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.

Florida Springs Are Cool

by Adele Woodyard

Actually when it’s in the 90s outside, they’re darn cold. That 72 degrees feels more like 32 when you first step in water so clear it’s like looking through a glass. Do you go in bit by bit? Or take a quick, body-shocking plunge? Whichever your approach, there’s nothing better to beat the dog days of late summer. Of the 700+ springs in the state, those best suited for recreation, snorkel, scuba and cave diving are in 17 state parks or private, like the Ginnie Springs resort and campground near High Springs. The majority are located in north and central Florida. Here are some of the few, for a day or a weekend. Click for all fun things to do at these and others: http://www.floridastateparks.org http://www.floridasprings.org http://ginniespringsoutdoors.com

Tubing:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day the visitor’s favorite pastime at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is floating down the crystaline river in a huge inner tube. In fact it’s so popular the river can look like a waterborne traffic jam, so go early. Only have a kid’s round rubber ring? Tube, snorkel and diving equipment can be rented from vendors outside the park. No campground. $6 per vehicle, up to 8 people; $5 tubing. Fort White. 386-497-2511.

Rainbow Springs State Park was a privately owned attraction during the 1930s through the 70s. Today the Rainbow River is a great swim, snorkel, paddle spot and like the Ichetucknee, perfect for tubing. NOTE: Tubers are not permitted at headsprings. Tube entrance 1.4 miles south of campground on SW 180th Ave., about 2 miles south of S.R.40. Tuber entrance open April-Sept 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 per vehicle up to 8 people; plus $10 including tube and tram service; $8 with own tube. 352-465-8555.

Swim/Snorkel:
The spring run at Troy Spring State Park has an interesting sight for snorkelers—remains of a Civil War-era steamboat. The Madison was scuttled there in 1863 to prevent capture. Open water scuba diving is also permitted in the 70 foot deep, first magnitude spring. $3 per vehicle up to 8 people. No campground. Branford. 386-935-4835.

Wakulla Springs State Park has one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs. As such it’s caves and caverns have not been fully explored. During the 1940s it was a site for some of the Tarzan movies and later, such Hollywood offerings as the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Lodge, no camping.. $6 per vehicle up to 8 people. Wakulla Springs. 850-224-5950

Scuba/Cave Diving:
Divers must be certified and have a partner to tackle the caves at Peacock Springs State Park. Along with two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, it has one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States. About 28,000 feet has been surveyed by cave divers. No campgrounds. $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people; Luraville. 386-776-3194.

Ginnie Springs Resort and Campground has 7 freshwater springs, 4 of them diveable, on 200 acres along the Santa Fe River. There P.A.D.I certified dive-center for open water, cavern and cave diving rules that Scuba must register and sign waiver during store hours . Fully certified cave divers pay $22 per person, all other divers $30 per person; General admission $12 adult, $3 ages 7-14, plus tax. High Springs. 386-454-7188. . .

Be sure and check for Bargains on http://www.vacationfunflorida.com

Specials for a Special Mom

by Adele Woodyard

What are you doing for your Mom on Mother’s Day? Looking for something different? Here’s a few ideas that may fit the bill:

Tampa
Cracker Country has something very different for Mom—they’ll fill a gift basket with items you pick out at the Cracker County General Store. No extra charge for the service, but you .must be there on Saturday, May 1. While you’re on site. check out the Discover the Past program at the museum. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $6 adult, $5 seniors and ages 6-12. Florida State Fair Grounds. museum@crackercountry.com

Mom gets in for FREE at the Lowry Park Zoo, on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9, with your paid admission. Can be child ($15.95 ages 3-11) or adult ($20.95) ticket, but must be purchased that weekend only. Open 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. 813-935-8552. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com

St. Petersburg
Was your Mom a flower child? Does she remember—and sing Aquarius—but never saw the show HAIR? You have until May 16 to take her to the American Stage in the Park performance at Demen’s Landing. Shows are 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. But hurry, even if you want blanket seating, $11-$21. Reserved chair $27, is mostly sold out for all performances. 727-823-7529. http://www.americanstage.org

Orlando
If shopping’s her thing, Mom will welcome a Shop and Slumber weekend on a combo package offered by the Mall at Millenia and the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort from May 1-16, 2010. The $239-$289 per room per night includes one night accommodations, breakfast in Solaris, 10 % discount at all on-site restaurants, spa, and retail shops at the hotel. Mall at Millenia’s complementary services include 30-minute make-over, personal shopping at Gucci, Godiva chocolates and more. For information, call 888-999-6753, ask for SHO rate code. http://www.marriottworldcenter.com; http://www.mallatmillenia.com
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Mom like Gospel music? The 25th anniversary of the Stellar Awards brings a Mother’s Day Gospel Music Festival to Orlando, May 7-9. Along with music artists, are cultural and recreational activities, and a Mother’s Day brunch and fashion show. Admission: $55 to $200. 888-627-7060; http://www.thestellarawards.com

Wakulla Springs
A 25 year tradition is the Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch at the Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge. May 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m; for prices and reservations (required), call 850-926-0700. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Santa Rosa Beach
If Mom’s an outdoor lover she’ll really go for a two-night stay at Topsail Hill State Park, even if it can’t be over the Mother’s Day weekend. Tuesday and Wednesday nights up to May 26.are the specials for a bungalow ($220) or cabin ($270). Either one includes day trips to Camp Helen and the southern plantation at Eden Gardens State Parks. In between the trips, are white sand beaches with giant dunes, and freshwater fishing on coastal lakes. 850-267-0299. http://www.floridastateparks.org

More ideas on our web site. Click on: http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains