Florida Travel Lifestyles Concierge
The Sunshine State is world-renowned for its countless selection of accommodations, attractions, and overall offerings. However, where does one begin to find the BEST in Florida? They come to the Florida experts to see what they recommend!

Accommodations
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
888-201-1746 | www.countryinns.com
Situated within minutes of an International airport and area beaches, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Sanibel Gateway, Fort Myers, is an ideal accommodation for travelers wanting to stretch their vacation dollar. Guest rooms offer coffeemakers, hair dryers, ironing boards and large bathrooms, while suites at the hotel also feature microwave ovens, refrigerators and wet bars.
When it's time to relax, guests can enjoy a tropical landscaped outdoor swimming pool, adjacent golf course and a fitness center. Other conveniences at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson include a gift shop and complimentary coffee, juice and coffee in the cozy lobby. This property is pet-friendly.

Crane's Beach House
866-372-7263 | www.cranesbeachhouse.com
Crane's Beach House in Delray Beach emulates an ideal tropical escape. Each guestroom, which is highlighted by hand-picked furniture and hand-painted murals, encourage visitors to relax and rejuvenate. While outdoors, two saline pools and cascading waterfalls emit romance, and tranquility.
Twenty-seven beautifully appointed suites are available and Crane's Beach House is renowned for hosting intimate weddings and events.
Guests wanting to let their hair down can mix and mingle at the Crane's Beach House Tiki Bar.

Fountain Beach Resort
800-556-8855 | www.daytonafountainbeach.com
While taking advantage of the action in Daytona, travelers don't have to forfeit comfort and luxury. The Fountain Beach Resort features 129 fully-equipped studios and suites, highlighted with convenient in-room amenities and spacious floor plans.
Outdoors, visitors can relax by the oceanfront pool area; soak their cares away in the hot tub or meet new friends on the sundeck. Those who can't help but stay active will enjoy the nine-hole putting green located next to the pool deck and the Oasis Bar.

Gulfgate Resort
800-628-4692 | www.gulfgateresort.com
Travelers wanting spacious "home away from home" accommodations, will find St. Pete Beach's Gulfgate Resort their ideal resort property. The resort is highlighted with convenient (and complimentary) amenities including parking, WiFi, in-room laundry facilities, bbq grills, beachfront pool and spa, billiards room, and exercise room, The 40 unit luxury resort offers one-bedroom units with one-and-a-half baths, and two-bedroom units with two full baths, all fully furnished and within walking distance to area restaurants and grocery stores. Unique to the resort are the onsite waverunner rentals. Visit their Website for views of guestrooms and virtual tours.

Manasota Beach Club
941-474-2614 | www.manasotabeachclub.com
Families wanting to explore a more "natural" and unhurried locale are automatically drawn to Manasota Key, along Florida's Gulf Coast.
Situated within minutes of Venice and Sarasota, the 25-acre Manasota Beach Club provides an attractive alternative to today's more contemporary accommodation.
Private and fully-equipped cottages are highlighted with breathtaking water views, an abundance of towering greenery, and comfortable porch areas - perfect for watching the sunset at days end.
Unique to the club is the Seasonal fine dining and full American Meal Plan (three daily meals) which can be integrated with each stay. Cottages with kitchens are available year round.
Onsite activities include daily children's programs, tennis, croquet, shuffleboard, onsite pool area, and playground area.

Aquariums
The Florida Aquarium
813-273-4000 | www.flaquarium.org
See why The Florida Aquarium was named one of the top five "kid friendly aquariums" in the U.S. by Parents Magazine! Get up close with African Black-footed penguins in the 'no borders, no barriers' Penguin Promenade daily, immerse yourself in guest dive programs like "Dive with the Sharks" or "Swim with the Fishes," or enjoy a drink in the Cantina Bar & Grill while watching the kids splash the day away in Explore A Shore, the Florida Aquarium's outdoor water adventure area.

Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
941-366-5731 | www.selby.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, deemed one of America's Top Ten Gardens, is an open-air and under glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants.
Throughout the grounds of the historic Selby estate are many distinct garden areas, including the Tropical Display House with its lush rain forest atmosphere, the towering Bamboo Pavilion, Banyan Grove, Cactus and Succulent Garden and Cycad Collection. Also on the grounds is the former Christy Payne Mansion, a unique example of eclectic Southern Colonial architecture. The Mansion, on the National Register of Historic Places, is the home to ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits.

Comedy Clubs
Laffing Matterz
954-763-5236 | www.laffingmatterz.com
Laffing Matterz has redefined the dinner theater. Situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, patrons are exposed to a live, original, musical comedy revue spoofing current events - including politics, sports, and celebrities.
Following a delectable gourmet meal, and impressive wine list, theater guests will giggle and grin while being treated with a world-class performance featuring a multi-talented cast. Call for details and reservations.

Fishing Charters
Bahama Joe's Charters
877-347-4299 | www.bahamajoescharters.com
If you've never experienced a fishing charter - you're missing a memorable experience! Bahama Joe's Charters, which runs out of Naples along the Southwest Coast, specializes in offshore deep-sea sport fishing and offshore excursions. Visitors aboard the "Connie Jean" are assured of a memorable trip.
For those less adventurous, sunset and shelling charters are available.

Museums
The Appleton Museum
352-291-4455 | www.appletonmuseum.org
The Appleton Museum of Art is one of the South's premier art repositories and education centers.
Initially built to display the collection of the late Arthur I. Appleton, the museum owns more than 16,000 objects ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to international contemporary fine art.
An architectural tour de force, the Appleton has been a regional landmark for more than 20 years and offers outstanding exhibits, lectures, films, workshops, tours, concerts, trips, and school-related programs. Recent exhibits have featured the works of Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse and William Bouguereau as well as the world's largest collection of Princess Diana's designer gowns.
Now on display through Aug. 17: the 2008 Appleton Biennial. The Appleton is located in the heart of horse country, seven miles east of I-75 on State Road 40 in Ocala.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
904-354-6857 | www.cummer.org
Beginning with a modest 60 pieces of collectibles in the former home of Arthur and Ninah Cummer, the museum's current collection has grown to more than six thousand works of art which encompass eight thousand years of art history.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is located in the Riverside Avondale historic district and is the largest fine arts museum in northeast Florida. It is also home to the Wark Meissen Collection, one of three most outstanding collections of porcelain in the world. Art Connections is the museum's nationally recognized education center that enhances the cultural learning of more than 50,000 students annually and provides hands-on art experiences for all museum visitors. The Cummer also has more than two-and-one half acres of historic gardens along the St. Johns River. The unique blend of art, gardens and education inspires imagination and excitement in all ages making The Cummer the premier cultural institution in the Southeast Region.

Junior Museum of Bay County
850-769-6128 | www.jrmuseum.org
Designed for Florida's younger visitors (pre-K-5th grade), the Junior Museum of Bay County in Panama City; encourages your child to learn, explore and interact in a world designed with them in mind. Opening in 1968, the 12-acre site features indoor nature, science and adventure exhibits. Outside children can wonder
through a pioneer homestead from the late 1800's and explore the nature trail which sits on an archeological site.
The Junior Museum is open Monday- Friday 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday's 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed Major Holidays.

MOSI, Museum of Science & Industry
813-987-6000 | www.mosi.org
MOSI, Museum of Science & Industry (Tampa, FL) encourages raucous fun as the stomping, roaring, and robotic dinosaurs invade MOSI this summer! Come face-to-face with these enormous beasts inside Dinosaurs! The Exhibition at Tampa's Museum of Science & Industry. Learn what dinosaurs ate and become a "Dino-Detective" and discover clues about these prehistoric creatures. The exhibition ends Sept. 7, 2008. Now through August 29, register your child for MOSI's Summer Science Camp-offering over 70 camps for youth grades K-8 from day camps, technology including travel camps.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
904-824-1606 | www.staugustine-ripleys.com
Popular with visitors for displaying some of the world's oddest and most outrageous exhibits, one visit to Ripley's Museum leaves guests wondering if it's real...or not! The St. Augustine Ripley's Museum is located in Castle Warden, an historic Moorish Revival style mansion built in 1887. Built as a winter home for Millionaire William Warden, Castle Warden later served as a fashionable hotel owned by Norton Baskin and his wife, Pulitzer prize-winning novelist, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling, Cross Creek and South Moon Under. Since 1950 the building has been the original permanent location of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.

Panhandle Vacation Rentals
Beach Rentals of South Walton
888-541-0801 | www.beachrentalsofsouthwalton.com
Midway between Panama City and Destin, along scenic Hwy 30-A, Beach Rentals of South Walton provide visitors with their ideal vacation property, available in every size and budget.
These vacation homes feature names such as "Day Dreamin" and "Coconut Castle", reflecting the atmosphere of the property.
Matching families with that perfect vacation home has been a daily pleasure for Mary Brown, CEO and Rental Manager of Beach Rentals of South Walton. For 18 years, Mary and her staff have been making beach vacation dreams come true.
For information or reservations call toll free.

Dune Allen Realty
850-267-2121 | www.BeautifulBeach.com
Your vacation begins on the Beaches of South Walton on Northwest Florida's Panhandle. All along Scenic Hwy 30-A, known for its quaint and quiet beach communities, Dune Allen Realty presents the finest in beach vacation properties. Choose from luxurious, private beach front homes, intimate condominiums overlooking the sea, or one of their original "old Florida" cottages. For 50 years, the guests of Dune Allen Realty have returned to recapture the wonderful memories of past vacations. No matter your family's budget, whether beach front, beach side, or just a stroll to the world's most beautiful beaches, Dune Allen Realty will assist you in making your seaside vacation dreams come true.

Garrett Realty Services
800-537-5387 | www.garrettrealty.com
For more than 30 years travelers have been trusting the high quality service and exquisite vacation properties offered through Garrett Realty Services, Inc. Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach, locally-owned and operated Garrett Realty features a varied selection of vacation properties ranging from quaint beach cottages to spacious fully-equipped condominiums. More than 300 properties between Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Inlet Beach are available. Visit their Website for a complete list of available properties.

Inlet Reef Club Condominiums
800-367-1801 | www.inletreefclub.com
Highlighted with memorable views of Emerald green waters and white-as-snow sand, the Panhandle community of Destin provides visitors with a unique and tranquil beach getaway.
Inlet Reef Club Condominiums, situated on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, provides visitors with breathtaking views from each of their two-, and three-bedroom spacious and full-equipped units.
Onsite amenities include a heated pool, weight room, hot tub, arcade, and beach service. Inlet Reef Club is situated within minutes of Destin's most popular activities.

Crye-Leike Coastal Realty of Destin
866-725-7164 | www.destingetaways.com
When it comes to vacation rentals, sometimes it's the smallest detail that makes the biggest difference. Crye-Leike Coastal Realty of Destin offers some of Northwest Florida's finest vacation rentals to visitors who like a little "something" extra with every vacation. As a guest of Crye-Leike visitors are eligible to receive free golf daily, one free buffet per day, free unlimited movie and game rentals, and one free admission to Big Kahuna's Waterpark per day. Visit their Website to view current accommodations available.

The Embassy Suites Hotel Destin - Miramar Beach
850-337-7000 | www.embassydestin.com
Take advantage of the conveniences found at The Embassy Suites Hotel Destin - Miramar Beach. Start each day with a complimentary, cooked to order, breakfast than it's off to play outdoors in the outdoor pool or in the sands of the Gulf of Mexico. If it's shopping that brings you to Destin, the Embassy Suites Hotel is located near several shopping areas such as Silver Sands Factory Stores, Market Shops at Sandestin, Destin Commons and more. Other nearby attractions includes Big Kahuna's Water Park, Eden State Gardens, and several beaches.
Indoors, spacious two room suites beckon the weary traveler at the end of a fun-filled day.

Moonspinner Condominiums
800-223-3947 | www.moonspinner.com
Overlooking 700 feet of pristine beachfront, the Moonspinner Condominiums of Panama City Beach offers a breathtaking view from every angle! Each two, and three-bedroom gulf-front unit features convenient amenities including laundry facility, fully-equipped and comfortable living areas, and spacious, family-oriented surroundings.
Outdoors visitors will enjoy the lighted tennis courts, heated swimming pool, toddler pool, and fitness center.

Where the Local's Dine
The Broken Egg
Siesta Key (941-346-2750) Lakewood Ranch (941-388-6898) www.thebrokenegg.com
An icon in Sarasota is The Broken Egg, with locations on Siesta Key and Lakewood Ranch. Unique egg creations, plate-filling pancakes, and homemade bakery selections have kept this local eatery filled to capacity 364 days a year. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the Broken Egg features casual indoor or outdoor dining, onsite gift shop, and art gallery.

Yacht Charters
Cruzan Yacht Charters
800-628-0785 | 305-858-2822 | www.cruzan.com
What could possibly be more memorable than adding a yacht charter to your next vacation itinerary? While sailing across the Ocean in a private yacht, guests of Cruzan Yacht Charters, Miami, are luxuriously exposed to a life that only few experience. Celebrate a special occasion, or simply enhance a getaway with this unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
Cruzan has been providing yacht charters for guests to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and many worldwide locations since 1980. Moonlight cruises for two, corporate gatherings, deep sea fishing, and eco-trips are all available. Contact Captain Danny for more information and reservations.