Along Florida's Expressways - current edition This page brought to you by
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According to the famous Dr. Beach, this sunny stretch of coastline is home to the "Best Beach in the USA." But it offers vacationers more than the usual beach vacation. Visitors can also commune with nature, sample a diverse cultural calendar or visit major attractions here in Central West Florida.

To explore the area, click on one of the topics below:

Tourist Resources Current Weather Forecasts
Special Vacation "Deals" Weather Radar
Accommodations Road Construction
Attractions & Museums Shopping - Malls, Outlets
Golf Courses/Facilities Links to other area websites

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Tourism Resources and Information
Most counties and cities maintain Convention & Visitor Bureaus (known in the travel business as CVBs) or Chambers of Commerce (COCs) to provide local tourism information. We have listed those with websites in this area so you can visit them and view their information online.
Brooksville, Hernando Co.
Citrus Co. (Inverness)
Clearwater CVB
Clearwater Regional COC
Clearwater Beach CVB
Dade City
Dunedin
Gulf Beaches of Tampa Bay
Plant City
St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB
Tampa, Hillsborough CVB
Tampa Bay
Tarpon Springs

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Special Deals for Vacationers
Let's face it, would you rather be digging snow out of your driveway this winter, wearing a heavy coat and awkward boots . . . or wandering along a sandy, palm fringed beach in your shorts, letting the sea wash between your toes?       I know what I would rather be doing.
To encourage you to head to the Sunshine State this winter, a number of local tourism offices have met with the hotel, motel and restaurant managers in their areas and put together special deals and discounts just for you.

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Hotels, Motels and Resort Lodging

Arguably, the state of Florida has more available accommodation for its visitors, than any other state of the Union . . . and these can range from a simple Kampground Of America (KOA) cabin to a full service resort. Here we offer some alternatives for this section of the "Sunshine State."

  Pelican Pointe Condo Hotel (Clearwater Beach) - Last January, I enjoyed a week at this clean, well-appointed property just across the road from the beach. Easy parking, friendly and helpful staff made my stay a very pleasant break in the life of a very busy travel writer . . . and just down the road is my favorite seafood buffet in all of Florida - Shephards Waterfront Restaurant.

The following St. Petersburg Bed & Breakfast properties are all just a few minutes away from I-275 exit 23, via the downtown connector, I-375.

Inn at the Bay Bed and Breakfast (St. Petersburg) - Built in 1910, this lovely property is more than a Florida bed and breakfast lodging. It is a home away from home. It's a great alternative to a luxury resort hotel or the Florida waterfront hotels in Tampa Bay.

Larelle House B&B (St. Petersburg) - This lovely old Queen Anne Victorian home is in a perfect location for those who wish to enjoy the waterfront, The Pier, shops, museums, restaurants and other great attractions in historic downtown St. Petersburg. Although located on a quiet road, all this is less than a 2 block walk away.

Mansion House Bed and Breakfast (St. Petersburg) - This property is under new management since we last reviewed it. Located just four minutes east of I-275, exit 23A, and within walking distance of wonderful restaurants and the famous St. Petersburg Pier, will ensure that a night at the Mansion House B&B is a great experience.

 

 

If you have a website address for a favorite Florida hotel, motel, B&B or resort property in this area, please e.mail Dave Hunter at mile_oak@rogers.com for listing instructions.

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Attractions and Museums
There are so many fascinating things to see and do as you travel around Florida. From prehistoric archaeological sites to the space age technology of the Space Coast; from "native" Florida to the theme parks of Central Florida . . . there is something for everybody. Here we have provided links to the websites of the attractions in this area.
Busch Gardens (Tampa)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater Harbor) - a working marine facility for rehabilitating sick and injured marine creatures. Don't forget to visit "Sunset Sam," CMA's resident dolphin.

Flatwoods Adventures (Pasco Co., 18 miles west of I-75 at exit 58) - visit the Anclote River Ranch for an ecotourism/heritage adventure through a part of West Central Florida, that you will never forget. You’ll get a glimpse of how it was in 19th century Florida, and how it can be if we all take care of it."

Florida International Museum (downtown St. Petersburg) - always has an excellent exhibition.

MOSI, Museum of Science & Industry (Tampa) - the largest science center in the Southeast United States and home of the only IMAX Dome Theatre in Florida.

  Salvador Dali Museum (downtown St.Petersburg) - I must admit that not being a fan of modern art, I was "dragged" to this on a rainy day. Two hours later, it was the best thing I had ever decided to do! Even if you think you hate modern art, you'll love the works of Salvador Dali. Whether it's his mastery of light and shadow, or bizarre genius of portraying shapes (and non-shapes) there is something for everybody here, in each painting. If you don't go, you'll not know what you missed, but if you do, it'll be the best thing you thought of doing . . . too! A very rich and rewarding experience.

Skydive City (Zephyrhills) - Skydive City is one of the World's premiere dropzones, catering to skydivers and students from all continents. In business since 1990, Skydive City is carrying on the long tradition of high quality skydiving, training and fun that has been in Zephyrhills since the 1960's.

  Ybor City (Tampa) - Ybor City is the Cuban heritage section of town - an interesting cross section of life as it was, reflecting the palmy days of early Tampa, Havana and Cuba. See a cigar maker at work and don't miss the Columbia Hotel with its famous Flamenco dinner show (reservations for a stage side table highly recommended).

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Shopping Malls and Outlet Centers
Like many other "Snowbirds," I enjoy trips to Florida shopping malls . . . especially if I know that snow is swirling in the north.

There's a perverse pleasure in being able to leave your car (no heavy boots, coats, snow shovel or ice scrapper) in the warm, sunny parking area and heading into the air-conditioned mall.

Fashions are always "summery" - even in January and everything always appears clean and fresh.

Here are some of the retail shopping malls (and let's not forget the factory outlets or antique malls) in this area of Florida.

Ellenton,   -  Prime Outlets

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Golf Courses and Facilities

The sun . . . golf . . . fresh air . . . Florida. They all seem to go together making the "Sunshine State" a golfers paradise.

Here you'll find links (pun definitely intended) to the area's golf courses and facilities. Enjoy!

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Other Useful Sites for this Area
Here I list other area websites which didn't seem to fit in the heading topics on the home page. I hope you find them interesting and useful . . .  

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