Things to do with kids at Key West

The Key West area is an ideal vacation spot for the whole family.  There are many sites to see and fun things to do for kids and kids at heart.  Here are some recommended activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

Get a chance to pet friendly sharks at the Key West Aquarium. Kids can get up close and personal with real live sharks.  Children can safely feed nurse sharks, sandbar sharks, and Bonnethead sharks. They can experience touching juvenile nurse sharks on the tail and discover how their skin feels. There’s nothing to fear because they are gentle creatures.  The touch tank allows kids to let their curiosity rule. They can touch different kinds of small sea creatures such as hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, conchs, sea stars, slate pencil sea urchins, serpent sea stars, sea cucumbers, and species of whelks.  It doesn’t stop there; kids can also pet and feed cow nose rays. These type of rays are docile and enjoy being fed by humans.

At Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, visitors can walk through the bird sanctuary and see different species of birds like herons, owls, pelicans and egrets.  The wild bird rescue, rehabilitation and educational facility also teaches kids how to value and respect birds.

Another popular attraction is the Conch Tour Train.  Visitors can learn about its 400 years of history.  The tour takes you around the beautiful tropical island and its charming architectural sites.  There are many interesting stops so you can appreciate the different attractions.  Kids 12 and below can ride for free while seniors are given discounts.

Do you imagine yourself swimming along sea creatures?  At Theater of the Sea, visitors have the privilege of swimming with dolphins, stingrays, and even sea lions. Kids as young as five years old can take part in special swim programs with sea creatures while children starting three years old can join dolphin wade programs. The vast area also features animals like native birds, parrots, sea turtles, fish, and crocodiles.  Some animals are trained to perform in front of the audience.  

Take a journey to the past when you visit Key West Shipwreck Museum. It houses a variety of artifacts and there are live actors which give visitors an overall unique experience.  There is also a 65’ Lookout Tower.  In the older days, people climbed the tower to watch the reef for wrecks.

 

Another interesting museum is the Hemingway Home and Museum.  The guided tour of the home and gardens give you a glimpse of Ernest Hemingway’s environment where he wrote most of his notable works.

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is surrounded by native and exotic plants. Many local birds thrive here. 

The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is considered as the only frost-free tropical forest in the United States.  It provides a natural setting for native, threatened, and endangered plants.  It is also a wildlife refuge for native and threatened species. There are eco-educational guided tours that let you explore the unique flora and fauna.  

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Florida Airport Food

“Thanks for flying with us, enjoy your trip to Tampa Bay.” The pilot has made the official announcement you're in Florida. You can grab your bags, pick up your rental car, and it's still early enough in the day to explore the Sunshine State for a while. Your head is filled with visions of Disney, Universal and Tampa's own Busch Gardens. But, Disney and Universal aren't until later in the week and Busch Gardens is tomorrow when you can get up bright and early and spend the entire day there. Right now, it's all about getting a bite to eat and taking in some local color. There are several places just a stone's throw away from the airport where you can get your fill of food and see what the natives enjoy.

You are in the land of the everglades, sweet tea and alligators. You're also in the home of Sonny's BBQ. A true Florida original from the little town of Gainesville, FL. Founded in 1968, Sonny's has several locations in the central FL area but the one you are interested is off of Dale Mabry Hwy. It's a great sampling of good old' fashioned southern BBQ. From pulled pork to slow smoked ribs, this will satisfy your BBQ craving! And for those whose taste run a little greener, there's Sonny's Garden of Eatin', a salad bar that provides over 30 items! You can top all this off with banana pudding or a fruit cobbler. Sonny's BBQ is truly Southern cooking at its finest!

The next restaurant you'll want to consider on our tour around the airport area is Origami sushi. Whether you are in the mood for hand rolls or hibachi fresh off the grill, Origami sushi has it all. They have Happy hour every day from 3pm-7pm, with sushi only a dollar a piece! If you’re still in the mood for Asian cuisine but looking for something a little different, there is also Crazy Buffett which is and Up-Scale Asian fusion buffet filled with everything from noodles and rice, various soup options to steak and sushi. There are over 40 different choices of foods to try and a massive salad bar to go along with it. The ice cream is amazing too!

Finally, the last stop on our food tour is the Le Teresita Restaurant. Serving the Tampa Bay area since 1993, the La Teresita restaurant has all kinds of classic Spanish foods and Cuban treats. With entrees like the classic chicken enchilada and beef fajitas, as well as its own built in bakery, Le Teresita is a place you'll want to check out if you are feeling a little south of the border!

It's not just food located around the Tampa Airport, there's the local favorite International Plaza Mall. International Plaza has the premier shopping experience. They have causal stores like Hot Topic, Quiet Flight or Urban Outfitters. They have premier and specialty stores such as Williams and Sonoma, Burberry and Neiman Marcus. They also have special events that take places depending on the time of year you come. Williams and Sonoma offer kids cooking classes so that next father's day or mother's day breakfast in bed can include more than cereal and pop tarts! If you are coming around Christmas time, your whole family can have their picture taken with Santa, even Fido! There's something for everyone at the International Plaza Mall.

These are only a few places the Tampa Bay area has to offer once you leave its international airport. Feel free to explore the rest of our beautiful city full culture, food and great times!

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Miami’s Best Hotels

Miami is one of the biggest cities in the Us. It’s also one of the most populated. While it doesn’t boast of theme parks like Orlando or Tampa, nor does it have the rustic qualities of a Sarasota or St. Petersburg there is much more to Miami. It’s an urban paradise that combines the big city with the natural surf, sand and sun the Sunshine State is known. Some of, if not the best, highest quality of hotels, restaurants and entertainment lay in the home of South Beach. This article will cover some of Miami’s very finest in hotel accommodations.

Our first stop in Miami is W South Beach. Located just a stone’s throw from famous Miami Beach and just down the road from Collins Park, W South Beach is a top notch hotel. With over 14 different room types to choose from, they are all the highest of class. Starting with the Wonderful studio, which measures anywhere from 564-574 sq ft all the way to the Penthouse which ranges from 2056-2965 sq ft. The standard amentias in W South Beach include flat screen TVs, CD/DVD libraries, 350 thread count sheets, spa showers and so much more. There are glass balconies, full laundry service, safety deposit boxes and all manner of perks to make your stay that much more enjoyable. The services don’t end there, as Bliss Spa has every type of luxury you can think of. Triple Oxygen treatment for your complexion, a tension taming massage, a hot milk and almond pedicure, this place will provide premiere pampering. They also have a state of the art gym and two perfect pools to lounge by. W South Beach has it all!

Our next stop is the sumptuous Setai. Another hotel located right on Miami Beach, the Satai is the epitome of opulence. The Setai is a world renown resort. For starters they have Art Deco suites and Ocean suites. The Art Deco suites have an Asian inspired feel while the Ocean suites are tucked away in a private enclave. Art Deco have one bedroom or studio while the Ocean suites provide 1 to 4 bedrooms. They have fantastic dining right on site. For starters, there’s The Restaurant. The Restaurant features a menu created from Executive Chef Mathias Gervais. It combines culinary delights from Europe’s Sun Coast which includes the Mediterranean from Spain, Italy, France and Provence. They service breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as Sunday Brunch. All menus have delicious treats of all kinds. There are more amenities and you’ll want to experience them all for yourself!

Lastly but certainly least we have the Fisher Island Club. Priding itself on being Florida’s most exclusive resort, Fisher Island is the place to get away from it. They have private villas, cottages and suites to fit whatever kind of vacation you want. They have a private golf course and tennis courts. They also have causal and fine dining. This a truly private spot for you to enjoy your vacation on  your terms.

These places merely scratch the surface of what Miami has to offer. You’ll want to book your room today and enjoy all these high class hotels have to offer!

Read more about this hotel visit here: http://www.econocarental.com/econo-car-rental-blog/miami-vacations-travel/miamis-best-hotels/

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Drowsy Driving Tips

Drowsy driving leads to thousands of automobile accidents each year. According to the National Safety Council, a sleepy driver is likely to have reduced awareness, impaired judgment and poor vision. Being sleepy also slows down your reaction time. Sleepiness like drugs or alcohol can risk the life of the driver and his passengers when driving.  However, unlike alcohol level which can be measured through blood or breath test, there are no measurable tests that can determine the level of sleepiness of an individual.

People who are considered prone to drowsy driving include shift workers who have irregular sleeping time due to long and erratic working hours, individuals who drive long distance every day, people suffering from unrecognized and untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and narcolepsy, and individuals who take prescribed medication with sedatives.

It is important to recognize signs of sleepiness. Symptoms may include the following:

·         Trouble keeping eyes open

·         Inattentiveness or inability to concentrate on the road

·         Constant rubbing of eyes

·         Difficulty keeping the head up

·         Persistent yawning

·         Wandering thoughts

·         Drifting between lanes or going off the road

·         Missing road signs or intended exit

·         Failing to follow traffic rules

·         Tailgating

·         Driving in abnormal speed

·         Feeling irritable, impatient and restless

·         Failing to remember how far you have driven

·         Inability to track back areas or landmarks recently passed

Drowsy driving is a serious risk that should not be taken lightly.  Here are some safety tips and reminders that may help prevent drowsy driving and road accidents.

The best counter measure for drowsy driving is maintaining regular sleep.   Keep in mind that the body and mind need adequate rest in order to function properly.

When you feel sleepy, it is advisable to get off the road.  Find a safe area where you can take a nap.  Set the alarm to 15 minutes to prevent going in deep sleep.

If you are going on a long trip, make it a point to get at least six hours of sleep the night before.

If possible, avoid driving between 12 am and 6 am.

Take short break intervals every two hours or every 100 miles.  It is recommended that you get out of the vehicle and walk around to fight sleepiness.

Avoid driving all night.  Consider staying overnight in a bed and breakfast or hotel then resume driving the following day.

If you have a companion, make sure that you request that person to stay awake with you. Your companion can help keep you alert and prevent you from falling asleep on the road.

Take turns driving with your companion.

During long trips, it is recommended that you stop for light snacks or meals.

Drink caffeinated beverage to help keep you alert on the road.

Set the car temperature cooler than usual but not too cold.

Avoid listening to slow and relaxing music in the car. Play fast and upbeat music.

If perhaps you would like additional information to the most up-to- date information or would enjoy reading a lot more then please take a moment to go to this web site: www.econocarental.com

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Tampa Bay Blues Fest

Tampa Bay is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for the best in blues music.  Every year since 1995, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida attracts some of the world’s finest blues musicians and music lovers. 

Courtesy: tampabaybluesfest.com

The Vinoy Park on the shores of Tampa Bay is transformed into a huge performance venue for music enthusiasts.  The acres of green grass and tall palm trees create a beautiful tropical setting for the concert.  Guests can relish the lovely Florida spring weather.

The annual showcase of American Blues music plays center stage right on the waterfront.  When evening sets in, bright lights illuminate the stage to accentuate the line-up of blues performers.

This year’s 20th annual festival will feature some of the biggest names in blues music like Buddy Guy, Michael McDonald, Irma Thomas, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and James Hunter.  The concert will also include remarkable talents like Shemaiah Copeland, Coco Montoya, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Tommy Castro and The Painkillers. The event is going to be like a conglomeration of talented musicians.

The 3-day Tampa Bay Blues Festival will have a kickoff party at the Palladium starting with a documentary titled “Killer B3.” After the short film, there will be a concert featuring organ master, Tony Monaco.  He will perform together with a full band.  It will be followed by a series of performances on the succeeding days.

Visitors can listen to beautiful music while feasting on delectable food such as seafood dishes, barbecue and Cuban cuisine available in the concert grounds.  Guests can also order bottled water, soda, energy drinks, wine, spirits, and premium beer from merchants.  There will be different food vendors and merchandise booths in the park.

Tampa Bay is known for its award-winning arts and crafts.  The Tampa Bay Blues Festival will not only cater to music lovers but also to people who appreciate beautiful arts and crafts such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

Aside from great live entertainment, guests can also check out the establishment at downtown St. Petersburg.  Visitors can enjoy sightseeing and learning about the culture. There are many charmingrestaurants, fashionable boutiques, clubs, and art museums in the area.  One notable museum worth visiting is the renowned Dali Museum.

This 3-day weekend concert is open to blues fans and anyone who loves music. Don’t miss the much anticipated live musical event this coming April by getting your tickets early.  Take note that seating is limited. You can get tickets online, by mail, or at the Palladium Theater.  Special VIP packages are also available for people looking for upgraded viewing experience and complimentary food and drinks. The proceeds of the 3-day event will benefit Pinellas Association for Retarded Children (PARC).  Donations will be greatly appreciated. Guests can drop their donations at “tip” jars found at all of the beer and wine operations. People who will be driving to the event can park in downtown St. Petersburg. Handicap parking is available at the west of the main stage area. Enjoy this once a year musical festival!

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Affordable Car Rentals Company in Tampa Florida - Econo Car Rentals

Econo Car Rentals offers low prices everyday whether here for business, pleasure or just to get a car while your car is in the shop. We will pick you up and take you home too! If you're coming in from the airport, no worries - we can come get you! Convenient to Brandon, Riverview, Valrico too! Rentals start as low as $19.99 per day!

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Valentine’s Day ideas in Tampa

While we already just rang in the New Year, we all know what’s just a little over a month away. Valentine’s Day! And the more preparation you have for you and your sweetheart, the better! Be it three weeks, months or years, America loves embracing this holiday. Sales on chocolate, cards and flowers will obviously abound but for the Tampa resident, there are a few local attractions and events you can take advantage of to make this Valentine’s Day very special.

Something fun and unique to do would be to take part in the “Wild at Heart” event at the Lowry Park Zoo. Taking place on both the 14^th and 15^th, guests will be treated to a three hour event. Food is provided, as well as an open bar. So what’s it entail, you ask? It covers love in the animal kingdom. They discuss pairing, partnering and mating habits. This will mark the 9^th annual “Wild at Heart” event. There will be a tour on which you’ll hear some pretty interesting stories. Reservations are required so don’t delay!

Courtesy: francenter.files.wordpress.com

Another fun Valentine’s adventure would be the Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise. You’ll sail aboard America’s first three diamond rated dining yacht. They offer private seating as well as award winning food. Their Executive Chef and Galley Staff will see to it that you enjoy a sumptuous three course meal, with optional 4^th appetizer also available for a little extra. The menu does change seasonally but is guaranteed to delight year around. After you finish you can relax or do a little light dancing as you listen to romantic classics. You’ll be given a spectacular view of the bay because you’ll be floating right on it!

You can also take your date to Channelside. There’s plenty to do there and it’s centrally located. They have bowling, shopping and restaurants, right on the Bay. You can hit all three and never have to get into your car! Places like Taverna Opa or Fusion Flambe offer delicious food. Splitsville is an upscale bowling alley, you read that right, that offers and full bar and does enforce a dress code!  There are ice cream shops, chocolate or wine shops to just name a few. Also With all those choices, Channelside is a one stop shop for all Valentine’s ideas!

Another one stop shop would be Ybor City! Restaurants are running various specials so you can “fall in love with Ybor.” Bernini which has “Innovative Italian Cuisine” has half priced pasta and entrees along with $2 Finlandia martinis. You’ll have make to a reservation for this deal and some time constraints apply. There’s also the Blue Ship Cafe. They offer tasty Creole and seafood as well as your typical sandwiches. Their Valentine’s special is dinner for two complete with champagne. You’ll want to call for reservations for this as well. This is only a little of what Ybor is offering couples to spend their romantic day/night together.

For the hockey fan in your life, which is probably rare in Florida but they are here, the Tampa Bay Lightning is playing on that most romantic of days. It’s live action from professional sports teams that’s sure to put a different twist on the normal Valentine’s date.

There’s plenty more to do in Tampa but these ideas should jump start on your way to the most romantic Valentine’s you’ve ever had!

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