End-of-Summer Outings

by Adele Woodyard
Soon the kids will be back in school—if they’re not already behind a desk. So here’s some more ideas for a last minute shot of family fun with some place to go, no matter what your budget.
High End:
Hot muggy weather got you down? Chill out at SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica Empire of the Penguin. Haven’t tried it myself but understand it’s a quick freeze that starts with a high-tech ride across an ice floe. But where else would a colony of 200-250 penguins live? With single ticket prices at $89 adult and $81 ages 3-9, check for discounts online. http://www.seaworldparks.com
Prefer water to goosebumps on your arms? Legoland in Winter Haven could be the way to go. Not only to get wet, but operate a water cannon on a boat ride through an imaginary China. One-day tickets run $79 adult, $71 children and seniors. Save on discount dates online http://www.florida.legoland.com
It’s said you can get even wetter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure water rides, where Harry Potter lives. In-the-know advice is to buy a plastic poncho at a discount store before you go. Of course the newest ride is the 3-D Transformers at Universal Studios Orlando which means separate tickets. $92, $86 ages 3-9. So take your pick, discount and multiday packages online: http://www.univerrsalorlando.com
Mid-Price:
Wet ‘n Wild Water Park, Orlando offers family fun in two to four-person tube rides with such excitement as a 53 foot vertical drop into a dark tunnel or a 5 story rube ride with 600 feet of twists and banked turns, etc. A more sedate pace is dancing lights to music. $55, $50 (3-9) base price; $10 off in advance . http://www.wetnwildorlando.com
Low End:
Florida resident? Sept. 2, 2013 is last day to get a $15 discount off normal $24.99 admission to Gatorland, Orlando. No matter what your age, it will be $9.99 per person, plus tax of course, to visit a park where thousands of gators and crocodiles live. You may even spot four rare “white” gators, as well as two Florida panthers (who will probably be asleep). Proof of residency required. 1-800-393-5297.Show times on site. http://www.gatorland.com
FREE:
Aug. 31-Sept. 1: 4th Annual Downtown Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival, Venice. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to view (and buy) wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works, and more along Miami Ave. A Green Market adds fresh produce.
Or try the 1st Vista Volusia International Latino Arts, Culture and Culinary Festival at Manatee Park, 325 N. Beech St. Daytona Beach, noon-9 p m .same dates.

Outdoor Jaunts in June

by Adele Woodyard
June may mean Father’s Day, graduations, and weddings to many of us, but to Florida state parks it’s a Great Outdoors Month. Trail hike events have already past, but when a National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-10) joins in, there’s bound to be similar events to the one among the others listed below. Great for family fun, with an (upscale) Ladies Only jaunt tacked on at the end For more information and/or park nearer you, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org
North Florida:
June 8-9: Paynes Prairie St. Pk., Micanopy offers a weekend of Geocaching activity beginning at 9 a.m. On Saturday, the 60 new caches are historic finds while Sunday it’s a new mystery cache. The Bartram Challenge .is named after the famous naturalist who explored the Alachua Savannah in 1774. You can find more about him at the Thrasher Warehouse Museum in nearby Micanopy. These cache hunts include giveaways, prizes and a potluck lunch at noon. Regular admission $6 per carload (up to 8 people) main entrance. 352-466-4966
East Central
Sat. June 15: it’s Surf Fishing for Beginners at Gamble Rogers Memorial S.R.A., Flagler Beach for 12 years and up from 8:30 to 10 a.m. You’ll get such things as a booklet to identify caught fish, sample of bait, right type of fishing gear, and more. $10 fee includes park admission, so spend the day. Registration required: 386-517-2086.
Southeast Florida:
Sat. June 15: 9 a.m.-1p.m. Photography class at Jonathan Dickinson St. Pk.. Hobe Sound; This part of a series specializes in Imaging Technique for intermediate and advanced participants. $35/person free includes park entry, photo shoot and light breakfast. Register at 561-745-5551.
Northwest Florida:
Friday, June 21: Campbell Lake Canoe Trip, Topsail Hill Preserve , Santa Rosa Beach offers the larger of two lakes for a two-hour paddle 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Included in entrance fee. $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) but trip limited to 10 persons per paddle. 850-267-8330.
Ladies Only Golf and Spa Package
Now through January 1, 2014: Girlfriend Getaway at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. Two nights, breakfast daily, one round golf/person, one spa treatment. choice of one hour. Swedish massage; or one hour luxury facial; or 90-minute manicure/pedicure. For two people prices start at $329 a room per night (plus tax and gratuity). Advance registration required. 888-740-7020, 904-940-8000. Promotion code: GPF href=”http://www.renwgv.com

Vacations With A Difference

by Adele Woodyard
Did you know you can make like a Wild West cowboy in Florida? A dude ranch is one this travel writer has been to and written about. My weekend on a Suwannee River houseboat has appeared in seven different publications, including a book, but missed one in a lighthouse. And though I’ve camped in tent and cabin, the closest I’ve been to a Yurt is a round glass house in a campground of tree houses. And that was in Georgia. But taken from my own experience, a holiday in any of these accommodations will be worth a price that can range from $40 a night to almost $1200 for two days one night (off-season).

Westgate River Ranch outside Lake Wales offers so many amenities, the most resort-happy dude will be satisfied. Besides the usual horses, cows, and a rural setting there’s a marina, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, heated outdoor pool, trap and skeet range. Of course no Western “town” would be without a saloon, smokehouse grill, and general store. Even a wedding chapel is available if you decide to tie the knot. In any case, be sure and don your cowboy hat for the Saturday night rodeo. Florida residents get a 10% discounts that start at $89 + tax per night (efficiency). There’s also a campground on site, if you prefer your own bed. 863-692-1321. http://www.wgriverranch.com

Circle F Dude Ranch, also Lake Wales, has 65 horses and a 42 acre lake on the 500-acre property. 25 different activities include swimming, tennis, fishing, canoeing and more. Xtra fee for horseback riding, massage, rockclimbs and zipline. Summer camp for kids is split into four sessions, all but the fourth one now either all or mostly filled. Family two night weekends for four, start at $670, includes tax, meals and most activities. Labor Day Sept. 2-4, Oct. 21-23 Getaway, Thanksgiving 11/25-27, 12/2-4 Getaway. Women Only Getaway, sort of an extended Girl’s Night Out, is Sept. 23-25 at $225 per person including tax. 863-676-4113. http://www.circlefduderanchcamp.com

Miller’s Marina has fully equipped 44 foot long houseboats that can sleep six to eight adults, and explore a section of the Suwannee River. No way can you cruise all 240 miles but you can get to Old Town, Hart Springs, Branford and/or make a left for Sandy Point on the Santa Fe River. The weekend four of us went, we stopped to paddle into the Manatee River State Park then kept on going to
turn around at Old Town. Prices for a two night trip start at $599 plus tax (Dec.-Feb.) up to $825 from Mar.-Nov. There’s a 3-day minimum on all holidays. 800-458-2628; 352-542-7349. http://www.suwanneehouseboats.com

Yurt Tree House, located north of Gainesville, can be reached by land or the Santa Fe River. This unique two-level screened “house” has camp stove, cooking supplies and dining facilities on the first, stairs to the second floor where you can see the stars through the umbrella top. $90 minimum for single night stay. There’s a discount on rate if you supply own water, bed linens or sleeping bag. 352-275-3833. http://www.clubfla.org/treehouse.aspx

A more conventional Yurt for less money is at Torreya State Park on the Apalachicola River. The 20 foot round domed and floored tent has electricity, a wooden door and screened windows. Also A/C, heat, a skylight, two beds (linens not provided) and sleeps up to five people. $40 per night. 850-643-2674. 800-376-3521 for reservations. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Kate’s Light sits on an Amelia Island beach overlooking the Atlantic. A replica of the Thomas Point lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay, it offers three bedrooms, two and one half baths, and all the comforts of home. $485 per night Mar. 1-Sept. 5/11; $380 after Labor Day. 800-777.3359. http://www.ameliaislandvacation.com/lighthouse

Bargains–June

The Snowbirds have flown and Florida’s long, hot summer is underway. ACs are in full blast, and Famer’s Markets disappear from view. But here’s some money-saving events for the month.
Saturday, June 4: 18th Annual Beach Bash, Anastasia State Park. St. Augustine starts off with a scavenger hunt and ends with a sandcastle/sculpture contest. With prizes! $8 per carload. For more info: 904-461-2033. http://www.floridastateparks.org
June 4-12 is National Fishing and Boating Week. In Florida two weekends have been set aside where you can fish without a license: June 4 & 5, and Father’s Day weekend, June 18 & 19. Take your dad to a Florida state park on his day for 50% off the entry fee.

Many zoos offer Father’s Day Freebies so if these three don’t fit, check on one near you.
Fri-Sun. June 17-19: Naples Zoo lets Dad in FREE for a bottle of cologne over Father’s Day weekend. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $19.95 ages 13 and up, $11.95 ages 3-12. 239-262-5409. http://www/napleszoo.com
Sat./Sun. June 18-19: Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa. Dad gets FREE admission 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with son or daughter’s full price ticket, day of purchase.813-935-8552. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com
Sunday. June 19: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, gives Dad FREE admission, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with paid child’s ticket plus online coupon. 904-757-4463. http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Friday, June 24: Kid’s Sea Turtle Talk with a Ranger, Gamble Rogers Memorial S.R.A. Flagler Beach. Part of the 5:30 p.m. program is on the beach, so come prepared. $5 per carload. Limited to first 25 kids (with adult). Reservation required: 386-517-2086.
Saturday, June 25: Fort Mose Historic State Park, St. Augustine. “Battle of Bloody Mose” commemorates the 271st Anniversary with living history demos, music and two battle re-enactments. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weather permitting. $4 per carload. 904-461-2033.

Outdoor Beach Theatre, Hollywood has a concert series, with or without dancing, from 7:30-9 p.m. every night of the week, all year-round. FREE. Johnson St. and Boardwalk. http://www.hollywoodfl.org/parks_rec/concert.asp
Friday Night Live, Uptown Altamonte Springs presents local artists in Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary from 7-9 p.m. FREE. 407-571-8180.
FREE movies at 7 p.m. 3rd Friday in month at Sanford’s Centennial Park. Bring blanket or chairs. 407-688-5009.
Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team are back at Tower Lake, Oldsmar where 100 performers ages six to 60 thrill the audience for FREE. 6 p.m. Saturdays. http://www.tampawaterski.com

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

by Adele Woodyard

Whether a weekend holiday or just for a day, here’s some ideas for family fun. Special breaks for the men and women in uniform may even extend to the kids.
May 28-29: Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach, honors those who served in WWII with military displays and memorabilia from the 1940s. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-noon. $6 per vehicle (up tp 8 persons) plus $2/person for fort. 904-277-7274.
NOTE: U.S. Armed Forces with proper identification papers can apply for a 25% discount on Annual Entrance Passes to Florida State Parks or Free for Life Family pass for self or surviving spouse if service connected disability or fallen in combat. For information check under Annual Passes, http://www.floridastateparks.org

May 28-30: MOSI, Tampa offers $5 admission to active and retired military, EMTS, firefighters and police officers, with valid IDs this weekend. Family members and guests (up to six people) will be allowed $5 off their admission tickets. For more info on this and other discounts, check Special Offers under http://www.MOSI.org

May 28: Taste spicy butts ‘n briskets at the 4th Annual BBQ Competition, Brooksville. Professional cook teams from the southeastern U.S. and backyard teams alike show their skills with the charcoal at Tom Varn Park; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE admission to park, 306 Darby Lane. 352-540-3830. http://www.cityofbrooksville.us

May 28-29: “The Kids Fringe Tour” is especially for families during the 12 -day “mild to wild” theatre. art and music offerings of the 20th Annual Orlando International Fringe Festival that began May 19. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, kids can enjoy hands-on activities, performing arts and costumed characters built around such themes as “Pirate and Fairy Day”. For info on place and price call 407-648-0077 or click http://www.orlandofringe.org

May 28-30: Celebration Station, Clearwater offers unlimited rides, and a round of golf for $12.99. Hot dogs for $1 over the holiday weekend. Park is at 24656 U.S. 19 N. 727-791-1799. http://celebrationstation.com

May 28, May 30: Take a cruise on the Dolphin Princess, Fort Myers. The Sunset Party boat sails from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday and Monday, a Dolphin Tour, 1:30-4 p.m. Monday. $15 adult, $10 ages 3-12. http://www.fortmyersprincess.com

Don’t forget the Florida Folk Festival, May 27-29 at Stephen Foster Culture Center, White Springs, or the FREE entrance to Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa for the military (and up to three dependents) on Monday, May 30. Full information on Bargains, May 1, 2011 blog.

Next week’s blog: Especially for Kids: II (I think)

Daytrips on a Flat Wallet

by Adele Woodyard
Sunday, March 20: the first day of Spring and snowbirds begin to think of return to the north where summer feels less like a furnace. Summer camps are already asking for registrations, for Floridians face what to do with the kids when school is out. Or think of where to go on vacation. A tough decision when gas prices are going through the roof, and money is in short supply. The last two possibilities are true even if the kids, like mine, are grown and gone.
In either case, the end of last week’s blog offered some money-saving tips in
75 FLORIDA “freebies” from the Panhandle to Key West: 7 pages of FREE daytrips to art and antiques, living history, military, museums , nature and wildlife. Wherever you live in the state, there should be at least one “freebie” near you. Note the following excerpts give you two within a few miles of each other.

Panhandle:
National Museum of Naval Aviation, Naval Air Station, Pensacola displays over 150 aircraft, from WWI balloons to Skylab2, over a 30,000 sq.ft building and the 37 acre grounds. The walk on an aircraft deck is also free, but rides in the Simulator and lunch at the Cubi Bar Café will cost a few $’s. 850-452-3604. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
While you’re there, drop in on Fort Barrancas. The fully restored fort was first built by Spain in 1698. Rebuilt in the 1800s by the U.S. Army to protect the harbor, Confederate soldiers bombarded Union forces at Fort Pickens during the Civil War. 850-455-5167 www.nps.gov/fortbarrancas.htm

Gulf Coast:
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Seminole is one of the largest wild bird hospitals in the United States. Those that cannot be returned to the wild can be seen in open pens, trees and roofs within the complex. 727-391-6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com
Panama Canal Museum, Seminole shows the story of the tremendous effort it took to join the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. For instance, did you know that the Canal that finally opened on August 15, 1914 actually started as a Spanish king’s vision in 1534? 727-394-9338 www.panamacanalmuseum.org

I-75/Hwy 27 Corridor:
Royellou Museum, Mount Dora, named after the first postmasters three children, was once the jail/firehouse. 352-383-2165. www.mountdora.com
Nearby Renningers is one of the largest antique market’s in the state, as well as having a Farmer’s and Flea Market on the 117 acres. Along with the air conditioned main building, dealers have 20 individual cottages on the Street of Shops to display their wares. 352-383-8393. www.renningers.com

Atlantic Coast:
FPL Energy Encounter, Jensen Beach is a fun stop for kids of all ages. Over 30 displays and inter-active exhibits keep you on your toes. 877-375-4386 www.fpl.com/encounter
Stuart Heritage Museum once was a Seminole Trading Post back in the early settler days. Now you’ll find Seminole dolls in the gift shop and a “chickee” in the backyard. 772-220-4600 www.stuartheritage.org

Interested in seeing more? Just enclose $1 U.S. Dollar and a self-addressed , stamped (44 cent) envelope and mail to
Adele Woodyard
Palm Print Press
P.O. Box 1473
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-1473
MORE Bargains on www.vacationfunflorida.com

Winter Golf and Spring Baseball Specials

by Adele Woodyard

No matter what your weather, Spring training is just around the corner. Here’s some special packages to appeal to baseball and golf fans and a last chance for golfers to get a good deal.

Orlando
Ends Jan. 31: J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando offers a $209 overnite for one-two people to play at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club. Advance registration required. Promo GOF, 800-228-9290.

Too late to sign up? The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort has a Stay & Play overnight package for $224 per person through Nov. 30, 2011. Unlimited package for two includes breakfast buffet, a day at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club and a chance for kids, 15 and under to play for FREE after 3 p.m. Promo code GOF. http://www.marriottworldcenter.com

Naples
Now to April 15: Greenlinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort in Naples package starts at $169.50/person per night, for three golfers sharing a two-bedroom villa. Includes one round of afternoon golf at the Lely Flamingo or Mustang Golf Course, shared cart, unlimited range balls. Each golfer will receive a sleeve of golf balls at check-in. Add $30 per night if there’s only two of you 239-732-9920, 888-992-2099 (see Naples blogs: 8/25, 9/1/10) . http://www.greenlinksnaples.com

Tampa Bay
Feb, 26-Apr.4: Conveniently located to all the fan-favorites including the World Champion New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, InterContinental Tampa’s Spring Training package includes:
• 25 percent discount off the best available rate for deluxe accommodations – rates begin at just $149 per night
• Fan Tool Kit, complete with a team-specific chocolate amenity, baseball for signing, Cracker Jacks, peanuts, popcorn, bubble gum, soda, and the lyrics and history of the song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
866-402-0758; Code ILOGA and favorite ball team at time of reservation. http://www.intercontinentaltampa.com

Jupiter and Palm Beaches
Feb. 27-March 29: Jupiter Beach. Florida Marlin and St. Louis Cardinal fans will find a number of hotels and resorts (some listed below) that have entered the line-up with discounted rates and specials. Then head to Roger Dean Stadium, Florida’s only two-team training facility. For more information: contact Palm Beach CVB; 800-554-7256. http://www.palmbeachfl.com

• Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is offering 10% off Best Available Rates on all room types; breakfast for two each morning; and a welcome gift that includes a baseball, red Sharpie pen, a box of Cracker Jacks and a $10 credit for a hotdog and beverage at Roger Dean Stadium. Rates from $269. Promo Code: SPRING.

• Best Western Palm Beach Lakes Inn has discounted rates of $89 for guests attending any Spring Training Game at Roger Dean Stadium. Show the cancelled ticket at check-in and receive a coupon for a large Domino’s pizza delivered right to the room. Plus. all guests receive a 10% discount at Duffy’s Restaurant and Grill.

• The Brazilian Court and Beach Club’s Bed and Breakfast Package includes an All-American Breakfast for two before heading to the ballpark. Rates from $464.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach is offering a home-run “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” package that includes box seats, batting practice, behind-the-scenes Clubhouse tour, pre-game festivities, ceremonial first pitch, honorary bat kid, media start pack, and more. Rates start at $799 for quadruple occupancy.

Florida State Parks and the CCC

by Adele Woodyard

Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring is over 8000 acres of hardwood forest, pine flatwoods, scrub brush and marsh. You can ride a tram, bike a three-mile loop drive, or hike to remote areas for a possible glimpse of white-tailed deer, wading birds, otters, a bald eagle. Gators are a sure sight from the elevated boardwalk through a cypress swamp. A museum is open 9:30-3 p.m.. There’s a full service campground for overnighters and non-picnickers can enjoy a meal at an onsite restaurant. And on Saturday, November 6 you can have a day of fun at a special celebration of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). For more information, click on http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains

During the Great Depression when one out of every four people was out of work, then. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the “New Deal”. One of the relief projects started in 1935, was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). By the time Congress pulled the plug in June 30, 1942, a total of three million young men had planted nearly three billion trees, constructed more than 800 parks and thousands of miles of roadway nationwide. In fact the CCC was the start of most of the nation’s state parks.

In Florida, a smaller Highlands Hammock park begun by private citizens. had opened to the public in 1931. The CCC came and built additional park facilities and began a botanical garden.

“Young men 18 to 25 signed on with the CCC for a year,” Ranger Eric Reardon told me. “They were paid $25 a month, $20 or which would be sent to the family. On the train, their first meal was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk. But they were assured three meals a day, and guys often gained 10 pounds a month.”

A statue of a young corpsman stands before the museum. Dedicated to members who were “injured, disabled, or lost their lives in performance of their duty,” the plaque claims 228 alone perished in a 1935 hurricane in the Upper Keys.
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The Florida state park system was established in 1935 to take advantage of the CCC program. Other parks beside Highlands Hammock that were built in the 1930s, were Hillsborough River, Myakka River, Torreya , O’Leno, Mike Roesss Gold Head Branch and Ravine Gardens. Many of the CCC structures still stand.

At last count Florida State Parks that include historic sites, preserves, and recreation areas number 159—not counting the Skyway Fishing Pier. Entrance fee to 117 of them range from $2 per person, or $2 to $8 per vehicle holding up to 8 people. 40 of them have no admission fee at all. So pack a picnic basket and spend a family fun day in the state park nearest you. You’ll be glad you did.

Big Party Time

by Adele Woodyard

Halloween has always been a fun time to have a party and two affairs that can draw 50,000 or more celebrants occur in Florida. One even lasts more than a week If you’re on vacation, looking for a weekend break, or have just a day to get away from it all, here’s where you can find a BIG PARTY .

Key West: This year’s famous Fantasy Fest runs from Oct. 22 to Oct. 31, and its theme is Habitat for Insanity. Bars, restaurants, hotels, shops all get into the act, with madcap contests, big prize money, and creative costumes, or lack of same, that make you blush. Want to pretend you’re like Adam and Eve? You can dally at a Garden of Eden, clothing optional, rooftop bar–body painting for the modest–from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. And that’s every day. Despite Fantasy Fest’s reputation for adult entertainment, there’s plenty of opportunity for the whole family, even pets, to enjoy themselves. And much of it is for little or no money. For full schedule, click on http://www.fantasyfest.net

Oct. 22 & 23 start with GOOMBAY, a family friendly street party to the sound and taste of the Caribbean. Noon-midnight; FREE. Saturday evening from 7-9 p.m. there’s music, dancing, food and drink at Fort Zachary Taylor’s Vampire Ball. Plus a costume contest.

Oct. 25, local artists, decorate, model and auction off one-of-a-kind bras at the 4th Annual “Pinking of You.” 6 p.m. Money collected benefits WomanKind, Inc. for breast cancer education. .
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Pets join the party in a Pet Masquerade and Parade on Oct. 27 afternoon. FREE to watch, Fee to participate.Next evening Mom and Dad can enjoy the FREE Monster’s Ball, an annual costume party that starts at 10 p.m at the Green Parrot Bar.

Oct. 29 brings more Freebies, with the Fantasy Fest Street Fair from noon-10 p.m. and a Masquerade March that begins at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 30 is a major event with the floats, bands and dancing groups in the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade. 7 p.m. FREE. Children’s Day wraps up the festivities from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31.

Oct. 30 Ybor City/Tampa celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Mama Guava Stumble Parade, with Guavaween, a one day affair. The Family Fun Fest is FREE from 10 a.m.-3 p.m..with trick-or-treat, spooky story times, and a costume parade and contest. In between these activities, you can enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages.

After 3 p.m. the entry fee is $17. The Mama Guava Stumble Parade for adults begins at 8:30 p.m. Non-motorized this year in honor of the anniversary, it calls for the creative thinking so prevalent at its start in 1985. There are prizes in ten categories, including Best and Worst in Show, with a $3 rebate on admission for participants. A costume contest has a $2,000 prize for the first place winner. http://www.cc-events.org

Ghosts and Goblins

by Adele Woodyard

According to Florida theme parks, Halloween is a month long affair. In fact Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens began their fright fests in September. This week’s blog will start October with statewide events where you can be spooked until you’re panic stricken.

For 20 years Universal Studios “scream team” has been scaring the be-jeezus out of the visitors. This anniversary celebration Horror Nights promises to turn your blood into water. As a result, it is NOT recommended for kids under the age of 13. It’ll cost you $74.99 to face your deepest fear on the following dates: Oct. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24, 27-31. Hours start at 6:30 p.m., whether ending at midnight, 1 or 2 a.m depends on date. No costumes or masks allowed. 407-363-8000 http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com

Kids too young for Universal will be able to shiver a little at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is a trick-or-treat in costume throughout the Magic Kingdom affair complete with a parade and fireworks. Admission depends on date, starts at $59.95 for adults, $53.95 for ages 3-9. Call 407-824-4321 for the after park hours and prices on select dates now through Nov.1. http://www.disneyworld.com

It’s Howl-O-Scream on select nights at Busch Gardens. Hobgoblins in haunted houses, scare zones and shows with psychotic people-monsters, have you running in terror toward even scarier rides. Florida residents get a break with admission starting at $29.95 (in advance), website for Florida visitors and passport holders. Open Oct. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-31. 888-800-5447;
http://www.buschgardens.com

Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular is another kid-friendly trick-or-treat night where younguns can dress up and play with the witches and sea fairies. Octopuses, mermaids, pumpkin fish and more also occupy the underwater “fantasea”. Open Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24. $78.95 adult, $68.95 ages 3-9; Florida residents and passport holder check http://www.seaworld.com for advance ticket rates. 407-363-2259.

ZooBoo is family fright night at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo where you creep through ghostly Pharaoh’s Tomb of Revenge and little kids, the Beasties Bungalow. Then ride for FREE on the Roarin’ Roller-Ghoster and other thrillers. Admission $17 adults, $14 ages 3-11, Hours 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. selected Sundays through Thursdays. Oct. 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 28-31. Tickets available online http://www.lowryparkzoo.com
Friday, Oct. 29 you can watch the animals have their Halloween Party with a Pumpkin Toss at 11 a.m. Included in Zoo admission. 813-935-8552.

Brevard Zoo presents Boo at the Zoo where the little ones play at Ooz Draverb Carnival of Creepy Creatures and the older ones walk down the Trail of Horrors. A costume contest for all ages starts at 6:30 p.m. Hours 5:30-9:30 p.m., $8 person Oct. 15-17, $10 Oct. 22-24 and 29-30. http://www.brevardzoo.org

It’s the 23rd Annual Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where fairies, wizards, pirates and more add to the trick-or-treat fun. The Tomb, Ghostly Gardens and Forest of No Return to scream in the scare zones. $9 person, 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 21-24, 28-31. http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Central Florida Zoo has their Zoo Boo Bash closer to Halloween. Kids can trick-or-treat in costume and everyone can take a haunted hayride, visit the pumpkin patch and the animals Oct. 23-24, 30-31. $11.95 adult, $9.95 age 60+, $7.95 ages 3-12, 2 and under Free. 407-323-4450. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org

Monster Splash time brings a couple of haunted houses, a Frightening Forest and a pirate skeleton walk to the Miami Seaquarium. Carnival rides, games and food help chase away the goosebumps. 5-11 p.m. Fri-Sun, Oct 29-31. 305-361-5705. Tickets online: http://www.miamiseaquarium.com

More ghosts and goblins will appear over the next three weeks. For non-spooky things to see and do this month, go to http://www.vacationfunflorida.com and click on Bargains.