The Beach

Half & Half: Hollywood, Florida (Part Two)

The morning was delightful, filled with the  type of activities we had hoped for when planning this trip to Hollywood, Florida.  Breakfast with a breathtaking view of the ocean, quiet time while reading a Jimmy Buffett novel along the water, finding a great spot on the beach and spending a few hours nestled in the… Continue reading Half & Half: Hollywood, Florida (Part Two)

The Beach

Half & Half: Hollywood, Florida (Part One)

The moment we realized we had the entire Labor Day Weekend off together we knew we had to do something special.  Even though I am a Florida Native, there is a side of my homestate that I have never really seen: South Florida.  So we booked our room and planned our two night trip to… Continue reading Half & Half: Hollywood, Florida (Part One)

Orlando

Pre-Isaac Visit to Universal Studios

It had been too long.  About four weeks ago we made the spontaneous purchase of our Universal Orlando Annual Passes.  However, we had only been twice during that time (thank you pneumonia).  We were overdue.  And yet, Isaac loomed.  And, we had youngest stepson with us, who had never been to Universal.  Time to buy… Continue reading Pre-Isaac Visit to Universal Studios

Central Florida Suburbs

Just Keep Growing Part Two: Central Florida Zoo Expansion

A few weeks ago I wrote about the potential Central Florida Zoo expansion.   I am happy to report that the Seminole County Commissioners approved the purchase of the land required to make the expansion possible! Here is the Orlando Sentinel article about it.  Great news for Central Florida! And here is my original post "Just… Continue reading Just Keep Growing Part Two: Central Florida Zoo Expansion

Central Florida Suburbs

Casually Country: Breakfast Club of Casselberry

The Breakfast Club of Casselberry is not a gourmet establishment, nor is it meant to be. It offers a small hometown experience in an Orlando suburb.  It is casual and country, and I like it that way. Sometimes I want a reminder that Florida has some Southern, country culture to be found, and that's what… Continue reading Casually Country: Breakfast Club of Casselberry

Orlando

Appreciation for Animal Kingdom

It may not be the most attended of Disney’s theme parks, but it is very dear to me. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of the Disney parks and could be considered the most underrated. The wild child of the Disney theme park family, offers unique entertainment, a few thrilling rides, and distinctive details not… Continue reading Appreciation for Animal Kingdom

Small towns in Florida, The Beach

This is a great video about Cedar Key. In fact, someone very special to me is in it. If you know who it is please do not disclose or comment about who it is. Cedar Key really is a great, relaxed placed to visit. Related articles A Salty Saturday at Cedar Key (thisfloridalife.com) A Salty… Continue reading

My Second Homes, Orlando

How Harry Potter Changed Theme Parks Forever

Harry Potter cast his spell.  The world waited on the edge of their seats as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) was set to open. When it opened this new land changed theme parks forever. Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure already offered exciting thrill rides and technologically advanced wonders such as the Amazing Adventures of… Continue reading How Harry Potter Changed Theme Parks Forever

Orlando

Dining Diversions

Munching on out-of-the-ordinary food is part of the fun when visiting Orlando's theme parks.  However, there is a lot of discovery and relaxation to be had when taking a break from the theme parks for a short bit to head to one of the nearby restaurants.  You can enhance your day in the parks by… Continue reading Dining Diversions

Orlando

New Fantasyland – Official Opening Date

First came the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and theme parks were changed forever.  This themed land inside Universal's Islands of Adventure represented the first time a domestic theme park re-created a world inside a movie in perfect detail.  Then came Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure - AMAZING!  Now the world waits for "New… Continue reading New Fantasyland – Official Opening Date