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Singer Island, FL – McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary Author: Lauren Sep 25

So you’ve snuck off to Singer Island for a weekend – or maybe even during your work week. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, there’s something special waiting to make you feel warm and fuzzy. With lots of.. warm and fuzzy.

Guests at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort will enjoy easy access and amply-appointed accommodations during their fun-in-the-sun sneakaway. After all, this safe haven’s only a mere 14 miles away.

Find directions to McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary here.

mccarthys wildlife sanctuaryMcCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to a noble struggle of an endeavor. Sure, domestic pets may make caring for them a handful – but imagine 22 “cats” the size of ponies who consume over one thousand pounds of meat each week.

Supported mostly by volunteers and members, the Sanctuary maintains the rigorous rehabilitation of our wild friends, some more numerous than others, than can no longer provide for themselves. Predominantly donated by wildlife officers, these confiscated animals who have been neglected, abused, or illegally possessed have come under the care of a very loving and devoted hand.

Established by Mark McCarthy, who began as a reptile keeper in a venom research lab, the Wildlife Sanctuary this year has treated hundreds of native animals that were sick or injured. Patients and residents include: foxes, bobcats, Sandhill cranes, pelicans, hawks, owls, gators, African spur tortoises, spotted leopards, white tigers, Ruffed lemurs, kinkajous and more.

Most of the rehabilitated are released into the wild but the current 90 residents are either healing, or educating. Mark’s educational program has not only educated thousands of students and locals but has also generated a fair amount of interest from those with starpower, including Jack Hanna, Jane Goodall. His trusting residents, too, have appeared in thousands of videos, film and print ads, and TV shows.

16 years and still going strong, the Sanctuary looks to caring and the eager interested for support and relies on its community, speaking for those without a voice.

Private guided tours are available but by appointment only. Enjoy up close and personal encounters with the residents, the likes of which you’d rarely reach in a zoo or on a safari.

For more information on volunteering, tours and donating, call (561) 790-2116 or visit their Web site.

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South Florida Attractions – DeLeon Springs State Park Author: Lauren Aug 28

Advertised as a fountain of youth, “impregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulfur” – who wouldn’t be keen on visiting?

Touted as such in 1889, what is now known as the DeLeon Springs State Park has a healthy history of mystery and violence for such a seemingly serene place.

Just as much full of natural wonder today as it was then, the State Park has plenty to offer by way of things to do and appreciate. Outdoor recreation abounds in this historical place.

Whether you enjoy hiking through the lush landscape, or swimming the constant 72 degree spring waters on your way to the featured focus of the park, each experience promises to be as enjoyable as the next. Canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or walk to explore the 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes of nearby Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

Half the park’s fame comes from the 6,000 year-old dugout canoe that was discovered here and stands as arguably one of the oldest ever found in America. As Florida traded hands from the Spanish to the English, Seminole Indians were settling in on the grounds. After European goods traded for Indian furs and deerskins, Spain seized its ownership and turned the land into plantation grounds known as Spring Garden.

After Florida became U.S. territory in 1821, Colonel Orlando Rees employed an ingenious waterwheel using the flow of the spring to grind his sugarcane from the plantation. During the Second Seminole War (1835-42), the plantation suffered from a severe sacking but was later reclaimed in 1838 by General Zachary Taylor.

The Second Seminole War isn’t the only wartime experience the plantation has suffered through, either. During the Civil War, the mill was used to grind the grain for the Confederate and other stores. Later captured by Union soldiers, most of the facilities were destroyed.

The very mill that suffered so much is the same one that now draws on favoritism from many tourists and travelers. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House offers their own sort of specialty, most peculiar in a State Park. Grain, stone ground by French buhr millstones, provide the very basis of what turns out to be some of the most phenomenal pancakes made at your own table, complete with a griddle. The restaurant serves breakfast all day and offers salads and sandwiches for the crew who isn’t so fond of foods after the a.m.

Read more about the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House here.

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South Florida Vacations – Discovery Cruise Line Author: Lauren Aug 14

Bookin’ it to the Bahamas doesn’t always require airfare to the island paradise or multiple paychecks.

In fact, from good ‘ol Florida, it’s a hop, skip and a water ride away.

The Discovery Cruise Line sets sail daily to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Get away to the Grand Bahamas Island, whether you use Discovery for a ferry service or a day cruise.

Departing at 7:45 a.m., the boat embarks on its service to a delightful destination. Three options include:

  • Bahamas Fun Day Cruise
  • Cruise ‘N Stay Vacations
  • Round Trip Cruise Transportation

Depending on your specific needs, Discovery will either cater to or exceed them. Perhaps a little bit of both.

Currently, the Day Cruise runs around $39.99 per person for Florida Residents. Coming and going between Port Everglades and Freeport, Grand Bahama, the cruise is an affordable but elaborate one.

Start off with an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet or stretch out on the sundeck by the pool. If you prefer, indoor and outdoor games, bars and scheduled shows are some of your options.

Vegas rules apply to slots, Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and more. Indulge your inner game at the video arcade or see a live show before your all-you-can-eat dinner. All the above? Ready to roll from the minute you step on board and available both before and after your Bahamas visit.

Half cruise, half hotel stay or simple ferry transportation – the cruise offers lots for a little price. With constant specials and a climate suited to soothe your worries and woes, we’re finding Discovery Cruise Line a fast favorite of ours.

Check out more information here.

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South Florida Things To Do – Treasure Coast Author: Lauren Aug 03

Here’s your harrowing tale of history for the day, mixed with a healthy bit of pirate lore and booty.

Picture 11 Spanish galleons waving their sails after setting off from Havana Harbor in 1715. Following the Gulf Stream along Florida’s Straits, they set their sights on the Atlantic to the motherland.

Now imagine those ships crashing into the sandy beaches you stroll along on your favorite Florida vacation.

The epicenter of what’s considered Florida’s Treasure Coast is the little stretch a few miles north, and south, of the Sebastian Inlet is your mecca for mining – you even get to keep what you find. (Keep in mind, this is for the beaches only – no dunes, no water, no state parks.)

Millions of dollars in silver coins, priceless necklaces, artifacts and relics from the flotilla lay at your feet. Here’s a few tips for the adventurous who want to search out the Spanish goods:

  • You can use your eyeballs for searching, but some metal detectors cost as little as $100.
  • Grid an area and work it with one step per sweep of the detector (actual or eyes).
  • Check out the high tide line where the softest sand is.
  • Scour the beach after a big storm, the waves stir up the sediment.
  • Be on the look out for areas with more shells than others.

No need to stalk the Spaniards for their gilded monies and treasure – you’ll be able to find plenty of the shiny stuff here at home. Search out your own Spanish flair in the form of a necklace, a couple coins or more but be careful, once you start.. gold digging will get a “hook” into you.

A few locations known to turn up some shiny stuff are:

  • Melbourne Beach
  • Vero Beach
  • Aquarina Beach
  • Pepper Park Beach
  • Wabasso Beach

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South Florida Things To Do – Key Largo Food and Wine Festival Author: Lauren Jul 31

Key West residents and visitors will rejoice – today marks the kick off of a festival and feast fit for the gods.

Picture your wildest dreams of lavish galas, silver platters of seven courses of seafood, meats, all complemented by wines from all over the world – add the Florida Keys’ backdrop of a burnt orange over calm waves and you won’t be as far off as you think.

Enter reality.

key largo food and wine festivalIn Key Largo, fans of wining and dining are flocking to the Key Largo Food and Wine Festival, set to run from July 31, 2009 – August 9, 2009. Nine days of fine food and wine will provide an up close and personal experience with some of the area’s leading culinary experts.

Numerous events span each day so you’ll have to pick and choose what you fancy. Although you’re welcome to sample and sip as you like at the festival, you’ll be able to take more than a tight belt home.

Some of the events scheduled include cooking demonstrations, food and wine pairing classes, cook book signings, progressive wine dinners and free pour wine tastings. You won’t want to miss out on the Saturday evening murder mystery, four course dinner – don’t worry, in case you do, there are plenty of seven course dinners, seafood pairings and themed courses to follow. Some of the areas finest and famous fruits and seafood will be playing a leading role in the many ready dishes for sampling.

With a whole week of food and wine at your disposal, drenched in the ambiance only a Key West sunset can offer, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.

For more information visit the Web site or contact Sue Finney at (305) 394-3736.

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Retire Those Ties – 3 Unique Father’s Day Gifts Author: Lauren Jun 19

Whether it’s Pops, Pa, Padre, Dad, Daddy, or “my old man” – no matter what you call him, his day’s right around the corner.

unique father's day giftsThat special day of tribute to fathers everywhere: Father’s Day. Luckily, there’s a variety of ways to ensure Dad’s special day is spent that way, even without high-end technology requiring seven instruction manuals or paisley sweaters and power tools.

Billy Cosby said, “Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.”

I’ve had my fair share of homemade gift giving to my pops, including crafty things of popsicle sticks, hand painted cards, or random knick knacks when that’s all my twelve year old self could afford. I’m sure ties and trinkets will touch padre’s heart but if you’re looking for something or some place a little different this year, read on.

Sockscription: Here’s my “feet”ured recommendation for this Father’s Day – if you haven’t heard about it, it’s worth the read and it’s good for Father’s Day, or any holiday, special occasion, or just for a practical joke, except it is practical! By purchasing a “sockscription” you have the option to choose the kind of high-quality Italian-made socks you want delivered, and how often you want them delivered.

For example: you can pick 3 pairs of calf socks (a bestseller), receive the first three pairs by letter post (worldwide postage is included, no messing with Post Office pickups) and in four months, receive three pair. In another four months, receive another three pair. You can choose to renew the subscription 11 months from your subscription date but are not obligated. (There’s even subscriptions for briefs/boxers and t-shirts.)

Give the gift that keeps on giving, every step of the way.

Basket Bundles: A concentration of small gifts could make up for not purchasing some high tech, puzzling piece of technology tougher than a Rubix cube and with twice as many options – Joyce’s Baskets has a selection of baskets geared toward the men in your life, ranging from Golf gifts or Sports fans gifts containing different goodies.

Harleys and Hotrods: Peterson’s Harley-Davidson in Miami is hosting its 3rd Annual Father’s Day Harleys and Hotrods Show. Take the honorable man (or men) to this free open show featuring free lunch to the first 100 entries, $400 in cash giveaways, and live music from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Geared perfectly for your favorite father!

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Everglades Day Safari Author: Lauren Jun 05

With as much focus is put on green schemes and energy conservation these days, I figured I’d better mention one of Florida’s finest finds. And this time, it has nothing to do with the latest fashion or upscale nightlife.

everglades day safariThe Everglades Day Safari offers an entirely new perspective on life – that is, not only your own but that of Mother Nature’s curious creativity when it comes to landscaping.

Since 1992, the staff of the Everglades Day Safari has been following the International Ecotourism Societies’ commitment to promoting tourist travel into natural areas with consideration and conservation toward environmental wellbeing and the enlightenment of people.

The best way to do this? Checkin’ out the different critters for yourself. The neatest offering of this place is the all-inclusive day safari that takes you into four different ecosystems: the mangrove estuary, the cypress swamps, the sawgrass prairie and the pine savannah.

The staff isn’t made up of volunteers or local undergraduates in for summer work, either – naturalists on staff range from doctors in ornithology to renowned herpetologists. That’s fancy talk for bird fans and reptile, scaly connoisseurs.

Now, sure, there are lots of different options at this place so you’re able to pick and choose just what you want to see, if not all of the Everglades, but the day safari’s by far your best bet. Why? You’ll get to see the Everglades on a whole new level rather than a quick drive, or should I say float, by.

The day safari kicks off with an airboat ride to roll past a variety of birds and the big alligators awash at the boat’s sides (they’ll be spotted no matter the craft you’re on), then you’re onto a laidback, relaxing boat cruise for the better part of an hour and a half through the Everglades National Park (and the mangrove estuary, otherwise known as the 10,000 islands). This part just happens to be my favorite, if for the simple fact you’ll see manatee, sea turtles, and dolphins! Where else do you get ‘gators and fabulous friends from the deep?

Lunch is included, but come ready and ravenous – it’s a southern one and involves alligator appetizers (from personal experience, it really does taste just like chicken!) After your belly’s full, you’ll set out onto the Big Cypress Preserve for a wildlife drive and when the wheels stop turning, your own two feet will carry you far enough on a nature walk to wind up the day.

The adventure’s a promising one, and whether you go to sate your own curiosity or to reintroduce the family to their wild backyard, the Everglades are sure fun for everyone.

All-inclusive safari admission: Adults $140, Children (6-11) $104.
For more information, please visit the Web site.

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