Summertime Specials 2011

by Adele Woodyard
Florida’s summer sun brings price breaks as well as tans to visitors and residents alike who can stand the heat. From Ferandina Beach to Miami hotels and resorts are pushing Packages aimed at golfers, lovers, families and anybody looking for a weekend getaway. Here’s a few around the state that offer fun time “Specials” fairly easy on the wallet. Of course you usually save even more with reservations online.
Atlantic Beaches
Amelia Island (more on http://www.ameliaisland.com )
Addison on Amelia includes breakfast and Happy Hour with Weekends at a Week Day rate, from July 8-October 1, 2011 and Dog Days of Summer special from July 1-September 30, 2011. The latter asks for a four night minimum stay, with one night Free. 800-943-1604. http://www.addisononamelia.com/specials.html
Fairbanks House is a B&B that welcomes lovers with their Romance Package with a summer rate that starts at $435 for two nights and one dinner, standard room. Breakfast, social hour, all kinds of beach equipment, etc. are included. Valid July 5-September 30. 2011. 904-277-0500, 888-891-9882. http://www.fairbankshouse.com
Hoyt House B&B throws in poolside beer and a cruise for two in the Fun Inn the Sun Summer Special. However a four-night minimum stay is required. Code FIS804. 904-277-4500. http://www.hoythouse.com
Daytona Beach Shores Resort and Spa is geared to families and amenities include a Kids Club and Activity Center for indoor fun. Packages offer a Stay & Play Family Beach Getaway and a bit more expensive Family Grand Adventure, now until September 30, 2011. Both get $100 credit for onsite restaurants, etc. but Adventure guests are also comped one-day tickets for certain attractions. 866-934-7467. http://www.shoresresort.com
Aqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Sunny Isles has a Summer Family Escape from July 1-Sept. 29, 2011 where one-two night stay starts at $375; five or longer from $325. Rate includes comped Spa access, valet parking and a popular kids program for ages 5-12. Reservations: 305-918-6777; 888-804-4338 . http://www.aqualina.com
Gulf Beaches
Anna Maria Island-Longboat Key-Bradenton has a long list of hotel Specials both on the beaches and the mainland. Those offering a FREE night after booking a two to five or more night stay, include Casa Del Mar Beach Resort, Wingate by Wyndham, Tradewinds and Palm Tree Villas, among others. Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton on Longboat Key present Your Summer Your Way! from now through October 1, 2011. Some specials go into 2012. 941-729-9177. For more lodgings and information, click on http://www.amilbk.com/deals
Escape Golf Packages
Naples
Greenlinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort offer three 4th of July Specials that range from a one night stay with unlimited play at two courses, start at $149, to a family deal of four nights for $447, five rounds of golf. Kids and/or non-golfers can enjoy swimming, tennis, a day pass to a Florida state park, and more while Dad (or Mom) wield a club. 888-992-2099; 239-732-9920. http://www.greenlinksnaples.com
Marco Island Marriott Rookery at Marco Golf Club guests enjoy two rounds of golf, a room, breakfast for two, and more. Rates start at $304 per night; valid through January 18, 2012. Promotion code: GOF http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=176902&displayLink=true
Panama City Beach
Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa gives a $25 gift card with its 18 holes of golf at The Meadows course. Start $189 now through Sept. 30, 2011. Promotion code: GFF.
http://www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=541003&displayLink=true

Note: Taxes not included in above rates where given. Specials depend on availability.

Florida’s Hearts and Flowers

by Adele Woodyard

In Florida the month of love and romance may don different hats in the same town. For instance:
Valentine’s Day starts off with a very loud BANG in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup kicks off the Series season on February 14. For couples who love the excitement of the race car scene as much (or more?) than each other, there’s a package for “2 + 2 nites + 2 race tickets” that starts at $310. Some hotel rates list from $99/ per night (Heritage Inn) to $399/night at the Acapulco Hotel and Resort. If you really want to be close to the action, the Ramada Speedway offers $425/night, with a four night minimum stay. http://www.daytonabeach.com
Loving couples who prefer to take the quieter champagne/chocolates/flowers route, will find a variety of selections on http://daytonabeach.com/romance_package

Golfing couples can have their Romantic Rendezvous at the Comfort Suite World of Golf Village, in St. Augustine. Located six miles from the downtown historic district, and eight miles from the beaches, an indoor pool offers a dip after a day on the greens. A king suite with lakeview includes a Continental breakfast, and a gift tray with champagne or wine, and chocolates, on arrival. http://www.cswgv.com
One of several places downtown St. Augustine offers for lovers, is a Romantic Suite at the award winning, © 1893 B & B, Cedar House Inn. Price ranges from $259-299; another $199 brings a dozen roses, chocolates, sparkling wine, and a private horse and carriage ride for two, with dinner. Two night minimum on weekends. 800-845-0012; http://www.cedarhouseinn.com. More info on http://www.getaway4florida.com.

A Valentine’s Day weekend at Forever Florida an outdoor couple’s dream. On Saturday, Feb. 13, they can zip over the treetops or ride horseback on dirt trails that cross acres of land inhabited only by wildlife. The day ends with a champagne toast and a 4-course dinner for two. Or for regular prices, they can create their own Sunday package around lunch. Sweetheart zipline pkg,: $210/couple; Horseback pkg.,. $160/couple; Dinner only, $80/couple, tax and gratuity not included. . 4755 N. Kenansville Rd. St. Cloud, 866-854-3839, 407-957-9794; http://www.foreverflorida.com

How about a Valentine Day getaway to Key West on an air-conditioned catamaran? With a full galley, bar, TV and outdoor sun deck? The Sea Key West Express leaves from Fort Myers Beach , but to get the $112 round-trip fare, you need to book 8 days in advance. For reservations and information call 888-539-2628. http://www.seakeywestexpress.com

Another sea going excursion is the Indian River Queen, a triple-deck paddleboat on Florida’s east coast. Although it specializes in private charters and exclusively designed affairs, e.g. weddings, such events as Friday dinner cruises, and Sunday jazz cruises are open to the public. Cocoa Village Marina, 90 Delanney Ave. Cocoa, 800-979-3370; http://www.indianriverqueen.com

Ready to tie the knot? Take a look at Anna Maria Island, the “wedding capital of the Gulf Coast”. Brides-to-be will welcome a visit to the town’s 3rd Annual Wedding Festival, Sunday, February 28, 2010. A complementary limo and beach trolley service ferries them to sites where, amid live music, wine and cheese and catering tastings, are hair and makeup demos, fashion shows, a mock wedding, and more .$7 for a pre-event brunch from 9 to11 a.m.(pre-register); $10 at door for the main event 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Dr. N., Holmes Beach, 941-778-1541; http://www.amiweddingfestival.com.