plan your escape to florida
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Special section for Budget Travel magazine.TRANSCRIPT
[ ]It’s already hard enough to resist the sun-drenched atmosphere
of Florida, and with EXCLUSIVE DEALS AND PACKAGES
punctuating an abundance of attractions, activities, and
accommodations, your only problem will be fi guring out where to start
fi rst. VISITFLORIDA.com will help you fi nd the perfect getaway.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
With winter giving way to spring, it’s time to start thinking about that next vacation, and we invite you to see exactly why they call Florida the Sunshine State. Here you’ll not only
fi nd miles and miles of white beaches and crystalline waters, you’ll also fi nd days of endless activities and accommodations ready to cater to your every whim.
Of course, you can spend all day lounging on the beach, and that’s just fi ne with us. But if you fi nd yourself itching
for adventure or looking to dive into a unique culture and history, we’ve got you covered there, too. Charter a trip to cast your line in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, fulfi ll your need for speed at Busch Gardens, or see what lies under the sea in the Keys.
The warm sun, cool sea breezes, and friendly faces may already be enough to entice you to head south for the spring, but Florida is also replete with exclusive deals and packages, perfect for those looking for that stress-free getaway.
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Get great deals at VISITFLORIDA.com
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S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
SOME EXPERIENCES HEREare actually
PRETTY DEEP FOR A BEACH VACATION.
NORTHWEST
Florida’s Emerald CoastOn the Sunshine State’s northwest
coastline, sprawling along the peaceful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 24 miles of sugar-white shores await you in a place known to millions as Florida’s Emerald Coast. Here, in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa, the brilliant Florida sun illuminates a pristine coastline bordered on one side by towering dunes topped by sea oats and on the other by shimmering emerald-green waters that invite guests to immerse themselves. Convenient to visitors from several southern states, but rarely ever crowded, the beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast invite anyone with a love of beautiful weather and breathtaking views to lay out a towel on its powder-soft sands.
Off the beaches, Florida’s Emerald Coast off ers plenty for visitors to see and do. Family-friendly activities are never hard to fi nd here, with diversions ranging from miniature golf and go-karts to kite surfi ng and sandcastle building. The Florida Gulfarium is a favorite for kids of all ages, off ering shows that feature dolphins, sea lions, and more in the charming setting of a yesteryears aquarium. In Destin Commons, a collection of well-known shops line the streets of a well-planned area that’s a delight for pedestrians in search of souvenirs, collectibles or just a cup of coff ee.
Off shore, Florida’s Emerald Coast quickly shows why it has been known for decades as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Whether your goal is to catch the sportfi sh of your dreams or simply fi ll a plate for supper, seemingly countless species await to test the skills of any angler. For those who prefer to stay on land, a simple stroll through Destin Harbor can yield a seafood selection not to be believed. At this quaint harbor, home to the largest charter fi shing fl eet on the Gulf Coast, captains and their crews clean the day’s catch to the delight of both people and pelicans waiting on the docks.
Relax in PensacolaRemember when Florida vacations
meant something remarkable? In Pensacola, they still do. With sites that chronicle 450 years of history to unspoiled beaches, Pensacola is a one-of-a-kind location for a vacation that truly recharges you.
In downtown Pensacola you’ll fi nd shopping and culinary delights. There are great seafood restaurants and a rollicking nightlife. Venture out a little ways to the beach and you’ll fi nd even more surprises. All along the white sands of the shore are places specializing in vacation memories, so go ahead and indulge every whim, from relaxing at a spa to an outdoor adventure.
As Pensacola residents and repeat
visitors will tell you, life’s a beach there.
CENTRAL
St. Petersburg/ClearwaterIf award-winning beaches were all it
had to off er, St. Petersburg/Clearwater would still be a vacationer’s dream. Off ering up 35 miles of spectacular white-sand beaches, St. Petersburg/Clearwater will satisfy anyone with a pair of fl ip-fl ops and a desire to turn relaxation into an art form.
But those who dare to venture beyond the shore will fi nd a stunning collection of unique recreational and cultural surprises sprinkled among the area’s 26 communities, each off ering a distinct charm, feel, and heritage. From the picturesque Greek sponge fi shing town of Tarpon Springs to the Scottish-tinged village of Dunedin, where Highland Games are an annual tradition, your itinerary can be as varied—and unpredictable—as you want it to be.
Find your perfect Florida escape
More than 1,000 TRAVEL DEALS
await you
Get started at VISITFLORIDA.com/deals
F L O R I D AE S C A P E S
ARE JUST A CLICK AWAY!
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Emerald-green waters. Sugar-white sands. Gourmet cuisine, eclectic shops and uniqueattractions. When these are the sights outside your door, getting a few extra minutes of
shuteye is the last thing on your mind. The moments you live for live here.
Destin Fort Walton Beach Okaloosa Island Mary Esther Cinco Bayou
destin-fwb.com • 1-800-322-3319
More than just a day at the beach.Over 20 resorts all on the snow-white beaches
of Destin/Fort Walton Beach, from eff. to 4-brs.Lots of in-season FREE STUFF from beach chairs andvideos to dolphin cruises. RESERVATIONS 24/7.
FREE VACATION GUIDE.
www.BeaconResorts.com888-604-9009
Fill up on us! Ask about ourGas Package-includes room accommodations
for 4 nights, $50 gas voucher and breakfastfor up to 4 people on day of departure.
www.fourpoints.com/destinfwb800-874-8104
We want to become your placeat the Beach. Stay with us in beautifulbeach homes, cottages and condos
at the best rates on the coast.
www.SouthernResorts.com866-885-4531
The world’s least-usedsnooze buttons live here.
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When it comes to things to see and do in Sarasota and Her Islands, the sky’s the limit. But the prices are down to earth. Whether you love magnificent white beaches or exceptional culture, you will come home with sand in your shoes… and money in your pocket.
For more information, visit www.GoBeyondTheBeaches.com/budget or call 800.207.1583.
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EVERGLADES CITY 37th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival, Feb. 5 – 7Live music, arts and crafts, and sea-food. 239-695-4100, www.evergladesseafoodfestival.com
ORLANDO The 6th Annual Orlando Down-town Art and Living Expo, Feb. 20 – 21Live entertainment, arts and crafts, and great food. 407-592-0002,www.downtownorlandoproperties.com/downtown_expo
JACKSONVILLEJacksonville Jazz Festival, May 27 – 30Can’t get enough jazz? Head to downtown Jacksonville and sway to the smooth brass and skittering beats for three days. 904-630-3690, www.coj.net/Departments/Recreation+and+Community+Services/Special+Events/Jazz+Festival
FREE FLORIDA FESTIVALS
Tampa Bay & CompanyTampa off ers a variety of budget
friendly activities to suit any trip. Enjoy being doted on in posh resorts or camp in idyllic spots under the stars for the night. Stroll aboard luxury cruise lines, or go kayaking in the Gulf. Go fi shing from a pier, or off the deck of a deep-sea charter. Work on your golf game, or go see a pro game. Take in a concert or take on thrill rides at Busch Gardens. The choices of where to stay, dine, and unwind are limitless, and Tampa Bay comfortably accommodates all tastes, timelines, and travel needs.
Sarasota and Her IslandsSpring is the time for new beginnings
and new life, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to Sarasota & Her Islands.
A stroll along the sand and surf is always good for a game plan, but why not step off the beach for a while and stroll down Venice’s Main Street, where you’ll fi nd shopping in more than 100 boutiques and stores, and cuisine to delight every taste bud.
Or check out the lush, tropical oasis of Selby Botanical Gardens and its vibrant plant life before heading to Mote Aquarium where you can visit with sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and much more.
After all that excitement, charter a sailing cruise out of Siesta Key. Cruises run the gamut from perfect-for-the-family dolphin excursions to intimate sunset
dinner cruises for two.
SOUTH
The Florida Keys & Key WestThe Florida Keys and Key West
stretch over 120 miles and are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From large resorts to secluded waterfront hideaways you will fi nd the perfect place for your vacation. This unique destination off ers beautiful facilities staff ed by experienced professionals coupled with an endless variety of cultural, historical, and water activities. Come as you are and enjoy the spectacular fi shing, diving, and breathtaking views of the Florida Keys.
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fla-keys.com ~ 1-800-FLA-KEYS
FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST24 miles of sugar-white beaches and emerald green water on Northwest
Florida’s Gulf Coast.800-322-3319, destin-fwb.com
TAMPA BAYShare memories, discover
treasures, and explore all that Tampa Bay off ers.
800-44-TAMPA, visittampabay.com
FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WESTCheck out great savings in the Florida Keys with KeysKash.800-FLA-KEYS, fl a-keys.com
ST. PETE/CLEARWATERAward-winning beaches, and surprises
from the relaxed to the refi ned. 877-352-3224, visitstpeteclearwater.com
PENSACOLA, FLORIDARelax. Pensacola’s unhurried pace
and natural beauty invite you to slow down, and reconnect.
800-874-1234, relaxinpensacola.com
SARASOTA AND HER ISLANDSThe sky’s the limit - come home
with sand in your shoes & money in your pocket.
800-522-9799, sarasotafl .org
Get great deals at VISITFLORIDA.com
You expect sunshine and beautiful water in TampaBay.And you’ll get it! But did you expect a host of new
museums, and festivals? How about world-class golfcourses and fine dining, theme parks, zoo and aquarium?
You’ll find all that and so much more in TampaBay.
The Florida You Expect & So Much More!
Register for a FREE TRIPat SunFun.VisitTampaBay.com
Sun & Fun
Book your travelat VisitTampaBay.com
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