The (Many) Gems of Downtown Lakeland, Florida
Maybe it’s me, but I believe that the true heart and/or essence of any town and city can be found within its downtown. And this is certainly true for Lakeland, Fla.
Located in Polk County in central Florida, less than an hour from both Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland is the perfect destination to be close to it all, yet far away enough to relax. But don’t spend too much time relaxing, because you might miss out on exploring the many gems of downtown Lakeland.
Where ever you day and/or itinerary...
January 6th, 2010 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 6Filed under: Central Florida region, Things to do in Florida, Things to See in Florida, top-feature
Gotta Do This… Tour Replicas of the Nina and the Pinta in Pensacola, Florida
If you happen to be near Pensacola, Fla., through early morning January 4, you might just want to make a stop by Palafox Harbor.
Scratch that - you need to stop by Palafox Harbor.
Why?
It’s here that you can take a self-guided tour of Columbus’ Nina and Pinta replicas, courtesy of the Columbus Foundation. Both ships travel around the Western Hemisphere as type of sailing museums. Pensacola is their last stop for the year.
The Nina is said to be the most historically correct Columbus replica...
December 23rd, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Events, featuredarticle, Gotta Do This, Things to See in Florida
12 Days of Christmas: Sweet Southern Gingerbread Houses
What do you get when you combine the following ingredients: – 1,200 pounds of flour – 900 pounds of sugar – 3,000 eggs – 435 egg white – 300 pounds of shortening – 15 gallons of milk – 14 pounds of special holidays spices and 300 hours of labor? A 17-foot wide, 12-foot high pirate ship known as the S.S. Ginger Amelia. Currently docked at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (Fla., map) until December 28, the creation was a perfect choice to represent...
December 15th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Holiday events, holidays, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in the South
Meandering Down U.S. 19/Magnolia Highway in Georgia and Florida
“Sometimes I get bored riding on the interstate,” says Melanie Grace, executive director, Americus-Sumter County Tourism Council.
How many times have you said the exact say thing when traveling down what seems to be a never-ending road?
Sometimes it’s good to detour off the main road, like the I-75 South stretch from Georgia to Florida and take U.S. 19/Magnolia Highway.
Whether you begin your journey in Griffin, Ga., or Americus, Ga., (U.S. 19 ends on Tampa’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge ) you...
November 16th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Attractions, Hidden Gems, highway, off-the-beaten-path, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, top-feature
Discovering (and Enjoying) Jacksonville, Florida
“People are still discovering Jacksonville,” comment Jennifer Bryant, communications manager at Visit Jacksonville. “They aren’t sure what the destination has to offer, but once they visit, they come back time and time again.”
Even with its size, Jacksonville just may be one of Florida’s “hidden” destinations. Oh sure, people might know about the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Landing, but there’s much more to this city.
“Jacksonville is a diverse Florida destination,” says Bryant....
November 9th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 4Filed under: cities in the South, featuredarticle, Florida destinations, Things to See in Florida
“Fall” for Travel Deals and Packages in the South
The promise of cooler (okay, milder) weather in the South brings numerous travel deals and packages, encouraging you to get out and explore.
Here’s a sampling of what’s available around the region.
InterContinental Tampa (Fla.) is offering a “Tampa Terrors” package available October 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31. The package includes a one night stay, two tickets to Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream event, as well as other “treats.”
Celebrate Thanksgiving this year at The Chesterfield...
September 20th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accomodation, deals, packages, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Alabama, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Virginia
Gotta Do This: Orlando Magical Dining Month
With all of the places that come to mind when you think or talk about culinary destinations, I bet Orlando, Fla., isn’t one of them. Oh sure, Orlando is the first place that you think of when it comes top-notch attractions, but when asked about restaurants in the city, you really aren’t sure.
“Orlando is like the Rodney Dangerfield of dining destinations, it deserves more respect for its growing culinary scene,” comments Susan Greer, associate vice president of publicity, Orlando/Orange...
August 26th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Gotta Do This, Restaurants & Bars, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida
Deals and Packages the Make You Want to Get Out and Go in the South
Got a free weekend coming and no plans as of yet? Bet that will change after you take a look at some of these deals.
Through October 31, sixteen properties along Florida’s Gulf island (Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, along with the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch) is offering anywhere from the 3rd night free to the 7th night free. A qualifying paid stay is required, and some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. (You can learn more about dining the area here and here.)
Amelia...
August 20th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: deals, Get Out, packages, saving money, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Texas, vacation, Weekend Trip
100 Days of Summer: Scallop Hunting
Captain Jim Henley with Saltwater Fish’n in Steinhatchee, Fla., calls scallop hunting an “underwater Easter egg hunt.”
“You can reach down to pick them up and put them in your bag.”
Taking people out on the boat in two to three feet of water (“crystal clear,” Henley remarks), the adventure is typically four hours, but he says that “it’s your day, so I’ll do what you want to do. We just have a good time.”
Not only are scallops easy to find, but also other sea life.
“You can...
August 18th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 3Filed under: eco-tourism, Get Out, Get Outdoors, Gotta Do This, seafood, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida
Deals and Packages to Get You Out and Traveling in the South
If you need to get away from it all for at least a weekend and don’t want to spend a lot of money in the process, you’re in luck. All over the South, there are deals and packages waiting for you.
Now, you just need to decide when and where you want to go.
Here are some suggestions…
Thinking about a trip to Dallas, Texas? Consider staying at the Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa. Featuring a variety of packages including a Dallas Deluxe package, and a Bed & Breakfast package.
And speaking of...
August 15th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accomodation, packages, saving money, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in Virginia, vacation, Weekend Trip
Gotta Do This… Celebrate Punta Gorda, Florida – Five Years Later
Do you remember where you were when Hurricane Charley hit Florida in 2004?
I can.
I was in a hotel in Orlando. Since I couldn’t leave, I basically watched as the storm approach. I distinctly remember looking out the window as the rain increased and watched in amazement as the strong winds caused the smaller trees to bend down and touch the ground.
Now, I was lucky. Where I was staying didn’t experience any damage, just down limbs and other tree debris. Other places weren’t so lucky. Especially...
August 13th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: celebration, Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Gotta Do This, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida
It’s Happening in the South: Happy 450th Pensacola, Florida
Certain birthday milestones deserve grand celebrations, especially when said milestone is 450.
Birthday candles, flickr, creative commons by DavidInc
Pensacola, Fla.’s 450 day celebration culminates on Saturday, August 15 with the world’s largest birthday card and a piece of birthday cake for everyone.
“The party is free and open to the public,” says Ashley Chisholm, account manager at EW Bullock Associates. “It’s a family-friendly huge birthday bash.”
The celebration kicks off...
August 12th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: celebration, Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Florida Panhandle, It's Happening in the South, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida
News and Happenings from Around the Region
News
Congratulations to the five Mississippi casino golf courses recognized as the “Best in Kind” by Southern Gaming Destinations magazine. The five include Dancing Rabbit Golf Club’s Azaleas and Oak Courses (ranked no. 1) at Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia, Fallen Oak Golf Club (ranked no. 2) at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Grand Bear Golf Course (ranked no. 3) at Harrah’s Grand Casino in Biloxi, The Preserve Golf Club (ranked no. 5) at Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi and...
August 9th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Attractions, golf, national parks, News and Happenings, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Mississippi, Things to See in the South
More Packages and Deals for Travel in the South
If you’re wanting to travel, you’re in luck, because the deals are aplenty in the South.
Here’s a quick look at a few.
If you’re like me, you don’t want summer to end. And neither does Homewood Suites. Their Endless Summer Weekend rates are good through September 7. Here’s the deal, book three consecutive weekend nights (Thursday – Saturday, or Friday – Sunday) at any of the over 265 properties in U.S. and receive 10 percent off the standard weekend rate.
Need to get away as soon...
August 9th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accomodation, saving money, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in the South, vacation
A Creek runs Through it
If you aren’t familiar with the central Florida area, at first glance you might think that Shingle Creek is just a regular waterway.
Think again.
Shingle Creek is more, a lot more, because its the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades. Yes, the Everglades in south Florida.
A part of the Everglade Trail, it may be hard to believe that this small, unpretentious waterway is actually a part of something a lot larger.
The best part is that you can explore Shingle Creek on your own. The newly-opened...
August 3rd, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: eco-tourism, Get Outdoors, nature, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida
Packages and Deals for August Travel (and Beyond) in the South
Looking for some extra incentive to travel in the South? Well, look no further than these deals.
Various Baymont Inn & Suites properties are offering different travel packages. In Greensboro, N.C., you’ll find the “Summer Splash Package” that is good through September 1. There’s also a Georgia Aquarium Adventure package offered through the Atlanta, Ga., property, good through December 30.
It’s all about the family at the Gaylord Hotel properties. Whether you are visiting Gaylord...
August 2nd, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accomodation, deals, saving money, Southern-Byways, Things to See in DC, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Louisiana, Things to See in Maryland, Things to See in North Carolina, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in the South, vacation
Tales from the Road: Eat Where the Locals Eat
While recently on the road, I realized the problem with a four-day trip – there isn’t enough time to eat everywhere that you want to. You know what I’m talking about, those little places that look so interesting while you’re passing through town.
So, it’s importantly that you choose wisely, especially if you know that you might not be back in the area for a while.
One place that intrigued me on my road-trip adventure was Clawdaddy’s in Crystal River, Fla. I had...
July 28th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Restaurants & Bars, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Travelogues
Tales from the Road: They Sell (Many) Seashells by the Road
Anyone can travel the interstates, but a true travel veteran knows the essence of an area is found on the backroads.
Recently my travels had me driving down highway 19 in Florida and it was in the town of Inglis, I discovered this roadside attraction that could only be found in Florida.
The World Shells & Co and Sea Forest Gifts is one of those places that tend to draw you in from the road. Or at least I should say, it drew me in from the road. Perhaps it was the very large crab or the very...
July 27th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Small Towns to Visit, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Travelogues
Discover the Perfect (and Affordable) Getaway in the South
There just might be something to waiting until the last minute to plan a getaway, since this summer the deals tend to favor procrastinators.
Wondering where you can go and what deals you might find?
Consider these…
Oaseas Resorts in Panama City Beach, Fla., wants you to remember your SPF 99 when you plan for the beach. No, this isn’t a reference to suntan lotion, but savings. Yes, the SPF in this instance stands for Sale Protection Factor. And when you use it in August and September, you can...
July 25th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accomodation, saving money, Southern-Byways, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Tennessee, Things to See in Texas, Things to See in the South
Celebrating the Moon Landing 40 Years Later in the South
1969. Perhaps there’s no other year that can compare to it.
It’s the year that gave us President Richard Nixon, the Woodstock Festival, Mason murders, Hurricane Camille, Vietnam War draft lottery and much, much more.
It’s also on July 20, 1969 that Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong did what many thought was impossible – he stepped onto the moon’s surface.
Fast forward to 40 years later, and you can’t help but to get chills and feel a sense of pride when you hear the replay...
July 20th, 2009 | Apryl Chapman Thomas | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Attractions, celebration, Observances, Southern-Byways, space, Space Shuttle, Things to See in DC, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Kentucky, Things to See in Virginia
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