Author Archives: floridatraveler

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About floridatraveler

Emeritus Professor of History and travel and textbook writer M. C. Bob Leonard makes the Sunshine State his home base. Besides serving as content editor for several textbook publishers and as a college professor, he moderates the FHIC at www.floridahistory.org

Floridians – Who Are We ?

Posted on October 25, 2016 by floridatraveler

When you live in Florida, you seem, as a recent Sonic ad noted, to be another world.  We are in the South, but we are not Southerners.  Just ask a guy in Alabama or Georgia  if you don’t believe that … Continue reading →

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2016-2017 REVIEW: WALT DISNEY WORLD DELUXE RESORTS

Posted on October 17, 2016 by floridatraveler

Walt Disney World has eight official Disney Deluxe resorts and much to Disney’s dismay, we include the Swan and Dolphin in this mix for while they are not Disney-operated, they are complete upscale resorts with Disney transportation and character meals. … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, disney, Florida Food, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Hotels & Inns, Restaurants, travel, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Florida’s Lesser Known Museums Are Hidden Gems

Posted on October 12, 2016 by floridatraveler

The other week my wife and I visited the fabulous Ringling Museums in Sarasota.  It was Smithsonian Museum freebie day and the 44 acre property was so jammed with people, we paid for a special tour just to get into … Continue reading →

Posted in florida education, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, museums, travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Floridians Are Full Of False Advice On Hurricanes

Posted on October 4, 2016 by floridatraveler

Another hurricane is heading toward the Florida East Coast.  Historically October is Florida’s worse hurricane month and the Fall months far surpass the Summer for serious hurricanes. It was 2004 when Florida got nailed by four big hurricanes, but myths … Continue reading →

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Historic Florida Train Trips Inside The State

Posted on September 27, 2016 by floridatraveler

Until trains connected Florida with Northern markets and people, Florida was the least populated state in the South, the least populated region of the country. At a time when transcontinental railroads were building westward, Henry Flagler was building a railroad … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, railroads, Recreational Experiences | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

FLORIDA’S GREATEST MAN MADE ATTRACTIONS

Posted on September 21, 2016 by floridatraveler

THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY has become a video symbol of Florida in films and publications across the globe. There is nothing like it in the world – a 113 mile highway (US 1) going southward from Florida to Key West.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, disney, disney springs, florida history, florida vacations, Recreational Experiences, travel, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ten Small Florida Vacation Towns You Should Visit

Posted on September 12, 2016 by floridatraveler

Tired of a Florida vacation in an overcrowded, overpriced metropolis?  Perhaps you should spend some vacation time in some of Florida’s small towns, where they appreciate every visitor and offer personalized services Here are ten of my favorite small town spots … Continue reading →

Posted in disney, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, Recreational Experiences, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

My 2016-1017 Walt Disney World Tips

Posted on September 7, 2016 by floridatraveler

STUDY the best Non-Disney Websites Websites like Mousesavers, AllEars, wdwinfo.com have the latest WDW information with “no BS” evaluations, some hotel deals, and restaurant menus.  Don’t just read the WDW website material! My Biased View On WDW Hotels In my … Continue reading →

Posted in dining, disney springs, Florida Food, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants, wdw | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

September in Florida Still Means Big Events

Posted on August 29, 2016 by floridatraveler

Labor Day may mean the end of summer in Florida, but it doesn’t mean Florida towns will wait for the snowbirds and big cash tourists to return in winter.  September is a good time in Florida.… Source: September in Florida … Continue reading →

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September in Florida Still Means Big Events

Posted on August 29, 2016 by floridatraveler

Labor Day may mean the end of summer in Florida, but it doesn’t mean Florida towns will wait for the snowbirds and big cash tourists to return in winter.  September is a good time in Florida.  With school back everywhere, … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, art, attractions, beer, florida education, florida history, Florida sports, florida vacations, food, speedboat | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment