Pirate River Quest Announces Grand Opening At LEGOLAND® Florida For November 2, 2022

A brand-new, swashbuckling quest awaits families visiting LEGOLAND® Florida when the Pirate River Quest opens on November 2, 2022.

This November, board a family-friendly boat ride to search for Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure through an all-new hilarious adventure. The quest to uncover the lost treasure unfolds brick by brick as families face a variety of exciting sequences built within lush gardens telling the tales of the rowdy LEGO® pirate crew. Riders will sail through the natural waterways while following the all-new story featuring the newest LEGO pirate friend, Calico Jade, and other exotic LEGO creatures, including a flamboyance of bright flamingos, a troop of mischievous monkeys and even a fearsome kraken.

Set on the natural passageways of Lake Eloise and the historic Cypress Gardens, this one-of-a-kind canal tour is an adventure that families can only see at LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

Those interested in joining the crew can also keep their eyes peeled on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube as LEGOLAND Florida Resort shares “behind the bricks” moments of Pirate River Quest as it gets ready to set sail 11-2-22!

Visit LEGOLANDFlorida.com for more information.

Florida’s Grayton Beach No. 1 In top-10 US list

This Aug. 1, 2018, aerial photo made available by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection shows Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. The beach earned the first spot of top U.S beaches according to Florida International University professor Stephen Leatherman. The beach was chosen in part because of its sugar-white sand and its clear, emerald-green water. (Running Man Pictures/Courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection via AP)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The sand along the coast of Grayton Beach State Park is so unique, some say it speaks to you.

It’s compared to sugar, and is so white it’s almost blinding in bright sunlight. And people who have been cooped up because of stay at home orders can once again go walk along it and hear the unique sound the beach makes when bare feet sink in the sand.

“It’s that fine powdery sand that talks to you,” said Dave Rauschkolb, a restaurant owner, surfer and beach enthusiast who lives nearby. “The ‘squeak,’ ‘squeak,’ ‘squeak’ of the sand when you walk in it.”

It’s a large reason the beach was picked as the best in the United States by Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, who has been ranking the nation’s beaches for 30 years.

“It’s some of the finest white sand in the world. The first time I saw it I felt like I had to put on sunglasses it was so bright. Some people thought it was snow. I said, ‘No that’s not snow!’” Leatherman said with a laugh. “The sand is the highest quality in the world. It’s pure quartz crystal.”

It is one of two Florida beaches that were on the 2020 list released Thursday, along with Caladesi Island State Park at No. 6. The other beaches on the list, in order, are Lifeguarded Beach on Ocrakoke Island, North Carolina; Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York; Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii; Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, North Carolina; Hapuna Beach on Big Island, Hawaii; Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Coronado Beach in San Diego, California; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Leatherman says he gives bonus points for beaches where smoking is banned and that are staffed with lifeguards, which elevated the North Carolina beaches.

“Beaches are not big, giant ashtrays, and that’s what some people use them for, which is really disgusting,” Leatherman said.

Grayton Beach State Park won the list’s top spot — even without a smoking ban — based on its sheer beauty. Beyond the sand, it has crystal clear emerald water, fresh water ponds that are a geological rarity and towering dunes that are unique along Florida’s 1,350 miles (2,170 kilometers) of coastline.

Even the walk from the parking lot is special, said Rauschkolb.

“You have to take what I call the tree tunnel trail,” he said. “You can just walk in this little wonderland under the canopy of the scrub oak and poke your head out and suddenly see the Gulf.”

While there are currently some restrictions at the nearly 2,000-acre (809- hectare) park because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is open. Groups larger than 10 are not allowed and the park is controlling capacity to allow for social distancing. Cabins and camping are temporarily closed.

In normal times, the park attracts 500 to 1,000 people during peak summer days. But with 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of beach and plenty of trails, it doesn’t get overcrowded, said Ben Faure, who manages 37 state parks in the Panhandle for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Grayton Beach is one of the gems along the Emerald Coast of Florida,” Faure said. “We like to call it a desert oasis. It really is a unique place with the sugar-white sands that are almost 99.9% pure quartz. Your feet squeak as you walk on the beach, it’s so pure.”

Lynn Cherry, a board member of the nonprofit support group Florida Parks Foundation, lives about an hour from the park and has visited many times.

“Oh, the fishing is great at Grayton Beach! I have caught lots of fish at Grayton Beach State Park,” Cherry said.

And the Gulf of Mexico tends to have calmer surf than Florida’s Atlantic Ocean beaches.

“On a typical day, it’s a nice surf and very enjoyable swimming,” she said.

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON

Florida's Space Coast Revealed: 20 Bucket List Items For 2020

From secluded natural hideaways to one-of-a-kind experiences, the coast reveals what to do, see and eat this decade.

Families mapping out their 2020 vacations still have time to add Florida's Space Coast to their itinerary and discover some of the unique and hidden gems in Brevard County.

This subtropical, 72-mile coastline along the Sunshine State's Atlantic seaboard offers something for all ages and interests, allowing for plenty of opportunities to check off those bucket list items. Adventure seekers can hang 10 in the East Coast's surfing capital, nature lovers can venture through bioluminescent waters and foodies can take their taste buds on a tour of the best local eats.
Travel off the beaten path this decade and experience these 20 attractions along Florida's Space Coast:

Experience and Engage

1. Take in the beauty (and take Instagram-worthy photos) – From idyllic beaches to breathtaking murals along the walls of popular destinations in downtown Melbourne and Cocoa Beach, there is a lot to see along the Space Coast. Have your camera and hashtags ready!

2. Cheer on Melbourne Beach's Caroline Marks at the 2020 Summer Olympics* – As one of the East Coast's top-ranked surfing destinations, the Space Coast is one of the best places to cheer on women's and men's surfing competitors during the 2020 Olympic Games. Professional surfer Caroline Marks, who calls Melbourne Beach home, will surely be one to watch during the sport's Olympic debut!

3. Run a 13K in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13* – Take off your space boots and put on your running shoes for the once-in-a-lifetime 13K race in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13, the seventh crewed mission to the moon. Not ready to make the giant leap? The Saturn 5K might be your preferred model launch point.

4. Watch the launch of the Mars Rover Mission* – It's called the Space Coast for a reason, and with more than 18 total launches planned for 2020, visitors can catch a glimpse of something that's truly out of this world. The Mars Rover Mission has an expected launch date of July 2020, so check the news for the latest updates.

5. Slingshot around the Space Coast – Get ready to buckle up and see all that the Space Coast has to offer from the front seat of a 2019 Slingshot GT. Space Coast Slingshots provides guests with a number of rental options that fit into even the busiest of Cape Canaveral vacation plans. Whether you're interested in self-guided adventures around the city or prefer a guided experience to learn about the local hot spots, Space Coast Slingshots has just what you're looking for.

6. Visit nationally acclaimed Cape Canaveral – Named one of the top 20 places to visit this year by Airbnb, Cape Canaveral is the fastest growing cruise port in Florida and home to the industry's top cruise lines and fishing charters. Experience one-of-a-kind waterfront dining with some of the freshest seafood in Florida. Ready to set sail? Check out the port's newest cruise ships, including the Carnival Mardi Gras and the new Cruise Terminal 3 that is slated for completion in June 2020.

7. Tour the Lighthouse Keepers' Cottage Museum* – This brand-new museum has no shortage of fascinating finds. Learn about the old lighthouse lenses and Native American culture, as well as space history and maritime facts. There's no better way to shine a light on some of the coast's richest history than by visiting the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.

8. Learn to hang 10 in "America's East Coast Surfing Capital" – With several different surf schools throughout the region, this is the perfect location to suit up and give surfing a try. Are you more of a land-dweller? Watch some of the best surfers in the world catch a wave at places like Sebastian Inlet Pier, 2nd Light at Patrick Air Force Base, or at various surf contests going on throughout the year. If you want to learn more about the history of surfing on the Space Coast, spend an afternoon perusing the Florida Surf Museum.

Dive Deep with Nature

9. Go wild with watersports on Cocoa Beach* – Take a trip on the wild side with Wildlife Watersports, situated in the serenity of Cocoa Beach's pristine Banana River Lagoon. From glass-bottom kayaks to CraigCats® to pontoon boats and everything in between, this is a thrill-seekers' paradise. No matter your age or ability, there is something for everyone at Wildlife Watersports.

10. Light up your vacation with a bioluminescence tour – Experience one of nature's most magical wonders with a tour of the Space Coast's bioluminescent waters. Take a see-through kayak to watch the water below sparkle with luminescent organisms. With several tour options available, you'll be able to find the right fit for you and your family.

11. Explore the Merritt Island Wildlife Conservation and Education Center* – Come see the beauty that is the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and discover new trails at Parrish Park for sights you have to see to believe. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, making it the ideal location to experience the beauty of the Space Coast.

12. Cast a line in the Space Coast's diverse waters – Florida's Space Coast offers great fishing year-round – from Mosquito Lagoon south to Sebastian Inlet. The 500 species of fish inhabiting our oceans, inlets and lagoons make it a fishing hotspot!

13. Trailblaze through Titusville – Titusville has become the hub of three converging multiuse trails: the East Coast Greenway, Coast-to-Coast Trail and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Trail. As one of Florida's designated "Trail Towns," Titusville features long-distance, non-motorized recreational trails and welcomes hikers, bicyclists, skaters and joggers with restaurants, shops and lodging.

14. Walk on the wild side at Brevard Zoo* – The Brevard Zoo is the perfect place to celebrate the Roar-ing Twenties. Kayak past giraffes or explore the newest exhibit, Rainforest Revealed. Brevard Zoo offers a unique look at wildlife in an environment that is fun for the entire family!

Take a Bite

15. Take your taste buds on a food tour – Explore Brevard County's thriving food scene with walking tours in Historic Cocoa Village, Downtown Cocoa Beach, Downtown Melbourne and Port Canaveral.

16. If you're running on empty, come refuel* – 4th Street Fillin Station, a gastrobar and grill in Cocoa Beach, is a thoughtfully designed, eclectic local restaurant constructed inside a working Mobil gas station. Yes, you read that right! You couldn't pick a better spot to get your fill of good food.

17. Enjoy a bird's eye view of cruise ships at Junkanoo Island Kitchen, Port Canaveral* – Sip frozen drinks and cold beer while feasting on coconut shrimp, roasted jerk chicken and grilled mahi from the spacious waterside daiquiri deck.

18. Sip brews in Historic Cocoa Village* – If you're looking for more of a crafted experience, look no further than Historic Cocoa Village. Home to several microbreweries known for their locally inspired creations, there's no better spot to sip brews and take in the picturesque views of Florida's Space Coast. Not sure where to start? Check out the newest craft brewery, Bugnutty Brewing Co., or enjoy the recently constructed patio at the Village Idiot Pub.

19. Arrive to dinner by boat at Frigate's Waterfront Bar and Grill, Melbourne* – Come by land or by sea (literally!) and visit the perfect place to nestle beneath the tropical palms and enjoy an upscale menu while listening to the relaxing rhythms of island music.

20. Looking for a place to stay? * – Keep an eye out for the grand opening of eight new hotels on the Space Coast. To see a full list of accommodations, please visit this website.

New for 2020.

SOURCE Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism

Amelia Island Promises Eventful Travel Experience In 2018

  

Fun-filled calendar features wellness, sports, culture, cuisine and festivals

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – From music events and nature festivals, to sport fishing and holiday celebrations, visitors can count on an eventful visit to Amelia Island, virtually any time in 2018. The popular island getaway hosts a full schedule of signature special events for every season, with springtime hits such as the Amelia Concours Week, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, and the Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Later in the year, visitors flock to the island for fall favorites such as the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, the Pétanque Amelia Island Open, and a sleigh full of holiday events in December, including the Dickens on Centre, the Holiday Homes Tour, and so much more.  

The complete 2018 schedule of events can be found at AmeliaIsland.com/events. Highlights include the following:

Culinary Events

• To celebrate its status as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown hosts an annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 4-6), an island tradition for more than 50 years. The Shrimp Festival combines a love of shrimp and the best of arts and entertainment, all set in the beautiful historic district. The family-friendly event includes a Pirate Parade, Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant, Kids Fun Zone, Shrimp Run sponsored by The YMCA, fine arts and crafts and antiques vendors, fireworks, and live entertainment. Local shrimp and seafood dishes, ranging from shrimp tacos to shrimp pie, are always the star of the show.  shrimpfestival.com

• Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort will host its 5th Annual Fish to Fork, May 17-20. With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful tree canopies as a backdrop, the weekend will offer an unmatched foodie experience, with true dock-to-dish specialties in a fun and interactive atmosphere.  The resort will welcome renowned chefs from around the country to showcase their fishing and culinary skills, leading up to a final Chef Showdown on Saturday night with a live vote from event guests. Fishtoforkweekend.com  

Culture + Nature Events

• The 17th annual Amelia Island Book Festival (Feb. 15-17) invites avid readers to a three-day celebration of the written word, featuring a luncheon with bestselling author and keynote speaker Adriana Trigiani; a writers’ workshop hosted by New York Times and #1 International Best Selling Author Steve Barry and a ‘face off’ dinner gala against fellow writers Lee Child, Jennifer Armentrout; Karin Slaughter; Sherry Rinker.; and the popular Authors’ Expo and Readers’ Extravaganza, a family festival featuring more than 100 noted authors ranging from emerging to International and New York Times bestsellers. ameliaislandbookfestival.com

• For classic car enthusiasts, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (March 9-11) is springtime’s signature automotive event. Two-time winner of the prestigious International Historic Motoring Awards, “The Amelia” features more than 300 rare vehicles from seldom-seen private collections around the world at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Now in its third decade, it has become the centerpiece of an island-wide celebration known as AmeliaConcours Week (March 8-11) featuring auctions and events with Gooding & Company, Werks Reunion, Festivals of Speed, Bonahms and more.ameliaconcoursweek.com

• The 2018 Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 18-20) invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With a line-up of more than 35 family-friendly events and outdoor experiences, the three-day nature festival includes the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle to its ocean home on Main Beach, in partnership with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center; a sunset nature cruise exploring the intracoastal ecosystem by Amelia River Cruises; an eco-expo with conservation exhibitions, a kid’s niche with a touch tank, silent auction fundraiser, live music and more; and eco-tour nature encounters. wildamelia.org

• Now in its fifteenth year, the Amelia Island Jazz Fest (Oct. 7-14) continues to captivate audiences with world-class performances celebrating the spirit of jazz.Nine-time Grammy award-winning vocalist, Janis Siegel of Manhattan Transfer, performing with the Requinte Trio, and Henry Johnson -- Grammy nominated jazz guitar legend -- are set to headline the 2018 festival. AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com

• Throughout the spring, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival fills the island with world-class musical artists and performances. The festival’s 2018 season, themed “The Year of the Piano,” presents a wide range of internationally recognized artists in 14 ticketed and four free performances. This year’s lineup includes the decorated Dover Quartet; violin virtuoso Gil Shaham; Amelia Island’s favorite trio of cellist Andres Diaz, pianist Wendy Chen and violinist Chee-Yun; and Grammy-nominated bluegrass band, The Grascals. ameliaislandchambermusicfestival.com

Wellness Events

• The second annual Amelia Island Wellness Festival (Nov. 9-11) will focus on renewing the mind, body and soul. Attendees of the three-day wellness retreat at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island can enjoy educational and inspirational sessions with acclaimed names in yoga, meditation, and fitness.AmeliaIslandwellnessfestival.com
  
• The 2018 ZOOMA Florida Women’s Half Marathon, 12k and 5K races (Oct. 19-21) feature flat, scenic courses with a picture-perfect beachfront finish. The Finish Line of all races leads into an epic Post-Race party at Main Beach. Zoomarun.com/race/florida/

Sporting Events

• The Pétanque Amelia Island Open (Nov. 9-11) is the largest pétanque event in the Americas and draws players and spectators from around the world. The event takes place along the Amelia harbor front and Fernandina Beach historic district. AmeliaIsland.com/petanque

Holiday Events

• The 12^th annual Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) showcases stunning beach homes across Amelia Island, each decorated for the holidays by a local florist or decorator.  AmeliaMuseum.org/HolidayHomeTour

• The fourth annual Dickens on Centre (Dec. 7-9) in downtown Fernandina Beach recalls Charles Dickens’s early Victorian–era Britain. Free to the public, the event features horse-drawn carriage rides and period vendors, themed characters and entertainers, along with festive lights, holiday decor and tastes of the holidays.AmeliaIsland.com/Christmas

Visit AmeliaIsland.com/events for a complete listing of 2018 events.

About Amelia Island

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries.  Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

Clearwater Beach Named America's Best Beach By TripAdvisor

St. Pete Beach Ranks No. 4 On Media Giant's Annual List Of Visitors' Favorites

TripAdvisor's Top 25 U.S. Beaches | TripAdvisor's Top 25 World Beaches St. Pete/Clearwater area beaches are on top again. TripAdvisor announced today that the world-famous white sand Clearwater Beach was No. 1 in its annual list of the 25 Best Beaches in America. That distinction also made it the only beach in the U.S. on its list of the 25 Best Beaches in the World at No. 20. Not far behind was St. Pete Beach at No. 4 in the U.S. making the St. Pete/Clearwater the only Florida destination with two beaches in the Top 10. "We've always known how stunning St. Pete/Clearwater area beaches are, but for millions of travelers to reconfirm it through TripAdvisor's rankings is extremely rewarding---and a huge honor," said Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Executive Director David Downing. The annual list is voted on by members of the world's largest online travel community. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and averaged ratings gathered over a 12-month period. Just three years ago, USA Today named Clearwater Beach Florida's Best Beach Town and St. Pete Beach claimed TripAdvisor's top spot in 2012. TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site reaching more than 350 million unique monthly visitors and has more than 320 million reviews operating in 47 countries.

Travelore News: A New Orlando-To-Miami Express Train Is In The Works

Plans for MiamiCentral, which will include the Brightline train station.

The privately run rail line will connect Florida's top tourist hubs.

It's hard to believe this doesn't already exist, but All Aboard Florida—a new private inter-city train service—just unveiled plans for an express train connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando along a 235-mile route. Expected to be complete by mid-2017, the Brightline will take passengers from Miami to Orlando in three hours—just under the three-and-a-half hours it takes to drive the same distance without traffic. The trains won’t be classified as high-speed, but express trips will travel up to 125 mph.

"Half of our business is international," William Talbert, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, told USA Today. "To connect Miami and those other three communities by train makes it convenient, affordable, clean, and safe to travel. It gives the visitor options that we haven't had before."

Construction has already begun on stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The Orlando station is in the works next to the Orlando International Airport. Projected to cost $3 billion to build, the Brightline will be made up of flashy red, orange, green, blue, and pink train cars and pulled by a distinctive yellow engine car. The train will have free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and group ticket reservations for tables of four. Ticket prices have not been announced.

The All Aboard Florida service is just one of many inter-city lines in the works across the country. A $68-billion public high-speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco is already under construction in California, while private groups are pushing for a railway in Texas (between Dallas and Houston) and between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Written by Meredith Carey, www.cntraveler.com

Drive Electric Orlando And Enterprise Rent A Car Grow Fleet Of Chevy Volts To 30

America’s most visited city hosts one of the largest electric vehicle rental initiatives, allowing thousands of extended EV test drives while promoting adoption nationwide.

 One month after announcing the addition of 14 Chevrolet Volt plug-in vehicles to its fleet, Drive Electric Orlando and Enterprise Rent-A-Car have added 16 more Volts, more than doubling the number of electric vehicles now available to rent in Orlando, Florida. By expanding the fleet to 30 Volts, Enterprise is growing one of the largest EV extended test drive programs in the country and giving nearly 11,000 visitors to Orlando the opportunity to drive an electric vehicle every year.

With a larger EV fleet and more than 50 partners representing Orlando’s top tourism and community leaders—including Visit Orlando, Walt Disney Word, Universal Orlando Resort, and the Orange County Convention Center—the city of Orlando and Drive Electric Orlando hope to kick-start a new American transportation future that is cleaner, cheaper, and reduces our country’s dependence on oil.

“We know that the car rental experience is often an extended test drive, so we are committed to offering our customers exposure to the latest vehicle technologies,” said Nathan Prior, Director of Business Rental Sales for Enterprise in Orlando. “Growing our fleet of electric vehicles in Orlando marks the next level of our support for Drive Electric Orlando’s mission to promote the adoption of EVs.”

“Chevrolet is proud the Volt is participating in Drive Electric Orlando,” said Britta Gross, GM’s Director of Advanced Vehicle Commercialization Policy. “This hands-on approach of putting consumers in the driver’s seat of an electric car is a great way for many to experience the joy—and smart cost savings—of driving electric!”

The 30 Chevy Volts are now available for rent through Enterprise at the Orlando International Airport. The Volt runs on both electricity and gasoline, traveling about 40 miles on battery power alone before seamlessly switching to gas power for longer trips. With more than 300 places to “plug in” across the region, including more than 140 OUC public EV charging stations, visitors can go to and from area hotels and attractions without using a drop of gasoline. For those more distant trips, the Volt has a total combined range of 380 miles.

Drive Electric Orlando works with the City of Orlando, Orange County, travel companies, the major theme parks and over 35 hotels to provide charging infrastructure for EV renters, as well as benefits like free charging, parking, and other perks for business travelers and vacationers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce oil demand in transportation and increase American economic and national security by promoting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. As part of the partnership, the Central Florida Clean Cities Coalition will help with outreach to its stakeholders, as well as collaborate with other Clean Cities Coalitions in U.S. markets that are key feeders for the Orlando tourism industry. The education and outreach efforts under this project are supported by an award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program.

To learn more about DEO or make a vehicle reservation, visit www.driveelectricorlando.com.

About Drive Electric Orlando
Drive Electric Orlando is a rental car initiative that puts vacationers and business travelers behind the wheel of America’s transportation future—plug-in electric cars. Through the collaboration of Orlando’s leading rental agencies, top hotels and major attractions, Drive Electric Orlando provides drivers an exciting and seamless rental experience.

About the Electrification Coalition
The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of business leaders committed to promoting policies and actions that reduce America’s dependence on oil by facilitating the deployment of electric vehicles on a mass scale. The members of the Electrification Coalition are leaders of companies representing the entire value chain of an electrified transportation system. For more information, visitwww.electrificationcoalition.org.

Miami Beach Is Buzzing With Deals And Activities For Gay Travelers

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Long the fun, high-end destination for gay travelers around the country and all over the world, this fall Miami Beach has lots of events, activities and deals for stimulating and exciting fall travel. From unique packages at several hotels to the one-of-a-kind White Party, one of the largest fundraisers in the country for HIV/AIDS, Miami Beach is buzzing with a calendar stuffed with experiences and happenings.

Global LGBT spending on travel is estimated to be more than $200 billion per year with millions of those dollars spent in South Florida. "Miami Beach has always been a haven for the LGBT community," notes Peggy Benua, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "With each passing year, however, our hotels, cultural and social venues really turn up the heat on the quality of offerings available to this community. That's what makes our city so exciting to visit, the unpredictable but endless variety of lodging and entertainment that's accessible here."

The Gaythering, Miami Beach's only hotel exclusively built to accommodate the LGBT traveler, is a 3-minute walk from Lincoln Road and one mile from the beach. Gay travelers are treated to a steam room, a cedar sauna, a hot tub and a hammam and mud lounge. A low-key bar offers craft beers and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. There's also a library lounge and a coffee shop.

The Dream Hotel-South Beach on Miami Beach's Collins Avenue, directly behind the former Versace Mansion and two blocks from the beach, is offering a Same Sex in City package which includes complimentary "his & his" or "hers & hers" monogrammed beach towels, bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival. VIP entry and premium bottle service for one evening at Twist LGBT lounge; custom-curated itinerary of recommended cultural events, activities and experiences as well as personal concierge services; early check in/late check out and a waived resort fee.

"Miami Beach competes with Madrid, Prague and Amsterdam for the gay travel dollar, among other top-notch international destinations, and that's why our lodging, activity and event options are so superb and exceptional," says Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA. "Miami Beach strives to be a world-class LGBT city of choice at all times."

The city tries to make visitors feel comfortable in every way starting with the LGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach, at 1130 Washington Avenue. Opening its doors to thousands of tourists from around the globe each year, the center is located in the historic Old City Hall building and provides information and resources as well as weekly support groups. The Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of Miami Beach is offered by the Miami Design Preservation League. The tours, start at the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive and take place the second Saturday of each month. The tour highlights the contributions of gays and lesbians to the history of Miami Beach.

One of the largest LGBT events of the year is White Party Week. It's an unparalleled week of fundraising parties and events culminating with the legendary White Party. Now more than 25 years old, White Party is the preeminent LGBT event of the season. More than 15,000 party-goers enjoy six days and nights of nonstop entertainment, all while raising awareness and money for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Can't make White Party week? Then there's a host of LGBT focused and friendly places to hang out during a Miami Beach visit including the Palace Bar with its infamous Brunchic on Sundays. Each week this Drag Brunch showcases performances and bottomless mimosas for $39.95 per person. You can also enjoy their Saturday brunch, Sabado Gigantes. Twist lounge and bar is the longest running gay nightlife venue in South Florida. A South Beach "must-do", it has continuously redefined itself in the past 18 years. Visitors can also check out Score nightclub and relax and soak up some sun in the daytime at 12th Street Beach or Haulover Beach Park.

Margaritaville Resort Coming To Orlando

ORLANDO, FL - Margaritaville Holdings LLC, and Encore Capital Management announce the development of a Margaritaville Resort community in Orlando. Guests will be transported to paradise and a vacation state of mind through the Margaritaville branded resort that will include a hotel, vacation ownership and vacation homes. Inspired by the lifestyle celebrated in Jimmy Buffett’s iconic songs, the resort will become an oasis for relaxation and fun – that “one particular harbour,” and will offer many experiential opportunities including a “FinCity” arcade, a St. Somewhere Spa, a planetarium and the Son of a Sailor fishing school, paddleboarding and kayaking. Ancillary to the Margaritaville Hotel, Encore is developing its own proprietary brands for food and beverage outlets, which will be owned and operated independently by Encore or its subsidiaries.

“This vacation resort – offering such a variety of lodging options - will make Margaritaville available to everyone looking for a port of paradise in Orlando,” said John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Holdings LLC. “Margaritaville is about escapism, relaxation, and vacation and we are excited to partner with Encore to develop such an exceptional experience.”

The 300-acre community will be located on US Highway 192 near State Road 429 in western Osceola County. The project will include an expansive aquatic amenity and lake with beach area. The community will also feature 170,000 square feet of retail and a regional water park.

“We’re excited to partner with an established lifestyle brand and develop a unique resort offering in this key area of Central Florida,” said Encore co-founder and Managing Principal, Art Falcone. “There is no other lifestyle brand that knows how to vacation like Margaritaville and we look forward to building this destination experience in Orlando.”

Top 10 Unusual Places To Go Wine Tasting In The US

Think wine in the US only comes from the west coast? Intrepid and weather-defying vintners are beating the odds and producing wines across this diverse land, from the bucolic shores of Vermont’s Lake Champlain to the volcano-filled Hawaiian islands. Even cactus-country Arizona, home to the Grand Canyon, grows wine-producing vines. Here are ten states deserving your supping scrutiny.

Hawaii

Pin this imageVineyards with a volcanic view at Maui's Winery. Image courtesy of Maui's Winery

Wine tasting in a tropical paradise? Aloha to that! The Big Island’s Volcano Winery (volcanowinery.com), sitting on lava-rich land near Volcano National Park, blends traditional grapes with locally grown products, yielding concoctions like Guava Grape and Macadamia Nut Honey Wine. And Maui’s Winery (mauiwine.com) pours tastes of unique creations like Hula O-Maui, a pineapple sparkling wine from Maui-sourced fruit, from a bar made from a single mango tree. Fun fact: Local artists create all their wine-bottle labels.

Montana

Embrace Big Sky Country with a taste or three at the family-run Mission Mountain Winery (missionmountainwinery.com) situated directly on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. With a six-month growing season and -20°F (-28°C) winter temperatures, only hardy varietals like Pinot gris and Chardonnay can hack it in this climate; additional grapes come from their Washington vineyards. Try Sundown, a light berry rosé or the non-oaked Laughing Horse Chardonnay. And the Cocoa Vin, a chocolate port, is a must for sweet-tooths.

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Vermont

Vermont’s first winery, Shelburne Vineyard (shelburnevineyard.com) sits close to the shores of pristine Lake Champlain 30 minutes south of Burlington. Try the Cayuga, a Chardonnay-Riesling blend or the Vidal Blanc Late Harvest, a balanced dessert wine. Over in Central Vermont, the Neshobe River Winery (neshoberiverwinery.com) offers common varietals like their popular red blend, the Purple Haze, plus a handful of black currant wines, iced cider and mead – a honey wine considered to be the ancestor to all fermented drinks.

Pin this imageHarvesting grapes at Shelburne Vineyard. Image courtesy of Shelburne Vineyard

Texas

Texan wine rarely makes it outside the state. Why? Texans are a proud lot and they consume most of it. Pull up to ranches that double as wineries and the guy pouring will likely sport a cowboy hat and Texan boots. Wines here are big and bold, just like the state. And while many wineries source grapes from afar, Perisso Vineyards (perissosvineyards.com) in the Texas Hill country uses only 100% Texan grapes.  Taste their Malbec while perched at a picnic table in view of the local castle.

Alaska

Sample berry-infused wines like Shirazberry (Shiraz grapes with raspberry) at Bear Creek Winery (bearcreekwinery.com) while taking in the view of Kachemak Bay. Don’t want to leave? The winery also boasts luxury lodging; guests can also access an on-site cedar hot tub (while drinking their wine, of course).  Alternatively, try small batch wines made from Alaskan berries and wildflowers at Alaskan Wilderness Wines (alaskawildwine.com). We’re intrigued by their Salmonberry wine, a blend of cinnamon, clove, vanilla and wild Salmonberry, a native Alaskan berry resembling raspberries, but bigger and milder.

Pin this imageSip on the banks of Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Image by Brian / CC BY 2.0

Kansas

Grace Hill Winery (gracehillwinery.com) is another place eschewing traditional wine names: try their dry Beach Day rosé or Leaning Shed red while relaxing on the wide patio overlooking the vines. Meanwhile, the newest Kansas kid on the block, Crooked Post Winery (crookedpostwinery.com), opened in 2014 and offers a small selection of varietals, including a spicy Valvin muscat and a semi-sweet Traminette. During harvest season (August through September), both wineries welcome volunteers to join the fun and help pick grapes (registration required, check their respective websites for schedules).

Florida

The Sunshine State goes beyond oranges and palm trees at San Sebastian Winery (sansebastianwinery.com), which offers tastes in their historic East Coast railway building in historic St Augustine. Note: you’ll probably want to linger with a bottle at their on-site wine bar and jazz club, The Cellar Upstairs. Or try Dakotah Winery’s (dakotahwinery.com) bestselling favorite, the semi-sweet red Noble, before checking out their Zen-like koi carp pond and the resident wood ducks.

Arizona

Arizona wines pack a punch because they work hard to grow in this drier-than-dry desert climate. The Village of Elgin Winery (elginwines.com) still stomps grapes by foot, and wines boast playful names like Tombstone Showdown, a dry white with Sauvignon blanc and Colombard grapes. Located half an hour from Tuscon, the Charron Vineyards (charronvineyards.com) sit 4200ft above sea level at the edge of the Santa Rita Mountains. They say their Rincon Red, a blend of Merlot and Chancellor grapes, goes well with anything from barbeque to chocolate cake. The only way to decide if you agree is to taste, taste, taste... we know, it’s a tough life.

Pin this imageVineyards in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona. Image courtesy of Charron Vineyards

Nevada

Nevada’s oldest winery, Pahrump Valley Winery (pahrumpwinery.com), beat the odds and produces sensational wines right in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Visiting in October? Don’t miss their annual grape stomp (register online to secure a spot as a stomper, it’s a guaranteed laugh). Or grab dinner at the on-site restaurant, Symphony, named after their award-winning white. Oh, and it’s only an hour away from the Vegas strip.

Kentucky

Equus Run Vineyards (equusrunvineyards.com) pours its wines in a former farm tool shed, rebuilt with stone producing today’s rustic tasting room. Even the vineyards had previous lives as cattle and tobacco fields, and all of it lies in the middle of Kentucky’s bluegrass region surrounded by horse farms. Local musicians perform summer concerts in their outdoor stone amphitheater and the grounds are a joy to roam – check out their life-sized horse sculptures dotted about.

by Caroline Sieg 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/top-10-unusual-places-to-go-wine-tasting-in-the-us#ixzz3gqakoi7C