Category Archives: Historic Hotels & Inns

10 Great Florida Literary Landmarks To Visit

Posted on March 28, 2017 by floridatraveler

It was not until well into the twentieth century that Florida had the urban population and economy to bolster its own literary marketplace.  For decades most Florida writers were snowbirds, who found places like Saint Augustine and Key West warm … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, art, attractions, florida education, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, museums | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Small Town Weekend Trips: Dade City

Posted on March 21, 2017 by floridatraveler

I spent last weekend on a little trip from my home in Tampa to do some antique shopping in Dade City and eat at the famous Lunch at Limoges luncheon at the 1908 Williams Department store.  You are missing the … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, dining, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, food, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, museums, Restaurants | 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

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

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

New Hotel Boom Hits South Florida

Posted on August 16, 2016 by floridatraveler

Florida has 370,000 hotel rooms in 16,374 hotels.  It is the only state that is covered by three AAA travel guides. Despite these statistics the Great Recession slowed down new hotel construction particularly outside South Florida.  Today huge hotel projects … Continue reading →

Posted in disney, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Hotels & Inns, Restaurants, travel, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pass-a-Grille: The Original Tampa Bay Beach Town

Posted on August 1, 2016 by floridatraveler

PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH, the Southernmost of Pinellas County’s barrier beaches, was the first beach community on the Gulf of Mexico to develop as a weekend residential spot for successful Tampa and St. Petersburg residents. Originally, home to fishermen, homesteaders, and lumber men like Zephaniah Phillips, the island … Continue reading →

Posted in attractions, dining, environment, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, museums, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Palm Beach Is A Great Summer Vacation Spot

Posted on May 24, 2016 by floridatraveler

When May comes around in Florida, the snow birds and high rollers have departed and most of the automobile tourists are waiting for the kids to finish schools.  It is a time of year when vacationers can often avoid high … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, Restaurants, travel | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment