Florida Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Florida Rental By Owners – A Better Vacation Experience

Paula — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 13:41:33 +0000

This post is sponsored, which means I received compensation. This time of year I start dreaming up all sorts of ways to get away and travel. Might not be any big shock to all of you that my wanderlust is strong. Like a lot of Canadians, I enjoy planning trips to southern states and Florida is always near the top of that list. Whether you drive or fly it’s typically good value for your family vacation dollar. For a couple of years now I have been plotting a trip to the Keys. It’s never quite worked out, except for the one port stop in Key West last year at this time while on a family cruise. But this week I started searching out creative options for stays in the Florida Keys. That’s how I found Florida Rental by Owners. Florida Rental by Owners (FLARBO) is a better way to book your vacation lodging when traveling to the Sunshine State. I’ve been to Florida so many times I have actually lost count on the number of visits. Aside from the theme parks – which are so much fun – there’s just so much to see and do in the state. From St. Pete’s Beach to Clearwater, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, St. Augustine, and the Everglades, Florida offers a wide variety of things to see and do for any style of vacation. It’s no wonder snowbirds love the state so much. When we travel, I always hunt for the best value for my family. Florida Rental by Owners makes a lot of sense for many reasons and can save you money. If you’re traveling to Florida this year, check out the options under budget friendly and even last minute deals on the site. Florida Rental by Owners could be the ticket to make your stay even more enjoyable. How Florida Rental by Owners Makes Travel Better When you book a home or condo with a travel agent or booking service, you often pay for both your lodging and the service of connecting you to that lodging experience. Many people don’t know that’s happening. That’s because the OTA (Online Travel Agency) hides their fees. Many times you’ll pay an extra $200 or more just to be connected with your rental property. Florida Rental by Owners changes that. Here’s Why Florida Rental by Owners Works Book Direct Convenience #BookDirect Book Direct is the fastest-growing way that travelers book their lodgings. With this method, you no longer pay for hidden booking fees because you are booking directly with the property owner. OTA services won’t even let you communicate via email or a phone call with the property owner until you make a booking reservation. The Convenience with Booking Direct immediately puts you in contact with the property owner so you can easily iron out your travel details now rather than much, much later. All owners that list their homes on FLARBO are verified to ensure they are the actual owner of the property, so you have peace of mind while booking direct. Tip! Make sure you pay the owner with a secure payment platform like Paypal or a credit card processor to protect your vacation investment. Book Direct Pricing When you Book Direct on FLARBO, you are more likely to get the best price on lodging, as well. Don’t let big travel website commercials fool you. They don’t have the best prices when you add their traveler booking fees. Book Direct is exactly what it sounds like – a direct line of communication to the property owner. So with Florida Rental by Owners, you deal with a property owner who hasn’t had to pay any sort of fee to an intermediary booking website. Less money for them to cover translates into less money for you to have to pay, especially in the case of last minute bookings. What’s more, if you make an especially good impression on the property owners, you’ll often be offered discounts on your next reservation. After all, good guests mean less maintenance and clean up after the fact. Book Direct Selection Regional booking sites like Florida Rental by Owners are bringing more and more market share to their customers. In fact, they often have more high-end selection than the major booking websites because those resort locales don’t want to pay the high booking commissions. There are also specialty options like boat-friendly, beachfront, large-group, monthly rentals, golf resort homes, villas near theme parks, and more options! Are you planning a cost-effective destination wedding? If so, then think about renting a vacation rental for friends and family to stay or even to host the wedding itself. Some of the options on FLARBO are incredible private resort homes that are incredibly affordable. Travel with Pets? The properties offered on Florida Rental by Owners are simply stunning. Find something perfect for your getaway, while saving money too. Whether you travel with pets, or a large group, this is a solution that works. The name of the game here is saving money. Sometimes people think that means cutting corners or skipping travel. Now more than ever I find travel is accessible and doable. There are a wider variety of options now and frankly that means I might just get to the The Florida Keys yet. Florida Rental by Owners (FLARBO) is Worth Bookmarking No question that a family vacation can be that much sweeter when staying in single-family homes, condos, or town homes. They feel friendly and personal. Plus, there’s more space for a large group where you can split the costs. You can save money booking this way and often have access to a kitchen so obviously that means you can make food in your home away from home. Enjoy the amenities of a FLARBO Florida vacation rental, with access to beaches and even the occasional mini putting green in the backyard. With their direct line to property owners, I can find a beautiful place for myself, and my family, with minimal effort. Give Florida Rental by Owners (FLARBO) a look if you’re heading to Florida and are in search of a vacation rental.

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Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is the Cream of the Crop

Paula — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 10:12:40 +0000

This post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. If you make a purchase via one of the links on this site I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is a sweet spot to stay any time of year. Last October, I took a girls’ trip to the resort with a group of friends, and it was a blast. The gorgeous beach, beautiful surrounds, and spacious accommodations at Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach made for a relaxing getaway that really helped recharge my batteries. In fact we didn’t want to leave. I’m currently trying to figure out how I can get back down there with my family so they can enjoy all the beauty and excitement of the resort like I was able to do. Tradewinds Island Resorts – The Best of St. Pete Beach. Located in Beautiful St. Pete, this resort exudes the Florida vibe. With white sandy beaches, great fresh food, exciting activities, and comfortable spacious rooms, it’s a getaway that offers all the things we love about Florida – beauty, adventure, and relaxation. This 20 acre beachfront playground offers something for everyone. The inviting clean beaches are a beach lover’s paradise. Great dining, quick diners nearby, and pubs are Heaven for the foodie in your family. The adventurous and athletic minded can even fly with a jetpack or learn how to stand-up paddleboard. And they didn’t forget the kiddos. Families with children can take advantage of KONK camps, crafts, and family activities, as well. Activities I knew I needed to get back to Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach with the family when I saw everything it had to offer. Of course, my girlfriends went with relaxation, exploring, and maybe just a few shenanigans in mind, but I quickly found out that it’s also a family paradise, as well. Water Activities Tradewinds is a beach resort, so of course there’s no shortage of water activities. The resort features beach activities for adults and children, as well as sporty outdoor water activities, water slides, and pool activities. Families can enjoy everything from paddleboarding to the water powered JETLEV, Dive-In Movies, and more. Athletic Pursuits The fitness minded will enjoy all the sporty and fitness activities offered by Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach. The resort offers or is in close proximity to golf, tennis, fishing, yoga, water recreation activities, and they even have a top notch fitness center. Kids Activities As a mom of a sensory-sensitive child, I enjoy the fact that the resort is autism-friendly, which allows for a fun vacationing experience for those families who thought it might not be possible. In addition, Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach features educational KONK clubs, a variety of kids activities, as well as Pirate Island. It’s ARRRRRG-citing, matey! Dining and Drinks From beachside dining at Guy’s Gulfside Grill to fine dining at Palm court Italian Grill, there’s something for everyone at the resort. And on the strip in walking distance there are many choices too. Rumfish was one of our favourites. It also features beach bars, grab and go options, and of course, room service. Their dining options are varied, and make it easy for both adults and kids alike to enjoy amazing food and atmosphere. Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is a Getaway Dream Whether you’re going on an adults-only getaway or a family vacation, Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is a must-stay resort. With no end to the activities, and BEACHES, Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is a great place to hang your hat while you explore Florida. We stayed at Tradewinds Island Resorts while in St. Pete’s on our Florida Girlfriend’s Getaway trip and we received flights, meals and admission to some activities. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Top Florida Hotspots Chosen by Canadian Travel Bloggers

Paula — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 14:08:29 +0000

This week I am in Florida again. Just passing through on our way to a cruise. But I am always thrilled to visit Florida, even when it’s a short stay, or a conference. Florida is a dependable travel destination. And there’s always something new and exciting to discover. This year, I thought I’d ask several of my favourite Canadian travel bloggers what their picks are for Top Florida Hotspots in 2018. As a tourist destination, despite the ups and downs of the Canadian dollar, and the political climate, Florida is still a tourist mecca with much to offer. It’s still very popular with Canadians, who are the biggest international market for this state. Oh, we all know the pull of Orlando area amusement parks. But there’s so more to Florida than Mickey Mouse. Here’s what several Canadian travel bloggers have to say and why they chose each of these Florida hotspots. Top Travel Bloggers Favourite Florida Hotspots: Mary Chong of Calculated Traveller: On The Pull of Miami When asked what my favourite destination is in Florida I have to say Miami. There are a million things to do in this vibrant city. You can find culture and community in Little Havana, outdoor art in Wynwood, nightlife and art deco architecture in South Beach, and history at the Wolfonsian and Villa Vizcaya Museum. Miami is also the gateway to the Florida Keys — offering opportunities for all kinds of adventures! We travel to Miami and Florida a few times each year, usually to hop on a cruise ship to the Caribbean. If we aren’t cruising, and are planning on spending time in the city, we always make a trip to spectacular Miami beach to play in the sand and watch the ships sail out into the sunset. 11 Things to do in Miami Florida https://www.calculatedtraveller.com/blog/11-things-to-do-in-miami-florida/ Paula Schuck of Thrifty Mommas Tips Don’t Discount Daytona Beach So much more than a spring break party destination, Daytona Beach is one of my favourite Florida Hotspots and Travel Destinations because of how much there is to do. And the accessibility here is excellent. That makes it a good choice for people of all ages and abilities. The oceanfront beach strip is accessible on foot or by car in many areas. And accessible also by wheelchair in most spots. In fact, this is one thing that jumped out at me almost everywhere we went in Daytona Beach. The accessible signage was clear in many places. That matters to me. It matters to seniors too and sandwich generation parents caring for their Moms and Dads who need help travelling sometimes. If you start the day relaxing on the beach and the weather is gorgeous you might never want to leave. But there’s a lot to see so try to pace yourself. Tammy Mitchell of In R Dream: Magic of Melbourne The one Florida destination that feels like home to our family is Melbourne Beach. The untouched beaches, serenity, tropical feeling you feel when you’re watching your children jump the waves with a boogie board or dig deep into the sand is exactly what I crave when we road trip to Florida from Canada. It’s a quiet beach and not overly crowded like some of the neighboring beaches. Right in front of Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront is where our family has made many memories and will continue to enjoy this beach for many more years to come. Melbourne is very close to many tourist attractions such as Ron Jon’s, Kennedy Space Center and a short drive to Disney World but far enough away you don’t need to feel like a tourist 100% of the time. – Tammy http://inrdream.com/ Kerrie Mendoza of Family Food and Travel Kid Friendly Cape Coral/Fort Myers Every year we head to Cape Coral/Ft Myers for a family vacation. We love travelling to the area for its beautiful beaches. Warm Gulf air and lots of great kid friendly restaurants and attractions. With day trips to Sannibel Island, Ft Myers Beach, Naples or Captiva Island you have some of the best beaches around combined with great shopping too! We recommend visiting The Shell Factory, Sky Zone and have enjoyed searching for seashells and a dolphin cruise. Don’t forget to get a meal at Rum Runners at Cape Harbour and Pinchers Crab Shack. Read more here – > https://familyfoodandtravel.com/2015/03/pinchers-crab-shack-cape-coral-florida.html Sandi Allen – Canadian Blog House Feel The Embrace of St. Pete Beach/Clearwater St. Pete Beach/Clearwater is a destination that will welcome you with open arms and never let you go. And that’s okay – you won’t want to leave! With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, white sand beaches, endless shells for beachcombing, world-class shopping and attractions, fabulous resorts, fun water activities, pristine state parks, and a huge variety of tantalizing restaurant options, St. Pete Beach/Clearwater offers an incredible vacation experience for the whole family. “Feel It” once…and you’ll want to feel it again! https://canadianbloghouse.com/category/florida/ Ann Baccaglia of Kickass Living A Slice of Paradise in Key West A couple years ago I visited Key West and it was a dream come true. Key West is a slice of paradise and I can see why so many people vacation there each year. The food is delicious, and the sunsets are legendary. There is a reason why thousands of people flock to attend the nightly sunset ceremony at Mallory Square. The atmosphere in Key West is friendly and relaxed. Many people ride bicycles or scooters to get around the small town. No one is in a hurry.There are also plenty of stray cats and chickens wandering around. TIp – rent a convertible for the drive from the mainland through the Keys. You will not regret driving along the legendary Seven Mile bridge with the roof down. http://www.kickass-living.com/ http://www.kickass-living.com/10-places-i-want-to-visit-in-the-florida-keys/ Christy Laverty – A Little Brightspot Siesta Key – Best Beach In Florida When it comes to best place to visit in Florida I would have to put Siesta Key top of the list. We visit Siesta Key a few times a year. It is about an hour from Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. The area is home to a beautiful white sand beach. In recent years, Siesta Key Beach was named number on beach in United States. And it deserves the honour! Definitely a must stop destination in Florida! There are great resorts in the area and there is a great variety of restaurants, especially down in Siesta Key Village, which is in walking distance to many of the area resorts and hotels. Christy A Laverty www.ALittleBrightSpot.com http://alittlebrightspot.com/2017/06/24/number-one-beach/ And Last BUT definitely NOT Least EVER Margarita Ibbott of DownshiftingPro A Nod to the Gilded Age in St Augustine The beauty of travel is that you not only go to a new place, you can go back in time. To be able to visit a Colonial city like St. Augustine was thrilling. I love culture and history and the story that a place holds in time. The way a building is morphs from one use to another without losing the essence of the place. That was what it was like to go to the iconic Lightner Museum and Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. The Lightner Museum was once a glorious (and very luxurious) seasonal retreat. The Hotel Alcazar was a playground for wealthy north-easterners. Across the street, in what is now Flagler College, was the competing Hotel Ponce de Leon. These two buildings have found new life and continue to grace the Old City with a rich heritage which charmed me. The architecture is stunning and a nod to the gilded age. I did not see enough of Florida’s Historic coast but I know I will return without a doubt. Read more on DownshiftingPro There are so many beautiful beaches throughout this sunny state, you could spend a lifetime of Canadian winters visiting each one. And you’d still want to return. Many thanks to all the travel writers who contributed a paragraph or two about their favourite Florida hotspots. What are your favourite Florida hotspots and when was the last time you visited?

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium – The Little Aquarium and Animal Rescue Centre With Heart

Paula — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:08:20 +0000

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been on my bucket list forever. When my kids were small we read a series of true stories about animals overcoming adversity. Knut was one we fell hard for and so was Winter’s Tale – How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again. Our kids are both adopted and they’ve had some unique challenges in life. Knut is a polar bear raised by a foster human. My kids get that. As a baby dolphin, Winter lost her tail after getting caught in a crab trap. Rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter had to learn to swim again. That’s a story my youngest related to most. Winter the Dolphin’s Story Winter’s story was first a beautiful children’s book by Craig and Julianna Hatkoff, and then a movie called Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, featuring Harry Connick Junior and Ashley Judd. For years, we’ve tried to make time and stars align to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This past Fall, while in Florida on a girlfriend’s getaway, I spotted the Clearwater Marine Rescue Centre on the itinerary. I couldn’t wait to visit, but at the same time wished my kids weren’t with me. Part of me wondered too is winter still at the Clearwater Beach Aquarium? A Florida Girl’s Getaway Our amazing week in Florida began in St. Pete’s Beach. Our girl’s getaways are always rich in laughter and great food, with a dose of adventure. The girl’s getaway itinerary was St. Petersburg Clearwater area, then on to Jacksonville and finally St. Augustine. So we covered a wide part of the state of Florida. But the aquarium is a place my kids and I have been wanting to tour for ages. So, I resolved to buy some amazing souvenirs for my kids, with the intention of returning so they can see the marine rescue aquarium one day soon as well. The Little Aquarium that Could If you are at all familiar with Dolphin Tale or Dolphin Tale 2, you know the little aquarium featured in the first and second movies is Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Google Clearwater Animal Hospital Winter and you will get a quick introduction to the story. Or better yet go buy the book. At the end of the Dolphin Tale movie the animals’ fates are all in question as the centre is in jeopardy of closing down. In the movie, an anonymous funder saves the day. The true story is way better. Dolphin Tale Movie After the Dolphin Tale movie became a runaway family classic doing well at the box office, visitors swarmed the aquarium. The annual 60,000 visitors at their modest facility in Clearwater swelled to 700,000 visitors. It was very busy the October day we visited. What’s Next? The increase in visitors, plus the proceeds from the movie, meant Clearwater Marine Aquarium could commit to an expansion. Construction takes place over the next two years. Over time, the aquarium hopes to handle more large marine animals and possibly manatees too. In this area of Florida manatee injuries are common. Right now, injured manatees go elsewhere. While Winter is the most famous resident at the rescue and rehab centre, two other dolphins live there now too. Hope was a baby found stranded on the same beach where Winter had been found just five years earlier. Rescuers moved Hope to the aquarium and nursed her back to health. Dolphin Tale 2 is the story of how Hope meets Winter. Nicholas: Found Christmas Eve 2002, badly sunburned and stranded on a beach in Florida with his mother, Nicholas needed wound care. Mom Noelle died from the severe 3rd degree burns. Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins typically remain with their mother for several years learning survival skills. Because Hope and Nicholas didn’t have that chance they cannot return to the ocean and Clearwater Marine Aquarium is their home. We are invested in Winter, Hope and Nicholas. But Winter most of all. We read it when Ainsley struggled as a little person. Get the book! This is the link to the book – I highly recommend it – > http://amzn.to/2hyH5Mt The Other Rescue Animals In addition to these three well-recognized dolphins, a host of other animals recover here. In the aquarium, there is a working operating room which coincidentally is the same space they used in the Dolphin Tale movie. (Fangirl moment) Various turtle X-ray machines and surgical equipment is at the ready always. Take Care for the Turtle’s Sake One sad thing I learned while touring the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is this: there’s a form of the Human Papilloma virus impacting sea turtles for the last few years. Many end up here at the Clearwater Beach Aquarium recovering from surgery to remove painful growths from the FibroPapilloma virus. Luckily, many sea turtles survive, recuperate, thrive and get released, the goal for all rescued marine life. Sad stories: However, a few creatures that can never be released. An otter, kept as someone’s pet, until they couldn’t keep him anymore and a nurse shark that was in someone’s tank until it grew too large, are a couple of residents. The houseboat Chris Christopherson lives on in Dolphin Tale is here docked in the water outside the aquarium. And, if you go, you will definitely recognize many of the locations from the movie itself. LOVED that I remembered many scenes and settings. As I mentioned, we have read Winter’s Tale a zillion times and we still have them in our collection. They are not going anywhere and I will keep them for future grandchildren one day. They are timeless stories of triumph over adversity. Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, are enjoyable family movies about Winter and her rescue. Both of my kids related to this hopeful story. The true story of a dolphin that loses its tail and needs a prosthetic tail is inspiring. Why Winter Resonates with Us My entire family and I are invested in Winter, Hope and Nicholas. But Winter most of all. We used to read Winter’s story when Ainsley struggled as a little person and we were still trying to figure out her disability. This is the link to the book – I highly recommend it – > http://amzn.to/2hyH5Mt The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a bit expensive but it’s totally worth it, because of the work being done here. It’s not an aquarium where dolphins do a show for people. Instead it’s a space where the public interacts with an inspiring group of staff and the animals that reside here. It is a respectful environment where animals are treated as they should be. You will learn something and you might get to see Winter’s progress and her physiotherapy routine while you are here. I have traveled a lot this year but this is a place I NEED to go back to and take the kids with me. Together, Ainsley and I have checked their live video feed over the years to see if we could spy Winter. This aquarium, by the way, often hosts children with special needs and differences. You can order tickets to SEE WINTER at the Aquarium here Now. Family will love it! A Few More Things Clearwater Marine Aquarium and rescue and rehabilitation facility covers an area from Tarpon Springs to the Tampa area. In a cafeteria area, workers prepare all the food specially for the animals. With great attention to detail, some science and a whole lot of love, the animals each receive a unique diet. The Gift Shop and Touch Pool Touch pool is inside near the gift shop. The gift shop boasts an impressive array of clothing, books, movies and stuffed animals. Take time to buy souvenirs or donate to the aquarium, because it’s worth it. Over the next couple of years as this expansion becomes reality I look forward to seeing how the facility builds on their impressive, important, work. Get the Merchandise This post contains affiliate ads as a service to readers. Visit Florida provided us with transportation, accommodations, meals and attractions in exchange for coverage. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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St. Petersburg Clearwater Delivers Magic

Paula — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:05:41 +0000

St. Petersburg Clearwater is one of those places that has something for everyone. Maybe a tourist destination doesn’t want to hear words like dependable or safe. But for me St. Petersburg Clearwater is dependable and safe and a wonderful vacation choice every time. That matters when spending valuable vacation dollars and time. St. Petersburg Clearwater delivers the magic you want, when you need an escape. You know what I mean, right? You head away on a vacation and a piece of you hopes you made the right choice. Prayers go up to the weather gods and goddesses and you dream about the trip for weeks, maybe longer. Then departure day arrives. Sometimes I hold my breath a bit hoping the photos and the reviews are true. Happy to say St. Petersburg Clearwater doesn’t disappoint. I recently took a trip to St. Pete’s with three girlfriends who are also Canadian lifestyle bloggers. Together with Margarita Ibbott, DownshiftingPro, Aeryn Lynne, Geek With Style and Sandi Allen, Canadian Blog House, we flew to Florida and started a 6 days road trip through Jacksonville, St. Petersburg Clearwater and St Augustine. St Petersburg Clearwater was our first stop. After a long day of travel, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort was a sight for sore eyes. Literally. We were each thrilled to check in. And we started trying to “Just Let Go.” That’s the slogan for TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. About 20 years ago I went to St Petersburg with my Mom for a week. I still recall the beach being beautiful and serene and it is the same today. But much else has changed and grown. In fact it felt like my first time again in many ways. Between staying at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, going to the Chihuly Museum, the Dali Museum and Clearwater Marine Aquarium, my trip to St. Petersburg Clearwater was pure magic from start to finish. We hated having to leave. But that said, we had some great times at the other stops on our girl’s getaway. St. Petersburg Clearwater – Family Friendly Fun TradeWinds Island Grand Resort While on this girl’s getaway trip, I stayed at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. All I can say is WOW. This place is more than a resort, it’s a 20-acre beachfront playground! It’s THE place to stay when you travel with family, or gal pals, to the area. It was designed specifically with family fun in mind. You can fly with a jetpack. paddleboard, play at their offshore water park, enjoy fresh Florida seafood, and more. There’s also an amazing inflatable waterslide on the beach. Sadly we were there only two nights and one day was super windy so they had to deflate it. (Reasons to return.) Kids even have their own KONK camps complete with crafts and family activities. If your family is more into relaxation, you can enjoy any of the FIVE heated pools, get a massage, or just laze the day away in a beachside hammock! There are cabanas on the beach but you should remember to reserve them when you visit. Fort De Soto Park When you visit you can tour the park and go kayaking at this over 1,100 acre park. Consisting of 5 interconnected islands and featuring two fishing piers, a historic fort, seven miles of paved trails, and the famous North Beach, the park is the perfect place for your family to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience some Florida history to boot! St. Pete Beach One of the best places to enjoy some quality outdoor time in St. Petersburg Clearwater is St. Pete Beach. Voted TripAdvisor’s No. 3 Beach in the U.S. in 2017, the beach includes the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the country. You can enjoy the white sand beaches as well as a variety of watersports including parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. BEAUTY! Chihuly Collection Get cultured during your vacation with a trip to see the Chihuly Collection. This permanent art installation by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly is filled with color and movement that will capture anyone’s imagination. I was blown away by this exhibit. Quite honestly I had no idea who he was until we visited. Now I am truly a fan and hope to see more of his work throughout my travels. It’s stunning. See for yourself. Also it photographs really well. Morean Arts Center Glass Studio & Hot Shop Explore the world of glass arts at this studio and get behind the scenes looks at how glass artists create their amazing works of art. Do this in conjunction with Chihuly exhibit and museum. It makes sense thematically and it is across the street so totally doable. Parking is easy to find nearby. The Dali Museum While on your trip to St. Petersburg Clearwater, explore the works of famous Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. Do yourself a favour though and take at least an afternoon, if not a whole day. There’s a lot to see here and to learn. Even the building itself inside and outside is incredible. The Dali museum combines Dali-inspired architecture with a massive permanent collection of Dali’s works. Pay attention to the docent as she or he leads you through on one of the many tours they offer. Loved hearing about his early years and how he evolved as an artist over time. You will get that here. Early works are sometimes impressionistic and they range wildly, but it’s clear he was talented from a young age. Interesting too to hear the story of how this collection came to reside permanently in St. Petersburg. Do you know the story already? Clearwater Marine Aquarium Okay Clearwater Marine Aquarium and animal rehabilitation centre is a place I have been longing to take my kids for years now. For some reason the timing has just never worked out. Some of you already know my kids have some of their own unique challenges in life. When my youngest was small we hunted for books about adversity and disabilities and we found Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned To Swim Again. This story of a dolphin found clinging to life on a beach in St. Petersburg Clearwater who had her tail fall off as a result of getting stuck in a crab trap is very special to us. We still have the book and we’ve read it many times. When the movies came out we were thrilled. The Dolphin Tale DVD is in the van and runs repeatedly when we do long road trips together. This is a story we never tire of hearing. So I was ecstatic to visit, but also a bit heartbroken that my kids weren’t with me. That said, I bought them many souvenirs and will do my best to return. This place is so special. No ordinary aquarium at all. On your trip to St. Petersburg Clearwater, be sure to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Home of the star of “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2” star, Winter, the aquarium features turtles, otters, dolphins and nurse sharks. They do their part to protect the environment with a marine hospital used to rescue, rehab, and release everything from dolphins to sea turtles, and more. Right now many sea turtles arrive weekly needing help. A new virus related to human HPV called Fibropapilloma is threatening many sea turtles. The goal of the aquarium is to release rehabilitated animals. But there are several who remain because they cannot survive back in the wild. Winter, Hope and Nicholas are three famous dolphin residents. Right now the aquarium is undergoing a major growth and expansion. As a result of the attention from the movies, traffic increased from visitors to 700,000 a year when it was previously about 60,000 a year. Revenue from the movies has meant the facility can expand to meet needs of more stranded and sick dolphins, turtles and potentially even larger creatures like manatees and whales in future. Money from the merchandise goes directly towards helping the animals. St. Petersburg Clearwater – A Family Friendly Must Of all the places I have been in the last year or two, this is the place I would drop everything for, just in order to bring my family back. There’s more to see and do in St. Petersburg Clearwater than I ever remember. With beaches, museums, an amazing resort, famous aquarium and more, St. Petersburg Clearwater is a wonderful place to create memories that will last a lifetime. We were guests of Visit Florida and St. Petersburg Clearwater while visiting recently on our girlfriend’s getaway. We received accommodations, flights, food and admissions to many activities while visiting. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Our Stay at St Augustine Tryp Hotel by Wyndham #ad #StAugustine

Paula — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 11:23:34 +0000

On the final stop of our girl’s getaway trip to Florida we headed to St. Augustine. None of the four of us had ever set foot in St. Augustine so we were excited to see the city. We were also tired. There was a lot of driving involved in visiting three cities in six days and we were crossing our fingers that St. Augustine would be comfortable and accommodations would be quiet, restful and clean. The St Augustine Tryp Hotel didn’t disappoint. It was a lovely, clean, newer space. Tryp is a brand owned by Wyndham and it is affordable and family friendly. There are numerous locations of Tryp by Wyndham around the world in many popular tourist destinations. A new one is currently being built in Fort Lauderdale too. In the St Augustine Tryp Hotel the rooms are extremely spacious. Lobby is clean and decorated with modern colours and styles. It was located on Ponce DeLeon Boulevard Sebastian St Augustine. Looking out onto a marina, the Tryp Hotel St. Augustine has a nice view out back and ample parking as well. Rooms facing out front lack a view of anything exciting other than the roadway, but if you can overlook that then it’s not that big an issue. Although we faced the road I found it quiet and was able to sleep well for the two nights we were there. Of course the fact that we raced from event to event and toured everything possible meant I was super exhausted at night. For me, St Augustine Tryp hit all the right notes. It was my kind of space, clean, comfortable, affordable and family friendly too. Amenities are what you would expect in a mid level affordable chain – fitness room, pool, hot tub, outdoor patio, restaurant with breakfast (extra) and also a small business centre. Free wifi of course and also bottled water in the rooms. Outdoors, the pool was lovely and a decent size to play in or do some laps. Warning – it was chilly in October actually. Hot tub is clean and on deck near the pool. Ample seating on the patio. Nice view and good location for the pool. Everything here at St Augustine Tryp Hotel is new and clean. That makes me happy. Cleanliness should be the standard for all accommodations in every city in Florida. And while many are, we recently had one negative experience that made us a bit apprehensive. However everything in St. Augustine was exceptional and enjoyable. St Augustine is quite drivable and also easy to get around in. The location is about 10 minutes from downtown by shuttle or driving on your own. There’s a ton of activity and so much to see. Many inexpensive shuttles operate in St. Augustine. Ask the desk how long you need to plan for if you have reservations and then ask them to call the shuttle to get you there. Highly recommend a visit. Tryp Hotel St. Augustine Details and Information: 333 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32084 Tel. and Fax: 1-904-209-5580 The Tryp Hotel St. Augustine is one hotel I wouldn’t hesitate to return to and stay at again. Great for families or girl’s getaways too. It would even suit multi-generational travel. We were guests of Visit Florida and St Augustine Ponte Verda in Florida’s Historic Coast when we visited the area this past month. All travel costs were paid for and accommodations and meals covered as well. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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St Augustine – History, Adventure, Food and Fun

Paula — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 13:48:48 +0000

St Augustine is a city of history, adventure, stunning Spanish colonial architecture, great food, and fun too. The nation’s oldest city is spectacular and educational. Brimming with history and no end of things to see and do both in the city and the surrounding area, St Augustine offers travelers the best of city life, as well as easy access to nature, and a rich history that rivals any city in the country. In fact, this city is the oldest continuously occupied European established settlement within the United States, hence it’s incredibly rich history and many historical sites. We took a trip to St Augustine recently, and we were blown away by the city’s beauty, history, vibrant creative food scene and culture. There are many reasons this destination makes a perfect girl’s getaway. Here are a few of the ones that stood out. Florida’s Historic Coast – St Augustine Founded on September 8, 1565 by Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the settlement was named in honor of the feast day of St. Augustine. For over 200 years, the city served as the capital of Spanish Florida and became capital of British East Florida for a brief period. The county seat of St. John’s County, this city is part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area and it is commonly referred to as part of Florida’s Historic Coast. It’s a city filled with history and so much more. Modern fun, culture and great food are just waiting to be discovered by the whole family, the solo traveler, the romantic getaway, guys or girlfriend’s getaway too. St Augustine is well known for weddings and school field trips too. Education, romance, history and golf? There’s a bit of something for every type of adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed every second in St Augustine and would return in a heartbeat. Worth noting are the numerous pretty little B and B’s in St Augustine. Actually 25 Bed and Breakfast inns exist in this small city of 14,000 people. Accommodations run the range from cute homespun Bed and Breakfasts to name brand hotels. BUT, what you need to know about St. Augustine is this – the city of St. Augustine has a smart city planning department and you will never see one of those massive hotel chain skyscrapers here. Nothing can be higher than 4 stories by mandate of the city, which means views of the city are magnificent from pretty much any location. Also another small point worth noting, because of the deep history running through this area of Florida, St Augustine has the distinction of being the only city in North America with an archeological team on staff. Before anything can be built here that team is required to do a dig. Preserving history is important here. The Vibrant and Creative Food Scene: Having a tasting tour through Hot Shot Bakery and cafe. This is Minorcan clam chowder. #floridashistoriccoast #visitfl #travel #ad #staugustine #yum #yummyfood #instatravel #food #foodie #instafood #fresh #seetheglobe #wanderlust #traveling #travelblogger #foodblogger #farmfresh #fun A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Oct 26, 2017 at 11:44am PDT St. Augustine has always had a dining scene that features fresh seafood and locally grown produce. In recent years, the city has experienced an influx of great restaurants. In the past few years popular restaurants like, Michael’s Tasting Room, The Floridian, The Ice Plant Bar and Restaurant, The Preserved, and the Prohibition Kitchen opened and have really set the bar for scratch kitchens, adding to the already exceptional dining scene. Hot Shot Bakery & Cafe No trip recap is complete without discussing dining, so let’s take a look at Hot shot Bakery & Cafe. WE stopped in for a little cooking demo and some history of the culinary influences that shaped the local cuisine, including the Minorcans and Greeks who came to St Augustine in 1777. The demo was fun and tasty, and learning the history was quite informative. And the food was amazing. At least two members of our small group of four left with their bottled Datil pepper sauce (serious heat there). And the cranberry mustard that Sherri Stoppelbein puts on her sandwiches is scrumptious. Oh, also worth mentioning there are many gluten free options here and farm to table is taken seriously. These will change the way you feel about deviled eggs. Deviled egg BLT with southern fried oysters. Perfect combination of flavours and textures. #staugustine #floridashistoriccoast #flhistoriccoast #travel #instatravel #appetizers #food #instafood #foodies #yum #lovefl #seafood #eggs #freshfood #fresh #local A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Oct 26, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT Catch 27 If you love good food and seafood, then Catch 27 is the place for you. Featuring some of the best seafood in the area, Catch 27 is located in the heart of historic St Augustine and serves fresh, locally caught seafood daily. Everything is from scratch, and everything is delicious. We ate our fill of delicious seafood, fresh fish tacos, appetizers and desserts. On our last morning here we overheard someone on the trolley talking about their dinner reservations and I told them Catch 27 is the spot they cannot leave without trying. If you go and you do not visit Catch 27 you are missing out. Not kidding when I say I already miss this spot the most. Incredible and inventive. Maple Street Biscuit Company See my post on Jacksonville too to understand why we loved this cute bakery and cafe so much. Maple Street Biscuit was one of our favourites on this getaway. Schmagel’s Bagels, The Floridian and so many more!! There are more than enough great choices for a wonderful dinner or lunch in St. Augustine. Loved the many tiny candy shops and keep your eyes open for gourmet popsicles. See what I mean about creative!! Things To Do and See St Augustine Bike Rentals This was one of our favourite activities the entire time we were away. We did a Segway tour of St. Augustine, but there are several other options there too. There are bikes, scooters, golf carts and scootcoupe cars, as well as VIP tours. Next time I would love to drive the scootcoupe. Renting a bike or doing a Segway tour is a super way to see the city. Our guide John was extremely well informed. Highly recommend St Augustine bike rentals. Also the ride was safe. Street traffic here is not overwhelming as it is in many other cities. What did I learn from this activity? Don’t wear Birkenstocks on a Segway. I almost got one caught. Closed toed runners are best. Anastasia State Park For the outdoor lover, Anastasia State Park is the place to visit. Enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer while you hiking, fish, do watersports, and more. Lightner Museum Art buffs and pop culture lovers will adore touring Lightner Museum. Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, today this incredibly beautiful building is open to the public seven days a week and features one of the best collections of fine and decorative 19th century art to be found. Self-guided and reservation tours are available. So are demonstrations of antique mechanical musical instruments. Lightner Museum currently features the popular Dressing Downton exhibit which is exceptionally curated and a must see. When you are done, visit the gift shop featuring Downton souvenirs. And don’t forget to have lunch on the lower level, the former pool of Alcazar Hotel now called Cafe Alcazar. See photo above of us dining in the pool. Soup and salad was very good and the specials are tasty. Ask the server what they are when you visit. Ripley’s Museums and Tours Ripley’s Museums are always fun and quirky and well represented here. We did the Ripley’s Ghost Train Tour and it was comical. Warning – I wouldn’t recommend it for small children, because there are scary bits. Red Train Trolley Tour Hop on and hop off at any of the 23 spots. Keep your sticker and your ticket. Great and easy way to see the city. Plus it’s cute, family friendly, and always fun to ride a train or a trolley. You will see various versions of this all over the city. We did Red Train Trolley Tour, which was great. However if you want great pictures you will need to hop and and off. Snapping shots while the train is in motion is not the best way to get superb photos. Dark of the Moon Tour If you’re looking for something a little different, head over to the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime museum to take part in their Dark of the Moon Tour. This tour touts itself as the all ghosts, no gimmicks paranormal tour. It’s apparently the only tour that lets you investigate the most haunted place in St Augustine. Flagler College: For years I have heard about the Flaglers in Florida and had no idea what the connection was. I am Canadian so I will chalk it up to that. This year we actually googled it on the drive down. In St. Augustine you should take the time to investigate Flagler’s investment and influence here. Flagler College is worth visiting and also taking pictures of too. It was one the Ponce DeLeon hotel and the building itself is magnificent. Now it is a stunning college. The Oldest Fort in the US: Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest fort in the US. Beautiful to visit and to take photos of as well. We mostly saw it at night on the ghost tour. It is also a stop on many of the trolley tours. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine: 18th Century Church. The oldest church in Florida. Stunning features and architecture inside and out. Gorgeous stained glass. Gift shop inside. The Fountain of Youth: We drove by and didn’t really have time to visit, but would recommend that you try to see the Fountain of Youth when you visit. Shopping: Most adorable shopping district you will find anywhere. Cute quirky shops on cobblestone streets. We found dozens of souvenirs, sweet treats, and household goods. St Augustine – A Great Choice for a Girl’s Getaway The places listed above are just some of the amazing places to see in the Saint Augustine area. From art to history to fine dining and more, St Augustine has something for everyone in the family. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, St Augustine should be on your list. The architecture, history and food alone are spectacular. Oh and did you know it was ranked by National Geographic Traveler as one of the “World’s 20 Must See Places.” A Few More Things: Nearest airport – The most logical airport to use to travel to St Augustine is the Jacksonville International Airport. Park Now pass – Get one – parking can be tricky and expensive otherwise. This makes it affordable. There’s also a distillery you might want to tour and a chocolate factory. Follow St Augustine on Twitter – @FlHistoricCoast Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustineand visit – www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com to learn more and to start planning your vacation. OH MY and I didn’t even have time to tell you about the beach. Anyways, trust me there’s more to see and do than I could even begin to cover here. You will just have to go see St Augustine for yourself. We were guests of St. Augustine and Visit Florida while doing our girl’s getaway trip this past Fall. Accommodations, amenities, food, and flights were covered. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Nine Things You Never Knew About Jacksonville Florida

Paula — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 20:13:40 +0000

A week ago I headed off on a Girl’s Only Vacation. After a much too quick stop in St Petersburg, we drove up to Jax FL – Jacksonville, Florida. None of us had ever been there and we were looking forward to seeing it for the first time. From fine dining, shopping, and theatre to the beauty of Florida’s east coast, Jacksonville promised to be an entertaining place for a short getaway. Nine Things You Never Knew About Jacksonville, Florida How Big is Jacksonville? Jacksonville, Florida is the largest city by population in the state of Florida, AND it’s the largest city by landmass in the continental United States. It’s a big city. In fact it is 840 square miles. Oh and BY the way Lonely Planet recently named it one of their Top Ten Best Value Destinations in the world for 2018. Outdoor Activities: Centred on the banks of St. Johns River, Jacksonville Florida has access to water in several forms – beach, river, ocean. There are opportunities for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Jacksonville also has amenities you traditionally find in a large city. Kayak Amelia We did a fun kayak adventure with Kayak Amelia that lasted 3 hours. Kayak Amelia also offers paddle boarding and segway tours. That was one of our favourite activities in Florida. Our guide Buddy was pretty amazing and very good at giving us direction. Cookie Island was our favourite part. But let’s be honest kayaking can be hard work. There was a bit of time when the wind picked up and we had to paddle hard. When you paddle across the finish line though and you haven’t tipped that kayak, well it can be a satisfying experience. But, the Food: This city has a wide range of restaurants, ranging from southern comfort food to Caribbean, bakeries, cafes and a busy food truck scene. Moxie Kitchen and Cocktails at the St Johns Town Center and Maple Street Biscuit were our two favourites. Have the biscuits and mac and cheese at Maple Street Biscuit. Their coffees are excellent too. Looking for more details on what to expect from the food scene here – Check out Jacksonville’s 15 Best Restaurants. Shopping in Jacksonville: Jacksonville Florida has some excellent shopping and outlet malls. Any girl’s weekend must include some shopping. There are several shopping areas but the one we ended up spending the most time at was the outdoor River City Marketplace. One of us had to leave early but the rest of us spent an entire afternoon shopping here. Close to the Jacksonville International Airport, and a wide range of stores from Ulta Beauty to Best Buy and Maurice’s as well as Office Max and so many more. Life is a Beach Where’s the beach? There are beaches in Jacksonville. I swear to God I had no idea. None of us knew that Jacksonville had beach. 22 miles of beach actually. There is also 1,100 miles of shoreline. It is great for surfing and also quite picturesque as you will see above. Music: 22 annual music festivals. The Birthplace of Rock: So, who knew that this was the birthplace of southern rock? Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band were formed in Jacksonville. Flights: There are some direct flights to Jacksonville from Toronto and many other major cities. For your information, Jacksonville International Airport is cute and clean and easy to navigate. The area nearby Jacksonville International Airport area has good shopping and restaurants too. So if you need to spend a few hours before boarding a plane you are set. Parks: With the largest urban park system in the nation, Jacksonville has 450 city parks, 7 state parks and 2 national parks. There are many golf courses too. JAX – Jacksonville Florida Facts and a Few Other Things My friends and I had a wonderful time on our girls’ trip through Florida. We had a great kayaking experience and we had a couple of enjoyable dining experiences too in Jacksonville, Florida. Loved Kayak Amelia – they provided excellent service. Truly enjoyed my meal at Moxie Kitchen and Cocktails and Maple Street Biscuit Company. TRY the maple vanilla latte and the Mac and Cheese at Maple Street. Moxie menu was awesome in my opinion. The Casa Marina We stayed at Casa Marina which is a historic hotel on the beach. Was the beach view amazing? Yes. Is the building itself inside a bit run down? Yes. We also found it noisy and service was not great. From the exterior, Casa Marina in Jacksonville Florida was attractive and it had a great rooftop sunset and sunrise view. But the inside was a big letdown for me and frankly it needs attention. Rooms and beds are small because it is an historic hotel. The furniture is extremely dated and worn. There are many other places to stay in Jacksonville if you are passing through the area or visiting for a bit. I can’t really recommend Casa Marina in Jacksonville Florida. My Jacksonville Florida Travel Tip Pick a nice hotel or resort and don’t worry so much about being on the beach. There are a lot of chain hotel options. Dinner Theatre? Although it can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been before, take time to explore what Jacksonville has to offer. Consider Alhambra Dinner Theatre too. If traveling with multiple generations, or seniors, you might enjoy a performance there with dinner as well. It is affordable. With just two days to spend, we saw only a small percentage of what this city has available. This is a snapshot of what we enjoyed. For more on our other Florida stops read these posts: St. Petersburg is just stunning. And St. Augustine is one of my new favourites in Florida. We were guests of Visit Jacksonville and Visit Florida while on our girl’s getaway week. We received flights, accommodations, food and tickets to see and do various activities. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful.

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Tallahassee Florida – Five Must See Destinations #travel

Paula — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 12:28:43 +0000

Tallahassee Florida is the seat of the state’s democracy and home to two well known universities – Florida State University, and Florida A&M University. Although known for its collegiate football, Tallahassee Florida is also the trade and agricultural center of the Big Bend region. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, Tallahassee has a few must see destinations. They might not be as recognizable as their college football teams, but are no less exciting. Tallahassee Florida – More than College Football Tallahassee Florida might be known mainly for The Gators, but there is so much more to see here than just stadiums and the gridiron. The city has a lot to offer the curious traveler. This Florida destination is home to top museums, an historic downtown and two Capitol buildings. Visitors will discover a lively music scene and great dining options. Newest major amenity is Cascades Park, a sprawling downtown green space. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Established in 1931 as a wintering habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Encompassing more than 70,000 acres spread out over the counties of Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor, there is no shortage of wildlife and gorgeous scenery. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks, and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers. While you’re there, take a detour over to the St. Marks Lighthouse, a historical lighthouse completed in 1831 and still in use today to aid vessels on the Apalachee Bay. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum Although this establishment is called a car museum, there’s so much more to see at this historic transportation museum in Tallahassee Florida. In addition to a mind blowing number of classic and antique cars, visitors can view historic boats, pianos, and more. Into history and pop culture? Picture this – a Batmobile Exhibit and Abraham Lincoln’s hearse! Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Take a stroll through the Maclay gardens and be enveloped in the beauty and scents of these gorgeous ornamental gardens. First planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after purchasing the property for their winter home, the Maclay Gardens are beautiful. They continue to be a masterwork in ornamental planting. Stroll through the picturesque grounds along the signature brick walkway and enjoy the park’s secret garden, reflection pool, wall garden, and hundreds of camelias and azaleas. It’s a painted landscape for the senses. Railroad Square Art Park See the artistic side of Tallahassee Florida at the Railroad Square Art Park. Housing more than 50 studios, galleries, and small shops, Railroad Square is the heart of Tallahassee’s artistic community. Railroad Square Art Park and culture district is a creative haven for many artists in the Tallahassee area, and it’s all waiting for the artistically inclined visitor to Tallahassee Florida. Take a leisurely stroll through the area and take in all the art, culture, and cuisine it has to offer. If you happen to be there on the first Friday of the month, enjoy the Square’s First Friday Gallery Hop. Knott House Museum The historically minded should take a tour of Knott House when they visit Tallahassee Florida. Knott House historical home was constructed in 1843. It has seen the end of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil Rights movement, and everything in between. Knott House has been perfectly preserved. Stepping inside is like stepping 170 years back in time. Tallahassee Florida is More than Sports It’s true, Tallahassee Florida may be known for its colleges and being the state capitol, but there’s so much more to see. These five spots are only a few of the wonderful places you can find in Tallahassee Florida. Whether you’re into the arts, history, nature, or even those sports, Tallahassee Florida has something for you. Curious about how to see Tallahassee on a budget? Here are 31 ideas for budget friendly Tallahassee at less than $10: Budget-friendly Tallahassee

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3 Awesome Theme Parks in The U.S. #travel

Paula — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:30:49 +0000

The United States is home to many gorgeous states and beaches. And so many wonderful theme parks for families too. In fact, there are so many great theme parks, it can be difficult to pick the top few. But there are a select group that simply are outstanding entertainment value. These are some of the most popular theme parks in the U.S. If you have not had the chance to check them out for yourself yet, you should definitely add these U.S theme parks to your bucket list. 3 Amazing US Theme Parks: Cedar Point – They are known as the “roller coaster capital of the world” and their 17 thrilling coasters will keep you riding all day long. This is an awesome park for thrill-seekers. You’ll find it in Sandusky, Ohio. That’s pretty easy to get to for many people in Ontario, Canada and areas of the US as well. So many reasons this is one of my favourite US theme parks. Disney’s Magic Kingdom – It’s one of the most magical places on earth so, of course, it makes out list. There are so many great rides, along with all of your favorite Disney characters from childhood. It’s one great reason to head down to Florida. There are so many other great reasons to visit the state. Six Flags Magic Mountain – There are many Six Flags parks found throughout the States and if you live near one, head over and check it out. There will be loads of fun to keep you entertained. But if you’re going to be in California or you live close enough to travel, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a definite winner. It has 18 roller coasters to enjoy. Have a Blast at Any of these 3 US Theme Parks These are just three of the most epic awesome theme parks in the U.S. but there are definitely many more. Have you been to these? Do you have a favourite?

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