One of the many go to places when you are in Florida is the Universal Resort Orlando. This Universal Studio stands out amongst other others because of it`s Harry Potter Theme Concept. The experience basically gives you a feel of the Harry Potter world and let`s you experience living in one. This starts by taking a ride in the Hogwarts Express, in order to ride the Hogwarts Express, we had to purchase the Park-to-Park ticket that gives you access to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.

You will board the Hogwarts Express through, Hogsmeade Station and when the train pulls up, you’re in awe of this magical locomotive. It seems so real as there is even steam coming out of the smokestack. The staff then directed us into our compartments and we were seated with other guests (up to 6 people in one compartment).

Once the train started moving, we saw images on the digital window of various Harry Potter characters and mythical creatures like centaurs. The whole ride was so entertaining and we loved all the little details they put into this train ride. The ride ends at King’s Cross Station where we walked through an even larger train station and you see boards above with schedules and times. The ambience give`s you a feel of being in the streets of London.

Right off the station is Diagon Alley, if you are a fan of the Harry Potter franchise I would assure you, as soon as you left the King`s Cross Station area you would be flabbergasted of the details and the things you would see at Diagon Alley. From quirky little shops to dragons sitting on top of buildings to wand shops , mystical pet shops , cauldrons; you name almost all of the necessities a new Hogwarts student needs.

It is strongly recommended that you try and join the festivities like practicing your spells with your wand. Although you need to buy the wand (A very good souvenir though) but upon purchasing the wand it comes with a set of instructions and a map where  you can perform the spells and interact with the place. Note: The activity is like a puzzle you need to solve , but don’t worry you will have a lot of “friends” to help you solve them along the way.

Don`t get me wrong Universal Resorts Florida doesn’t feature Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride only this place also features Transformers, Despicable Me, Rip Ride Rockit, and The Simpsons Ride. At Islands of Adventure, there’s Spider-Man, Skull Island and Jurassic Park , and more …

If dropping by Universal Studios Florida isn’t a good reason enough to be in Florida, well I guess dropping by makes it mandatory for all thrill seekers and Harry Potter fanatics out there.

When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I’m planning my wedding, I’m looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I’ve always dreamed of as a little girl.

For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it’s a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It’s also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It’s no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding.

One of the reasons that Florida’s gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise as to Florida’s rise as one of the top wedding destinations!

Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget.

Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it’s said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well.

Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven’t considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we’ll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida’s breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality.

Throughout the gorgeous cities of Pinellas County in Florida you will find tranquil parks that are nature preserves and a place to gather and relax at the end of the day. Many feature fun children’s playgrounds, boat ramps or lakefront settings, and have picnic pavilions for hosting a party or family gathering. Here’s a sampling of our favorites:

Seminole Park in the city of Seminole sits on a gorgeous lake that people enjoy water skiing, or just sitting by the water and having a picnic. It’s a great location for a party and has many trails throughout the park to observe wildlife, walk or rollerblade in a peaceful setting. Also, in the city of Seminole you will find a playground at the Seminole Recreation Center that is covered so you can have shade year round. With equipment that will suit children of many ages, this is a great place to beat the heat in the summer!

Just around the corner in Largo is the Largo Central Park. This Park has a large open space that is perfect for flying a kite, letting a toddler run around, and is often used for hosting city events such as movies, art and food festivals and touch-a-truck events. There is a fenced in playground that has three separate climbing structures, and is handicap accessible. Lastly, they have a train that goes throughout the park and is available the first of every month to the public. You can also reserve it for a private party which is fun for a child’s birthday or company event.

In northern Pinellas County you will find great parks in Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor. Edgewater Park located at the end of Main Street in Dunedin is set next to the marina and can be a fun place to see the sailboats go out for the day. There is a gazebo and large area where festivals and city events are often held. The playground here is shaped like a pirate ship and is fun for kids to slide, swing or run and play.

Philippe Park in Safety Harbor is shaded with large oak trees and is set right on the water. You can host a gathering in one of their pavilions with a waterfront setting, let the children play in the playground and still stay cool in the summer because of the breeze off the water and the shade overhead. In Florida this park is top notch!

Lastly, Anderson Park off US Highway 19 and John Chesnut Sr. Park off East Lake Road in Palm Harbor are both set off of Lake Tarpon and have boat ramps to access this water. You can boat, fish or canoe here year round. The parks have picnic pavilions as well and great children’s playgrounds, baseball fields, and trails for walking your dogs, a quiet bike ride or a morning stroll. John Chesnut Sr. Park also has a large dog park for letting your favorite pet run and play with other animals as well! Make it a day for your entire family!

On the southern end of the county you will find St. Petersburg. A great park in this area is the Bay Pines Veterans Park. Located on the water it is a great location and has everything you could want to make a children’s birthday party, baby shower or company event perfect. There are large running areas for playing games, children’s playgrounds and covered sitting areas to eat and visit with friends.

The parks of Pinellas County are numerous, well cared for, and some of the best places to visit. Take your family on a cool day and hunt for bugs, see animals in their natural surroundings, or just take the family dog out for a stroll. You won’t be disappointed!

Yellowtail snappers are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of all the oceans.

One of the most popular and best eating of the snapper species, the yellowtail snapper ranges as far north as the Treasure Coast but are in their greatest abundance in the Bahamas and the Florida Keys. During days around the full moon, you will probably have excellent catches of the mutton snappers.

Yellowtail snapper is one of the best eating fish in the entire tropical roster of fish only eclipsed by the pricey yellowfin tuna steaks. The small size of the fish adds only to its succulent taste.

Typical catches of yellowtail range from the 10-12 lb size. This fish is so versatile that it can be cooked in any number of ways with any number of sauces & still come out superbly delicious.

Yellowtails are characterized by its yellow mid body stripe that extends into its yellow tail, the sleek and abundant yellowtail snapper swims in loose groups well off the bottom. There is a 12-inch minimum size limit and 10 snapper aggregate bag limit. June will be a good time, weather permitting, for night offshore fishing for mangrove, lane and yellowtail snapper.

Bait for Yellowtail Snappers – Weighted live bait will produce grouper & mutton snapper sometimes following in the chum slick. Depending on the time of year you might also catch Kingfish and Cero Mackerel. Use Live Ballyhoo whenever possible.

When yellowtails pull drag on 20 pound spin tackle, you know you have a good yellowtail on. Cut pieces of squid, small pilchards and even live shrimp are productive baits for yellowtail snapper. Sardines, silverside and glass minnows will also work well.

You’ll also need frozen chum to put in bags to chum up the water behind the boat. Chum up the water heavy at first. When you start to get a good bite of yellowtail, ease off on the chum so that they will feed on the bait of your hook.

Sandball for Yellowtails & Flat Lining – Filet your ballyhoo & squid & then cut them into strips. Then mix your chum & sand for sandballs – 60% sand & 40% chum. Make sure your chum is oily. Always add the chum to the sand. Mix chum until there are no dry areas. Mixing some oats into the sand/chum will help you catch more yellowtail.

Put the hooked ballyhoo bait into the middle of a sandball. Wrap your line around the sandball & then throw your bait out into the chum slick. Let the line feed out as the current goes until you feel the fish strike the line & pull on your bait.

Fishing Tackle – Use the smallest hooks, 1/0 or smaller, you can find & small conventional reels. Shimano 10 lb spinners for fighting those yellowtail, so everyone gets to enjoy the challenge. We also recommend bright colored jigs to attract the fish.

12- 15 lb test is the best for these fish. Use a pink line so that the fish cannot see the line in the water. A #4 hook up to a 1/0 and a 1/8 oz weight will be best on your rig for flat lining or sandballing.

Finding Yellowtail – Look for a sharp drop off on the edge of the reef. This is where you will find small stacks of fish & plenty of bottom life to support the bait fish. Your Loran or GPS will tell you where the best drop offs are.

When you imagine hiking trips, you think of the Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. There are many unknown destinations that give you a different and sometimes better experience than you ever imagined. Florida has many different kinds of terrain to offer to hikers of all accomplishments. It does not take a mountain trail to create a great a great trip. Florida has a tropical edge that is not recreated anywhere else in the US.

Florida has an excellent trail system that runs the whole length of the state. South Florida boasts and area called Big Cyprus that has been made famous by local photographer Clyde Butcher. The South Florida Everglades offer a complex system of lakes and marshes that offer all kinds of different experiences. Hike alongside lakes with beautiful palmetto and pine trees. You can even take an excursion on an airboat that skims along the water powered by an engine with an airplane propeller.

photo credit: active.com

You can head north via trails that head on the east and west coasts of the state. The west coast features warm, lush forests and sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Along the east coast you will find huge beaches and cooler climates that are fed by the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to see the environment change drastically as you hit the middle of the state. Pine trees start to mingle with oaks and maples. There is also the start of some elevation changes as you move inland.

Reaching Northern Florida brings you to a fork where you will need to decide if you would like to go east or west. This is a larger decision than near the beginning in South Florida because as you work North from that point the east and west trail meet a couple times. Up here, the eastern route will lead you to Jacksonville and north where there are beautiful islands to explore along the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking east will bring you along the panhandle of Florida towards Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida also has a very diverse ecosystem where you may see alligators in South Florida and then see deer in central and North Florida. There is also nothing like camping on a desolate beach and waking up to the surf in the morning. Florida is truly a fantastically unique hiking experience.