Floridianestates

When you hear the name Amelia Island, you most likely have a vision of an exotic, private getaway, complete with an isolated island covered in white beaches and surrounded with crystal blue waters. Well that is not the case with this particular island. Amelia Island, Florida is a small quaint little place, being only approximately 18.2 square miles of space that is widely noted for the slower pace of life there. Most find this the perfect place to live as you do not have the complications that city life has to offer.

There are no traffic jams, no congested living areas and there are no dinner or opera theaters. All of these city-life extras are just a short drive away, should the need arise for city living. This makes the island a perfect place for family getaways, making your trip a truly relaxing experience. You can focus on relaxing and having fun rather than trying to cram in all the shops you can while on vacation. The island has white beaches on one side and you can drive completely through the island, not even knowing you were there while cruising the coast.

Amelia Island consists of three areas or zones, if you will, that make up the complete Island. The first zone being called Fernandina Beach, which is the north end of the city. Amelia Island is the middle section of the island and the southern part, or third zone, is called Amelia Island Plantation. If you are looking for more modern and newer sites, you will want to visit the southern parts as the island was developed in a southern direction. The further south you travel on the island, the newer the sites you will see. The third zone is perhaps the largest of the Island, which is most likely why you will find the newer sites there.

With its quiet, slower pace of life, the island still remains one of the hot spots for vacationers. Amelia Island, Florida offers no traffic, great fishing, beautiful beaches and a comfortable slower pace of life. Not much to offer in the way of employment, but the Island is conveniently located near many areas, such as Jacksonville and even Georgia that offer plenty of jobs and most find the commute is worth it to keep the simple life in place. Jacksonville is near by with just a 30-minute drive. You will truly love a trip to Amelia Island, Florida.

If you enjoy water adventure, the state of Florida should be your destination. There are many water activities like swimming, sailing, fishing, diving which the area can offer. Since the stress is on sailing, there are many openings where you can access boats on rent, necessary equipment and training and other allied activities. No wonder then that Florida is the boaters paradise.

If you are planning a sailing trip to Florida, given below is a short check list of things you should take note of so that you can get the maximum out of your vacation to Florida.

1. Marinas. While there are many marinas in Florida the Tampa Bay is perhaps the most popular. These marinas take care of your boat in every possible way, including hauling, bottom cleaning or painting, if you so desire. If you wish to fit some electronic gadgets to enhance convenience, they are equipped to do so. They service your boat engines with warranties, wherever applicable.

2. Boat Ramps. These are parking places for boats. There are many boating ramps in Florida which offer personalized services and are open day and night. Most of these ramps can sustain any tide condition, so that is one worry off your head. Some of them even offer places for long walks, areas for biking and grounds where you can enjoy a special picnic as well.

3. Artificial Reefs. Boating, swimming and diving are activities which you can do simultaneously. If you like diving, try the artificial reefs in Florida and the spectacular marine life which these places offer. Every county in Florida has a special fare to offer in terms of beautiful coral and its typical artificial reefs.

4. Waterfront restaurants. These places are must-visits once you are in Florida. There are plenty of fabulous restaurants along the docks and waterfront. Quite of them offer fine dining with exquisite cuisine including sea food, beef, ribs, chicken, and other delicious delicacies. Many of these restaurants have well-equipped bars with facilities of indoor and outdoor seating.

Florida with its more than 8000 miles of shore and coastline, is boaters paradise in every sense of the word. In fact sailing and water sports are two of Floridas main tourist attractions. Their service is world-class with enjoyment guaranteed. You could make a trip to Florida, just to enjoy its fine sailing. So make your plans, pack your bags and get the life-time experience of sailing in Florida.

Sunny Central Florida may not go with your traditional image of a white Christmas, but the theme parks of Orlando put on holiday shows that are filled with festive fun. If you are in the Orlando area this Christmas (or any Christmas) here are the kinds of events that you can experience:

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that they will feature a ride based on Robert Zemeckis The Polar Express.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme parks Wild Arctic simulator ride, and transforming it into a simulated train ride to Santa Town for the holiday season. When the ride ends, people will step out onto a recreation of the North Pole. SeaWorlds exhibit of polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and other Arctic animals will also be made up to fit the winter wonderland theme. The new Polar Express ride will debut on Friday and will be in place through January 1st 2008.

The cost and contact information for Seaworld are as follows: Cost: 67.95; 57.95 children; Sea World Drive, Orlando; Telephone: 800-327-2424

Walt Disney World in Orlando offers Christmas and winter holiday themed events at each of its major attraction centers. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Very Merry Christmas Party begins will be held through December 21 from 7 pm to midnight. Also, when regular park hours are over, the lights come alive. The tree lighting ceremony and the almost crystallized castle are well worth the price of admission; and, for those who dream of a white Christmas, enjoy the snowfall on Main Street.

Here are the costs and contact information for Disney World: Cost: 51.07; 43.62 ages 3-9; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639

Not to be outdone by Disney or Seaworld, Universal Studios in Orlando offering its own version of Macy’s Holiday Parade, including the “actual, authentic” Santa from New Yorks Thanksgiving Day Parade. Universal also offers entertainment ranging from Barney’s Christmas Show to the Blues Brothers Christmas Show.

In addition, Universal is also unveiling a new stage show at Islands of Adventure, called Grinchmas, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas story. Back by popular demand, Grinchmas will feature seven songs on a new stage.

The celebration continues with decorations and special events at Universal CityWalk as well as all three world-class, on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Here are the latest costs and information for Universal: one dayone park ticket: 71; 60 children; Universal Blvd. Orlando; 407-224-4243 or visit their holiday website: www.universalorlando.comholidays.

The nearby city of Silver Springs offers a Festival of Lights, from dusk to 8:30 p.m. from December 14-30. This is an event that you should not miss. It features more than one million twinkling lights and is complete with carolers, stage shows , a boat parade and holiday concerts as well. Here is the contact information and costs for this event:
33.99; 30.99 seniors; 24.99 ages 3-10; 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; Silver Springs; 352-236-2121

Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers annual Christmas events. This year it feature a breathtaking spectacle of music, dance and holiday cheer as well as other holiday experiences scattered throughout the park daily. The costs and contact information for Busch Gardens are as follows: 64.95; 54.95 children; 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa; 888-800-5447

There it is! Orlando and vicinity is a great place for you and your family to enjoy your winter vacation.

Visitors are drawn to Florida as a result of the states ideal climate, beautiful beaches and warm waters. The beaches and waters that surround Florida not only offer excellent relaxation opportunities, but also provide many water activities such as fishing. Florida also offers vacations for the family with their Disney World attraction and the site of Cape Canaveral along the space coast which features the space shuttle launch pad.

On the southeastern coast of Florida there is the top visitor destination, Miami. This city offers an excellent tropical climate and landscape. Another reason many come here is because of the wide cultural diversity. Miami offers visitors a wide selection of museums, nightclubs and outdoor activities so you are sure to find an attraction you like.

The next largest visitor center in Florida is Orlando which houses about forty-five million tourists a year. The major attraction of this city is the Disney World theme park. Although the city also offers other theme parks including Universal Studios. In addition the city of Kissimmee is located very close by and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing and boating. In downtown Orlando you will also find the Orlando International Fringe Festival which features over five hundred different theatrical and performing arts shows. Orlando is truly the place to go if you want to do a variety of activities.

For the ultimate travel experience in Florida it is best to stay at a resort or spa if you can afford it. In Orlando an excellent option is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort which offers many excellent luxury benefits. One of these is a half-acre pool that features a dozen waterfalls. In addition this hotel offers extras such as three spas, twelve tennis courts, four golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and a natural walk in a forty-five acre park setting.

Of course you can never travel to Florida without visiting at least one beach. The most world renowned beach is South Beach which is actually the Lummus Park Beach. If attending a party is something you like then this is the beach for you to visit. Another excellent beach option is the Canaveral National Seashore which is located near Cape Canaveral. This is a nice protect piece of coastline between the Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. This is a wonderful stretch of twenty-four miles of beauty that you can visit if you just want to relax and soak up the sun for a few hours.

The final option when it comes to beaches is the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola. Much of this area has been preserved in its undeveloped state. You can come here to just relax or enjoy the many species of birds that flock to this area every day.