Florida’s other theme parks

Everybody knows about the world class theme parks in Orlando, Florida—Walt Disney World, Universal Orland/Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld/Discovery Cove/Aquatica are just the main attractions—but what about the theme parks in other parts of the Sunshine State?

Outside of Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa is the next largest theme park attraction, but next year Legoland will open in Winter Haven, Florida, which is located between Orlando and Tampa. This will be the only Legoland theme park east of the Mississippi River, which is bound to attract millions of tourists. Legoland will replace Cypress Gardens, a pre-Disney attraction that featured Southern belles and a beautifully manicured botanical gardens.

Florida's other theme parks capitalize on the state's natural wonders. Silver Springs, located just outside of Ocala, has been attracting tourists with glass bottomed boat rides since the late 19th century. Closer to the Gulf Coast, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park started out as a post-World War II roadside attraction before officially becoming a state park on 2009. Weeki Wachee is best known for its underwater mermaid shows, and has the only water park fed by an underground spring.

Whether you crave natural wonders or the latest in roller coaster technology, there is something for everyone when they visit Florida.

Survivor Performing Labor Day Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay presents Survivor live in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, in Gwazi Park.

Survivor is best known for ‘80s hits including the Rocky theme, “Eye of the Tiger,” as well as “High on You” and “The Search is Over.”

In addition to the live music, guests can also enjoy all of Busch Gardens’ thrilling attractions, rides and shows. New this year is Walkabout Way, an interactive animal experience where ages 5 and older can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. And SheiKra takes brave thrill-seekers 200 feet up and 90 degrees straight down.

The July 5 Survivor concert is included in any single-day admission or annual pass. Visit BuschGardens.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Event times and talent subject to change or cancellation without notice. Seating capacity is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando family activities

A trip to Orlando usually means a lot of quality spent with the family, but for those times when Mom and Dad want to get away for a little relaxation, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando has a number of activities available for children between the ages of 5 and 12. The WA Kids Club is led by the resort’s Children's Concierge, a specialized service that directs children's activities.

Depending on the season activities may include water sports, bike tours, golf clinics, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and relay games, plus the latest gaming equipment including Wii and Rock Band. Keep in mind that summer always lasts a little longer in Orlando, so there are plenty of opportunities for kids to exercise their minds and bodies at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

The WA Kids Club is available daily from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at a cost is $15 an hour per child. If Mom and Dad are planning a night out for themselves, Astoria After Dark offers fun-filled activities and dinner served right in the Kids Club. Astoria After Dark is open from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and costs $75 per child. Reservations are required; please call 407-597-5388 to reserve your child's space or for more details.

Tampa Hard Rock Hotel

The Casino will also be giving away a Harley Davidson softtail deluxe motorcycle each day September 4th – 6th at 6:30pm. There will also be daily cash prizes during those days as well. From 12pm-6pm there will be hourly drawings for a chance at $500, $1,000 and $5,000 in free play. You can find more information at the link below: www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/promotions

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek family activities

Busy families tend to be busy all the time, which is why the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek makes sure that kids can enjoy a full day at the resort on those days when they are not spending a full day at one of Orlando’s theme parks.

While Mom and Dad enjoy walking, golfing, or just some quiet time beside the outdoor pool, children ages 5 to 12 can participate in the Kids Club, which is available daily from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Depending on the season, activities may include water sports, bike tours, golf clinics, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and relay games, and the latest gaming equipment—including popular games like Rock Band and the Wii. Best of all, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers hotel rates that are just as family friendly.

No kids? No problem. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek also has a number of activities for grown ups, including access to an 18-hole golf course, jogging, swimming, a fitness center, and access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain. And for guests of all ages, don’t forget about the complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World.

Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa

The Seminole Hard Rock Tampa girls will be at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds. In September, the girls will be at the Amphitheatre before the events start handing out free fans to keep people cool during the hottest events of the Summer! They will be there for the Creed show on September 1st. www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/entertainment/shrgirls

Park Shore Resort in Naples

Park Shore Resort has an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Business amenities at this 3.0-star property include meeting rooms for small groups, business services, and audio-visual equipment. The property has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Guestrooms feature kitchens with microwaves, refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Balconies are featured in guestrooms. Additional amenities include climate control, air conditioning, and multi-line phones. Guestrooms are accessible via exterior corridors. All guestrooms at Park Shore Resort are non-smoking.

Florida home construction

One of the first things that Florida visitors might notice if they venture away from the tourist districts is that Florida homes are constructed a little differently than those that are built “Up North.” Many residential homes have painted stucco exterior, as opposed to solid brick or vinyl siding. The main reason for this is the first floor of Florida homes are constructed entirely of cinder block, without a wooden frame. This prevents termites from coming up through the ground floor and damaging the house’s foundation. Most Florida residents employ pest control services to keep out termites, palmetto bugs and other six-legged native Floridians.

Another noticeable difference between Floridian residences and Northern homes is the lack of basements. Florida is a peninsula, with a high water table and an aquifer running underneath much of the state. Combine that with the summer rainy season, and basements just aren’t a good idea. So if you ever notice how crowded some garages are in the Sunshine State, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that there is no basement available for storage.

In South Florida, a lot of larger homes have Mediterranean influenced architecture with red clay tile roofs. Many of South Florida’s mansions were built as winter homes for wealthy Northern industrialists. Today, Florida’s newer planned communities—such as Celebration and Harmony in Central Florida—borrow from classic 20th century styles, with broad front porches and faux attics. Just don’t expect to see any basements.

Hard Rock Tampa

Every Tuesday in September people have a chance to win a Lincoln MKT or $30,000 in cash during the grand prize drawing at 9:30pm. They will have hourly drawings from 12-3pm & 6pm-9pm for $1,000 in cash. There will also be a drawing at 3:30pm for $5,000.

Interstate 10

Linking Jacksonville, Florida to Santa Monica, California, Interstate 10 stretches from sea to shining sea across the southern United States. I-10 spans a total of 2460 miles, with at least 362 miles in the Sunshine State.

Even though I-10 cuts across north Florida all the way through the Florida Panhandle, the interstate is mostly a 4 lane expressway in Florida because the road runs through some of the most sparsely populated areas of the state. Besides Jacksonville, I-10 also passes through Lake City (where the junction with Interstate 75 is located) and Pensacola, near the Alabama border. Interstate 10 links together Florida Panhandle beach towns such as Panama City, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach, making it an easy way to find the beach.