as a James Beard Award in 2016, Rachael Ray’s best restaurant in America in 2009, and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 1981. Along with an ornate lobby and bar, there are eight dining rooms, each named for an aspect of Bern’s travels — Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Andre Tchelistcheff — with wall-to-wall photographs to prove them. Dinner reservations include an optional tour of the kitchen and wine cellar, as well as a trip upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, named for one of Bern’s mentors, where 48 private “rooms” constructed of floor-to-ceiling redwood wine casks await.

The restaurant lives and breathes in its own, singular past, present, and future. It’s utterly bucket list-worthy, yet inured to the Instagram age — its magic surpasses filters and humblebrags, and the lack of natural lighting makes Snapchats a challenge. Closed off to the world, Bern’s makes us sentimental for a man we never knew, a life we never had, and wines no one has tasted.

Photo Credit: https://thegate.boardingarea.com/

Cities of Florida Florida Travel

Why Florida is Unique

When Walt Disney drew plans for the Walt Disney World, he wanted it away from the beaches because the beaches in California are competing for the tourist to Disney land. With a Florida time share, you can have both the appeal of the beaches for the water sports lover and the enthusiasm of the young at heart.

You are only a short drive away from the famous beaches of Florida and the most favored vacation destination anywhere on Earth, the Walt Disney World.

One thing that is a common experience of time share owners is the opportunity bit gives for families to bond together during vacations. On vacations, memories are made and times lost with the family are regained. A Florida time share opens up a variety of vacation options. You are only a short drive away from the famous beaches of Florida and the most favored vacation destination anywhere on Earth, the Walt Disney World.

If you are a huge fan of white sandy beaches, beautiful people and crystal blue waters, visit Southeast and Northeast Florida. Many beaches here are rated on the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. A Florida time share gets you near these locations where you can experience water activities like surfing, fishing, scuba diving, boating or just lazing it out in the sun. You can also visit the Florida Keys, which is a short trip from Miami. Visiting the keys is a unique experience whether by land or by plane.

If you are a huge fan of white sandy beaches, beautiful people and crystal blue waters, visit Southeast and Northeast Florida.

On the other hand, mention a vacation that includes trips to the Walt Disney World to the little ones and be prepared to see eyes light up, squeals of excitement and the constant check of the calendar as the countdown to the day when you will take your vacation begins. Even if you use your Florida time share year after year, the reactions will remain the same. The fun at preparation, the seemingly short days during the vacation and the memories that will endure long after the vacation is over. Find your self being caught up in the experiences of the last vacation and preparing for the next.

Florida time share resales are attractive to many vacationers in the world because of its attractions not to mention the mild climate, the majestic sunsets and the vibrant culture. The nearby Walt Disney World alone attracts 40 million visitors every year.

Many Florida time share holders seldom have their weeks unused. Those who do can always have an excellent exchange because a Florida time share is investing in a prime vacation destination.

Cities of Florida Restaurants Tampa Travel

The Steak Expert

Morton’s The Steakhouse offers some of the best Western cuisine, serving a tantalizing collection of dishes that are suitable for families and friends. From Steaks to Seafood its extensive menu is reflective of the restaurant’s efforts to cater to every palate.

The classic name in steaks, Morton’s Steakhouse Singapore has over 10 years of establishment locally. It’s international fame as an American steakhouse is even more renown. I think it’s every steak lover’s dream to finally have a taste of Morton’s, and I really count my blessings to give it a go at their quality steaks. And trust me, I’m a big steak aficionado.

With a prestigious downtown location in Phillips Point, Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach is a popular destination or a plate of Bar Bites and a glass of wine in Bar 12-21 during Power Hour or for a relaxing dinner after a busy day. Power Hour is offered seven days a week in its Bar 12-21 from 5 to close with special pricing on select beverages and $6 Bar Bites. Every detail, from the succulent steaks and seafood and vast wine selections to the seamless service, makes Morton’s the classic dining experience.

I’ve been dining at Morton’s The Steakhouse for over 30 years. In that time, I can honestly say that I have never had a bad meal at any of their locations. Known for their top-notch steaks and the impressive service, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place for a company dinner, birthday or anniversary celebration.

Morton’s promise is to serve huge macho, hearty dishes with pleasant service. Prices are steep, but there is no way you will leave hungry. Business gets quite busy especially during nights, but their amiable servers seem well-trained enough to handle it. Many of the staff at Morton’s have worked for years and are very experienced, hospitable people.

Yes, I know that Morton’s is a chain, but let’s face it – it’s a damn good restaurant and I’d put their filet up against anybody’s in town. They treat you like royalty and have a superior dining experience.

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

Restaurants Tampa Travel

Comfort Food with a Twist

Since the opening of Datz on January 28, 2009, owners Roger and Suzanne Perry have sparked invention and reinvention in Tampa’s food scene. They have evolved Datndon and Matthew proud. It’s a craft beer oasis, a bourbon lover’s paradise, a food ie wonderland filled with bacon, cheese, and house-made breads.

Their two-level Datz restaurant conveys a sense of comfort as soon as you pass through its doors. With a bar on each floor, there’s plenty of room to try the house-made cocktails. At the retail store you can buy pastries, chocolates, local honey and jams, and also choose from a large selection of American craft boutique spirits.

When it comes to the menu, the Perrys, along with their chef, have created comfort food dishes that are made with as many locally sourced products as possible. Peruse the offerings, which are presented in the form of a newspaper, and order the eggs barbacoa (pulled pork with cilantro and Monterey jack cheese over corn tortillas) or the red velvet tower made of four fluffy red velvet pancakes for breakfast.

Burgers are available as are flatbreads and a margherita pizza. If you are a fan of chicken-waffle, order the “Waffles n’ Tweet” made with boneless fried chicken and served with cheddar cheese waffles and jalapeño-maple syrup. If you haven’t tried it, this version is a good introduction.

wo must-haves are the Creole shrimps and grits and the pastrami pork belly on a bed of delicious homemade sauerkraut. Artisan cheeses are available before you move on to the peppercorn cheesecake or the Vosges macarons and chocolates. Accompany your meal with American wines — you can catch a peek of the wine cellar upstairs — or craft beers. If Datz is what we call a “neighborhood restaurant,” it should be more than that, as this is a dining destination for all of the Bay and out-of-towners, too.

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

Cities of Florida Restaurants Tampa Travel

Beer Drinker`s Paradise in Tampa

Mr. Dunderbaks is a quaint German restaurant/beer bistro located in University Mall off Fowler Ave. in North Tampa. Originally part of a small chain of establishments prevalent in malls throughout the southeast, this location is now independently owned and operated. The current owner is well versed in entertaining beer enthusiasts and has done an excellent job of stocking a nice selection of brews to accompany a menu of German food, sandwiches, and a small deli.

The draft menu features about a dozen taps, and no domestic swill is to be found. Most are German standards such as Hacker-Pschorr and Spaten, some are more unusual like Kostritzer or Reissdorf Kolsch, and at least one Belgian is usually on tap as well. Additionally, right now and for the last year or so this place has featured Einbecker bock beer on draft either the maibock or traditional ur-bock dunkel. Both are outstanding brews, and I believe this is the only place in Florida that has them on tap. In addition to the drafts they also feature a large selection of bottled beer with the emphasis again on German and Belgian selections.

Decor aside, a place is only as good as its food, and what Mr. Dunderbak’s had turned out to be pretty good. There is also a deli inside, so you can bring home authentic dishes as well. I highly recommend the landjaeger! The tap list is also quite extensive and changes frequently. There’s always a ton of different taps to choose from! They also have a good variety of bottles. The coffee bar is a little deeper in the restaurant, the grill is at the front, and they have a nice slate of sausage offerings.

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

Attractions Cities of Florida

Bonita Spring Florida

There is a place that the sun usually always shines and the ocean water remains blue. Where the beaches offer up beautiful shells with the ebb and flow of each wave and the sun rises and sets in spectacular colors. It is a place that remains tropical year long and the fishing and golfing possibilities never ends. It a wonderful spot that history has preserved and economic growth has blessed. It is the quaint town of Bonita Springs.

Bonita Springs is located northwest of Miami, Florida and is between Fort Myers and Naples on the Gulf of Mexico. History’s popular story of Juan Ponce de León places him close to Bonita in 1513 searching for the fountain of youth. Although the tale is a mystic metaphor, one visit to this resort-like town can truly restore the spirit and reenergize the soul.

The 33 square miles of Bonita Springs offers an amazing amount of recreational diversity. The average annual temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit allowing most outdoor activities to take place through the year. Often referred to as “The Gateway to the Gulf” the beaches of Bonita Springs are unsurpassed in beauty. Heading west until the water Lovers Key State Recreational Area awaits with white sand, mangroves and natural wildlife.

For the outdoors enthusiasts there are many different activities to enjoy. The natural mangroves settings of the Imperial River are not only perfect for snook and trout fishing but also the kayaking and canoeing is superb on the quite river. Local charter captains offer offshore fishing excursions as well as full and half days trips on the near by waterways as well. Bonita Springs and the surrounding area are home to public and private golf courses built by top designers such as Gordon G. Lewis and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Many of these must play courses as located on the grounds of newly designed golf clubs and housing communities.

Bonita is not only rich in natural charm and the perfect spot for vacation; it also is an ideal place to relocate. Diverse in culture and population, Bonita has its share of museums and malls as well as outdoor activities. Residents enjoy homes ranging from extravagant to family affordable with a multitude of housing alternatives. Located off I-75 and close to the newly constructed Southwest Florida International Airport, Bonita fits into most business and travel lifestyles.