Florida-Uncovered

Parasailing On The Beaches Of Florida

admin — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It is the most southerly state in the continental United States and it is affectionately known as “the Sunshine state”. Beautiful year round temperatures and white sandy beaches, make this an ideal location to vacation or spend your retirement years. Getting there is as simple as packing up your car and hitting the open roads until you cross the county line and once there you can smell the salt air.

There is much to see and do in Florida, with many of the activities centering around the water. Parasailing on the beaches of Florida is a favorite past time for many of the visitors and locals alike, however, that is just one temptation to lure interested bystanders to join in the fun. With so many beaches to choose from, boating and other water sports are always plentiful.

Both kids and adults will find Florida to be relaxing and enjoyable, however, one of the main problems of visiting Florida is the fact that visitors are not interested in leaving. With such beautiful weather can you blame them, after all, the sunshine state can boast of weekends on the water in a tropical like environment and fewer cold nights than most of the rest of the country.

Best Nightlife On The Beaches of Florida

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Spring break is right around the corner and you may already have a list of popular destinations that you want to visit. Before you make your final decision, consider the beaches and popular nightlife of Florida.

If you are an Art major, or just enjoy art and architecture, South Beach will be your destination. Even though South Beach has a great art deco scene, that is not the main draw. Celebrities frequent this beach as many films and televisions shows are filmed on this beach.

Daytona Beach is also a popular destination for those seeking a refuge from study during spring break. Daytona is known for racing and its nightlife matches the adrenaline of its favorite sport. Come here to dance the night away in beach front bars and nightclubs.

If you are looking for a more relaxed or romantic spring break with your significant other, head over to Naples. Named after the romantic town of Naples, Italy, Naples beach offers a similar atmosphere. Spend a relaxing day at the beach then at night visit one of the many fine dining environments that Naples has to offer. Naples also has a sunset cruise that will be perfect for your night together.

Whatever you want, Florida has to offer.

Parrotheads Get Ready

www.florida-uncovered.com — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer band will hit Tampa on April 16, 2011 as they work their way into the sunshine state with the band’s Welcome to Fin Land tour.Since Buffet lives in nearby Palm Beach, you know he’s likely to give Florida concert goers a little more than he might in other cities.And if Buffet stays true to form, concert attendees can expect a hefty set list of up to 30 songs and two separate encores. The nine songs that are pretty consistent on his set list that you’re almost guaranteed to hear are:

Margaritaville (of course)
Come Monday
Fins
Volcano
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere (minus Alan Jackson)
One Particular Harbour
A Pirate Looks at Forty
Cheeseburger in paradise
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Other hit songs that might be included are Son of a Son of a Sailor and Crosby, Stills and Nash’s Southern Cross. Buffet has toured every year since 1976 with the exception of (1981 and 1983) and already seems to have a tour dedicated to 201s titled the Sandwich Haven Tour.We’ll keep you posted if Florida is on the venue next year; but if you want to do some parrothead reading between now and then don’t forget that Buffet has three bestselling books available to keep you company on idle days: Tales from Margaritaville, Where is Joe Merchant?, and A Pirate Looks At Fifty.

St. Augustine and the Fountain of Youth

www.florida-uncovered.com — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 19:26:33 +0000

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon has been accredited with ascribing one of Florida’s most conversational landmarks: the fountain of youth, a legendary spring that is said to restore the youth to anyone who drinks from it. It was during his travels in Florida during 1513 that he sought its existence, but his name was not actually ascribed to its legend in Florida until after his death. However, those interested in seeing first hand whether or not the fountain exists can do so by visiting the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15 acre site in St. Augustine, Florida where visitors can drink from the Legendary Spring that has flowed under the site for as long as anyone can remember and learn the history of Ponce de Leon’s searchand his Spanish claim for Florida. If you can’t actually make it to the park you can check your local Direct tv Florida listings to see if there are any shows airing on the History Channel that might bring you as close as possible to this piece of history without actually being there. And when watching, don’t forget your drink!

Miami Movies

www.florida-uncovered.com — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re dreaming of Miami beaches this winter but won’t be able to get to one, why not consider renting one of the following movies which were filmed in the area to see whether or not you can get an osmosis-fix as you hunker down during your own little blizzard? Shoot DownCocaine CowboysMarley & Me Miami Vice Red Eye RetirementStuck on You Bad Boys 2Out of Time 2 Fast 2 Furious Big Trouble Empire Ali Any Given Sunday The CrewAnalyze This Random Hearts Married to the Mob Something About Mary The Specialist True Lies The Bodyguard Scarface Lenny Midnight Cowboy Goldfinger And if you want to get in on the action of a television series, why not consider renting full seasons of Dexter, Miami Ink, Burn Notice, or Nip/Tuck that are all set in the hot-spot known as Miami!

The Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:21:38 +0000

While Florida is mostly known for Disney World or its beaches, the state is also home to some of America’s most historical sites. For example, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, located in Fort Meyers, are the old vacation spots of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.Edison’s property, “Seminole Lodge,” dates back to 1886, while Ford began staying at “the Mangoes” from 1915. With such a history, the two estates showcase the personal touches of both inventors. Whether it’s the furniture, the dcor, or the vintage automobile garage, you’ll really get a feel for the way these inventors lived.But there’s more history than just the homes at Winter Estates. Another exhibit is the Botanic Research Laboratory, where Edison came up with many of his inventions. The lab is in the same condition Edison left it, with all his scientific artifacts on display to the public. Yet, the most memorabilia from Edison and Ford can be found in the museum. The Estates Museum includes eleven different collections, ranging from The Inventions of Edison to The Ford Gallery. The exhibits give tourists the chance to see a 1937 Ford Coupe as well as Edison’s telephones and telegraphs.Take the time to tour the beautiful estate gardens, too. From orchids, to Bamboo and Cycads, there’s plenty of plant life to admire.The house is open from 9am-5:30pm all week. Pricing varies depending on when you visit and what you want to see. To visit the entire vicinity, it’s 20 for adults and 11 for children. However, there are options to visit just the garden, or just the laboratory and Museum. For the garden it costs 24 for adults and 10 for children. If you visit the Lab and Museum, tickets are 12 for adults and 5 for children.

Wasting away again in Margaritaville

admin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:15:32 +0000

Jimmy Buffett first got the inspiration for the song “Margaritaville” in Key West. Now, this Florida locale is more than the beginning of a hit song, it’s also the home of Buffett’s first Margaritaville restaurant.Alongside luscious water views, visitors can sip one of the musically inspired margaritas. Some of the most popular drinks include the “Who’s to Blame,” the “License to Chill,” and “Off to See the Lizard.” And since it is Margaritaville, the restaurant is home to one of the world’s biggest margaritas. For 14.50, you can drink a 20 oz “Big Rita.” In-fact, it’s so big, it won a World Record in 2001. Plus, by keeping the souvenir glass, you can prove to everyone back home that you actually drank it all.Outside of the margaritas, themed drinks vary from the “Why Don’t We Get Drunk & . . . . .” and the “5 O’Clock Somewhere.”Depending on how much you drink, your appetite is bound to follow. For an appetizer, choose from seven different options, including Buffett’s signature Conch Fritters and his Volcano Nachos, coated in your favorite ingredients, like jalapenos, chili, cheese, and more.Meal items vary from seafood (Calypso Mahi Mahi) to Roast Chicken, with Margaritaville offering something for everyone’s tastes. However, if you’re a Buffett fan, don’t stop yourself from trying the Cheeseburger in Paradise. . . you already know the ingredients: “I like mine with lettuce and tomato Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes” (“Cheeseburger in Paradise”)There’s usually nightly entertainment as well, but if you miss the live music, no worries. Each restaurant plays Jimmy Buffett music throughout your meal.Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan or not, the Island inspired dcor and cuisine will help you find that Floridian vibe. And if you’re not singing by the end of the night, well, you can always grab another margarita!

A journey through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

www.florida-uncovered.com — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:12:02 +0000

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has already become a favorite for Florida tourists. Guests were greeted by a six hour wait time from the first day the park opened. And according to the Universal Studios website, the main attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has already reached one million riders. Oh, did we mention, they’ve only been open three months!From shopping, to attractions and dining, the park leaves no element of Harry Potter untouched. For example, the Wizarding World offers six different places for visitors to shop, including the infamous Honeydukes , Ollivanders, and Zonkos. Now guests can go home with their very own wand or Remembrall .As long as you don’t spend all your money shopping, you can also enjoy Butterbeer and a good meal from the Three Broomsticks. Meals include British favorites, such as Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, and even a Cornish pasty (puff pastry filled with meat and veggies). The Three Broomsticks also houses the Hog’s Head Pub.Once you’ve let all that food go down, it’s time to try out the rides. Universal Studios offers three Potter themed rides: the first is the Dragon Challenge. Riders are given the choice between a Hungarian Horntail or a Chinese Fireball. Once you’ve chosen, race through Harry Potter’s world, barely missing the other dragon in your haste. Once it’s all over, be sure to ride the dragon you didn’t chose.If dragons are too much for you, there’s also the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster. But just like the books and films, guests must connect with their Hippogriff before taking a journey on its back.However, by far the park’s best ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Inside the Wizarding World a replica of Hogwarts castle awaits. It’s here you’ll get the chance to explore the castle with your own hands: travel to the Dark Arts Classroom, watch pictures come to life in the Portrait Gallery, or speak with Fawkes in Dumbledore’s office. Once you’re done exploring, take the journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione to protect Hogwarts Castle.While you’ve already read every book (twice) and seen every movie (three times), you’ll never experience the world of Harry Potter quite like you will in Orlando, Florida.

Getting down in Miami

www.florida-uncovered.com — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:00:45 +0000

If you enjoy dancing the night away, you can’t miss a night in Miami. Home to some of the most unique nightlife venues in America, the city has something for every type of nightlifer. We’ve explored just a few of the clubs Miami has to offer and compiled a list of our favorite three.3. Spazio NeroDowntown MiamiSpazio Nero is decorated in all black furnishings, providing for the perfect blackout experience. Whether it’s the tables and chairs, or the lavish, papered walls, everything is black. The club is only open Thursday through Saturday, and they do host events on those days. For example, two of Sapzio Nero’s upcoming parties include the Level Magazine Reuinion and the Ducati and NV Luxury Lifestyle event. Just make sure the parties aren’t RSVP before you go. The club is open from 11am to 5am, allowing you to enjoy a little nightlife before and after dark.2. B.E.D.South BeachHowever, if you’re looking for the ultimate party, you could always go back to bed. No, really, B.E.D. is one of the most popular nightclubs in Miami. Decorated with actual beds, you’re invited to sit down and interact with friends, or just find the comfort you would from dancing in your own room. There are usually events for each night of the week, such as the Cat’s Meow Thursdays (a dinner show) or Room Service Saturdays (with one hour open bar included). B.E.D. is open from 8pm to 5am six days of the week, with different hours on Sunday (11am to 5pm).1.SET MiamiMiami BeachSET is literally set in different time, but with a modern touch. With dcor resembling the ’30 and ’40s in Hollywood, you’ll feel like a part of Hollywood from the moment you enter. Alongside a red carpet inspired dcor, the club provides the ultimate in star treatment. Not only does SET offer a private area (Trophy Room), but they also feature highly sought-after DJs: such as Pete Tong. SET is open from 11pm-5am Thursday through Sunday.

Florida is out of this world

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:06:33 +0000

Located in Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center gives visitors the chance to explore the world of space travel. With fourteen different exhibits, you may not actually get to space, but you will certainly feel like you did.The Shuttle Launch Experience is one of the center’s most exciting attractions. Once onboard the simulator, you’re actually taking through a launch sequence and sent into “space.” The best way to visit space without ever leaving the ground, you’re given a first-hand look at what space travel is like.After the breathtaking experience of launching into space, you’ll probably feel in awe of all the astronauts that complete these missions regularly. So take a trip to another of the Space Center’s exhibits, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This display gives you the best insight into the lives of famous astronauts such as John Glenn, the first American to orbit our planet. The hall of fame also contains a 3D picture of earth from space (Science on a Sphere), and more exhibits that let you live the space experience (like the G-Force trainer).Yet there are multiple showcases at the center which take its visitors into the history of space travel. The Eye on the Universe: Hubble Space Telescope presents the images the infamous telescope has captured. However, the Apollo/Saturn V exhibit explores the history of Apollo space flights, with a collection of spacesuits, spacecrafts (Saturn V rocket), and other memorabilia.The Kenndey Space Center offers three different packages. For admission to the entire center, it’s 41 for adults and 31 for children. You can also buy tickets just for the Hall of Fame, which costs 20 for adults and 16 for children. But, if you’re hooked, you could always join the “Commander’s Club.” This last option is an annual pass, which is priced at 53 for adults and 43 for children. Be sure to visit the Space Center’s website for more information on the packages.