For me the first time I actually wanted to go on a propoer Crazy Golf course was watching Karate Kid where Daniel (the new karate master) takes his beloved to a fun park of some description. To be honest I wanted to go to the whole park as they were even going down water slides in what was clearly cold weather at night! I guess the wonders of a night shoot when they can use the facility in day time! Anyway, there was proper crazy golf there, rather the depressing version that you get at the seaside in the UK which is basically lumpy concrete painted green and it fits in 30 square metres. As with everything else the Florida version is better and bigger (that should be the state motto!).
The first US version I did was in up state New York at a great lake summer location called Lake George, along with a batting cage and it is a great laugh when everyone get into the spirit of it. Some people Continue reading “Crazy Golf Florida Style” »
Something I have always thought was amazingly American was this fascination with batting cages. For those are not aware of what I mean, I am sure you have seen on in a movie, normally at a father and son bonding moment in the movie. Now I appreciate that baseball is an American sport and so of course it is American but name me another sport that does this, you don’t see cricket bat versions, or football (soccer) cages where you can go and thump some balls around!
Baseball cages though are a good place to vent as well for those that remember playing similar sports when they were younger (I am in this group), this is a great chance to pull some muscles and hurt yourself. In case you have not seen these cages then they are basically a cage that you stand it, but your quarters in a pay box to the side and then baseballs are thrown by a machine Continue reading “Have to try a batting cage” »
There are many attractions in Florida, there are of course the main stream parks of Disney and Seaworld and the such, then there are smaller things around and some that people would often not think of. One such thing is to have a try at a shooting range. In the words of some rapper “Guns dont kill people, people kill people” and shooting can been seen as an art like anything else as there is skill involved in shooting a gun accurately. I like many people of my era grew up with the start of decent shooting games on the pc (at least we thought they were) and so have always wanted to try shooting a gun or 2. At this point I will say that I have no interest in shooting at anything other than paper targets an hunting is not my thing although many do it, even in the UK.
On my first trip to Florida I kept seeing a sign on the Interstate speaking of a gun range, and after a bit of talking with the brother I managed into talking him into coming with me to this range to see what it was all about. The place itself was like so many other shops Continue reading “Shooting Range – Try Something Different In Florida” »
Universal has 2 parks in Florida, the first is Universal Studios and the second is the newer ‘Universal Islands of Adventure’ and this is where the adrenaline is. The Islands of Adventure Orlando has a great collection of thrill rides and roller coasters to get your heart started! One of my favourite rides was the ‘Dueling Dragons’ this is technically 1 ride but it 2 cars running at the same time on 2 tracks that are very close to one another, the pinnacle of which is when the 2 cars aim straight for each other and at the last minute they both loop over the top to avoid the collision. This is a great roller coaster and well worth taking the option for queuing to ensure that you are on the front row of either of the dragons as although this is always better on a rollercoaster it is more so, on this one!! Take on the Dueling Dragons!
Another of the major rides at Islands Of Adventure is ‘The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman’. This is not a rollercoaster but a mixture of thrill ride and simulation, it has been well made with added option that 2 cars ride Continue reading “Islands of Adventure – Great Day” »
The first couple of times I went to Florida I didn’t go to Sea World. I had the preconception that there would be nothing interesting there compared to the Disney World parks. The first time I did decide to visit was with my Boyfriend on our first solo visit to Florida. The first impression I got was that it is much calmer than the Disney parks. There is a lovely water feature at the entrance which in itself is a lot more understated.
As soon as you go through the gates it felt peaceful. It helped that we were there in September and the crowds were really very small. There are animals and fishes to see and feel as Continue reading “Sea World – My Favourite Park in Florida” »
Florida evenings are quite special in my view. The evening for me is how I imagine I would spend so many of my evening if I were to live there but depending on the time of year that you go to Florida most evenings offer a pleasant humid temperature that means you can stay out all night in a tee shirt and enjoy the evening. Sitting my your pool under the fly netting means that you don’t get the bugs that you may otherwise be seeing around and you can just sit back.
There are loads of options for you to make the most of and so the decision is up to you. The last times that we have Continue reading “Florida Evenings With A Family” »
Travelling to Florida as a family is like a dream for many. Florida is a truly magical place to go to and taking your children makes it for me. On a more practical side though there is a lot of planning and thinking to do about going to Florida as there is just SO MUCH to do. We have therefore come up with a Top Ten Florida Vacation Tips For Families to try and help with a way to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Florida. These are not in a specific order but are just suggestions for things to think about:
Tired of conventional travel destinations? Well, you can have the adventure of a lifetime with an airboat ride and gator hunt at Black Hammock Adventures outside Orlando Florida. This destination is a well known tourist attraction in Central Florida for airboat tours sightseeing and nightlife.Â
An airboat is an ideal vessel for getting around lakes and wet lands. This type of boat is unique because it has the ability to move into narrow creeks and shallow wetlands. Each airboat captain U.S. Coast Guard Certified, licensed and insured. Â Black Hammock Adventures airboats can accommodate both large and small groups.
Fortunately, you will be under the care of a travel guide who is very experienced in the wild.  . Leaving the Black Hammock Marina your airboat will travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, exploring the lake and enjoying the natural wildlife with your guide and companionsÂ
A 30 Minute airboat tour is Continue reading “Black Hammock Adventures Orlando Florida” »
Seaworld and Busch Gardens have sent out an email today letting people know about an entertaining and educational roadshow that they are presenting. The are offering a free opportunity to get close and personal with exotic animals and added on top of this there is even a chance to win a family holiday to Florida to visit SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Discovery Cove.
To find out more click here to find out about the roadshow and where it is coming to be close to you.
Most people think of Florida and all the modern day things like the theme parks but if you go to St Augustine, just off the I 95 on the Atlantic Coast you will discover the roots of America. It was a Spaniard who named Florida “La Florida” meaning Land of Flowers in 1513. In 1545 when another Spanish expedition landed it was the Feast of St Augustine and so the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US was named after the saint. They also gave thanks with a feast and so it could be said that the first “thanksgiving” was held in Florida.
Luckily a lot of the old buildings have been preserved – many given to the local historic society by past owners and the whole area looks much more Spanish than American. The cobbled narrow streets (many pedestrianised) are a real shock after the wide highways. The streets are filled with antiques shops, art galleries and places to eat as well as bed and breakfast establishments if you need more than a day. You really could be in any old european settlement. St Augustine grew with the arrival of the railroad and became “the place” for the rich to spend their vacation – and a whole near era of building began.
There is good signage to car parking just on the edge of town and the easiest way to see the whole area is on a road train that allows you to get on an off at the various spots. These include the oldest home, the oldest wooden school and the authentic jail house. Other highglights include Flagler College – once a swanky hotel for the rich – which has some magnificent stained glass windows – book the tour as that is the only way to see beyond the entrance lobby. The Lightner Museum is housed in another former hotel. The Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse (climb to the top for fantastic views)- plus they have a Fountain of Youth (no guarantees on that). There is also a local winery so you can taste their latest vintage. It is really a case of deciding what you can see in the time you have.
If you fancy a change from the theme parks it is really worth the trip – check out the “whats on” on the various dedicated web sites. It really shows that the US can do history.
Jean
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