Posts Tagged ‘Florida’

The Many Faces of Florida

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida benefits from almost all year round fair weather which adds even more possibilities to the already extensive list of things to do during your trip. Whether you want to take in the manmade attractions or natural sights, Florida has plenty of options that fit the bill.

Florida, like any other American state, covers quite a lot of ground so it makes sense to do a little research before your trip, so you can decide where you want to visit when you arrive there.

Starting at the top, northwest Florida stretches from the historic city of Pensacola to Apalachicola on the east. Miles of undeveloped natural beaches, quiet fishing villages and quaint historic districts make you feel like you’ve stumbled across a well kept part of the state.

Panama City Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and is a popular tourist location. With an annual average of 320 days sunshine this is the perfect spot to make the most of the great outdoors. The North Central Region consists of 16 counties extending from Gadsden and Wakulla in the west to Alachua in the east. You will also find Florida’s capital city Tallahassee here.

Northeast Florida, known as the First Coast, has America’s oldest European settlement. Atlantic beaches and inland rural communities offer endless opportunities for adventure in this area.

Central Florida boasts the world’s largest sand pine forest, as well the poplar spot of Orlando where you can climb aboard a rollercoaster and get your adrenaline pumping. Modern man-made attractions and centuries-old natural beauty come together to create a diverse part of the country. The central west area includes the southern part of the Nature Coast and also the popular tourist destinations of Tampa, St Petersburg, Clearwater and Sarasota. The space coast is found in the central east region.

Southwest Florida is famous for unspoiled white sandy beaches, exotic wildlife and lush subtropical foliage. Comprising of the Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties this is Old Florida at its best. Catch a glimpse of an alligator in the Everglades which is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States or hop across to the Ten Thousand Islands that lie in appealing azure waters.

In contrast, southeast Florida has the chic elegance of Palm Beach and the lively atmosphere of Miami Beach. What’s more, a thriving nightlife and diverse population make Miami the world-famous holiday destination that it is.

With there being so many diverse parts to visit, it can prove worthwhile to plan your trip before taking your flights to Florida. That way, you can be sure you will end up spending your time in the part of Florida that most suitably meets your needs.

Florida: Manatees, Dolphins and Gators, Oh My!

Looking for things to do in Florida? Having visited and lived in Florida I can tell you that there are an amazing number of manmade attractions and natural wonders in the Sunshine State.

Pensacola:  In the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola offers a number of great natural water sports; swimming, sailing and fishing just to name a few. Sam’s Fun City is a great place to take the kids for water fun, arcade games, indoor rides and laser tag.

Miami:  While in Miami, get away from the beach and shopping for a few hours of enjoying the lush botanicals at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Ft. Lauderdale: Located just north of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale is a great place to sightsee and watch the rich and famous by taking a Carrie B cruise of their yachts and homes. Get up close with nature on an exciting airboat ride at the Everglades Holiday Park.

Florida State Parks are located all around the State. When I visited last year, I was fascinated by the Blue Spring State Park with its large, clear spring, although I was disappointed to be there at the wrong time to see the protected manatees.

Navarre Beach: In the Panhandle, Navarre Beach draws visitors to its pristine beaches that are not as crowded as some of the other beaches on the Gulf Coast.

Florida Keys:  When you get to the Florida Keys make sure you take time to check out the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. If you love viewing land and sea wildlife in their natural habitats these are a must.

Orlando: Everyone knows the most famous of Orlando’s family and kid-friendly attractions: Disney World, Universal Studios and Epcot Center.  However, take one night to visit the adults-only Pleasure Island for dining, dancing and live music.

Cocoa Beach: Cocoa Beach, Florida features the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands Dolphin & Manatee Tour, the Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Clearwater Beach: To find some great seashells, the beach at Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida is the perfect place to go shelling. But head out early or the local shell hunters will beat you to that big conch.

Key Largo: Swimming with dolphins is the dream of many people who feel an affinity for these gentle sea creatures. My sister visited Key Largo last year and was thrilled to get up close and personal with dolphins; a dream fulfilled.

Why Buy Florida Timeshare Resales?

If you are thinking of buying a Florida timeshare, you may want to consider the benefits of purchasing a timeshare resale.  Why buy a Florida timeshare resale?  The biggest reason is the prices are significantly lower than what one pays when they buy from the developer.  In many cases when you purchase a timeshare resale unit it has the same benefits as when purchased from the developer. However, if you purchase from a developer it is often a high pressure situation where you are asked to make a buying decision in a very short period of time.  Just as in all real estate transactions, you must do your research, consider all the facts and take the time to consider the pluses and minuses of your timeshare purchase.

Reasons why people sell their timeshares? Timeshares are a way for people to vacation with their family. When the children have grown and moved away from home, very often many people experience a change in their vacation lifestyles. Health is another reason people sell, in addition to divorce, age and sometimes their financial situation changes.  There are a variety of great destination areas to vacation in Florida; Orlando, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Daytona Beach, Naples, Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island to name just a few.  These areas have great attractions for people of all ages.  Many of the name brand resorts have championship golf courses, on site spas and world class restaurants.  A timeshare gives you a resort with endless amenities for you and your family to enjoy.

There are a number of name brand luxury hotels and resorts that have entered into the timeshare business. Following are some of the name brands that have timeshare resorts in Florida: Disney, Starwood, Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. These name brand timeshares offer high quality vacations and timeshare resales will get you great prices.  Timeshare literally gives you and your family the opportunity to travel the world by exchanging into thousands of resorts worldwide through two exchange companies.  Resort Condominiums International has over 4000 resorts and Interval International has over 2500 resorts which opens up a whole new world of exchange possibilities.

If you don’t vacation every year you may want to consider a biennial usage.  This will allow you to vacation every other year.  Remember, timeshare is not a financial investment.  It is a way for you to vacation with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime!

RV campgrounds in Florida

Florida is famous for its beaches. Either it is Sarasota or the Miami, you should definitely keep in mind that the beaches out here are simply great. These are definitely some of the best places which you will ever get a chance to visit in your life time. As far as the RV campgrounds are concerned I must tell you that you will find it quite in large number in Florida. I am going to list some of the best RV campgrounds out here in Florida. And if you are interested in the same then this article is for you.

The lists of RV campgrounds are as follows:

1. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
The address of this resort is P.O. Box 1000 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 Orange County
You will just have to visit this campground and believe me that you will fall in love with it. The telephone numbers are as follows:

Tel. 407/WDISNEY
Phone: (407) 934-7639
Bike Barn 407-824-2742
You can call at any of the above number to know the exact details     of this RV campground. All the hookups are provided in this park. You will also enjoy the beaches as well as nice food in some of the best hotels out here in this campground.

2. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
This is yet another RV campground and believe me that it is one of the best out here. The address of this RV Park is:
3076 95th Dr, Hwy 129 N
Live Oak, Florida, 32060.
As far as the amenities are concerned I feel glad to inform you that there are about 1000 sites as well as tent sites out here in this park. You will also enjoy the Pull-through Full Hookup & Water as well as electricity. The average length of this site is about 40 feet and you will also enjoy the 30/50 AMP services.

3. KOA FT. MYERS/PINE ISLAND
These are yet another RV park out here in Florida and believe me that it will definitely come out to your expectation. The address of these campgrounds is as follows:
5120 String fellow Rd
St James City, FL 33956

The phone numbers as well as all the other useful numbers are as follows:
Phone Reservations: 1-800-562-8505
Phone: 239-283-2415
Fax: 239-283-2573
Web Site: www.koa.com
Web Site2: pineislandkoa.com
E-Mail: pineislkoa@aol.com

These are some of the campgrounds out here in Florida and I must tell you that they are great for your enjoyment. I have also added the contact numbers and hence you can directly contact the authorities for further detailed descriptions. All you will have to do is set up your campsite and then just come here and enjoy the magic.

Discover Lido Key Florida

Lido Key Florida attracts visitors from all over the world, seeking the sun, the sand and the peace and quiet of a private island paradise.  All agree this is not just a place to visit for a weekend or vacation, but to consider for raising a family, a part time residence, 2nd or 3rd home, or retirement destination.  Whatever the reason, the real estate market in the Sarasota area is prime and in high demand due to its relaxed lifestyle, secluded setting and its overall tropical ambience.

Lido Key Features and Activities Nearby

Ideal Location Museums & Galleries Fine Dining Boutique Shopping Golf & Tennis Prestigious Homes & Condos Perfect Weather Grand Views Outdoor Activities & Water Sports Warm/Soft Beaches

Lido Key real estate is strictly upper end, whether it’s a single family custom home, an elegant condo in a beautiful modern complex, a luxurious town home, or maybe a sprawling estate style home along the waterfront, or on one of the canals.

Along with the wonderful weather, there are beautiful soft sand beaches with miles and miles of beautiful vistas overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, drawing thousands of tourists and visitors each year; with many deciding to stay and to make this their permanent home.  Almost immediately after stepping foot onto the warm sands, the first thoughts of every new visitor are those thoughts of what it would be like to live here year round, and to raise a family here in the peace, quiet and security of this tropical setting. With an average day time temperature of 74-degrees F, combined with soft tropical gulf breezes that help to moderate the temperature and humidity, what more could you ask for in the way of perfect weather? 
This is care free island resort living at its finest and just minutes from downtown Sarasota.  Its part time and full time residents are warm and welcoming and take ‘pride of ownership’ of the island, the lifestyle, and their own real estate investments. 

There are 3 beach options here that have public access.  There is North Lido Park with a wonderful and pristine stretch of soft sand blending both beauty and privacy.  Lido Key Public Beach is located toward the middle part of this island paradise and boasts of ample parking, many concessions and thousands of feet of soft, warm sand.  At the southern tip of the island is South Lido Park with over 100 acres of picnic areas and beaches, lushly landscaped with Australian Pines. All of the amenities needed for care free living connected to the mainland by the John Ringling Causeway and all in proximity to St. Armands Circle. There is an endless and overwhelming variety of outdoor activities available on the island and in the surrounding areas.  In addition to the beautiful beaches, there are sporting activities and facilities for boating, fishing, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, volleyball, picnics and so much more.  All of this and a variety of boutiques shops, unique restaurants, gift shops and the ambiance of nearby St. Armands Circle, providing an unforgettable experience. 

As many visitors soon find out; there is strong demand for vacation real estate here in the Sarasota area, especially real estate investments like the ‘Lido Key Condominiums’.  With beautiful views and close proximity to an endless selection of boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, fine dining restaurants and other types of shopping options, many visitors are purchasing these condos on Lido Key as an investment, to live here permanently or for vacation time, or as a rental unit when not in use by the owner.  Another great feature is being able to pick up and leave on a moments notice by just locking the front door. There is little upkeep as all exterior maintenance is included in the monthly fees.  There is very strong demand for beachfront vacation rentals and these rentals command top dollars during Sarasota’s ‘Season’ which runs from January to May.  Combine a real estate market with great investment opportunities, ideal weather, soft and warm sands with gentle gulf breezes, a perfect location that’s close to everything and endless outdoor activities,  what do you have?   It’s called Lido Key Florida, the perfect place to visit, to raise a family or retire and enjoy the unbelievable lifestyle that only this island paradise can offer.

Subtropical Sanctuary of the Sunshine State: Florida Travel Information

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic seaboard, travel to Florida is the ultimate adventure and getaway for spring breakers, singles, couples, and the entire family alike. The Sunshine State is packed with amusement park extravaganzas, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, and cruise ship island escapades. Don’t miss your chance to escape to one of the most dynamic vacation destinations in the USA.

Florida is also rife with pertinent heritage before becoming the 27th state of the Union. Florida’s history dates back thousands of years, prior to any European settlements in the region. By the time the first European explorer landed in Florida, the Native American population was thriving, including the Seminole and Apalachee tribes. The region changed hands from Spain to Britain, back to Spain then finally to the United States in 1845. Several war-torn forts and battlefields from the Civil War era and earlier can be found throughout the peninsula and panhandle, including Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in the Southwest District and Castillo de San Marcos (Fort Marion), a National Monument.

Disney, Deco, and Diving in Florida

Once you find your airfare to Florida, you’ll be ready to explore the extensive amusements the state has to offer. Disney World, near Orlando, is one of the most popular destinations and is a short drive away from Canaveral National Seashore, home of the Kennedy Space Center and periodic shuttle launches. On the Atlantic shore, Miami boasts hundreds of historic Art-Deco buildings and hotels along the famous avenues of South Beach. Just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is the place to catch a cruise or flight into the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys.

Popular leisure activities in Florida include SCUBA diving, snorkeling, yachting, horseback riding and exploring the National Parks. Everglades National Park is a stunning 1.5 million acre expanse of green wetlands, hundreds of endangered or rare species like the American crocodile and the Florida Panther, bird and flamingo sanctuaries, and numerous boat and land tours.

Dry Tortugas National Park is also a must see, made up of a cluster of islands west of the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is teeming with exotic wildlife, both above and below water, and fantastic legends of pirates, gold and a history of military development. Grab your oxygen tank and your airfare to Florida for some of the most spectacular underwater photography opportunities the world has to offer.

The Finer Side of Florida

Many travelers make their pilgrimage to Florida to experience fine seaside dining in the major cities like Miami and luxury communities like Jupiter Island. Hotels and full-service resorts are generously scattered throughout the coastal regions, Orlando and the Keys, and bayside mansions attracts their own class of renters and sightseers alike.

Ideas for Your Vacation to Florida

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic seaboard, travel to Florida is the ultimate adventure and getaway for spring breakers, singles, couples, and the entire family alike. The Sunshine State is packed with amusement park extravaganzas, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, and cruise ship island escapades. Don’t miss your chance to escape to one of the most dynamic vacation destinations in the USA.

Florida is also rife with pertinent heritage before becoming the 27th state of the Union. Florida’s history dates back thousands of years, prior to any European settlements in the region. By the time the first European explorer landed in Florida, the Native American population was thriving, including the Seminole and Apalachee tribes. The region changed hands from Spain to Britain, back to Spain then finally to the United States in 1845. Several war-torn forts and battlefields from the Civil War era and earlier can be found throughout the peninsula and panhandle, including Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in the Southwest District and Castillo de San Marcos (Fort Marion), a National Monument.

Disney, Deco, and Diving in Florida

Once you find your airfare to Florida, you’ll be ready to explore the extensive amusements the state has to offer. Disney World, near Orlando, is one of the most popular destinations and is a short drive away from Canaveral National Seashore, home of the Kennedy Space Center and periodic shuttle launches. On the Atlantic shore, Miami boasts hundreds of historic Art-Deco buildings and hotels along the famous avenues of South Beach. Just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is the place to catch a cruise or flight into the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys.

Popular leisure activities in Florida include SCUBA diving, snorkeling, yachting, horseback riding and exploring the National Parks. Everglades National Park is a stunning 1.5 million acre expanse of green wetlands, hundreds of endangered or rare species like the American crocodile and the Florida Panther, bird and flamingo sanctuaries, and numerous boat and land tours.

Dry Tortugas National Park is also a must see, made up of a cluster of islands west of the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is teeming with exotic wildlife, both above and below water, and fantastic legends of pirates, gold and a history of military development. Grab your oxygen tank and your airfare to Florida for some of the most spectacular underwater photography opportunities the world has to offer.

The Finer Side of Florida

Many travelers make their pilgrimage to Florida to experience fine seaside dining in the major cities like Miami and luxury communities like Jupiter Island. Hotels and full-service resorts are generously scattered throughout the coastal regions, Orlando and the Keys, and bayside mansions attracts their own class of renters and sightseers alike.