florida
Things to Do in Madeira Beach & John's Pass Florida

Things to Do in Madeira Beach & John’s Pass Florida

We spent a fantastic week in Madeira Beach with our family last year, and if we weren’t on the beach we could be found exploring the area, spending lots of time at the John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. We honestly spent quite a bit of time at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk because we were...
Mad Beach Brewing in Florida

Mad Beach Brewing in Florida

When we travel we always like to find a local brewery to visit to try new brews.  In Johns Pass, Florida last summer we didn’t just visit Mad Beach Brewing, it became our hangout while we were on vacation.  During our stay at Madeira Beach last summer the weather forecast was abysmal.  There was rain nearly...
A Weekend in Cape Canaveral

A Weekend in Cape Canaveral

Last year I took my first trip ever away from my family and spent a weekend in Cape Canaveral with a few close friends.  I was hesitant to leave home, not because I thought my family would be lost without me, but because I’m very much a homebody and don’t like to be away from...
Locale Market & FarmTable Kitchen in St. Petersburg

Locale Market & FarmTable Kitchen in St. Petersburg

Before we took our trip to Florida I asked around for recommendations for dining and activities for our family.  When I asked people where we should have lunch in St. Petersburg the most frequent answer I got was to go to Locale Market.  I had no idea what to expect from Locale Market, but since...
The Pirate Ship at John's Pass

The Pirate Ship at John’s Pass

If  you ever travel to the Tampa Bay area of Florida near John’s Pass & Madeira Beach you should most definitely add a Pirate Cruise to your list of things to do while in that area.  I took three of my kids on a Pirate Cruise at John’s Pass on one of the few sunny...
Morean Glass Studio  Hot Shop Glass Demonstration in St. Petersburg

Morean Glass Studio Hot Shop Glass Demonstration in St. Petersburg

One of my family’s favorite stops in Florida was the Morean Arts Center’s Glass Studio & Hot Shop.   At the Hot Shop you can watch artisans create glass masterpieces right before your eyes.  You sit in a small set of bleachers just a stone’s throw away from the artists…so close that you can feel the...
Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore

Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore

While we were in Florida over the summer we spent three nights in Tampa.  We chose to stay in the Embassy Suites Airport Westshore hotel in Tampa.  We chose this hotel for many reasons,  first and foremost because we always love to stay in Embassy Suites hotels because they are perfect for our family of...
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Have you seen the movie Dolphin Tale? It’s a movie inspired by the true story of the dolphin Winter (who also stars in the movie) and it’s based on events that happened at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! You can visit Winter and all of her friends at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. This...
The Chihuly Collection

The Chihuly Collection

The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida boasts the largest permanent collection of glass art work created by famed artist Dale Chihuly: The Chihuly Collection.  The Morean Arts Center is a non-profit organization that is comprised of four locations in St. Petersburg, including the Chihuly Collection.  We were fortunate to visit three of the four locations,...
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach

Even on a rainy day you can feel like you are partying on the beach when you eat at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach.  If you are ever near Clearwater, Florida you should make a point to stop at one of the Frenchy’s locations, as they are an institution in Florida known for their...
The Dali Museum

The Dali Museum

When a trip to Florida was in the very beginning stages of planning Michael mentioned that when he was in high school he and his mom made a visit to The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg since he was so into art and a fan of Dali. After reminiscing about his visit to the museum...
Family Fun in Siesta Key & Sarasota

Family Fun in Siesta Key & Sarasota

Last year we took our family of six to Siesta Key for a long vacation.  We had so much fun exploring Siesta Key and the surrounding area, that I wanted to share my ideas for family fun in Siesta Key with you.  Our focus was mostly on beach lounging, so we weren’t able to do...