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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

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Life is Better at the Edge! S

Our 10th ﬂoor rooftop venue, Jimmy’s on the Edge, allows you Ji to soak up the sites of Clearwater Beach Island and to enjoy your Be favorite beverage or savor one fa of our many culinary delights. 505 S. Gulfview Blvd. | Clearwater ter Beach, FL 33767 | 727-281- 3100 00 Email: reservation@edgehotelclearwaterbeach.com

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urrounded by the crystal blue waters of Clearwater Beach, Edge Hotel blends the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast with premium comforts, and warm and personalized service. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the worldrenown sugar sands of Clearwater Beach, which are only a short stroll away. Or stay at ‘home’ sipping tropical cocktails at Edge Pool Bar followed by a memorable dinner at 505 at the Edge restaurant adjacent to our famous edge pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

CONTENTS

PLANETARY ENCOUNTERS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX PROVIDES OUT OF THIS WORLD FUN

The new Astronaut Training Experience® is the latest of a long list of exciting and interactive experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Through two adventure programs that use immersive simulation technology, visitors can be virtually trained and transported to Mars. The Astronaut Training Experience is also integrated into Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Camp KSC for the youngest lovers of space and STEM. All this fun and more can be incorporated during a visit that can be timed with one of the 40 launches scheduled for 2018. For more on all there is to discover at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit KennedySpaceCenter.com

FEATURES

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

BOARDWALK ON OKALOOSA ISLAND

CLEARWATER BEACH IS NO. 1

UPCOMING EVENTS

10 FOODIE-HOPPING FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST One Day, Four Stops 13 FLOWING WITH THE ST. JOHN’S Four Spots To Encounter The River With Attitude 15 STEP INTO FUN Universal Orlando Offers New Adventures 20 FOR THE LOVE OF GROUPER Seafood Lovers Get Their Fill On Clearwater Beach 23 A PICTURE PERFECT DINING EXPERIENCE Soak Up The Sights At These Waterfront Restaurants 24 ANCIENT RITUAL The Magic And Mystery Of Sea Turtle Nesting On Gulf Beaches

66 ROUTE MAP

BBQ FAVORITES IN PUNTA GORDA

27 LET’S GO DOLPHIN WATCHING Bring Your Camera For Amazing Shots 28 AN ATTRACTION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Avian Wildlife At The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary 31 GO WITH THE FLOW Drop-In Yoga Classes In Unexpected Places In St. Pete 33 MUSEUM MANIA St. Pete Adds To Its Cultural Attractions 39 A SHOPPERS PARADISE Remarkable Retail Destinations In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach 43 LIFE’S A BEACH Family-Friendly Beaches In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

ASHEVILLE, AMERICA’S NEW MUSIC CITY

44 SHAKEN NOT STIRRED Martinis In Sarasota 47 FUN FOR ALL AGES Jacksonville Is The Perfect Family Get-Away 49 THEY’VE GOT A TOUR FOR THAT Dozens Of Ways To See New Orleans 54 A MARVELOUS MOUNTAIN ESCAPE Discover Breathtaking Gatlinburg, Tennessee 56 100 THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON Before You Die 58 SUNSEEKER’S TOP 5 Who Has The Best Breakfast In Myrtle Beach? 61 ALLEGIANT VACATIONS Hotel Top Picks – Sarasota, Florida

70 FOOD & DRINKS

WELCOME ABOARD PUBLISHER

Allegiant Travel Company

CEO/CHAIRMAN

Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Allegiant.

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Summer has arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to relax on the beaches of Florida, play a round of golf at one of many fantastic courses in Myrtle Beach or explore the charm of Charleston, South Carolina.

Maurice J. Gallagher Robyn Davies

EDITOR

Connor McIIveen

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Justin Ralenkotter Heather Turk Teresa Bitler

WRITERS

Heather Turk, Sandra Chambers, Stacey Zable, Nancy Foster, J.S. Fletcher, Chelle Koster Walton, Kathy M. Newbern, Marcia Biggs, Christopher Lewis, Auriyon Butler, Kerry McGee, Teresa Bitler

PRODUCTION/DESIGN 702West.com

PHOTO CREDITS

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Ric Anderson Photos, visitstpeteclearwater.com, City of St. Petersburg, Tim Britt, Sunsets @ Pier 60, Carol Risegg, Nicholas Reynolds, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Bud & Alley’s, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, Visit South Walton, St. Johns Rivership Co., Chelle Koster Walton, Universal Orlando, City of Clearwater/Boone Clemmons, Frenchy’s Restaurants, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Opal Collection, Belleair Images, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, Marcia Biggs, Little Toot Dolphin Adventures, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, The Body Electric, Salvador Dali Museum, St. Pete Design, Heidemarie J. Burke/ heidemariephoto.com, Rum Bay, Worden Farm, Wyern Hotel, Joe Gallo, Fishermen’s Village, Port Charlotte Town Center/WPG, pureflorida.com, Hyde Park, LLC, Kelly Markhum, City Segway Tours Leader, J.S. Fletcher, Kathy M. Newbern, Explore Asheville, Teresa Bitler, Anakeesta, Gatlinberg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Charleston Area CVB, Andrew Cebulka, Reedy Press, Coastal Life Photography, Pier House Restaurant, Sandra Chambers, Sea Captain’s House, Croissants Bistro & Bakery, Zota Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Lido Beach Resort, Russell Wilson, SpaceX

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.

Whether it’s to take that well-needed vacation or visiting family and friends, we understand the more choices that are made available to you when it comes to travel - the better. Recently, we announced more routes to Denver and a new city to our network – Nashville. Rest assured, even as we continue to grow, we will always strive to offer the most affordable fares in the industry. Let Sunseeker be your guide to the latest in local deals and tips on the hottest spots to visit in our destinations. See which dolphin-watch cruises offer the best picture-worthy moments on page 27. Discover which tours provide the best way to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of New Orleans on page 49. Check out why Asheville is becoming one of the nation’s top music destinations on page 50. Finally, see which beaches in the Punta Gorda/ Englewood area are the most family friendly on page 43. As always, we hope you take advantage of the convenience and great deals we offer on our nonstop flights, hotels, car rentals and more to make your trip a great one. Thanks again for choosing Allegiant and have a great vacation.

Maurice J. Gallagher

CEO/Chairman Allegiant Travel Company

DESTINATION

FLORIDA

SILVER SPURS RODEO IN KISSIMMEE

UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE

ST. PETE’S PRIDE FESTIVAL

It’s all about celebrating LGBT Pride during the 28th year of One Magical Weekend 2018 on June 1 to 3. The B Resort & Spa located at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista is the official host hotel for the event. Excitement includes Therapy Pool Parties with DJs Guy Scheiman, Ben Baker, Tommy Love, Louis Tham, Edil Hernandez, JB Burgos and Erik Armiliato. There are also late night events, a Gay Biz Expo and more DJ parties and dancing throughout the weekend. onemagicalweekend.com

The free St. Pete Street Food & Craft Beer Fest on June 15 brings together gourmet food trucks, craft beer and live music along a waterfront setting. Bring folding chairs and blankets, the kids, the dog and cash to buy goodies. More than 25 food trucks sell a range of cuisine from cheesesteaks and grilled cheese to sushi, pizza, donuts and Italian ices. The evening event takes place at Albert Whitted Park across from The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. facebook.com/events/1506490819388154/

ST. PETE STREET FOOD & CRAFT BEER FEST

EVENTS

The International Palms Resort welcomes the Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest on June 16 to 18 in Cocoa Beach. The family-friendly event includes live music, arts and crafts, food, pirate water balloon battles, a living history

Photo of Silver Spurs Rodeo by Ric Anderson Photos; Pride festival courtesy of visitstpeteclearwater.com; Food & Craft Beer Fest courtesy of City of St. Petersburg

The 141st Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee will take place June 1 to 2. The two-day event includes bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping. The “School’s Out Blowout” takes place before the rodeo with a free event that includes bounce houses, music and games. Young rodeo lovers age four to six and no more than 40 pounds can participate in the “Mutton Bustin’” sheep riding event. A rodeo clown, junior bull riders and barrel racers are also part of the festivities. silverspursrodeo.com

pirate encampment, treasure hunts and an adultsonly Pirate’s Ball. The Florida Pirate Con takes place in conjunction with the Pirate Fest featuring pirate celebrities, artists, authors, historians and more. cocoabeachpiratefest.com

Photo of Grand Prix Festival by Tim Britt; Sunsets at Pier 60 courtesy of Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival; "Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" by © Carol Rosegg; Symphony Under the Stars by Nicholas Reynolds

The annual St. Pete’s Pride Festival celebrates equality in the LGBT community in Downtown St. Petersburg and Vinoy Park on June 22 to 24. It’s a weekend filled with love, support, music, parades, food and street vendors. stpetepride.com/en

HOTELPLANNER SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL

The 34th Annual HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival takes place on June 23 to July 4. Powerboat and AquaX Pro race teams compete off of Sarasota’s Lido Beach on June 30 and July 1. Other events include a car show, golf classic, boat and personal watercraft “Fun Run”, “The Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament, a comedy night, kickoff party, “Meet & Greet Who’s in the Driver’s Seat” autograph signing event, motorcycle charity ride, and fireworks. A “Boats By The Bay Fan Fest” will include music, food, vendors, a chance to meet the teams in the dry pit area and a place to watch the races live. sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org

JULY Celebrate the Sunsets at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach during this daily festival starting from two hours before until two hours after sunset. Live entertainment, street performers and art stalls make this daily event paying tribute to the beautiful setting sun truly festive. Select nights also include the Sunset Cinema, a free outdoor movie theater with films starting at dusk. Bring a blanket or folding chair and money for popcorn and goodies. sunsetsatpier60.com

Celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars in Cocoa on July 4th. This free outdoor concert features patriotic and pops music prior and during an over-thewater fireworks display at Cocoa Riverfront park. Start the party early with the Red Hot & Booming BBQ at the Cocoa Civic Center. This ticketed event includes barbecue dinner, reserved parking and VIP seating for concert and fireworks. brevardsymphony.com

SUNSETS AT PIER 60

“ROGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA”

Fairy tales do come true at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa when the musical “Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” takes the stage July 5-8. Later in the month, “An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan Featuring Trial By Jury” with the Opera Tampa Singers is offered July 21, 28 and 29 at the Straz. strazcenter.org

Anglers and budding anglers head to Jacksonville for The 38th Annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament taking place over five days July 16 to 21 at Jim King Park & Boat Ramp at Sister Creek. More than 300 boats compete for thousands of dollars in prizes during the tournament. The event includes a Food Festival, live entertainment and a Junior Angler Tournament. kingfishtournament.com

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS IN COCOA

EVENTS

Plan a visit to Southwest Florida this fall for the fifth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. From September 21–30, enjoy free shows at intimate venues across Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and Downtown Fort Myers. Learn more at IslandHopperFest.com | #IslandHopperFest • 10 days of live music

• Pool parties

• 150+ free shows

• Private house parties

• 80+ songwriters

• Special festival room rates

• 20+ intimate venues

• Songwriting workshop with Hall of Fame artists

DESTINATION

EMERALD COAST

Volleyball is the name of the game at The Boardwalk’s beach

HIT THE BOARDWALK ON OKALOOSA ISLAND, FLA. TO FISH, PLAY AND DINE.

Photo of volleyball on The Boardwalk's beach and The Boardwalk courtesy of Okaloosa Island Boardwalk; dolphin encounter courtesy of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

By Chelle Koster Walton

ot only is The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island home to the destination’s famed fishing pier, a sun-kissed beach and the Gulfarium attraction, its shops and restaurants appeal to families and toes-in-the-sand types of all ages. Like one big, happy playground, this is an all-day destination for kids and adults alike. Just park it (for free) and play.

GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK

Okaloosa Island’s first attraction and Florida’s original aquarium attraction, Gulfarium opened in 1955 and has steadily grown and evolved into a modern marine experience that both

educates and entertains. Observe and engage with wildlife ranging from dolphins and seals to sea turtles and alligators. A play area for the kids and snack shops offer further appeal to families. gulfarium.com

NEWMAN C. BRACKIN WAYSIDE PARK

Of course, long before anything existed on Okaloosa Island, there was the beach. An off-thecharts white sand beach perfectly complements the trademark emerald waters of the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area. Spread a blanket along the wide lap of sand, play some volleyball, make sand angels, snorkel, body surf in the warm waves and cast a line. The kids will love the playground with interactive fountains. co.okaloosa.fl.us/pw/parks/boardwalk

OKALOOSA ISLAND FISHING PIER

Stretching a quarter of a mile into some of the best waters for fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, the island's pier connects The Boardwalk to the deeper waters. Epic catches such as tarpon, sailfish, tuna and mackerel give anglers a fight for their money. Bait, tackle and rentals are available. emeraldcoastfl.com

THE BOARDWALK Visitors can interact with dolphins at Gulfarium

The Boardwalk is an all-day destination

When your thirst and hunger take over, it’s time to head into The Boardwalk’s double-decker complex of retail shops and restaurants overlooking the beach. For families, Crab Trap Seafood & Oyster Bar is a perfect fit. After the kids have finished their fried fish fingers, parents can continue feasting on fresh seafood while they watch the kids on the playground below the open-air porch. Check out The Boardwalk’s shops for the latest in beachwear and toys. For adult time, head to Al’s Beach Club & Burger Bar, where live music plays every Friday and Saturday and the craft beers flow all night long. Or, if your ideal way to unwind is a frosty treat instead of a frosty beverage, Pino Gelato can satisfy your sweet tooth with several delicious gelato flavors. theboardwalkoi.com NORTHWEST FLORIDA

DESTINATION

EMERALD COAST

Dine with a rooftop view of the beach and sunset at Bud & Alley’s

FOODIE-HOPPING FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST ONE DAY, FOUR STOPS By Chelle Koster Walton

ou may be blinded by the white of the beaches as you drive the shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast, but don’t let the lure of its bleached blonde sands keep you from its other reputation as a diner’s delight. There’s at least a day’s worth of don’t-miss dining and drinking experiences.

If you can wait out the morning lineup, you will discover an eye-opening treasure that goes well beyond its mind-boggling array of donuts and pastry goods at Donut Hole Bakery Cafe in Destin. Good hot coffee, eggs every which way and a diner feel with counter and booth seating make this a perennial favorite for breakfast all day. facebook.com/pages/DonutHole-Bakery-Cafe/108523599210974

DINNER: BUD & ALLEY’S Take a seaside drive eastward to explore more of the local beaches and their dining treasures. This waterfront rooftop has been the go-to for everything from date night to family outings for decades. Come dinner, the cuisine gets creative with such Southern coastal delights as its signature crab cakes, grilled grouper with baby lima bean and sweet corn succotash, and Cheshire pork chop with jalapeno-cheddar cornbread. budandalleys.com

DRINKS: RED BAR

With its gator shows, kids menu, live entertainment, colorful setting and biweekly teen nights, Fudpucker’s is a clear family favorite. Seafood is the main event on its multipaged menu, but burgers come in a close second. After you’ve fed the live alligators on

Grayton Beach runs on a strong party vibe, and this joint has been furthering that reputation. Known for its good food as well as its cocktails, it hosts live music in a funky, uber-casual setting. The “House Salad,” aka Bloody Mary, reigns as iconic, but the bar also serves a full line of beers, wines and liquors for that last drink to cap off a day of sun, fun and food along Florida’s Emerald Coast. theredbar.com

Fish tacos: a signature dish at Fudpucker’s

Fun and funky at Grayton Beach’s Red Bar

LUNCH: FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Photo of Bud & Alley’s courtesy of Bud & Alley's; Fish tacos courtesy of Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill; Red Bar courtesy of Visit South Walton

BREAKFAST: DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE

property, feed yourself on gator tail, fried and spicy. Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan, fried pickles, fish tacos and combo seafood platters are also specialties. fudpucker.com

All just minutes away from the Orlando Sanford International Airport

Award Winning Art Studios • Charming Restaurants • Pubs • Unique Shops • Alive After 5 Mayfair Country Club • Paw Park • Farmers Market • Sanford Museum • RiverWalk The Central Florida Zoo • Performing Art Theaters • Seminole Towne Center Mall Seminole State College • Buehler Planetarium

sanfordfl.gov

DESTINATION

CENTRAL FLORIDA

The lovely Barbara-Lee sets sail from Sanford

FLOWING WITH THE ST. JOHNS FOUR SPOTS TO ENCOUNTER THE RIVER WITH ATTITUDE By Chelle Koster Walton

ne of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest and most storied waterways, the 310-mile St. Johns River has attitude. Whereas most rivers run north to south, it stubbornly rebels with its northward flow. It can be contrary in other good ways, too. Its rural regions, for instance, effectively reverse the clock to a gentler, quieter time.

Photos of Barbara-Lee courtesy of St. Johns Rivership Co.; tacos and St. Johns River Cruise by Chelle Koster Walton

BLUE SPRING STATE PARK, ORANGE CITY Known for its population of manatees, Blue Spring State Park borders the mighty river and offers narrated St. Johns River Cruises daily. Aboard the two-hour pontoon cruise, learn how the once crooked river was straightened with handsaws and oxen. Today, with few signs of civilization in sight, the same haunting Spanish moss-shrouded trees, ancient gators and tea-tinted waters take visitors back in time as osprey shrieks and dove coos emit from the otherwise silent forest. floridastateparks.org/park/blue-spring

cruise the river, the ornate Barbara-Lee sternwheeler glides through the water for narrated luncheon, dinner and party cruises. stjohnsrivershipco.com

TWISTER AIRBOATS & LONE CABBAGE FISH CAMP, COCOA For the ultimate St. Johns adventure, plan on a zippy 30-minute airboat ride to see everything from wild hogs to bald eagles on the river and Lake Poinsett. Lunch or dinner at unfussy Lone Cabbage caps off the experience with typical fish camp fare such as fried frog legs, catfish, gator and shrimp. twisterairboatrides.com

SWAMP HOUSE RIVER FRONT GRILL, DEBARY Before or after visiting the park, score more St. Johns quality time at this sports bar and restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the river and a marina. Of course, alligator figures on the menu, and the Tropical Gator Tacos with mango and pineapple have the best bite. Downstairs at the Happy Snapper Tiki Bar, the drinks are rummy, the game is on (especially when the Gators or Seminoles are playing) and weekends bring live music. swamphousegrill.com

Tropical Gator Tacos at Swamp House River Front Grill

ST. JOHNS RIVERSHIP CO., SANFORD On its way south to Sanford, the St. Johns forms a number of lakes, widens and narrows, and contorts along a series of twists and turns, despite early straightening efforts. Perhaps the most popular way to

St. Johns River Cruises departs from Blue Spring State Park CENTRAL FLORIDA

ST. PETEâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIE

fly2pie.com

DESTINATION

ORLANDO

The irresistible Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

STEP INTO THE FUN UNIVERSAL ORLANDO OFFERS NEW ADVENTURES By Sandra Chambers

rom a thrilling new theme park ride to a lush Caribbean resort hotel and a fun chocolate emporium, guests will discover several new and unique experiences at Universal Orlando.

SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG Located at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, this one-of-a-kind multisensory, multidimensional attraction is an immersive and realistic theme park adventure. Guests brave the dangers of a 1930s expedition as they journey into the dark heart of a mysterious island aboard a specially designed 40-foot-long, 17-ton vehicle that uses a trackless, sophisticated positioning system. During the journey, they encounter an ancient temple inhabited by hostile natives, a foreboding underworld of caves concealing unspeakable terrors and, finally, come face to face with the colossal Kong himself.

LOEWS SAPPHIRE FALLS RESORT AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Photos courtesy of Universal Orlando

Built around a lush, tropical lagoon and towering waterfall, this new 1,000-room Caribbeanthemed resort is a fun destination for the entire family. Loews Sapphire Falls features the park’s largest resort pool, a 16,000-square-foot, zeroentry pool with two sand beaches, a huge hot tub, water slide, kid’s play area, game room and fitness center. In addition to guest rooms, Loews Sapphire Falls offers several types of suites, including a two-bedroom Kid’s Suite with a

Skull Island: Reign of Kong is an adventure

themed décor that only opens to the adult room and not the hallway. Adults will love the signature rum and ceviche bar at Strong Water Tavern, which offers dinner with daily rum tastings. The entire family can enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Amatista Cookhouse, with an exhibition kitchen, patio and private dining areas.

THE TOOTHSOME CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM & SAVORY FEAST KITCHEN This 19th century inspired steampunk chocolate emporium, complete with towering smokestacks, tanks and antique piping, offers a full-restaurant menu with a wide variety of dishes from all-day brunch crepes to unique takes on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees. But the real draw is for those with a sweet tooth. The desserts and specialty items are unimaginably irresistible and include artisan milkshakes such as Chocolate x5, Bacon Brittle, Red Velvet and Key Lime Pie and sumptuous sundaes like S’mores, Salted Caramel Flan and Chocolate Brownie Bark. Guests can watch the preparation of their dessert and shake creations and interact with Penelope and her trusty robot companion Jacques, the proprietors of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. For more information on these new Universal adventures, visit universalorlando.com.

Caribbean-themed Loews Sapphire Falls Resort CENTRAL FLORIDA

DESTINATION

FLORIDA

ATX Microgravity Simulator

PLANETARY ENCOUNTERS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX PROVIDES OUT OF THIS WORLD FUN

he U.S. space program comes alive at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Central Florida near Cocoa Beach. A plethora of offerings have been added to the 70-acre site that use innovative technology to convey what it's like to be transported out of our atmosphere. All ages are invited to discover more about space and the space program with guided bus tours, interactive exhibits, IMAXÂŽ films and live shows, as well as exciting opportunities for hands-on activities and even chances to meet real astronauts.

ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE

The newest attraction at the visitor complex offers future space explorers the chance to experience the challenges and pressures of space

By Stacey Zable

journeys to Mars. The recently opened Astronaut Training Experience Center features two exciting adventures that utilize immersive simulation technology. The Astronaut Training Experience (ATX), places you and a team of 24 in several training exercises over the course of five hours that get you as close as possible to the real thing. Visitors will be in the pilot chair as they launch into space, dock on the Red Planet and explore its unique terrain. For those who can't commit to the full experience, two training stages are offered: the 30 minute Spacewalk training stage, where guests experience moving in a friction-less environment, and the Mars Exploration Simulator Stage, which utilizes virtual reality to simulate the sensation of walking on Mars! Mars Base 1, the companion program to ATX, puts you in the boots of the first astronauts to live and work on Mars. For seven hours, you and your fellow rookie astronauts will fulfill the tasks necessary to keep the Base Operations Center on Mars functioning. Together you will program robots, harvest vegetables and rise to meet the challenges of living in a Martian environment.

CAMP KSC

Get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis 16

COVER STORY

Students interested in space and expanding their hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) knowledge will want to sign up for Camp KSC, a week-long day camp that only a place like Kennedy Space Center can deliver. Young aspiring astronauts and STEM enthusiasts

Photo of ATX Microgravity Simulator, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Hall of Fame courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; planned launch courtesy of SpaceX

take advantage of the Astronaut Training Experience, Mars Base 1, guided interactive tours of the launch facility and other NASA-created programs, as well scavenger hunts, 3D films and several engineering challenges and activities. Available for students in grades two through 11, camp runs Monday through Friday. The 2018 dates for Camp KSC are June 4 through Aug. 3; spring and winter programs are also available.

like to be on a space shuttle with the Shuttle Launch Experience®, an eight-and-a-half-minute simulation into orbit. During the daily Astronaut Encounter, participants can find out what it really means to be an astronaut and actually meet veteran NASA astronauts. The live presentation includes a question and answer session and the opportunity to shake hands and take a photo with these incredible individuals.

LAUNCH VIEWING

Visit KennedySpaceCenter.com to start planning your trip to the stars.

With approximately 40 launches scheduled for 2018, visitors to Kennedy Space Center can take advantage of the special opportunity to watch a spacecraft liftoff as it soars from Earth. There are multiple viewing locations at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which offer the closest public launch sites available for rockets taking off from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Launch viewing is available at the main visitor complex, but those who want an even closer look can enhance the experience with special launch viewing packages for an additional fee. The packages include transportation to VIP viewing areas as well as expert commentary, souvenirs and Jumbotrons. Go to KennedySpaceCenter.com to find tickets for launches that may be available during your visit.

Discover more about your favorite heroes at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

OTHER MUST-SEES

Exploring Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can be a multi-day experience with other popular attractions including Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® and the Sigma 7 and Gemini 9 capsules. Visitors can take a Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to the Saturn V moon rocket. During their visit, they can see Space Shuttle Atlantis and the more than 60 interactive exhibits focusing on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can opt for the chance to feel what it’s

Visit during one of the 40 launches planned for 2018 COVER STORY

DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Family Fun at Clearwater Beach

CLEARWATER BEACH IS NO. 1 PICK A WINNER FOR YOUR NEXT BEACH VACATION By Nancy Foster

he coveted TripAdvisor 2018 Traveler’s Choice Reader Poll honored many Florida beach communities among their Top U.S. Beaches, but Clearwater Beach topped them all, ranking as the No. 1 beach in the U.S. This beautiful west coast community also racked up the title of seventh most beautiful beach in the world, proving it’s on the A-list of places to go when you’re in need of a fabulous sun and sand getaway.

Breathtaking sunsets are the fitting finale of each day, when beachgoers line up at water’s edge to watch the radiant orb sink into the sea. For post sunset fun, head for drinks, live entertainment and dancing at one of many beach nightspots. For air and land packages to Florida, visit Allegiant.com.

Fun central is at Pier 60 Park with its wide swathes of public beaches, playgrounds, concession stand and cabana rentals. Return at dusk for the free, nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival where artisans and crafters hawk their wares and buskers and musicians perform. For bonus fun, there are free, outdoor PG-rated movies shown on weekends.

Award-winning Clearwater Beach

Conveniently located in the heart of the public beach area, activity-packed Clearwater Harbor Marina features waterfront dining, dolphin watch and dining cruises, fishing charters, speedboats and personal watercraft rentals. There’s even a family-friendly pirate cruise. Beachfront resorts, many of them new or renovated, lure with panoramic gulf views, tiki huts, fabulous pools, wide hammocks and fire pits. Dining choices range from beachy bars and tiki huts to award-winning restaurants and al fresco establishments serving Florida's succulent, fresh seafood. Getting around is easy; just stroll the popular Beachwalk, rent a scooter or surrey bike, or hop the affordable trolley or ferry service. 18

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

Fun at sunset on Clearwater Beach

Photo of family on beach and shoreline courtesy of City of Clearwater/Boone Clemmons; kids on beach courtesy of St.Pete/Clearwater

Clearwater Beach offers something for everyone. Families flock here for time together, couples love the romantic vibe and solo travelers strike up new friendships easily. The main draw, of course, is wide white stretches of sugar sand and warm gulf waters ideal for quiet beach walks, swimming and sunbathing.

Opportunities abound here in

Clearwater, FL

Business • Recreation • Culture • Sports Nature • Community

You can have it all when you experience Clearwater.

MyClearwater.com/econdev I 727.562.4220

DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Baked Stuffed Grouper at Frenchy’s Rockaway

FOR THE LOVE OF GROUPER SEAFOOD LOVERS GET THEIR FILL ON CLEARWATER BEACH By Nancy Foster

FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is that highly recommended, “gotta go” place where great food is served in a beach-casual setting. Opt for an outside table overlooking the beach, then settle in with a Rum Runner as live music coaxes you to unwind. The menu features fresh-from-the-boat seafood, making choices difficult, but an unparalleled crowd pleaser is the fresh Baked Stuffed Grouper, filled with a crabmeat, onions, green pepper and celery stuffing and topped with a Dijon caper hollandaise. frenchysonline.com

OCEAN HAI

Delectable Gulf Grouper at Ocean Hai

Sweeping views of the Gulf form the backdrop for Ocean Hai, the trendy and sought-after restaurant at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Locally-sourced ingredients and Asian-fusion cuisine highlight the menu along with traditional sushi and sashimi, but grouper dishes are perennial favorites among the many featured delicacies from the sea. A sumptuous choice is the flavorful Gulf Grouper with Ancient Grain, Charred Pineapple, Spinach, Cashew and Lobster Nage. Pair that deliciousness with a bottle of Elouan Rose and settle in for a meal you’ll long remember. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/ dining/ocean-hai

CARETTA ON THE GULF This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant inside Sandpearl Resort gets high marks for an ultimate dining experience combining dazzling gulf views with exquisite cuisine and meticulous service. Dine inside or on the expansive beachfront deck as you unwind over a handcrafted cocktail, nosh on a tantalizing appetizer, then feast on the extraordinary Black Grouper with English Pea and Parmesan Risotto. sandpearl.com

Fabulous Black Grouper at Caretta on the Gulf 20

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

For vacation packages to Clearwater, visit allegiant.com

Photo of Baked Stuffed Grouper courtesy of Frenchy’s Restaurants; Gulf Grouper courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Black Grouper by Opal Collection

anking high among seafood dishes found at Florida’s west coast restaurants is grouper, a popular fish indigenous to the temperate gulf waters of the St.Petersburg/Clearwater region. Even non-seafood lovers enjoy grouper because of its mild flavor and large white flakes. High in protein and low in fat, this tender fish lends itself to many ways of preparation, providing Clearwater Beach chefs creative opportunity to delight the most discriminating palate with inventive appetizers and entrees.

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DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat experience unlike any other at Shephard’s Ocean Flame

A PICTURE-PERFECT DINING EXPERIENCE SOAK UP THE SIGHTS AT THESE WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS IN CLEARWATER BEACH By Heather Turk

Photo of Shephard’s Ocean Flame courtesy of Belleair Images; SHOR courtesy of Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

ith a name like Clearwater Beach, it should come as no surprise that the popular vacation destination is home to a wealth of waterfront dining options. From casual eateries to relaxed fine dining spots, Allegiant passengers are sure to find a waterfront restaurant close by that’s perfect for every occasion!

CRABBY’S DOCKSIDE A Clearwater Beach staple for almost two decades, this popular seafood restaurant located within the Clearwater Municipal Marina recently underwent a complete rebuild on its original site and reopened in March 2017. Now boasting a more modern feel with three stories of unobstructed views of Pier 60 Park, the restaurant offers patio seating on its first floor, indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows on its second floor and open-air seating on its third floor. Guests can soak up the views of Clearwater Beach’s pristine

waters while dining on such signature selections as the Bairdi Crab—the same crab caught on “Deadliest Catch”—for lunch or dinner. The chefs will even cook your own fresh catch by request! crabbysdockside.com

SHEPHARD’S OCEAN FLAME Featuring indoor and outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from every table, this gourmet buffet inside Shephard’s Beach Resort is far from your ordinary smorgasbord. Open nightly for dinner, Sunday for Champagne brunch and Monday through Saturday for breakfast, it offers guests an unparalleled interactive dining experience. Guests can watch as the buffet’s talented chefs prepare their dishes right in front of them, making everything from hand-rolled sushi to homemade desserts. Be sure to check out the nightly Seafood and Prime Rib buffet. It’s a local favorite! shephards.com/dining-en.html

SHOR AMERICAN SEAFOOD GRILL

SHOR American Seafood Grill serves up a real feast for the senses

Located on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, this upscale restaurant features expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico from both inside of its dining room as well as out on its 50-seat patio. Guests can take in the spectacular sights while enjoying an array of delectable dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many of the items having won various awards. Delightful dinner options include such favorites as the Surf & Turf, a 7-ounce grilled filet and 4-ounce butter-poached lobster tail served with chorizo potato hash, asparagus and Béarnaise sauce, and the Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, both of which guests can watch being prepared in the open showpiece kitchen. Live entertainment is featured on holidays to further add to the unforgettable dining experience. shorclearwater.com CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Sea turtles dig nests on Florida beaches every summer

ANCIENT RITUAL THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF SEA TURTLE NESTING ON GULF BEACHES By Marcia Biggs

ach summer, the Gulf Coast beaches are invaded in the dark of night. Beginning in May of each year, sea turtles lumber ashore to lay their eggs, with hatchlings emerging through October. It’s a ritual powered by millions of years of primordial instinct and can be a magical experience for those humans who are lucky enough to encounter it.

It’s nothing short of a miracle that sea turtles continue to survive and thrive. An average of 100 to 120 eggs are dropped in a nest, yet an estimated one out of 1,000 hatchlings reaches adulthood. First they must make it to the water by avoiding predators, obstacles and the attraction of artificial light from beachfront buildings. This lighting on nesting beaches causes hatchlings to crawl inland rather than toward the water. The tiny turtles often land in pools and parking lots. For this reason, never carry a flashlight if you are walking the beaches at night and pull your drapes at sunset if you are staying at a beachfront lodging.

Five species of sea turtles nest on Florida beaches—loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles are the most common, with Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill sea turtles occasionally scattered about. An estimated 60,000 to

If you see a marked sea turtle nest, leave it alone. It is against the law to cause damage to a nesting area. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a nesting turtle, be sure to set aside a few hours in the dark of night and take a long walk. It could happen to anyone!

Only one of 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive

Be alert for sea turtle nests, which are usually marked with tape and a sign

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

Photo of sea turtle nests and sea turtle hatchlings courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission; caution sign by Marcia Biggs

From Clearwater Beach to Naples, beachgoers will often see a plot of sand marked off with bright tape. The plots can be side by side or scattered along the beach. Every day during nesting season, volunteers head out at dawn to walk the beach looking for turtle tracks or “crawls.” When a crawl is found, the site is taped off and data recorded. Wire cages may be placed around nests in particular need of protection from predators. Hatching will occur 50 to 60 days after nesting.

80,000 loggerheads nest on Florida beaches each year. On the Gulf Coast, Sarasota County claims bragging rights for the highest number of nests.

Clearwater Beach

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DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Dolphins as seen from Sea Screamer

LET’S GO DOLPHIN WATCHING BRING YOUR CAMERA FOR AMAZING SHOTS By Nancy Foster

Photo of dolphins courtesy of VisitStPete/Clearwater.com; Little Toot courtesy of Little Toot Dolphin Adventure

hat do a tugboat, a catamaran and a speedboat have in common? In this case, they’re all popular dolphin watch cruise vessels based at the Clearwater Beach Marina, right in the heart of awardwinning Clearwater Beach. All three companies also confidently guarantee a make-up cruise if dolphins are not sighted on your cruise which, thankfully, is a rarity since the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a year-round haven for these graceful and playful mammals. Captains and crew know the areas dolphins hang out in, and they know a dolphin’s favorite pastime is to frolic in the wakes of passing boats. Some dolphins swim in pods of ten or more, some swim solo and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin calf swimming alongside its mother, so keep your smartphone camera at the ready. No matter which dolphin cruise you choose, this experience is definitely worth carving an hour away from your beach time.

LITTLE TOOT DOLPHIN ADVENTURE This authentic 40-foot tugboat offers four narrated sailings a day and has been satisfying customers for years. Sit on the canopied lower deck area or go top deck for sunshine and a great vantage point for dolphin views as this U.S.

Coast Guard certified and inspected vessel tours you through the shallows of Clearwater Bay and up to three miles offshore. Soft drinks, water and beer are available for purchase. littletoot.com

SEA SCREAMER It’s dubbed the world’s largest speedboat, and this 72’ long colorful cruiser provides a thrilling and memorable ride for all ages. Expect lots of dolphin spottings as the captain steers the boat over open waters toward favorite dolphin hangouts where they lie in wait to chase and jump in the boat’s frothy wake. This bright yellow speedboat kicks up a notch on its return, racing at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, leaving some lucky passengers soggy yet happy from the spray. seascreamer.com

THE TROPICS BOAT TOURS Choose from lower or upper deck seating and viewing spots on this tropical-themed doubledecker catamaran that comfortably holds 125 passengers. Sit back and relax on a two-hour exploration tour as the captain provides informational narration on the area’s natural wonders while searching for favorite dolphin haunts. Special features include children’s activities, music and drink packages. thetropicsboattours.com

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

DESTINATION

CLEARWATER BEACH

Rufous, one of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s permanent residents

AN ATTRACTION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE SEE ABOUT AVIAN WILDLIFE AT THE SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY By Heather Turk

ot your typical animal rehabilitation center, Indian Shores’ Seaside Seabird Sanctuary should be at the top of every Allegiant passenger’s must-see list when visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located minutes from Clearwater Beach, the nonprofit organization was founded in 2016 to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wild birds. Situated on 1.5 acres of beachfront property, the open-air attraction has its own hospital on site that treats approximately 3,000 feathered friends each year for a variety of injuries and ailments, like swallowing fishing hooks and intestinal problems due to people feeding them human food that they have trouble digesting. While the hospital is closed to the public, guests who visit the sanctuary can view

more than 100 permanently disabled birds that reside there. Popular inhabitants include Rufous, an Eastern screech owl who is blind in his right eye, most likely due to trauma he sustained from being hit by a car or flying into a window; Donald, a Chinese golden pheasant who came to the sanctuary with a broken leg and couldn’t be released once he was healed because he isn’t native to the United States; and Janet, a sandhill crane who eats from a special feeding dispenser since she’s missing three-quarters of her lower beak. The sanctuary also has its own education center that teaches visitors how they can prevent injuring birds in the wild. A number of exhibits are on display that showcase various items removed from birds in the past and the medical equipment used to treat patients in the hospital. Various presentations are held throughout the week at the sanctuary, as well, including daily pelican hand-feeding presentations at 2:30 p.m. and an Eastern screech owl presentation every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Watch daily pelican hand-feeding presentations at Seaside Seabird Sanctuary 28

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free. Be sure to bring your camera to not only photograph the sanctuary’s many inhabitants, but also the hundreds of wild birds that nest in its trees. For more information, visit seabirdsanctuary.com.

Photos courtesy of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

“In the modern times we live in, of large, crowded, touristy amusement parks, we are a relaxing and educational throwback to old-time Florida,” said Keith Wilkins, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s director of operations. “Whether you are an avid bird watcher or just a nature lover in general, touring the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a great way to see the array of avian wildlife that Florida has to offer.”

MAKE A SOFT LANDING IN FLORIDA. You’ve been looking forward to your flight to the Sunshine State. But air travel can be tough on your skin, so drink plenty of water, and visit Sandava Spa at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa when you touch down. Our most hydrating treatments will have you feeling refreshed and looking your radiant, beach-ready best. As an exclusive for Allegiant flyers, receive 25% off our Hydrate facial and/or our Clearwater Beach wrap. Or choose any other a la carte service and receive 15% off. To book a treatment, call 727 373 4970 or visit clearwaterbeach.regency.hyatt.com. SANDAVA SPA at HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA 301 South Gulfview Boulevard Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA, 33767 Offer valid 6/1/18 to 8/31/18. Please be aware that we add an 18% service charge that includes a gratuity for the technician and service charge is based on original cost of the treatment. This is a promotional offer and may not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Subject to change and availability. The trademarks Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2018 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved. License #MM24508

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DESTINATION

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE

Stretch and swim on Saturdays at the Hollander Hotel

GO WITH THE FLOW DROP-IN YOGA CLASSES IN UNEXPECTED PLACES IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETE By Marcia Biggs

ravelers with a yen for zen should head to downtown St. Pete and into one of numerous public yoga classes where no reservations are needed. Yoga stimulates your system, helping rid your body of all those margaritas and cheesy pizzas you consumed at the beach, and with its healthy vibe, St. Pete is overflowing with opportunities to stretch, breathe and perhaps even break a sweat. Most drop-in classes are geared for all levels, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own mat. Even a beach towel will do!

HOLLANDER HOTEL Need a place to hang in the city? Check in at the hip Hollander Hotel, which offers a great restaurant with outdoor patio dining and comfortable bars both inside and out. It’s walkable from here to most of downtown, or you can take the shuttle for free. Wake up your weekend on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. with poolside yoga by The Body Electric. Do your stretches, take a swim and then stay for brunch. All levels are welcome for this slow flow class; walk-ins $15. hollanderhotel.com

YOGA WITH DALÍ Sunday is a fun day at The Dalí Museum when an all-levels vinyasa flow class is offered at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room for only $15. End your practice with a café con leche and guava pastry in the cheerful Gala Café or plan to spend the entire day and visit the galleries for an additional $10. The world-class museum is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dalí art in the country and is a must-see for all visitors to the area. thedali.org/events/category/yoga

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Although designed for kids 3 and older, the entire family is invited to do the “down dog” at the Museum of Fine Arts at 10 a.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month. This class focuses on partner yoga, games and activities, music, stories and more. Cost is $5 per person. mfastpete.org/programs/family-programs/

THE STATION HOUSE The Station House is a popular co-working space located in the heart of downtown. This is the place to head for a Warrior workout at noon. The 45-minute sessions are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday, either on the roof or in the yoga room depending on weather. Donations accepted. stationhousestpete.com

The Dalí Museum offers yoga every Sunday CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

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DESTINATION

ST. PETE

The Dalí Museum's building is its own work of art

MUSEUM MANIA ST. PETE ADDS TO ITS CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS By Stacey Zable

t. Petersburg is home to a number of worldclass museums, including two new ones that opened this year. Cultural excitement awaits visitors and locals with so many choices for discovering exhibits that are sure to impress.

the famous Spanish artist’s work, visitors can take one of the daily guided tours or use an audio guide for free with admission. Located downtown, the building itself is a work of art with 1,062 triangular-shaped glass panels. thedali.org

THE DALÍ MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Fans of Salvador Dalí’s art will be impressed with this collection of more than 2,000 works including nearly 100 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings and 1,300 prints, photographs, sculptures and objets d’art. To learn more about

Close to The Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts boasts classical and contemporary artwork from such masters as Renoir, Monet, Gauguin and Cézanne. Its 18,000 objects also include ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian and Native American art, and a large photography collection. Be sure to leave time to explore the Museum Store during your visit. mfastpete.org

IMAGINE MUSEUM

Imagine Museum opened earlier this year

One of St. Petersburg’s newest treasures, the Imagine Museum opened its doors earlier this year in St. Petersburg’s Central Arts District. The museum boasts a collection of 580 pieces of studio glass art. It focuses on the growth of the medium in the U.S. from the 1960s to today’s contemporary works. The museum store offers handmade jewelry, gifts and one-of-a-kind art for sale so be sure to bring your credits cards. imaginemuseum.com

THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART

Tom and Mary James’ personal collection is housed in the new James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

An April opening for this new downtown 80,000-square-foot gem puts some 400-500 pieces from local residents Tom and Mary James’ personal collection of 3,000 works of art on display. When the couple traveled to the West, the art, landscape and wildlife fascinated them so much that they began to collect works that included the mediums of oil, ink, stone and steel. The couple invested close to $50 million in the facility that includes 30,000-square-feet of gallery space, a 2,500-square-foot, twostory indoor sculpture court with an indoor waterfall, a 120-seat theater, store and café. thejamesmuseum.org CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

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DESTINATION

PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH

The Slow Roasted Cuban-Style Ribs and Southern Style Shrimp & Grits at Farlow’s on the Water

BBQ FAVORITES IN PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH WHERE TO FIND SOME OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S TASTIEST BBQ DISHES By Heather Turk

oodies might think of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast as a great place to dine on fresh seafood, but the area has so much more for guests to sink their teeth into. In fact, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is actually home to several scrumptious spots that make BBQ dishes so tasty, your taste buds will think you traveled all the way to Texas or Kansas City for some lip-smackin’ fare!

Photo of Farlow’s on the Water by Heidemarie J. Burke/heidemariephoto.com; ribs courtesy of Rum Bay

BENO’S BARBECUE A local favorite, this popular BBQ shack went mobile last July. Now serving its Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and ribs to Englewood and beyond, the food truck can often be found at Englewood’s Gulf Coast Hardware for lunch on Thursday and Skip’s Placida Marina on Saturday. While none of its dishes disappoint, be sure to try the signature Beno Bowl: garlic Parmesan fries piled high with mac ’n’ cheese and pulled pork tossed in a sweet BBQ sauce, topped with grilled jalapeños, ranch and nacho cheese. facebook.com/benosbarbecue

Rack & Coconut Shrimp combo platter. Other BBQ favorites include the BBQ Chicken with a Skewer of Shrimp and the Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork. rumbaypalmisland.com

SANDBAR TIKI & GRILLE This waterfront restaurant may be famous for its palate-pleasing pub grub, but it also serves some of Englewood’s best BBQ. Guests can enjoy live music every afternoon and evening while dining on an assortment of barbecued meats smoked daily over hickory wood. Standout selections include the fall-off-thebone tender SandBar Smoked Ribs, the Bar-BCuban (smoked shaved beef brisket and pulled pork with pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard) and the Corn Hog (cornbread piled high with smoked pulled pork and sweet pineapple coleslaw, drizzled with the restaurant’s homemade signature BBQ sauce). House sweet and hot BBQ sauces are available, too. sandbartikigrille.com

FARLOW’S ON THE WATER This Caribbean restaurant offers two tasty BBQ items on its dinner menu. Guests can enjoy the Southern Style Shrimp & Grits made with Farlow's own tangy Maker’s Mark BBQ sauce or try the Slow Roasted Cuban-Style Ribs slathered in the restaurant’s sweet Cuban-style BBQ sauce. The ribs may be messy, but boy are they delicious! farlowsonthewater.com

RUM BAY Although best known for its seafood, this tropical restaurant at Palm Island Resort is also renowned for its award-winning Swamp Sauce, a staple of the restaurant since 1989. Guests can enjoy the BBQ sauce atop a full or half rack of baby back ribs or indulge in the Half

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DESTINATION

PUNTA GORDA

The colorful bounty of Worden Farm

PUNTA GORDA FROM FIELD TO FORK FOUR STOPS ON THE JOURNEY By Chelle Koster Walton

Photos of colorful bounty courtesy of Worden Farm; Chef Joshua Booze courtesy of Wyvern Hotel; watermelon salad by Chelle Koster Walton

unta Gorda leads the way in locally raised food. Area farms grow organic veggies and raise sustainable livestock, while restaurants take advantage of the wholesome bounty for the best possible ways to experience farm-to-table.

Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It also supplies local restaurants and outlets. Seasonally, the ranch conducts covered wagon tours, but you can call ahead (941-639-7070), for a farm tour yearround. threesunsranch.com

WORDEN FARM

TABLE & TAP

Since 2003, Chris and Eva Worden have operated this 100 percent, USDA-certified organic vegetable farm east of Punta Gorda. They grow 60 different vegetables and several varieties of each—15 types of lettuce alone. The public can access the farm’s gorgeous, diverse produce through memberships during its 20-week growing season or at farmers markets in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. They also host occasional farm-totable meals that nonmembers can register for online. wordenfarm.com

Part of Babcock Ranch’s new solar-powered community, the restaurant shows its sustainable ethic by growing most of its vegetables, herbs and sprouts on-site. Executive chef Richard Howze uses them in such dishes as his Modern Crudités—fresh sprouts and squash blossoms served with honey from hives within the community. “We source whatever we can from sustainable farms,” said Howze, who purchases meats for specialties like grilled French wild boar chops from nearby Three Suns Ranch. tableandtap.co

88 KEYS FLORIDA & PERCH 360 A recent makeover of this sleek indoor restaurant and rooftop eatery combo at Punta Gorda’s Wyvern Hotel included the hiring of strong farm-to-table proponent, executive chef Joshua Booze. He is a big fan of Worden Farm, where he finds out-of-the-ordinary ingredients for both the casual sixth-floor, open-air Perch 360, overlooking the Peace River, and the more traditional 88 Keys Florida restaurant on the lobby level. “We use Worden’s mizuna red leaf lettuce to make our own spring salad mix,” said Booze. Other favorite finds he showcases in his American fusion cuisine include purple cauliflower, romanesco and purple baby bok choy. thewyvernhotel.com/eat-drink

Wyvern’s Chef Joshua Booze shops at Worden Farm’s market

THREE SUNS RANCH Three Suns specializes in grass-fed bison meat but also raises grass-fed cattle and sells farm-pastured eggs and USDA-certified, locally trapped wild hog cuts and sausage. All products are hormone- and antibiotic-free, from animals living as nature intended. The ranch sells its meat products on-site Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m., and

The watermelon salad at Table & Tap uses local products SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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Plus, we only minutes something from the hotel. Plus, we areare only minutes TT’s Tiki locatedPlus, we everyone. away from the hotel. Plus, we are only minutes eryone. for away fromBartheis hotel. are minutes andonly the beautiful gulf beaches. Interstate 75, the Punta Gorda Airport, on the waterfront of The Four from from Interstate 75, the Punta Gorda TT’sTT’s Tiki BarInterstate is located from 75, the Punta Gorda Airport, Tiki Bar is located from Interstate 75,gulf the Punta Gorda Airport, Points by Sheraton Punta 33 Tamiami Trail and the beautiful beaches. TT’s Tiki Bar is locatedon waterfront oflocated TheFour TT’s Tikithe Bar is onthe the waterfront of The Airport, and the beautiful Gorda 33beautiful Tamiami Trail and gulf beaches. Gorda, FL 33950 and thePunta beautiful gulf beaches.gulf beaches. on the waterfront of The Four on Points the waterfront of FL The Four byby Sheraton Punta Four Points Sheraton Punta Gorda, 33950

Points by Sheraton Punta 33 Tamiami Tamiami Trail Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda 33941-637-6770 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda 33 Gorda 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Gorda 33Gorda, Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950 www.docksideandtiki.com Trail Punta FL 33950 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 For reservations Punta941-637-6770 Gorda, FL 33950 call 941-637-6770 941-637-6770 www.docksideandtiki.com 941-637-6770 941-637-6770 www.docksideandtiki.com www.docksideandtiki.com www.fourpointspuntagorda.com www.docksideandtiki.com

MICROTEL

33For Tamiami Trail call reservations 33 Tamiami 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda, FLTrail 33950 941-637-6770 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 For reservations callFL 33950 For reservations call www.fourpointspuntagorda.com For941-637-6770 reservations call941-637-6770 www.fourpointspuntagorda.com 941-637-6770 www.fourpointspuntagorda.com www.fourpointspuntagorda.com

MICROTEL

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INN & SUITES MICROTEL

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812 Kings Highway RANKED #1 ON Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 812For Kings Highway reservations call 812Charlotte, Kings Highway Port Fl 33980 941-979-4200 Port Charlotte, Fl 33980 For reservations call www.laquintaportcharlotte.com For941-979-4200 reservations call www.laquintaportcharlotte.com 941-979-4200

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ComplimentaryComplimentary Shuttle Servicewww.microtelinn.com/portcharlotte to and from Service the Punta Gorda Airport Shuttle Service towww.laquintaportcharlotte.com and from theGorda PuntaAirport Gorda Airport Complimentary Shuttle to and from the Punta Visit our website at www.charlotteharborhotels.com Visitour our website www.charlotteharborhotels.com Visit websiteat at www.charlotteharborhotels.com

Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from the Punta Gorda Airport Complimentary Service to and from the Punta Gorda Airport Visit ourShuttle website at www.charlotteharborhotels.com

DESTINATION

PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH

Shop along the Charlotte Harbor waterfront at Fishermen’s Village

A SHOPPER’S PARADISE REMARKABLE RETAIL DESTINATIONS IN PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH By Heather Turk

hether you’re looking for a unique keepsake to remind you of your Florida vacation or simply hoping to spruce up your summer wardrobe, Allegiant passengers visiting Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach will find an assortment of places nearby to go shopping during their trip.

a store that specializes in vintage goods, unique antiques and miscellaneous oddities; and the Old Florida Outdoor Center & Gallery, an art gallery that sells a wide range of locally made wares. On July 4, shoppers can even enjoy fireworks at night! oldeenglewood.com

DEARBORN STREET

A Punta Gorda staple since 1980, this popular shopping destination boasts more than 40 independently owned and operated shops, boutiques and galleries on the Charlotte Harbor waterfront. Guests will find a variety of unique gifts for sale as well as quality fashion pieces while shopping along the open-air promenade. Must-stop shops include The Caged Parrot, offering garden and decorative accents with an island flair; Creations at the Village, showcasing original art and gift creations by local artists; and Naples Soap Company, selling handmade organic and natural soaps. When it’s time for a shopping break, guests can take in their surroundings at four different waterfront restaurants or head out on the water on a sunset cruise or deep sea fishing charter. fishville.com

Photo of Charlotte Harbor by Joe Gallo; Fishermen's Village courtesy of Fishermen’s Village; Port Charlotte Town Center courtesy of Port Charlotte Town Center/WPG

Known for its quaint shops and restaurants, this picturesque street in Olde Englewood Village offers shoppers a wealth of places to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts. Guests will find everything from original artwork to clothing for sale. Favorite stops include Ivy’s on Dearborn, a ladies’ boutique offering everything from stylish footwear to jewelry by local artists; Rehab on Dearborn,

FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE

PORT CHARLOTTE TOWN CENTER Fishermen’s Village has been a Punta Gorda shopping staple for almost four decades

Port Charlotte Town Center has fountains located throughout the retail center

The premier shopping destination for Charlotte and DeSoto counties, this retail center in Port Charlotte is the perfect place for tourists and locals alike to shop ’til they drop. Boasting more than 100 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, the retail center is home to such beloved brands as Old Navy and Hollister Co. It also has five department store anchors—Bealls, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Sears—and recently welcomed a Sephora inside of JCPenney. Other recent retail additions include a Torrid, an expanded Rack Room Shoes and a 21,000-square-foot Recreational Warehouse. Skylights and fountains are located throughout the property to give it a distinctive Florida-style feel, so visitors never forget they’re on vacation. portcharlottetowncenter.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Worth the Drive

One of the largest GM muscle car collections in the nation. 170+ classic cars spanning 80 years!

Corvettes, Chevelles, Camaros, Impalas, GTOs, 442s, and a huge assortment of hot rods and antique Chevy cars & trucks. Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9am to 5pm

Diner Coming Soon!

Adult Admission: $12 +tax Child 2-12: $6 +tax

Beautiful New Location! 10175 Tamiami Trail • Punta Gorda, FL 33950

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and Bamboo Farm 25370 Zemel Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955

From Gulf to Bay...The Place to Stay! Weston’s wannaB inn on Manasota Key in Englewood, Florida. • Docks on Lemon Bay featuring 38 slips • 900 feet of beach along the Gulf of Mexico • 80 Units, each with a kitchen

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Call or Email us today... 941.474.3431 | info@wannabinn.com | WannaBinn.com

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There’s a million shells on the beach, but this one found her Some things in life are just meant to be, but we never slow down long enough to let them find us. When you vacation at Palm Island Resort, you will always be moving at the speed of discovery. Here, every moment is cherished with the ones you love—and even those you just met.

Plan your trip today: (800) 824-5412 • PalmIsland.com Cape Haze, Florida | Vacation rental and ownership opportunities available

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DESTINATION

PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH

Find fossilized shark teeth at Stump Pass Beach State Park

LIFE’S A BEACH! FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH By Heather Turk

amilies hoping to have a little fun in the sun during their trip to Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach will have no trouble finding a beach close by that’s suitable for even the littlest beachgoer. The area’s many diverse beaches are sure to have something for everyone to enjoy, whether your idea of a beach day involves a picnic by the water or searching for fossilized shark teeth in the sand!

DON PEDRO ISLAND STATE PARK Accessible only by private boat or ferry, this 245-acre park is home to a variety of endangered species, including West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises and bald eagles. Offering a mile of white sandy beach for guests to enjoy, visitors can go swimming, snorkeling or even shelling on the island’s Gulf side. Paddlers can also bring their kayaks and canoes to launch into Lemon Bay. Nature trails are available, and there’s a fishing dock and picnic shelter.

park’s heated swimming pool. There’s also a playground and a variety of courts to play sports on, including two bocce courts and a tennis court.

STUMP PASS BEACH STATE PARK A favorite with families, this secluded 211-acre park is the perfect place to go hunting for fossilized shark teeth, as shortfin mako, sand tiger, lemon and bull shark teeth commonly wash up ashore during low tide. Visitors can go swimming, fishing or walk down the park's hiking/nature trail to observe wildlife along this stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. The protected waters of the bay are also ideal for kayaking, sailing and water skiing. For more on the area’s beaches, visit charlotteharbortravel.com.

Photos courtesy of pureflorida.com

ENGLEWOOD BEACH Boasting more than 12 acres of white sand and sparkling blue waters, this beautiful beach at Chadwick Park has it all: two volleyball courts, a basketball court, a playground, BBQ grills—even a 900-foot boardwalk with three covered lookouts. Visitors can go fishing, play a game of horseshoes or see what types of wildlife they can find, as the beach is a popular place to spot dolphins, manatees and a variety of birds. Just be careful where you walk, as dozens of sea turtles nest on the beach from May until October!

PORT CHARLOTTE BEACH PARK This picturesque bayfront beach has more than 16 acres of sand and sheltered waters for guests to enjoy. Guests can go fishing from the boardwalk, take a canoe, sailboat or kayak out into the water or even go swimming in the

Enjoy a picnic by the water at Port Charlotte Beach Park SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

DESTINATION

SARASOTA

Hyde Park's family of martinis

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED MARTINIS IN SARASOTA By Misty Wells

and sample the handcrafted Grapefruit Basil Martini. Fresh juices served with chilled vodka and muddled basil provide a fresh take on your typical grapefruit martini. Drinks are served in a romantic setting with exotic Peruvian and Asian flavors on the menu. You will be back again and again. selvagrill.com

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Located in Downtown Sarasota, The Bar at Hyde Park serves up delicious martinis in an inviting club style atmosphere. The White Pear Martini is a refreshing, delicate balance of pear vodka with the richness of freshly made mixers, shaken to perfection and served with a fresh pear garnish. This martini is the most popular drink served at Hyde Park for good reason: it’s amazing. hydeparkrestaurants.com

JACK DUSTY

Located inside the Ritz Carlton Sarasota at an amazing waterfront location, Jack Dusty serves an array of signature cocktails including the Rosemary Martini. Created by expert mixologist Kelly Crawford, the Rosemary Martini excites your senses all the way around: the look, the smell and the taste are all 4-star. jackdusty.com

Jack Dusty’s Signature Rosemary Martini

MICHAEL’S ON EAST

Michael’s Lounge is one of Sarasota’s favorite gathering spots with exceptional mixologists creating vintage and modern cocktails for you to try. Nestle in next to the Piano Bar and enjoy a Classic Dirty Martini that would bring James Bond running back for more: the perfect blend of vodka with sweet & dry vermouth, “shaken, not stirred.” bestfood.com

SELVA

Selva Lounge, with its South Beach vibe, serves up creative cocktails and a late night menu. Sit back on one of their comfy couches 44

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Hyde Park's Bee’s Knees Martini

Photos of martini family courtesy Hyde Park LLC; Rosemary Martini courtesy of Kelly Markhum; Bee’s Knees Martini courtesy of Hyde Park LLC.

arasota is quickly becoming a foodies paradise, and now mixologists have found new ways to tantalize your taste buds and wow your senses. Martinis, made popular in the roaring 20’s, have been called ""the only American Invention as perfect as the sonnet," by satirist H.L. Mencken, and several and several places in Sarasota are taking their own shake at it. James Bond watch out! There are a lot of new martinis in town to choose from.

ch ! n u nt L t a s Be staur Re

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209 W. Olympia Ave, Punta Gorda Lunch Hours Tue-Fri 11:30-2 Dinner Hours Mon-Sat 4-9 CarmelosRistorante.com | (941) 621-4091 Reservations Suggested

Discover outstanding art and circus museums with a historic mansion and theaterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all located on beautiful grounds and gardens in Sarasota, Florida.

DISCOVER MORE

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27 Holes of Arthur Hills Championship Golf Experience Southwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier State of the Art 25 Acre Practice Facility PGA Golf Instructors

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Golf Memberships are available with newly renovated Tifeagle Greens. If you are interested in a Club Membership contact Richelle to schedule a round of golf or a dinner reservation at 941-240-5100 or membership@heron-creek.com www.heroncreekgcc.com

COME SEE WHY

DESTINATION

JACKSONVILLE

Byran-Gooding Planetarium at the MOSH

FUN FOR ALL AGES JACKSONVILLE IS THE PERFECT FAMILY GET-AWAY By Sandra Chambers

rom museums to baseball, exotic animals, water parks and a whimsical candy store, Jacksonville offers plenty of family-friendly activities.

THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY (MOSH) Explore Florida’s prehistoric times or learn about the newest discoveries in science at the Museum of Science and History. Several family-friendly, hands-on exhibits offer the chance to learn more about electricity, the human body and Florida’s sea life . At the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, discover the mysteries of our solar system with shows ranging from Sesame Street Sky to laser shows and Cosmic Concerts. themosh.org

Photo of planetarium courtesy of MOSH; waterpark courtesy of visitjacksonville.com

JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA) Featuring one of the largest modern art collections in the Southeast, the MOCA has exhibits appealing to a variety of different ages. Its Art Explorium Loft, with 16 interactive family learning stations, is a fun way to introduce children to basic visual art principles. mocajacksonville.unf.edu

SWEET PETE’S EMPORIUM

native creatures at the Wild Florida exhibit and check out the manatee critical care center. Take a break to climb into a tree house or dig for artifacts in the Forest Play area. Then, cool off in the 4,000 square-foot Splash Ground. jacksonvillezoo.org

ADVENTURE LANDING & SHIPWRECK ISLAND WATERPARK Head to Jacksonville Beach for some fun in the sun. Dive into the 3-4 foot wave pool, ride an uphill water-coaster, zip down one of 12 water slides, including four extreme slides, or slowly glide down the lazy river. More fun awaits with options like mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages and an arcade. The Splash Cove and Pirates Play Village is perfect for younger family members. jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com

THE JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMPS From April through September, enjoy America’s favorite pastime with this Double-A Baseball affiliate of the Miami Marlins. With tickets starting at just $5, Friday night fireworks, special givealways and guest appearances, this is definitely a budget-friendly family outing. jaxshrimp.com

Directly across the street from the MOCA is a notto-missed, Willy Wonka-esque house with three floors. One of the largest candy stores in the nation, Sweet Pete’s elaborately themed rooms of candy concoctions will delight the young-at-heart. Take a tour to view the candy-making process, then create your own chocolate bar and enjoy lunch in Sweet Pete’s Cafe. sweetpetescandy.com

JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS Spend a day with more than 2,400 rare and exotic animals exploring 13 different animal exhibits at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Don’t miss the 2.5 acre Land of the Tigers, featuring Sumatran and Malayan tigers. Get close up and learn about the tigers at the 11:30am training session. Discover several of Florida’s

Adventure Landing & Shipwreck Island Waterpark NORTHEAST FLORIDA

DESTINATION

NEW ORLEANS

City Segway Tours participants pose in front of Louis Armstrong Park

THEY’VE GOT A TOUR FOR THAT DOZENS OF WAYS TO SEE NEW ORLEANS By Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher

ith 300 candles on her birthday cake, New Orleans is celebrating all year long. A great way to join in is by taking any of the dozens of tours offered. Explore the flavors, sights, and stories of this historic city.

HAUNTED HISTORY TOURS

Photo of Segway tour by City Segway Tours Leader; voodoo tour by J.S. Fletcher; Jackson Square by Kathy M. Newbern

Haunted History Tours’ outings, as the name suggests, cover voodoo, vampires, zombies and hauntings. Learn of voodoo queen Marie Laveau, find out which actor owns the pyramid-shaped tomb and see the unmistakable crypt from the acid-tripping scene in the 1969 film Easy Rider. hauntedhistorytours.com

DOCTOR GUMBO FOOD TOUR A culinary tour is a no-brainer in this top-ranked foodie city, which blends French, Spanish, Italian, Creole and Cajun components onto menus from sandwich shops to the halls of haute dining. These influences are explained amid illuminating bites on a Dr. Gumbo Food History Tour. Visit six spots to sample pork crackling, sweet potato beignets, muffuletta, catfish poboys, creole beef brisket, seafood gumbo and pralines. The Pepper Palace stop offers samples of all kinds of sauces, salsas and peppers, including one so hot you have to sign a waiver. doctorgumbo.com

HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS TOURS Preservationist and author Robert Florence, whose Cities of the Dead book on cemeteries is a great pre-visit primer, operates Historic New Orleans Tours giving visitors the factual scoop on the French Quarter, cemeteries, the garden district, plantations, haunted hang-outs and more including literary tours. See where Tennessee Williams wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Step into the bookstore on Pirate Alley where William Faulkner resided. Hear how the Big Easy influenced Eudora Welty, Walker Percy, Truman Capote and Anne Rice of

vampire book fame. Fans of Pulitzer-Prize winning Confederacy of Dunces can pose with the statue of Ignatius J. Reilly “under the clock of the D.H. Holmes department store,” as the book’s opening notes. And yes, Lucky Dog hot dog carts still dot the streets. tourneworleans.com

CITY SEGWAY TOURS After days of aching feet from beating the streets, a wonderful alternative is a Segway tour, plus it covers much more ground in less time. A good intro is the two-hour city tour that covers the French Quarter, Mississippi River, Louis Armstrong Park, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, Congo Square and a few historic neighborhoods. citysegwaytours.com/new-orleans Explore more at neworleans.com/things-todo/tours

A voodoo tour explains the roots of the religion, still practiced in New Orleans today

Many tours include stops at iconic Jackson Square LOUISIANA

DESTINATION

ASHEVILLE

The Orange Peel is a popular venue in downtown Asheville

ASHEVILLE AMERICA’S NEWEST MUSIC CITY By Teresa Bitler

ashville may be the nation’s original Music City, but Asheville is on the rise, outpacing the growth of its southern neighbor’s music industry every year since 2010. If you want to listen to a variety of great music, from bluegrass and jazz to rock and country, Asheville is the place to go.

THE ORANGE PEEL Bob Dylan, Blondie and The Smashing Pumpkins have all played at The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club, a smoke-free venue with wood slat floors and a large fan rotating overhead. Although the music tends to lean towards rock, other genres can be heard, too. You may even catch a comedy show here.

In addition to a bar serving beer, wine and cocktails, Isis has its own restaurant in what used to be the theater lobby. While you don’t have to attend a show to dine at Kitchen 743, it’s a popular pre-show option for concertgoers who share small plates or make a full meal of fish, vegetarian dishes and southern staples like fried chicken. isisasheville.com

AMBROSE WEST Because Ambrose West was originally a church, it has a few advantages over other venues. First, it’s gorgeous with exposed-beam ceilings, large windows and wood floors. Second, it’s intimate, seating only 160. And, finally, the bar is in the basement, minimizing interruptions from servers and thirsty patrons.

Formerly a one-screen movie theater, Isis Music Hall tends to book nationally- and regionally-acclaimed bluegrass, jazz and

Even though Ambrose West is the new kid in Asheville’s music scene, it’s already attracting impressive acts, like Joy Williams of The Civil Wars. Watch for this venue to become one of the city’s hottest places to hear music. ambrosewest.com

Isis Music Hall attracts nationally-acclaimed acts

Ambrose West is a church-turned-music-venue

ISIS MUSIC HALL

NORTH CAROLINA

Photo of The Orange Peel and Isis Music Hall courtesy of Explore Asheville; Ambrose West by Teresa Bitler

Come early to snag one of the 50-plus stools along the perimeter; otherwise, be prepared to join the roughly 1,000 standing for the performance. Whether you sit or stand, you can purchase beer and wine from two main floor bars or cocktails at the full bar in the basement. theorangepeel.net

blues performers. Depending on the show, seating may be cabaret style with tables and chairs for 150 ticket holders or standing room only for up to 450.

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MLS# 3378717

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 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

DESTINATION

GATLINBURG

The dueling zipline at outdoor adventure park Anakeesta

A MARVELOUS MOUNTAINSIDE ESCAPE DISCOVER BREATHTAKING GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE By Heather Turk

urrounded on three sides by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tenn., is sure to have something for every Allegiant passenger to enjoy.

For more adventurous sightseers, Gatlinburg is home to several new thrill rides that showcase the beauty of the area while leaving hearts racing. At Rowdy Bear Mountain, visitors will not only find the world’s first mountain glider—a suspended single-rail coaster that safely soars through the treetops—but also a gravity-propelled alpine mountain coaster that reaches speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Guests can visit the Anakeesta outdoor adventure park, which in addition to featuring such exciting attractions as a dueling zipline and a tree canopy walk will welcome a new single-rail mountain coaster in late June.

Visit gatlinburg.com for more on everything this charming mountainside town has to offer.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a favorite with families

Gatlinburg also boasts the only ski area in Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park, which offers family activities all year long. The popular attraction is home to one of America’s largest aerial tramways, too, featuring breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. While Gatlinburg may be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty for guests to experience indoors as well. Visitors can get up close to thousands of exotic sea creatures 54

TENNESSEE

Enjoy a quaint European shopping experience at The Village

Photo of dueling zipline courtesy of Anakeesta; Ripley's Aquarium and The Village courtesy of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau

Known for its world-class attractions and specialty shops, the scenic mountain town is the perfect place to reconnect with the great outdoors since it’s the gateway to the most visited national park in the United States. The only free national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes more than 10 million visitors annually. Guests can look for wildlife like black bears and turkeys, go hiking along mountain streams to roaring waterfalls, see more than 1,500 kinds of flowering plants and more.

representing more than 350 species at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, see more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world at The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, and check out the largest group of independent artisans in North America showcasing their wares on the historic, 8-mile Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community loop. When it’s time for a snack, Gatlinburg is famous for its sweet treats, like the fresh-baked cinnamon bread at The Donut Friar. A local favorite, The Donut Friar is one of 27 unique shops and eateries that make up downtown Gatlinburg’s quaint European shopping experience, The Village.

Discover more at gatlinburg.com/allegiant

DESTINATION

CHARLESTON

Explore the historic homes of Charleston on a carriage ride

100 THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON BEFORE YOU DIE Sunseeker Staff

harleston, S.C., has become the tourism darling of the Southeast for good reason. With its Civil War history, antebellum plantations, lush Lowcountry landscape, sand beaches along the Atlantic, and James Beard Foundation award-winning dining scene, it has something for everyone.

Sunseeker sat down with the authors, Cele & Lynn Seldon, to chat about their book. Sunseeker: How would you describe the book? Lynn: It’s definitely a love letter to Charleston. It focuses on the history, culture and food that have helped to make Charleston such a soughtafter travel destination, including pre-Civil War plantations, carriage tours, the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, sweet grass baskets at the City Market, she-crab soup, shrimp & grits and so much more! Sunseeker: How did the two of you decide on your selections? Did you ever disagree? Cele: We’ve been visiting Charleston for many years as travel journalists, so we already had many in mind. We also reached out to dozens of local friends and colleagues for their recommendations of their favorite things to do, see and eat. There were lots of common denominators, and many of them made the cut. Lynn: The publisher gave us the categories, and other than that, they aren’t in any particular order. We did, however, intentionally select the Charleston Wine + Food Festival as the No. 1 entry because we think it’s a great way to get a real taste of Charleston. We’ve been to all 13 helpings of the tasty festival. 56

SOUTH CAROLINA

Sunseeker: Share a particularly memorable Charleston experience. Lynn: I’ll never forget Sean Brock’s tasting menuonly experience at McCrady’s. Sunseeker: What would be the 101st thing to do in Charleston if you could have continued the list. Cele: Order the Mac Attack at The Macintosh— it’s insanely delicious.

Splurge on a Sean Brock-created tasting menu at McCrady's

Visit to the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die by Lynn & Cele Seldon

Photo of carriage ride and USS Yorktown courtesy of Charleston Area CVB, explorecharleston.com; McCrady's by Andrew Cebulka; book cover image courtesy of Reedy Press

Now, visitors and locals alike have a new resource to help them enjoy tried and true— as well as off the beaten path—places to visit, things to do, restaurants, shopping and more with the new book, 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die.

Cele: We absolutely disagreed on some. There were just too many amazing things to include. It’s impossible to define Charleston in 100 things. So, we compromised. We already have enough material for 100 MORE Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die.

17,500 15,000 Bonus Points Offer Equal to $175 off your next trip! IAL FFER C E SP HT O LIG F N I

Earn points that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels and car rentals on Allegiant.com

points on Allegiant purchases

points on qualifying dining purchases

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 — You won’t lose your points as long as your Allegiant credit card remains open and you make at least one purchase every 12 months. Complimentary priority boarding every time you fly Allegiant when you show your Allegiant credit card One free beverage every time you fly Allegiant when you show your Allegiant credit card

Apply today! Ask your flight attendant how to apply now. For more 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. ©2018 Bank of America Corporation ARXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX AD-03-18-0784.A

DESTINATION

MYRTLE BEACH

EKER SUNSE 5! TOP

Johnny D’s famous Red Velvet Waffle

SUNSEEKER'S TOP 5 WHO HAS THE BEST BREAKFAST IN MYRTLE BEACH? By Sandra Chambers

his favorite East Coast beach town may just have the highest per capita number of breakfast restaurants and pancake houses in the nation, but for something truly special head to Myrtle Beach for some truly fabulous fare. THESE ARE SUNSEEKER'S TOP 5 BREAKFAST PICKS IN MYRTLE BEACH.

CREPE CREATION CAFE. Enjoy made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and Belgium waffles all day long at this quaint cafe. Owner Larry Cauble spent years perfecting his crepe recipe while living in Europe. Try the Stuffed French Toast Crepe, the Tuscan Chicken Savory Crepe or create your own delectable made-to-order crepes and waffles. crepecreation.com

A delightful Pier House breakfast

Crepe Creation’s delicious dessert waffle

SEA CAPTAIN'S HOUSE. This once family-owned oceanfront cottage-turned-restaurant is the place to go if you love buffets. Serving up a great Southern breakfast buffet everyday, Sea Captain's House offers menu includes coastal favorites such as Shrimp and Grits, the Seafarer's Omelet and a wide variety of other freshly prepared breakfast delights to satisfy any appetite. seacaptains.com JOHNNY D'S WAFFLES & BAKERY. Owner and Chef Jamie Saunders, a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in Baking & Pastry, turns your typical Waffle House menu into a gourmet adventure. An array of delicious egg combinations, waffles and pancakes draw a long line outside their door on weekend mornings. For a hearty breakfast try the Irish or Seafood Benedict. Their signature Red Velvet Waffle or Coconut Banana French Toast Waffle is paradise on a plate! johnnydswafflesandbakery.com CROISSANTS BISTRO & BAKERY. This European-style bistro with two locations offers a wide selection of homemade croissants, pastries and muffins, as well as heartier signature egg dishes such as their Crab Benedict. A Sunday brunch and weekend Bloody Mary bar spice things up a bit. croissants.net 58

SOUTH CAROLINA

The ocean view breakfast bar at Sea Captain’s House

The Crab Benedict at Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Photo of Red Velvet Waffle courtesy of Coastal Life Photography; Pier House breakfast courtesy of Pier House Restaurant; Crepe Creation by Sandra Chambers; Sea Captain's House courtesy of Sea Captain’s House; Crab Benedict courtesy of Croissants Bistro & Bakery

PIER HOUSE RESTAURANT. Located above the 2nd Avenue Pier and Tackle Shop, this restaurant offers one of the best ocean views on the Grand Strand. Order The Amberjack, Cobia, Tarpon or Wahoo omelet—all named after South Carolina fish. The Tabor House Toast, orange-crusted Texas toast filled with peanut butter and bananas, is a family favorite. secondavenuepier.com

BUY ONBOARD BUY ONBOARD BUY WHILE YOU FLY & SAVE BIG BUY WHILE YOU FLY & SAVE BIG Allegiant offers you the best deals to our top destinations! Purchase food, drinks, show tickets, excursions and more from the comfort of your seat. Ask your flight attendant for details! ROUTE MAP - 66

FEATURED COMBO - 69

FOOD & DRINKS - 70

SUNSEEKER

THANK YOU ALLEGIANT

I have been flying with Allegiant for years since high school, maybe even middle school, as I am now a senior in college. Half of my family lives in Lexington, Kentucky, and it was always a struggle to find reasonable flights. Allegiant has made traveling back and forth effortless and my life and my family’s so much easier. Thank you for providing great customer service and affordable flights. Thank you a million times over!

- Kaylee J, Kentucky

I wanted to pass on my sincere appreciation to one of your employees based in Omaha. Jessalyn is one of the most professional and friendliest people I have ever met! She was constantly smiling and going above-and-beyond to provide exceptional customer service! Thank you for having employees of this caliber!

- Dave B, Nebraska

I would like to compliment your airline on its wonderful flights and outstanding service. Your friendly flight attendants made our trip very enjoyable. From smiley greetings to great senses of humor, I can’t say enough about our wonderful experience. These were the most enjoyable flights we’ve ever had. You should give customer service lessons to the other airlines. My only regret is that you don’t fly to more places.

- Deserae S, South Dakota

ALLEGIANT

VACATIONS

A short walk to beach at the Zota Beach Resort

HOTEL TOP PICKSSARASOTA, FLORIDA!

Photo of Zota Beach Resorts courtesy of Zota Beach Resort; Hyatt Regency Sarasota courtesy of Hyatt Regency Sarasota; Lido Beach Resort courtesy of Lido Beach Resort

By Auriyon Butler

ith its beautiful white sands, plentiful sunshine and scores of shopping and restaurants, Sarasota makes for a fantastic getaway along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Below are our hotel picks for your stay.

HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA

Within minutes of the beach, this hotel is perfect for those who feel at home in the water. The resort has an open, luxurious feel with access to activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and a sunset dinner cruise launched from their private 32-slip marina. If you’re looking for a more relaxed aquatic experience, you can lounge at their lagoon-style pool with cascading waterfalls. For those who prefer more land-based activities, Golf Hyatt provides access to the 65 nearby golf courses around Sarasota. When it comes time to indulging that appetite, pay a visit to Currents Restaurant, which overlooks the bay. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with items ranging from Mahi Tacos to Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon. But leave room for their Pecan Melt with vanilla ice cream or Key Lime Tart with whipped cream.

The Hyatt’s private 32-slip marina

The pristine beaches of the Lido Beach Resort

LIDO BEACH RESORT

Unpack and unwind at the Lido Beach Resort with its own private beach and two beach-front pools. For excursions into town, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to prime shopping and nightlife at St. Armands Circle, a hub of elegant shopping and dining. But no one will blame you if you never leave the resort, as there are plenty of restaurants on property that will satisfy your appetite. The beachfront Tiki Bar offers breathtaking sunset views as well as Happy Hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

ZOTA BEACH RESORT

This modern beachfront property is the perfect place to get away and relax. The tranquil setting is perfect for couples, families and special occasions. Be sure to take a dip in their

Gorgeous views of the Gulf from the Zota Beach Resort pool

sparkling infinity-edge pool. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner pull up a seat at the trendy Viento Kitchen+Bar, an open-air lounge, which offers dishes influenced by Florida, Caribbean and Mediterranean techniques. VACATIONS

Could Allegiant Be Your Career Destination? We know you love to GO on vacation... Now, make vacations possible for others by joining the Allegiant Team!

Many jobs available, including Flight Attendants! To apply & view other career opportunities go to:

ALLEGIANT

SPOTLIGHT

Rusty Willison and his robot R4-CF at the controls of an Allegiant simulator

ALLEGIANT TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT RUSSELL (RUSTY) WILLISON, MAINTENANCE TECH, SFB By Kerry McGee, Staff Writer, Editor

fellow team members love the robots, too. I’ve brought them into some of my training classes and have let the robots sit in the flight simulators for fun.

How long have you been working in SFB and what do you do? Nine years and counting! A lot of the people I work with started around the same time that I did, so we are a close-knit group. As an aircraft technician, my priority is to ensure our planes are safe for our passengers and my fellow team members.

Do you have any special memories with our travelers you’d like to share? I’m a member of the 501st Legion, an allvolunteer organization that brings together costume enthusiasts. I recently had the chance to dress up as a Storm Trooper and surprise a Make-A-Wish kid who we flew to Florida. Also, I purposefully have a lot of flare/buttons on my work lanyard, and it’s always a fun conversation starter, especially with kids. I love any opportunity that I have to engage with our travelers.

List three words to describe working at Allegiant. Day to day, I’d say: new, different and exciting.

Thank you Rusty for your dedication to Allegiant and making an impact in the communities we love!

Let’s talk about your robots. Where did the idea come from to build/program them? I have two robots, R2-D2 and R4-CF, and it took me close to three years to build both of them. My wife and I have two children who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that mostly impacts the lungs. We’ve had so much support and help through various organizations, including Make-a-Wish®, and we wanted to do something to show our gratitude. Creating these robots was a fun way to help fundraise for nonprofits, but most importantly, it makes people happy. My

Allegiant partners with Make-A-Wish America as part of our Corporate Giving Program. Our goal is to make a difference in communities we serve while supporting some of our company priorities: Making travel possible for those facing serious medical challenges (with MakeA-Wish, Wings for Autism, and other partners); enabling community safety, preparedness and recovery (demonstrated through our work with the Red Cross); and promoting STEM education and access to careers in the aeronautical sciences (with Women in Aviation and others).

Photos courtesy of Russel Wilson

eet Rusty: An aircraft maintenance technician by day and a volunteer who supports nonprofits by night. When he’s not working hard at our Sanford, Florida (SFB) maintenance base, Rusty brings his self-made robotic sidekicks to various organizations, including local hospitals, to interact with children and brighten their days.

SPOTLIGHT

ALLEGIANT CARES

Service dog Allegiant in the captain’s chair

ALLEGIANT CELEBRATES A MILESTONE THROUGH ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKE-A-WISH® By Christoper Lewis

or Allegiant, it was its 1,000th. For one smiling four-year-old from Texas, it was his first ever. Allegiant flew its 1,000th Wish Kid in March as a Make-A-Wish travel partner when Nicolas “Cuatro” Dones IV flew from McAllen, Texas to Las Vegas to fulfill a life-long dream.

Photos courtesy of Allegiant

Cuatro was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014 when he was just one year old. After finishing his treatment in December, he knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate: to see Monster Jam World Finals XIX. Cuatro began the journey in Texas with a special send-off highlighted by a monster truck-themed cake and treats donated by his favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A. Afterward, he landed in Las Vegas to the cheers of Allegiant employees after riding through the airport in style on a batterypowered replica of his favorite monster truck, Grave Digger.

“At Allegiant, we pride ourselves on making travel more accessible to everyone, so the partnership with Make-A-Wish is a perfect fit with our mission,” said John Redmond, president of Allegiant. “Helping fulfill wishes that bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses has been a source of great pride for Allegiant team members and the company as a whole, and we couldn’t be more pleased to reach this special milestone. We look forward to making many more wishes take flight in years to come.” Allegiant marked the occasion by announcing all proceeds from Cuatro’s flight would be donated to Make-A-Wish. “Nearly 80 percent of wish requests involve travel,” said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish. “Allegiant plays an important role as a travel partner, because of their generosity in providing free travel, and also because they serve so many smaller cities with nonstop flights. We are grateful for their commitment to helping make travel wishes possible for wish kids across the U.S.” Allegiant also donates $1 per sale of each “Wingz Kids Snack Pack” aboard its flights directly to Make-A-Wish®. Additionally, Allegiant in 2017 welcomed Make-AWish Southern Nevada to its corporate headquarters campus in Las Vegas, sponsoring a $1.5 million renovation of space, and a $1 per year lease.

Cuatro, family and crew after arriving in Las Vegas

To find out how you can help make wishes come true, visit wish.org. MAKE-A-WISH®

Bellingham Kalispell

Pasco

Great Falls

Missoula

Eugene

Bozeman

Medford

Bis

Billings

Boise Idaho Falls

Stockton

Reno

Ogden

San Francisco/Oakland

Provo

Monterey Fresno

Las Vegas

Grand Junction

Santa Maria

Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego

Montrose

Albuquerque

Phoenix / Mesa

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 Allegiantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terms and conditions at allegiantair.com/terms-and-conditions.

Denver

Bangor

Minot

Grand Forks

Plattsburgh Ogdensburg / Ottawa

Fargo

ismarck

St. Cloud Appleton Rapid City

Grand Rapids Flint

Milwaukee

Sioux Falls

Allentown Cleveland Harrisburg Hagerstown Pittsburgh

Rockford

Des Moines Omaha

rand Island

Kansas City Wichita Tulsa Oklahoma City

Greenville/ Spartanburg

Memphis

Shreveport

Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Gulfport / Biloxi

San Antonio

Laredo

New York City

Toledo South Bend Fort Wayne Clarksburg Indianapolis Columbus Dayton Richmond Cincinnati Roanoke Norfolk Huntington Louisville Belleville Raleigh/Durham Lexington Evansville Tri-Cities Owensboro Greensboro Knoxville Springfield Concord Nashville Asheville Chattanooga Northwest Arkansas

Cedar Rapids Moline Peoria Bloomington Springfield

Little Rock

Austin

Portsmouth Syracuse Boston/ Rochester Providence Newburgh Niagara Falls Elmira

Washington, D.C. / Baltimore

Myrtle Beach Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head Jacksonville

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

Orlando/Sanford Fort Lauderdale

McAllen

San Juan Puerto Rico

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FOR MORE DELICIOUS SNACKS AND BEVERAGES, TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FULL MENU ON PAGES 62-63 70-71

DELI SNACK PACK Pennysticks Brand Pretzels, White Cheddar Cheese Dip, Slim Jim Meat Stick, Chips Ahoy! Original Chocolate Chip Cookie 4-pack (Includes all items shown)

WINGZ KIDS SNACK PACK Allegiant Wings, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Oreo 2-pack, Welch’s Fruit Snacks (Includes all items shown)

$1 from every Wingz pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish®. For more info, visit wish.org.

FEATURED COMBO

• Choice of Mixed Drink • Choice of Selected Snacks • See page 69 for more details

INDIVIDUAL SNACKS • M&M's Peanut, 3.1 oz. • Pringles, 2.38 oz.

SUNSEEKER

HUMMUS SNACK PACK

Dipin Classic Hummus accompanied by Baked in Brooklyn Pita Chips (Includes all items shown)

INDIVIDUAL SNACKS

• Traditional Chex Mix, 3.75 oz. • King's Fresh & Delicious Premium Blend Nut Medley, 2 oz.

WINE

SPECIALTY

Pinot Grigio Merlot

Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee

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

BEER

Bud Light Michelob ULTRA

MIXED DRINKS (includes one mixer)

Bacardi Rum Tanqueray Gin Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Tito’s Handmade Vodka

2 BEVERAGES

Coke Diet Coke Sprite Dasani Bottled Water Minute Maid Apple Juice Minute Maid Cranapple Juice

Minute Maid Orange Juice Mr. & Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix Seagram’s Ginger Ale Seagram’s Sparkling Seltzer Water Seagram’s Tonic Water

Allegiant gladly accepts most major credit and debit cards. Allegiant does not accept cash, check or money orders in-flight or at any airport location. We are pleased to serve alcoholic beverages to customers over the age of 21 and encourage responsible consumption. Only alcohol provided by flight attendants may be consumed onboard. Brand selection and products may vary based upon availability.

SUNSEEKER

AIRCRAFT

AIRBUS A319/320

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD-80

Number of Aircraft: 58 Cruising Speed: 511 mph Range: 3,682 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 162,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 186 Total Length: 123 feet Wingspan: 111 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4

Number of Aircraft: 30 Cruising Speed: 540 mph Range: 3,200 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 160,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 166 Total Length: 147 feet Wingspan: 107 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4

TRAVELER INFORMATION SAFETY FIRST Customer safety is Allegiant ®’s first concern. Please be advised that interference with the duties of crew members, including flight attendants, is a violation of federal laws. Our crews are thoroughly trained in all safety procedures. To ensure your own safety, we hope you take a moment to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Be aware of the following: • Location of the nearest emergency exit • Location of your emergency oxygen mask, if needed • Correct procedure for exiting the cabin in an emergency SEAT BELTS Seat belts must be fastened ANY TIME the seat belt sign is on, during taxi, takeoff and landing. Once the seat belt sign is turned off, you may walk around the cabin. Due to unexpected turbulence, it is strongly recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened any time while in your seat. Allegiant’s exit seating policy does not allow the use of seat belt extensions in the exit seats due to tripping hazards. CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS Federal Aviation Administration requires that all child restraint seats used on planes meet federal safety standards. Acceptable seats bear proper labeling “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN

MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT” from the manufacturer. Unlabeled seats or seats manufactured before Jan. 1, 1981, are not acceptable. Child restraint seats are to be placed into a window seat and secured with an aircraft seat belt. PHOTOS & VIDEOS ONBOARD The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted onboard provided you keep the purpose of your photography and video to capturing personal events. Photographing or recording other customers or airline personnel without their express consent is prohibited. Airline personnel reserve the right to prohibit photos and videos onboard the aircraft if it becomes a disturbance to them or other passengers. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Allegiant is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who has not yet reached the age of 21. It is a violation of federal regulations to drink alcoholic beverages during a flight unless they have been served by Allegiant personnel. SMOKING Smoking, the use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other similar smoking devices are not permitted on any Allegiant flight. Federal law imposes fines of $1,000 for smoking and up to $2,000 for any attempt to disable an aircraft smoke detector.

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALWAYS PERMITTED*

Pacemaker

Hearing Aid

Camera (digital/film/video)

Tablet

Handheld Game

E-reader

Wireless Mouse, Keyboard or Other Accessory

Smartphone

CD Player

(in Airplane Mode)

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Media Player

*Restrictions may apply when operating outside of U.S. Airspace. NOTE: Portable electronic device use on the ground, during takeoff and during landing should be limited to small, lightweight devices less than 2 lbs. These devices should be able to be easily secured in a seat back and not impede emergency access to the aisle.

PERMITTED AT GATE & IN FLIGHT

Laptop/Tablet

DVD Player

Using cellular network services (voice or data) to make or receive calls during the flight is not permitted by U.S. and International regulatory authorities. If you have other questions about the use of other portable electronic devices not shown here, ask your flight attendant.

SUNSEEKER

NEVER PERMITTED

Personal Remote ConAir Purifiers trol Toys

Two-Way Radios or Transmitters

CELEBRATE A Golfing Renaissance Charlotte Harbor National at Bobcat Trail is the newest jewel in the Gulf Coast Golfing Crown. Owner Rich Smith, former CEO of the North Florida Section of the PGA of America cordially invites you to enjoy a unique new level of the golfing experience. A multimillion dollar renewal of the greens and fairways, completely updated club and facilities plus a new dimension of regular entertainment all combine to offer Gulf Coast Golfing enthusiasts a new destination to play.

Call today and book your tee time. CELEBRATE the all new Charlotte Harbor National.

1350 Bobcat Trail â&#x20AC;˘ North Port, Florida

(941) 429-0500 golfthenational.com

come face to face

with space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is part of an active spaceport where immersive experiences get you closer to NASA than anywhere else on the planet. See a legendary spacecraft up close, shake hands with an astronaut, watch rockets launch from Earth and see where we’ll depart for Mars.

Explore more at KennedySpaceCenter.com or call 877.634.0705

SAVE $7

ON THE PRICE OF ADMISSION.

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Coupon not valid with any other discount or on special ticketed events. No cash value. Valid for up to six admissions purchased on one transaction. Offer expires 12/31/2018.