Zippity Do Dah
When you first see the billboards along I-75 for The Canyons Zip Line, you might question the validity of the attraction’s name.
After all, canyons in the middle of Florida? Believe it or not, it’s true! Owners Dave and Traci Walker searched the entire state for the perfect property and found it among the abandoned limestone quarries in Ocala, Florida. Mines that haven’t been used since the 1920 have left behind cliffs, lakes and an absolutely unexpected landscape.
The Canyons Zip Line boasts Florida’s longest, fasted and highest zip-line course. Upon your arrival the guides will get you harnessed in and take you to a practice zip. Here you will learn the rules of the course and practice on a run that is only about seven feet off the ground. Once you have mastered the practice zip, your adventure begins.
Full of witty comments and jokes, the guides are there to make sure you have a good time. In fact, the only thing they take more seriously than fun is safety. “They do the clipping – you do the zipping!”
Those that have zipped outside of the United States might be surprised by Canyons Zip Line’s extensive safety measures and practices. They use exaggerated weight capacities and policies that retire equipment early. They keep you clipped to a wire even when you are not in the air – all to ensure that their participants stay safe.
On the course, zippers soar past cliffs and over lakes. The scenery is as surprising as it is beautiful. As you zip from platform to platform, the runs grow longer and more stunning. The guides will tell you about the history of the area as well as its plants and wildlife. They are full of stories and maybe a few tall tales.
The Canyons also offers some other activities. During their Night Tours you are less aware of your surroundings and more aware of your speed. With glow sticks lighting your way, zipping through the dark is a completely different experience than zipping in the day. They also have a stable where you can take a horseback riding tour through the beautiful landscape. Last is their newest addition – the Super Zip! Fly over the lake and past the cliffs at speeds up to 50 miles per hour in a Superman position. You won’t find this experience anywhere else!
Reservations for all of their activities can be made on their Web site, http://www.zipthecanyons.com The Zip Line Canopy tour costs $89 for the nine-zip, two-and-a-half hour tour. There are age and weight restrictions, however. Details can be found on their Web site.
The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours
http://www.zipthecanyons.com
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
A Zorse is a Zorse, of Course
Just four miles from Westchase, tucked along the Old Tampa Bay, lies a unique facility with more to offer than one would ever imagine.
Horse Power for Kids is a farm with a purpose. They are a non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide a farm environment for people who would benefit from interaction with horses and animals that reside on [the] farm.” And while they do offer some amazing programs and support for those with special needs, these programs are not their only attempts at impacting visitors.
Horse Power for Kids believes that every person that comes to their facility can potentially benefit from what they have to offer. Using exciting programs for kids and adults, they educate, inspire and build their guests’ self-confidence. In an environment where every turn uncovers something new, excitement comes naturally.
There is a hands-on petting area that has more animals than you might see at a small zoo. They have llamas, goats and sheep waiting for a bite to eat. Chickens and ducks roam the grounds freely. A pig family even calls a comfy, muddy, pen home. They have prairie dogs that play in chicken-wire “tunnels” above your head! Raccoons, cats, peacocks, and a couple of capybaras also roam the grounds. The latter, which look like golden-retriever-sized guinea pigs, are the largest rodents in the world!
For those who fancy feathered creatures, Horse Power for Kids has an aviary with macaws, doves, parakeets and more. They even have a zorse: yes – a creature that is half zebra, half horse! You are pretty much guaranteed to discover something you have never seen before at Horse Power for Kids.
Horse Power also offers trail rides for those who want to escape into the natural hammock of Florida and slow down their day. Hour-long rides are offered three times daily. Rides are available for all levels and they can provide all the safety equipment you’ll need. In addition to trail rides, horseback riding lessons are also offered. Eastern, western or jumper-style lessons are accommodated.
Horse Power for Kids also hosts field trips and birthday parties along with special seasonal community events. Anytime kids can ride ponies, pet animals, take a train ride and run around exploring all the animals, you know they are going to have a blast. So if you’ve never been, take the very short drive down Race Track Road, just past Tampa Road. There you’ll discover an old-fashioned farm, with a genuine heart and a true purpose behind what they do.
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Unlock Your Inner Artist
Brush off your fear and add a dash of color to your world!
While most people like to paint, many feel they are not good at it. That hesitation prompts many of us to avoid picking up another paintbrush after completing our mandatory art class in high school. Yet, at our childhood core, who doesn’t like to paint?
For those looking for a fun and different adventure, I recommend a trip to Painting with a Twist art studio.
This is not your average art studio. At South Tampa’s Painting with a Twist you’ll be greeted by dozens of works of art covering the walls. The variety is endless: from whimsical holiday pieces and serene landscapes to vibrant flowers and animals that appear ready to come to life. The unique thing about this art studio, however, is that you can pick one of these works of art and their talented artists will help you recreate it!
Painting with a Twist allows those of us who may not think we’re artistically inclined pick up a brush and create something to be treasured. In a classroom setting, participants settle in to their art space with their canvas and paint. The instructor starts at the very beginning, with a canvas at the front of the class, walking the group through each step. Everyone is given time to complete each step and the instructor is there to provide help when wanted and needed. Participants are able to get creative with their paintings and make them unique works of art. For example, if the fish in the sample is blue and you want it to be red, no problem! This is your piece.
Painting with a Twist brings people into a social setting to create their art. They host private parties, where you can bring a few bottles of wine, order some food and make a night out of it. The wine certainly helps tentative artists loosen up and enjoy the experience. They also host date nights where couples create a two-canvas piece together. They host Family Fun Days where the families can come and create a work of art together. Birthday parties are also very popular, and getting to take a painting home with you is certainly an awesome alternative to a goodie bag! They also host fundraiser nights called Painting with a Purpose, where a portion of the funds goes back to a charity in the local community.
Painting with A Twist is celebrating their second year in South Tampa although they are part of a national franchise that was started in 2009. Their address is 2821 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629. Check out their Web site for current calendars or give them a call to schedule a party. Those with creative inclinations will certainly enjoy the experience. More surprisingly, those who thought they didn’t have an artistic bone in their body may discover something new about themselves − that art lies in the spirit and not the skeleton.
Painting with a Twist
http://www.paintingwithatwist.com
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
A Powerful Experience of Industry and Nature
Our world is full of contradictions.
We want power and peace. Our kids play outside – on their iPhones. We spend more time working in order to have time to do the things we like doing when we’re not working.
Another unavoidable contradiction involves human sprawl and the environment. We seek to preserve the beauty of our world – until we need to use that land for something else.
If you’re strolling along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard downtown, you’ll notice the power plants and industrial facilities across the bay. One of these structures is Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach. In 1986 when the commercial operation of Big Bend Unit 4 began, people started noticing something strange. Manatees in large numbers were seeking comfort and refuge in the warm water coming out of the power station’s discharge canal. Word got out and people flocked to see these gentle giants. Their presence gave birth to the Manatee Viewing Center, now a federally designated manatee sanctuary for the protected species.
Viewing the manatees at the power station is like visiting the center of a paradox. At times you have the calm, natural beauty of hundreds of manatees peacefully swimming about in the water. Yet there, in the background, is the huge, metal, electric, smoking power plant. The power plant is as visually striking as the manatees – just in an extraordinarily different way. Seeing them both together is mentally confusing.
It seems as though both TECO and the manatees have made the most of this unintentional relationship. The Manatee Viewing Center is open from November to April. During these months the water in Tampa Bay tends to cool down enough that the manatees migrate to this warm spot.
Tampa Electric has made the center a very welcoming place for visitors, which is also somewhat striking as tourism is not typically a specialty of power plants. Beautiful boardwalks overlook the area in which the manatees congregate. An education center hosts information about manatees as well as other plants and wildlife found in their ecosystem. Featuring lots of hands-on exhibits tucked into a relatively small space, the education center also teaches visitors about different types of energy and how they are produced. A concession and a gift shop help round out the amenities.
So the next time you feel compelled to view a contradiction wrapped in a paradox, consider a visit to Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, where industry and nature live in a striking, cooperative relationship.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center
http://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
All New Heights!
You’ve no doubt driven by it countless times on trips to Orlando.
Chances are, however, you haven’t stopped to check out the action at Fantasy of Flight. Chances are you are underestimating everything they have to offer. Chances are you’re missing out on a great outing!
According to their Web site, Fantasy of Flight “showcases the wonder and history of aviation.” As you stroll through the world’s largest collection of vintage airplanes, you’ll see planes that played significant roles in the major historical milestones we all read about in our textbooks as children. You can even step back in time to 1903 when the Wright Brothers finally succeeded in their goal of flight. There are also plenty of military aviation collectables and the opportunity to take a close-up look as expert craftsmen restore multi-million-dollar vintage planes to pristine condition.
The collection of vintage aircraft is more than enough to draw in aviation enthusiasts. Fantasy of Flight, however, really does offer something for everyone. Visitors can experience many hands-on activities in the museum like flying paper airplanes in the Fly Zone. State of the art simulators allow you to safely hang-glide and pilot a hot air balloon. You can even see what it feels like to parachute to earth by leaning into a cloud simulator.
The attraction’s addition of the Wing Walk Air ropes course takes adventure to a new level. Visitors can reach new heights while towering 40 feet in the air. Thirty-three different challenges, from tight rope crossings to plank bridges, dare you to master them. The fun is topped off by a 600-foot zip line over the water.
The most unique experience at Fantasy of Flight has to be the daily aerial demonstrations. Every day it is a surprise to see which plane will be showcased in the air. Visitors are able to ask the pilot questions about their planes and their experience in the air before they take to the clouds to put on their show.
It doesn’t end there. Fantasy of Flight also offers visitors the chance to get into the air themselves. There are opportunities to soar in the air in a real hot air balloon, a fully restored 1929 bi-plane or a WWII Stearman. Certainly there’s a bucket list item here for anyone!
Fantasy of Flight is located in Polk City, just off of Interstate 4 at exit 44, between Tampa and Orlando. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except during special events, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. General admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids. Some of the activities have at an additional charge so check their Web site, http://www.fantasyofflight.com for d,etails.
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Ice, Ice Baby
Have you ever ice skated – outdoors – in Tampa?
This month Tampa again brings an unlikely holiday tradition to town. If you have not had the opportunity to lace up your skates and hit the ice at the city’s riverfront Curtis Hixon Park, let this be the year you skate on down there.
As you would imagine, Florida doesn’t feature many outdoor ice skating rinks. Our weather is not conducive to the picturesque scene we see at the Rockefeller Center each morning on the Today Show. In fact, Tampa’s only outdoor skating rink requires a high-tech cooling system and a tent to keep the rink cool enough to skate on!
Nonetheless, they have made the impossible possible – a mantra that fits the holiday season perfectly. The rink opened on Friday, Nov. 16, and will be open through Saturday, Jan 5. Curtis Hixon Park is situated in the middle of downtown Tampa, right in front of the Glazer Children’s Museum. It’s an absolutely beautiful urban park along the Hillsborough River and overlooks the University of Tampa. This year they will even be showing free movies on the lawn in the evening. Where else can you ice skate and then grab a picnic and a blanket while catching a fun movie?
The cost for the ice skating is $10 per person for 90 minutes, which includes skate rentals. They do offer group rates if you want to get a Scout group or some neighborhood friends together.
Whether you’re a Florida transplant looking to rekindle memories of a cooler hometown or a Florida native that wants a live a piece of the holiday dream, make the trip downtown to enjoy an afternoon or evening in our beautiful city.
The rink is open daily until Jan. 5 (Mon-Thu, 4-9 p.m.; Fri, 4-10 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun, noon-9 p.m.) Holiday hours are10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24, and 4-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 25.
Tampa’s Downtown on Ice
www.tampasdowntownonice.com/2801.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Back In Time
During November we are constantly reminded to be thankful.
We’re reminded to be grateful for our health, our families, our friends, our homes, our jobs, our faith and our possessions – for the big things, for the little things and for all the things in between. Much of what we value we owe to the men and women who have served this country, individuals who have ensured our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
One of the most meaningful ways to acknowledge and appreciate our veterans’ sacrifices is to learn more about them. Why not take the time to discover a hidden gem, a very special ship, which calls Tampa its home? The USS American Victory is a fully operational World War II ship, one of only four in the country. It was built in 1945 and circumnavigated the globe twice. The ship served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Tampa Bay residents are lucky to have the opportunity to climb aboard.
When you step onto the USS American Victory, you are stepping back in time. You are able to explore, touch and walk on almost every inch of the ship. Many of the spaces are left just as they were when the ship was in service. You can see the bunk beds the sailors slept on and even walk into the engine room, which is still operational. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors or veterans; and $5 for children.
Enough memorabilia exists on the ship to keep a history buff busy all day. Seeing its safety boats, its anchors and its cargo cranes is remarkable. You can climb the ship’s original steep and narrow stairs to different levels for some pretty incredible views.
The most astonishing part of this ship is that twice a year they actually take it to sea! On Nov. 10 the ship will come alive for the day with live entertainment, re-enactors, ceremonies, drills, flyovers, food and drinks. The organizers expect around 600 people to take advantage of this opportunity to relive history.
As you reflect this month about all the many things for which you are thankful, consider showing your gratitude by visiting the USS American Victory. Not only will you have more perspective about historical events, but you will help preserve an attraction that allows others to do the same.
USS American Victory
www.americanvictory.org
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Drive Up for a Good, Old-Fashioned Time!
Not many Florida attractions can say that they have been around longer than Disney World.
Yet a favorite tradition of the baby boomer generation, the almost extinct drive-in theater, can be found right here in our own back yard. Tampa’s Fun-Lan Drive In Theatre debuted its first movie on a chilly January evening in 1950. Though the days of 48¢ admission and 10¢ popcorn are long gone, the charm and character of the Fun-Lan Drive In remains.
Fun-Lan Drive In has four movie screens and features movies every night of the year (yes, every night of the year). What you might find surprising is that most of the movies are current theater releases and change weekly. You can call their hotline, 234-2311, or check their Web site, http://www.fun-lan.com for c,urrent movie listings. They also feature seasonal favorites throughout the year – like scary movies for Halloween or Christmas movies in December.
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit the Fun-Lan Drive In because you don’t have to worry about the heat, the cold or the bugs once the sun goes down! Arrive early to secure the perfect parking spot, tune your radio station to the corresponding channel and enjoy the movie in the privacy and comfort of your own car. Imagine watching your favorite thriller out in the open air with the breeze, the stars and the sounds of the night. It certainly offers a different ambiance than the traditional theater.
A visit to Fun-Lan offers an affordable outing with admission at $7 for adults and $2 for kids ages 5-12. Keep in mind that they do have a concession stand, but the selection is fairly limited. Many people opt to bring their own food, candy and beverages. Some take part in the nostalgic tradition of packing up a delicious meal in a picnic basket and a topping it off with a bottle of wine.
Fun-Lan Drive In is located on Hillsborough Ave just east of I-275. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Westchase. With very few drive-in theaters open in the entire nation, we should certainly take advantage of the opportunity to visit one so close by. Whether reliving your own childhood memories or creating new ones for your own children, an evening at Fun-Lan Drive In is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Fun-Lan Web site
www.fun-lan.com/lake_fun/index.html
The Definitive Resource for Drive-In Information
www.drive-ins.com
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
A Purr-fect Fall Outing
A stone’s throw from Westchase is an attraction that receives nationwide attention for the work it does.
You would never even know it were it not for an inconspicuous sign leading you down a dirt road.
Big Cat Rescue is hidden right across the street from Citrus Park mall and is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. Over 100 big cats call this their home.
Most of its feline residents have been abandoned, neglected or abused in their former homes. They also rescue cats that have retired from circuses and other performing acts. Big Cat Rescue’s dual mission is “to provide the best home [they] can for the cats in [their] care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction.”
To visit Big Cat Rescue you must find the dirt road leading to the facility and attend a guided tour. They are, first and foremost, a sanctuary and, second, a tourist attraction. They rely heavily on the support of volunteers and donors to continue their work. The volunteers and staff who have all dedicated countless hours to the work at Big Cat Rescue are the ones who provide the tours. They are full of information about the cats and the facility’s work. Educating their visitors is one of their most important jobs because it increases awareness and translates into support for big cats and their protection.
The cats themselves are kept in large habitats with specifications that match each breed’s needs. For example, if a particular cat likes to climb trees, there will be trees. There are a total of 14 species currently at the sanctuary. The largest are lions and tigers. On the tour, you are able to get up close and personal with these cats and enjoy their beauty and personalities. The volunteers and staff, however, are very strict about their rules and policies in order to ensure the safety of visitors and the cats.
Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, everything from a standard 90-minute day tour to feeding tours, field trips and even weddings! Check their Web site, http://bigcatrescue.org for a,ll the different options and prices. Hearing the stories of how the cats ended up at the sanctuary can be a very moving experience. While these animals are undoubtedly receiving a very high quality of life at the facility, most would argue that it’s a shame a big cat is ever put in a situation where it has to live the rest of its life in a cage.
As the weather cools down a little bit this fall, make it a point to visit Big Cat Rescue and learn a little bit more about their work and the cats that live there.
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Marilyn Gyselinck is a resident of Westchase and can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Tampa Bay’s Best Fireworks Displays
Don’t give in to the temptation to blow up your neighborhood this Independence Day.
Under the Westchase Community Association’s deed restrictions, fireworks are banned in Westchase. Their use by homeowners can result in steep fines. If you’re looking for a safer, fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, check out these popular fireworks displays.
Clearwater Celebrates America
Time: 4 p.m. festivities; 9:30 p.m. fireworks
Location: Coachman Park, Clearwater
Price: Free
For more information: www.myclearwater.com
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the City of Clearwater at Coachman Park. This year’s event will feature a concert with Mostly Pops Orchestra and The Wilsons. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. There will be children’s activities from 5-9 p.m. The fun culminates at 9:30 p.m. with Tampa Bay’s largest synchronized fireworks display.
Channelside Fourth of July
Time: 1 p.m. festivities; 9 p.m. fireworks
Location: Tampa’s Channel District
Price: Free
For more information: www.channelsidebayplaza.com
Enjoy a day filled with live music, entertainment and lots of dining options at area restaurants. And don’t forget the fireworks! The best place to see the fireworks is from the wharf, and only the first 3,000 people will be admitted. Wristbands will be given out for access at the Garrison Street Gate at 7 p.m. See Web site for parking suggestions.
St. Petersburg Pier Fourth of July
Time: Noon festivities; 9 p.m. fireworks
Location: The Pier, St. Petersburg
Price: Free
For more information: www.stpetepier.com
From live music and face painting to a one-man circus, this event is chock-full of Fourth of July fun! Stop by the Dockside Activity Room, where you can be a star in your own dance/music video, compliments of The Dance Heads. Be sure to stay for the main attraction: fireworks brought to you by the City of St. Petersburg.
Treasure Island’s All American Family Fourth of July Celebration
Time: Noon festivities; 8:45 p.m. fireworks
Location: On the beach behind Bilmar Resort
Price: Free
For more information: www.mytreasureisland.org
Come celebrate all the things you love about America at this fun, family-friendly event. Take part in a good ol’ fashioned watermelon-eating contest, don your favorite Fourth of July hat for the Most Patriotic Hat Contest, and enjoy live music all day long. Then sit back and watch the fireworks fly over the gulf from your favorite spot on the beach.
Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
Time: 10 a.m. parade; 5 p.m. festivities; 9 p.m. fireworks
Location: Downtown Safety Harbor
Price: Free
For more information: www.cityofsafetyharbor.com
Start your Independence Day off at 10 a.m. with a patriotic parade down Main Street. Then bring the whole family out for a July Fourth Celebration beginning at 5 p.m. and ending with fireworks that will light up the bay. The day will be filled with children's activities, live entertainment, food vendors and plenty of fun for the whole family. Then find a good spot at the marina or on the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa’s back lawn to view one of the best fireworks displays in Tampa Bay.
By Karen Ring
A Cove to Discover
Imagine an Orlando theme park in the middle summer without the endless crowds and without melting.
Discovery Cove offers visitors an exceptionally unique experience in a very controlled environment. It’s a wonderful place to take the family for some aquatic adventures.
Of course, it is the dolphin encounter that draws people from far and wide. Those participating in the encounter are scheduled for a specific time when you arrive at the park. At that time you go to your designated meeting hut where you are briefed – along with about 20 visitors – on all of the rules and regulations. The group is then broken up and taken down to the beach where you meet your dolphin trainer. They tell you a bit about dolphins and then stand you in a line. First the dolphin swims by you several times, slow enough to touch. The dolphin then performs a few tricks, leading up to the highlight of the encounter. They take groups of three out into the deep water. One-by-one you hold onto the dolphin’s dorsal fin and ride back to the beach. The entire encounter lasts eight to ten minutes. It’s exactly as advertised – no more and no less.
You have, however, several other options to keep you busy the rest of your day at Discovery Cove, among them Explorer’s Aviary, The Grand Reef and the Wind-Away River. The aviary is beautiful and full of birds not found in most aviaries. They have everything from peacocks to parakeets. Visitors can feed the birds with cups of food; many of them will stand on your hand while they eat.
If you expect the river to be similar to many “lazy rivers’ found in water parks and resorts, think again. The Wind-Away River is enjoyably fast and surprisingly deep. The river goes through tunnels and over bridges, through the aviary and right up to the beach. The river gets as deep as 15 feet in some parts. Luckily there are plenty of flotation devices for those who want to relax and enjoy the ride.
The Grand Reef is a surprisingly unique experience. You strap on your snorkels and swim alongside giant rays and tiny fish. For someone who might have slight trepidation of snorkeling or sea creatures of any kind, this is a great introduction to the idea. It can be an alarming sensation to have things swim under you or approach you by surprise. While the park limits itself to 1,000 visitors a day, the reef, however, can get very crowded. Towards the end of the day when many park visitors have left is a wonderful day to explore without the crowds.
When you arrive at Discovery Cove, you are given a wetsuit, a snorkel set, a locker and sunscreen. You must wear their sunscreen because it’s safe for the animals. The best thing about Discovery Cove is that it’s all-inclusive. All the food, drinks (even adult drinks) and incidentals are all included in your park fee. If the kids want to make a second trip to get more dessert, no problem! Thirsty? Help yourself. In fact, you can put your wallet in your locker and not worry about needing it unless you plan to stop at the gift shop or buy pictures.
The only additional fee is for a new underwater walking tour.
All in all, Discovery Cove is a wonderful place to be introduced to some pretty unique activities. Could snorkeling in the Grand Reef inspire a snorkel trip to the Keys? Will the amazing birds in the aviary spark the mind of a young budding ornithologist? Will looking into the eyes of a dolphin inspire your passion to protect our world and everything in it?
At the end of a tired, fulfilling day, that’s what really makes Discovery Cove worth a trip.
Discover Cove
http://www.discoverycove.com
Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Good Times on A River with a Funny Name
If you’re looking for a great day trip this spring, explore the Myakka River State Park just east of Sarasota.
The Myakka River is one of only two Florida rivers recognized as wild and scenic rivers, which offers the highest level of state protection. As one of Florida’s oldest and most scenic state parks, Myakka River is popular for hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife observation.
The park features a variety of activities to keep visitors busy. As its namesake suggests, the river and lake are what draw most people to the park. To get a taste of the lake, you can take a ride on the world’s largest airboats, affectionately named the Myakka Queen and the Gator Gal. These calm and peaceful air-powered boats let you leisurely explore the sights, sounds and wildlife of the river. Their guides also provide a lot of information about the park and can answer any questions. Several boat tours leave throughout the day, depending on the season, and they cost $12 for adults and $6 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free if held in your lap.
Those feeling a little more adventurous can also explore the lake by canoe. It takes a certain amount of bravery considering the number of gators that are plainly visible in the lake. The park guides, however, assure guests that it is safe to canoe in the lake and that there has never been a major injury at the park due to alligators. Canoes and kayaks are rented for $20 for the first hour and $5 each additional hour.
Of course, you can also explore on dry land as well. The canopy walk through the park is a beautiful and peaceful trip that the entire family would enjoy. It takes you high into the trees, where you can see across the entire park. Visitors can also rent bicycles to cover a little more ground. Renting a bike is a particularly good idea if you are camping at the park and want a way to get around a bit faster than by foot.
Myakka River State Park offers camp sites and they make camping simple. They are one of only a handful of Florida state parks that rent cabins. There are a total of five log cabins that were built in the 1930's by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They have since been modernized a bit and can comfortably accommodate six with lots of room to move around. They rent for $70 per night.
Park entry fees are $6 per vehicle for two to eight persons. The park is available for day-use daily from 8 a.m. until sunset but check the Web site for specifics on when the outpost is open to rent canoes, kayaks, bikes and boat rides.
While Myakka River State Park might be one of the oldest state parks in Florida, it never gets old. Over the decades it has delighted generations of visitors, so what are you waiting for?
Myakka River State Park
http://www.myakkariver.org/index.php
Myakka River State Park on Trip Advisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34618-d105479-Reviews-Myakka_River_State_Park-Sarasota_Florida.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
So Many Options, So Little Time!
Spring break is coming – whether you are ready or not.
Chances are you either have a great trip planned somewhere amazing or you are a little nervous about what you are going to do with the kids for an entire week. The good news is that there are so many options for last-minute trips that the only challenge is deciding how many you can fit into just a week.
North of us you will find some beautiful spring waters to explore. Take this opportunity to swim with the manatees in Crystal River. There are several tour companies in the area that will do everything they can to make sure that you have a nose-to-nose manatee encounter. Also nearby, you can go tubing on the Rainbow River. If you need a day to relax and wind down, this is the way to do it.
Head to the northeast corner of the state and take in the sights of historical St. Augustine. From Castillo de San Marcos, an incredible fort build over 300 years ago, to the city’s ghost tours through prisons and old cemeteries, history comes alive in St. Augustine.
A little farther south on the east coast you can take advantage of some surfing lessons at Ron Jon Surf School, the nation’s number one surf school! If you have ever wanted to catch a wave, this is your chance to learn from world-class instructors. While on the east coast you can also explore a different kind of ride at Kennedy Space Center, which is still forging the future of our nation’s space exploration.
Heading just west of the space center is the one-and-only Orlando. The list of opportunities here is endless: Disney, Universal, Legoland, Sea World and tons more. There are also a few hidden gems: Florida EcoSafaris, Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours and Myakka River State Park. Florida Eco Safaris offers zip lines and even a Cypress Canopy Cycle (riding a bike through the trees). Captain Fred takes you on an airboat journey to explore a side of Florida that most never see. At Myakka River State Park you can canoe in a lake with hundreds of gators. Who could pass up a chance to do that?
To our south you will find the picture-perfect beach towns like Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key and more. If you are being called to a folding chair with your toes in the sand, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Park your car, rent a bike and slow everything down for a day – or two or three.
Last, to our west we also have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If the sun is out and the weather’s warm, explore everything Fort De Soto Park has to offer. Walk the beaches of Honeymoon Island or take in the sunset while enjoying a drink with an umbrella at Frenchy’s on Clearwater Beach.
People from all over the world come to the state of Florida for their spring break and it is easy to see why. Sometimes when things are so close to home, we neglect to set aside the time to discover them. Don’t fall into the same trap. Find something you have never done before and go check it out!
Swim with the Manatess – Native Vacations
http://www.nativevacations.com
Tubing on the Rainbow River
http://www.therainbowriver.com/tubing.html
St. Augustine Tourism
http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com
Ron Jon Surf School
http://www.ronjonsurfschool.com
Kennedy Space Center
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html
Captain Fred’s Airboat Tours
http://www.captfreds.com
Florida EcoSafaris
http://www.floridaecosafaris.com
Myakka River State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver
Anna Maria Island
http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org
Longboat Key
http://www.longboatkeychamber.com
Siesta Key
http://www.sarasotafl.org/siesta-key
Fort De Soto Park
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
Honeymoon Island
http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland
Frenchy’s
http://frenchysonline.com
By Marilyn Gyselinck
A Playful World of LEGO Adventures
It has been the talk of the playgrounds and parks in the area since its opening.
To the delight of elementary school architects everywhere, LEGOLAND Park opened this past October on the land that Cypress Gardens once filled. If you have not yet made the trek out to visit the park, here’s what you’re missing.
LEGOLAND’s creators have done a fabulous job of building a theme park that is really targeted at preschool- and elementary school-aged kids. Many of the rides are pint-sized versions of rides and attractions found at other theme parks. There are so many different rides and attractions at the park (about 50 of them) that you could definitely spend the entire day there and still not try everything.
The most impressive part of the park, however, is not the rides, but the MINILAND LEGO City. This is an entire section of the park that is dedicated to LEGO creations. Entire landscapes of iconic cities like New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas spread out before you. You can spend hours walking around the different displays with the children just as mesmerized as the adults. In fact it’s like a real-life I SPY book; the closer you look, the more you find.
LEGOLAND Florida also features some attractions that pay homage to the history of the park. They have maintained the botanical gardens, which used to be the namesake of the former Cypress Gardens Park. They have also transformed Cypress Gardens’ water ski show into a pirate-themed water show.
The most underwhelming aspects of the new park are the prices and the distance from, well, anything else. It’s about an hour from Tampa, about 30 minutes off of Interstate 4. We might be a little spoiled by other Florida theme parks that are quite accessible from major highways, so be prepared.
Another criticism of the park has been the price. At around $70 for adults and $60 for kids, it is priced very comparably to theme parks like Busch Gardens and Disneyworld. You also have to pay for parking. Given that the park is really only aimed at families with preschool and elementary school kids, they may be unable to justify the prices in the long run. There are deals to be had though. A good Web site to check whenever you are looking at any Florida theme park or attraction is Mousesavers.
If you have young children, one positive is that the park is not going to be crowded with high school and college kids or any adults without children. It is even more family friendly than other Florida theme parks. Frankly, while the price may be high, if your child loves LEGOs as much as mine did when he was little, the price wouldn’t have mattered!
LEGOLAND
http://www.legoland.com
Mousesavers
http://www.mousesavers.com
Traveler Reviews
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34746-d2322446-Reviews-LEGOLAND_Florida-Winter_Haven_Florida.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com. Aerial photo courtesy of LEGOLAND and Chip LitherlandPhotography.
Ahoy Mateys!
Every year Tampa Bay takes part in a tradition like no other.
Long ago, legend holds, Tampa was invaded by pirates. Tampa Bay now celebrates this part of our history with the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which includes activities and parades for all ages. But really it just provides us all with a chance to talk like pirates and stock up on plastic beads!
One of most cherished parts of the Gasparilla experience is the Children’s Gasparilla Parade, which celebrates the return of the Gasparilla season. This year the parade will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 3-7:30 p.m. The Children’s Gasparilla Parade, which runs down Bayshore Boulevard, has been going on since 1947.
At 3 p.m. the children’s parade kicks off with the Air Invasion, a precision parachute jump from the United States Special Operations Command Jump Team. Although the historical invasion was only by sea, the air show certainly adds to the event’s excitement.
When the invasion is complete, the Children’s Parade starts. There are usually hundreds of floats from various schools, community groups, krewes and private businesses that participate to celebrate Tampa Bay children. There are plenty of beads, but it’s all good clean fun. Don’t mistake this for the other Parade of Pirates (the adult parade). The Children’s Gasparilla Parade is just for families and the debauchery is kept to a minimum.
After the parade, stick around a little bit longer for the Piratechnic Extravaganza. This fireworks show is one of the largest in the country and is supposed to represent a sea battle between the City of Tampa and the Pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Tampa. Your kids will be mesmerized by the lights in the sky.
Make it a family tradition to share a bit of Tampa Bay’s history and fun. For complete details about all of the Gasparilla events, check their Web sites.
Gasparilla 2012
http://www.gasparillapiratefest.com
Official Gasparilla Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialGasparilla
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Mega-Plex, Schmega-Plex
Less than two dozen U.S. places made it onto LIFE Magazine’s list of America’s 21 Wonders.
Tampa’s own Tampa Theatre, however, made the cut in the final issue of the LIFE Magazine back in 2007 – alongside places like Coney Island Fair and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. If you have not discovered the Tampa Theatre yet, there is no better and more magical time to do so than during the holiday season.
Each year the theater hosts the Holiday Movie Series, featuring a collection of holiday favorites. These holiday films have become a delightful holiday tradition for many families. There is nothing quite as special as grandparents sitting alongside their grandchildren to enjoy the timeless film It’s A Wonderful Life or to watch Bing Crosby sing White Christmas for the very first time.
While classic and distinctive, the movies are not what make a trip to the theater such an enchanting experience. As you walk through its entry, you are transported to a lavish, romantic, Mediterranean courtyard – complete with beautifully decorative tiles, greenery, gargoyles and Tiffany lighting. Possibly the most breathtaking part of the theater is the twinkling stars and floating clouds of the nighttime sky overhead. The theater is an escape back in time. When it was built in 1926, it was considered one of America's most elaborate movie palaces. Today it’s an historical treasure.
The Tampa Theatre has fought fiercely over the years to survive in the face of progress. As urban sprawl drew people away from the cities and modern movieplexes offered luxury, high-backed chairs and super-sized screens, the Tampa Theatre has still managed to survive. It escaped destruction and stands today because of the intensely loyal and generous supporters that rallied back in the 1970’s to preserve the building. It still wouldn’t be able to operate today, however, without the generous support of the Tampa community.
The theater presents and hosts over 600 events a year, including films, concerts, special events, corporate events and tours. In fact, it is one of the most heavily utilized venues of its kind in the nation.
Admission to the Holiday Movie Series is $11 for everyone. The theater opens one hour prior to the start of the show. To ensure the best seats you’ll want to make sure you are there with plenty of time to spare. While you are not required to buy tickets ahead of time, it’s suggested. Not only do the holiday movies sell out sometimes, but you can avoid spending part of your evening in line.
While you wait inside the theater, you can enjoy the pre-show holiday sing-a-long, a wonderful theater tradition.
This holiday, however, don’t take for granted the thousands of people through the decades who have worked to make sure that this theater still stands today. Let their sincere, tireless dedication be an inspiration to the priorities in your life. After all, It’s A Wonderful Life!
Now go enjoy it.
Tampa Theatre
http://www.tampatheatre.org
By Marilyn Gyselinck; Photo by George Cott/Chroma Inc.
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Opening the Door to Tampa Bay History
What do you know about local history?
If you’re like most Floridians, your historical knowledge of Tampa Bay may be as shaky as your awareness of The Tampa Bay History Center. I only heard about it after one of my own children went there on a school field trip. Later, when we had a history-loving grandparent visit, we decided it would be the perfect activity to keep everyone happy.
Our expectations were not that high. We simply figured our visit would keep us from sitting around on the couch all day. My family, however, ended up learning so much that day. The Tampa Bay History Center is far more than a museum full of historical artifacts. It’s really a portal to Florida’s history. It allows you to walk through centuries past, from the early explorers to the entrepreneurs who made Tampa what it is today.
Upon entering the museum visitors are immersed in the stories and artifacts of the first Native American inhabitants as well as the Spanish Conquistadors, who were convinced there were treasures to be found along our waters. Their stories are told through hands-on exhibits, artifacts and engaging movies. The information is honest and factual and really makes you think about the lives that were affected by the events that shaped the Bay area.
Visitors then move on to the stories of the pioneers, sports legends and cigar barons who shaped Tampa’s character. The museum even offers the opportunity to stroll through a 1920’s era cigar store and see authentic machines used in the cigar warehouses back in the day.
Did you know Florida is the second largest cattle producer in the U.S.? Visitors can learn more about cattle ranching by riding along a virtual cattle drive. They can explore state landmarks, featured in historic photographs and an interactive map. Visitors can even step into a pioneer cottage and row a boat down the Hillsborough River. The museum pays homage to all of the pieces of Florida’s history that helped to create the character of the community where we live and work.
The Tampa Bay History Center is a 60,000-square-foot building in the picturesque Channelside District. Located on the waterfront, the center features a beautiful atrium and its signature Columbia Cafe.
As the old saying goes: those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Don’t be satisfied with repeats. Be sure to catch the original show soon.
The Tampa Bay History Center
http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
801 Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive)
Tampa, FL 33602
228-0097
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
MOSI SkyTrail Ropes in the Curious
The closest thing to a mountain in Florida opened just down the road this past summer.
If you have ever visited Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), you have already explored the largest science center in the Southeastern United States. Featuring over 450 hands-on activities, MOSI’s exhibits are designed to encourage visitors young and old to explore everything related to science, industry and technology.
At the end of this past summer a completely new attraction opened at MOSI. MOSI’s Sky Trail Ropes Course is an exhilarating climbing course unlike any other in the Tampa area. Once you are harnessed into MOSI’s 36-foot high, multi-level structure, you can explore the different trails and obstacles on your own. There are stairs to climb, planks to walk and tightropes to skitter across like a circus acrobat. You can go up, down and back around until you’ve had your fill.
The course is meant for all ages and safety is a top priority. Before entering the course, climbers are put into a harness that attaches to the course structure. Because you are actually attached to the course the whole time, you can push your limits and explore your climbing abilities in ways that you otherwise would not feel comfortable doing. If you lose your balance or miss a step, the rope is there to catch you.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They are there to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The course welcomes single explorers as well as groups and you can purchase tickets to just the Sky Trail or add it to your MOSI admission. Closed, secured or athletic footwear is required. No wheelies, flip-flops or open-heel shoes are allowed.
Check out http://www.mosi.org for all the details.
MOSI’s Sky Trail® Ropes Course
Hours: Mon-Fri: Noon-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Visitors must be a minimum of 48 inches tall if climbing alone, Children who are
42-47 inches in height may still climb if accompanied by a responsible adult 18-years-old. Individuals shorter than 42 inches may not use the course.
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
A Tail with a Tale
A trapped baby dolphin, caught in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral six years ago, may just have you sitting in a movie theater in a few weeks.
In December of 2005, a Mosquito Lagoon fisherman discovered an entangled, 3-month-old bottlenose dolphin. The fisherman waited with the wounded animal until a rescue team arrived from Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The team was immediately troubled by the baby dolphin’s condition. They found deep wounds on her tail flipper, her mouth and both pectoral fins and did not expect the dolphin, whom they named Winter 24/7, to survive.
The dolphin, however, refused to give up and her determination defied everyone’s expectations. Winter’s peduncle (tail flippers) actually fell off within a few days of arriving at the aquarium. When a prosthetic company heard about Winter’s story, they accepted the challenge of building Winter a prosthetic tail. Because of the generosity of her rescuers, Winter has grown into a healthy dolphin who is now changing the lives of others.
One day a little girl with a prosthetic leg happened to be at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium while vacationing with her family. After the staff decided to introduce her to Winter, the chance encounter changed the little girl’s life. Winter, they discovered, has a way of connecting to people with disabilities and truly letting them know that they are not alone.
People now travel from across the country to meet Winter. They say the dolphin makes them feel like they can face life’s great challenges. Winter, whose life was saved six years ago, has found a way to give back that no one would have ever expected.
Last year Warner Bros. filmed a feature film based on Winter’s story. Called Dolphin Tale, it will be released in theaters on Sept. 23 and has an all-star cast, including Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman. Because of the attention that the movie has created, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has seen a dramatic increase in visitors. They now hope to expand the facility, something they never would have dreamed was possible.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization that strives to educate, rescue and rehabilitate injured marine life. Its expansion will allow them to accomplish their mission on a larger scale.
The aquarium is open to visitors seven days a week, so you can actually see Winter yourself! Check their Web site, http://www.seewinter.com for t,heir various rates and hours. Be a part of sharing Winter’s story and take with you the lesson that no matter how unattainable a goal may seem, it can be reached with resilience, compassion and friendship.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
http://www.seewinter.com
Dolphin Tale Movie Trailer
http://dolphintalemovie.warnerbros.com/index.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.