Enjoying Visiting These 12 Fascinating Small Towns in Florida

When they think about taking a vacation to Florida, many people envision touring popular holiday destinations like Miami Beach or Orlando. Yet the scenic Sunshine State also boasts numerous interesting smaller towns. Spend some time visiting some of these friendly places:

Mount Dora

Historic Mount Dora transports visitors back to the quiet Florida of yesteryear. It boasts many tourist attractions, including charming cafés and a lighthouse.

Sanibel Island

This lovely island voted to limit development years ago. It offers awesome sandy beaches, replete with lush scenery and some 250 different sea shells!

Tarpon Springs

Greek immigrants settled in this small Gulf Coast community. Tarpon Springs boasts art galleries, antique stores, specialty shops, and sponge docks.

Amelia Island

Near Jacksonville, this striking island maintains a sea turtle nursery. A nearby fortress draws Civil War buffs.

St. George Island

Explore an island supplying 28 miles of pristine beaches

Destin

Superb sandy beach, boardwalks, and fine restaurants contribute to Destin’s charm.

Delray Beach

This busy seaside location attracts tourists internationally. Its beaches appeal to thousands of college students during Spring Break. Restaurants, gardens, and the nearby Wakodahatchee Wetlands delight visitors.

St. Augustine

More of a city than a small town, dynamic St. Augustine makes this list due to its cultural significance. The first settlement founded by the Spanish in North America in 1565, it fascinates history buffs. Visit the Castillo de San Marco, the city gate, and other historic structures.

Grayton Beach

This community adjoins spectacular beaches. It sits along the Florida Panhandle, not far from Destin.

Fort Myers

Explore fascinating historic landmarks in this community. It still maintains homes owned by industrialist Henry Ford and scientist Thomas Edison.

Santa Rosa Beach

Situated in Florida’s lovely Panhandle, Santa Rosa Beach offers miles of fine white sand. Point Washington State Forest stands nearby.

Venice

Venice sits along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It features two popular beaches: Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach. The latter attracts people who enjoy beach combing for shark’s teeth (a rare prize).

Clearwater Beach

This city features numerous activities. Parasail, jet ski, or catch a cruise!

New Attractions for the Kids (and Your Inner-Child!) at Orlando’s Universal Studios

There is never a shortage of new and exciting adventures to be had when you visit Universal Studios in Orlando. This family-friendly destination is continually rolling out new attractions designed to appeal to children of all ages, as well as those adults who are still kids at heart. Here is a look at the new things in store for visitors to Universal Studios:

FAST AND FURIOUS: This latest supercharged attraction takes guests on a rollicking ride as they try to escape the enemy’s grip. Familiar faces include Dom, Hobbs, and Letty guiding you through a wild car chase. Hold on, it’s about to get fast!

VOODOO DONUT: Citywalk’s latest culinary addition is the venerable Portland, Oregon donut shop. Featuring a variety of delicious treats themed to perfection, guests will delight in the new flavors and uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind bakery. Pack up your iconic Voodoo Donut pink box as you make your way to the parks each morning or stop by at end of the day for the perfect sweet ending.

VOLCANO BAY: The much-anticipated third theme park is open for business and thrilling guests with its wide array of water attractions designed to excite and cool off all visitors. The most adventurous guests will revel in the daring waterslides and the aqua coaster while those seeking a more laid-back experience can relax in the wave pool or float along the lazy river. The Tot Tiki Reef is a specially-designed area for the smallest water babies to enjoy the perks of this massive water park. Admission to this tropical paradise is included with the three-park ticket.

NIGHTTIME LIGHTS AT HOGWARTS CASTLE: The magic of Hogwarts Castle comes alive at night with an all-new light show, celebrating the fantastical world of Harry Potter. Guests of all ages will be dazzled with this nighttime spectacular capping off another magical day at Universal Studios.

RACE THROUGH NEW YORK STARRING JIMMY FALLON: Hang out with America’s favorite late night talk show host in this new attraction that pays homage to the television king as well as New York City. Take a trip down The Tonight Show memory lane before boarding your vehicle to go on an adventure through the streets of the Big Apple.

Big Concerts coming to Florida for Summer 2018

Summertime in Florida can sometimes get a bad rap, as the heat and humidity that make it a prized destination throughout the rest of the year are decidedly more pronounced during the proverbial dog days. This year, however, the Sunshine State is hosting a number of hot-ticket concerts–so hot they’ll make the weather seem cool by comparison. Here’s the rundown.

Justin Timberlake

May 18 & 19, Sunrise

The “SexyBack” singer–and toast of Super Bowl LII–will show off all his signature moves at the BB&T Center to kick off the season.

Kendrick Lamar

May 23, West Palm

Just before Memorial Day weekend, the Coral Sky Amphitheater will welcome TDE: The Championship Tour, featuring Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and many more.

Kenny Chesney

May 24, West Palm

Crossover fans of rap and country will want to stick around the Coral Sky for one more night. This prolific megastar is known for putting on a great show, particularly in warmer climates.

Shania Twain

June 1, Sunrise

Speaking of crossovers and megastars, the legendary Twain is back in the saddle, bringing her Now Tour to the BB&T Center.

Sam Smith

July 14, Miami

The American Airlines arena will proudly welcome this British pop crooner, touring behind his new album, “The Thrill of it All.”

Peter Frampton and Steve Miller

July 21, Hollywood

These two classic rockers will be taking fans back to the days of old at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Smashing Pumpkins

July 24, Miami

The 90’s era band will visit the American Airlines Arena, minus drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who left the band in February 2018. Find out how Billy Corgan and the rest of the crew are soldiering on without him.

Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper

July 24, Hollywood

Late July is shaping up to be a great time for boomers, especially at the Seminole Hard Rock, where these stalwarts will get together to present an evening of their best-known hits.

Lauryn Hill

July 31, Miami

20 years after her solo album, the indefatigable Ms. Hill will strut her stuff at the Bayfront Park Amphitheatre.

For a complete list of the bands that will be visiting South Florida this winter, check out this website.

Living With Alligators in Florida

People new to Florida want to see alligators. They may sign up for an airboat ride (if you haven’t, give it a try) or visit an alligator farm. People who live in Florida know you don’t have to go far to see gators. They’re found throughout Florida, sometimes in very surprising places.

Florida was the Alligators’ Home First

For millions of years, alligators ruled the swamps. Then humans moved in and discovered alligator hides made great shoes and handbags. Their numbers declined until alligators were placed on the endangered species list in the 1950s. The gators eventually bounced back until there are now 1.25 million alligators in Florida.

During most of the year, alligators and people coexist with only occasional conflicts. However, people have been steadily encroaching on gator territory. If houses are built near a gator habitat, someone may think it’s fun to feed them (the neighbors will get upset). It’s illegal to feed alligators in Florida because they lose their natural fear of humans – a terrible idea.

Alligators are Most Dangerous During Breeding Season

The problems caused by the close proximity of alligators and humans worsen during breeding season, beginning April 1st. While alligators spend much of their time in the water, they can walk substantial distances searching for a mate.

An alligator on the prowl is a dangerous predator with a bad attitude. For a short distance, an alligator can run 11 mph, about as fast as the average person. In the water, the gator has all the advantages.

Gators pop up everywhere. They show up in yards, perhaps “knocking” on the front door. A Sarasota man found an 11 foot alligator in his pool. Alligators are spotted strolling down the road. Anyone hiking or boating near a female gator with eggs or hatchlings could be chased by an angry mama who feels her babies are threatened.

Don’t Try to Remove a Nuisance Alligator Yourself

Call your local Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office or call 1-866-FWC-GATOR. They’ll send a licensed trapper to remove any gator considered a threat. There are also commercial animal or pest removal companies licensed to handle alligators.

An Alligator’s Bite Can Kill You

Alligators aren’t venomous like rattlesnakes, but the mouths of gators are loaded with toxic bacteria. You could easily survive the bite, but die from infection. Don’t try to remove even a small gator. Call an expert.

During the past 70 years, there have only been 337 alligator attacks, about 4-5 per year; 17 were fatal. Enjoy watching them from a safe distance, but always remember an alligator is a dangerous wild animal. Give gators the respect they deserve.

Flordia’s Painter for Peace: Turgo Bastien

Last year, the Annual Miami Riverwalk Festival and Boat Parade featured artist Turgo Bastien, a Haitian American “painter for peace” with rich African and Caribbean inspiration behind his work. As the Riverwalk Festival is all about celebrating folk cultures of different countries through culinary traditions, specialty goods, dance, music, art, and more, Turgo was the perfect fit as a featured artist.

Turgo Bastien was born in Haiti, raised in the a culture of inspiration from the elements around him. To this day, his Haitian roots inspire his work and is evident in his unique style. As an 8 year old child, Turgo began his art through creative means. With just a chicken feather drenched in house paint, Turgo created his first work of art using an old shirt has his canvas. It was then that his neighbor declared him as an artist and insisted that he pursue this passion.

Following his neighbor’s advice, Turgo was able to make a living from his art within Haiti and even now the United States. Recently, he was commissioned to paint a building in Little Haiti in Miami, Florida, which took him over a month to complete. Being able to bring art to communities drives Turgo to continue his work. Little Haiti is Turgo’s largest painting as a mural on multiple walls of a building. Little Haiti’s mural was painted to capture the history of its neighborhood and those who have lived there.

For Turgo, art is not planned out. When painting the wall in Little Haiti he says “I didn’t know what I was going to paint until my brush hit the wall”, showcasing his truly improvised work of art. His painting style is rooted deeply in Haitian culture, while also incorporating abstract visuals.

Through his abstract paintings, Turgo sees the world and is able to express and portray what is happening around him. His Little Haiti mural is named “The Window of the Future”, which shows just how this painter embraces positive interactions between people and nature, and then incorporates those interactions in his work.

Although just “The Window of the Future” is just one mural painted on one building in Miami, Turgo is still an inspiration to artists not only in Florida, but all over the world. Turgo is called a “painter for peace”. The main goal of this is to bring people together through art work– transforming and reforming communities. It’s Turgo’s desire to inspire others to appreciate one another, as well as the earth through his paintings for peace.

So if you’re ever in the area, take a second to pass by Turgo Bastien’s mural on 2nd ave in Miami, Florida Little Haiti to see this stunning, inspirational, and abstract art in person.

Florida in the Fall Part 4: Micro Breweries

If breweries are more your style, North Palm Beach has what you’re looking for. Head to the Twisted Trunk Brewery for handcrafted beers and a wide selection of wines. Every Tuesday, enjoy $2 tacos and $4 pints between the hours of 5-7pm during their Taco Tuesday event hosted by The Catch. At the family operated Civil Society Brewery, let the brewers Karl, Evan, and Chris serve you one of their hand crafted IPAs. Enjoy a growler of their beer at the brewery or take it with you to the beach. Last, but certainly not least, The Brewhouse Gallery is a brewery that is also part art gallery. Here you will find live music, “hoppy hours”, and trivia nights, all in efforts to build a stronger community.

Florida in the Fall Part 3: Epcot

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, Disney World’s Epcot is only a 2.5 hour trek north. Fall is a great season for events in the park. One of the most popular events is the International Food and Wine Festival, running through November 13th of this year. Taste different foods from around the world and learn what wines pair best. At the end of this festival, Holidays Around the World begins which showcases how the holiday times are spent in different countries around the world.

Florida in the Fall Part 2: Restaurants

Cod & Capers Seafood is not only the number one seafood marketplace in North Palm Beach but also one of the top dining areas as well. The cafe has all the seafood you can imagine from your typical Fish & Chips to their famous Florida Lobster Risotto. If you’re looking for a more Caribbean feel, check out Cool’a Fishbar Restaurant. Their menu ranges from fresh-caught, local seafood to a tender filet mignon. One last restaurant that is a must-go is the waterfront Frigate’s. Their live music and dock/curbside takeout is always a hit with the locals.

Florida in the Fall Part 1: Outdoor Sports

Now that the worst of the summer heat is over, we’re heading into some great Fall weather that is not too hot, nor too cold, to still get outside and be active! Some of the most popular outdoor activities in the North Palm Beach area are kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and both inshore and offshore fishing. If you’re not into sports on the water, check out the North Palm Beach Country Club for their 18-hole golf course and tennis center or head to John D MacArthur Beach State Park for a walk along the sand to search for nesting sea turtles.

Best Places to Visit in Florida #7

The Florida Everglades are like no other place on earth, a tranquil and biodiverse wetland that has been described as a “river of grass.” See alligators, crocodiles, spoonbills, herons, turtles, and snakes. There are places in the everglades for hikers, bikers, and campers, but perhaps the best way to see it is by canoe or kayak.

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