Fun for the Holidays

by Adele Woodyard
Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. In Florida, the next three months end the year with holiday “specials” that can be for a day to a week of fun in the sun. We’ll begin with a couple of additions to the day devoted to ghosts and witches (see the Sept. 26 blog Why Wait For Halloween?)
Friday, October 21 take a lantern lit tour of Cracker Country with costumed storytellers who tell

hear Florida Tall Tales

Florida Tall Tales. The legends and stories from the state’s early days that embrace pioneer, Seminole and African-American culture, start at 6 p.m. $7 adult, $6 seniors and ages 6-12, 5 and under Free. Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. Reservations required. http://www.crackercountry.org/programs/discoverthepast/florida-tall-tales
A Haunted Scavenger Hunt, Mummy Wrap contest and Ghoulish Tie-Dye are some of the Great Pumpkin of a Deal offerings at the Orlando World Center Marriott Hotel. The special package for Florida residents starts at $164/per night, includes breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids under 12, and runs through Jan. 3, 2012. http://www.marriott.com

Amelia Island is so gung-ho for Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, this blog only has room for three. For many more, click on http://hoythouse.com http://www.omniislandplantation.com http://www.ameliavacations.com and http://www.ameliaisland.com/free .

Addison on Amelia’s Thanksgiving package includes breakfast, daily happy hour, a two-hour river cruise of Cumberland Sound, lunch and a traditional turkey dinner, for $225 plus room rate. The Bed, Breakfast and Christmas Bliss package has a lunch buffet but sends you to Lulu’s at Thompson House for dinner. http://www.addisononamelia.com

Amelia Island Williams House offers a Thanksgiving Getaway starting at $145 + room, and a two-night stay at $418 that includes two tickets to the Holiday Cookie Tour Nov.19. Other extras are a carriage tour of downtown Fernandina Beach and afternoon tea. The Victorian Christmas package adds a Xmas Goodie basket and buffet to their three-night stay that starts at $795. http://www.williamshouse.com

The Fairbanks House Make-Me-Over package would be a great Xmas gift for any woman in your life. What female could resist such goodies as a spa manicure and pedicure, or hair, make-up, new outfit in a complete make-over add-on package beginning at $250? Another non-holiday offering is a Romance package with special winter rates from Nov. 1, 2011-Jan. 31, 2012 Two to seven nights start at $425 for two, room included with gourmet breakfasts, evening social hour and dinners at fine restaurants. http://www.fairbankshouse.com

For golfers, a pre-Christmas present could be a night or two in GreenLinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort, Naples. It’s $199 per person when three golfers share a 2-bedroom villa during their Fall Golf package that runs through Dec. 23. Finish off two rounds of golf with dinner la francais at the Bamboo Cafe, 239-595-7002. 1-888-992-2099. http://www.greenlinksnaples.com

Some Labor Day Weekend Specials

by Adele Woodyard
Despite continued temperatures in the nineties, the calendar claims summer is fading fast. Made any plans yet for the Labor Day weekend? If not, here’s a few “specials” for the whole weekend or just a day of fun. And one package even includes the family dog!
According to http://www/rooms101.com Universal Studios offers a Labor Day Getaway in the Comfort Inn, Lake Buena Vista for $99. The four-day, three-night stay includes breakfast. 1-800-749-4045 for details.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Myers, offers packages, some discounted for Florida residents. 85 acres contain three pools, with water sports, six restaurants and nearby attractions in Fort Myers as well as Sanibel. 239-466-4000. http://www.sanibelmarriott.com
The family-oriented Last Bash Before Class at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa runs until Sept, 30, 2011. Rooms start at $159 with breakfast for four (two adults, two kids) and a Staples $25 gift card for school supplies. Weekend visitors can add the Litle Loggerheads Kid’s Club (ages 4-12) for $25 per child to enjoy all activities and either lunch or dinner. Code BASH. 800-228-8810. “http://www.jupiterbeachresort.com
Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is celebrating grand opening of the R Aqua Zone water park with a Splash & Stay family package, starting at $89. Kids under12 meals included. Through 10/1/11. http://www.marriott.com/specials
Also click same for these Escape Golf packages. One at Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Panama City Beach, is valid through 9/30/11. 18 holes at the Meadows Course, $25 gift card and accommodations start at $189. Code GFP. Starting rate jumps to $304 at the Marco Island Marriott Rookery at Marco Gulf Club, through 1/18/12. Package includes two rounds of 18 hole golf, breakfast buffet for two, 10% off Golf Pro Shop purchases and more. With some restrictions, kids may play free. Promo Code GOF.
Dogs will luxuriate in this one at Kimpton’s Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. They get their own bed, with turndown; welcome toys and treats, even an Epic t-shirt. Evidently they share room with their masters, since starting rate $149 includes evening wine reception, and coffee and tea service in the morning. Epic Pet Package valid through 12/31/11. Code PPET. 866-760-3742. http://www.epichotel.com
Just want fun for a day? Take an eco-tour with East Coast Paddle, New Smyrna Beach. You’ll see plenty of wildlife up close, as you stand on the paddleboard and paddle your way along Indian River or the Mosquito Lagoon. Tours start at $55 per paddle. 407-432-6332. http://www.eastcoastpaddle.com

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.

More Festivals, More Specials

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

Valentine’s Day Specials

by Adele Woodyard

Men (and women, to be politically correct) how do you plan to pluck the hearstrings of your love interest this Valentine’s Day? If the flowers, candy and mushy card routine are losing flavor, how about trying one of these out-of-the-box ideas to add a touch of spice to your romance?

A little history here: In the days of the Pharaohs, slaves regularly anointed their noble masters with fragrant oils. Today we pay for the privilege in the name of spas. Anyone who’s had a massage knows how a sensual touch can stir the blood as it relaxes the muscles. What better time than Valentine’s Day to turn it into a romantic experience for two? Here are a few Florida spas that have done just that:

The Eau Spa by Cornelia, at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach even offers a private Garden Spa Villa. From Feb 1-20 only, a couple can enjoy a full body gloss massage, plus a literally head- to- toe treatment. No partner or friend to share it with? Then spoil yourself with such body cocktails as Sweet Orange and Wildflower Honey Beauty Glow or Organic Sugar and Champagne Sultry Glow. 561-540-4860. http://www.eauspa.com

At the Little Day Spa in Sarasota, a candlelit room is available for a couple’s Swedish side-by-side massage. A complementary side treat: champagne or other beverage.
941-363-9455. http://www.thelittledayspa.com

Margie’s Massage, Hollywood adds refreshments, appetizers, roses and chocolates to her Couples massage. Offered only Saturday, February 12, or Monday, February 14. 954-562-6197. http://www.margiesmassage.com

Innisbrook, the Salamander Golf and Spa Resort, Palm Harbor features a “Let’s Get Away” package for couples that includes, among other items, a 50-minute massage, welcome basket for two, and a $50 dining certificate on the Valentine Day’s menu. There’s also tennis and four championship golf courses for those staying longer than one night. 800-492-6889; http://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

Curious about love in the animal kingdom? Take a Wild at Heart tour.

Enough people (ages 21 & up) are, for Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa to offer their sixth annual tour and progressive dinner, Friday, Feb 11, 5 and 7 p.m. and 5 and 6 p.m. on Sat. Feb 12. Interesting stories on animal pairings accompany romantic stops for refreshments, salads, candlelight dinner and dessert, on a tour of animal habitats. $50 per person. Reservations required 813-935-8552.
Have kids? The Zoo School at the Park offers a “Parent’s Night Out” those same nights from 4:30-10 p.m for ages 3-12. The professional child-care service charges $30 for the first child and $10 for each additional sibling The Zoo School supplies entertainment, pizzas and drinks while parents enjoy the Wild at Heart tours, or go elsewhere. Pre-registration required. 813-935-8552, ext. 268. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens presents “Sex and the ZOO” on Feb. 12. This adult-oriented show, includes reserved seating, appetizers, romantic dinner and two drink tickets. $150 per couple 21 and older. During the show, guests will learn about some of the fascinating and very unique ways animals manage to reproduce and keep their species going. Guests will also enjoy a fashion show by Fairvilla Megastore and gift bags to take home. 407-323-4450, ext. 100. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org

For February “freebies” click http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains

Holiday Specials

by Adele Woodyard

Have a Happy Thanksgiving? Looking forward to a Merry Christmas? This is the time of year when we eat, drink and talk too much with family and friends; make Xmas card lists of our once-a-year contacts, and fret over what to get for Aunt Susie, who won’t like it anyway, and Uncle Fred who has everything but a sense of humor. Yet whatever the aggravation, we’ll never turn our backs, for these are days when love is to be both given and received. And it needn’t cost a cent.

Like any parable, it has another side and that’s where the “Specials” come in. If you skipped Black Friday and haven’t even started making a list, you’re one who will really need the break once the holidays are over. Here’s a few of the packages Florida has to offer weary after-partiers when tree, presents and people have left you with the clean-up.

North Florida
If you really want to get away from it all, spend an overnight in the lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee. This historic building © 1937 tucked among the pines, has a high, beamed ceiling and stone fireplace in the lobby. There’s a restaurant, and a standard room rate package of $99 (plus taxes and tips) now until February 23, 2011 Package includes dinner for two and two tickets for boat tour where wild birds and other marine life are almost close enough to touch. Reservation and pay in advance. 850-224-5950.

Big Bend
Steinhatchee Landing Resort has rental cottages where nightly rates can be as low as $70 (plus taxes, tips) depending on booking dates and cottage types. Good now until January 30, 2011, if you stay four or more consecutive night. (see 6/22/10 Blog, Scallops Anyone? for more info on site). 800-584-1709; 352-498-3513.

Southeast Florida
Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa offers a Winter Escape package with a 20% discount on Best Available Rates that start at $183 (plus). You can bask on their 1,000 feet of secluded coastline now through February 17, 2011. Package includes $25 daily resort credit at on-site dining spots, spa, and new Little Loggerheads Kids Club. Also breakfast for two each morning. 800-228-8810, promo code WINTER. http://tinyurl.com/36jtyjg”

There are countless hotels and resorts throughout the Sunshine State that offer various money-saving packages. For instance, in Daytona Beach, http://bookit.com lists ones that range for $33 to $95/per night. Example: The 4-Diamond Shores Resort and Spa package starts at $72/night, book three nights and get third one FREE, until January 15, 2011

J.W. Marriott Renaissance and Marriott Resort hotels are currently pushing a package that gives $100 resort credit with a minimum two night stay, for golf, spa, dining and more, through January 31, 2011. Another $50 is given for each additional night at resort accommodations; rates ranges from $289-$519/night, not including taxes, etc Reservations required: Promo code ZXO. http://marriott.com/hotels/hotel

Need a rest after all the holiday hoopla? May you enjoy your stay whether in a fancy resort or inexpensive motel.