The South Florida Traveler » Announcements

Last Minute Shopping Anyone?

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:48:36 +0000

For me up north, the snow is keeping me inside, but for those people in Florida you are a bit luckier as you can get around. But, as you are preparing to finish up your holiday shopping what is open? Here’s a quick run-down on where to sneak in and pick up those last minute touches to make your holidays a little merrier.

Publix: All stores close at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve and are closed all day on Christmas Day
Albertson’s: open until 3:00 pm on Christmas Day, 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve
Winn-Dixie: open until 4:00 pm on Christmas Day, 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve
Target: open from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
Wal-Mart: Closed Christmas Day
K-Mart: open from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Christmas eve, closed on Christmas Day
Malls: All malls are closed on Christmas Day, Most malls closes at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve

Image Credit: Saquan Stimpson @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Bidding for Charity

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:18:06 +0000

I love feel good stories. The idea of helping those who are struggling just puts a good feeling inside. Though recently, it seems like the amount of people that are struggling has become a majority rather than a rare site. As I was looking recently at some items being auctioned off for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, I came across a company called ‘bidding for good.’ It is definitely one of those feel good companies that everyone should look into.

In addition to offering bargains on items being auctioned off and having items that are nearly impossible to get elsewhere (they did have a wii fit in their line-up going for just $75), the profits from these auctions go towards charity. Their byline is ‘great deals, good causes, good gifts.’ It doesn’t matter where you live or what charities you support, you are sure to find something that you are passionate about. Some local charities with active auctions include Deliver the Dream, International Rhino Foundation and National Parkinson Foundation. Other charities include Boys & Girls Club, AIDS Network, First Night and Habitat For Humanity.

They also have a gift guide. Whether you are shopping for your neighbor, teacher, boss or loved one, you are able to narrow down that search. You can also search for once-in-a-lifetime experiences (think Paris culinary adventure), the cause you support or for a specific item. If you are in charge of raising funds for a specific charity, they have easy instructions and contact information on how to begin. To date, they have raised over $50 million. Now’s your time to join in the success.

Image Credit: by Bonnie @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Best US Airports

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:22:50 +0000

Every year, Travel & Leisure magazine releases their survey results of the best and worst airports in America, and I thought now, right before the holidays, would be a great time to highlight these results. For most of you, if you plan on traveling during the next couple of weeks, I hope you have bought your tickets, but if not, here’s a guide to help you know what airports to avoid. As always, some Florida airports made the list. Can you guess which ones?

First of all, here’s a list of the Top 10 worst airports:

#10 (tie): Chicago-Midway with 25% of all flights delayed
#10 (tie): Atlanta
#8 (tie): JFK
#8 (tie): San Francisco
#6: Washington Dulles
#5: NY Laguardia
#4: Dallas/Fort Worth
#3: Miami
#2: Newark
#1: Chicago O’Hare with 35% of all flights delayed

and for the Top 10 Best Airports:

#10 LAX
#7 (tie): Phoenix
#7 (tie): Tampa
#7 (tie): Seattle
#3 (tie): Mpls/St. Paul
#3 (tie): Washington D.C.
#3 (tie): Oakland
#3 (tie): San Diego
#2: Portland
#1: Salt Lake City

Now what about the best and worst airlines to take (these statistics are based on on-time arrival and departure times)? US Airways, Southwest and Hawaiian airlines top the list

Photo Credit: The Shane H @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Make a Child’s Dreams Come True this Holiday Season

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:18:48 +0000

Every year, as December rolls around, children sit around the table dreaming up their wish list of what gifts they hope Santa will bring them. But what happens when money is so tight that some parents of these children are struggling to pay their bills. Will their children’s dreams come true or will they fall through the cracks? That’s where Toys For Tots comes in.

This 501c3 began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists collected over 5,000 toys and distributed them to needy children in the Los Angeles area. Through time, this program has grown and over 370 million toys have been distributed to over 173 million needy children. Their goal is to deliver a message of hope, through a new toy at Christmas, to needy youngsters so they will grow into productive, responsible, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Throughout the months of October, November and December toy drives are held to insure that children everywhere will receive a package on Christmas morning. Drop-off points are available throughout the country, making it easy to donate to those in need. For more information, about local drop-off locations, visit them online: West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade County and Broward, and Martin County.

In addition, many events are being held to collect more gifts. What a great reason to enjoy a night out!

Toys For Tots at Blue Martini in Fort Lauderdale: Bring a toy on any Tuesday in December and you will receive a complimentary cocktail. They are also hosting a celebration party on Sunday, December 14th from 3 – 7:00 pm.
Free Mojitos at Ola: Bring in an unwrapped Toy For Tots (min. $20 value) and receive a complimentary mojito or holiday cocktail. This offer is valid from Mon, December 9th – Wed, December 24th.

Photo Credit: mysza831 @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Are You Planning a Trip With Your Pet?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:56:48 +0000

Is your pet an extension of yourself? Do you bring your pet with you on walks to the beach, to your neighborhood restaurant and to the homes of your friends and family? If this describes you, you most certainly bring your pet with you when you go on vacation. But, how do you transport your pet via plane, where do you find a place to stay? Well, your answers are solved with the website titled PetTravelCenter.com.

According to their site, they make pet travel fun and easy. They are an internet company and online community serving pet loving people everywhere. They provide a vast collection of resources on accommodations for you and your pet, dog parks, emergency hospitals and tips for traveling. In addition, they send out a newsletter to their members, post airline travel regulations, have a vet and pet relocation specialist on staff to answer burning questions (what are you to do when you need an 8-hr sedative for your dog/cat?), have an online store with much needed pet travel supplies, and you’re able to book your pet-friendly travel plans right on the website.

Happy traveling!

Photo Credit: RoBeE @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Let the Festivities Begin!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:23:14 +0000

However you celebrate the holidays, one thing is clear – they are quickly coming up and the festivities are on. Whether you are looking to take part in a tree lighting ceremony, a shopping extravaganza or want to watch a holiday parade, you have plenty of options. Here are some taking place this week:

Come down to Worth Avenue on Tuesday, December 2nd for The Worth Avenue Promenade and Town of Palm Beach Tree Lighting ceremony. The stores will extend their hours and will be offering free refreshments. While you are there, enjoy the complimentary music from local bands and choral groups. There will even be live ballerinas dancing in the windows. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for some holiday surprises. Starts at 6:00 pm.
On December 3rd, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Music, jugglers, Santa and snow – They will all be there. Takes place at 6:00 pm, 4400 Burns Road in Palm Beach Gardens.
On December 4th, make your way down to Delray Beach for the 100-foot tree lighting ceremony. Watch in amazement as the 3,000 hand-fluffed branches, 39,500 ornaments and the 15,500 lights come to life. Even more amazing, is that there will be a place for outdoor ice skating – even in Florida! This event starts at 5:00 pm and takes place at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue.
On the weekend, head up to Stuart. Festivities begin on Friday, December 5th, with the Soroptomist Christmas parade ending in the historic downtown. Saturday during the day, head on over to Hobe Sound and Indiantown as their holiday parades are scheduled. During the evening, head on over to the shores of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno as there will be a military flyover by four F-18 jets. At 6:00 pm, there will be a boat parade featuring boats of all sizes to rev up that holiday cheer. The evening will conclude with an 8:00 pm fireworks display.
If you are located further south, you might want to check out the Holiday Fantasy of Lights taking place in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek now until January 4th. Daily from 6:00 – 10:oo pm, cars can make their way through this winter wonderland of more than 2 miles of illuminated lights. Cost is $12 for vehicles with 20 passengers or less.

photo credit: mandj98 @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Let it Snow

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:38:12 +0000

Moving to Florida from the Midwest, I often get asked the question, “Don’t you miss the seasons?” What do you mean? Don’t I miss the winters when it would get down to -44 degrees wind chill, where I’d wear flannel lined pants, scarves to cover my face so I could barely see, my eyes watering as soon as I left the building, my fingers turning purple and my body being numb because it was so cold outside? Nope, can’t say that I miss that. Though, I do miss that fresh coat of snow that lines the street when you wake up in the morning. Is it going to make me move back? Highly unlikely.

So what do you do if you live in Florida, and you want that white snow experience? Head on over to the Dolphin Mall. That’s right, snow flurries are predicted at this mall in Miami. From November 26th until January 4th, Dolphin Mall’s Magical Snowfall will take place in the Ramblas Plaza. This will take place at 7 pm daily and at 9 pm on the weekends. Children are encouraged to participate in this magical experience by waving magical wands (available to children under 12 whose parents sign up for the mall e-bulletin). When they wave their wands at promptly 7:00 pm, the snow will return during the daily holiday show.

Photo Credit: Shahram Sharif @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Happy Thanksgiving

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:07:04 +0000

Whether you are staying home for the holidays or traveling far away, spending hours in the kitchen or enjoying a delicious meal out, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

Photo Credit: riptheskull @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

How Safe is Your City?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:33:37 +0000

A few weeks ago a did a post titled “The Best Place to Raise Your Kids in South Florida” and one titled “America’s Most Beautiful Cities.” Although, it is great to savor the beauty in the area, it is also wise to be aware of some of the areas to avoid if you are looking for a safe place to live. I was tipped off to the latest report by Rick from South Florida Daily Blog regarding a study done titled City Crime Ranking 2008-2009. Cities were ranked according to the following factors: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft

They look at cities first by the individual city rankings and then by the metropolitan area rankings. Any guess where Florida Cities ended up on the list? New Orleans came in at No. 1, followed by Camden, N.J., Detroit and St. Louis Missouri. Miami Gardens came in at No. 13 and Orlando came in at No. 18.

So these aren’t all dismal findings, as they also noted cities that fell far below the national average. This time that’s good as these are the safer cities among us. Cities that bottomed out the list in Florida (and are safer than the national average) include:

Coral Springs, FL
Pembroke Pines, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL
Cape Coral, FL
Boca Raton, FL
Plantation, FL

If you’d like to take a look at the complete study, visit CQ Press.

Photo Credit: Laineys Repertoire @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

So What are You Doing for New Year’s Eve?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:14:39 +0000

As many people are busy preparing for the big turkey feast ahead of them and cleaning the house for the multiple members of their family coming to visit, others are looking down the road a little further. Yes, today I received the first announcement of events going on to ring in the new year. Excited yet?

Make your way out to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach this New Year’s Eve. They have put together 2 packages that will strike anyone’s fancy.

Option 1 ($300 per person):

Join in the fun as John Davidson, a popular headliner on Broadway, in Hollywood, Vegas and on TV since the mid-1960’s including: playing host of That’s Incredible, The New Hollywood Squares, $100,000 Pyramid, appearing on The Tonight Show over 80 times, and his stint on Broadway including Foxy, Chicago, The Music Man and Oklahoma.

This evening will start off at 7:30 with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by the pool, continue with a 5-course dinner, followed by a performance by John Davidson. At midnight, ring in the new year with a champagne toast followed by breakfast in the Palm Court at 1:00 am.

Option 2 ($250 per person):

This night out begins at 8:00 pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and it is followed by a 5-course dinner and dancing with The Switzer Trio. Midnight is a champagne toast and 1:00 am is breakfast in the Palm Court.

For reservations, please call 561-659-8100.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with The Colony, just ask President Bush or President Clinton or many of the other Windsors, movie stars or corporate czars that have stayed there. It has a British flair to it and is only steps away from Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo Credit: Waldo Jaquith @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler