Solomon’s Castle
The galleries alone, filled with the whimsical and witty work of artist Howard Solomon, make a day trip to Solomon’s Castle worthwhile. Add the tour of the artist’s Castle, the gardens, and the Boat in the Moat restaurant and you’ve found one of Central Florida’s most magical destinations.
Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category
February’s Hidden Gem
Monday, February 7th, 2011July’s Hidden Gem
Monday, July 12th, 2010For those like good beer, check out Stairway to Belgium on Main Street near Palm. You’ll find a selection of more than 150 world-class beers and a mouthwatering menu of Belgium inspired dishes to accompany them. Reasonably priced and locally owned, it’s definitely worth a visit.
May’s Hidden Gem
Monday, May 3rd, 2010Siesta Key Drum Circle
About an hour before sunset every Sunday, a crowd spontaneously gathers at America’s best beach, Siesta Key, between lifeguard stands 3 and 4. The sounds of drums fill the air and the party is underway. The Siesta Key Drum Circle is not a commercial event, just a local phenomenon that grew up on its own and is now a not-to-be-missed event all about good vibrations. So this Sunday visit and just go with the flow. It’s the perfect way to end another day in paradise.
See more info and photos of Siesta Key’s Drum Circle on DrumCircles.net »
April’s Hidden Gem
Monday, April 5th, 2010You’ll find Towles Court, a colorful collection of “Old Florida” bungalows that house artist galleries, studios, and cafes tucked away in historic Laurel Park. You can meet and talk with the artists on display there. Every third Friday there’s a special art walk with free music, events, and refreshments. Only minutes away, it’s truly one of Sarasota’s treasures!
For more information visit the Towles Court website »
March’s Hidden Gem
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010It’s an absolute must for nature lovers! Bird naturalists at nearby Myakka River State Park share their spotting scopes, field guides and expertise with visitors who flock to the Park’s Birdwalk, an observation platform offering excellent views of the lake, its birds, alligators and other wild creatures.
View the full Myakka River State Park Event Calendar for a complete schedule of bird watching activities.
A Great Place for Pet Care
Thursday, February 4th, 2010Did you know that nearly 60% of RVers travel with a pet, usually a dog? But what do you do if something happens and your best friend needs medical attention? Our recommendation:
Best Friends Animal Hospital
5110 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL
(941) 927-4567
We know from experience that vets Madonna Fugent and Tammy Clarkson are going to provide loving, state-of-the-art care. We hope you never need them, but if you do they’re there for you and your pet.
February’s Hidden Gem
Thursday, February 4th, 2010For 55 years the Mote Aquarium has been delighting visitors of all ages, introducing them to the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits. Sharks, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life are all on display. One of Sarasota’s true gems, “the Mote” is definitely worth a visit.
Learn more at the Mote Marine website.
January’s Hidden Gem
Thursday, January 7th, 2010Vacation Highlights Close to Sun-N-Fun
Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, Step Right This Way… The Howard Bros. Miniature Circus at the Ringling Museum is an absolutely one-of-a-kind attraction. Its 44,000 pieces include 8 main tents, nearly 4500 circus visitors, performers, musicians and workers and 800 animals. Built to scale, the 3800 sq. ft. exhibit is one and a half times the length of a football field – actual size, it would cover 16 to 20 acres!
See the Howard Bros. Miniature Circus »
Sun-N-Fun RV Resorts favorite beach
Thursday, June 25th, 2009Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota Florida is only 12 miles from Sun-N-Fun RV Resort. Last year, Siesta Public Beach was hailed as the number 3 beach in the world. This year, much to the delight of Sun-N-Fun RV Resort’s winter residents, vacation home and RV Guests, Siesta Public Beach moved up to number two in the world. This beach is extremely popular with the Sun-N-Fun RV Resort Guests, especially on Sunday evenings when they gather to watch the drumming down of the sun. With its seemingly endless powdery white sand, liquid turquoise water and sunny blue skies it would be hard to believe we will not be number one in the world in the coming years, knocking out the 12 time winning beach in Hawaii.
Protecting Yourself in the Sun
Friday, June 12th, 2009Just about everyone knows the dangers of spending too much time in the sun and the importance of using either Sunblock or Sunscreen for protection.
But because most people use the terms interchangeably, they don’t know that there’s a big difference between the two products and that they offer very different levels of protection. Knowing the differences can be critical to your wellbeing, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
These days, Sunscreens are more popular because they absorb the UV rays that allow you to tan. Available in inconspicuous creams, lotions and gels, they have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating; the higher the SPF rating, the better the protection the product provides.
It’s important to know that Sunscreen, because it interacts chemically with the skin, needs be applied about 20 minutes before you go outside so it has time to work. And because it won’t keep you from burning, you need to reapply it frequently if you’re outdoors for an extended period of time.
Sunblocks, as their name suggests, reflect harmful UV rays instead of absorbing them like sunscreen. And, unlike sunscreens, sun blocks don’t have SPF ratings because they protect the body from ALL UV rays. At one time Sunblocks could be spotted by their opaque white film, the funny looking white gunk you sometimes see people put on their noses, but new technology has created Sunblocks with particles so tiny, that the opaque film is no longer noticeable.
Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. Some sunscreens with SPF numbers of 15 or higher are erroneously refereed to as Sunblocks. If you want a Sunblock, don’t buy a package with a SPF number because a true Sunblock won’t need it.
