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Palm Beach’s Golf Highlights
Consider the hometowns of many of golf’s greats, and Palm Beach County addresses come up again and again.
Tags: Palm_Beach, golf, sports, hotels, resorts,
One Hundred Years of Palm Beach Glamour
Palm Beach County came to be in 1909, shortly after Henry Flagler brought his rail route to Florida and opened Palm Beach’s first hotels.
Tags: luxury, hotels, Palm_Beach, Delray_Beach, West_Palm_Beach, history, spas, resorts, Boca_Raton,
Mingling with the Yacht Set in Fort Lauderdale
With more yachts per capita than any other place in the world, Fort Lauderdale is the center of the yachting universe.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, luxury, dining, resorts,
Golf the Paradise Coast
The Naples area consistently ranks among the top places to play golf in the country, with more holes per capita than any other Florida location.
Tags: golf, Naples, Marco_Island, resorts, deals,
Kissimmee: Theme Parks and Beyond
Connected to Orlando at the hip, Kissimmee gives vacationers all that playtime city has to offer plus the golf courses, cattle ranching heritage, lake tours and hometown friendliness it calls its own.
Tags: Kissimmee, theme_parks, parks, Orlando, boating, historical_sites, downtowns_and_small_towns, resorts, theater,
Luxury Within Reach
The family-owned, boutique-style Lago Mar Resort and Club is a AAA Four-Diamond property that Zagat consistently rates one of Fort Lauderdale’s best resorts.
Tags: luxury, Fort_Lauderdale, resorts, family, deals,
Grand Island Getaway
Tags: St_Petersburg, beaches, resorts, romance, family,
Indulging Your Senses at The Shores
Therapeutic massages from the resort's famous The Indulge Spa cut to the core of what The Shores is all about: relaxation, from the outside in.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, luxury, resorts, beaches, dining,
A Perfectly Orchestrated Resort Experience
Award-winning singer/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan opened Costa d'Este Beach Resort in beautiful Vero Beach in June 2008.
Tags: luxury, resorts, dining, Vero_Beach,
Staying Green in Bonita Springs
In Florida, staying green doesn't mean settling for second-best. In fact, many of Florida's most eco-friendly hotels also happen to be the most luxurious, the most beautiful, the most romantic, as well as the most family-friendly in the state.
Tags: Green_Travel, resorts, Bonita_Springs, dining, parks,
Dive Into Deals and Diversions
Life along the Emerald Coast revolves around the water. I opt for a lazy day under a big beach umbrella with a good book and daydreaming. Dad digs sand fleas for bait and reels in dinner. The kids build the Starship Enterprise – no simple sandcastles for us.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, dining, fishing, shelling, snorkeling, wildlife, resorts, hotels,
Many-Splendored Southwest Florida
SunStream Hotels & Resorts' properties offer accommodations that reflect Southwest Florida's laid-back, understated elegance.
Tags: Naples, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, art_and_culture, fishing, museums, shopping, hotels, resorts,
The Grand Experience
Indeed, I’m far from the first to be impressed with the Grand Bohemian. Travel + Leisure magazine ranked the hotel among the finest 500 properties in the world this year. And its AAA Four Diamond rating makes it the only true luxury property in downtown Orlando.
Tags: resorts, Orlando, dining, luxury, art, art_and_culture, music,
Fiestas, Freebies and Fun
Celebrate the founding of Pensacola at the 60th annual Fiesta of Five Flags from June 4-11, when Seville Quarter comes alive with special events.
Tags: Pensacola, Perdido_Key, festival, events, resorts, beaches, fishing, museums, zoos, historical_sites,
Ten-Mile Marathon
Marathon is the "Family Fun and Boating Destination" of the Florida Keys. And it certainly lives up to this title, with outstanding boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, dining and unique sites you won’t find anywhere else.
Tags: Florida_Keys, Marathon, dining, beaches, museums, wildlife, resorts, festival,
Treasure Coast Retreat
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, the Hutchinson Island Marriott is a water-lover’s paradise. Paddle into crystal-clear waters for a private surf lesson, kayak along miles of pristine shorelines and get your adrenaline pumping as you zip along on a waverunner.
Tags: resorts, Stuart, Port_St_Lucie, Jensen_Beach, beaches, water_sports,
The 'A' List: Family-Friendly Resorts
Everywhere, it seemed, we saw families playing in the sand, pedaling around the property and enjoying an old-fashioned good time – together.
Tags: resorts, hotels, family, Destin, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Marco_Island, Port_St_Lucie, Florida_Keys,
Beach Within Reach
No taller than a palm tree, the Outrigger Beach Resort is one of those barefoot, tiki bar places that has remained a bastion of classic Florida vacationing. It immediately brings back memories of entire days spent in a swimsuit, running wild in the waves and not caring what time it is.
Tags: Fort_Myers, beaches, water_sports, resorts,
Baby Yourselves
It’s called the babymoon - a last-ditch trip for parents-to-be (or a reprieve for newbies) in need of some adult time and relaxation.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, resorts, romance, honeymoons, family,
High-End Kissimmee
The Plantation Room restaurant, featuring Executive Chef Zachary Martin’s creative contemporary American cuisine (and Florida produce whenever possible), is one of the Orlando area’s hottest – not to mention most romantic – tables.
Tags: Kissimmee, luxury, Orlando, resorts, dining, spas,
Go Golf Kissimmee
Many of the Kissimmee-area golf courses are located just a few miles apart and right off Interstate 4. Here, you could easily binge on 36 holes of some of the country’s best golf in the same day.
Tags: golf, Kissimmee, Orlando, resorts,
Happy Kids, Happy Parents
From our own experience at TradeWinds, I can assure you that parents are on "Easy Street" while their kids play pirate, romp in the sand and find plenty of nonstop entertainment without leaving the 20-acre property.
Tags: resorts, family, St_Pete_Beach,
Keys for Two, Three (or More)
Hang by the beach in the saltwater lagoon or rent bikes to explore Duck Key at its every-day-is-a-holiday pace.
Tags: family, Florida_Keys, sailing, resorts, snorkeling, diving, fishing, dining,
Finding Italy in Florida
The water beckons, and to reach the beach, we have to resist the urge to plunk ourselves down in a lounge chair by the pool or retire to a cabana, where our every need will be catered to.
Tags: Marco_Island, resorts,
PCB Vacation Style
Nap on the resort's 650 feet of white, sandy beach, take a Banana Boat ride through clear waters, hit the health club, spa and fitness center or sip a drink from the outdoor pool bar.
Tags: resorts, beaches, Panama_City_Beach,
Down the Garden Path
Every time I come to stay here, the lush gardens are blooming with something new and stunning, and today was no exception. There were exotic blooms everywhere, and the smell of sweet citrus filled the air.
Tags: gardens, Sanibel_Island, beaches, resorts,
Easy Being Green
TradeWinds Island Grand and its sister property, the Sandpiper Suites, hold the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Two Palm designation.
Tags: St_Petersburg, beaches, aquariums, resorts, sunsets, wildlife, sailing, Green_Travel,
A Mom's Getaway
The main bathroom was bigger than my entire bedroom at home and outfitted with imported marble flooring, custom vanity areas, a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower.
Tags: spas, Sunny_Isles_Beach, Miami, resorts, luxury,
Kidding Around at The Colony
It comes with exactly the kind of reputation you'd expect from an established private resort long visited by politicians and film stars looking for a quiet escape.
Tags: Longboat_Key, resorts, beaches, family, sightseeing, Sarasota, kayaking, sailing, biking,
A Captivating Spot
Life definitely moves at a slower pace here, so opportunities to relax and recharge abound.
Tags: resorts, Captiva_Island, beaches, hotels, spas,
Dreaming of a Florida Christmas
The holidays in Florida have never been cooler.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts, hotels, events, family,
The Key to Having It All
The season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat Key.
Tags: Longboat_Key, beaches, boating, snorkeling, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, birding, biking, Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, hotels, shopping, dining, luxury, food_and_wine, Bradenton,
Affordable Orlando
Get more from your Orlando vacation, and your hotel, at The Fountains resort.
Tags: resorts, Orlando, water_parks, theme_parks, dining, sightseeing,
Cool Kissimmee
Fall in love with the family-friendly nature of one of Orlando's closest neighbors.
Tags: Kissimmee, Kennedy_Space_Center, history, family, outdoors_and_nature, theme_parks, dining, hotels, resorts,
Daytona Beach Break
Today, the three-mile section of beach around the pier has been designated for pedestrians only, and it's still where it's happening on Daytona Beach. The Bandshell and historic clock tower stand in contrast to the beach's hip new scene, a pretty city park has sprung up at the pier's end and monuments and plaques pay tribute to the beach's early racers.
Tags: beaches, Daytona_Beach, resorts, shopping, dining, luxury, spas, family,
Back to Orlando
I love a deal of any kind, but here's what I think works about this Endless Summer thing: If it's something you like to do again and again, here's a way to do it cheaper. And if it's something you're trying for the first time, take an affordable test-drive.
Tags: Orlando, theme_parks, dining, deals, hotels, resorts, events, festival,
Celebrated Beach
For active couples and families, the beach has got it going on. Trump's beach concession takes care of recreational needs from kayak rentals to an inflatable floating water park with a trampoline and slide.
Tags: resorts, beaches, Sunny_Isles_Beach, Miami,
Miami's Day Trip Gem
This isn't your grandma's cabana. The private, air-conditioned room has a couch, stereo and granite-topped mini-bar. It even has its own back porch for sunbathing.
Tags: Miami, South_Beach, resorts, luxury, spas, Sunny_Isles_Beach,
Hand in Hand at The Shores
The Shores puts in all the thought for you with its collection of romance-themed packages that play up the resort's – and your relationship's – best features.
Tags: romance, Daytona_Beach, resorts,
Luxe Lauderdale
While Lago Mar serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring a grown-up Fort Lauderdale, the resort is also a world within itself, an exclusive enclave where guests and club members are treated like royalty.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, resorts, luxury,
Green and Global
In addition to its eco-attractions, South Florida shines in the museum department. Its art and historical museums illuminate the area's rich, multicultural complexion.
Tags: Sunny_Isles_Beach, Miami, resorts, family, Fort_Lauderdale, Green_Travel,
Fountains of Fun
At nearly 1,200 square feet, with two bedrooms, two full baths, a fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer, our villa makes for a very comfortable weekend home away from home for the three of us
Tags: Orlando, resorts, family,
Family Vacations with Old-Fashioned Fun
The shrimp boats pulled right up to the back of the restaurant so we knew the food would be fresh. What we tasted was sweeter shrimp than any we had ever eaten.
Tags: Amelia_Island, family, resorts, outdoors_and_nature, equestrian, Fernandina_Beach,
Happy Campers: Florida Summer Kids' Camps
The kids may learn how to walk a tightrope, swim with dolphins or launch a space mission. But surely after a summer in Florida, they’ll impress their teachers with the fall assignment on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”
Tags: family, Kennedy_Space_Center, Titusville, Panama_City_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, Tampa, , St_Augustine, Miami, aquariums, resorts, Naples, Amelia_Island, sports, Orlando,
Island Style in Sanibel and Captiva
While Captiva is noted for its quaintness and quietude, Sanibel is where you can find a little more action.
Tags: Sanibel_Island, Captiva_Island, resorts,
Family Vacation Essentials
The Shores is Daytona Beach's only AAA Four Diamond property, but in an all-the-amenities, none-of-the-attitude kind of way.
Tags: resorts, family, Daytona_Beach,
Northwest Florida Golf: The WaterColor Inn
If you spend some time in northwest Florida, you must plan a visit to the WaterColor Inn and set up a few tee times at Camp Creek, The Origins Course and Shark’s Tooth. I especially love the area in the fall months.
Tags: golf, sports, Santa_Rosa_Beach, resorts,
The Spirit of Luxury at the Belleview Biltmore
Ten French doors led into a large enclosure housing the art-deco tiled indoor pool, complete with elegant columns, potted palms and lounge chairs. There was also a fully equipped exercise room and full service salon on-site.
Tags: Clearwater, resorts, luxury, history, historical_sites, tours,
Golf and More at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort offers an enormous number of enjoyable things to do during your visit, and the resort’s inviting layout makes it seem that no single area ever seems crowded.
Tags: Destin, golf, resorts, sports,
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: A True Destination Hotel
With 17 restaurants and lounges, 30,000-square feet of meeting room space, a full-service European-style spa, 22 retail shops and 11 nightclubs in a complex known as Seminole Paradise (whew!) why would you need to leave the premises?.
Tags: Hollywood, resorts, luxury, spas, shopping, nightlife, dining,
Spring Surprises
Palm Court served up just the romantic dinner we needed. Candle-lit tables were dotted with budding red roses, and wine glasses sparkled on the pressed white tablecloths.
Tags: romance, St_Pete_Beach, resorts,
A Refreshing Spin on Romance
The Shores specializes in providing real vacations – the kind that are usually figments of your imagination.
Tags: romance, resorts, Daytona_Beach, luxury,
Beach Bonding in Destin
We ooh-ed and aah-ed as we explored our three-bedroom, three-bath condominium rental and discovered the spacious living room with plush sofas and the 475-square-foot balcony overlooking the water.
Tags: beaches, Destin, resorts, vacation_rentals, spas, sports,
Panama City Beach Retreat
Whether you're seeking sunshine and warmth, beach town fun or just an escape from the everyday, Panama City Beach makes for the perfect family retreat.
Tags: resorts, Panama_City_Beach, family,
Self-Renewal in Safety Harbor
In total, all 175 guest rooms have been renovated with new decor and furnishings, new lighting, pillow-top beds, the softest of linens and updated amenities in the bath and dressing areas.
Tags: resorts, luxury, Clearwater, spas, Safety_Harbor,
Five Ways to Live it Up in Fort Myers
Enjoy an intimate, moonlit dinner on the beach, a couples massage and a bottle of Dom Perignon, all part of the Sensual Sanibel Sunset package.
Tags: Sanibel_Island, resorts, luxury, cruises, spas, Fort_Myers,
Florida's Grand Dames
The 1920s ushered in the golden years. Stocks were high, dresses were short and Florida grew some of its most regal hotels.
Tags: hotels, resorts, history, historical_sites, Mount_Dora, St_Augustine, Clearwater, Palm_Beach, Apalachicola, Sebring, Key_West, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Tampa, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Boca_Raton, Clewiston, St_Pete_Beach,
Be 'Tween the Beautiful Waters on Captiva
The resort has also been named "One of Florida's Top 10 Small Inns" by the Palm Beach Post, and "Captiva's Best Sleep" by Florida Travel & Life.
Tags: Captiva_Island, resorts,
Inspiration at Innisbrook
With its majestic stands of pine trees and rolling fairways, the course's landscape evokes more of North Carolina than Florida's west coast.
Tags: golf, Palm_Harbor, resorts,
Classic Coast with a Twist
As we sipped our drinks, I was reminded that for all its glitz and spring-break glam, Panama City Beach is a sleepy, southern beach town at heart.
Tags: Panama_City_Beach, resorts, beaches,
Beach Perfect
At the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, you don't have to leave the beach to go kayaking or boogie boarding, have a great meal or arrange a tee time from your beach cabana.
Tags: Sandestin, beaches, resorts, Destin,
Kid-Friendly Fun in Orlando
Liki Tiki Village is practically overflowing with family appeal. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas features a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Tags: Orlando, family, resorts, theme_parks, Kissimmee,
Paradise on St. Pete Beach
With a mango daiquiri in one hand and my Explorer Value Pass in the other (the pass allows unlimited access to many resort activities), I kick back on one of the beachside hammocks and soak up the Florida sunshine.
Tags: St_Pete_Beach, family, beaches, resorts,
Culinary Heaven Meets the Coast
One of the best ways to indulge your taste buds while on vacation is to take advantage of the resort's Trump Tasting Package, which includes a six-course meal served at the award-winning restaurant Neomi's Grill on-site.
Tags: Sunny_Isles_Beach, resorts, dining, Miami,
Frills for Families
At Trump International Beach Resort, you have everything you need to keep the little ones and their parents happy without having to leave the premises.
Tags: resorts, family, Sunny_Isles_Beach,
Get More for Your Family Trip
Plan far ahead before the least-expensive options are sold out, check with individual properties for special deals and share your trip (both the fun and the expenses) with family and friends.
Tags: family, theme_parks, hotels, resorts, reunions, vacation_rentals,
The Plantation Golf Resort & Spa and World Woods Golf Club
World Woods does some joint packages with the Plantation Golf Resort, so if you are staying there you may want to take the short trip down to World Woods.
Tags: golf, resorts, Crystal_River, Brooksville,
Destination Miami - With Kids
When we “checked out” the 1,200-square-foot indoor facility, we found the camp equipped with enough counselors, video games, craft supplies, fishing rods and basketballs to make any kid happy.
Tags: family, Miami, resorts, shopping, aquariums,
Find Your Groove in the Grove
The two-story spa also features a steam room and outdoor spa with waterfall that overlooks Biscayne Bay, so arrive early or plan to stay on after your treatment.
Tags: Coconut_Grove, shopping, nightlife, spas, resorts, dining,
Getaway for Four
I settled into a soft, overstuffed chair, admiring the dark wooden mantle, elegant wainscoting, flowing drapes and antique furniture.
Tags: Steinhatchee, fishing, vacation_rentals, resorts, family,
Healing Waters
I lost myself in the feel of the water swishing around me, the sunlight on my upturned face and the quiet you can only experience when your ears are under water.
Tags: spas, luxury, resorts, Palm_Beach,
In Deference to Doral
The ball shot from the club head as if propelled by gunpowder, rocketing skyward toward the distant flagstick until it nestled six feet from the hole.
Tags: golf, Miami, resorts, sports,
Life After Golf
By the time your companion finishes getting loofahed, wrapped and spoiled within an inch of his or her life, you can easily fit in 18 holes.
Tags: golf, resorts, spas, family, St_Augustine, Fort_Myers, Orlando, fishing, Panama_City, Florida_Keys, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Key_Biscayne, Amelia_Island, Daytona_Beach,
Beach Blanket Bingo
With hula girls, fire-twirling dancers and more tiki faces than you’ll find in Tahiti, this place shimmies with Polynesian surrealism (and the food’s good, too).
Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, Florida_Keys, Islamorada, theme_parks, Fort_Lauderdale, Panama_City_Beach, Daytona_Beach, beaches, Hollywood, Weeki_Wachee,
Go Dog, Go!
Forget biscuits – your best friend wants a vacation. (Though a few bites of steak and a stroll on the beach might earn you a lick or two.)
Tags: Tampa, Winter_Park, Miami_Beach, Key_West, beaches, parks, resorts, hotels, bed_and_breakfasts, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Dunedin, St_Pete_Beach, St_George_Island, Pensacola, dining,
Florida Resorts That Are Kid (and Parent) Friendly
This oceanfront luxury resort is known its service, fine dining and location near world-class shopping. Here, kids are VIKs (Very Important Kids) - and they even get their own check-in desk.
Tags: family, resorts, Amelia_Island, Naples, Islamorada, Longboat_Key, Destin, Captiva_Island, St_Pete_Beach,
A Family Affair
Reunions are not just about catching up, they're about making memories. For your next affair, these activities infuse fun into your family time.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Walton_Beach, Miami, New_Smyrna_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Titusville, beaches, reunions, family, Kennedy_Space_Center, resorts, bed_and_breakfasts, Destin, fishing, hotels, Florida_Keys,
Nurturing Vacations
Almost in disbelief, we see scores, then hundreds, of birds in flight, heading for the rookery, straight over our boat. Snowy egrets; great blue herons; roseate spoonbills with their unmistakable pink plumes.
Tags: family, spas, resorts, Fort_Myers,
Planning a Florida Family Reunion
From renting a picnic shelter to reserving a block of campsites, Florida's parks are sometimes overlooked as reunion hotspots.
Tags: Kissimmee, Palm_Coast, Pensacola, reunions, family, resorts, parks,
Four Seasons
It's easy to imagine sugar plum fairies in our Junior Ocean View Suite, which is awash in the vivid pastels of sea glass.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Orlando, Palm_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, luxury, resorts, hotels, dining,
Paradise for Two
The bedroom opened to a spacious balcony with a clear view of the beach. We were so close to the ocean we could taste the salt.
Tags: resorts, romance, spas, Palm_Beach, shopping, museums, Jupiter,
Starry Eyes, Starry Nights
Nate and I saw Mars and the Orion Nebula, a fuzzy cluster of newly forming stars.
Tags: Bradenton, Cedar_Key, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Gainesville, High_Springs, Nokomis, Steinhatchee, Venice, romance, resorts, cruises, dining,
Fantasy Islands
It's a place where nothing is too extravagant when it comes to wowing your partner. As the Resort reminds, "all you have to do is ask."
Tags: Amelia_Island, Anna_Maria_Island, Clearwater, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Marco_Island, Miami, Palm_Coast, Panama_City_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Sebastian, parks, romance, beaches, spas, resorts, St_George_Island, weddings,
Live Out Your Island Fantasies on Little Palm
During your stay, island life can be whatever you make it.
Tags: Key_West, resorts, spas, vacation_rentals,
Ports of Call
Nature trails, safe harbors, cabins, tent sites, hiking and biking trails and miles of deserted beaches make this a must-see location.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Apalachicola, Captiva_Island, Carrabelle, Coconut_Grove, Fernandina_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Key_Largo, Miami, Panama_City_Beach, Sarasota, South_Beach, Venice, outdoors_and_nature, parks, camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, St_Augustine, hotels, resorts, Sanibel_Island,
Fresh Catch
Dive into the grasses, and once you find the scallops - notable for their quintessential seashell shapes and striated brown coloring - start grabbing.
Tags: Steinhatchee, fishing, St_Petersburg, Florida_Keys, resorts,
Gilligan Fantasies
We feel as though we've arrived in the South Seas in the mere 15 minutes it takes the ferry to spirit us away from traffic jams and life's other irks.
Tags: Fort_Myers, Miami, beaches, parks, biking, hiking, resorts, outdoors_and_nature, Florida_Keys, romance, Englewood,
Executive Escapes
Later that evening, Gatsby-esque murals and saltwater aquariums, along with our three waiters - Birk, Ben and Don - greeted Meghan and I at The Maritana Grille.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Boca_Raton, Coral_Gables, Islamorada, Key_West, Longboat_Key, Marathon, Miami, Miami_Beach, Mount_Dora, Palm_Beach, Steinhatchee, West_Palm_Beach, spas, resorts, beaches, luxury, dining,
Country Club Casual on Ponte Vedra Beach
Huge, rolling sand dunes and sweeping natural views make this a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Tags: Ponte_Vedra_Beach, golf, Tampa, resorts, hotels,
Parrot Heads
This is a place of bikini tops and Bloody Marys for breakfast. Where the talk is about fishing, the weather and what port of call is next.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fort_Lauderdale, Gulf_Breeze, Key_West, Marco_Island, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Nokomis, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Sarasota, South_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, Venice, nightlife, beaches, resorts, hotels, dining,
The Good Life
With 10 percent of the ExxonMobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Award winners in Florida, opulence and supreme comfort is never far away in the Sunshine State.
Tags: Coral_Gables, Fort_Lauderdale, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, spas, resorts, shopping,
Florida Vacations With Teens
Best of all, it was as close as you could get to the water and the rolling, booming waves looked awesome right off our balcony, teasing the teens into a frenzy when we arrived.
Tags: Jensen_Beach, Key_West, St_Pete_Beach, Stuart, family, tours, Florida_Keys, surfing, resorts,
Cabana For Two
We feed each other the savory, pepper-crusted petite veal rack and sensual butter-poached Florida lobster tail, dipping each in a menagerie of sauces.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, spas, resorts, romance, lighthouses, dining,
A Shore (or Off-Shore) Thing in Palm Coast
Remote golden-sand beaches and pristine nature preserves dot the shore. Myriad wildlife, from songbirds and shorebirds flying overhead to sea turtles, dolphins and manatees swimming just off the bow, will be your only companions.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Palm_Coast, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, boating, beaches, water_sports, spas, shopping, cruises, resorts, St_Augustine,
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Weekend Full of Fun
We soon learned that this beachfront resort offers a boatload of activities for kids. He was painted like a buccaneer, saw a movie at the "dive-in" theater and made shark tooth necklaces with Captain RedBeard himself.
Tags: Clearwater, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, beaches, family, resorts,
The Florida Keys by Motorcycle
Heading south, the famous Seven Mile Bridge offers views of endless sky and sea; it also presents the most challenging riding you're likely to encounter.
Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Miami, Florida_Keys, motorcycling, hotels, resorts, dining,
The New Daytona Beach
Aaron, Jean-Michael and I finished our last visit to this place we call kid-heaven with a late lunch in Ocean Walk Shoppes, colorful and representing what's freshest in Daytona Beach's family-fetching image.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, family, racing, , piers, resorts, shopping, museums,
Fort Myers Beach on the Flip Side
As dusk turned to nightfall, we slipped away from the spirited, boisterous scene and headed to a quiet dinner table for two in Chloë's restaurant, at the flip-side, ivory-tower sanctuary of DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Tags: Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, romance, resorts, dining,
Rockin' Around the Clock in Panama City Beach
Water pistol fights, an underwater treasure hunt, tugs of war, steering the pirate ship, and going below deck for pirate tattoos keep kids active and entertained for the two-hour sail.
Tags: Panama_City_Beach, family, beaches, diving, shopping, resorts, hotels, nightlife, fishing,
Resort-Style Reunions
Florida's weather, amenities and activities make it a prime destination for family reunions. Here are some attractive resort options for your gathering.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sandestin, resorts, reunions, Florida_Keys, family,
Celebrating Sisterhood
We giggled like high school girls as we trolled the hotel's private beach, sipping fruity cocktails, reminiscing and splashing in the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tags: Palm_Beach, resorts, spas, beaches, shopping, dining,
Dry Feet, Warm Memories
Plan an early morning or late afternoon visit to National Key Deer Refuge if you want to spy the endearingly tiny white-tailed deer that seek shelter there.
Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, parks, museums, resorts, wildlife,
Absolutely Famous
The feeling is reinforced as I pass smiling employees in the Don CeSar's hallways. "Good day," each one says, making me feel like the First Lady.
Tags: Clearwater, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, resorts, spas,
A-Foot in Fort Lauderdale
Big city meets carefree beach within a three-mile stroll along Fort Lauderdale's most fashionable streets and walkways.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, Miami, Palm_Beach, West_Palm_Beach, transportation, resorts, shopping, hotels, parks, museums,
A-Foot in Naples
With its love of art and its alfresco café society, Naples feels deliciously as Italian as its name.
Tags: Naples, shopping, walking_tours, resorts,
Orlando Golf Academies
Perhaps the Academy's most unique characteristic is three practice holes that allow "real conditions" practice.
Tags: Orlando, golf, resorts, Kissimmee,
Family-Friendly Fort Lauderdale
I had discovered paradise - the world's largest discount and entertainment mall housing designer outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue, DKNY and Neiman Marcus.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, shopping, museums, art, history, culture, resorts, family, Dania_Beach,
Lovers Key
The living room and bedroom each had massive windows overfilled with bay vistas - vast stretches of clear blue waters of varying shades of wonderful; uninhabited islands of mangrove; and miles and miles of blue sky.
Tags: resorts, romance, kayaking, parks, beaches, Estero, Fort_Myers_Beach,
Family Reunions 101
We dined on fresh grilled grouper, huge burgers, jerk chicken wings and arguably the best conch fritters in the United States.
Tags: Clearwater, Egmont_Key, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, family, reunions, resorts, beaches,
Luxurious Escapes
Besides that, there is the beach, which stretches for five miles and is absolutely deserted. The water is a startlingly transparent turquoise, and the sands pale champagne.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Lauderdale, Islamorada, resorts, hotels,
Scalloping in Steinhatchee
The town is a delicious time warp where century-old fishing camps languish beneath mossy oaks, and weathered docks rock gently in the wake of fishing boats.
Tags: Steinhatchee, sealife, fishing, resorts, dining,
Florida Romance
The front desk operator greeted us with a smile and warm chocolate chip cookies before ushering us to a suite with a view of the private, white-sand beach below.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, Sebastian, Vero_Beach, romance, resorts, hotels, Fort_Pierce,
Heat it Up!
The fireplace sits at the foot of the king-sized bed topped with fluffy, feather pillows. It's all just steps from the ocean, where you can lounge, bicycle, fish, sail or kayak.
Tags: Ponte_Vedra_Beach, spas, resorts, romance, dining,
Reunions Warm and Unfussy
Mix and match your family for a Lee County reunion vacation that runs smoothly, warmly and, best of all, without a lot of fuss.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, reunions, family, resorts, hotels,
The Keys to Romance
What could be more romantic than a remote island paradise ringed in white sands and amazingly blue waters?
Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, romance, resorts, dining,
Kid-Tested (and approved) Kids Programs
These counselors are not simply slightly older kids who are baby-sitting for a few bucks an hour. They have earned degrees in recreation. In other words: professionals.
Tags: Kissimmee, family, resorts,
Puttin' on Airs in Pompano
My fourth floor suite opened onto a spacious living and dining area with dark wood and rattan furniture, and a large balcony. One wing had a bedroom with two double beds, a full bathroom and a washer and dryer.
Tags: Pompano_Beach, resorts, spas,
Daytona Beach in the Spring
Tour guide Bunny led us into the inner recesses where confections come to life. She pointed to old copper kettles, a marble table on which caramel and peanut brittle are spread and a large white scale straight out of Mayberry.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, resorts, racing,
Kissimmee Golf Safari
The National presents a formidable challenge with three double doglegs and fairway-long bunkers on some holes.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, golf, resorts,
Pompano Beach Golf at Palm-Aire Resort and Spa
The Cypress' undulating, tree-lined fairways mask some difficult greens, triangulated so just the right putting touch is required.
Tags: golf, Pompano_Beach, resorts,
Kissimmee: The Coolest Place to Be During the Holidays
Temperatures outside may average a balmy 70 degrees, but inside the 18,000-square-foot "Florida Fridge," as the huge structure housing ICE! is dubbed, it's kept at a chilly nine degrees.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts,
Family Fare
This is also the place to rent bikes for pedaling around Sanibel's 23 miles of paved bike paths.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Estero, Fort_Myers_Beach, Palm_Beach, Sanibel_Island, family, resorts,
Guilt-free Golf
There's nothing better for the banishment of golf guilt than returning after a day on the links to find happy, healthy and slightly tired kids.
Tags: Lake_Buena_Vista, Panama_City_Beach, Palm_Harbor, golf, family, resorts,
Best Honeymoon Spots
If you've chosen a honeymoon or romance package, you may also find a hot drawn bath laced with rose petals, chilled champagne, chocolate truffles or a book of love stories atop your satin sheets.
Tags: Lake_Wales, Sarasota, Seaside, romance, spas, bed_and_breakfasts, resorts, honeymoons, Florida_Keys, theater, culture, Siesta_Key, Beaches_of_South_Walton,
Ron Jon Surf Shop
To keep folks coming back, Ron Jon boasts an always-surprising calendar of events, highlighted by autograph sessions and demonstrations by top surfers.
Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Orlando, shopping, resorts,
World-Famous Links
Florida is blessed with some of the top-rated courses in the country, along with resorts that are renowned the world over.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, Naples, golf, resorts, Palm_Beach,
Up-and-Coming Courses
Florida's big-name golf destinations may garner most of the national attention, but locals have long known that some of the state's best golf is found in up-and-coming locales like Northwest, Central Florida and the Daytona Beach area.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Key_West, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sandestin, Tampa, golf, resorts, Ormond_Beach,
Family-friendly Beaches
Up and down the beach, concessions promise wet thrills in the form of Jet-skiing, Hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, parasailing and surf-biking.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Walton_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, resorts,
Small and Family-Friendly Lodgings
I loved the answer I received when I called the B&B owners and asked if they accepted children. "Why of course, they're people, too," came the answer in a friendly Southern drawl.
Tags: Cape_San_Blas, Fernandina_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Steinhatchee, Wakulla_Springs, bed_and_breakfasts, hotels, resorts, family, Englewood,
Kinder-Kind Resorts
Plays, beach walks, water balloon soccer, language-learning and scavenger hunts are among the activities incorporated into kid-appealing theme days such as Natural Wonders, Wet 'N' Wild, Messy Mania and Space Day.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, family, Florida_Keys, dolphins, hotels, resorts, Homosassa,
Family Discoveries in Daytona Beach
The look of triumph and thrill on his face as he stood his first ride all the way to the beach? You guessed it: priceless.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, family, beaches, resorts, racing,
Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands
Go shelling along the stretch of beach that juts toward the Gulf. But remember this island belongs to the real natives - birds and, yes, even things that slither.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dunedin, beaches, resorts, wildlife, parks, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, Honeymoon_Island,
Island Time at Casa Marina
We stepped outside our sliding glass doors to a pretty, palm tree-lined beach and sunk our toes into white, silky sand. Two piers stretched into the multi-hued Atlantic, its color changing from rich cobalt blue to bright seafoam green.
Tags: Key_West, resorts,
Luxury Getaways for the Holidays
Fantasy Fest, the Southernmost City's Halloween celebration, involves a swirl of week-long antics that are part-Mardi Gras and part-spring break, with some tropical weather thrown in for good measure.
Tags: Key_West, Tampa, hotels, resorts, St_Augustine,
Ponte Vedra Lodge and Club
Our oceanfront suite had two televisions, a CD stereo system, gas fireplace, kitchenette and spacious bathroom with a large whirlpool tub, all fringed by a wrap-around balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Tags: Ponte_Vedra_Beach, resorts, hotels, spas, St_Augustine,
Florida Spa Sampler
Succumb to the luscious Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap or the Exotic Flower Bath.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Fort_Myers, Islamorada, Key_West, Kissimmee, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, spas, resorts, luxury, Sanibel_Island,
Over-the-Top-Luxury
For the perfect end to the perfect evening, summon your Bath Concierge to draw a bath with a sensuous blend of oils and bath salts.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Bonita_Springs, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, luxury, resorts, hotels, spas,
15 Ways to Lure Your Lover
Mimosas, smoked salmon, caviar, Belgian waffles and fresh strawberries. Eggs Benedict, tender prime rib, rich pastas and artful salads, decadent tarts, soufflés and chocolate rum cakes. Shall I go on?
Tags: Captiva_Island, Daytona_Beach, Delray_Beach, Gainesville, High_Springs, Homestead, Lake_Wales, Miami, Mount_Dora, Palm_Beach, Quincy, South_Beach, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, romance, Beaches_of_South_Walton, bed_and_breakfasts, resorts,
Florida's Tournament Tracks
Avid baseball fans can't experience the thrill of standing at home plate at Yankee Stadium, but any golfer can play the exact same dangerous approach shot toward the water-guarded 18th at Doral or Bay Hill or the dreaded 17th island hole at the TPC at Sawgrass as Ernie Els or Phil Mickelson or Sergio Garcia.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Miami, Orlando, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Palm_Harbor, golf, resorts,
Luxe a Deux
Male or female, pampering is part of the package. Plan on leaving not only firmed, but affirmed.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, resorts, spas,
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Jill Martin
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Lauren Tjaden
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Tim McDonald
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Terry Tomalin
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Hilda Mitrani
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Kevin Mims
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Terry Ward
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