by Adele Woodyard
Winter Park
Admission to the new Tiffany Wing, a 12,000 foot addition to the Morse Museum is FREE through Sunday, March 20. Known world-wide for one of the most comprehensive collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany art, the wing contains ten new galleries with pieces from Laurelton Hall, his Long Island estate that was gutted by fire in 1957. Centerpiece is the glass-enclosed Daffodil Terrace. Be sure and see the exquisite Tiffany Chapel, that Tiffany designed as an exhibit at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After March 20, admission is $5 adult, $4 seniors, $1 student, Free children under 12. Hours 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. Sat. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 445 North Park Ave., 407-645-5311. http://www.morsemuseum.org
New Port Richey
Chasco Fiesta 2011 runs from Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, April 3, along the Pitthlachasco River, downtown. The annual Native American festival presents 11 days of family fun that includes contests, boat and street parades, live entertainment, Carnival, car, truck and bike show, and many more activities. http://www.chascofiesta.com
St. AugustineVisit the Pirate Museum that moved from Key West to 12 S. Castillo Drive in December 2010. Set out on an interactive journey through 300 years of high seas robbery-collected artifacts and treasures salvaged from numerous shipwrecks There’s even an authentic 400-year-old treasure chest among the goodies. Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily; online tickets: $10.99 adult, $5.99 children. 877-467-5863. http://www.thepiratemuseum.com
Hotel Specials
Orlando World Center Marriott is offering a $169/one night special for Florida residents now through Sept. 30, 2011. Includes complimentary buffet breakfast for two adults, kids age 12 and under, and self-parking. Show Florida driver’s license or ID at check-in. Code FRG. http://www.marriottworldcenter.com
Tradewinds Island Resort and Conference Center features “Dali for a Day” in honor of Dali’s brand new museum in downtown St. Petersburg. Package that runs now through December 24, 2011 is called “eccentric” , probably because amenities include clip-on Dali mustaches to go with two Fuzzy Mustache cocktails and half a dozen Dali coasters. Such whimsy goes with the $447 3-night accommodations package for two adults. 3500 Gulf Blvd. 727-363-2215; reservations: 866-587-8538. http://www.tradewindsresort.com
An Extra-Special Travel Bargain
Has climbing gas prices on top of a recessive economy put a dent in your vacation plans? Did you know that Florida has an amazing amount of FREE things to do and see practically in your own backyard? Maybe this offer with help you find daytrips near you.
75 FLORIDA “freebies” from the Panhandle to Key West
This 7-page listing of FREE (and/or donation requested) attractions leads you to art, antiques, beaches, chocolates, fishing, forts, gardens, living history, all kinds of museums, parks, whole towns and wildlife.
To order: Send $1.00 US dollar and a self-addressed, stamped (44 cent) envelope to
Adele Woodyard Palm Print Press P.O. Box 1473 Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-1473
Don’t forget http://www.vacationfunflorida.com
Vacation Fun Florida Weblog 