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.

Scallops Anyone?

Honeymoon cottage

by Adele Woodyard

Each year the scatter of small, sleepy towns along the Gulf coast from the Ecofina River to Homosassa Springs wake up on July 1st. From then until September 10, locals and a stream of visitors come to scoop up scallops from the shallow, sandy, sea grass beds. Rows of tiny bright blue eyes glitter, as two to three inch fan shaped shells are stuffed into pails and string bags. This year Governor Charlie Crist opened the season 12 days early, in case BP’s disastrous oil spill eventually reaches these shores.

One vacation spot that welcomes the switch is the Steinhatchee Landing Resort. Located in the SW end of heavily forested Taylor County, the resort has a Deep South, 1800s ambiance. Its 25 acres between Kings Creek and the Steinhatchee River hold 50 Victorian, Georgian and Florida Cracker-style cottages, shaded by moss-laden oaks. All are privately owned,
and 39 are in the rental pool. Fully-furnished, the one to four bedrooms can take up to 12 guests, and 19 are pet friendly. During scallop season, there are boats available to take you out to the flats to collect your dinner. When you reach your limit, or your fill of the action, whichever comes first, there’s plenty to do back at the resort. Two swimming pools, one in an indoor spa with a three-person sauna, a fitness center, and tennis court, are on site. There’s a pontoon boat to explore the river, rental canoes and kayaks, and fishing is a popular sport.

The resort has grown a lot since my visit when it first opened in the mid-90s. Along with about three times the number of cottages, owner Dean Fowler has added a wedding chapel and honeymoon cottage. My
stay was in a one-bedroom, two story they called the “Spice” house. It had over-and-under porches and the living quarters were on the second floor. When I checked with the office, the on-site restaurant is gone, but there are several in nearby towns and a complementary breakfast is available at the resort’s Welcome Center. 800-584-1709; 352-498-3513. http://www.steinhatcheelanding.com

Perry, the nearest town of any size, is on US 19/98 N. For a glimpse of Old Florida, stop at the Forest Capital Museum. Timber was an important part of North Florida economy and exhibits feature the long leaf pines and the 5,000 products manufactured from them. The adjacent 1864 Cracker homestead displays antique furnishings and the vintage farm equipment used in pioneer life.

As the names imply. Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs, and Peacock Springs are three other state parks that feature crystal clear waters to snorkel and scuba dive. Peacock Springs has one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States, and scuba divers must have proof of certification to explore these caverns. Manatee Springs has a campground for tents and RVs, and five cabins are available at Fanning Springs. For more information, click on http://:www.floridastateparks.org