Category Archives: florida history

How Can You Tell A Real Floridian From All the Visitors and Newcomers?

Posted on February 5, 2017 by floridatraveler

This is the time of year when Floridians feel they are outnumbered on the highways and stores by visitors and “snowbirds.” I know some people don’t like that term.  Texas calls them “winter Texans” and that’s OK with me.  But … Continue reading →

Posted in disney, environment, florida education, florida history, florida vacations, mcbobleonard, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

US27: The Old Alternate Route To Miami

Posted on January 30, 2017 by floridatraveler

Most people from the Northeast heading to Miami or the Keys simply take I-95 along the Atlantic Ocean.  Those coming from the Midwest usually leave I-75 at the Florida Turnpike and slice across Florida through Orlando. Before the development of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, attractions, environment, florida history, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, museums, Recreational Experiences, travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Annual Walt Disney World Food Challenge

Posted on January 23, 2017 by floridatraveler

Every year restaurants are added and some vanish at the resorts, four parks, and Disney Springs complex at Walt Disney World.  As an annual member and nearby Florida resident since WDW opened in 1971, I sometimes feel like a Disney … Continue reading →

Posted in dining, disney, disney springs, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, food, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, Restaurants, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Best “Old” Resorts and Hotels In Florida

Posted on January 18, 2017 by floridatraveler

In Europe a hotel is not old until it passes its 200th birthday, but here in Florida old means the building was constructed before World War II. As a historian, I enjoy the sometimes laid-back atmosphere and sheer personality of … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, dining, environment, Florida Food, florida history, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, Restaurants, Tiffany | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Is Not All Football – There’s A Big Art Scene

Posted on January 4, 2017 by floridatraveler

The other day Tampa was packed with people from Iowa and Florida Gator fans for the annual Outback Bowl.  Next weekend the Clemson-Alabama NCAA Championships will bring 100,000+ football fans into the city. But Florida is more than football. My … Continue reading →

Posted in art, attractions, florida education, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Key West: Still Crazy After All These Years

Posted on December 28, 2016 by floridatraveler

Anyone who has spent some time in Florida knows that the island of KEY WEST is the place to go for weird and crazy fun.  There is nothing ordinary about Key West and its wild and diverse population. People don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in art, attractions, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, mcbobleonard, travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In Florida Christmas Is A Post Office and a Fort

Posted on December 19, 2016 by floridatraveler

This is the season in Central Florida when people drive Southeast from Orlando to the town of Christmas to mail their Santa letters and special packages.  But Christmas, Florida, is not named just for holiday cheer – on Christmas day in … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Forts, mcbobleonard | Leave a comment

Man Made Disasters: A Time Of Reflection

Posted on December 14, 2016 by floridatraveler

This is the time of year when reporters review the good and the bad events of the year.  In Florida, most of our disastrous events have been caused by nature – hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and forest fires hit by lightning. … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, florida history, Florida parks, mcbobleonard, museums | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Florida: The Reenactment of America’s Longest and Most Costly War

Posted on December 7, 2016 by floridatraveler

This time of year dozens of Floridians and volunteers from across the nation dress up as United States Enlisted Soldiers to reenact the longest and most costly (in today’s money) war in American history. It is the Seminole Indian Wars, … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, florida education, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Forts, mcbobleonard, museums, Recreational Experiences | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas In Florida Is Snow-Less, But Not Show-Less

Posted on November 30, 2016 by floridatraveler

Growing up outside Boston as a child meant dreaming of a white Christmas.  As often or not we had frigid weather, icy roads, and no snow. Floridians don’t have to worry about the white stuff in December.  We still celebrate … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, disney, florida history, florida vacations, food, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment