by guest bogger Mac H. a travel writer and Tampa resident. As both of these, he laments that his great city is eclipsed by Florida’s surrounding tourist attractions. He enjoys making great vacations affordable and full coverage car insurance for cheap.

A stunning view of the Tampa skyline as you make your way for an evening out on the town

When people think of the state of Florida, the first thing that often comes to mind is amusement parks and beaches. For those who are planning a trip, Tampa Bay offers many other opportunities for tourists, such as a variety of museums, great shopping and dining, and an exciting nightlife.

The following are some activities that can be enjoyed in the evening as well as a few daytime attractions. Those wishing to enjoy Tampa as part of a great Florida vacation have only to get the best travel car insurance, a taste for a relaxing evening, and simple knowledge of the city.

David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

The Straz Center is not just a beautiful building, but one of the most excellent performing arts centers in the country and an important fundamental aspect of the Tampa Bay Community. This amazing complex includes a music conservatory, an opera house, five theaters, three restaurants and a riverwalk.

Tampa Museum of Art

“A piece of artwork in itself”, the building which currently houses the Tampa Museum of Art was built in 2006 and was the recipient of the American Architecture Award. This 66,000 square foot museum is home to an extensive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities; and American and European 20th century fine art, photography and sculpture.

Tampa Bay History Center and Harbor Island

History enthusiasts won’t be disappointed in this exciting history museum which is located on the waterfront. Learn about the history of Florida, all the way from ancient times to the present with the museum’s exciting collection of artifacts. After enjoying a day at the the Tampa Bay History center, Harbor island, an often overlooked walkable neighborhood, is a great place to enjoy dinner or cocktails at either of two recommended restaurants–Jackson’s or Cafe Dufrain–as the sun sets over the harbor.

Henry B. Plant Museum and University of Tampa

Directly across from downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River, the Henry B. Plant Museum was formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, a 500 room resort which was opened in 1891. The exhibits in this beautiful Moorish styled museum, with sumptuous furnishings and lush tropical gardens, focus on the lifestyle of hotel guests during the 1890′s, a period known as the “gilded age”. This museum is located on the campus of the University of Tampa, which is a picturesque place for an evening stroll after the museum closes.

Ybor City

This historic Latin neighborhood which was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and experienced a rebirth in the 1990′s, has been designated as a national historic landmark district–one of only two in the state of Florida. In addition to its reputation for hand-rolled cigars, Ybor City offers exciting restaurants, a collection of eclectic shops and museums and an entertaining nightlife.

Shopping

• International Plaza offers four large department stores and over 200 specialty type shops and restaurants
• Hyde Park Village an open-air collection of shops in one of Tampa’s oldest, yet most glamorous neighborhoods
• WestShore Plaza Mall offers high-end retail shopping as well as numerous restaurants and a movie theater

Fine Dining

The Tampa Bay area offers some of the best cuisine in the country. Below is a list of five nationally recognized restaurants that offer local flair.

• Armani’s offers Northern Italian cuisine and has been called one of America’s 200 most romantic restaurants.
• Bern’s Steak House has been called “best of all steakhouses in America” by Wine Spectator magazine.
• Bernini offers innovative Italian cuisine and reflects the culture that shaped Ybar City.
• Columbia Restaurant offers Spanish/Cuban cuisine, is a landmark in Ybar City and is Florida’s oldest restaurant
• Donatello is an elegant Northern Italian restaurant with exquisite menu items and delectable desserts.

When planning your Florida vacation, don’t forget to leave some nights open for the exquisite tastes of Tampa. Whether it’s restaurants, museums, music, or shopping, there is sure to be a perfect indulgence for your perfect vacation.

Tampa

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 by guest blogger Samantha Rodriguez,  freelance writer who really loves adventure and taking risks

Enjoy the thrill ride of a lifetime gliding over the water on a
Boggy Creek Airboat ride.

From the panhandle down to the keys, Florida is packed full of great activities for thrill-seeking vacationers. Florida is party central each spring break and summer, but the state has a lot to offer in the way of adventure as well. Between the bright lights of the big cities, and the mysterious depths of the cypress swamps, excitement is waiting around every corner.

Whatever your personal thrill-seeking bent happens to be, Florida definitely has something for you. Here are four of the biggest adventures you can have while on vacation in the sunshine state.

1. Spooky Swamp Ride

One of the best ways for any adrenaline junkie to start off a Florida adventure is with a breakneck air boat ride through the Everglades. It’s a great way to see the landscape and experience the wildlife up close and personal. Meeting an alligator face to face in broad daylight just isn’t enough for some people though, which is why tour guides offer an option that is just a little bit spookier.

For the ultimate swamp ride scare, you need to hit the Everglades at night with a tour guide like Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. These tours will take you deep into the heart of the tangled cypress swamps, where wild things lurk in the darkness.

With barely a foot of free board between you and the murky waters of the swamp, an hour spent cruising the backwaters of the Everglades is sure to get your pulse pounding. As if that wasn’t enough, these tours are usually only open during the fall and winter months.

2. Walking with Ghosts

If the serpentine mangrove forests and cypress swamps aren’t scary enough for you, then you might want to move on to the real thing. There are a number of supernatural-themed experiences available in Florida, including the original walking ghost tour of Fort Lauderdale. This tour will take you to about ten spooky locations throughout the city, and you will receive detailed background information about these haunted sites.

3. Indulge Your Need for Speed

For the white-knuckle driving adventure of your lifetime, look no further than the Richard Petty Driving Experience. They will show you what it’s like to be a NASCAR driver first hand, or you can tag along as a passenger. Drivers have to be least 18, and passengers can be no younger than 14.

After a short orientation, you will find yourself whipping around a racetrack at greater than 150 mph. The minimum three laps will really get your blood pumping, while a full 30 lap package can give you the real NASCAR experience. Whether you have aspirations to become a stock car driver, or just want to quench your need for speed, this is an experience you will not soon forget.

4. On or Under the Deep Blue Sea

Florida is studded with white sand beaches, and surrounded by deep blue water, so a thrill-seeking vacationer is never too far away from some fun. From parasailing to kite surfing, adventure is waiting both above and below the water.

Blue-water fishing is the ultimate Florida adventure for any vacationing angler. A private charter is the definitive way to experience big-game fishing off the coast of Florida, though there are also a number of less expensive tour options as well.

Some of the species you can expect to face on a big-game fishing expedition include snapper, swordfish and even sharks. Don’t worry too much if the skipper says you are fishing for dolphins, since that is just another name for mahi-mahi.

If you would rather swim with marine life than fish for it, you can either hit the open ocean or visit one of several water parks. There are numerous locations around the state to snorkel or scuba dive, but SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon offer some unique interactions.

Only the biggest thrill-seekers can say they climbed into a cage and stared a giant shark right in the teeth, and SeaWorld Orlando can provide you with those bragging rights. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, then you can visit Typhoon Lagoon and forgo the cage entirely. Armed with little more than a snorkel and unblinking courage, you will get to swim with sharks, stingrays and other creatures of the deep.

Author Bio: Samantha R. is a freelance writer who really loves adventure and taking risks. She found cheap high risk car insurance by comparing online car insurance quotes.

Kissimmee

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The Wat Florida Dhammaram, Theravada Buddhist Temple on Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee

by David Graham blogger and writer for Real Florida Vacations

When out looking for things to do while on vacation sometimes you are lucky enough to stumble upon something very special and memorable. Dash Around Tours is that unique experience that adds to a vacation or is a terrific event for that special weekend getaway. Real Florida Vacations had the pleasure of taking the “Roadside Tourist Dash” this past Saturday  which is a trip starting in Downtown Kissimmee and making it way down US 192 and concluding back at its starting point at the Monument of the States.

The dash is guided by Tour operator Barry Burke who does a great job of making a personal connection with all the guests right out of the gate. Barry has a pleasant smile and is a captivating story teller drawing the guest into the experience of the tour immediately. We loaded into the “Dashmobile” a well kept 15 passenger Ford van with a ceiling full of and buttons which they ask that each guest add. Cruising through downtown Kissimmee, Barry points out many points of interest dating back to the days when the town was a center for cattle and cowboys instead of the mecca for tourists.

We made our way then on US 192, Irlo Bronson Highway and the road named so many things that Barry explains. Pointing out the sites over the van’s built in PA system (you never miss a word), we are taken off US192 a short distance and arrive at of all things, Buddhist Temple. This is not just one or two buildings, but entire Buddhist Temple with gilded dragon statues, beautiful, gardens and amazing architecture. After some really great photo opportunities we are back on our way with Barry regaling us with history and stories of Kissimmee and Tourism along US 192. Another stop along the tour is at Orange World, the building is shaped and painted to look like a gigantic orange. In all the trips I have made to the Kissimmee, since October of 1971, I have never stopped at Orange World and have been missing out. This the most iconic tourist stop, with fresh citrus, nice selection of novelties and gifts, great photo spot, and the best orange juice anywhere. From now on when I am in this area, I will make a point to stop at Orange World to pick up some juice.

Orange World – the famous gigantic orange on Kissimmee’s US 192 since 1973

We dash back to the van and we are on our way again. After a few other stops and a lot of interesting details from Barry, we make our way into Celebration, the Disney planned community right off US 192. The Disney designers attempted to give this planned community the clean unobstructed look of Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown of Marceline Missouri just after the turn of the last century. Barry’s knowledge of Celebration and the way he relates it as you drive through the community gives you the homespun feel that Disney Imagineers were trying to capture.

Off again and few more stops and finally our final stop at a Winn Dixie in a shopping strip. I thought he was turning around and then Barry parked and said our last stop was at a Winn Dixie. Winn Dixie? Upon entering the store I was amazed…but then I don’t want to spoil the surprise for you!

Dash Around Tours offers six separate and distinct tours, each sharing something special and help you make the most of your weekend getaway or your Real Florida Vacation.

Kissimmee

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Part 3 of 3

By guest blogger Rachael Sena, Student, Writer and Blogger

Florida Aquarium

Visitors at the Florida Aquarium look on in amazement as divers move about the fishes in freedom, completely ignored.

Nestled between the hustle and bustle of the shops and nightclubs in Channelside is the Florida Aquarium. The Aquarium sits on the water of the Port of Tampa where cruise ships and other boats regularly dock before embarking on a watery adventure.

Floridians and other visitors can have their own watery adventure without ever leaving dry land at the Florida Aquarium. The aquarium features two levels of marine ecosystems, shows, and tours.

Visitors start their journey on the second level. The first exhibit to explore is the Wetlands. A large glass dome encompasses the entire area to give visitors the feeling that they are traveling through the natural wetlands environment. Visitors follow the wooden boardwalk through the exhibit to view the otters, alligators and birds that are enclosed in the Wetlands. Glass tanks run the course below the boardwalk and hold other aquatic species of the fresh water wetlands. Further down the boardwalk, visitors can view a live mangrove forest, which grows to the top of the dome. Visitors can almost hear the crickets chirp and frogs ribbet.

The next stop is the Bays and Beaches exhibit where visitors learn about the aquatic life that inhabits Florida’s salty waters. Large glass tanks house thousands of different fish species. Visitors will be enthralled watching the colorful scaly creatures maneuver through the tank’s water. It is also interesting to see how the different species coexist. Further in the exhibit, visitors have the chance to watch a stingray feeding and learn about the shelled reptile, the turtle.

Enter the Coral Reefs exhibit and view the coral reef ecosystem through a large panoramic window. The large glass tank encases a coral reef and its fish inhabitants. The tank forms over the walkway so visitors can see aquatic life swimming about their heads. It is here that guests can pay extra to dive with the fish, turtles and other sea life, including sharks. Diver certification is necessary to participate in this activity. Venture further into the Coral Reefs exhibit and plunge into the caves of the underwater ecosystem. The exhibit walls resemble those of a coral reef cave so visitors feel as though they are exploring an underwater landscape in the comfort of a dry room. Throughout the exhibit, little glass tanks display different types of coral reefs.

Dragons Down Under is next on the path. Visitors can view Australia’s sea dragon, which resembles a seahorse with leaves attached to the outer rim of its body. It is both mysterious and fascinating. Other mysterious creatures can be found floating in this exhibit’s tank waters, such as the jellyfish.

Visitors can test the latest educational technology in the Ocean Commotion exhibit. A light veil of mist transports you into an interactive gallery of presentations and animations that are geared towards educating visitors about Florida’s aquatic life

Journey down to the first floor to pet stingrays at the touch tank and access the aquarium’s other amenities. There’s a café located inside and another eatery outside. The final stop is the Explore A Shore exhibit, which is located outside.

Once outside, children can splash around in their own aquatic playground at the Water Fun Zone, which features slides, springs, water guns and a pirate ship. Parents can keep a close watch on their kiddies at the nearby Cantina.

Bio: Rachael Sena is a junior at the University of South Florida. She is studying magazine journalism with the hopes of someday managing her own magazine. She is completing her first internship at Travelated for ARES Media Network. Born and raised in Florida, Rachael enjoys discovering what her home state has to offer. She loves to write, read, and test her amateur photography skills.

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by our guest blogger Viktoria, SEO and internet manager for Guardian Pool Fence Florida

Even beached, the sting of the very colorful jellyfish is still quite painful, avoid at all costs!

Florida family vacations can be a lot of fun! There is so much to do and so much to see and so many family-friendly destinations in the sunshine state that your Florida vacations could become a regular thing. However with every good time comes the implicit potential for danger. You should always be careful on your Florida vacation by following the following four safety guidelines.

Stay Connected – One of the biggest things you should do on your Florida family vacation is you should always stick together. You should always be able to get in touch with each other if and when the potential for splitting up happens. Everyone should have their own cell phone and if not then everyone should know how to get hold of the one person with a cell phone. Even when you’re all together, if someone goes wandering off they should know a few basics; how to get in touch with the adults, what your family’s name is, who to talk to (uniformed officers; other families) and who to stay away from.

Stay Present – When you’re on a Florida family vacation the impetus can be to want to get out and explore. That’s fine but you should also be careful of just how far you go. Veering off the beaten path is one of the adventures of having a vacation; getting into dangerous areas is dangerous.

Stay Alert – You should keep up with who you’re with but you should also be aware of your surroundings, how far you are from the nearest police officers or other official looking places. You should also be in the spirit of helping others; if you see a lost looking small child in a crowded area it’s the good Samaritan thing to do to ask if they are okay. It’s better to help someone lost find their way back to where they need to be. The favor could be returned before you know it.

Misc. – Of course when you’re in a place called the “sunshine state” you should have plenty of sunblock. You should also have cash in a separate place from your purse or wallet; a safety-stash.

Of course have a great time! Being safe on your Florida family vacation is easy and smart.

Article is provided by Guardian Pool Fence Systems – The safest pool fence you can find.

Orlando

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by Guest Blogger, Alan Horton who writes for Holiday-Rentals, a site offering a selection of 320,000 vacation properties for rental worldwide. Read more of Alan’s work on his  Google+ profile.

The photo above shows a view of downtown St. Petersburg and its waterfront. The photo was taken from in front of the Dali Museum.Image Courtesy: www.flickr.com/photos/5wa/5983149244/

The city of Saint Petersburg is one of Florida’s top destinations for domestic and international tourists. St. Petersburg is located along the Gulf Coast near the southern tip of the Pinellas Peninsula. The city’s scenic beaches include interior properties located on the shores of Tampa Bay and coastal properties located along the Gulf of Mexico, which are sheltered by a series of barrier islands.

Informally known as St. Pete, Saint Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Florida and one of the country’s top destinations for beaches, snorkelling and fishing. St. Petersburg enjoys year-long mild weather that attracts tourists outside traditional high and low seasons. Winter temperatures hover between 50 and 70 degrees on average. Summer temperatures soar into the 80s and 90s. The city is part of the Tampa Bay area and has a permanent population of 245,000.

With 360 days of sunshine every year, some call St. Pete “Sunshine City”. The difference between travelling in the spring and summer or fall and winter typically means packing several pairs of pants rather than shorts and breezy resort wear. Most visitors arrive in St. Petersburg at the Tampa International Airport or the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Causeways and bridges link mainland Florida and Tampa to St. Pete and the peninsula.

St. Petersburg was incorporated in 1892 when it had a population of 300. According to a local legend, the city’s two founders flipped a coin to determine who would have the privilege of naming the city. Peter Demens won and named the city after Saint Petersburg, Russia, his childhood hometown.

The photo above shows a view of St. Petersburg, which was taken from the popular tourist attraction of St. Petersburg Pier.Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St_Pete_Skyline_from_Pier.jpg

Modern-day St. Petersburg includes a blend of historic buildings and towering skyscrapers. St. Petersburg has a rich variety of early 20th century hotels along with modern resorts and holiday rentals. The city is home to a wide variety of hotels and holiday rentals, including condos, apartments and beach-front villas. From national chains to small boutique hotels, visitors will find it all in St. Pete.

St. Petersburg is a highly liveable city, a top-rated arts destination and one of the best cities for beachgoers. The city has one of the largest and oldest waterfront parks in North America. Spanning more than seven miles, the city’s waterfront parks host a variety of festivals and community celebrations throughout the year.

This thriving seaside city has a number of outstanding museums, art galleries and dozens of award-winning white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy golfing, boating and deep-sea fishing. The city also has a large number of waterfront restaurants, including fish and chip vendors, cafés, delis, seaside seafood shacks and ethnic food establishments.

Popular attractions include the St. Petersburg Pier, the Great Explorations children’s museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, a Holocaust Museum, the Salvador Dalí Museum and a large collection of dramatic glass sculptures created by Dale Chihuly. The popular St. Petersburg Pier is home to an aquarium and many retail shops. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the BayWalk retail complex in the downtown area. The majority of nightclubs are located near Jannus Landing, which is just south of the BayWalk area.

Booking Florida villas is a great way to enjoy the area’s best attractions, downtown shopping areas and beaches. Several of the most popular beaches include Fort Desoto, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key and the ultra-private Caladesi Island. This eclectic city is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, so there is truly something for everyone.

St Petersburg

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by Guest Blogger, Alan Horton who writes for Holiday-Rentals, a site offering a selection of 320,000 vacation properties for rental worldwide. Read more of Alan’s work on his  Google+ profile.

There are not too many roads or avenues that offer as much entertainment as International Drive in Orlando, Florida. If planning a trip to the area, you will not want to miss the following exciting theme parks and other attractions that are available. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a much longer stay, be sure to consider Florida villas and Orlando rentals for comfortable and convenient accommodations.

Sea World

Sea World, Orlando is an amazing theme park that offers not only exciting rides, but captivating shows and educational exhibits as well. From the thrilling water ride, Journey to Atlantis, to fun rides appropriate for the younger set in Shamu’s Happy Harbor, Sea World has something for every age. Shows with unusual stars like killer whales, sea lions and walruses, are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Sea World, Orlando has the largest underwater tunnel aquarium in the world, a penguin exhibit and opportunities to feed dolphins and other animals. Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours are also available.

Aquatica

Sea World’s Aquatica is not just your ordinary water park. For one thing, the two enormous side-by-side wave pools are completely unique and nothing quite like them can be found in any other water park in the country. Dolphin Plunge, the most popular ride is an enclosed tube that sends its riders through an underwater world filled with beautiful black and white dolphins. Whether racing against seven other people on the Taumata Racer, or sitting back on a raft and leisurely riding down the Lazy river called Loggerhead Lane, this water park has it all.

Wet and Wild

Wet and Wild offers more multi-person rides than other water parks, which proves that shared experiences are more fun. At least a dozen rides, wave pools and other attractions make this one of Orlando’s most popular water parks. For a unique water skiing experience, the “Wake Zone” is open May through September,

Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Resort features two amusement parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; three resort hotels; and Universal City Walk, a 30-acre complex with shops, restaurants, night clubs and movie theatres. Universal studios gives a behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. Islands of Adventure offers the world’s most innovative rides, shows and interactive types of attractions. Universal’s hotels, shops and restaurants provide more fun for the entire family.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Ripley’s Believe it or Not, a very odd but extremely entertaining museum, contains 10,000 square feet of highly unusual artefacts from all over the world. You can’t miss this amazing looking building which looks like it has fallen into a sinkhole. Once inside there are sixteen galleries of strange and astonishing exhibits to see.

Discovery Cove

A day at Discovery Cove provides six different unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Opportunities include interacting with bottle-nose dolphins at Dolphin Swim Experience; or “swimming with the sharks” (behind the glass of course) at the Grand Reef; or a scuba-like experience at SeaVenture.

Pointe Orlando

Johnny Rockets, Copper Canyon Grill and BB King’s Blues Club are just three of the many restaurant options at Pointe Orlando, which also offers great shopping, a comedy club, a performing arts centre and a movie theatre with 20 movie choices plus an IMAX screen. Seasonal special events are also offered.

Wonder Works

When driving by this unusual building, your first glance will tell you that something is not quite right. On closer inspection you will see that the entire building is upside down. Fortunately, once inside after having gone through the “‘inversion tunnel” you will able to see all 100 hands-on exhibits. In addition, the ropes challenge course, laser-tag and a 4D theatre add to the fun and excitement.

Yes, you would be amazed that all of these attractions can be found off just one road in Orlando, Florida. This is the road that is called International Drive.

Orlando

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by Guest Blogger, Adam Bruk, traveler and writer for www.travelproducts.com

Miami is a tourist hotspot in the US. Go there with your kids, and they might want to spend every waking moment at the neatest beach. However, lead them around to certain locales, and they’ll have a blast.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

In 1916, International Harvester executive and Miami resident James Deering commissioned the construction of a massive estate on the coast of Biscayne Bay. He spared no expense building for this Renaissance-era Venetian palazzo, gathering art and interior design pieces from around the world. Most of the furnishings have remained, as well as the elaborate garden. A trip through the Vizcaya is a step back into the height of the European arts revolution, interpreted through early 20th century designers. The admission is $15, but the impression this Miami castle will leave on your kids is priceless.

Lummus Park in South Beach

Lummus Beach is the face of Miami, the stereotypical beach filmed in movies and TV shoes. Next to it is a road full of touristy stops like restaurants, shops, and rental stores for bikes and other beach necessities. If your kids somehow get tired of the beautiful white sand, they can even wander over to some of the local parks and playgrounds, or chase each other down the boardwalk.

The Everglades National Park

Just think of what your kids’ science teachers would think if you visited Miami without stopping at the Everglades. The typical Everglades experience consists of some hands-on introduction to alligators, including the exhilarating experience of holding a baby one. Then, a guide will take you and your family on a speedboat through the glades. One popular company charges adults $23 and kids 5-11 $10.

Miami Zoo

If your kids like exotic, Caribbean animals, and the Everglades just weren’t enough, spent a day at the Miami Zoo. You can rent a family bike and reduce the time spent walking around. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for kids.

Miami Children’s Museum

Like the Miami Zoo, the Children’s Museum is ocean themed, especially its crowd favorite Pirate exhibit. You can spend all day in here and even bring some food in, a plus for budget-saavy travelers. Admission, however, is $15 regardless of age.

Bio: Adam keeps busy making sure customers have the right travel products for their trip to Florida. He also helps international travelers find the right travel adapter they’ll need for their trip to the Sunshine state!

Miami

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by David Graham, blogger for Real Florida Vacations

Everyone has heard of all the major attractions in Florida, but what about those off the beaten path. As a Floridian and an avid vacationer, I have discovered there are many things to do and see, many of which can be done at a discounted rate. Here are just a few of these tropical treats.

A little off the beaten path outside of the city of Ocala is Silver Springs, “Florida’s Original Tourist Attraction”. When Hullam Jones in 1878 figured out how to put a glass viewing box in the bottom of a boat it opened a new world for tourists of the magical springs. A popular spot for film and television crews, movies such as several of the Tarzan Features, The Yearling, and television shows, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, I Spy and The Crocodile Hunter Series have been filmed there. Silver Springs still offers an exciting look at Florida and now has a water park, Wild Waters.

When Thomas Edison and Henry Ford decided to “winter in Florida” they chose the southwest coast of Florida in Fort Myers. Each built an estate next to each other on McGregor Boulevard and the banks of the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. The estates have been preserved and are open to the public for all of us to enjoy. With breath taking gardens and the tour through Thomas Edison’s Florida workshop, it is like stepping back in time. You feel as though Mr. Edison and his crew will be walking through the door and breaking new ground with their next amazing adventure. Stroll through the Edison home and catch a glimpse of vast number of inventions that are so much a part of our everyday lives. Stroll outside and over to the Ford Estate and peek in the carriage house and garage of the most famous automaker of all time. The Ford Edison Estates give a glimpse into the past and some insight into the future.

There really are mermaids living in Florida and the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs have delighted visitors since 1947; Located on U.S. 19 at the intersection of State Road 50, about an hour north of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The 538-acre park Florida State Park offers shows harkening back to a time when roadside attractions were the fare, and there were none better than Weeki Wachee Springs. There are more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 72-degree water that bubble up out of subterranean caverns feeding the spring and creating the perfect backdrop for the show in the 400-seat submerged theatre. Added to the springs is the family friendly Buccaneer Bay water park that offers a fun-filled flume rides for thrill seekers of all ages.

Opening in 1955 and now over 50 years later, Miami Seaquarium is the longest operating oceanarium in the United States. Seaquarium is home to some of the most famous animal aquatic shows in the world, but one star rises above the rest, Flipper. The star of the iconic television series filmed at the Miami Seaquarium in the 1960s that lives on in syndication today. There have been many other TV series and movies filmed on location at versatile and beautiful location such as Bad Boys 2 and Ace Ventura Pet Detective. Miami Seaquarium brings a rich history, a huge concern for animal conservation, and amazing shows for all to enjoy.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to plan something completely different for your Real Florida Vacation, these are just a few of the many hidden treasures that can be found. Make your plans, Imagine your dreams, and Enjoy the Magic, Finding Florida!

Bio: David is a blogger and web designer for Real Florida Vacations. He spends as much time as he can vacationing all over Florida with his wife, Pam exploring everything fun in the sun. He is also a Disney-fanatic and will share endless information to anyone that is willing to listen (and some that aren’t).

Ocala

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by guest blogger, Meghan Preston is a creative writer from Northern Arizona University

A tropical theme park created around sea life, Orlando’s SeaWorld is indeed a world all its own. A place where both young and old can marvel at nature’s dwellers of the sea, even a few that embrace land and air, it is renowned for providing family entertainment that never grows old. Further, a trip to SeaWorld nowadays is resplendent with not only performances and exhibits featuring dolphins and killer whales and encounters with penguins and turtles, but a host of quality entertainment by humans. Whether flying through the air costumed like exotic jungle birds or diving as gallantly as their animal friends into the water, many skillful and gifted athletes and entertainers make a day at SeaWorld even more memorable.

Also featuring events scheduled to coincide with seasonal or holiday themes, there is plenty of variety year-round. Viva La Musica, one such annual event, is a colorful celebration of Latin culture, and its food, sights, and sounds. Live concerts by internationally famous musical performers are offered free with park admission. Slated for Saturdays, running from April 14 – May 5 this year, entertainers such as Elvis Crespo, Grupo Niche, RKM & Ken-Y, and Gilberto Santa Rosa are already slated to perform during the first wave of shows, their acts spanning both traditional and modern Hispanic music.

Thus, visitors to SeaWorld Orlando will be treated to all of the excitement of the animal world welcoming spring, as well as a human celebration of that joyous time of year when great weather combines with the best elements of Hispanic culture for an unforgettable time. As seats will be doled out on a first come-first serve basis, the musical concert location within the SeaWorld complex will undoubtedly fill up quickly. Accordingly, those planning to be at SeaWorld during the Saturday afternoons when the musical performances are held should be certain to consult their site maps and purposefully head to the concert location well ahead of starting times.

The musical celebrations will highlight other cultural aspects, too, such as Latin food. Tents will ensure sampling many unique dishes displaying Hispanic flair, while offering a nice respite from the fare more characteristic of theme parks. Not only will it be an opportunity for many to try something new, but there will also be a natural transition from eating to entertainment, Latin style.

Significantly for the community of Orlando, Viva La Musica is also a wonderful rand timely replacement for a popular program, the Orlando Latin American Film and Heritage Festival, or OLA Fest, discontinued due to lack of funds. The annual Hispanic cultural and film celebration was only recently cancelled but was backed by the Orlando Magic, Telemundo, as well as a few Orlando abogado practices. Although it is hoped that it will return in the future, SeaWorld’s Latin festivities will help to fill the void in the meantime.

Availing locals and visitors of delicious Latin cuisine and musical contributions that enrich life north and south of the border is one thing. However, doing so within the realm of an already magnificent theme park is bound to ensure an unbeatable combination of family fun amidst the alluring spectacles of sea life.

bio: Meghan Preston is a creative writer from Northern Arizona University. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel detestations and tourism.

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