Florida Vacation News - February 2006 News and reviews from around the state!
February 26, 2006 09:06 - Homosassa Report is Ready!
Back on the 21st I mentioned that I was writing up my trip to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Well, the report is done and ready for you to read!
And in all the vacation hubub, I forgot to mention my trip to Shark Valley, in the Florida Everglades. Wow, was that ever something special! I have a report for Shark Valley, as well as a photo gallery for your viewing pleasure.
Enjoy!
February 25, 2006 11:40 - Marineland to Re-open!
Here's some great news! Marineland, originally established in 1938 is scheduled to re-open on March 4th, 2006.
Marineland has been closed for well over a year for refurbishment and planning for new shows and attractions. This morning I heard that March 4th is "the" date, and there will be all kinds of grand opening ceremonies.
The Dolphin Encounter is one show/exhibit that I am looking forward to seeing.
So if you're up in the St. Augustine or Daytona Beach area on March 4th, you might want to take a trip to Marineland and take part in the festivities.
Marineland is almost half-way between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, on A1A.
February 21, 2006 18:40 - Grouper Cakes - Ahhhhh
After I finished my day at Homassassa Springs State Wildlife Park, my hubby and I went to Charlie's Fish House Restaurant.
First off -- you go here for the seafood. Period.
You have got to try either the Seafood Gumbo soup or the New England Clam Chowder. Your tastebuds will be very pleased.
Now I had the Grouper Cakes for dinner. What are Grouper Cakes? Think crab cakes, only made with grouper. Hubby went with the Fried Grouper. He said that the only way it could have been better would be if he had caught the fish himself. He's a tough judge of fish dishes, and he gave it two thumbs up.
Neither of us had room for dessert, but the peanut butter pie looked very interesting!
Charlie's Fish House Restaurant is located at 224 Highway 19 North in Crystal River, Florida. Their phone number is (352) 795-3949. If you're ever in the area stop in.
February 21, 2006 18:23 - Homossassa Springs - A Happy Surprise!
I just spent a few hours at Homossassa Springs State Wildlife Park, and I was pleasantly surprised! Instead of just a few trails to walk, there is plenty to see.
My husband's favorite was the "underwater room". You can go down below the surface of the springs and see all kinds of fish, as well as manatees. Snook, jacks, redfish...the list of fish could go on and on.
I'll be writing up a full report, complete with photos, in the next few days -- stay tuned!
February 18, 2006 16:55 - Come on Down, the Weather is Great !
This is the time of year that we Floridians live for --
our spectacular winter weather!
No snow shovels here -- just blue skies and sunshine.
It's mild in Florida at the moment, with days in the 70's and 80's, nights in the 50's. Perfect weather, I'd say.
Hey, now is the time to be planning your great Florida vacation! Don't leave it all to chance. Browse the pages of this site to get some good ideas of places to go and things to do.
Helpful hint -- prices for hotels start going down around the end of March (right now it's the "high" season). Plan for a Florida vacation in April or May and give yourself a price break!
February 17, 2006 12:55 - A Whole New Look!
Yes, Great Florida Vacations now has a new look! I figured it was time to try something different.
The blue background is for the Florida waters, the green is for the Florida parks and forests, and the yellow is for the sunshine!
I've added a place for questions and answers on the right-hand column. Hope you enjoy reading them! Some are just for fun, others are trivia from around the state of Florida.
