Category Archives: dining

FLORIDA’S FABULOUS VICTORIAN HOTELS: OPEN OR NOT

The history of Florida Is much longer than its attraction as a major winter destination. Prior to the post-Civil War Era, visitors had to enter Florida by coastal steamboat and outside of some mid-size hotels in Saint Augustine, there were … Continue reading

Posted in bed&breakfast, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, small towns | Leave a comment

PANAMA CITY – NOT THE BEACH BUT THE CITY

Its is SUMMER TIME and this is the main tourist season for PANAMA CITY BEACH, the beach center for the so-called “Redneck Riviera.”  I first saw PCB as a student at Florida State University and I was amazed at the … Continue reading

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The Perfect Trip To Boost Christmas Spirit: Bok Tower and Gardens

The Christmas season can be a time of nervous energy and open tension.  It is a time when if you live in Florida, you may get a lot of visitors, both families and friends. It is also a time when … Continue reading

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Best Florida Sporting Events of Winter 2019

This is the time of time where people are looking at future calendars for vacation plans, trips around Florida, and events they want to attend.  As a sports editor, my father took paid close attention when major “must-see” events were … Continue reading

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Florida’s Waterside Entertainment Malls Are A Tourist Plus

A lot of Florida cities take advantage of both the climate and the location on the water of the ocean or a bay.   The creation of waterside entertainment centers give locals and visitors the option to dine, to shop, to … Continue reading

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Florida’s Favorite Foods: Worth A Visit

When people like of Florida, they probably think of oranges and seafood. Our OJ is mainly produced for juice as opposed to California’s whole oranges, but our 1,350 miles of coastline means the Sunshine State is “swimming” in saltwater gourmet.  … Continue reading

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Florida’s Often Undervalued Gem: Charlotte Harbor

Recently I attended a convention in Punta Gorda, the town where my family first moved to Florida in the 1960’s. The waterfront devastated by category 4 Hurricane Charley in August of 2004 has not only been rebuilt, it has been … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, conservation, dining, environment, extreme sports, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, keys, mcbobleonard, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What I Dislike Most About Orlando’s Super Theme Parks 2018

It still doesn’t feel like Fall has arrived in Central Florida this Fall and we are hitting October.  Soon the snowbirds will be filling Florida’s highways and the hectic holiday season will be in full swing. I  thought I should … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, disney, disney springs, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, mcbobleonard, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Hurricane That Killed and Flooded Florida

The devastating flooding in the Carolinas due to the huge hurricane reminded me of Florida’s most dramatic flooding crisis.  It may seem strange to some of you since Florida is so flat and its rivers seem to flow slowly. Ninety … Continue reading

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Best Shopping Malls and Shopping Places in Florida

One of Florida’s most popular indoor vacation experiences is to go shopping, although with Florida’s climate, many of the popular shopping spots utilize beautiful outdoor settings.  It seems every area of Florida has discount malls but I prefer going to … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, disney springs, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, mcbobleonard, museums, Restaurants, Tampa, travel, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment