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CONTENTS
18
THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL DISCOVER NATURAL ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES
Families flock to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for the pristine, white-sand beaches and natural attractions along Florida’s southwest coast. The pace is unhurried, where the simple pleasure of collecting seashells in one of the best areas to do so becomes a priority. Mom, Dad and the kids can plan long days in the water swimming, kayaking or taking a cruise where they can spot dolphins along the way. Dedicated preserves also invite Allegiant families to hike and explore the native flora and fauna during their stay. For more information on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com.
FEATURES
13 Cover photo and lead table of contents photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
HIP & HISTORIC SANFORD
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
6
UPCOMING EVENTS
8
MUSIC IS ALIVE IN DESTIN AND FORT WALTON BEACH The Rock Never Stops In These Beachfront Towns
48
29
11 FAMILY FUN ON THE EMERALD COAST The Beach And Beyond Beckons All Ages 15 FAMILY FUN IN ORLANDO Outdoor Adventures The Whole Family Can Enjoy 19 A SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Epcot Celebrates The 25th International Flower & Garden Festival 21 YELLOW FLEET OF PUNTA GORDA Grab A Free Bicycle And Explore This Bike-Friendly City 23 DINNER WITH A VIEW Stunning Sunset Dining In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
66 ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER JACKSONVILLE’S CRAFT BEER SCENE
53
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
25 DAYTIME DINING IN SARASOTA Three Great Places For Breakfast And Lunch
43 ORDER UP A SIDE OF MARINA St. Pete/Clearwater Restaurants With Harbor Views
31 GULF COAST WATER ADVENTURES Action-Packed Fun On Clearwater Beach
45 SUNSEEKER’S TOP 5 Weekend Adventures In St. Pete
32 CAR-LESS IN CLEARWATER BEACH Clearwater Beach Is Very Pedestrian Friendly 35 PIRATES KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN Pirate-Themed Adventures In St.pete/Clearwater 37 A SUCCULENT CLEARWATER STAPLE Experience A Seafood Delight At Ward’s Seafood 38 TINY BEACH TOWNS Small In Size, But Huge On Fun 40 AWARD WINNING DINING ON CLEARWATER BEACH Clearwater Beach Restaurants Rack Up The Golden Spoon
47 ONE WILD DESTINATION Three Amazing Animal Attractions In Tampa 49 TERRIFIC TENNIS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND Three Resorts That Serve Up A Remarkable Playing Experience 51 CURTAINS UP! It’s Show Time In Myrtle Beach, S.C. 53 HENDERSONVILLE’S UNEXPECTED FOOD FINDS Discover New Culinary Trends In The N.C. Mountains 56 NEW ORLEANS FAMILY FUN “Let The Good Times Roll”
70 FOOD & DRINKS
NO 10
The best things in life are rarely things at all.
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL
Islandology is our way of life. It’s searching for a spot in the shade — and making it our own. It’s a light touch from the ocean breeze and a dolphin popping up just offshore. Because a day at the beach always leaves us longing for more. Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com
WELCOME ABOARD PUBLISHER
Allegiant Travel Company
CEO/CHAIRMAN
Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Allegiant.
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Spring is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time for a vacation. Whether you’re heading to the beach with the family during spring break or off to visit friends and family, we’re pleased to play a role. Providing safe, reliable travel at an affordable price, along with friendly and professional service, has been our priority since the beginning. On top of that, we’re constantly striving to offer more opportunities for travel at the lowest prices.
Maurice J. Gallagher Robyn Davies
EDITOR
Connor McIIveen
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Justin Ralenkotter Heather Turk Teresa Bitler
WRITERS
Heather Turk, Sandra Chambers, Stacey Zable, Nancy Foster, Matt Seli, Bill Kopp, Chelle Koster Walton, Marcia Biggs, Christopher Lewis, Auriyon Butler, Kerry McGee
PRODUCTION/DESIGN 702West.com
PHOTO CREDITS
Reg Garner, VisitStPeteClearwater.com, Matt Stroshane, Sarah Lyn Photography, Sam Shapiro, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Betsy Williams, Nikki Hedrick, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, Seminole State College of Florida, Get Up and Go Kayaking, Wild Florida, Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours, Walt Disney World, Florida Sports Foundation, Jennifer Huber, TEAM Gorda, Justin Brooks, Peace River Photography, Wyvern Hotel, Peter Acker, Sun Garden Café, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Dane Hauser, Fin’s Jet Ski Tours, Schooner Clearwater, Jolley Trolley, Clearwater Ferry Services, Ward’s Seafood, Captain Nicholas Sculky, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, Captain Bligh’s Landing, David Flimton, Sea Hags Bar & Grill, Salt Cracker Fish Camp, The Wharf Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, City of St. Petersburg, Bride and Bloom, The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Sandpearl Resort, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant, Steven Kubiak, Wicked Barley, Never Blue, Sam Dean, Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert, Myrtle Beach Pirates Voyage, Dinner and Show, Surry County Tourism, Sea Pines Resort, Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort, Plmetto Dunes Ocean Front Resort, Jonathon Traviesa, Audubon Nature Institute, Steamboat NATCHEZ
FOR ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION: Shaun McIlveen shaun@smmediasales.com 702.898.9239 or 702.897.9287 Allegiant Travel Company 1201 N. Town Center Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144 702.505.8888
The Sunseeker guide is owned and published by Allegiant Travel Company. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Allegiant. Allegiant is not responsible for incorrect pricing or information.
Recently, we formed a committee to ensure a positive travel experience for you remains a top priority. Allegiant’s vice president of Inflight, Tracy Tulle, describes in detail what we’re doing to follow through on that commitment on page 61. Let Sunseeker be your guide to the latest in local deals and tips on the hottest spots to visit in our destinations. See our featured award-winning restaurants in Clearwater on page 40. Orlando might be known for theme parks, but check out other family outdoor adventures on page 15. Discover these amazing beach towns off the beaten path on Florida’s west coast on page 38. Finally, explore Tampa’s wild side at these animal attractions on page 47. As always, we hope you take advantage of the convenience and great deals we offer on our nonstop flights, hotels, car rentals and more to make your trip a great one. Thanks again for choosing Allegiant and have a great vacation.
Maurice J. Gallagher
CEO/Chairman Allegiant Travel Company
DESTINATION
FLORIDA
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
UPCOMING EVENTS
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL
The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista began Feb. 28 and runs through May 28. Guests of Epcot can enjoy the beauty of millions of flowers, plus topiaries in the shape of such Disney characters as Mickey Mouse, Belle and the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast,” and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” The event also includes 15 Outdoor Kitchens and the weekend Garden Rocks Concert Series featuring music from the 1960s to the 1990s. disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcotinternational-flower-and-garden-festival Visit individually themed stations pairing food and wine at the Ringling Estate in Sarasota during the annual Wine Walk to Ca’ d’Zan on April 6. Wine experts will be available for discussions, as well as a variety of activities and entertainment during the evening event. A VIP ticket also includes valet parking, early entry, champagne toast and access to an exclusive VIP Ca’ d’Zan Terrace Lounge. ringling.org/events/wine-walk-ca-dzan
LA MUSICA INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Sarasota Opera House plays host for La Musica International Chamber Music Festival on April 9-18. The four-concert series brings together some of the world’s top musicians to play chamber music. In addition to the concerts, the festival includes opportunities to meet and dine with the musicians. lamusicafestival.org The 32nd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival takes place April 12-15 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach. The event includes wine tastings, as well as live music, interactive culinary opportunities, and shopping and dining at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. sandestinwinefestival.com Tampa Bay’s white sands are the focus during the annual 10-day Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival from April 13-22 with a theme this year of “Sea America: A Celebration of America's Treasures.” Don’t miss the 21,000 square-
SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL 6
EVENTS
Photo of Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com; Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by Matt Stroshane; Sandestin Wine Festival by Sarah Lyn Photography
APRIL
Rockville Festival by Sam Shapiro; Wine Walk to Ca’ d’Zan courtesy of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Hibiscus Festival by Betsy Williams; Taste of the Beach courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel; Ford Lauderdale Air Show courtesy of Ford Lauderdale Air Show
foot tented Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit, where you’ll be impressed by the sand-sculpted masterpieces created by world-class sculptors using Clearwater’s sands. Other festival activities include street performers, live entertainment and fireworks. sugarsandfestival.com It’s a music-filled weekend at the Welcome to Rockville Festival in Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville on April 2729. Get tickets for one day or the entire weekend to hear some of the more than 50 musical acts that include such legends as the Foo Fighters, Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and Stone Temple Pilots. welcometorockvillefestival.com The annual Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival which began March 3, continues on weekends through April 29. Some 18 artists take the stage on Gwazi Field for concerts that are included with your Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Guests of the park can also enjoy signature dishes and new cuisines and a choice of wines, craft brews and cocktails for an extra fee. buschgardens.com/tampa/ events/food-and-wine-festival More than 2,000 are expected to once again attend the 23rd Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival on April 20, taking place on Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard, between S.E. 6th Avenue and S.E. 11th Avenue. There, more than 50 of South Florida’s restaurants and over 40 wineries, spirits brands and breweries provide the delicious treats for the event, which is a benefit for the American Lung Association. lasolaswff.com
WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL
WINE WALK TO CA’ D’ZAN
MAY The 14th Annual Hibiscus Festival on May 4-6 in Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda pays tribute to the history and character of the town and to local Harry R. Goulding, well-known for his award-winning hybrid hibiscus plants. The festival includes live music, a large plant sale and plenty of food vendors. thehibiscusfestival.com Fort Myers Beach’s 23rd Annual Taste of the Beach on May 6 features area restaurants’ signature dishes available for purchase and a competition for the Taste of the Beach Award for best appetizer, beef dish, seafood dish, chicken dish, dessert, decorated booth and People’s Choice. Live music adds to the festive vibe. fortmyersbeach.org/events/taste-of-the-beach-2018-23rdannual-may-6/ The Ford Lauderdale Air Show takes over the skies with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and GEICO Skytypers soaring above Fort Lauderdale Beach on May 5 and 6. VIP tickets to the Flight Line Club get you unobstructed views right on the beach, under a tent with a catered lunch and draft beer, soft drinks and water available all day, as well as a meet and greet with the pilots and jumpers and a VIP parking pass. Another option is a ticket for the Drop Zone Beach at Show Center, which includes professional narration of the excitement and food and drink available for purchase. fortlauderdaleairshow.com The Orlando Philharmonic presents its 25th Anniversary Season Concert on May 8, featuring the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Colin Jacobsen performing Brahms’ Double Concerto with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. orlandophil.org
HIBISCUS FESTIVAL
FORT MYERS BEACH’S TASTE OF THE BEACH
FORD LAUDERDALE AIR SHOW
EVENTS
7
DESTINATION
DESTIN
Live music at Club L.A. caps off a great day at the beach
MUSIC IS ALIVE IN DESTIN AND FORT WALTON BEACH THE ROCK NEVER STOPS IN THESE BEACHFRONT TOWNS By Bill Kopp
A
fter the sun goes down in Fort Walton Beach and Destin, there's a thriving and welcoming nightlife. Both towns feature multiple venues dedicated to booking the best in musical entertainment.
GREEN DOOR MUSIC HALL Fort Walton Beach's Green Door Music Hall (158 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE) features live music several nights a week. Local and nationally-touring artists represent a wide variety of genres: acoustic Americana, modern rock, electronica, punk, blues and more. Burlesque and open mic events are also scheduled; music usually starts around 9 or 10 p.m.
AL'S BEACH CLUB AND BURGER BAR Al's (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Fort Walton Beach) is more in line with the beach vibe. Open March to October, Al's features live music every day. The schedule often includes singersongwriters, solo and duo acts. Touring acts sometimes appear, but the food- and drinkfocused venue usually books local artists. Music often starts around 5 p.m.
dance and karaoke. Open Wednesday through Saturday, the no-cover destination often features off-kilter events like the Micro Wrestling Federation and a “redneck beach party”. The Block features a mechanical bull named Sugar that is popular with the local crowd.
FUNKY BLUES SHACK Blues aficionados should check out Funky Blues Shack (34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin). The venue features other styles of live music, too. Local and regional artists come out to jam twice a week for jazz on Sundays and blues on Mondays. If hunger strikes, Graffiti Restaurant is under the same roof, serving pizza, fish and classic American fair.
CLUB L.A.
Americana, reggae, blues and more in Ft. Walton Beach and Destin
Club L.A. provides the rock concert experience
THE BLOCK
8
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Photos by Nikki Hedrick
Just a few blocks off Fort Walton Beach's Strip you'll find The Block (113 Eglin Pkwy. SE), a “three clubs in one” venue offering country,
For the true rock club experience, Club L.A. (34876 Emerald Coast Pkwy.) is Destin's go-to spot. “Nationally-touring rock, country and reggae artists are our most popular bookings,” said John Robertson, the venue's talent buyer and marketing director. Because it's an eventdriven venue, the relatively intimate Club L.A. doesn't have a coterie of regulars, so vacationers will feel as welcome as local concertgoers. And while some beach town venues slow down during cooler months, Club L.A. features live music yearround. “Rock never stops,” said Robertson.
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DESTINATION
EMERALD COAST
The Emerald Coast has 24 miles of powder white sands
FAMILY FUN ON THE EMERALD COAST THE BEACH AND BEYOND BECKONS ALL AGES By Stacey Zable
T
he Emerald Coast is made for long days enjoying the outdoor beauty and familyfriendly attractions. Whether you’re on Okaloosa Island, or in Destin or Fort Walton Beach, you’re sure to discover an amazing new adventure.
snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, feeding penguins and interacting with dolphins. The park is also home to turtles and alligators, and kids will especially love the dolphin and sea lion shows. gulfarium.com
OKALOOSA ISLAND BOARDWALK
The choice of activities at HarborWalk Village in Destin is a long one. Spend the day learning to scuba or snorkel or rent a paddleboard, kayak, pontoon or jet ski. Go parasailing, fishing or take off on a glass bottom boat, a pirate ship or on a dolphin cruise. Return and walk around to find a place for dinner or shopping, and check the schedule for concerts and live music, fireworks and weekly Fat Tuesday parades. emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village
Any visit to the Emerald Coast should include stepping into the sands and dipping into the waters that inspired its name. Its 24 miles of powder white sand border seemingly emerald green waters. The protected beaches invite families to play in the sand, paddle board or go snorkeling to see the world beneath the waters. After time on the sands, enjoy the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, where families can grab some food or snacks. Wednesday night fireworks take place in the summer. emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/beaches/ beach-access/
GO TO THE ZOO
Get to know the marine life of the Emerald Coast at Fort Walton Beach’s Gulfarium. A choice of animal encounters includes
In nearby Crestview, the 10-acre Emerald Coast Zoo offers hands-on opportunities for its guests to interact with its collection of native Florida and exotic animals and those in their petting zoo. Animal encounters include feeding a lemur, feeding and petting a sloth, and helping out during a training session with a lion. emeraldcoastzoo.com
The sea lion show is among the family favorites at the Gulfarium
HarborWalk Village offers many adventures on and in the water
GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK
Photos courtesy of the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
HARBORWALK VILLAGE
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
11
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D E S T I N ,
F L O R I D A
It was created as a getaway. It will quickly become a tradition. Reminiscent of a grand seaside manor of yesteryear, a visit to The Henderson will be rewarded with panoramic Gulf views, an expansive nature-inspired spa, the freshest Gulf-to-table cuisine and an array of outdoor amenities and activities all wrapped in attentive and gracious hospitality. Visit HendersonBeachResort.com or call 844.211.4533 Salamander Hotels & Resorts — Now this is luxury.
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DESTINATION
SANFORD
“Relax Bunny,” a piece from “Down the Rabbit Hole: Wire Works by Josh Cote”
HIP AND HISTORIC SANFORD THREE COOL ATTRACTIONS VISITORS WON’T WANT TO MISS By Heather Turk
S
anford may be Central Florida’s historic waterfront gateway city, but it’s also a timeless destination that’s home to countless cool attractions. The charming city is sure to have something to appeal to travelers of all types, whether you’re an art aficionado, a savvy shopper or an astronomy buff looking for a stellar date night.
Photo of “Relax Bunny" courtesy of Jeanine Taylor Folk Art; Planetarium courtesy of Seminole State College of Florida
EMIL BUEHLER PERPETUAL TRUST PLANETARIUM Featuring live, interactive shows and full-dome video presentations unlike any other planetarium show you’ll experience, this out-of-thisworld attraction at Seminole State College of Florida is sure to have something curious stargazers of all ages will enjoy. In addition to traditional star displays and cultural shows that detail the importance of astronomy around
the world, there are feature presentations that whisk guests through the depths of outer space on Friday and Saturday, respectively, at 8:30 p.m. That rare attraction that’s both educational and entertaining, the planetarium also happens to be the perfect place to bring a date and has been nominated as one of the Top 10 Date Night Locations of Central Florida by the Orlando Date Night Guide. seminolestate.edu/planet
JEANINE TAYLOR FOLK ART
Boasting more than 5,000 square feet of Southern contemporary folk art, this art gallery is Florida’s premier destination for folk art, outsider art and vernacular art. Housed in the historic 100-year-old Hotchkiss building downtown, it showcases works by some of the nation’s most sought-after folk artists, including Florida’s own Ruby C. Williams, Mary Proctor and Alyne Harris. It also hosts special exhibits throughout the year, like “Down the Rabbit Hole: Wire Works by Josh Cote.” Running through April 22, the exhibition showcases Cote’s colorful collection of critters, made from bending copper wire out of shape, including an oversized meditating Zen rabbit that stands over 4 feet tall! jtfolkart.com
SEMINOLE TOWNE CENTER
The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium
The perfect place to shop ’til you drop, this retail center boasts more than a mile of shops. A favorite with Sanford locals and visitors since 1995, it features almost 120 retailers, including six anchor stores: Burlington, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears. In addition to such shopping staples as Victoria’s Secret and H&M, the mall recently welcomed a 28,000-square-foot state-of-theart fitness center, Athletic Apex, and a pirate ship pub in its food court, the Winey Wench Pub. It also has a movie theater, a children’s play area and a Pure Choice Organics where shoppers can make their own organic soaps and bath bombs. seminoletownecenter.com CENTRAL FLORIDA
13
All just minutes away from the Orlando Sanford International Airport
Award Winning Art Studios • Charming Restaurants • Pubs • Unique Shops • Alive After 5 Mayfair Country Club • Paw Park • Farmers Market • Sanford Museum • RiverWalk The Central Florida Zoo • Performing Art Theaters • Seminole Towne Center Mall Seminole State College • Buehler Planetarium
sanfordfl.gov
DESTINATION
ORLANDO
Get Up and Go Kayaking’s Rock Springs tour is great for families
FAMILY FUN IN ORLANDO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY By Heather Turk
Photo of kayaking courtesy of Get Up and Go Kayaking; airboat tour courtesy of Wild Florida; Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour courtesy of Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
O
rlando may be known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, but there are plenty of other attractions in the area families can enjoy together. Next time you are looking for something fun to experience with the kids, check out these outdoor adventures that showcase a side of Central Florida theme park guests rarely get to see.
GET UP AND GO KAYAKING
A kayaking adventure unlike any other, tours offered by this company take place in its crystalclear kayaks at three different locations. Probably its most popular tour with families is its Rock
Wild Florida offers family-friendly airboat tours through the Florida Everglades
Springs tour in Apopka, as guests not only get the chance to see a variety of wildlife during their excursion—including otters, turtles and small alligators—they also get the option to swim in the clear, 70-degree water during the experience. Great for beginner and intermediate paddlers, guests will paddle upstream at the start of the tour and experience a relaxing drift back to the launch site at its conclusion. All kayaks are tandem so parents can help their kids paddle, and children ages 11 and younger receive $10 off their tour. getupandgokayaking.com
WILD FLORIDA
Offering an unforgettable experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation, this wild attraction in Kenansville has a variety of airboat tours through the Florida Everglades, and children under 3 can ride for free! Guests never know what they’ll see during their half-hour, hour or nighttime excursion, with alligators, eagles and a variety of other wildlife native to the area. With the purchase of each airboat ride, guests are also invited to check out Wild Florida’s Gator and Wildlife Park free of charge. Home to more than 200 animals including zebras, bobcats and sloths, the family-friendly attraction even has a petting zoo and playground for younger guests to enjoy. wildfloridaairboats.com
WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR
See native flora and fauna on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
This scenic excursion is sure to wow travelers of all ages seeking an off-the-beaten-path vacation experience. Guests will step aboard an 18-passenger pontoon boat for an hour-long journey on the pristine Winter Park chain of lakes, where they might see anything from a lazy alligator languishing on a nearby bank to a large crane snagging a fish. Passengers will also learn about the historic Winter Park community, which was originally created as a retreat for wealthy Northerners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kids younger than 2 ride for free. scenicboattours.com CENTRAL FLORIDA
15
DESTINATION
ORLANDO
Belle and the Beast Topiary
A SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY EPCOT CELEBRATES THE 25TH INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL By Sandra Chambers
B
e prepared to be wowed by millions of brilliant blossoms, more than 100 festive topiaries featuring favorite Disney characters, 220 mini-floating gardens and Disney-crafted “flower towers” during the 2018 International Flower & Garden Festival. At this 90-day extravaganza, from February 28th to May 28th, guests will also enjoy cuisine from 15 outdoor kitchens and top-notch musical acts. Epcot’s entrance features a new milestone anniversary topiary garden with legendary icons Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy. Other favorite topiaries making a return appearance this year include Belle & the Beast, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs and Pixar’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear among others. This annual event features activities for all ages and interests. Kids will love the brand-new Future World interactive play garden, which offers a play
maze, a sensory garden and an activity zone. A redesigned "Cars" themed garden based on the Disney/Pixar sequel, “Cars 3,” adds more fun activities, like highway bingo, for families. Many popular gardens from former years will return for 2018, including the popular Water Wise Garden, Bonsai Collection, Shakespeare Garden and the English Tea Garden, which offers a guided tour to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea. A post-tour treat of tea and scones is included. One of the new gardens, a how-to garden, offers visitors garden-ready sustainable ideas and tricks for making their own butterfly house and other outdoor crafts. More fun awaits as guests sip and savor their way around Epcot’s World Showcase, enjoying chef-inspired cuisine and libations at 15 outdoor kitchens. Each kitchen features its own raisedbed or in-ground garden of herbs that are used in that kitchen’s featured food. Several past food favorites return, such as the Pulled Pork Slider with Coleslaw at the Smokehouse Barbecue and Brews. New flavors have also been added by the culinary team, like the to-die-for Macaron Lollipop at the Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen.
A re-designed "Cars"-themed garden 16
CENTRAL FLORIDA
While most Epcot Flower & Garden Festival events are included with a theme park ticket, many experiences require a separate purchase or a separate admission fee. EpcotinSpring.com.
All photos courtesy of Walt Disney World
Top off your visit with the popular Garden Rocks Concerts featuring 17 hit makers of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s ‘90s and 2000s in a variety of genres including rock, pop, country, R&B and dance. Some brand new acts for 2018 include country favorites Lonestar, British rock legends Foghat, and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles.
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It’s Happening on the Harbor at TT’s Tiki Bar
PUNTA GORDA
Featuring T.T.’s Tiki Bar
Featuring T.T.’s Tiki Bar
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Plus, we only minutes something from the hotel. Plus, we areare only minutes TT’s Tiki locatedPlus, we everyone. away from the hotel. Plus, we are only minutes veryone. for away fromBartheis hotel. are minutes andonly the beautiful gulf beaches. Interstate 75, the Punta Gorda Airport, on the waterfront of The Four from from Interstate 75, the Punta Gorda TT’sTT’s Tiki BarInterstate is located from 75, the Punta Gorda Airport, Tiki Bar is located from Interstate 75,gulf the Punta Gorda Airport, Points by Sheraton Punta 33 Tamiami Trail and the beautiful beaches. TT’s Tiki Bar is locatedon waterfront oflocated TheFour TT’s Tikithe Bar is onthe the waterfront of The Airport, and the beautiful Gorda 33beautiful Tamiami Trail and gulf beaches. Gorda, FL 33950 and thePunta beautiful gulf beaches.gulf beaches. on the waterfront of The Four on Points the waterfront of FL The Four byby Sheraton Punta Four Points Sheraton Punta Gorda, 33950
Points by Sheraton Punta 33 Tamiami Tamiami Trail Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda 33941-637-6770 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda 33 Gorda 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Gorda 33Gorda, Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950 www.docksideandtiki.com Trail Punta FL 33950 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 For reservations Punta941-637-6770 Gorda, FL 33950 call 941-637-6770 941-637-6770 www.docksideandtiki.com 941-637-6770 941-637-6770 www.docksideandtiki.com www.docksideandtiki.com www.fourpointspuntagorda.com www.docksideandtiki.com
MICROTEL
33For Tamiami Trail call reservations 33 Tamiami 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda, FLTrail 33950 941-637-6770 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 For reservations callFL 33950 For reservations call www.fourpointspuntagorda.com For941-637-6770 reservations call941-637-6770 www.fourpointspuntagorda.com 941-637-6770 www.fourpointspuntagorda.com www.fourpointspuntagorda.com
MICROTEL
LA QUINTA INN AND
INN & SUITES MICROTEL
LA QUINTA INN AND SUITES MICROTEL LAQUINTA QUINTA INN AND MICROTEL By&Wyndham LA INN AND INN SUITES SUITES LA PORT QUINTA INN AND INN & SUITES By Wyndham CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE INN & SUITES SUITES HARBOR SUITES By Wyndham PORT CHARLOTTE WYNDHAM SUITES CHARLOTTE HARBORBYBy Wyndham PORT CHARLOTTE PORT CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE HARBOR PORT CHARLOTTE’S NEWEST HOTEL CHARLOTTE PORT CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE HARBOR HARBOR ORT CHARLOTTE’S NEWEST HOTEL Our cozy hotel is conveniently located off of COMPLIMENTARY HOTcozy BREAKFAST PORT CHARLOTTE’SFULL NEWEST HOTEL Our hotel is conveniently located off of COMPLIMENTARY FULL HOT BREAKFAST I-75. We feature 81 comfortably appointed PORT CHARLOTTE’S NEWEST HOTEL Our cozy hotel is conveniently located offofof Port Charlotte’s Newest Hotel Our cozy hotel is conveniently located off I-75. We feature 81 comfortably appointed FREE WIRELESS FULL HIGH-SPEED INTERNET COMPLIMENTARY HOT BREAKFAST Our cozy hotel is conveniently located off of guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary FREE WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET I-75. We feature 81 comfortably appointed hot breakfast We feature 81 comfortably appointed · Complimentary COMPLIMENTARY FULL HOTguest BREAKFAST rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary FREE HEATED OUTDOOR POOL INTERNET · Free WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED I-75. We feature 81 comfortably appointed deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor heated HEATED OUTDOOR POOL guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary Wi-Fi * Business Center guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor heated FREE WIRELESS HIGH-SPEED INTERNET guestand rooms, freebreakfast, Wi-Fi, complimentary HEATED FITNESS CENTER pool hot tub, as well as a business center. OUTDOOR · Heated Outdoor Pool POOL * Fitness Room deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor deluxe continental outdoor heated FITNESS CENTER pool and hot tub, as well as a business center. HEATED OUTDOOR POOL deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor heated Whether traveling for work or leisure we PET FRIENDLY FITNESS CENTER · Interior Corridors * Elevator Access heated pool and hot tub, well as a pool and hot tub, as well as a business center. Whether traveling for work or leisure we PET FRIENDLY · ADA FITNESS CENTER pool and hot tub,Whether as well as ayou business center. have everything need. Rooms available business center. traveling for work have everything you need. Whether traveling for work or leisure we 100% NON-SMOKING PET FRIENDLY 100% NON-SMOKING Whether traveling for work or leisure · Micro/Fridge PET FRIENDLY inCENTER select rooms or leisurehave we have everything need. we everything youyou need. 100% , NON-SMOKING BUSINESSCENTER ,BUSINESS have everything you need. RANKED #1 ONADVISOR TRIP ADVISOR RANKED #1 ON TRIP ADVISOR Non-Smoking * Pet Friendly RANKED #1 ON TRIP · 100% 100% NON-SMOKING BUSINESS MEETING SPACE,AVAILABLE CENTER MEETINGSPACE AVAILABLE Space available RANKED #1 ON TRIP ADVISOR · Meeting BUSINESS CENTER , INN & SUITES
812 Kings Highway MEETING 4056SPACE Tamiami AVAILABLE Trail 4056 Tamiami Trail 4056 Tamiami Trail PortCharlotte, Charlotte, FlFl 33980 MEETING SPACEFlAVAILABLE Port Charlotte, 33952 Port 33952 Fl 33952Trail For reservations call 4056 Tamiami For reservations Port call Charlotte, For reservations call 4056 Tamiami Trail 941-979-4200 call Fl 33952 Port Charlotte, 941-624-6339For reservations 941-624-6339 www.laquintaportcharlotte.com Port Charlotte, Fl 33952 www.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte 941-624-6339 For reservations call www.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte www.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte For941-624-6339 reservations call www.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte 941-624-6339
812 Kings Highway RANKED #1 ON Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 812For Kings Highway reservations call 812Charlotte, Kings Highway Port Fl 33980 941-979-4200 Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 For reservations call www.laquintaportcharlotte.com For941-979-4200 reservations call www.laquintaportcharlotte.com 941-979-4200
TRIP ADVISOR 812 Kings Highway Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 For reservations call 941-979-4200
www.laquintaportcharlotte.com
ComplimentaryComplimentary Shuttle Servicewww.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte to and from Service the Punta Gorda Airport Shuttle Service towww.laquintaportcharlotte.com and from theGorda PuntaAirport Gorda Airport Complimentary Shuttle to and from the Punta Visit our website at www.charlotteharborhotels.com Visitour our website www.charlotteharborhotels.com Visit websiteat at www.charlotteharborhotels.com
Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from the Punta Gorda Airport Complimentary Service to and from the Punta Gorda Airport Visit ourShuttle website at www.charlotteharborhotels.com
DESTINATION
FLORIDA
THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL DISCOVER NATURAL ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES By Stacey Zable
M
ost families who vacation are looking for a destination that combines relaxation with enough attractions and activities to keep the kids happy. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel along Southwest Florida’s coast do just that, allowing families to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s 50 miles of pure white-sand beaches as well as other natural sites.
WATER ADVENTURES
Besides forming a beautiful background, the Gulf of Mexico invites families to explore its waters in many ways. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are two of the better-known, familyfriendly area’s nine sections. A three-mile-long causeway joins both islands to the mainland, and a tiny bridge at Blind Pass connects the two to each other. Some of the area’s best beaches include the seven-mile Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island, Captiva Beach on Captiva Island and Lighthouse Park Beach on Sanibel Island.
include 90-minutes on Pine Island Sound in search of dolphins and wildlife and a three-hour Beach and Shelling Cruise to secluded Cayo Costa State Park island. Charter fishing cruises, as well as the chance to fish from the beach and piers, offer opportunities to reel in your own catch in the “Tarpon Capital of the World.” The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are among the best areas for shelling in the U.S. with some 400 species of multi-colored seashells. Sanibel Island is the top spot for shelling, with North Captiva and Lovers Key State Park also providing tons of treasures in the sand. The region even celebrates the pastime with National Seashell Day
School may be on a break when families visit the area, but the Sanibel Sea School on Sanibel Island is one school that kids will actually love. It’s a great way for the entire family to really discover what makes up the area’s marine habitats. Half- and full-day programs for kids literally immerse children in learning about the sea. Families that want to learn together can organize customized programs or take guided stand-up paddleboarding or birdwatching tours or shell walks. Off the coast of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is where you’ll find the region’s more than 100 plus barrier and coastal islands, which are home to pristine beaches. Captiva Island’s Captiva Cruises offers a choice of cruises that 18
FLORIDA
Kids will delight in the chance to spot dolphins during their stay
on the first day of summer, June 21. The BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island is a natural history museum that exhibits some of the beauties found not only in the area, but also from around the world. The Children’s Learning Lab offers interactive opportunities for young guests. The Shell Factory & Nature Park is home to a shell museum plus three other museums, a retail store, aviaries, a petting and feeding zoo, miniature golf, video games, bumper and paddle boats, and a zip line.
beauty, but the nine historic buildings at the 20acre Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers offer a chance to see cool antique cars, inventions and Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory. Visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com for more on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.
NATURAL BEAUTY
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel house a community of such natural beauty that over 60 percent of Sanibel & Captiva have been preserved for wildlife, and buildings on Sanibel are no taller than the tallest palm tree. The active lifestyle of Sanibel will get families out enjoying the island’s 25 miles of multi-use paths used for walking on sidewalks, biking and recreational trails.
Photos courtesy of the Florida Sports Foundation
Also on Sanibel Island, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers many ways to explore and view wildlife, which includes more than 270 species of birds, plus turtles, alligators and more. Drive, hike or bike the four-mile Wildlife Drive (closed on Fridays) or head off on one of the other hiking trails. There are opportunities for guided kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard tours, and fishing and boating. Many of the marked waterways and trails of the 190 miles of the Great Calusa Blueway are ideal for family kayaking and canoeing adventures, with wildlife viewing that includes birds, dolphins and other water critters. Top spots for family paddling include picking up your kayaks at Lovers Key State Park and heading to Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve on Fort Myers Beach in search of dolphins. An opportunity to get up close to nature on land can be found at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers where you can walk along the mile-long elevated boardwalk to check out the flora and fauna in this wetland ecosystem. Plan your visit to coincide with a guided walk. You can start at the botanical gardens for natural
Paddling the Great Calusa Blueway
Take a walk along the mile-long elevated boardwalk of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve FLORIDA
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There’s a million shells on the beach, but this one found her Some things in life are just meant to be, but we never slow down long enough to let them find us. When you vacation at Palm Island Resort, you will always be moving at the speed of discovery. Here, every moment is cherished with the ones you love—and even those you just met.
Plan your trip today: (800) 824-5412 • PalmIsland.com Cape Haze, Florida | Vacation rental and ownership opportunities available
Memories at the Speed of Old Florida TM
DESTINATION
PUNTA GORDA
Fitness zones line the Linear Park bicycle trail
YELLOW FLEET OF PUNTA GORDA GRAB A FREE BICYCLE AND EXPLORE THIS BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY By Stacey Zable
C
Photo of Linear Park by Jennifer Huber; Charlotte Harbor courtesy of TEAM Gorda
limb aboard one of Punta Gorda’s 44 loaner bicycles to explore the destination on two wheels. All that is needed to borrow a bike and helmet is for you to sign a release form and show a credit card and ID. Bike stations can be found at the Charlotte Regional Wellness Center, Fishermen’s Village, Isles Yacht Club Marina Laishley Park Marina, and the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. Head off along one of the three segments or combine all three for 18 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect the city’s neighborhoods and parks along the Punta Gorda Pathways. teampuntagorda.org/free-bike-program
HARBORWALK As its name implies, this 2.5-mile route runs along Charlotte Harbor, connecting Bayfront Health Medical Group to Fisherman’s Village, where you can eat, shop or just enjoy the views of the marina. Stops along the way can include the 17-acre Laishley Park with a 400 foot fishing pier and marina, the scenic 11acre Gilchrist Park and the AC Freeman House museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
LINEAR PARK Built on a historic railroad bed abandoned in the late 1890s, Linear Park is a one-mile trail that runs from Fisherman’s Village to the Tamiami Trail (US 41). It’s a pleasant ride through lovely neighborhoods, with a number of exercise stations if you want to get off the bike and mix-up your workout. You also pass History Park, home to four historic homes, with three open to the public. Sunday rides can include a stop at the weekly Farmer’s Market.
SHARED USE PATH This section of the Pathways runs south from Linear Park at Shreve Street and then joins the Tamiami Trail (US 41), with riders exploring the heart of the city and the southern neighborhoods for about five miles.
MORE RIDING TRAILS
Harborwalk runs 2.5 miles along Charlotte Harbor
For additional cycling options, Englewood’s 8-mile Cape Haze Pioneer Trail runs the length of the Cape Haze from SR-776 (north) to Placida (south). Once a historic rail line that ran to the tip of Boca Grande, it is now a scenic trail that includes a ride along converted rail bridges over salt and freshwater creeks. At Placida, cross the Boca Grande Causeway for another six miles on the Boca Grande Rails-To-Trails path that runs the length of the island. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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One of the Largest GM Muscle Car Collections in the Nation
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NEW MUSEUM LOCATION!
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Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9am to 5pm
10175 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950
www.MuscleCarCity.net
941-575-5959
ch ! n Lu ant t s Be staur Re
Best Italian Restaurant
Watch for our NEW LOCATION on Retta Esplanade, coming Summer of 2018!
209 W. Olympia Ave, Punta Gorda Lunch Hours Tue-Fri 11:30-2 Dinner Hours Mon-Sat 4-9 CarmelosRistorante.com | (941) 621-4091 Reservations Suggested
The Diner is Coming Soon!
DESTINATION
PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH
The Waverly Restaurant & Bar offers dinner guests stunning sunset views
DINNER WITH A VIEW STUNNING SUNSET DINING IN PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH By Heather Turk
W
ith its picturesque location along the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, Allegiant passengers traveling to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach will have no problem finding a place to dine and watch the sunset. The area boasts several striking spots known for their sunset views and fabulous cuisine.
Photo of The Waverly Restaurant by Justin Brooks; The Lighthouse Grill by Peace River Photography; Perch 360 courtesy of The Wyvern Hotel
THE LIGHTHOUSE GRILL AT STUMP PASS
Home to the “greatest sunset on Earth,” this waterfront restaurant overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway of Englewood. Guests can dine on a wide variety of dishes made to order using only the freshest–never frozen–ingredients, like Fresh Gulf Grouper and Fresh Gulf Mahi Mahi. Additionally, the restaurant boasts Englewood’s first on-site smokehouse serving Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Salmon and Smoked Chicken. Guests can enjoy their meal while soaking up
the view, sipping on a spirit and enjoying live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant also hosts an ongoing contest for the best sunset photograph, so be sure to snap plenty of gorgeous photos for your chance to win a prize! thelighthousegrill.net
PERCH 360 AT THE WYVERN HOTEL
Boasting the best view in Punta Gorda, this rooftop restaurant and bar is the perfect place to kick back with a few friends. Serving tasty tapasstyle cuisine for dinner, guests can share such palate-pleasing items as the Baja Steak Skewer and the Naughty Gnocchi–roasted garlic-infused gnocchi sautéed with Nueske’s bacon, scallions and sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with “moody blue” crème and topped with crispy leeks–while taking in the cotton candy-colored sunsets overlooking Peace River via Charlotte Harbor and downtown Punta Gorda. Live entertainment is also featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. perch360.com
THE WAVERLY RESTAURANT & BAR
Soak up waterfront views while enjoying the sunset at The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass
The view from Perch 360
Formerly known as the Gulf View Grill, this waterfront restaurant across from Englewood Beach offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico’s tranquil blue waters from every seat inside of its second-story dining room, resulting in magnificent views of the sunset. There’s also an open-air veranda guests can watch the sunset on while dining on the restaurant’s remarkable American fare, which showcases a variety of fresh seafood and prime meats. Must-try dinner selections include the Seafood Neptune–crabstuffed shrimp, sea scallops and Florida grouper baked and served in a white wine and garlic sauce–and the Prime Rib of Beef. Guests can also enjoy lighter fare at the casual outdoor restaurant on the first floor, Waves Beachside Café, which offers outdoor firepits and live entertainment every Thursday through Sunday. thewaverlyfl.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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27 Holes of Arthur Hills Championship Golf Experience Southwest Florida’s Premier State of the Art 25 Acre Practice Facility PGA Golf Instructors
Resort Style Pool & Spa
Tennis Courts & Bocce Ball
Fine Dining
Golf Memberships are available with newly renovated Tifeagle Greens. If you are interested in a Club Membership contact Richelle to schedule a round of golf or a dinner reservation at 941-240-5100 or membership@heron-creek.com www.heroncreekgcc.com COME SEE WHY
and Bamboo Farm 25370 Zemel Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
com e play outside. If you want Florida outdoor fun, the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area is your vacation dream. With the convenience of the nearby Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), quiet beaches, beautiful waterways and stunning outdoor wonders are only a short flight away. PureFlorida.com
DESTINATION
SARASOTA
The Original Egg is known for its colossal pancakes
DAYTIME DINING IN SARASOTA GREAT PLACES FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH By Heather Turk
I
t’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but sometimes when you’re on vacation, it’s hard to get up early to enjoy it. Luckily for Allegiant passengers traveling to Sarasota, there are several restaurants nearby that serve breakfast late into the morning or early afternoon so late risers can still savor the all-important meal–or simply skip on to lunch.
Photo of colossal pancakes by Peter Acker; Fried Chicken Plate courtesy of Sun Garden Café
DER DUTCHMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY
Known for its scratch-made fare, this Amish restaurant celebrates the traditional foods and rural charm of the Midwestern Amish and Mennonite communities. Featuring both à la carte and buffet options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, its country breakfast buffet features more than 20 items, including Amish and Mennonite favorites like fried cornmeal mush and fruit slush. Guests can also relish such early-morning staples as French toast, smoked sausage and a selection of pastries. The lunch spread, meanwhile, features such tasty items as Der Dutchman’s famous broasted chicken and an assortment of homemade soups. While no cocktails are available, guests can enjoy a variety of smoothies and specialty coffee drinks with their meal. dhgroup.com/restaurants/der-dutchman-sarasota-fl
palate-pleasing Chicken Pesto Club. If you are a first-time visitor be sure to let the wait staff know, as every new guest is welcomed with free homemade cookies! theoriginalegg.com
SUN GARDEN CAFÉ
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this May, this charming café also serves breakfast and lunch daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Famous for its award-winning bacon, guests can enjoy such savory items as Elvis’s Fried Chicken Plate (buttermilk fried chicken and two fried eggs on a biscuit with wavy gravy) and the Salmon Spa Plate (a blackened salmon fillet with tossed greens and watermelon) while dining in the beautiful garden, tucked away on a side street in the heart of Siesta Key Village. A variety of cocktails are available, too, like the Mango Bellini and Mothers Little Helper (vodka and strawberry lemonade). sungardencafe.com
THE ORIGINAL EGG
The perfect pit stop on the way to Siesta Key’s beautiful beaches, this Sarasota favorite has been a breakfast and lunch tradition since 1985. Serving breakfast and lunch daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., guests can choose from a wide range of delicious breakfast dishes, including an assortment of plate-sized buttermilk pancakes and farm fresh egg skillets served on a bed of the restaurant’s award-winning Cheesy Potato Casserole. Lunch options, meanwhile, vary from salads and burgers to the
Elvis’s Fried Chicken Plate at Sun Garden Café SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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Introducing Florida’s Newest & Larg Sunseeker Resort -
It is with great excitement that we present Florida’s most spectacular new waterfront hotel-condo resort - Sunseeker Resort Port Charlotte. Unlike any hotel-condo resort along the coast, Sunseeker Resort provides a destination experience more thought out, more captivating and more inclusive than any that has come before it. We’ve elevated the hotel-condo resort resident experience to levels far above what anyone has come to expect. As a resident at Sunseeker Resort you’ll quickly understand the amount of thought and consideration that has gone into making sure your time is spent doing the things you came here to enjoy. Drop in at any of the more
Images and depictions are artistic, conceptual renderings for illustration purposes only and do not depict ac tual
est Waterfront Hotel-Condo Resort Port Charlotte, FL
than 10 original restaurants, bars and cafes without leaving the resort. Spend a day at the largest resort pool in North America or take your adventures onto the open water from our brand-new private marina. You won’t waste time running errands when you have a full-service grocery store and pharmacy located within the resort. Even at your doorsteps lies a brand-new medical care facility with a full-time Family Care physician and his dedicated staff. More than an opportunity to own waterfront property, Sunseeker Resort provides the opportunity to create your own Gulf Coast lifestyle.
Visit S UNS E E KER R ES O R TS . CO M buildings or amenities, all of which are preliminary and subject to change or cancellation in their entirety.
RETAIL STORE HOURS
NATIONWIDE SHIPPING
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
TAKEOUT EATERY HOURS: Tues-Sat 10am-7pm
DESTINATION
CLEARWATER BEACH
Family fun at Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL TEN DAYS OF FUN IN THE SUN ON CLEARWATER BEACH By Nancy Foster
O
ne thousand tons of Clearwater Beach sand, world-class sand sculptors, a sprawling 21,000 square foot exhibit, six nights of free concerts, four nights of beach fireworks and day-to-night fun. This is what visitors can expect at the 6th Annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St.Pete/Clearwater as the area celebrates the sand and sunsets that make this destination a year-round paradise for beachgoers.
Photo of family fun courtesy of Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
This year’s festival will run from April 13-22 and is expected to exceed last year’s recordbreaking 115,000 attendees. Professional sand sculptors from around the globe fly to the festival, hoping to win prize money in a competition of creative sand masterpieces, all carved from sugar sand and water. This unique art form takes years to perfect, using a process of compaction and surface tension to make the sand rock-hard. Each year’s festival is themed differently, a reason many vacationers have become Sugar Sand Festival fanatics. This year’s theme is “See America, a Celebration of America’s Treasures”, and the master sculptors will delight and awe attendees with dozens of large-scale works depicting iconic American themes. A performance artist will be in the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit tent each day to provide spectators with a glimpse of the specialized process involved in creating each piece. Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is a family-friendly event that offers day-to-night activities for all ages. The fun includes Sugar Sand Sculpting Classes for children and adults, a cornhole tournament, movies on the beach and tons of photo opportunities. Youngsters can climb, play and dig in the Giant Sandbox; nightly entertainment at Pier 60 Festival includes
buskers, artisans and crafters, and a dance party in the sand tops the fun. A dazzling lineup of local and regional entertainers including local and regional favorites Tobacco Road, The Black Honkeys and Pirate Flag will entertain young and old. New this year is the Baystar VIP Lounge, an add-on experience to ramp up the fun with access to a tented bar, lounge seating, light refreshments and premium views of the concert stage. For weekend visitors, expect a thrilling bonus as the skies over Clearwater Beach light up with a blaze of fireworks, a fitting finale to the day. Visit sugarsandfestival.com for a schedule of events and recommended hotels, and visitstpeteclearwater.com for area information.
A beautiful sand sculpture
A sand sculptor at work CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach Visitor Center • • • • • •
Attractions Lodging Shopping Restaurants Lifestyle Rentals
727-447-7600 www.BeachChamber.com 429 Poinsettia Avenue • Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 311 S. Gulfview Blvd. • Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (Inside Surf Style)
DESTINATION
CLEARWATER BEACH
Adventure over the gulf on Sky Surfer
GULF COAST WATER ADVENTURES ACTION-PACKED FUN ON CLEARWATER BEACH By Nancy Foster
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et your bold side emerge the next time you visit Florida’s popular Clearwater Beach. Within easy access of your beach resort you’ll find tons of options to experience the Gulf as your nautical playground.
Photo of sky surfer by Dane Hauser; jet ski tours courtesy of Fin’s Jet Ski Tours; Schooner Clearwater courtesy of Schooner Clearwater
SKY SURFING CLEARWATER Expect jaw-dropping views of the Clearwater Beach area as you’ve never seen them before when you experience a sky surfing tour. Commonly known as trike flying, the equipment used is a certified Light Sport Aircraft that offers the ultimate flight adventure. Taught by FAA certified flight instructors at Clearwater Airport, basic lessons are given to every guests, with the opportunity for braver passengers to take control during the tour while the less adventurous opt
to scan the waters for dolphins, manatees and other marine life. Flight lessons range from 20 minutes to a half-day, and reservations are recommended. sky-surfing.com
FIN’S JET SKI TOURS & PONTOON BOAT CRUISES It’s one-stop shopping for thrill seekers at this north Clearwater Beach operation, where kayaks and paddleboard rentals provide tons of water fun. This company’s most popular activity is definitely the guided jet ski tours that Captain Fin himself frequently escorts. Zip along open waters in a twenty-mile radius, keeping a keen eye out for dolphins at play. Although tour lengths vary, most sign on for the 2 ½ hour island and shell tour that heads north of Clearwater Beach and includes time for shell hunting and wildlife spotting. Have family and friends with you? Opt for Captain Fin’s famous pontoon boat cruises, available for sunset or half-day excursions. finsjetskis.com
SCHOONER CLEARWATER
Water adventure on Finn’s Jet Ski Tours
Schooner Clearwater
For a nautical experience you’ll long remember, go yachting! Sign on to sail on the custom 52’ Schooner Clearwater, a 45,000-pound, Coast Guard-inspected and -certified vessel docked out of Clearwater Municipal Marina. Launched in June 2017, the Schooner Clearwater was actually built in Clearwater. USCG licensed captains hoist the sails and provide passengers with an enjoyable excursion into Gulf waters on two-hour sailings during the day or at sunset. Celebrating a special occasion? Private charters for small groups are available. Reservations are recommended for all sailings. schoonerclearwater.com For area information, visit beachchamber.com. For land and air packages, For land and air packages, visit allegiant.com. CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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DESTINATION
CLEARWATER
Travel around town while taking in the sights on the Jolley Trolley
CAR-LESS IN CLEARWATER CLEARWATER BEACH IS VERY PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY By Heather Turk
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llegiant travelers heading to Clearwater Beach will be happy to know that this picturesque beach town is very pedestrian friendly, so visitors don’t need to rent a car to get around. Not only are there various forms of affordable public transportation for guests to take, but one of the area’s most popular attractions is completely walkable.
BEACH WALK
JOLLEY TROLLEY
It’s only natural to want to get out on the water when visiting Clearwater Beach, so why not explore all the area has to offer by ferryboat?
Operating 26 vintage vehicles with beautiful oak interiors, gleaming brass trims and windows that open, this air-conditioned transportation service not only serves downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, but also lets passengers ride the entire Pinellas County bus system with interchangeable passes. Guests can ride the trolley along Clearwater Beach or head out to the surrounding towns while snapping photos along the route. Knowledgeable drivers— referred to as guests’ “Concierge on Wheels”— are also more than happy to point out local attractions, recommend great places to eat, see or visit and share fun facts about the area during the ride, making the experience all the more unique and unforgettable. clearwaterjolleytrolley.com
An aerial view of Clearwater Beach’s beachside promenade, Beach Walk
Explore Clearwater Beach and the surrounding area onboard a Clearwater Ferry vessel
CLEARWATER FERRY
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CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
Photo of Jolley Trolley courtesy of Jolley Trolley;Beach Walk courtesy of City of Clearwater; ferry courtesy of Clearwater Ferry Services
Stretching .7 miles along South Gulfview Boulevard, from the Opal Sands Resort on the south to Pier 60 Park on the north, this winding beachside promenade has been a Clearwater Beach favorite for 13 years. Visitors will find several shops and restaurants along the route, including popular local establishments like Frenchy’s South Beach Café and Crabby’s Beachwalk Bar & Grill, and can enjoy countless outdoor activities, such as fishing, swimming and rollerblading. It also hosts several on-going events, like free movies every weekend at Pier 60 Park and the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 festival featuring buskers, arts and crafts vendors and, of course, stunning sunsets. myclearwater.com/ visitors/beaches/beachwalk
Operating three vessels, this ferry service recently added a third route and fifth stop to its schedule, so guests can now travel to Dunedin Marina as well as downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach Marina, North Clearwater Beach and Island Estates. Once guests disembark, they can walk to such major attractions as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Beach Walk, Capitol Theatre and even Dunedin’s seven local breweries, depending on the stop. The ferries also connect to both PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) and Jolley Trolley stops on both sides of the intracoastal waters. clearwaterferry.com
Life is Better at the Edge! S
Our 10th floor rooftop venue, Jimmy’s on the Edge, allows you Ji to soak up the sites of Clearwater Beach Island and to enjoy your Be favorite beverage or savor one fa of our many culinary delights. 505 S. Gulfview Blvd. | Clearwater ter Beach, FL 33767 | 727-281- 3100 00 Email: reservation@edgehotelclearwaterbeach.com
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urrounded by the crystal blue waters of Clearwater Beach, Edge Hotel blends the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast with premium comforts, and warm and personalized service. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the worldrenown sugar sands of Clearwater Beach, which are only a short stroll away. Or stay at ‘home’ sipping tropical cocktails at Edge Pool Bar followed by a memorable dinner at 505 at the Edge restaurant adjacent to our famous edge pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
THE ORIGINAL
PIRATE CRUISE GREAT FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
• Music • Games • • Dolphin Watching • • Friendly Pirates • 10:00 a.m. + 2:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. + 7:00 p.m. (call for seasonal schedule)
Save $2.00 when you reserve your cruise online!
Visit Winter the dolphin, star of Dolphin Tale movies See real movie set locations & props Explore the working animal hospital See all of our rescued otters, dolphins and sea turtles BUY TICKETS AT SEEWINTER.COM
249 WINDWARD PASSAGE | CLEARWATER, FL 33767 | 727.441.1790
Jimmy’s Life The next best thing to being a
Pirate
DESTINATION
ST. PETE/CLEARWATER
Pirates a’plenty aboard Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
PIRATES KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN PIRATE-THEMED ADVENTURES IN ST. PETE/CLEARWATER By Matt Seli
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isitors to St. Pete/Clearwater are often so taken with it's beautiful beaches and lush greenery that they forget that pirates once conquered these coasts. Luckily, there are several places keeping these dead men's tales alive.
For over 40 years, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise adventure has been one of the Clearwater area’s favorite attractions, piratethemed or otherwise. After boarding the Pirate’s Ransom, guests will embark on a twohour voyage along the waters of Clearwater Beach complete with pirate antics, a treasure hunt and activities for children such as face painting and water gun games. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which are a common sight in the area. Sailing daily at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with an additional 10 a.m. sailing on Saturdays, the ship is sure to entertain everyone in the family with the views, activities, and pirate company. captainmemo.com
CAPTAIN BLIGH’S LANDING
Landing; Royal Conquest courtesy of Captain Nicholas Sculky
Photo of Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise courtesy of Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise; Captain Bligh’s Landing courtesy of Captain Bligh’s
CAPTAIN MEMO’S PIRATE CRUISE
Dog, Skallywag or Cabin Kid, the crew on-board this vessel has all sorts of fun activities planned to make your trip an enjoyable one. From dance parties and limbo competitions, to pirate stories and a bar stocked full of soft drinks, beer and wine, your voyage will be full of memories that will make those back home envious. boattoursjohnspass.com/pirate-ship-cruise/
For all those landlubbers out there, the pirate fun doesn’t have to be out at sea. Rather, good old-fashioned family fun can be had inland at locations such as Captain Bligh’s Landing in Clearwater Beach. Boasting a unique miniature golf course among beautiful scenery including caves, waterfalls and lush vegetation, Captain Bligh’s is a perfect place to spend a few hours of pirate fun playing with family and friends. visitstpeteclearwater.com/profile/captain-blighslanding-mini-golf/356
Captain Bligh's Landing
THE PIRATE SHIP – ROYAL CONQUEST Welcome aboard the Royal Conquest, a two level, 56-foot pirate ship poised to set sail with you and your group in search of treasure and an all-around good time. Whether you are a Salty
Enjoy a day of adventure aboard the Royal Conquest CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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Real Food. Real FUN!
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The Original Clearwater 2800 Gulf To Bay Boulevard 2 Beach Locations Clearwater Beach 381 Mandalay Avenue Order Online originalhooters.com
John's Pass 192 John’s Pass Boardwalk W
& Tues All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab!! Mon
Th e l a O r ig in ★ All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips – Wednesdays
★ Super Grouper Thursdays ★ Sizzling Steaks & Fresh Catch Specials – Fri, Sat & Sun
Adjoining Sports Bar with all the games!
The Simple Things in Life...Are Often the Best Stay at the newly renovated Palm Pavilion Inn just 25 steps from the white sands of award-winning Clearwater Beach. • 100% non-smoking property • Free Wi-Fi • Great rates • Swimming pool • Beach umbrella/chair rentals • Superior Small Lodging® approved for quality and service • Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar with live music on the deck
Palm Pavilion Inn
18 Bay Esplanade • Clearwater Beach, FL 800-433-7256 • www.PalmPavilionInn.com TripAdvisor - Certificate of Excellence
DESTINATION
ST. PETE/CLEARWATER
Guests will find a variety of fresh-off-the-boat seafood for sale at Ward’s Seafood
A SUCCULENT CLEARWATER STAPLE EXPERIENCE A TRUE SEAFOOD DELIGHT AT WARD’S SEAFOOD By Heather Turk
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llegiant passengers traveling to Clearwater have come to the right place for some fresh Florida seafood. The city is home to the esteemed Ward’s Seafood, a family-owned and operated market that’s been serving Clearwater for more than 60 years.
fish flown in from up north,” Rob Cameron, who previously worked as a cook and kitchen manager at an Indian Shores restaurant that got its fish delivered from Ward’s Seafood, told Sunseeker. “We offer the largest [seafood] selection on Florida’s west coast.”
Founded in 1955 by a mullet fisherman named Johnny Ward and his wife, Millie, Ward’s Seafood has grown from a small fish house that sold seafood to area restaurants, grocery stores and bait shops to a hometown market that offers a variety of items for sale, including beer, wine, groceries and gifts. There’s also a takeout kitchen on site serving such tasty treats as the fried New England belly clams and the seafood lasagna. Purchased by Rob and Michele Cameron in 1990, the market now attracts about 5,000 customers per week depending on the season, and ships its seafood nationwide.
Cameron typically purchases Ward’s seafood directly off the boats from local fishermen he has known for years. Guests will find a wide variety of fresh seafood to choose from, including live Maine lobster, Dungeness or blue crab, Blue Point oysters, grouper, snapper and mahi-mahi.
“The majority of our seafood comes out of the Gulf of Mexico, though we also have
In 1998, Cameron added the on-site kitchen, preparing a variety of tasty seafood items cooked to order. While the majority of the items purchased are typically for takeout, Cameron did put in minimal seating for customers who want to enjoy their dishes at the market. Popular selections include the grilled grouper sandwich, the blackened salmon, the fried fish & chips and Ward’s tasty hush puppies.
Photos courtesy of Ward’s Seafood
Not surprisingly, Ward’s Seafood has received numerous accolades over the years for its fresh seafood, and was even featured on the Food Network. “We offer great customer service and a superior quality that cannot be found anywhere else,” Cameron said. “Guests are in for a true seafood delight.”
Ward’s Seafood has been a Clearwater staple for more than 60 years
Ward’s Seafood, located at 1001 Belleair Road, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; its kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit wardsseafood.com. CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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DESTINATION
ST. PETE/CLEARWATER
Beautiful beach at Treasure Island
TINY BEACH TOWNS SMALL IN SIZE, BUT HUGE ON FUN By Nancy Foster
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he St. Pete/Clearwater area on Florida’s west coast is best known for its tropical year-round atmosphere, wide stretches of beach and blazing sunsets. Although Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are the most popular beach choices along the 35-mile stretch of barrier islands, there are actually 11 beach communities, all offering a subtle individuality that beckons visitors to discover their uniqueness and less-crowded appeal. Here are three you’ll want to check out:
the 47-mile Pinellas Trail for hiking, biking or jogging. Lodging includes the Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor, adjacent to the acclaimed, waterfront restaurant Bon Appetit. A short six miles north brings you to the causeway leading to Honeymoon Island State Park and the accessible-only-by-ferry Caladesi Island, both notable for pristine beaches, picnicking, nature trails and some of the area’s most glorious sunset views. dunedinfl.com
DUNEDIN
This tiny sliver of sand is only 3’ above sea level and boasts a population of fewer than 7,000 residents. It stretches a short three miles between St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach and appeals with wide, white beach areas accessible from many beachfront resorts, including visitor favorites Bilmar Beach Resort, Sunset Vista (condo rentals) and Treasure Island Beach Resort. Beach bars, restaurants and locally-owned shops dot the landscape along the main drag, where hangouts include Caddy’s on the Beach for live entertainment, toes in the sand atmosphere and fresh seafood platters, and Gator’s Café & Saloon for fab fish tacos and Florida craft beers. islandneighborschamber.org
Clearwater’s northern neighbor is known for its charming, walkable downtown, home to an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, very good restaurants, a history museum and access to
TREASURE ISLAND
The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant on Pass-a-Grille Beach 38
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
Just south of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille is perfect if you’re looking for quaintness, local flavor and four miles of natural shoreline with pristine stretches of beach. Explore The Eighth Avenue National Historic District and the Gulf Beaches Museum and learn about the Hermit of Cabbage Key. The new and trendy Grace restaurant and the iconic Hurricane Seafood Restaurant (go top-deck for Rum Runners, crab cakes and sweeping sunset views) are great spots to eat, drink and unwind, and several retro-style inns may entice you to unpack and stay awhile. visitpassagrille.com For airline packages, visit allegiant.com
Photo of Treasure Island and Pass-a-Grille Beach courtesy of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater; Boardwalk by David Flimton
PASS-A-GRILLE Boardwalk at Caladesi Island State Park
Clearwater Beach esort #1 Entertainment R • Luxury Gulfside Rooms & Suites • Water-side dining at Tiki Beach Grill • Ocean Flame Interactive Seafood • 2-Level Wave Nightclub with Hip Buffet & Sunday Brunch DJs and Ultimate VIP Bottle Service • SALT Tequila Bar & Tap Room • Exclusive SOAK Poolside Bar • White Sandy Beach and 800.237.8477 www.shephards.com • Famous Tiki Beach Bar with Live Watersports 619 So. Gulfview Blvd. • Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 Local and National Bands and DJs
DESTINATION
CLEARWATER BEACH
Sunday Brunch at Caretta on the Gulf
AWARD WINNING DINING CLEARWATER BEACH RESTAURANTS RACK UP THE GOLDEN SPOON AWARDS By Nancy Foster
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ampling regional foods and making dining memories are all part of what most vacationers covet, and the popular, fun-in-the-sun Clearwater Beach measures up to all these with dozens of dining outlets. Although most are laid-back casual with a dress code to match, when you feel the need to break out into beach finery, count on any of these to provide sumptuous meals and impeccable service. All hold the 2017 Golden Spoon Award, a ranking bestowed for the past fifty years by Florida Trend magazine to the best dining places in Florida.
Bob Heilman first opened his Clearwater Beach restaurant back in 1948, luring hungry tourists and locals with delicious meals and his specialty “Back-to-the-Farm” fried chicken. The Heilman family is still at the helm of this popular lunch-and-dinner-only establishment where favorite menu choices include hand-cut steaks dry-aged to perfection and luscious seafood dishes. Those with a hearty appetite should consider the flavorful Beachcomber Seafood Platter with Gulf shrimp, scallops, fresh fish and Maryland crab cake, served with a zesty Bloody Mary cocktail sauce. An extensive wine menu rounds out the perfect meal. heilmansbeachcomber.com
Baseball Center Cut Strip at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant 40
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
Connoisseurs of fine food should give a nod to this AAA Four-Diamond restaurant inside the beachfront Sandpearl Resort that features an all-natural, organic menu, organic wines and lovely Gulf views. Unwind over a craft cocktail, then begin with a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Avocado Puree, move on to perfectly-prepared Red Snapper with artichokes, heirloom tomatoes, chorizo and pesto, and end with a decadent sweet and dessert wine. Weekend travelers will delight in the lavish Sunday brunch featuring made-to-order omelets, carving stations, sushi and numerous hot and cold main dishes. sandpearl.com
RUSTY’S BISTRO Contemporary elegance surrounds you in the main dining room of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, where choice menu items are prepared with a Caribbean-meets-Southwest flair. A prix fixe menu is offered each night, as is a nightly buffet, or select from a menu laden with chops, steaks, risotto and seafood. Make a good choice with Crab Crusted Snapper with Tangerine Butter Sauce and Herb Citrus Risotto, paired with an Orin Swift white wine. Friday nights feature a prime rib buffet while Saturday night’s draw is the prime rib and seafood buffet. sheratonsandkey.com
Crab Crusted Snapper at Rusty’s Bistro
Photo of Sunday brunch courtesy of Sandpearl Resort; Center Cut Strip courtesy of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant; Crab Crusted Snapper courtesy of Sheraton Sand Key Resort
BOB HEILMAN’S BEACHCOMBER
CARETTA ON THE GULF
Discover all that’s new under our roof. It’s good not to be home.
Just in time for the new year, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa relaunches with 287 newly redesigned guestrooms overlooking the white sands of the beach named one of America’s best by TripAdvisor. You’ll feel like a VIP, especially when you upgrade your experience to include up to 1,600 sq. ft. of private space, a fully equipped kitchen and walk-out balcony with a view of the gulf. Plus, connect to the sea, the shore and the power of personal wellness at our Sandava Spa, and for a limited time enjoy 20% off any one a la carte massage therapy treatment. For reservations, visit clearwaterbeach.regency.hyatt.com or call 727 373 1234. HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA 301 South Gulfview Boulevard Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA, 33767 Spa offer valid December 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018. Please be aware that we add an 18% service charge that includes a gratuity for the technician and service charge is based on original cost of the treatment. This is a promotional offer and may not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Subject to change and availability. The trademarks Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
PIERC5532_HR Clearwater Allegiant Sunseeker Ad.indd 1
10/27/2017 11:30:35 AM
“BEST STEAKHOUSE ” TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
DESTINATION
ST. PETE/CLEARWATER
Sea Hags’ Grouper Sandwich
ORDER UP A SIDE OF MARINA ST. PETE/CLEARWATER RESTAURANTS WITH HARBOR VIEWS By Chelle Koster Walton
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dd a little salt to your dining experience in the St. Pete/Clearwater area at a marina restaurants, where scenes of bobbing boats and fishermen bringing in their catch provide the entertainment.
Photo of Grouper Sandwich courtesy of Sea Hags Bar & Grill; breakfast courtesy of Salt Cracker Fish Camp; The Wharf courtesy of The Wharf Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
SALT CRACKER FISH CAMP
Wake up to the excitement of charter fishing boats taking off for a day on the water with breakfast at Southern-inspired Salt Cracker Fish Camp at Clearwater Beach Marina. Sit dockside outdoors or behind walls of glass in the dining room. The Sweet Potato Pancakes with toasted pecans and caramel sauce drizzle are an undeniable reason to breakfast here. Or, order Biscuits & Gravy off the $4.99 Early Riser menu from 7 to 9 a.m. Favorites off the lunch and supper menu include the BBQ Gator Ribs, the Yard Bird sandwich with grilled chicken, pimento cheese, fried onion straws and candied jalapenos, and the Low Country Seafood Boil. saltcrackerfishcamp.com
with the tastiest Bloody Marys, coldest beer and divine munchies, which range from raw oysters and Grouper Nuggets to Tuna Sashimi and Crab Cake. For serious hunger, peruse the salads, burgers and sandwiches, or go for house favorites such as the Pressed Cuban sandwich, locally caught Grouper Tacos and the tender Filet Mignon. The signature Hag’s Seafood Chowder is a meal in itself: clams, shrimp, grouper, corn and veggies in a cream broth. seahagsbarandgrill.com
THE WHARF WATERFRONT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Just before you cross the bridge to St. Pete Beach, stop in at Blind Pass Marina for a true sense of the region’s nautical personality. The tiki bar and restaurant satisfy sea cravings
In funky and spirited Pass-a-Grille, at the south end of St. Pete Beach, sands line the western shore while the eastern side of the island is all about boats, beers and seafood straight from the briny. The Wharf wears a relaxed, salt-assailed look, with the back porch offering the best boat traffic views and sea breezes. Inside, a game is always playing on one of the 15 TVs, making it a popular sports perch, but the food draws in its own fans. With a Cajun twang, the extensive menu ranges from the spicy Wharf Creole Gumbo and popular Wharf Po’Boys to pasta, ribs and seafood specialties, like the Fried Soft Shell Crab and Coconut Shrimp. wharfrestaurant.org
A delicious breakfast at Salt Cracker Fish Camp
The Wharf is all about boats, beers and seafood
SEA HAGS BAR & GRILL
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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DESTINATION
ST. PETE
SUNSEEKER TOP 5!
Get out on the water by kayaking the Weedon Island Preserve
SUNSEEKER’S TOP 5 WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN ST. PETE By Heather Turk
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llegiant passengers traveling to St. Pete will have no problem staying busy with all the area has to offer, from its marvelous museums to its beautiful beaches. However, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to narrow down what to do during your stay–especially if you only have a weekend to enjoy everything. These weekend adventures will make sure that even the quickest getaway is unforgettable!
Photo of kayaking, Pinellas Trail, Maximo Park, and Boyd Hill courtesy of City of St. Petersburg; Indie Market by Bridge and Bloom
SUNSEEKER HAS ROUNDED UP THE TOP 5 WEEKEND ADVENUTRES IN ST. PETE.
Explore St. Pete by bike on the Pinellas Trail
BIKE THE PINELLAS TRAIL. Rent a bike through the Coast Bike Share app (coastbikeshare.com) and go for a ride on the longest urban linear trail in the eastern United States. This 37-mile hiking/biking trail connects St. Pete with central and northern Pinellas County, making it easy to visit different local businesses, including the bike-themed brewery, Cycle Brewing. pinellascounty.org/trailgd KAYAK THE WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE. Explore a 4-mile water trail at this 3,190-acre wildlife refuge and snake your way through mangrove tunnels and up into a necklace of islands. Kayaks are available to rent through Sweetwater Kayaks. weedonislandpreserve.org
Catch a stunning sunset at Maximo Park after playing a round of frisbee golf
PLAY A GAME OF FRISBEE GOLF AT MAXIMO PARK. Test out your frisbee golf skills on the 18-hole Tocobaga disc golf course, then check out the waterfront park’s nature boardwalk and 50-foot observation tower. If you visit later in the afternoon, you can also catch a stunning sunset. stpeteparksrec.org/ maximo-park.html SHOP THE ST. PETE INDIE MARKET. Check out the wares of local artists, designers, horticulturists and more at this monthly market, located in front of Green Bench Brewing Co. in downtown St. Pete. Shoppers will find more than 100 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal fare and can enjoy live music while browsing through the local treasures. stpeteindiemarket.com WALK THE NATURE TRAIL AT BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE. Observe the flora and fauna of one of the region’s least discovered yet most remarkable natural habitats while strolling down miles of trails that meander through hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh, swamp woodlands and the Lake Maggiore shoreline. A true haven for nature enthusiasts, Boyd Hill boasts 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill-naturepreserve.html
Find wares by Rad Harbor Vintage at the monthly St. Pete Indie Market
Stroll down miles of trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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Clearwater Beach Taste Fest Friday May 4th 6-9pm Pier 60 Park 1 Causeway Blvd
Food Samples Wine & Craft Beer Raffle Baskets Fireworks Tickets $35 Live Entertainment Presented by
727.447.7600 ClearwaterBeachTasteFest.com
DESTINATION
TAMPA
The Florida Aquarium is home to a wide variety of animals, including lemurs
ONE WILD VACATION DESTINATION THREE AMAZING ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS IN TAMPA By Heather Turk
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Photo of lemurs courtesy of The Florida Aquarium; lion courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; hippopotamus courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
nimal enthusiasts traveling to Tampa have come to the right place, as the popular vacation destination is home to several awesome animal attractions. Whether you want to see lions, tigers and bears or an assortment of marine life, there’s sure to be a spot close by that’s home to some of your favorite wild creatures.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY This 335-acre theme park isn’t just home to some of Florida’s most thrilling roller coasters–it also boasts more than 12,000 animals representing over 300 species. Visitors can see some of the park’s many wild inhabitants on its Serengeti Safari Tour, like zebras and giraffes, or visit the Edge of Africa and get up close to lions, meerkats and hyenas. Several behind-the-scenes tours and interactive animal experiences are available, too, including the opportunity to hand-feed a kangaroo. Be sure to make time during your visit to say “hi” to some of the park’s newest animal ambassadors, which include a baby white rhinoceros and a baby Bornean orangutan. buschgardens.com/tampa
from one of Florida’s many freshwater springs out to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Home to lemurs, sharks, sea turtles, river otters and more, it offers several immersive programs and tours, like its snorkel-like Shark Swim experience and Penguins Backstage Pass tour. For visitors who really want to make a difference, the aquarium’s annual fundraising event, SeaGrapes, takes place on April 28, from 7 to 11 p.m., showcasing a tasting selection of more than 100 fine wines and the best of the Bay Area’s premier restaurants. flaquarium.org
TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO
This nonprofit aquarium has more than 7,000 plants and animals, and features various habitats set up to show the journey of a drop of water
The only place in Tampa where guests can see Florida manatees year-round, this local zoo creates exceptional experiences that connect people with wildlife in fun, immersive ways. Home to more than 1,300 animals, guests can get nose-to-horn with an Indian rhinoceros, hand-tofin with a slippery stingray, touch a giant tortoise and more. Focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Florida wildlife such as black bears and panthers, the zoo boasts the first nonprofit acute critical care center in the world specifically dedicated to manatee rehabilitation: the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. In recent months it has celebrated some exciting births, too, including an endangered pygmy hippopotamus. lowryparkzoo.org
Get up close to the king of the jungle at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A rare pygmy hippopotamus was recently born at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
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DESTINATION
JACKSONVILLE
Bold City Brewery Taps
DISCOVER JACKSONVILLE’S CRAFT BEER SCENE THE JAX ALE TRAIL OFFERS THIRST-QUENCHING ADVENTURES By Sandra Chambers
E
ven though Jacksonville is located on the East Coast, it has a reputation as the “Wild West” of beers for its ingenious craftsmanship and tap room experiences, and there’s no better way to experience these innovative beers than on the Jax Ale Trail.
Pick up a self-guided Jax Ale Trail Brewery Passport at the Visitor’s Center or at any of the participating breweries. Then, head out on your own, or jump on Jacksonville’s Brew Bus to learn more about beer making and hear unique stories of the breweries on the trail. Bold City Brewery, located in Riverside, was the trailblazer in the Jax craft beer scene. The brewery has recently opened a second location in downtown Jacksonville adding an experimental beer kitchen where visitors can sample new beers and maybe even be the first to taste the next big thing.
Kick back in a rocking chair on the patio at Southern Swells Brewing Company, Jacksonville Beach’s largest taproom. Enjoy a cold one along with warm ocean breezes. In addition to a robust craft beer scene, some breweries are experimenting with ciders, meads and sours. Engine 15 Brewing Co. was one of the first to serve up mead using locally sourced honey. Aardwolf Brewing Company, which is located in a renovated mid-1930s ice house, has a barrel-aging and sour program for which they have brought in special equipment from Italy. Wherever The Jax Ale Trail takes you, be sure to get your passport stamped at each brewery to win some cool prizes. visitJacksonville.com/Jax-ale-trail/
Get your tailgate experience on with Intuition Ale Works at their 30-barrel production facility, tap room and rooftop beer garden right next door to the Jacksonville Sports Complex, home of the Jax Jaguars, as well as several other sports teams. Pull up your boat to Wicked Barley, one of the newest breweries to hit The Jax Ale Trail. The brewery offers 20 rotation taps, a 48
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Wicked Barley’s pet-friendly beer garden
Photo of Bold City Brewery Taps by Stephen Kubiak; Wicked Barley’s pet-friendly beer garden courtesy of Wicked Barley
Since the trail began in 2014, Jacksonville has quickly risen to the top of Florida’s beer scene, becoming a competitive destination for beer travel and earning a spot in Livability.com’s 99 Best Beer Cities in the nation. The Jax Ale Trail originally opened with eight breweries, but six more have joined, bringing the total to 14 and still counting.
full restaurant, covered patio, pet-friendly waterfront beer garden and yes, a boat dock, making them Jacksonville’s only brewery you can get to by boat.
DESTINATION
HILTON HEAD
An aerial view of The Sea Pines Racquet Club
TERRIFIC TENNIS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND THREE RESORTS THAT SERVE UP A REMARKABLE PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Photo The Sea Pines Racquet Club courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort; Van Der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club courtesy of Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Center courtesy of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Tennis Resort; Palmetto Dunes
By Heather Turk
W
ith more than 350 public and private courts in the area, including eight of the world’s top 100 tennis resorts and camps, South Carolina's Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for tennis players to hone their skills. With a backdrop of maritime forests, pristine tidal creeks and centuries-old oaks, Hilton Head Island offers guests a picturesque tennis experience and a subtropical climate that makes this an ideal year-round destination.
PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT
Named among the nation’s top 50 tennis resorts by TENNIS magazine since the list’s inception in 1975, this retreat’s world-class tennis center features 26 clay courts as well as eight courts
Perfect your game at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
Play a game of tennis at the Van Der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club at the Van Der Meer Tennis Resort
for pickleball. Visitors can rent a court to play on or enroll in a variety of instructional programs, from the 90-minute Grand Slam Clinic for adults to the Short Shots Clinic for children ages 4 and 5. Guests can also watch the pros play during the center’s free weekly tennis exhibition, held every Monday at 5:30 p.m. palmettodunes.com/ activities/hilton-head-island-tennis
THE SEA PINES RESORT
Under the direction of former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith, this resort’s racquet club, with its 20 clay courts plus a stadium court that has been converted into four 36-foot QuickStart courts, has grown into a premier resource for tennis enthusiasts. Reserve a court to play on or join one of their teaching clinics and instructional programs, under the watchful eye of a U.S. Professional Tennis Association- and/or a Professional Tennis Registry-certified instructor. Players ages 17 and older who have a National Tennis Rating Program level of 4 or higher can also enroll in a no-frills Boot Camp May 11-13 for $300 to get back into tournament shape. seapines.com/ resort_activities/tennis.aspx
VAN DER MEER SHIPYARD TENNIS RESORT
One of TENNIS magazine’s top 50 tennis resorts in the country, this property’s racquet club boasts some of the best facilities in the area, including 13 clay courts, four outdoor hard courts and the only three indoor courts in the region. It also offers a variety of programs by expert tennis professionals who’ve been trained by legendary coach Dennis Van der Meer. Guests can join a scheduled adult clinic or round robin, take a private lesson or simply rent one of the courts by the hour. Junior Tennis Academy camps and clinics are available, too. vandermeertennis.com/ hilton_head_shipyard_resort.htm SOUTH CAROLINA 49
Bradenton Sarasota
North Port
Punta Gorda Airport
Venice
Port Charlotte Englewood Beach
Punta Gorda Cape Coral Fort Myers
Sanibel
Naples Marco Island
www.flypgd.com
DESTINATION
MYRTLE BEACH
"Thunder and Light" performing at The Carolina Opry
CURTAINS UP! IT’S SHOW TIME IN MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. By Nancy Foster
T
he action starts for Allegiant passengers within minutes of landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport, only a short five minute drive from the heart of the community’s accommodations, dining and activity area. Myrtle Beach, legendary for its sugar-brown sands, year-round golf and easy going southern charm, is also a city that boasts of a vibrant entertainment side, with high-caliber, actionpacked shows that lure thousands each year. Among the fabulous choices are these that score high on the fun scale.
Photo of "Thunder and Light" courtesy of The Carolina Opry; "Legends in Concert" courtesy of "Legends in Concert " Myrtle Beach; Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show courtesy of Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
"LEGENDS IN CONCERT"
Open since 1995, this visitor favorite, renowned for its “Five Great Acts in One Great Show” changes line-ups four times a year. Seasoned tribute artists celebrate the work musical giants including the likes of Bruno Mars, Tim McGraw, Cher, Blues Brothers™, Elvis Presley and more, all backed by a hot live band and
electrifying dancers. This 100% live production also features the ultimate audio, lighting and visual experience, making this international award-winning production an evening you’ll long remember. Legendsinconcert.com/myrtlebeach.
THE CAROLINA OPRY
The family-owned and operated 2000seat Carolina Opry Theater, winner of the Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach by CNBC, lures audiences with mesmerizing original productions showcasing top-notch musicians and vocalists. Founder Calvin Gilmore taps his vast entertainment expertise to create audience pleasers with five award-winning, original live shows including the high-energy "TOC," an action-packed dazzler with high energy music, comedy and dance; The "Time Warp," a flashback to the musical era of the 60’s, 70s and 80s; Thunder and Light with nationally renowned clogging dancers set against the brilliance of a multi-colored laser light backdrop, and the recently added Pure Magic featuring the captivating illusions of the Wagsters. carolinaopry.com
PIRATES VOYAGE DINNER & SHOW
Award-winning "Legends in Concert"
Join Captain Blackbeard, the most famous pirate of all, and his stalwart quartermaster Calico Jack as they embark on a mighty battle on land, on deck, and in water. Dine on a bountiful four-course pirate feast as the action unfolds before you with full-size pirate ships, sword fights, spectacular acrobatic competitions and beautiful mermaids, leaving you spellbound and delighted. This is A Dolly Parton Company production that also offers bonus fun at adjacent Pirate’s Village, so come early and enjoy juggling, themed singalongs, live animals and interactive family fun. Piratesvoyage.com For vacation packages to Myrtle Beach, visit allegiant.com, and destination info, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com
The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is fun for the whole family! SOUTH CAROLINA 51
Don’t take the same old journey. Be somewhere genuine. Be somewhere amazing. Be changed.
Henderson County TDA | 201 South Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792
800.828.4244
V i s i t H e n d e r s o n v i l le N C .o r g
DESTINATION
NORTH CAROLINA
Cricket Tacos are a hit at Never Blue
HENDERSONVILLE’S UNEXPECTED FOOD FINDS DISCOVER NEW CULINARY TRENDS IN THE N.C. MOUNTAINS By Sandra Chambers
F
rom cricket tacos to fried chicken, handmade donuts and award-winning desserts, this small North Carolina mountain town is a foodie destination just waiting to be discovered.
HENDOUGH CHICKEN & DONUTS
This cozy, down-home restaurant known for its handmade donuts and chicken is the brainchild of Paul and Sarah Klaasen, who met while chefs at the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Featuring the ultimate sweet/ savory combination, HenDough pairs fried chicken with specialty donut flavors like lemon rosemary and malted chocolate stout. Early birds will enjoy breakfast specialties, such as Donut French Toast or Egg in a Basket (two eggs in a donut basket, fried chicken, bacon and Jalapeno Maple syrup). hendough.com
OLD ETOWAH SMOKEHOUSE
Although this downtown Hendersonville restaurant features an extensive, internationallyinspired menu, it has garnered a unique place among foodies for its tapas and creative tacos, such as the cricket, goat and Korean barbecue duck tacos. While menu items change frequently, Chef Jesse Roque says the cricket taco is one of her husband’s favorites from growing up in Mexico. In addition to tacos and tapas, the restaurant features
Barbecue is a time-honored tradition in the South, steeped in the history of the agrarian culture of North Carolina. Old Etowah Smokehouse maintains one of the few and last wood fired pits in Western North Carolina, where they prepare whole hog barbecues, briskets, ribs, chicken and sausages using local hardwood. However, while barbecue is a great reason for eating at Old Etowah Smokehouse, it’s not what owner Chef Robert Hammond is best known for. Hendersonville’s native culinary guru is a prized pastry chef whose work has been featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." His recipes have also shown up on the pages of Bon Appétit magazine. With such an acclaimed background, it’s only expected that Hammond would whip up some dessert specialties, such as the Signature Coconut Cake, S’mores Cheesecake and Caramel Apple Bourbon Cheesecake. oldetowah.com
HenDough features the ultimate sweet/savory combo
S’mores Cheesecake at Old Etowah Smokehouse
NEVER BLUE
Photo of cricket tacos courtesy of Never Blue; sweet/savory combo by Sam Dean
Southern highlights, like Crab Cakes with Cajun remoulade, Smoked Gouda-Sour Cream Grits, and Shrimp and Grits. Chef Rogue prides herself on using locally sourced ingredients from area manufacturers and growers. Roque, who was originally trained as a pastry chef, was named the 2016 North Carolina Chef of the Year by the state’s Restaurant and Lodging Association. theneverblue.com
NORTH CAROLINA
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DESTINATION
NORTH CAROLINA
Visitors to North Carolina are discovering the joys of wine tasting
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA DISCOVER THE MANY PLEASURES OF THE YADKIN VALLEY WINE TRAIL By Marcia Biggs
S
ipping a robust cabernet as you visit charming wineries amid rolling vineyards may sound like Napa Valley, but you can have much of the same experience and just as much fun along the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail in North Carolina. More than 40 wineries comprise the trail, spread throughout Surry County in the north central region of the state. Most of the small, family-run wineries are within a short drive of centrally located Dobson.
along the lake or dine at the highly rated Harvest Grill. sheltonvineyards.com Additional picturesque stops along the wine trail include Herrera Vineyard, Elkin Creek Vineyard and Adagio Vineyard. Elkin and Mount Airy are other convenient towns for grape explorations. For more information and a trail map, go to yadkinvalleync.com/map.
ROUND PEAK VINEYARDS
A spectacular view of 13 acres of rolling vineyards will be yours at the outdoor patio bar. Known for their French and Italian varietals, along with semi-sweet and semi-dry blends, Round Peak also serves a selection of its own tasty, handcrafted beer. There’s no kitchen, but the scenery here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a feast for the eyes. roundpeak.com
JOLO WINERY & VINEYARDS
The rolling vineyards of Round Peak
SHELTON VINEYARDS
The respected Shelton brothers, Charlie and Ed, opened the valley’s flagship winery in 1999. Shelton Vineyards is now the largest familyowned estate winery in North Carolina with 130 acres of grapes. A tour and tasting departs every hour and includes a visit to the 33,000-squarefoot winery. Visitors can meander along walking trails, sit for a spell on the benches and swings 54
NORTH CAROLINA
Shelton Vineyards offers tastings and tours daily
All photos courtesy of Surry County Tourism
In the shadow of Pilot Mountain, JOLO is a hidden gem set on the shore of a lake and surrounded by five acres of vineyards. JOLO has won numerous awards in regional wine competitions for their impressive reds, whites and rosé wines. The elegant lobby is where tastings are held Thursday through Sunday; plan to stay for a gourmet lunch with an exquisite view. For $15, you'll get eight tastings and a wine glass to take home. jolovineyards.com
DESTINATION
NEW ORLEANS
Tour the studio where artisans create their Mardi Gras floats at Mardi Gras World
NEW ORLEANS FAMILY FUN “LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL” By Stacey Zable
M
om, Dad and the kids will discover that in The Big Easy it’s simple to find attractions that offer a taste of festive and family-friendly New Orleans.
ANIMAL OVERLOAD
SEEING THE SIGHTS
Hands-on at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
An entertaining, historic and beautiful way to see the city is with a cruise along the Mississippi River on the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ. The live jazz onboard is coupled with dinner, buffet lunch or Sunday brunch, and the chance to explore the Steam Engine Room. Or, hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar for more historic transportation. The line is a National Historic Landmark and includes glimpses of historic New Orleans homes. steamboatnatchez.com; norta.com/GettingAround/Our-Streetcars
ANYTIME MARDI GRAS
For a peek at New Orleans’ biggest annual holiday, families can take the tour at Mardi Gras World. Not only do you get to understand 56
LOUISIANA
Step back in time on the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ
Photo of Mardi Gras floats by Jonathan Traviesa; Audubon Aquarium courtesy of the Audubon Nature Institute; Steamboat NATCHEZ courtesy of Steamboat NATCHEZ
Discover creatures big and small, on land and from the sea, at three of Audubon Nature Institute’s attractions. Among the top zoos in the country, the Audubon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals living in natural habitat settings. Sure to thrill are the massive Asian elephants, while the Carousel will keep the smiles coming. The Audubon Aquarium for the Americas’ interactive opportunities include the chance to touch stingrays and feed parakeets. Children will love the exhibits of sharks, jellyfish and even a white gator. For something truly special, the aquarium offers up-close, behind-the-scenes encounters with an endangered African penguin or Southern Sea Otter. The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium showcases all things insectrelated. Not to be missed is Bug Appétit, where visitors can watch chefs incorporate bugs into their dishes and then sample the “goodies.” audubonnatureinstitute.org
what it takes to put on this amazing event each year, but the tour also includes a stop at Blaine Kern Studios, the workshop that has been making Mardi Gras and other parade floats worldwide since 1947. Visitors get to see floats and props, try on a traditional Mardi Gras costume and get a slice of King Cake, a Mardi Gras custom. Add on to the tour with a Mardi Gras mask-making workshop (reservation required) for a wonderful souvenir to take home. mardigrasworld.com
17,500 15,000 Bonus Points Offer Equal to $175 off your next trip! IAL FFER C E SP HT O LIG F IN
Earn points that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels and car rentals on Allegiant.com
3X
points on Allegiant purchases
2X
points on qualifying dining purchases
1X
1 point per $1 on all other purchases
No blackout dates. No destination restrictions. No minimum points redemption. Earn 15,000 Bonus Points — equal to $150 off your next Allegiant trip, after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening. Get an additional 2,500 bonus points after qualifying purchases when you apply today with an Allegiant employee. Buy one, get one free airfare — anytime you use your card to purchase a vacation package from Allegiant with 4 or more hotel nights or 7 or more rental car days on the same itinerary. Keep your Points — You won’t lose your points as long as your Allegiant credit card remains open and you make at least one purchase every 12 months. Complimentary priority boarding every time you fly Allegiant when you show your Allegiant credit card. One free beverage every time you fly Allegiant when you show your Allegiant credit card.
Apply today! Ask your flight attendant how to apply now.
FOR MORE DELICIOUS SNACKS AND BEVERAGES, TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FULL MENU ON PAGES 70-71.
For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the card, refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Mastercard and World Mastercard are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license. ©2017 Bank of America Corporation ARY35DK5 06122017 AD-05-17-0076.A
ALLEGIANT
VACATIONS
The Crown Reef’s water park faces the Atlantic Ocean
TOP HOTEL PICKS IN MYRTLE BEACH By Auriyon Butler
E
njoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, plentiful entertainment and great restaurants by booking your stay through Allegiant at these top hotel picks in Myrtle Beach.
HOTEL BLUE
Hotel Blue
LANDMARK RESORT
The whole family will love coming to the Landmark Resort. Enjoy exciting children's programs such as arts and crafts, sports, contests and more. In addition to their daily children's activities, the pool deck hosts special summer events, and in some cases, a live DJ. Enjoy restaurants like the Gazebo Restaurant for its hot breakfast buffet, or catch a quick bite to eat at Shark Bites Snack Bar, serving lunchtime favorites. If you need to satisfy that sweet tooth, Sugar Shak is the perfect place to indulge with refreshing ice cream. This hotel has something the entire family will enjoy.
The Landmark Resort
CROWN REEF RESORT
Enjoy a year-round water park at the Crown Reef Resort. The hotel offers an array of pools and a lazy river known to be the longest in Myrtle Beach at 575 feet long. The children could spend hours at the arcade located in the Town Center Dining Entertainment and Fun Zone, offering video games as well as classic and modern games rewarding tickets that can be redeemed for prizes. Enjoy fantastic dining at restaurants such as the Grab N’ Go Grill 58
VACATIONS
The Crown Reef Resort
and Coffee Bar, serving traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites. You will not regret booking your stay at Crown Reef Resort. Explore all Myrtle Beach has to offer on our blog at sunseeker.allegiant.com.
Photo of Crown Reef's water park and Crown Reef Resort courtesy of Crown Reef Resort; Hotel Blue courtesy of Hotel Blue; Landmark Resort courtesy of Landmark Resort
Hotel Blue will “wow” you by providing a level of customer service that lives up to their outstanding reputation. The hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel – a 187foot observation wheel, Pavilion Park and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade where you can enjoy a variety of shops and dining. This hotel also features the first swim-up bar in North Carolina and a kid-friendly water-park and bowling alley.
BUY ONBOARD BUY ONBOARD BUY WHILE YOU FLY & SAVE BIG BUY WHILE YOU FLY & SAVE BIG Allegiant offers you the best deals to our top destinations! Purchase food, drinks, show tickets, excursions and more from the comfort of your seat. Ask your flight attendant for details! ROUTE MAP - 66
FEATURED COMBO - 69
FOOD & DRINKS - 70
SUNSEEKER
59
THANK YOU ALLEGIANT
This was my family’s first time on Allegiant, and we had such a fantastic experience. The flight attendants were friendly and attentive, and even the people checking our bags were great! It was such a good value with such wonderful service.Thanks for making our vacation that much better!
– Melissa L, Wisconsin
I am writing to compliment the flight crew on the exceptional way they handled an in-flight medical issue. It just happened to be a friend of mine, and it was definitely a scary moment. The flight crew did an amazing job and were very professional. It’s difficult to make someone comfortable in a situation like ours, but I am happy to say everyone on that flight was respectful. Thank you to the flight crew.
- Tami H, North Dakota
I just wanted to commend one of your employees, Heather. Even though she was assisting other passengers, she did everything in her power to get my luggage and help me get on my way to make an appointment. In all my years of traveling, I had never had anyone ever go that far to assist me. Please commend her for her kindness and graciousness.
– Sandra L, Florida
ALLEGIANT
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Tracy Tulle, vice president of inflight services and the chairperson of the CELT leadership team
HOW ALLEGIANT IS ENSURING ITS RENEWED COMMITMENT TO TRAVELERS REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY
F
rom the beginning, low fares and friendly, reliable service have been cornerstones of what we do here at Allegiant. As we grow as a travel company, it’s become even more important to everyone on our team we continue to uphold those original values. We formed the Customer Experience Leadership Team (CELT) to set a course for improving your experience when traveling with us. One of its first actions was drafting a new Customer Commitment Statement: “Allegiant Team Members are dedicated to providing a friendly, straightforward travel experience that is safe, reliable and affordable.” Sunseeker Magazine recently sat down with Tracy Tulle, vice president of inflight services and the chairperson of the CELT leadership team, to discuss the ways Allegiant is following through on its commitment to improving your travel experience.
Photo by Allegiant
What is Allegiant doing to strengthen its relationship with its passengers? In 2016, we kicked off a new focus on the customer experience by creating the Customer Experience Leadership Team (CELT). It took about a year for CELT to really understand where we were excelling and where we could improve the experience without changing the one thing our customers love us for – our low-cost fares. We have already made some policy changes that have had a significant impact on customer satisfaction, and this year we are going to focus on aligning our training and operation to fulfill that commitment in everything we do.
Transparency is a word that’s often thrown around in many industries. What steps is Allegiant taking to open
up channels of communication and actually allow for transparency?
First and foremost, we are straightforward with our customers about who we are and what we offer. We want to ensure our customers know what they’re buying and never feel tricked or confused. Internally, we’ve recently launched new communications tools, including daily on-time reports, which allow the entire company – from a gate agent to an accountant – to see how we are performing in a number of important areas. Information is power, and we want our team members and our customers empowered to either ensure a great customer experience or receive one at great value.
What’s Allegiant’s stance on empowering team members to handle issues on the ground and nip problems in the bud? Our team members are our most valuable asset and know better than anyone what our travelers want and need. Team members at all levels of the organization are encouraged to use common sense and good judgment to improve a customer’s experience. Traveling can be stressful and sometimes not everything goes according to plan – in those situations our team members can spread a little sunshine.
How will Allegiant know if it’s doing a good job in improving the travel experience?
We listen to our customers and they tell us! We have multiple touchpoints for customer feedback – we have a post-travel survey available through email and our mobile app, and we are tracking social media comments and feedback to our customer care team. Safety will always be our number one priority at Allegiant, but CELT is making the customer experience a principal part of Allegiant’s culture. CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
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Could Allegiant Be Your Career Destination? We know you love to GO on vacation... Now, make vacations possible for others by joining the Allegiant Team!
Many jobs available, including Flight Attendants! To apply & view other career opportunities go to:
ALLEGIANT
SPOTLIGHT
Josh sharing a cockpit view
ALLEGIANT TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Q&A WITH JOSHUA FOLTZ, CAPTAIN ORLANDO / SANFORD (SFB) By Kerry McGee, Staff Writer, Editor
J
Josh grew up with a love of aviation in his DNA. His father, a retired airline captain, mentored Josh and his brothers, who all became pilots. When he’s not flying, he’s traveling the world with his wife. Josh took some time to chat with us about his passion and amazing traveling adventures. When did you join Allegiant? I am so grateful for a family that taught me the importance of servant leadership, safety, customer service and professionalism. After attending aviation college, I flew small jets with a regional airline for five years. I was excited to join the Allegiant team in 2010 just weeks after marrying my beautiful bride. I have had the honor of flying the MD80, Boeing 757 and the Airbus. Allegiant has a culture that supports hard-working individuals. Tell me about your role with Allegiant. If you tied a rope around an aircraft on the ground, how many people would it take to move the plane? The same amount of people to get the plane moving for each flight! The captain ensures the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew. The ability to network on such a big level requires the captain to be part lawyer, meteorologist, security officer, safety advocate, aircraft system engineer, customer service representative and communication expert. We help achieve excellence and ensure that everything is safe and legal. How does your job impact our travelers? There is a saying that inspires me: “Right words, right tone, right time.” In my career I
strive to be an exceptional communicator to my fellow team members and passengers. Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, but we do have control over personal attitude and communication. It is vital that captains be active communicators during every process as we aim to give passengers a quality product. If you could go on vacation anywhere in the USA, where would you go? I love Bellingham, Washington. It is a beautiful city with convenient access to gorgeous mountains, waterfalls and hot springs. Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands are close by and it is a short drive to Vancouver or Seattle. Have you been able to take advantage of your great travel benefits? Where have you traveled? My wife and I have explored six Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam. We have also enjoyed New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, Iceland, France, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica and Panama. Because of Allegiant, travel is affordable and we are so grateful. What is your Orlando / Sanford “locals” tip? Visitors often overlook our natural attractions. I recommend snorkeling in Florida’s natural springs – a safe and beautiful place to interact with manatees, otters and unique fish. The area offers hiking trails, Broadway plays and easily accessible beaches. Check out 4 Rivers BBQ, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café and the Palate Coffee shop. I am happy to call Sanford home! SPOTLIGHT
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ALLEGIANT CARES
Service dog Allegiant in the captain’s chair
PUPPY ONBOARD HOW ALLEGIANT HELPS SERVICE DOGS BECOME COMFORTABLE TRAVELERS By Christoper Lewis
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avigating through TSA and the airport before finally making your way onto a plane these days is no simple feat – even more so when we’re talking four feet, or in this case, paws. Recently, Allegiant partnered with Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) for an event at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) where 60 service dogs-in-training and their handlers trained in the ways of air travel. Each pup gained experience walking through the airport, into stores and going through TSA, where they were screened and even separated from their handler at one point, before eventually heading through the terminal to practice boarding the aircraft. “It’s a great experience for them and gives them exposure to things we can’t provide in our normal training setting,” said Kerry Wevodau, development director, Susquehanna Service Dogs. “Many of these dogs, when they get matched, may travel a lot with their partners, and they need to get accustomed to going through security and getting on airplanes.” Once onboard, the pups practiced tucking themselves under the seat in front of their handler while remaining calm and comfortable to a point where a person sitting next to them wouldn’t even know they were there. Although service dogs may look adorable, anyone who’s ever worked with or trained one will tell you that the dogs are always on the job and take their responsibility seriously. Handlers will advise the public to refrain from reaching out and petting one no matter how cute they are.
Remaining so calm someone sitting next to them wouldn’t know they were there
Service dogs are trained for a minimum of two years before being paired with their owner. Many will serve as mobility and balance dogs for those needing assistance walking, and some will serve as seizure or diabetes detection dogs. Others will even work for a law enforcement agency. Partnering with organizations like SSD furthers one of Allegiant’s main priorities as an airline – expanding access to air travel. “By helping those who train service animals to get better acclimated to air travel, it opens up access to their future owners, who may otherwise struggle to board an airplane,” said Hilarie Grey, director of corporate communications for Allegiant. “We are always working to make travel more accessible to everyone - whether that means keeping our fares low, or working with organizations like Susquehanna Service Dogs to help those with disabilities feel more comfortable traveling with their service pups.” Another bonus of working with SSD: One of the six-month-old pups received a special name - Allegiant. MAKE-A-WISH®
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Bellingham Kalispell
Pasco
Great Falls
Missoula
Eugene
Bozeman
Medford
Bis
Billings
Boise Idaho Falls
Stockton
Reno
Ogden
San Francisco/Oakland
Gr
Provo
Monterey Fresno
Las Vegas
Grand Junction
Santa Maria
Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego
Montrose
Denver
Colorado Sp
Albuquerque
Phoenix / Mesa
El Paso
Routes as of March 07, 2018. Some rout
We Always Guarantee the Best Vacation Package Price! If you find a lower price on a vacation package elsewhere, we will credit you 100% of the difference.
BEST
PRICE GUARANTEE
Qualifying Packages Allegiant will match packages that include identical hotel and room type(s) and/or same rental car company, vehicle type and pick-up and drop-off times and location(s).
If you find a lower total price on your vacation package (air/hotel, air/car or air/hotel/car) and contact Allegiant within 48 hours of your initial Allegiant booking, Allegiant will issue you a dollar-off voucher for 100% of the difference. The lower total price must be an exact match to the itinerary booked with Allegiant. For full details see Allegiant’s terms and conditions at allegiantair.com/terms-and-conditions.
Bangor
Minot
Grand Forks
Plattsburgh Ogdensburg / Ottawa
Fargo
smarck
St. Cloud Appleton Rapid City
Grand Rapids Flint
Milwaukee
Sioux Falls
Allentown Trenton Cleveland Harrisburg Hagerstown Pittsburgh
Rockford
Des Moines Omaha
rand Island
Kansas City
prings
Wichita Tulsa Oklahoma City
Toledo South Bend Fort Wayne Clarksburg Indianapolis Columbus Dayton Richmond Cincinnati Roanoke Norfolk Huntington Louisville Belleville Raleigh/Durham Lexington Evansville Tri-Cities Owensboro Greensboro Knoxville Springfield Concord Nashville Asheville Chattanooga Northwest Arkansas
Cedar Rapids Moline Peoria Bloomington Springfield
Greenville/ Spartanburg
Memphis Little Rock
Shreveport
Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Gulfport / Biloxi
Austin
Portsmouth Syracuse Boston/ Rochester Providence Newburgh Niagara Falls Elmira
Laredo
Washington, D.C. / Baltimore
Myrtle Beach Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head Jacksonville
New Orleans
San Antonio
New York City
Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Fort Myers / Punta Gorda
Orlando/Sanford Fort Lauderdale
McAllen
tes may be seasonal; subject to change.
San Juan Puerto Rico
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FOR MORE DELICIOUS SNACKS AND BEVERAGES, TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FULL MENU ON PAGES 62-63 70-71
$
5
DELI SNACK PACK Pennysticks Brand Pretzels, White Cheddar Cheese Dip, Slim Jim Meat Stick, Chips Ahoy! Original Chocolate Chip Cookie 4-pack (Includes all items shown)
$
5
WINGZ KIDS SNACK PACK Allegiant Wings, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Oreo 2-pack, Welch’s Fruit Snacks (Includes all items shown)
$1 from every Wingz pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish®. For more info, visit wish.org.
$
$
10
3
70
FEATURED COMBO
• Choice of Mixed Drink • Choice of Selected Snacks • See page 69 for more details
INDIVIDUAL SNACKS • M&M's Peanut, 3.1 oz. • Pringles, 2.38 oz.
SUNSEEKER
$
$
4
4
HUMMUS SNACK PACK
Dipin Classic Hummus accompanied by Baked in Brooklyn Pita Chips (Includes all items shown)
INDIVIDUAL SNACKS
• Traditional Chex Mix, 3.75 oz. • King's Fresh & Delicious Premium Blend Nut Medley, 2 oz.
$
4
$
WINE
SPECIALTY
Pinot Grigio Merlot
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee
$
6
7
Sales of Trinity Oaks wine help plant trees. Over 80 million trees planted since 1989.
BEER
Bud Light Michelob ULTRA
$
7
MIXED DRINKS (includes one mixer)
Bacardi Rum Tanqueray Gin Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Tito’s Handmade Vodka
$
2 BEVERAGES
Coke Diet Coke Sprite Dasani Bottled Water Minute Maid Apple Juice Minute Maid Cranapple Juice
Minute Maid Orange Juice Mr. & Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix Seagram’s Ginger Ale Seagram’s Sparkling Seltzer Water Seagram’s Tonic Water
Allegiant gladly accepts most major credit and debit cards. Allegiant does not accept cash, check or money orders in-flight or at any airport location. We are pleased to serve alcoholic beverages to customers over the age of 21 and encourage responsible consumption. Only alcohol provided by flight attendants may be consumed onboard. Brand selection and products may vary based upon availability.
SUNSEEKER
71
AIRCRAFT
AIRBUS A319/320
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD-80
Number of Aircraft: 58 Cruising Speed: 511 mph Range: 3,682 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 162,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 186 Total Length: 123 feet Wingspan: 111 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4
Number of Aircraft: 30 Cruising Speed: 540 mph Range: 3,200 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 160,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 166 Total Length: 147 feet Wingspan: 107 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4
TRAVELER INFORMATION SAFETY FIRST Customer safety is Allegiant ®’s first concern. Please be advised that interference with the duties of crew members, including flight attendants, is a violation of federal laws. Our crews are thoroughly trained in all safety procedures. To ensure your own safety, we hope you take a moment to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Be aware of the following: • Location of the nearest emergency exit • Location of your emergency oxygen mask, if needed • Correct procedure for exiting the cabin in an emergency SEAT BELTS Seat belts must be fastened ANY TIME the seat belt sign is on, during taxi, takeoff and landing. Once the seat belt sign is turned off, you may walk around the cabin. Due to unexpected turbulence, it is strongly recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened any time while in your seat. Allegiant’s exit seating policy does not allow the use of seat belt extensions in the exit seats due to tripping hazards. CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS Federal Aviation Administration requires that all child restraint seats used on planes meet federal safety standards. Acceptable seats bear proper labeling “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN
MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT” from the manufacturer. Unlabeled seats or seats manufactured before Jan. 1, 1981, are not acceptable. Child restraint seats are to be placed into a window seat and secured with an aircraft seat belt. PHOTOS & VIDEOS ONBOARD The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted onboard provided you keep the purpose of your photography and video to capturing personal events. Photographing or recording other customers or airline personnel without their express consent is prohibited. Airline personnel reserve the right to prohibit photos and videos onboard the aircraft if it becomes a disturbance to them or other passengers. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Allegiant is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who has not yet reached the age of 21. It is a violation of federal regulations to drink alcoholic beverages during a flight unless they have been served by Allegiant personnel. SMOKING Smoking, the use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other similar smoking devices are not permitted on any Allegiant flight. Federal law imposes fines of $1,000 for smoking and up to $2,000 for any attempt to disable an aircraft smoke detector.
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALWAYS PERMITTED*
Pacemaker
Hearing Aid
Camera (digital/film/video)
Tablet
Handheld Game
E-reader
Wireless Mouse, Keyboard or Other Accessory
Smartphone
CD Player
(in Airplane Mode)
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Media Player
*Restrictions may apply when operating outside of U.S. Airspace. NOTE: Portable electronic device use on the ground, during takeoff and during landing should be limited to small, lightweight devices less than 2 lbs. These devices should be able to be easily secured in a seat back and not impede emergency access to the aisle.
PERMITTED AT GATE & IN FLIGHT
Laptop/Tablet
DVD Player
Using cellular network services (voice or data) to make or receive calls during the flight is not permitted by U.S. and International regulatory authorities. If you have other questions about the use of other portable electronic devices not shown here, ask your flight attendant.
72
SUNSEEKER
NEVER PERMITTED
Personal Remote ConAir Purifiers trol Toys
TV
Two-Way Radios or Transmitters
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1350 Bobcat Trail • North Port, Florida
(941) 429-0500 golfthenational.com
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with space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is part of an active spaceport where immersive experiences get you closer to NASA than anywhere else on the planet. See a legendary spacecraft up close, shake hands with an astronaut, watch rockets launch from Earth and see where we’ll depart for Mars.
Explore more at KennedySpaceCenter.com or call 877.634.0705
SAVE $7
ON THE PRICE OF ADMISSION.
ALL NEW TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT
Limit six admission passes. Maximum $42 savings.
Coupon not valid with any other discount or on special ticketed events. No cash value. Valid for up to six admissions purchased on one transaction. Offer expires 12/31/2018.