Category Archives: Restaurants

Restaurants That Really Represent The Best of Florida

One of the favorite pasttimes of both Florida residents and visitors is going out to a restaurant.  Rather than visit the chain spots – many of which got their start inb the Sunshine State – I suggest looking for places … Continue reading

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Gone Florida Attractions: Miss Them or Did They Suck?

As a historian I have a great appreciation of the story and evolution of Florida tourist attractions.  Since I was a small child, my family’s annual visits to the Sunshine State brought memories of experiences at Florida attractions – some … Continue reading

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Off The Interstate: US 17 Along the St. Johns River

Florida is the cruise capital of the world today and the three largest cruise companies are headquartered in Southeast Florida.   Even one hundred seventy years ago, taking a Florida cruise was a major part of Florida’s first tourist industry. Only … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, conservation, environment, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, food, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, museums, Restaurants, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s Brewery and Brew-Pub Businesses Are Booming

When I was a student at the University of South Florida, it was exciting to go down to the Anheuser- Busch beer plant and drink a free beer while we watched the flamingos.  Today, the Tampa brewery is gone, replaced … Continue reading

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Florida’s Best Islands For Trips or Vacations

Florida has 4,510 islands over ten acres, second only to Alaska, and much of Florida’s attraction and recreation relates to the relationship that Floridians have with their islands. I thought it would be interesting and perhaps useful to residents and … Continue reading

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

Some of My Favorite Unuusual Florida Restaurants

This is the time of year in Florida when winter tourists and snowbirds are driving the highways visiting their favorite attractions and friends.  If you want to add some unique and different dining experiences in your travels, here is a … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, food, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, mcbobleonard, museums, railroads, Restaurants, small towns, travel, Wierd Florida | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s Immigrant Experiences Are Great Tourist Sights

Florida is one of the most diverse states in the nation and its history of immigration provides visitors and residents alike with many attractions that reflect this story. I have spent many decades teaching in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, which … Continue reading

Posted in adventure vacation, art, attractions, florida education, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Forts, mcbobleonard, museums, Restaurants, Tampa, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas At The Florida Parks: What’s New and Best

The end of Thanksgiving means that Florida’s major theme parks are featuring Christmas decorations and special events, many regular annual attractions that bring huge crowds.  So what’s new and what is outstanding this year? Walt Disney World:  The Christmas crowds … Continue reading

Posted in attractions, dining, disney, Florida Food, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, mcbobleonard, Restaurants, Tampa, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, wdw | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Keys Open For Business With Some Repairs Ongoing

No area was hit harder by Hurricane Irma than the Lower Florida Keys as the Category 4-5 storm ripped across the low-lying Keys between Marathon and Key West.    Potential visitors around the world saw on news reports waves of sea … Continue reading

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Marco Island and Goodland Have Survived The Wrath of Hurricane Irma

Hurrican Irma arrived at mainland Florida at the island community of Marco Island and a fishing village of Goodland.  While there was extensive damage, particularly to the coastal facilities it looks like most of the area will soon be ready … Continue reading

Posted in attractions, conservation, dining, environment, florida history, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, Historic Hotels & Inns, Hurricanes, marco island, mcbobleonard, museums, Recreational Experiences, Restaurants, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment