In the northern Tampa Bay Area, a little piece of Greece is less than an hour north of downtown. Here you can explore the sights, sounds, and aromas of Greece. Dodecanese Boulevard is the spine of the Greek sponge docks of Tarpon Springs.
The top Groupon coupon provider in the state of Florida is the cruise ship Victory. It leaves twice a day, seven days a week, and travels all of three miles out into the ocean from Port Canaveral.
South Beach (SoBe) is the neighborhood in Miami Beach, best known for its historic Art Deco District. It’s also known for its pricey, designer hotels and expensive restaurants and clubs. But there is plenty of fun to be had even on a budget.
I have found a place where I do not need to answer my cell phone, read emails or feel chained to my computer. Here I can savor the delicious tropical breeze coming off Biscayne Bay. Entering this green hideaway, I am serenely transported to a refuge where I can relax and enjoy its sights, sounds, and fragrances in slow-time.
As I woke up this morning to the sound of chirping birds, I looked outside my tent at the towering pine trees, it looked like paradise. No traffic sounds or sirens, just the sound of nature outside. I couldn’t wait to explore this hidden paradise.
Do you ever dream of being in a tropical paradise but worry it’s too expensive and you don’t have enough vacation time to go? There is a hidden oasis within reach that will give you that paradise-feeling without costing a bunch. Your dreams will come true when you visit Peanut Island, situated about 125 miles east of Arcadia, Florida. It’s one of those hidden gems you absolutely need to go see to believe!
Forget crowded beaches, hike undeveloped coastline. Enjoy the feeling of seclusion and chances of spectacular sightings. Dolphins, manatees, black skimmers, pelicans flying in “V” formation, and herons or egrets begging fishermen for a free lunch are just a few. And with a bit of luck, the greens.
The Market, as we kids called it, has been in existence as long as I can remember. Looking through the eyes of youth, it seemed huge, with lots of sheds and tables and vendors. As I grew into adulthood, I began to realize what an important role the Market played in the lives of so many, especially the farmers who were its mainstays.
As you ride along, it’s easy to spot the dark brown form of an alligator sunning itself along the side of the road. Look deeper into the swamp to see even more of them submerged, with only snouts and eyes peeking above the surface. (Yes, it’s okay to get out of your vehicle, but not okay to get too close to — let alone feed — the wildlife.)
When I think about Florida I think sunshine, beaches, dozens of restaurants, swimming, shopping, shuffleboard, motor homes, and RV parks. The last thing I think about is hockey. Back when the earth was still cooling many of us started to play hockey. Outdoors. We changed into our skates in the snow. So it is a bit difficult for me to get my mind around hockey in Florida on a warm evening.
