East Coast Sunseeker - February - March 2019

Page 1

ALLEGIANT'S GUIDE TO THE BEST DESTINATIONS UNDER THE SUN

FEB – MAR 2019

LAUNCH INTO ADVENTURE

at K e n n e dy S pac e C e n t e r V i s i to r Co m p l e x AN EVENT THAT ALWAYS SCORES A HOME RUN

T H E R E T U R N O F F L O R I DA G R A P E F R U I T L E AG U E S P R I N G T R A I N I N G

ALL ABOARD!

B OAT I N G E XC U R S I O N S O N C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

LOVE IN LOUISIANA

RO M A N T I C R E S TAU R A N T S I N T H E F R E N C H Q UA RT E R


Sunny Days & Sandy Toes

ENJOY NON-STOP ALLEGIANT FLIGHTS TO THE BEACH FROM MORE THAN 22 CITIES

The # 1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast

Beach to Bay Accommodations • Four Championship Golf Courses Year-Round Events • Water Sports • Dozens of Shopping & Dining Options Endless Free Amenities • Tennis

855.211.5661 Sandestin.com/Sunseeker


You’re Invited

See Page 40


Book a spot for a SANDCASTLE–

or find your castle on the sand. In Southwest Florida, it’s beach season year-round. After all, we have some of the most award-winning stretches of sand in the country. Renting a sumptuous vacation home from Royal Shell can put your favorite beach right outside your door, along with unforgettable restaurants, luxury boutiques and world-class entertainment—not to mention unrivaled outdoor recreation. Want to stay longer? Plant your flag on your own place in paradise. That’s #RoyalShellStyle.

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S A N D S A L E S

Come for a visit. Stay for a lifetime. Florida Locations: Bonita Springs/Estero, Captiva Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples/Marco Island, Ocala and Sanibel Island

North Carolina Locations: Cashiers/Lake Glenville, Highlands and Sapphire Valley/Lake Toxaway

Want to stay forever? Contact us today. 888.877.4147 | InFlightDeal.com


10

e x p l o r e k e n n e dy s pac e c e n t e r

COVER Blast off to a whole new level of fun at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Featuring many new enhancements, the visitor complex is better than ever, giving guests unprecedented access to the science of space travel. The newly imagined KSC Bus Tour takes visitors to restricted areas of Kennedy Space Center, a working space flight facility, and features interviews with NASA-subject matter experts about the past and future of space exploration in an updated video presentation. kennedyspacecenter.com

Cover and lead contents photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

FEATURED DESTINATIONS

13 - tampa/st. pete/clearwateR

33 - orlando/sanford

37 - FORT Myers/punta gorda

51 - EXPLORE ALLEGIANT DESTINATIONS

FOR OUR PASSENGERS Bellingham Kalispell

Pasco

Bozeman

Medford

Stockton

Fresno

Minot

Grand Forks

Plattsburgh

Fargo

Bismarck

Billings

St. Cloud

Boise

Appleton

Idaho Falls Rapid City Reno

Sioux Falls

Ogden

San Francisco /Oakland Monterey

Bangor Great Falls

Missoula

Eugene

Las Vegas St. George

Des Moines Omaha

Grand Island

Provo

Grand Junction

Denver Kansas City

Montrose

Santa Maria

Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego

Phoenix / Mesa

Wichita Tulsa

Albuquerque

Oklahoma City

Grand Rapids Flint

Milwaukee

Ogdensburg / Ottawa Portsmouth Syracuse Albany Rochester Newburgh Niagara Falls Elmira

Allentown Cleveland Harrisburg Toledo Hagerstown Pittsburgh South Bend Fort Wayne Clarksburg 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

Rockford Cedar Rapids Moline Peoria Bloomington Springfield

Indianapolis

Myrtle Beach

Greenville/ Spartanburg

Memphis Little Rock

Boston/ Providence

New York City Washington, D.C. / Baltimore

Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head

Tucson El Paso

Shreveport

Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Gulfport / Biloxi

Austin

San Antonio

Orlando / Sanford Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Fort Myers / Punta Gorda

66 - ROUTE MAP Laredo

Jacksonville

New Orleans

Fort Lauderdale

McAllen

San Juan

70 - Food & Drinks

Puerto Rico

Sunseeker â–Ş 3


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 allegiantair.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 17,500 Bonus Points — 15,000 plus 2,500 when you apply today and make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening. That’s equal to $175 off your next Allegiant trip. 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 — No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire. 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 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. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation ARLNX3WN-12062018 AD-11-18-0599.A


welcome aboar d PUBLISHER Allegiant Travel Company CEO/CHAIRMAN Maurice J. Gallagher Publication director Robyn Davies EDITOR Connor ​McIIveen ASSOCIATE EDITORS Justin Ralenkotter, Teresa Bitler, Heather Turk WRITERS Teresa Bitler, Sandra Chambers, Sean Davies, Nancy Foster, Chelle Koster Walton, Christopher Lewis, Heather Turk, Stacey Zable ART DESIGN & PRODUCTION 702West.com PHOTO CREDITS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Experience Kissimmee, visitstpeteclearwater.com, David Sussman Photography, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, Kay Phelan PRtogograpy, Country Thunder Music Festivals, Florida Sports Foundation, City of Clearwater, Pier 60 Park, Boone Clemmons, Jim Mandeville, Palm Pavilion Inn, Clearwater Community Sailing Center, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, Surfside Taphouse, Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, Frenchy’s Restaurants, Wayne Cathel of Belleair Images, Gianna Lalios, Nancy Foster, Baystar Restaurant Group, Robert McCreary, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Courigan’s Irish Pub, Rebecca Topicz, Nicole Abbott, Giraffe Ranch, Safari Wilderness Ranch, Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Shelix Flores, Dawn Lawrence, Brad Caporini, Shark Brothers Multimedia, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau, Sarah Campbell, Fisherman’s Village, Four Points by Sheraton, Englewood Community Redevelopment Area, Hooked on SUP, City of Punta Gorda, Aqua Marketing, Boscopix Photography, JDub’s Brewing, Rita Hill, Sandra Chambers, Danny Cary, Destin Commons, Louisianna Lagniappe, Zack Smith, Arnaud’s Restaurant, Chris Hollo, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, South Seas Island Resort, Sanibel Inn

Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Allegiant. It’s the start of a new year and let me start by wishing you and yours all the best for 2019. A new year means new opportunities to travel, new opportunities for a vacation and new opportunities to make those ever-lasting moments. We constantly strive to find ways for you to travel at the lowest prices. Recently, we announced expanded service to Sarasota, Florida with the addition of nine new routes. By always searching for ways to expand our service, we hope to make it easier for you to get away. Let Sunseeker be your guide to the latest in local deals and tips on the hottest spots to visit in our destinations. See how you can venture out to sea on a boating excursion from Clearwater Beach on page 17. Read about a new dining destination in Tampa that is unlike anything the city has seen before on page 31. Learn why Nashville is known as Music City and which legendary music venues you won’t want to miss page 57. Finally, find out why Punta Gorda is one of Florida’s best kept secrets on page 48. 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 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.

CEO/Chairman Allegiant Travel Company


Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival

D E S T I N AT I O N F L O R I DA

UPCOMING EVENTS W H AT E V E R YO U R PA S S I O N , YO U R D E S T I N AT I O N H A S SO M E T H I N G FO R YO U february

The Edison Festival of Lights offers two weekends full of fun in Fort Myers on Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 1518 on the 20-acre Edison & Ford Winter Estates, as in Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. A tradition that has lasted more than 80 years, the event draws some 200,000 visitors looking for fun and educational activities that include a STEM-based Day of Discovery, classic car show, craft market and dog parade. edisonfestival.org

Broward and Miami-Dade Counties play host to more than 100 events during the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival taking place Feb. 20-24. It features some of the world’s top wine and spirit producers, celebrity chefs and culinary stars. Included in the festival is Crave Greater Fort Lauderdale, which offers such opportunities as a dinner hosted by Donatella Arpaia, PJ Calapa and Michael Chavez at Terra Mare on Feb. 20, and dinner hosted by Anne Burrell and Angelo Elia at Casa D’Angelo Ristorante on Feb. 21. sobewff.org/event-type/crave-gfl 14th Annual Wine and Jazz Festival in Punta Gorda

6 ▪ EVENTS

The 14th Annual Wine and Jazz Festival in Laishley Park in Punta Gorda on Feb. 23 features performances that include 90-minutes of music d e s t i n at i o n ▪ F L O R I DA

Photo of festival singer courtesy of visitstpeteclearwater.com; rodeo courtesy of Experience Kissimmee; jazz artists courtesy of David Sussman Photography and Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

Silver Spurs Rodeo

Bringing a little bit of the west to Osceola County for its 142nd year is the Silver Spurs Rodeo at Osceola Heritage Park/Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee Feb. 15-17. Come see all seven traditional rodeo events including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping and barrel racing. In between the events, look for a rodeo clown act and the Silver Spurs Quadrille team performing a square dance on horseback. It’s pure family fun with kids ages 6 to 10 invited to participate in the Calf Scramble, where they get to chase a calf’s tail for their own $5 prize. silverspursrodeo.com


If you love seafood, music and dancing, then the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival is for you. Presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater on Feb. 23 and 24, this two-day weekend event features live blues music from regional and national recording acts and fresh seafood from local restaurants. The festival takes place in Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater, with a special brunch at the Clearwater Main Library on Feb. 24. visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/clearwater-seablues-festival/7085 Destin Commons Mardi Gras Masquerade

Photo of masquerade by Kay Phelan PRtography; grand prix drivers courtesy of visitstpeteclearwater.com; Luke Bryan courtesy of Country Thunder Music Festivals

march

F L O R I DA U P CO M I N G E V E N T S

from Gerald Albright as well as The Sax Pack and Matt Marshak. Regular tickets include entrance and a souvenir bag containing a beer and wine glass with food and beverage purchased in the park. Premium tickets include a reserved seat in a special section and four complimentary drink tickets. VIP tickets gets you a complimentary food hamper, seven complimentary beverage tickets, souvenir bag containing beer and wine glasses, seated (at tables) stage front seats and a special meet and greet with select artists. puntagordachamber.com/product/14th-annualwine-jazz-festival-2019

Combine face painting, live music, a photo booth and a parade with some 30 floats, and you have the Destin Commons Mardi Gras Masquerade on March 1. There will also be plenty of beads and Mardi Gras trinkets along the way. destincommons.com The 12th annual Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond is slated for March 3. Thirty restaurants from Punta Gorda and nearby communities are serving tastes of their own signature dishes. There will also be approximately 70 arts, crafts and nonprofits participating as well as live entertainment. The Fun Kids’ Zone is designed for the youngest attendees. tasteofpuntagorda.org

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is scheduled for March 8-10 and is the IndyCar Series’ season opening race. The 1.8-mile, 14turn configuration temporary circuit takes over the streets of the city. The race circles Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and then heads onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. The event also includes interactive games and the chance to meet the drivers. gpstpete.com The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is taking place in Central Park and along Park Avenue on March 15-17 in Winter Park. One of the oldest and largest outdoor arts festival in the U.S., the event dates back to 1960. It draws over 300,000 visitors who come to see the works of the selected 225 artists. wpsaf.org Country music lovers will not want to miss the Country Thunder Music Festival taking place in Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee on March 22-24. The line-up includes Toby Keith, Luke Combs and Luke Bryan. The RAM National Circuit Rodeo will be taking place at the park during the festival as well. countrythunder.com/fl D e s t i n at i o n ▪ F L O R I DA

Luke Bryan will be at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Kissimmee

EVENTS ▪ 7


E x p l o r e f l o r i da

AN EVENT THAT ALWAYS SCORES A HOME RUN T H E R E T U R N O F F L O R I DA G R A P E F R U I T L E AG U E S P R I N G T R A I N I N G By Heather Turk

Spring comes to Florida early again this year, as 15 Major League Baseball teams will report to the Sunshine State in February for Florida Grapefruit League spring training.

Mariners, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks), with 35 different sites throughout the state having hosted spring training games.

An event that attracts thousands of baseball enthusiasts from across the country, spring training has become synonymous with the state since 1946, when commissioner Kenesaw Landis erased the Potomac Line and allowed teams to resume the practice of traveling to Florida to prepare for the upcoming season in a warm climate. For the preceding three years, teams that had to travel south of the Potomac and Ohio Rivers or west of the Mississippi River for spring training were prohibited from doing so in order to free up some space on railroad lines carrying troops and supplies for World War II. To date, all but six of today’s Major League Baseball teams have trained in Florida (the Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle

That number will increase next year when the Atlanta Braves move to a new facility in North Port for their 2020 spring training season. This year marks the final season the team will be playing at the 9,500-seat Champion Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex—their spring training ballpark since 1998. The Braves are set to kick off their final string of home games at the venue when they play the Washington Nationals on Feb. 25, with their last game at the Kissimmee ballpark scheduled for March 23 against the New York Mets.

Watch the Philadelphia Phillies train at Spectrum Field

8 ▪ r ec r e at i o n

While the New York Mets may hold their spring training home games at Port St. Lucie’s First Data Field, fans of the New York Yankees will want to head on over to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to see their favorite New York team play. The Yankees’ first spring training home game is scheduled for Feb. 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays, the same team they’ll play against in their final home game on March 23. Even though George M. Steinbrenner Field is one of Florida Grapefruit League’s larger ballparks with a seating capacity of 11,076 people, given the Yankees’ popularity, tickets go fast, so fans are encouraged to buy them as soon as possible. The Yankees’ longtime rival, the Boston Red Sox, call Florida their spring training home as well, d e s t i n at i o n ▪ f l o r i da


JetBlue Park, the spring training facility of the Boston Red Sox

Play in the snow at Adventure Landing’s WinterFEST event

playing at Fort Myers’ JetBlue Park. Another one of Florida Grapefruit League’s larger ballparks, JetBlue Park can accommodate 11,000 fans. The 2018 World Series champions will play a total of 16 spring training games there this season, starting on Feb. 23 when they host the New York Yankees. Their home game schedule concludes on March 23 with a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fort Myers also happens to be the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins, who play at CenturyLink Sports Complex’s 9,300-seat Hammond Stadium. The Twins’ first home game of the season is scheduled for Feb. 23 against the Tampa Bay Rays, with their final home game scheduled for March 26 against the Colorado Rockies.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Sports Foundation

Baseball fans can catch the Philadelphia Phillies playing in Florida, too, at their spring training facility: the 8,272-seat Spectrum Field in Clearwater. Home spring training games for the Phillies begin on Feb. 23 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and end on March 25 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tampa Bay Rays, meanwhile, play their home games at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte. The team’s spring training ballpark since 2009, the stadium can accommodate 7,000 fans. The Rays’ first home game of the season is scheduled for Feb. 22 against the Philadelphia Phillies, with their final home game scheduled for March 22 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since 1969, the Pittsburgh Pirates have played their spring training home games at the 8,500seat LECOM Park in Bradenton. Their first home game of the season takes place on Feb. D e s t i n at i o n ▪ F l o r i da

This is the Atlanta Braves’ final season at Champion Stadium

24 against the Miami Marlins, with their last home game happening on March 23 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Allegiant passengers can also head to Sarasota to see the Baltimore Orioles play at the 7,500seat Ed Smith Stadium. The Orioles’ spring training schedule begins on Feb. 23 with a home game against the Minnesota Twins and ends on March 25 with a home game against the New York Mets. Other Florida Grapefruit League ballparks fans can watch a game at include Lakeland’s Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, home to the Detroit Tigers; Jupiter’s Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, home to the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals; Dunedin Stadium, home to the Toronto Blue Jays; and West Palm Beach’s FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, home to the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. floridagrapefruitleague.com r ec r e at i o n ▪ 9


E x p l o r e K e n n e dy s pac e c e n t e r

LAUNCH INTO ADVENTURE at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex By Sean Davies

There is only one place in the world where guests can explore the past, present and future of space travel. Where ordinary people can touch a Moon rock, see rockets up close, learn what it's like to train like an astronaut and then actually meet and have lunch with a veteran astronaut. There is only one place where civilians can share the same air and walk the same paths as the first people to step on the Moon, and the first humans to one day travel to Mars. Operated for NASA by Delaware North, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is more than a museum or theme park. It's a breath-taking

Explore the International Space Station modules inside Space Shuttle Atlantis®

1 0 ▪ f e at u r e s to ry

experience that not only gives visitors the chance to see a rocket launch into the sky, but allows them to start their own missions exploring the complex science and technology that have made space travel possible. From the LC-39 Observation Gantry, one of three potential launch viewing locations, guests are offered the closest public viewing opportunity of rockets on the launch pad and during lift off, just a few miles away from the adjacent launch pads on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Only accessible by bus from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the antry allows guests to feel the force of the launch and hear the roar of the engines from their seats on the lawn or bleachers, all while enjoying the expert commentary. Of course, seeing a launch is only one of many exciting ways to experience the thrill of space exploration. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides the opportunity to get to know the actual astronauts that crewed each flight and the behemoths of technology they rode through the stratosphere. At Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing®, guests can walk among rockets and shuttles, learn about the history of space travel through a 4-D multisensory theater experience and get to know the legendary astronauts that dedicated their lives to the science of space travel at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. d e s t i n at i o n ▪ f l o r i da


Introduce yourself to a veteran NASA astronaut

Photos courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The visitor complex also offers Dine With An Astronaut, which welcomes guests to meet real NASA astronauts in a newly enhanced dining facility, providing a more intimate stage for the astronaut's riveting tales. If that’s not enough, guests can also enhance their experience with Fly With An Astronaut, adding a tour of Space Shuttle Atlantis® and ride aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience®, all under the guidance of a real astronaut. Even without guidance, guests are free to launch their own missions into the great blue yonder aboard interactive exhibits. In addition to the Shuttle Launch Experience, an 8-and-a-half minute ascension into orbit that veteran NASA astronauts call the next best thing to flying aboard a real space shuttle, the visitor complex recently debuted the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX)® Exploring with Lockheed Martin. Here, guests are invited to train for the trip to Mars through several stages that utilize the latest technology to bring guests as close to training, living and working on the Red Planet as possible without ever leaving Earth. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex always has an eye on the future, be it in space or at home, which is why they’ve incorporated the latest advancements to modern technology at exhibits like "Step. Power. Launch." Utilizing piezoelectric technology the exhibit harnesses the power of people, using the force of visitors' footsteps to make clean energy. In fact, after all the stepping, visitors may want to get off their feet and take a seat inside one of two IMAX® theaters, and enjoy the only journey to space that they can sit through in comfort… at least, for now. kennedyspacecenter.com D e s t i n at i o n ▪ f l o r i da

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is your ticket to an out of this world adventure

Blast off aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience®

The Saturn V is one of many rockets on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Rocket Garden at The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

f e at u r e s to ry ▪ 1 1


ST. PETE–CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIE

Fly non-stop to Tampa Bay from 55 US cities Jacksonville

Orlando

Clearwater Tampa

St. Petersburg Sarasota

fly2pie.com

Fort Myers Miami


D E S T I N AT I O N

TAMPA ST. PETE CLEARWATER IN THIS ISSUE

ICONIC PIER 60 PARK

15

29

A PLAYGROUND OF FUN ON CLEARWATER BEACH

IN A BEACHY STATE OF MIND t r e asu r e i sl a n d b ec kons

A l l e g i a n t D e s t i n at i o n s

DESSERT, PLEASE

23

31

SWEET TREATS ON CLEARWATER BEACH

A CULINARY SPARK IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA the delightful new dishes at sparkman wharf

13


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)


Pier 60 Park, Clearwater Beach

E X P L O R E C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

ICONIC PIER 60 PARK A P L AYG RO U N D O F F U N O N C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

Photo of Pier 60 Park courtesy of City of Clearwater; Sunset Cinema courtesy of Pier 60 Park; nightly entertainment by Boone Clemmons

By Nancy Foster

One reason Clearwater Beach is an enduring favorite for beachgoers from around the globe is Pier 60 Park, a multi-use complex of beach, playground and pier right in the heart of the public beach. Here is where sparkling sugar-soft sands and calm, temperate Gulf waters create an aquatic playground to enjoy year-round. Pier 60 Park is walkable from most beach resorts, or hop the popular Jolley Trolley. For those staying off the beach, metered parking is available in designated lots, streets and parking garages. Sun worshipers should arrive early to claim their perfect spot, invest in a cabana rental or just settle in with blanket or beach chair. Team up for a friendly game of beach volleyball, turn the kids loose to create the perfect sandcastle or just let sun, soft sand and warm sea breezes lull you into a blissful state of relaxation. The star of the park is Pier 60, which juts 1,080 feet into the Gulf, guaranteeing every view to be decidedly worthy of Instagram snaps. Anglers will be lured to the far end where tackle can be rented and bait purchased before dropping a line in to try for snapper, flounder, snook or Spanish Mackerel.

street performers and area musicians captivate young and old alike. The highlight, of course, is dazzling sunset views that brand Pier 60 Park as a perennial top-rated scenic wonder. From April 12-28, the annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival will transform the park as 14 world-class sand sculptors dazzle with themed masterpieces made only from a mix of sugar sand and water. Over 100,000 attendees from around the world are expected to revel in the sculptures, beach concerts and fireworks displays. sugarsandfestival.com

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60

A well-equipped playground, gigantic inflatable slides, outside showers, visitor center and concession stands satisfy everyone’s needs. On weekends, free PG-rated movies are shown on a big screen, so haul in your beach blanket, hit the concession stand for popcorn and make a night of it under the brilliance of a starlit night. Every evening two hours before and two hours after sunset, the free “Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival” is held. Vendors set up shop along the pier to hawk souvenirs and handicrafts while D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

Nightly entertainment at Pier 60

e n t e rta i n m e n t ▪ 1 5


Your destination in the heart of Clearwater Beach. Steps from the Best Beach in the USA, Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marina. Rooms with balconies and breathtaking sunset views. Comfort and service provided to all. Complimentary breakfast buffet, fitness and business centers. Join us daily at sundown for the Island’s best sunset viewing at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest. Our 10th floor, award winning Roof top Bar & Restaurant.

101 Coronado Drive Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (727) 683-0002 | PierHouse60.com FOR SPECIAL RATE USE PROMO CODE “ALLEGIANT”


Kai Lani sunset sail

E X P L O R E C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

ALL ABOARD! B OAT I N G E XC U R S I O N S O N C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

Photo of sunset sail by Jim Mandevlle, courtesy of Palm Pavilion Inn; windsurfing courtesy of Clearwater Community Sailing Center; jet ski courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com

By Nancy Foster

All types of boating opportunities await you in Clearwater Beach. Enjoy dolphin watching, deep sea fishing and dinner cruises, or, for the adventurous type, there’s always the chance to man your own personal watercraft and learn to sail! Make time on your next visit to the land of sugar-soft sands and tropical sea breezes to explore Clearwater’s picturesque coastline by boat. KAI LANI CATAMARAN This 50-foot U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel holds 41 passengers and sails out of Clearwater Beach Marina on two-hour dolphin sails, sunset cruises and specialty cruises. Laze on deck and sip beer, wine or soft drinks while tropical music plays in the background. Opt for daytime fun with awesome views of the coastline and dolphins playing in the Gulf, or the romantic sunset cruise where gentle waves, salty sea air and views of the sun fading in a blaze of glory will erase your cares away. kailanicat.com

has many boat excursion companies, including Clearwater Beach WaveRunner Rentals, a daily operation offering one-hour freestyle as well as 90 to 120-minute escorted tours aboard personal watercrafts like Jet Skis. As mandated by the State of Florida, all personal watercraft rentals require instruction and a short test. clearwaterbeachwaverunnerrentals.com

Windsurfing at Clearwater Community Sailing Center

CLEARWATER COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER An official U.S. Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider Training Center, this award-winning sailing center on Sand Key also allows the public to enjoy the facilities, including watercraft rentals of single-handed dinghies, longboards, optimist prams and windsurfers. Inexperience is no problem at all. Instruction is provided for shortterm rentals, or sign up for a two-day Adult Learn to Sail course and acquire the basics of sailing and paddling. For for those above the age of five, the week-long summer camp is an absolute thrill. clearwatercommunitysailing.org CLEARWATER BEACH MARINA There’s nothing like viewing dolphins playing in the Gulf nearby as you cruise the waters on your personal watercraft. Clearwater Beach Marina D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

Skipping the waves on a jet ski adventure

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 1 7


Enjoy a Sunburst on the beach at Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar

E X P L O R E C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

COCKTAIL TIME ON CLEARWATER BEACH I R R E S I S T I B L E T RO P I C A L T R E AT S By Nancy Foster

PALM PAVILION BEACHSIDE GRILL & BAR A hotspot on Clearwater Beach since it opened in 1926, this casual beachside eatery

Tropical Cocktails at Surfside Taphouse

Rum Runner, Banana Mudslide, Key Lime Pie at Jimmy’s Crow's Nest

18 ▪ Dining

on north Clearwater Beach offers inside and outside dining in a laid-back, come-as-youare atmosphere geared to coaxing customers to stay for hours. Carefully crafted specialty cocktails and frozen drinks include the frozen Sunburst, a refreshing blend of vodka, amaretto and pineapple blended with coconut mixer and a bottom float of strawberry. As live entertainment plays on deck, nosh on spicy gator bites before feasting on fresh seafood as the sun sets. palmpavilion.com SURFSIDE TAPHOUSE Across the street from Pier 60 Park, this friendly tavern’s main claim to fame is big screen TVs and icy craft beers, but bartenders with a tourist-friendly attitude are skilled at creatively satisfying patrons with signature cocktails like Shark Bite, Surfside Sunset or the ultra-smooth Margarita flight. Live entertainment most nights adds to the vacation mood. The eats are good, the portions hearty and the service is always with a smile. surfsidetaphouse.com Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest When a Clearwater restaurant wins the 2018 Bestie Award for Best Rooftop Bar, you know it’s a must-try, so head to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest for an uptempo vibe, beachy-casual mood and views that overlook the marina and Pier 60 Park. Bartenders who know their stuff work their magic on beautiful cocktails including the Banana Mudslide with vodka, Kahlua® and Bailey’s. Their sister restaurant, Jimmy’s on the Edge, is a five-minute walk and lays claim as the largest rooftop bar on the beach. Stop there, and settle into comfy deck chairs while savoring every sip of their signature pina colada. jimmyscrowsnest.com d e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

Photo of Sunburst courtesy of Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar; tropical cocktails courtesy of Surfside Taphouse; Rum Runner courtesy of Jimmy’s Crow's Nest

When it’s time to pause after hours of sun and sand on Clearwater Beach, visitors seek fun places to chill out, sip something cold and maybe even get caught up in some tropicalthemed live entertainment. Dozens of options are at hand, many just a short walk (or trolley ride) from favorite beach resorts, so visitors can take their pick from outside decks, rooftop panoramic viewing spots or fine dining outlets. Whatever the locale may be, savvy area mixologists ensure memorable moments with irresistible concoctions that go down easy.


447 Mandalay Ave Clearwater Beach, FL bobheilmans.com

447 Mandalay Ave Clearwater Beach, FL bobbysbistro.com

S

urrounded by crystal blue waters of Clearwater Beach, Edge Hotel blends the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast with premium comforts, and warm, personalized service. Our 10th floor roof top bar & restaurant, Jimmy’s on the Edge, provides breathtaking views of the Island and Gulf of Mexico. Edge Hotel 505 S Gulfview Blvd. | Clearwater Beach, FL | (727) 281-3100 EdgeHotelClearwaterBeach.com FOR SPECIAL RATE USE PROMO CODE: ALLEGIANT


Dining beachside at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

E X P L O R E C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

AL FRESCO DINING ON CLEARWATER BEACH B e au t i f u l v i e ws a n d s p ec tac u l a r m e a l s make outside dining memorable By Nancy Foster

Florida’s sunshine lures visitors year-round, and one favorite pastime for many beachgoers, especially those from cooler climates, is dining outside where warm tropical breezes, glorious sunset views and relaxing atmosphere make mealtime a vacation bonus.

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill Get up close and personal with Clearwater Beach at this iconic dine and drink restaurant whose Grouper Sandwiches literally put them on the map. Seafood dishes reign supreme on this extensive menu (try the incomparable Seafood Pot Pie!) or go for choice steak, ribs, pasta and chicken, all created with a Floribbean touch. Chill out over a frosty beer or cocktail and enjoy the come-as-you-are attitude, live music daily, and front row seats overlooking the beach. And do stay for sunset viewing…it’s totally memorable! frenchysonline.com Jimmy’s Fish House & Iguana Bar Make tracks to this nautical-themed restaurant at the rear of the Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach where views overlooking Clearwater Harbor are beautiful day or night. Start your day with breakfast on the spacious deck with a sumptuous Oscar Mignon Bennie and refreshing Mimosa. At lunch or dinner, start with the flavorpacked Gulf Fish Spread, then choose among market-fresh seafood, thick burgers, steaks and 20 ▪ Dining

Waterfront views at Jimmy’s Fish House & Iguana Bar

pastas. Linger over a signature Bloody Mary or get adventurous with an Iguana Colada or Voodoo Juice. Live entertainment each evening will keep you happily engaged way past the blazing sunset. jimmysfishhouse.net Salty’s Island Bar & Grille Go top deck or streetside at this casual eatery in the heart of Clearwater Beach. Known for its easygoing atmosphere, you’ll be hard pressed to choose from a menu that tempts from morning to night with fresh seafood, overstuffed sandwiches, salads and pastas. Go for breakfast and indulge in mouthwatering Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and healthy fruity smoothies or stop in for lunch or dinner and devour delectable Coconut Shrimp, blackened Gulf Grouper or Island Nachos. This family-friendly restaurant offers a Little Crab menu for young diners and live entertainment on weekend afternoons. saltysisland.com d e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

Photo of beachside dining courtesy of Frenchy’s Restaurants; waterfront views by Wayne Cathel of Belleair Images

Clearwater Beach caters to visitors with dozens of restaurants, bistros, cafes and tiki bars, all serving up amazing food in settings that beckon you to kick back, enjoy a memorable meal and soak up the temperate climate that makes this destination a global hotspot.


Next time, save on a staycation. It’s good not to be home.

Attention Florida and Georgia residents: Book your next getaway closer to home and save up to 20% off the regular rate at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, located just steps from the beach named No. 1 by TripAdvisor. To book, visit hyattregencyclearwater.com and enter offer code FLARE5. HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA 301 South Gulfview Boulevard Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA, 33767 Contact hotel for full terms and conditions. The trademarks Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2018 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

“BEST STEAKHOUSE ” PIERC5648_HR Clearwater Allegiant Sandava Spa Credit Offer Ad.indd 1

12/21/2018 11:22:11 AM

TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 2017 & 2018 GAYOT & TAMPA A LIST



Luscious bread pudding at Rusty’s Bistro

E X P L O R E C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H

DESSERT, PLEASE SW E E T T R E AT S O N C L E A R WAT E R B E AC H By Nancy Foster

Photo of Bread Pudding by Giana Lalios; Chocolate Cake by Nancy Foster; Espresso Cake courtesy of Bay Star Restaurant Group

On your next vacation to Clearwater Beach, be prepared to indulge in delicious desserts. Area chefs are known for their fabulous cuisine, and that includes decadent confections guaranteed to give you sweet dreams. No worries about the calories; after all, you’re on vacation! BLINKERS BEACHSIDE Winner of “Best Overall Dining Experience in 2018” by the Clearwater Beach Chamber Reader Poll, this stylish restaurant sits just a

Chocolate Cake at Blinkers Beachside

Warm Espresso Chocolate Cake with Salty Caramel Ice Cream at Island Way Grill

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

block off the public beach area. Known for its signature USDA Prime and Choice Sterling steaks, creative menu choices and extensive wine and cocktail menu, patrons can expect a fine-dining experience, attentive service and a well-appointed dining room perfect for quiet conversation. Top off your meal with a positively fabulous dessert created onsite daily. Current choices include chef’s tangy Key Lime Pie, a flavorful Banana Misu, Bread Pudding du jour and a rich dark chocolate cake topped with pure whipped cream. blinkersbeachside.com RUSTY’S BISTRO This multiple award-winning restaurant inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort is known for its “Cuisine of the Sun.” Their contemporary dining room offers the perfect setting to unwind over a perfect glass of wine and a beautifullyprepared meal. The chef’s inventive menu satisfies both locals and visitors with dishes from Mediterranean Risotto to Fresh Gulf Grouper and other choice filets. End the night by lingering over a frothy cappuccino and the chef’s own Homemade Bread Pudding, served warm with a butter rum sauce, candied pecans, fresh strawberries and a scoop of delightful cinnamon ice cream. rustysbistro.com ISLAND WAY GRILL Go off the beach a mile to a classy restaurant known for its fresh-off-the-boat seafood, award-winning Sunday brunch and dining room with picturesque views of the harbor. Start with their specialty Island Way Mojito, ask about the catch-of-the-day or fast forward to the tempting dessert menu. Indulge in an ultimate trio of deliciousness, a beautiful dessert sampler of mouthwatering Crème Brûlée, Warm Espresso Chocolate Cake, and light-as-air Key Lime Pie. Wind down over a steaming cappuccino to end your perfect evening. islandwaygrill.com Dining ▪ 23


Th ai!

ey

ai ! ey on H r Ou Try

Real Food. Real FUN!

on H r Ou y Tr

Th

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


Learn about Clearwater Beach’s wildlife on a Sensing Nature ecotour

E X P L O R E S T . P E T E / C L E A R WAT E R

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE REMARKABLE WILDLIFE VIEWING O P P O RT U N I T I E S I N S T . P E T E / C L E A R WAT E R By Heather Turk

Photo of crab by Robert McCreary; rescue animal courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Home to a wide variety of fauna, St. Pete/ Clearwater offers animal lovers a wealth of opportunities to see some wildlife. Whether you want to learn more about the area’s animals or quietly observe them in their natural habitat, there are several fun ways to experience the wild side of St. Pete/Clearwater during your Allegiant getaway. CLAM BAYOU NATURE PRESERVE This pristine nature preserve in St. Pete is a great place to look for wildlife. Since it’s sheltered by mangroves and the water stays fairly shallow, guests often see several species of wading birds when they visit. It’s also a great spot to kayak, as paddlers occasionally notice manatees while they’re out on the water. stpeteparksrec.org/ clam-bayou-nature-preserve.html CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM Although best known for being the home of Winter, the rescued dolphin with a prosthetic tail that starred in Warner Bros./Alcon Entertainment’s “Dolphin Tale” movies, this working marine Watch rescued animals undergo treatment at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

animal hospital actually cares for several rescued animals that can’t be released back into the wild. Visitors will see injured animals currently being rehabilitated for release, too, such as sea turtles and otters. Guests can interact with some of the animals for an additional fee during one of the aquarium’s unforgettable Animal Experiences or learn more about the area’s wildlife on one of its boat tours of Clearwater Bay. For a real handson adventure, book the Sea Life Safari boat tour where passengers pass around a variety of sea creatures caught in a net pull before safely releasing them back into the water. visit. seewinter.com DELL HOLMES PARK Offering year-round fishing on Lake Maggiore, this 22.4-acre park in St. Pete has its own kayak launch so paddlers can get out onto the water to see some of the area’s marine life. It also has a walking trail that’s ideal for birdwatching. During the months of February and March, it’s not uncommon to spot bald eagles, ospreys, great horned owls and other birds nearby. Visitors might even see some alligators basking in the sun! stpeteparksrec.org/dell-holmes-park.html SENSING NATURE Every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 a.m., this educational tour company offers 90-minute ecotours of Clearwater Beach led by two Florida Master Naturalists. Limited to just 24 participants, each tour group will walk approximately 1.5 miles along the beach while their guides talk about the beautiful sugar white sand and identify any nearby wildlife. Animals frequently spotted include dolphins, stingrays, manatees and an array of migratory birds. sensingnature.com

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 2 5


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!

Jimmy’s Life The next best thing to being a

Pirate

The Simple Things in Life...Are Often the Best Stay at the Palm Pavilion Inn just 25 steps from the white sands of award-winning Clearwater Beach. • TripAdvisor: Ranked in Top 5 of all 97 Clearwater hotels • 100% non-smoking property • Free Wi-Fi • Great rates • Swimming pool • Beach umbrella/chair rentals • 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 Superior Small Lodging® approved for quality and service

EXPLORE The Dalí Museum Dreams of Dalí Virtual Reality Experience, presented by the Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency. Jan. 10-June 30, 2019 Second Century Studios downtownclearwater.com


Guests enjoying live music on The Lucky Anchor’s patio

E X P L O R E TA M PA / S T . P E T E / C L E A R WAT E R

FLORIDA’S “IRISH” COAST I R I S H P U BS I N TA M PA , S T . P E T E A N D C L E A R WAT E R By Heather Turk

Photo of live music by Rebecca Topicz; bar courtesy of Courigan’s Irish Pub

Florida’s Gulf Coast may not be close to Ireland, but the area actually boasts several Irish pubs. Whether you’re looking for some place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or you just want to get in touch with your Irish side, there are plenty of pubs in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater where great beer is always on tap. COURIGAN’S IRISH PUB Every St. Patrick’s Day, this Irish pub in St. Pete throws one of the biggest street parties in Florida. Visitors will find a 25-seat mobile bar with TVs outside of the establishment, as well as a stage featuring live music. There’s also a grill set up on the closed road cooking burgers, brats and chicken sandwiches. Inside the pub, guests can savor the full menu of impeccable Irish fare that’s offered daily, including Corned Beef Poppers, Fish-N-Chips and Bangers-N-Mash, plus 29 beers on tap. In addition to pouring a selection of local brews, the pub prides itself on pouring the best pint of Guinness in town. facebook.com/courigans The bar at Courigan’s Irish Pub

JAMES JOYCE IRISH PUB Voted one of Tampa Bay Times’ 50 ultimate bars for the past eight years, this Ybor City pub features 50 craft beers on tap. It also boasts an extensive food menu featuring such awardwinning selections as the succulent Shepherd’s Pie and the flavorful Jameson BBQ Burger stuffed with diced jalapeños and onion and topped with melted pepper Jack cheese, jalapeño candied bacon, delicate fried onion strings and the pub’s own homemade Jameson BBQ sauce. On St. Patrick’s Day, guests can enjoy live music from Irish bands and bagpipers while they drink and dine. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to try the Guinness Beef Stew braised for hours in fresh-from-the-tap Guinness draft beer—it’s a staff favorite! jamesjoyceybor.com D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

THE LUCKY ANCHOR Clearwater’s equivalent to Cheers, this Irish pub downtown has a very loyal locals following where on most nights everybody knows each other’s name. Of course, the friendly pub also welcomes tourists to kick back on its large outdoor patio with a drink and play one of its popular patio games, like Giant Connect 4 or Cornhole. The bar itself has 14 beers on tap, including eight rotating selections that showcase different local breweries. Not surprisingly, Guinness is always available. There’s also an array of weekly events for visitors to revel in, including an open mic night on Wednesday and live music every Friday. facebook.com/luckyanchorbar Dining ▪ 27


& 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!

Visit Winter the dolphin, star of Dolphin Tale movies See real movie set locations & props Eco Life Boat Tours Explore the working animal hospital See all of our rescued dolphins, sea turtles and pelicans BUY TICKETS AT SEEWINTER.COM

249 WINDWARD PASSAGE | CLEARWATER, FL 33767 | 727.441.1790


Treasure Island Beach

EXPLORE TREASURE ISLAND

IN A BEACHY STATE OF MIND T R E A S U R E I S L A N D B EC KO N S

Photo of beach by Nancy Foster; night view courtesy of visitstpeteclearwater.com; souvenirs courtesy of Captain Dave’s Trading Company

By Nancy Foster

Treasure Island on Florida’s west coast may just be your perfect sun destination if a cozy little beach town famous for wide, white stretches of sand, a mix of affordable lodging types and tons of restaurants and bars is what you crave. Just north of St. Pete Beach and a few miles south of Clearwater Beach, tiny Treasure Island is a barrier island just four miles long, has one main drag and boasts a laid-back atmosphere, friendly people and sunsets sure to take your breath away.

sunbathers since 1961. Recently refurbished in 2018, it features 166 spacious rooms, three penthouses, four suites, two sparkling pools, two lounges and the widely favored Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach, where a two-tier deck overlooks mesmerizing views of the Gulf.

Since beach time is no doubt on your mind, Treasure Island won’t disappoint. It has one of the widest stretches of pure white sand on Florida’s west coast and offers multiple beach access points. A newly-added feature is a 433 feet long, 6.5 inches wide Mobi-Mat® Recpath™ roll-out accessibility mat that affords easier beach access to those in wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.

For entertainment, popular watering holes where locals and tourists mingle over cold brews, frosty cocktails and live music can be found at Gator’s Café & Saloon, Ricky T’s or Caddy’s on the Beach. Locally-owned shops like Suncoast Surf Shop have been renting and selling surfboards and other aquatic equipment since 1966. The Florida Shell Shop, open since 1955, sells shell-themed gifts and souvenirs, and Captain Dave’s Trading Company is known for trinkets, jewelry, beachwear and home accents. Treasure Island also sits on the south side of John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a go-to assortment of boating excursions, eateries, bars and tourist-magnet shops.

Accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, from retro beach cottages to high-rise condo rentals and traditional beachfront resorts. The perennial favorite Bilmar Beach Resort sits on 550 feet of wide white beach and has been luring

If you haven’t yet discovered the wonders of Treasure Island, plan to visit this beach gem soon and bask in its tropical Gulf waters, soft white sands and sunsets you’ll remember forever. islandneighborschamber.org

Beautiful by day or night, Treasure Island

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

Shop for souvenirs at Captain Dave’s Trading Company

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 2 9


JCResorts JCResorts JCResorts

JCResorts JCResorts JCResorts

Paradise, Paradise, Paradise, reputation reputation andand Paradise, reputation reputation andand reliability since 1981. reliability since 1981. reliability since 1981. reliability since 1981.

JCResorts

Paradise, reputation and reliability since 1981. Paradise, Paradise, reputation and reputation andand Paradise, reputation reliability since since 1981. reliability 1981.

reliability since 1981. Paradise, reputation and reliability since 1981.

800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663 JCRESORTS.US Destination- St Pete/Clearwater’s award winning beaches. All beachfront properties, fantastic views and everything the Tampa Bay Area has to offer. Come...find your paradise.

800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663

Visit our website to select 800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663 your favorite! JCRESORTS.US 800-535-7776 800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663 800-421-6663 17200DestinationGulf JCRESORTS.US Blvd., N.Pete/Clearwater’s Redington Beach, FL 33708 St award JCRESORTS.US JCRESORTS.US winning beaches. All beachfront properties, fantastic views Destinationaward Destination-StStPete/Clearwater’s Pete/Clearwater’s award and everything the Tampa Bay Area has to offer.

DestinationSt Pete/Clearwater’s award winning beaches. All beachfront fantastic viewsviews winning beaches. All beachfront properties, fantastic Come...find yourproperties, paradise. and everything theTampa Tampa Bay Area hashas tofantastic offer. winning All beachfront properties, andbeaches. everything the Bay Area to offer.views Come...find your paradise. Visit our toArea select and everything thewebsite Tampa has to offer. Come...find yourBay paradise. your favorite! Come...find your paradise. Visit our website to select

800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663

800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663 800-421-6663 17200 Gulfour Blvd., N. Redington Beach, FL 33708 Visit website to select your favorite! JCRESORTS.US 800-535-7776 or Visit our website to select your favorite! 17200DestinationGulf JCRESORTS.US Blvd., N.Pete/Clearwater’s Redington Beach, FL 33708 St award 800-535-7776 or 800-421-6663 your favorite! JCRESORTS.US winning beaches. All beachfront properties, fantastic views 17200 Gulf Blvd., N. Redington Beach, FL 33708

JCRESORTS.US

DestinationSt award and everything thePete/Clearwater’s Tampa Bay Area has to offer. 17200DestinationGulf Blvd., N. Redington Beach, FL 33708 St Pete/Clearwater’s winning beaches. All beachfront properties,award fantastic views Come...find your paradise. winning beaches. All beachfront properties, and everythingSt thePete/Clearwater’s Tampa Bay Area hasfantastic to offer.views Destinationaward and everything thewebsite Tampa has to offer. Visit our toArea select Come...find yourBay paradise. winning beaches. All beachfront properties, fantastic views Come...find your paradise. your favorite!

and everything thewebsite Tampa Bayto Area to offer. 17200 Gulfour Blvd., N. Redington Beach, FLhas 33708 Visit select Visit our website to select Come...find your paradise. your favorite!

your favorite!

17200 Gulf Blvd., N. Redington Beach, FL 33708 17200 Gulfour Blvd.,website N. Redington to Beach, FL 33708 Visit select


Play a variety of lawn games at Sparkman Wharf

E X P L O R E TA M PA

A CULINARY SPARK IN DOWNTOWN TAMPA THE DELIGHTFUL NEW DISHES AT S PA R K M A N W H A R F By Heather Turk

Allegiant passengers traveling to Tampa will discover a delectable new dining destination that is unlike anything the city has seen before.

Photos by Nicole Abbott

Part of the $3 billion master-planned community known as Water Street Tampa, Sparkman Wharf opened to the public in late 2018. Named after the region’s first congressman, Stephen Sparkman, the waterfront development along Garrison Channel boasts 10 repurposed shipping containers that house nine creative dining concepts from some of the city’s most wellknown chefs and restaurateurs. The dynamic park-like environment also features an open-air biergarten, Fermented Reality, that has 30 craft beers on tap (including 22 from the Tampa Bay area), a lawn for special events, 65,000 square feet of ground-level retail shops and 180,000 square feet of reimagined, loft-style office space. "The idea for Sparkman Wharf grew from the need to create a destination on the waterfront and provide a central spot where people could walk around, grab a bite to eat and spend time outside,” said Dave Bevirt, executive vice president of corporate leasing and strategy for Strategic Property Partners, the developer of Water Street Tampa. “Whether you're looking to catch live music and entertainment on the lawn, spend an afternoon here sampling craft beers at Fermented Reality or try out the best of Tampa's food scene, Sparkman Wharf allows you to do all of those things in one place." Strategic Property Partners’ CEO, James Nozar, added that the city’s only outdoor food hall is guaranteed to have “something for everyone” thanks to its variety of tasty tenants. Guests D e s t i n at i o n ▪ ta m pa / s t . p e t e / c l e a r wat e r

can savor Detroit-style pizza at The Corners; try classic French and Vietnamese fare with a twist at BT in a Box; relish hand-raised raw oysters from Cedar Key, Florida, at the tide-to-table Boat Run Oyster Company; and more. Not only are all of the dining concepts delicious, but each eatery is also eye-catching, as all 10 repurposed shipping containers are wrapped with murals by local design firm Pep Rally Inc., inspired by Florida’s habitat. Sparkman Wharf is set to become one of the focal points of Water Street Tampa, which is completely transforming the downtown area. The project will not only create 3,500 new residences once completed, but also boasts the first new downtown office towers in nearly 25 years and two new hotels: the JW Marriott Tampa and the Tampa EDITION Hotel & Residences by Ian Schrager. sparkmanwharf.com

Fermented Reality, Sparkman Wharf’s open-air biergarten

Dining ▪ 31


New Homes in Sarasota County from $200,000 to $600,000+

Welcome to West Villages Florida. Here, you can do a little bit of everything or a whole lot of nothing. Relax and enjoy life in a spaciously designed, new, low-maintenance home complete with resort-style amenities and planned activities. And then spend the rest of your time exploring nearby beaches, shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.

855-MY-GOWEST | 855-694-6937 | MyWestVillages.com mywestvillages DIVOSTA I D.R. HORTON I LENNAR I MATTAMY HOMES I M/I HOMES NEAL COMMUNITIES I SAM RODGERS HOMES I WCI COMMUNITIES


D E S T I N AT I O N

ORLANDO SANFORD IN THIS ISSUE

35

GET UP CLOSE TO FLORIDA'S WILDLIFE A N I M A L A DV E N T U R E S FO R T H E E N T I R E FA M I LY

F E AT U R E D D e s t i n at i o n s

36

ONE SWEET DESTINATION S E E W H AT ’ S CO O K I N G IN ORLANDO’S B A K E RY D I S T R I C T

33


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


Get up close at Giraffe Ranch

E X P L O R E O R L A N D O / S A N FO R D

GET UP CLOSE TO FLORIDA’S WILDLIFE A N I M A L A DV E N T U R E S FO R T H E E N T I R E FA M I LY By Sandra Chambers

Photo of giraffes courtesy of Giraffe Ranch; lemurs courtesy of Safari Wilderness Ranch; airboat courtesy of Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park

Take a day off from the hustle and bustle of theme parks to enjoy some unique animal adventures in the greater Orlando/Tampa area. GATORLAND Known internationally as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is a 110-acre park and wildlife preserve located between Orlando and Kissimmee. The park showcases thousands of alligators and crocodiles including four extremely rare leucistic “white” alligators. There’s also an aviary, petting zoo, a natural alligator breeding marsh and special activities such as Gator Night Shine and Trainer for the Day. Adventure seekers will thrill at the Screamin’ Gator ZIP Line and the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. gatorland.com SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH Located between Orlando and Tampa, Safari Wilderness Ranch offers 260 acres of pristine wilderness where experienced guides tour you through large herds of exotic game. Tour options include vehicle safaris, camel expeditions, kayak safaris or Llama Treks. Optional adventures include a ring-tailed lemur feeding, budgie feeding and a guinea pig colony feeding. Tours are by reservation only. safariwilderness.com WILD FLORIDA AIRBOAT & GATOR PARK Only 45 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Wild Florida Airboat & Gator Park lets guests can travel deep into the swamps, marshes and rivers of the Florida Everglades aboard a stateof-the-art airboat to get a look at gators, birds, eagles, trees and plants. In the park, get up close to zebras, watusis, deer, bobcats, sloths, lemurs, foxes and more. Visit Hawk Swamp boardwalk to explore Florida’s cypress swamp ecosystem. wildfloridairboats.com D e s t i n at i o n ▪ o r l a n d o / s a n fo r d

Lemur feeding at Safari Wilderness Ranch

Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS Located in Sanford, Florida, the zoo is home to more than 500 animals representing over 200 species, from reptiles to giraffes, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, black bears and even endangered Indian rhinos. There’s something for the entire family including a petting zoo, a splash playground, giraffe feedings, rhinoceros encounters and zip-line adventures. centralfloridazoo.org GIRAFFE RANCH Located about an hour from Orlando and 45 minutes from Tampa, Giraffe Ranch is a working game and wildlife preserve located on 47 acres of rolling countryside. Offering intimate safari adventures either by vehicle, camelback, Segway or Llama, the ranch lets guests experience firsthand 50 species from around the world in a setting that is right out of Africa. Tours by reservation only. girafferanch.com r ec r e at i o n ▪ 3 5


Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, March’s featured cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse

EXPLORE ORLANDO

ONE SWEET DESTINATION S E E W H AT ’ S CO O K I N G I N O R L A N D O ’ S B A K E RY D I S T R I C T By Heather Turk

One of the sweetest spots in Orlando can be found in Audubon Park. Dubbed the Bakery District by local food blogger Ricky Ly in 2017, the cluster of bakeshops located at the intersection of Corrine Drive and Winter Park Road offers guests an array of unique baked goods to savor. Whether you are craving jumbo cookies or hand-sized pies, the delectable destination is sure to have something to please every type of sweet tooth!

OLDE HEARTH BREAD CO. Offering a distinctly different approach to the craft of bread making, this beloved bakeshop offers a variety of artisan-style handcrafted breads— everything from multigrain to a tangy sourdough. Using only real starters that can take 12 to 24 hours to ferment and top-of-the-line ingredients, including King Arthur Flour, the bakery services more than 275 restaurants and businesses in Greater Orlando in addition to its bakeshop guests. Most of its breads are vegan, and none 36 ▪ dining

P IS FOR PIE BAKE SHOP Specializing in sweet and savory pies with a flaky, buttery crust, this artisan bakery makes all of its items from scratch. Guests can relish a selection of hand pies and mini pies made fresh daily from seasonal ingredients or custom order a whole pie. Flavorful favorites include the strawberry basil pie and the blueberry lavender pie. A variety of other sweet and savory dishes are available, too, including cinnamon rolls and frittatas. Make sure to stop by on Saturday to see what specials are available for brunch! crazyforpies.com

Blueberry scones from Old Hearth Bread Co.

Apple butter cheesecake cutie pies at P Is For Pie

d e s t i n at i o n ▪ o r l a n d o / s a n fo r d

Photo of cookie courtesy of Gideon’s Bakehouse; scones by Shelix Flores; pies by Dawn Lawrence

GIDEON’S BAKEHOUSE Named after an 1898 cookbook that appeared to belong to a young boy who wanted to be a baker when he grew up, this Victorian-style bakery is one of Florida’s most acclaimed bakeshops. Featured everywhere from The New York Times to HGTV, the 286-square-foot bakery generally has a line that stretches around the building waiting for its famous cookies. Weighing nearly half a pound each, the soft and buttery cookies take a minimum of 18 hours to prepare and sell out daily. Six flavors are available, including a limited-edition flavor that changes monthly. Aside from making cookies that would astound even Cookie Monster, the bakeshop sells an assortment of cakes. Be sure to try its signature red velvet, made from buttermilk cake and not chocolate. gideonsbakehouse.com

of its products have any artificial flavors or preservatives. A selection of pastries is available as well, including several flavors of Danish, scones and muffins. oldehearthbreadcompany.com


D E S T I N AT I O N

FORT MYERS PUNTA GORDA IN THIS ISSUE

A LOCAL FAVORITE PERFECTS ITS GAME

3 9 KINGSWAY COUNTRY

46

THE SUSTAINABILITY STORYTELLERS

4 3 THE SHARK BROTHERS

CLUB SCOREs A HOLE IN ONE WITH GOLFERS

BRING THEIR WORK HOME TO PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH

GIRLS TRIP!

A TRUE WORK OF ART

UNIQU E E X PE R I E N C E S WOM E N WIL L L OV E IN PU NTA GOR DA / ENGL E WOOD B E AC H

A l l e g i a n t D e s t i n at i o n s

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY

4 9 OF PEACE RIVER

BOTANICAL & SCULPTURE GARDENS

37


Peace River Wildlife Center

in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida Open Every Day for Tours 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.

No Admission Fee Donations Appreciated

3400 W. Marion Ave. (in Ponce deLeon Park) Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-637-3830 www.PeaceRiverWildlifeCenter.org

PRWC is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned Florida native wildlife. Non-releasable wildlife is on display for the public.


Kingsway Country Club offers a picturesque Southwest Florida golf experience

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA

A LOCAL FAVORITE PERFECTS ITS GAME K I N G SWAY CO U N T RY C L U B s co r e s A HOLE IN ONE WITH GOLFERS By Heather Turk

Golfers flying into Punta Gorda Airport will discover one of the finest golf courses in Southwest Florida located just minutes away in Lake Suzy.

players work up an appetite, they can relish an assortment of delectable dishes from the club’s executive chef in one of four dining and event spaces.

Easily accessible off of I-75, Kingsway Country Club has been a Southwest Florida favorite since 1976. Now open to the public, the onetime private club recently underwent significant improvements, resulting in its golf course being in the best condition it has in years. Designed by renowned architect Ron Garl, the par-72 championship golf course features seven sets of tees ranging from 5,000 to more than 7,000 yards. 18 holes offer players of all skill levels a fair, beautiful and challenging game complete with lush, striped fairways and fast and true greens—a trademark of the Kingsway golf experience.

Last August, Kingsway Country Club was acquired by Allegiant Travel Company in conjunction with Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, so guests can expect even more exciting announcements in the future.

Photos by Brad Caporini

Ideal for golfers on a budget, Kingsway Country Club’s rates range from less than $40 to a peak rate of just under $75 all year long. The terrific prices don’t mean guests will be sacrificing a quality game, either, as players are constantly invigorated by the mature natural surroundings and abundant wildlife that resides at the club. It’s no wonder Kingsway Country Club is annually recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s best golf courses! In addition to gorgeous greens, the club boasts an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse with a well-stocked golf shop and has several PGA professionals on site for guests’ merchandise, tournament and instruction needs. There’s also a full driving range, putting green and chipping green for players to practice on. Once D e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

“Kingsway Country Club is a special place to many members of the community, and we are pleased and honored to be able to grow its presence,” said Micah Richins, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Sunseeker Resorts. “Allegiant has always viewed the communities we serve as part of our extended family, and that philosophy continues with the development of Sunseeker Charlotte Harbor. We look forward to providing members and guests a one-of-a-kind golf experience and premier event site that builds on Kingsway’s storied history and tradition." kingswaycountryclub.com

The entrance to Kingsway Country Club

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 3 9


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.


Adventure is around every corner At Palm Island Resort, discover new adventures the old-fashioned way: a bit of imagination and enough space to be free. Meet Red Beard the Pirate and hear his songs, or let your kids live their own pirate story. Beautiful nature tours and two miles of private beach to give their creativity limitless inspiration.

Plan your trip today: (800) 824-5412 • PalmIsland.com Cape Haze, Florida

|

Located 45 minutes north of the Punta Gorda Airport

Vacation rental and ownership opportunities available

One of the largest GM muscle car collections in the nation.

170+ classic cars spanning 80 years in our beautiful new location! Corvettes, Chevelles, Camaros, Impalas, GTOs, 442s, and a huge assortment of hot rods and antique Chevy cars & trucks.

Diner Coming Soon! Admission Adult: $12.50 + tax Child 2-12: $6 +tax Tues - Sun 9am - 5pm

10175 Tamiami Trail • Punta Gorda, FL • www.MuscleCarCity.net • 941-575-5959


Brooks and Sean Paxton rehabilitating an injured sea turtle

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA / E N G L E WO O D B E AC H

THE SUSTAINABILITY STORYTELLERS T H E S H A R K B ROT H E R S B R I N G T H E I R WO R K H O M E TO P U N TA G O R DA / E N G L E WO O D B E AC H

Photo of sea turtle courtesy of Shark Brothers Multimedia; filming courtesy of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

By Heather Turk

Sean and Brooks Paxton spent 20 years traveling the world. As kids, Sean (who plays drums) and Brooks (who sings and plays bass) performed with their parents’ band on tour, stopping to see the sights and visit nearby zoos and lakes. As they grew older, the adventurous duo began performing with artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Doobie Brothers. However, it was something their grandfathers taught the brothers at a young age—to respect the outdoors—that really stuck with them and ended up shaping their careers. Now known as the Shark Brothers, a nickname they received while filming a piece on Frank Mundus, the real-life inspiration for Quint in “Jaws,” Sean and Brooks Paxton are working hard to shine a spotlight on one of their favorite places: Southwest Florida. Although the multimedia content producers have done projects for a variety of clients, including the Discovery Channel, their original web series “Adventure and Wildlife Hosted by the Shark Brothers” is especially near and dear to them. “This series provided a unique opportunity with the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau to showcase a place we’ve called home for 40 years,” said Sean. “We typically tell three stories each episode that show off the people and places close to home.”

The Shark Brothers filming a segment on Hooked on SUP

Each episode, the Shark Brothers work hard to teach viewers how to enjoy the area’s natural resources in a sustainable way so that, as Sean put it, “Their kids’ kids have the same opportunity.” Following the simple formula to “Go-Do-Learn-Share,” they showcase some of Southwest Florida’s most unique attractions by experiencing them themselves, like going on a swamp buggy ecotour at Babcock Ranch or stand up paddleboarding with Hooked on SUP. Given that everyone has a high-definition camera in their pocket these days, the Shark Brothers hope to inspire others visiting the area to "Go-DoLearn-Share" as well and post about their own experiences on social media. “We’re proud of where we live,” Brooks stated.

“We live off of Myakka River, and there’s just this natural beauty that surrounds us everywhere,” added Brooks. “You can kayak, you can fish, yet you’re still close to big cities like Tampa and Orlando. It’s truly Old Florida.”

“There are so many great things to do here where guests can interact with nature,” Sean said. “We really hope visitors continue to support and further our message.” sharkbrothersmultimedia.com

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 4 3


Visit us at our NEW LOCATION

321 W. Retta Esplanade,in Punta Gorda

“Grazie!�

Lunch Hours Tue-Fri 11:30-2

CarmelosRistorante.com

Dinner Hours Mon-Sat 4-9

(941) 621-4091 Best Italian Restaurant

Best Dinner Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Finalist

Best Dessert Best Lunch Restaurant Best Date Night Restaurant

321 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Reservations Suggested


The Nickel Ride has three eco-friendly vehicles in Punta Gorda

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA

FREE TO EXPLORE T H E N I C K E L R I D E M A K E S V I S I T I N G D OW N TOW N P U N TA G O R DA E A S I E R T H A N E V E R By Heather Turk

Photo of The Nickel Ride by Sarah Campbell; Perch 360 by David Sussman Photography; Fishermen's Village courtesy of Fishermen’s Village

Those visiting Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach during their Allegiant getaway will find there is a new way to get around downtown Punta Gorda that is both convenient and cost effective. Introduced last June, The Nickel Ride provides passengers with unlimited free rides in downtown Punta Gorda. The service, which also operates in St. Pete, Naples, Cape Coral and Fort Myers, currently has three eco-friendly vehicles in Punta Gorda so both residents and visitors alike can experience the city's revitalized downtown district in an easier, faster and more affordable way. To date, more than 65,000 free rides have been given throughout The Nickel Ride’s five Florida locations, with 758 gallons of gas saved and 7.2 tons of carbon reduced. Riders can hail a vehicle one of two easy ways: they can either flag one down on the streets or request a ride via The Nickel Ride’s mobile app. Vehicles operate Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. and connect riders to a wide variety of nearby businesses and attractions. Residents can also use

The view from Perch 360

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

the service to get to and from their medical appointments or to transport them to local community events and shows. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach or a frequent guest, you will definitely want to take The Nickel Ride to Fishermen’s Village. The open-air promenade on Charlotte Harbor boasts more than 40 independently owned and operated shops, boutiques and galleries for visitors to shop at and hosts several special events throughout the year. Additionally, it is home to four waterfront restaurants, including Village Fish Market, which is known for its New England-style seafood. The Nickel Ride is also a great way to safely enjoy some of Punta Gorda’s luscious libations without getting behind a wheel. Passengers can take the service to Fat Point Brewing to try one of its handcrafted beers like the Big Boca Ale—a light and crisp session ale—or to the rooftop Perch 360 restaurant and bar at the Wyvern Hotel to savor one of its specialty cocktails. Be sure to order Perch 360’s Siesta Key-tini: a tasty mix of Bacardí Superior, lime juice, muddled strawberries and simple syrup. thenickelride.com.

Use The Nickel Ride to go shopping at Fishermen’s Village

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 4 5


Enjoy food, drinks and fun at T.T.’s Tiki Bar

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA / E N G L E WO O D B E AC H

GIRLS TRIP! U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E S WO M E N W I L L L OV E I N P U N TA G O R DA / E N G L E WO O D B E AC H By Heather Turk

DEARBORN STREET This charming street in Olde Englewood Village boasts an extensive list of unique boutiques women will love, including the new Golden Mermaid Boutique that sells women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories at an affordable price. There’s also a wine and tapas bar, a coffee shop and three beauty salons. Special events are held throughout the year as well, like the 13th Annual Dearborn Street Wine Walk on Feb. 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. and The Rotary Spring Fine Arts Show on March 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. oldeenglewood.com HOOKED ON SUP The perfect outdoor activity to enjoy with the girls, this stand up paddleboard rental company offers a variety of tours and classes run by a group of hip, wine-loving women. Guests can challenge themselves during a stand up paddleboard yoga class, see some native

Shop ’til you drop on charming Dearborn Street

4 6 ▪ r ec r e at i o n

wildlife up close while paddling their own LEDlighted stand up paddleboard on a Light Up the Night Paddle Tour or paddle to a private beach for a picnic on the Don Pedro Island Guided Mangrove Tunnel and Beach Paddle Tour. While the memories are sure to last a lifetime, each excursion also includes complimentary digital photographs taken by the staff so guests can enjoy themselves in the moment and not have to worry about accidentally dropping their camera into the water! hookedonsup.com T.T.’S TIKI BAR Located on Charlotte Harbor, this popular gathering spot isn’t just ideal for drinks—though they sure are tasty! Open for lunch and dinner, the waterfront venue at Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside is also known for its flavorful fare, like the Blackened Grouper Tacos and the Tiki Lobster Salad Wrap. Guests can savor the restaurant’s island-inspired cuisine while sipping a refreshing cocktail like the signature Tiki Tai (dark rum, silver rum, amaretto, pineapple juice and orange juice), watching a stunning sunset, listening to live music or playing a game of volleyball on one of two nearby beach volleyball courts. Every Tuesday night, guests can also enjoy throwback movies on a 25-foot blow-up screen set out on the lawn. ttstikibarwaterfrontharborside.com

A yoga class with Hooked on SUP is truly unforgettable

d e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

Photo of T.T.'s Tiki Bar courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside; shops courtesy of Englewood Community Redevelopment Area; yoga courtesy of Hooked on SUP

With its beautiful beaches, cool cocktail spots and stylish shopping destinations, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is the perfect place for a girls getaway. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, a birthday party or just a weekend away from the guys, women visiting the area will find no shortage of fun things to do together.


2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 Decatur, IN • 46733 • 260-724-9111

Formulaboats.com


Stroll along the Punta Gorda pathways

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA

STAY AWHILE IN PUNTA GORDA THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER REASON TO STAY By Sean Davies

Along the shores of Charlotte Harbor lies one of Florida’s best kept secrets. An adventurer's paradise, the seaside city offers guests unprecedented access to stunning oceans, nature preserves, beautiful beaches and a bustling downtown filled with new shops to explore. Punta Gorda is Florida's harbor-side hometown. With over 40 percent of the city’s land area serving as dedicated nature preserves,

Charter a boat and cruise the harbor

Gorgeous seaside views await in Punta Gorda

4 8 ▪ r ec r e at i o n

Charlotte Harbor give visitors ample opportunity to fish in the crystal clear waters, sail the smooth seas or kayak through lush mangrove tunnels. Home to Florida’s southwestern estuaries, mangrove wetlands, historic river and productive uplands, these areas comprise one of the largest ecosystems of its kind in North America. Hike and bike along park paths for chance encounters with birds of almost every feather, turtles and other local wildlife. Punta Gorda is famous for its small town feel and is known as one of "The Most Affordable Winter Vacations in the U.S." by Travel & Leisure. New businesses relocate to the city every day, lured by the absence of state and local income taxes. Punta Gorda is even listed on the 2017 Forbes list of The Best Small Places For Business and Careers, proving Punta Gorda’s commitment to working with new businesses. Punta Gorda is the one Florida municipality that offers the best of American small-town attributes in what may be the state’s most picturesque, enjoyable and accessible waterfront destination. explorepuntagorda.com d e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

Photos courtesy of the City of Punta Gorda

Downtown Punta Gorda is always bustling

adventure is literally built into its foundation. A walking and bike friendly community, the city’s free bike-loaner program gives guests the chance to ride through networks of pedestrianfriendly trails that link historic neighborhoods, parks and the burgeoning downtown into one beautiful tapestry. Visitors can take a stroll along the Punta Gorda pathways, play tennis or pickleball in one of the many courts or enjoy the electricity of a downtown that the Miami Herald says "gets an unexpected groove on as day turns to night."


Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ signature “Steel Palm” sculpture

E X P L O R E P U N TA G O R DA

A TRUE WORK OF ART D I S COV E R T H E B E AU T Y O F P E AC E R I V E R B OTA N I C A L & S C U L P T U R E G A R D E N S By Heather Turk

The first day of spring may not be until March 20, but spring is in the air year-round at one of Southwest Florida’s most breathtaking parks: Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens.

display at the world’s premier sculpture show, the Venice Biennale in Italy, before becoming a part of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ permanent collection.

The vision of retirees Roger and Linda Tetrault, the popular Punta Gorda attraction opened in October 2017 and encompasses 27 acres along Peace River. Like most parks, it is home to a wide variety of flora, but what makes Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens special is its collection of large outdoor sculptures. Visitors can see more than a dozen fun, whimsical and unique sculptures created by artists from across the globe while walking through the park, including three pieces by Florida artists.

The lush attraction also showcases the natural beauty of five ecosystems—marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands and a tidal basin— and features an assortment of flowering trees and plants that bloom throughout the year. Be sure to check out the bougainvillea collection, which should be at or near peak color during February and March.

Photos courtesy of Aqua Marketing

While each sculpture is impressive, some of the more noteworthy works on display include a yellow sculpture of Andy Warhol by Sarasotabased modern sculptor Jack Dowd and four pieces by New York City hyperrealistic sculpture artist Carole A. Feuerman. Two of Feuerman’s pieces—“Next Summer,” a bronze and stainless steel sculpture of a woman laying on an inner tube, and “Bibi on the Ball,” a sculpture of a woman basking in the sun while sitting on a shiny silver beach ball in the sand—were previously on

The koi pond at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ FO RT M y e r s / p u n ta g o r da

Visitors can take in the many striking sights from approximately 880 feet of completed boardwalks and docks located throughout the park. There is also a pond featuring more than 150 koi fish that guests can feed during their visit. During its first year of operation, more than 8,000 people experienced the serenity and developing beauty of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. Upcoming plans for the park include adding a bridge that will give guests access to nature trails on a nearby 2-acre island surrounded by natural waterways. peacerivergardens.org.

Carole A. Feuerman’s “Next Summer” sculpture

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 4 9


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

Visi tHen d e r s onv il l eN C .or g


EXPLORE

T H E S E A L L E G I A N T D E S T I N AT I O N S

IN THIS ISSUE

53 - SARASOTA. FL

54 - JACKSONVILLE, FL

55 - DESTIN, FL

56 - NEW ORLEANS, LA

57 - NASHVILLE, TN

A l l e g i a n t D e s t i n at i o n s

51


Outstanding art and circus museums, a historic mansion and theater—all located on beautiful grounds and gardens in Sarasota, Florida.

DISCOVER MORE

ringling.org |

941.359.5700


The tasting room at Big Top Brewing Company

E X P L O R E S A R A SOTA

PALATE-PLEASING PINTS S AVO R SO M E H O M E TOW N F L AVO R S AT S A R A SOTA ’ S L O C A L B R E W E R I E S By Heather Turk

Photo of tasting room by Boscopix Photography; beer flight courtesy of JDub’s Brewing; featured beers by Rita Hill

Craft beer drinkers visiting Sarasota have come to the right place. Not only is the city home to several bars that serve some of Florida’s best craft beers, but it also has a thriving brewery scene where something tasty is always brewing. BIG TOP BREWING COMPANY One of Sarasota’s first craft breweries, this local favorite features an assortment of beers inspired by the city and its history with the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Guests will find signature selections like the Suncoast Pale Ale and the citrus-infused Trapeze Monk Belgian Wit ale on tap in its 75-seat tasting room, which boasts 23 rotating brews. There’s also a large outdoor beer garden for guests to relax in. Live entertainment is featured on Saturday nights, and a variety of food trucks are often on site. bigtopbrewing.com JDUB’S BREWING COMPANY Celebrating its 5th anniversary in February, this bustling brewery always has something going on. Once a month, it hosts a flea market comprised of local small businesses; on the third Saturday of every month, there’s a food truck rally and every Friday, there’s live music. While it hosts a wide range of events, its beers are what always keep people coming back for more. Guests can

A beer flight from JDub’s Brewing Company

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ s a r a sota , F L

enjoy 14 rotating selections in its taproom, like the light and refreshing Poolside Kölsch-style ale or the Bell Cow milk chocolate porter. If you’re in town March 2 and 3, make sure to head to Sarasota Fairgrounds for the brewery’s Dub Fest anniversary party, featuring a homebrew competition, industry panelists and music from Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish and Mini Kiss. jdubsbrewing.com SARASOTA BREWING COMPANY Established in 1989, Sarasota’s oldest microbrewery offers a full bar and food menu. A favorite with sports fans, it features a number of high-definition TVs to watch the latest game on while sipping one of its four core all-malt beers: Sarasota Gold (a light-bodied golden beer), Sequoia Amber Lager (a light-bodied amber beer with a mild hop finish), Sarasota India Pale Ale (a medium-bodied amber ale with a strong hop flavor) and Midnight Pass Porter (a medium/fullbodied dark roasted malt flavored ale). A variety of rotating guest beers and ciders are also on tap, as well as a seasonal beer that’s brewed in house. Be sure to try the brewery’s seasonal Dunkel Weizen Bock, a strong dark German-style wheat beer that’s available in February and March. sarasotabrewing.com

Sarasota Brewing Company features five of its beers on tap

r ec r e at i o n ▪ 5 3


Peterbrooke Chocolatier store

E X P L O R E J AC KSO N V I L L E

JACKSONVILLE’S SWEET TREATS G R E AT P L AC E S TO S AT I S F Y YO U R SW E E T TO OT H By Sandra Chambers

From a candy emporium to an iconic ice cream stand, gourmet ice pops, chocolate popcorn, and mini donuts, Jacksonville rocks several local sweet spots. SWEET PETE’S Located in a whimsically decorated, historic 23,000 square-foot home, Sweet Pete’s is one of the largest candy shops in the United States and a must stop when visiting Jacksonville. Its candy factory is onsite with tours available. Throughout their elaborately themed rooms, visitors can choose from more than a thousand different types of candies and desserts. sweetpetescandy.com

THE MINI BAR With donuts about a third of the size of traditional ones, visitors can sample more of their made-toorder donuts with flavors like peanut butter cup, Pop Tart, cookies’n cream, mint chocolate chip, fruity pebbles, sea salt caramel, and their best seller—maple bacon. Located at Jacksonville Beach, The Mini Bar has partnered with local coffee roaster Bold Bean to offer artisan coffees with their minis. minibardonuts.com 54 ▪ dining

PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER Peterbrooke has 14 locations in Jacksonville and offers a wide selection of European-styled handmade chocolates. Traditional favorites include decadent truffles, handmade caramels, cherry cordials and chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels that are hand-dipped daily with their own blend of milk, dark and white chocolate. Be sure to try their most popular product: their chocolate-covered popcorn. peterbrooke.com

The Mini Bar donut collection

d e s t i n at i o n ▪ J ac kso n v i l l e , f l

Photo of Peterbrooke Chocolatier store by Sandra Chambers; donuts by Danny Cary

THE DREAMETTE A Jacksonville landmark, the Dreamette has been serving up ice cream since 1948. The soft serve ice cream comes in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, but the magic is in the long list of flavors to dip it in, including a bright pink cotton candy, cake batter and peanut butter chocolate among others. The Dreamette also serves milkshakes and sundaes. Their best-seller is the Banana Split Sundae in a cup. Expect long lines on hot days, and it’s cash only. facebook. com/dreamette

THE HYPPO GOURMET ICE POPS Featuring artisan ice pops modeled after Mexican paletas, The Hyppo combines local in-season produce and herbs to make unique icy flavors such as Cucumber Lemon, Prickly Pear Mint, Orange Basil, Sangria Pineapple and Guava Chili as well as some traditional flavors like their popular Pistachio Coconut, Chocolate Sea Salt and Orange Cream. With more than 450 flavors (not all offered at once), The Hyppo is sure to have something to please any taste. thehyppo.com


Destin Commons’ parade is family-friendly

EXPLORE DESTIN

MARDI GRAS, EMERALD COAST STYLE F L O R I DA F E E L S T H E L O U I S I A N A V I B E By Chelle Koster Walton

Photo of parade courtesy of Destin Commons; redfish courtesy of Louisiana Lagniappe

By virtue of proximity, Florida’s Emerald Coast experiences a spillover of cultural influences from Louisiana, only a four-hour drive away. It manifests most at the Mardi Gras time of year, but you will find Cajun and Creole restaurants and blues and jazz bars open all year round to “laissez les bons temps roulez.” MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE AT DESTIN COMMONS Since 2011, Destin Commons shopping center has celebrated Mardi Gras in a big way. This year’s festivities take place on Friday, March 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. Unlike the debauchery that happens at the big New Orleans affair, Destin Commons’ parade is entirely family oriented. Local businesses, schools and other groups decorate floats, and parade participants dress up Mardi Gras style, including gaily costumed stilt-walkers. Floatriders toss candy, beads and other Mardi Gras throwables as the parade makes its way along

Blackened redfish stars as a popular Louisiana Lagniappe special

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ D e s t i n , F L

the center’s interior streets. Businesses offer specials, and families enjoy face-painting, crafts and a photo booth. destincommons.com LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE “Lagniappe” means a bonus surprise or gift in Creole-speak. At this Destin restaurant, the happy surprises come freely. The dinner menu concentrates on fresh local seafood prepared in Creole tradition and enjoyed waterside. Classics include jambalaya, seafood gumbo, fried Louisiana oysters and lobster, and shrimp etouffee. You will also find New Orleans-style blackened seafood on the regular and nightly specials, like redfish topped with lump crab or Louisiana shrimp with pineapple rum-butter sauce. thelouisianalagniappe.com KENNY D’S BEACH BAR & GRILL On Miramar Beach, New Orleans native Kenny Dehon serves genuine Cajun, a hardier, homier style of cuisine than the Frenchinfluenced Creole. Things can get a little spicy, a hallmark of true Cajun cookery. Look for Kenny’s selection of po’ boy sandwiches, Cajun popcorn shrimp, red beans ‘n’ rice and crawfish etouffee. Signature items include a grilled mahi dish called “Cajun Ken’s Fish Couvillion.” Piped in zydeco tunes and live bands provide the soundtrack. kennyds.com FUNKY BLUES SHACK Part of Graffiti Restaurant in Destin, this place hails New Orleans with Sunday Jazz Jam, Monday Blues Jam, and live zydeco, rock, jazz or blues bands most other nights. If all that N’awlins-style music gets your appetite whetted, Graffiti’s menu has a section devoted to “New Orleans Blues,” with dishes like blackened mahi and smoked gouda grits. graffitifbs.com e n t e rta i n m e n t ▪ 5 5


The French Quarter is known for its romantic courtyard dining

EXPLORE NEW ORLEANS

LOVE IN LOUISIANA RO MAN TI C R ES TAU R ANTS I N TH E FR EN C H Q UARTER By Teresa Bitler

New Orleans makes it easy to wine and dine that special someone. Some of the nation’s best restaurants are located here, many in charming former residences with brick patios and trickling fountains, and the service is usually impeccable, especially at upscale French Quarter establishments.

Begin by toasting your relationship with a French 75, the champagne cocktail the bar is named for, and sharing Shrimp Arnaud, locallycaught Gulf shrimp in remoulade, or oysters. You can’t go wrong with any of the entrées, including fresh fish, Veal Tournedos Chantal (veal with mushrooms) and Filet Mignon Au Poivre. Save room for Bananas Foster, flambéd tableside, or Café Brûlot, citrus-infused coffee with brandy that is ignited before serving. arnaudsrestaurant.com

Tuxedoed wait staff lend to the romantic vibe at Arnaud’s Restaurant

56 ▪ dining

As great as the food is, the ambiance is just as remarkable. Bayona inhabits a 200-yearold French Quarter cottage with dining options inside and out. Sit at white tablecloth-draped tables surrounded by flower arrangements for a night to remember, or for a slightly more casual experience, dine under the stars (and strung lights) in the courtyard. Bayona is also open for a romantic lunch. bayona.com CAFÉ AMELIE Located in one of the most beautiful—and romantic—courtyards in the French Quarter, the 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard, Café Amelie combines classic Creole dishes like Chef Jerry’s Gulf Shrimp and Grits with tasty entrées like “Pasture Farms” Lamb Meatloaf and Farmers Market Veggie Pasta. Dine in the historic courtyard, with its trickling fountains and lush foliage, or inside the brick-walled Carriage House, furnished with antiques. Don’t limit romance to the evening. Brunch rivals dinner in culinary importance in New Orleans, and Café Amelie ranks among the city’s best. Try the Oven Roasted Chicken and Waffle or the Smoked Salmon BLT on Bagel on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. cafeamelie.com d e s t i n at i o n ▪ N e w O r l e a n s , l a

Photo of courtyard diners by Zack Smith; Arnaud's Restaurant courtesy of Arnaud’s Restaurant

ARNAUD’S RESTAURANT This 100-year-old restaurant serves arguably the best French-Creole cuisine in New Orleans. For a romantic evening, dress your best (men are required to wear collared shirts, jackets preferred) and reserve a table under the crystal chandeliers of the main dining room, where tuxedoed wait staff hustle across black and white tiled floors.

BAYONA The flagship restaurant of James Beard award winning chef Susan Spicer, Bayona is listed among the nation’s 40 best restaurants and routinely garners recognition for its internationally-influenced menu. Specialties include Veal Sweetbreads, drizzled with your choice of lemon-caper or sherry-mustard butter, Sautéed Redfish and Peppered Lamb Loin. Enjoy with a glass of wine from Bayona’s 600-plus available labels.


Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has broadcast live country music

EXPLORE NASHVILLE

NASHVILLE TUNES L E G E N DA RY P L AC E S TO H E A R L I V E M U S I C By Teresa Bitler

If you haven’t been to Nashville before, it won’t take you long to understand why it’s Music City. From the airport to downtown street corners and just about every bar in between, you’ll find musicians belting out their best.

Photo of Grand Ole Opry by Chris Hollo; Tootsie's courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation

Whether you’re a fan of country or rock ‘n’ roll, there are some legendary Nashville music venues you won’t want to miss. GRAND OLE OPRY Founded in November 1925 as the radio broadcast, “WSM Barn Dance,” the Grand Ole Opry showcases the best in country music with live, broadcasted shows most Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Lineups feature Grand Ole Opry members like Dierks Bentley and Reba McEntire and guest artists, often stars in their own right. Buy tickets early since shows usually sell out, and upgrade your experience with a PostShow Tour or VIP Tour to learn what happens backstage. opry.com RYMAN AUDITORIUM Since opening in 1892, the “Mother Church of Country Music” has hosted everything from religious revivals to concerts, plays and political conventions. From 1943 until 1974, it was even home to the Grand Ole Opry before the broadcast moved to its current location.

Standing-room-only crowds pack Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

D e s t i n at i o n ▪ n a s h v i l l e , T N

After a complete renovation in the 1990s, the Ryman is back better than ever with performances by some of the music industry’s best artists. ryman.com TOOTSIE’S ORCHID LOUNGE This legendary Broadway honky tonk is hard to miss thanks to its bright orchid-colored exterior. Step inside to hear live music with no cover charge, and belly up to the bar patronized by the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline. It’s packed most evenings and on weekends, so come early, or head to the rooftop for a little more space and great views. tootsies.net BLUEBIRD CAFÉ An intimate venue with only 20 tables, 10 bar seats and limited “pew seats,” the Bluebird Café is known for its in-the-round shows featuring songwriters performing their own songs, many of which have been recorded by chart-topping artists. Tickets can be extremely difficult to come by, so order online before you leave home, or be prepared to arrive early and stand in line for seats vacated by no-shows. bluebirdcafe.com EXIT/IN If you prefer rock, heavy metal, rap or just about any music genre that isn’t country, Exit/In is for you. Opened in 1971, this historic, standingroom-only venue has welcomed everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the stage. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone (877-4FLY-TIX) or at the Exit/In’s sister venue, Marathon Music Works, at 1402 Clinton Street. exitin.com e n t e rta i n m e n t ▪ 5 7


COMING SOON! Warren, MI

G4 Complete Entertainment, bringing thrill-seekers together. 100+ arcade games 15+ attractions Build-your-own pizza restaurant + Soda Bar Birthday parties + more

28300 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48092

gog4ce.com

Follow us @goG4CE


allegiant

FOR OUR PASSENGERS 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!

61 - VACATION HIGHLIGHT

63 - ALLEGIANT CARES Bellingham Kalispell

Pasco

Bangor Great Falls

Missoula

Eugene

Bozeman

Medford

Minot

Grand Forks

Plattsburgh Ogdensburg / Ottawa

Fargo

Bismarck

Billings

St. Cloud

Boise

Appleton

Idaho Falls Rapid City Stockton

Reno

Fresno

Grand Island

Provo

Las Vegas St. George

Grand Junction

Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego

Denver

Kansas City

Montrose

Santa Maria

Phoenix / Mesa

Grand Rapids Flint

Milwaukee

Allentown Cleveland Harrisburg Toledo Hagerstown Pittsburgh 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

Rockford Cedar Rapids Moline Des Moines Peoria Omaha Bloomington Springfield

Ogden

San Francisco /Oakland Monterey

Sioux Falls

Portsmouth Syracuse Albany Rochester Newburgh Niagara Falls Elmira

Wichita Tulsa

Albuquerque

Oklahoma City

Memphis Little Rock

Boston/ Providence

New York City Washington, D.C. / Baltimore

Myrtle Beach

Greenville/ Spartanburg

Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head

Tucson El Paso

Shreveport

Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Gulfport / Biloxi

Austin

San Antonio

Laredo

Jacksonville Orlando / Sanford

New Orleans Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Fort Myers / Punta Gorda

Fort Lauderdale

McAllen

San Juan Puerto Rico

65 - EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

69 - FEATURE COMBO

66 - ROUTE MAP

70 - FOOD & DRINKS Sunseeker â–Ş 59


THANK YOU ALLEGIANT F ro m o u r pa s s e n g e r s

I wish to compliment Allegiant on our flight from St. Pete/Clearwater. My daughter and I were very late, and the Allegiant staff, especially Robyn, were ready to lend a hand. Robyn got us going and managed to get us on our flight. Without her help we would not have made it! We will definitely fly Allegiant again and are very impressed with the Allegiant employees.

- PATRICIA V, WISCONSIN

We recently flew from Allentown with the most delightful flight attendants, especially Robert. He made the flight immensely enjoyable for my sister, her two children and me. He engaged the kids, shared stories and photos regarding flying once my nephew showed interest, and even provided a small gift to him. He was incredibly kind, funny and attentive not only to us, but the other passengers around us.

- KRISTIN N, PENNSYLVANIA

We flew from Portsmouth to Sanford and Cody the flight attendant was lovely, gracious and very helpful. He made the difference in our trip and went way beyond most attendants. A little help is a lot of help for the elderly. We often fly Allegiant - at least twice a year – and Jane, another attendant in Portsmouth, is also always gracious and friendly. These people need to be recognized – they make a difference.

- SANDRA L, NEW HAMPSHIRE

60 ▪ SUNSEEKER


Captiva Island’s South Seas Island Resort

A L L E G I A N T VAC AT I O N S

RELAX IN STYLE o n S a n i b e l a n d C a p t i va I s l a n d s By Christopher Lewis

Photo of South Seas Island Resort courtesy of South Seas Island Resort; Sanibel Inn courtesy of Sanibel Inn

Unspoiled. Off the beaten path. Secluded. Just a few words to describe Sanibel and Captiva Islands and why so many flock to its pristine beaches and vibrant ecosystem. Located just 25 miles south of Fort Myers, the connected islands are renowned for not only its old Florida feel and tranquil ambiance, but also rich wildlife preserves, world-famous shelling and familyfriendly outdoor activities. And, it doesn’t hurt that the islands also offer some of Florida’s finest resorts to book your stay. South Seas Island Resort The Captiva Island resort is situated along two and a half miles of sugar-sand beach and within its own 330-acre wildlife preserve. Common are dolphin and manatee sightings as well as spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Adults and kids alike will find plenty of activities to keep them busy. You can lounge by one of its three pools, attend one of the country’s top sailing schools or stroll along the beach. Outdoor enthusiasts have kayaking, cycling, golf, tennis, fishing and, of course, shelling at their disposal. The six onsite dining options will appeal to all appetites, serving everything from fresh sea food at its signature restaurants to pizza in its 1950s-style malt shop.

Sanibel Inn The ideal island hideaway, the inn corners the market in relaxation with its laid-back vibe, swaying palms and awe-inspiring, beachfront views of the Gulf of Mexico. Once you’re finished lounging or playing along its miles of pristine beaches, you can dine poolside at the Island Time Bar & Grille or head inside to Dante’s Restaurant, serving creative but casual cuisine. Guests at the Sanibel Inn, as well as the Sunset Beach Inn, can enjoy a complimentary sport & social membership to the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club for the duration of their stay, where you can play 18 holes within a stunning wildlife preserve. Sanibel Sunset Beach Inn Located on Sanibel Island, it has one of the largest heated pools on the island and it’s situated right on four tropical acres of stunning, shell-laden beaches. Its 46 spacious guest rooms and suites come with the latest amenities, many with awesome sunset views. Like the Sanibel Inn, guests of the Sunset Beach Inn receive a complimentary sport & social membership to the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, where they also receive discounted green fees on its Mark McCumber-designed, 18-hole championship golf course.

The Sanibel Inn

Sunseeker ▪ 61


WINGZ KIDS SNACK PACKS b u y o n b oa r d


Inside the Airbus cockpit during Girls in Aviation Day

ALLEGIANT CARES

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION A l l e g i a n t h e l p s t h os e s e e k i n g a c a r e e r i n av i at i o n By Christopher Lewis

The future is bright for those wishing to pursue an aviation career. During the next 20 years, more than 200,000 pilots will be needed in the United States, and global demand will reach 800,000, according to Boeing officials. Demand for pilots also means a demand for other airline professionals, such as flight attendants and mechanics. Allegiant recently participated in two events designed to fuel the passions of the next generation and provided scholarships for two Las Vegas high school seniors.

Photos courtesy of Allegiant

In October, the Las Vegas chapter of Women in Aviation, along with Allegiant, hosted the third annual Girls in Aviation Day at McCarran International Airport. Girls, ages 8-18, attended activities that included lessons on how airplanes fly, flight planning and drone piloting as well as a tour of an Allegiant Airbus aircraft, and listened to a panel featuring several women in various aviation fields. Girls got to board the aircraft to learn about what happens in the flight deck and in the cabin, and do a walk-around inspection with a couple of Allegiant’s locally-based female pilots.

enrolled in the Academy of Aviation at Las Vegasbased Rancho High School. The program is one of only a few high school aviation programs in the United States, and students had the opportunity to hear from pilots, flight crews, maintenance technicians, airport planning and marketing professionals. Students listened to guest lectures and participated in hands-on activities to learn what it’s like to operate an airline, such as scheduling routes and creating marketing campaigns. Allegiant also announced during the event it will award two $5,000 scholarships to graduating seniors at the end of the school year.

“We want these girls to see that there are great careers available to them as engineers, pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers and dozens of other jobs within the aviation community,” says Michelle Cohen, WAI president and Allegiant’s director of stations. “We hope this exposure will show our participants that not even the sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities for women in aviation.” In November, representatives from several departments within Allegiant visited students

Allegiant hosted a career event at Rancho High School

Sunseeker ▪ 63


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:


Dakota Tyson, CE Celebrity, St. Petersburg, Florida

A L L E G I A N T S P OT L I G H T

FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE R eco g n i z i n g o u r 2 0 1 8 C E C e l e b r i t i e s By Christopher Lewis

Photo of Dakota courtesy of Dakota Tyson; Zack, Rob and Brian courtesy of Allegiant

Recognizing our team members’ hard work has always been important for us, but in 2018 we wanted to do something special for those who went way above and beyond to improve the customer’s experience (CE). Naming these team members as our CE Celebrities, each of the following (along with a guest) were invited to a two-night stay, full-course dinner and special presentation at our annual leadership conference in Las Vegas, Nevada to celebrate their achievements. We are proud to share a few examples of why they are being honored: “On Christmas Eve, we were a little early and James (Captain, Cincinnati) went into the terminal and had all the children gather around as he read “The Night Before Christmas.” He thought outside of the box on how to interact with our customers and go the extra mile. He also handed out candy to the children as they exited the aircraft and made the flight enjoyable for many.” “We had a customer and her husband fly with us in July and the flight attendant found out it was their 59th wedding anniversary and took a picture of them on the plane. Later, the customer called in asking for the picture because her husband passed away and that was their last photo together. Brenda (Corporate Operator, Headquarters) took it upon herself to contact the appropriate department and locate the photo for the customer.” These are just a couple examples of our team members going above what is required of them to help our customers have a great customer experience. We are so excited to honor each of them for their dedication and passion to providing outstanding customer service.

Zack Mullen, Rob Wright and Brian Fleenor of Indianapolis

2018 CE Celebrities Amy Cabrera, Headquarters, Customer Care Lead Annlee Post, Knoxville, Flight Attendant Bonnie Flowers, Bellingham, Stations, Customer Service Agent Brenda Andersch, Headquarters, Customer Care, Corporate Operator Dakota Tyson, St. Petersburg, Stations, Customer Service Agent James Claggett, Cincinnati, Captain Jana Leonard, Headquarters, Legal, Manager Mary Hackney, Punta Gorda, Flight Attendant Michael (Trey) Milligan, St.Petersburg, Maintenance Technician Rob Wright, Indianapolis, Maintenance Tech Terri Vandersteen, Appleton, Stations Customer Service Agent Zack Mullen, Indianapolis, Maintenance Lead Sunseeker ▪ 65


Bellingham Kalispell

Pasco

Great Falls

Missoula

Eugene

Bozeman

Medford

Bis

Billings

Boise Idaho Falls

Stockton

Reno

Ogden

San Francisco /Oakland Monterey Fresno

Gra

Provo

Las Vegas St. George

Grand Junction Montrose

Santa Maria

Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego

Phoenix / Mesa

Albuquerque

Tucson El Paso

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.

Denver


Bangor

Minot

Grand Forks

Plattsburgh Ogdensburg / Ottawa

Fargo

smarck

St. Cloud Appleton Rapid City

Grand Rapids Flint

Portsmouth Syracuse Albany Rochester Newburgh Niagara Falls Elmira

Boston/ Providence

New York City Allentown Cleveland Harrisburg Toledo Hagerstown Cedar Rapids Pittsburgh South Bend Moline Des Moines Washington, D.C. / Fort Wayne Clarksburg Peoria Omaha Indianapolis Baltimore Columbus Bloomington Dayton Richmond Springfield Cincinnati Roanoke Norfolk Huntington Kansas City Louisville Belleville Raleigh/Durham Lexington Evansville Tri-Cities Wichita Owensboro Greensboro Knoxville Springfield Concord Nashville Asheville Tulsa Chattanooga Northwest Arkansas Myrtle Beach Oklahoma City Greenville/ Memphis Spartanburg Charleston Little Rock Sioux Falls

Milwaukee

Rockford

and Island

Savannah / Hilton Head Shreveport

Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Gulfport / Biloxi

Austin

San Antonio

Laredo

Jacksonville Orlando / Sanford

New Orleans Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Fort Myers / Punta Gorda

Fort Lauderdale

McAllen

San Juan Puerto Rico

Sunsets & Dolphin Sightings...Always Complimentary ! • You will enjoy amazing sunsets! • Soft white sand beaches are just steps away • Guest rooms and suites oer views of the Gulf of Mexico or the Island • Everything that Clearwater Beach has to oer is within easy walking distance


We’ve upgraded! Download the new and

FREE Allegiant App! • Fast, easy mobile check-in! • FREE digital boarding pass • Book Flights • Reserve seats, add bags and upgrade to Priority Access • Get important flight information

Download your FREE app now!


BUY ONBOARD F e at u r e co m b o s p ec i a l

$10

Tito’s Handmade Vodka & Seagram’s Tonic Water

+

Traditional Chex Mix

(Photos enlarged to show detail. Plastic drinking glass is provided.)

O R C H O OS E YO U R OW N CO C K TA I L CO M B O FO R J U S T $ 1 0 Easy as 1,2,3! #1 Choose your beverage. #2 Choose your mixer. #3 Choose your snack. ENJOY! BEVERAGE

MIXER CHOICES

Bacardi Rum

Coca-Cola

Tanqueray Gin

Diet Coke

Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Sprite

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Minute Maid - Cranapple Juice - Orange Juice

Dasani Bottled Water

SNACK Mr. & Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix Seagram's Ginger Ale Seagram's Sparkling Seltzer Water

Kings Premium Nut Blend Chex Mix

Seagram's Tonic Water

FOR M O R E DE LI CI OU S SN ACK S AND BEV ERAGES, TAK E A LO O K AT OU R FU LL ME N U ON PAGES 70-71

Sunseeker ▪ 69


BUY ONBOARD fo o d

$5 D E L I S N AC K PAC K Pennysticks Brand Pretzels, White Cheddar Cheese Dip, Slim Jim Meat Stick, Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies 4-pack (Includes all items shown)

$5 W I N G Z K I D S S N AC K PAC K 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 F e at u r e d co m b o Choice of Mixed Drink Choice of Selected Snacks See page 69 for more details (Includes all items shown)

$4 h u m m u s s n ac k pac k Dipin Classic Hummus accompanied by Baked in Brooklyn Pita Chips (Includes all items shown)

$4

$3

I n d i v i d ua l s n ac ks

I n d i v i d ua l s n ac ks

Traditional Chex Mix, 3.75 oz.

M&M's Peanut, 3.1 oz.

King's Premium Nut Blend, 2oz.

Pringles, 2.36 oz.

The finest almonds and cashews gently roasted and lightly salted.

Size of items shown are not actual size and may have been enlarged or reduced.

70 ▪ SUNSEEKER


BUY ONBOARD drink

$6 W I N E

$4 S P EC I A LT Y

Pinot Grigio Merlot

Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee

Sales of Trinity Oaks wine help plant trees. Over 80 million trees planted since 1989.

$7

BEER Bud Light Michelob ULTRA Stella Artois

$7 m i x e d d r i n ks Bacardi Rum Tanqueray Gin Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Tito’s Handmade Vodka

$2 B e v e r ag e s Coke Diet Coke Sprite Dasani Bottled Water 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


ALLEGIANT AIRCRAFT AIRBUS A319

AIRBUS A320

Number of Aircraft: 31 Cruising Speed: 514 mph Range: 4,315 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 166,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 156 Total Length: 111 feet Wingspan: 112 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4

Number of Aircraft: 44 Cruising Speed: 561 mph Range: 3,797 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 172,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 186 Total Length: 123 feet Wingspan: 112 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.

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

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.

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

Smartphone (in Airplane Mode)

E-reader

Wireless Mouse, Keyboard or Other Accessory

CD Player

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 Air Purifiers

Remote Control Toys

TV

Two-Way Radios or Transmitters


A Golf Industry Game Changer Built by PGA Pros for PGA Pros

$10,000 Hole-In-One Every Day! Video Keepsake of your Hole-In-One! Course and Pace-Of-Play Monitoring! Modernized GPS in Golf Carts! Golf Scramble Championship in the Bahamas, November 2019! SKYiGOLF Golfer Bucks allotted via a Points System! SKYiGOLF Sweepstakes! Check with your Golf Course to see if they are a SKYiGOLF Facility so you can start enjoying all these Great Benefits!

www.SKYiGOLF.com

833-SKY-GOLF

The Original Home of SKYiGOLF!

22400 Gleneagles Terrace Port Charlotte, Florida 33952

(941) 625-4109

1350 Bobcat Trail North Port, Florida 34288

(941) 429-0500

golftheharbor.com


LOOK UP Feel the power of a rocket launch. Stand nose-to-nose with Space Shuttle Atlantis. Walk among the giants of space exploration. Come to the place where the most amazing things on Earth leave Earth.

SAVE $7



KennedySpaceCenter.com I 877.634.0705

ON THE PRICE OF ADMISSION. Limit 6 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 12/31/2019.




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.