Mar
2
The intartubes are all abuzz about this, that, and the other thing this morning, but in checking it all out I came across one of the most unique “resorts” in all of Florida: Jules’ Undersea Lodge
From the Fact Sheet:
Jules’ Undersea Lodge Fact Sheet Location: Jules’ Undersea Lodge is located at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in Key Largo Undersea Park, Key Largo, Florida. It is an hour and a half drive from the Miami International Airport to Key Largo Undersea Park. Turn on Transylvania Avenue at mile marker 103.2 Oceanside on the Overseas Highway. Background:
Jules’ Undersea Lodge was originally built as La Chalupa mobile undersea laboratory, the largest and most technically advanced in the world. The Lodge has been completely remodeled to provide guests with approximately 600 square feet of luxury living space for up to six people. Lay-out: The interior has two living chambers, each 20 feet long and 8 feet in diameter. One chamber is divided into two 8 x 10 foot bedrooms; the other is an 8 X 20 foot common room with dining and entertainment facilities. Between the two chambers is a 10 X 20 foot “wetroom” entrance area with a moon pool entrance (similar to a small swimming pool), a shower and bathroom facilities. Uses: Resort for recreation and adventure, weddings and honeymoons, retreats, meetings, seminars, corporate programs; site for film and video productions, and a merchandising showcase. The Lodge also continues to serve as a research lab for special projects.
It looks surprisingly affordable (well, relatively speaking, anyway) at $475/person per night. One of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but within the reach of most of us with a little scrimping and saving.
Mar
1
Visiting Florida?
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Here’s a list of posts I’ve written about theme parks, events, and places to visit while you are on vacation in Florida:
Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo
Rogers’ Christmas House, Brooksville
Discounts for Orlando Attractions and Hotels
Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast Specials
First Friday Artwalk in St. Augustine
Save Money on Your Orlando Vacation
Orlando Hotel Guide & City Guide
Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine
The Best Place to Buy Vera Bradley Purses in Florida
Save Money on Disney Souvenirs
Alternatives to Hotels for Orlando Vacations
The Pirate Dinner Show in Orlando
Scratch Ankle Festival, Milton, FL
Now, Every Day is Gay-Day at Disney World
Mar
1
Things to do in St. Augustine, FL
Filed Under St. Augustine | 4 Comments
Living in the area, we sometimes forget that St. Augustine is a destination for visitors from the area and vacationers. But, sometimes I like to take a step back and give readers some actual value for stopping by. That’s right, I do it all for you!
Here’s 5 cool things to do in St. Augustine:
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to protect the city of St. Augustine, and was never defeated in battle. Today, it serves as a national historical monument and is open to tours year-round. We’ve been there a number of times, and I even proposed to my wife in one of the lookout towers. Very interesting, and the time goes by faster than you expect. You can wander the fort or take an interpretive tour with a Ranger.
Take a ride on Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains
This is a great way to see the city, and an even better way to get around the city. Parking can be difficult in the old section, so Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains allow you unlimited on/off privileges at stops all over town. Better yet, a ticket is good for 3 days, so you can keep the car parked while in St. Augustine and use the sightseeing train to get around. We did this as part of a mystery shopping assignment, and enjoyed every minute.
Carriage Rides
As you walk along Avenida Menendez and the Matanzas Bay, you will see a number of horse-drawn carriages available for hire. Another nice way to get around town, albeit a bit more expensive (and shorter!) than a sightseeing train. But, infinitely more classy and romantic. My wife hired one for our wedding, and was picked up with her mother and sister and carried to the venue wearing her wedding dress. Afterward, we were carried away and had a leisurely ride around town until dropped at our B&B for the wedding night.
First Friday Artwalk
I’ve written about the First Friday Artwalk previously; On the first Friday and Saturday every month, participating galleries offer tours that start at 5 p.m. There are complementary shuttles from St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours if you’d like to ride between stops on the Artwalk. Galleries have exhibits that include local artists, including painting, photography, and music. Dates for the remainder of 2008 are:
March 7th | April 4th | May 2nd | June 6th | July 4th | Aug. 1st | Sept. 5th | Oct. 3rd | Nov. 7th | Dec. 5th
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a favorite attraction for the kids. My family has been there many times, and the kids are always fascinated by the feeding show. In true Pavlovian fashion, the alligators congregate just below the feeding platform when they see a park worker step into view. The worker throws chunks of meat down to the gators, who jump, scoot, and swim to get their share. There’s plenty more to see besides alligators, though, and most people find something of interest.
Nov
22
Vacation Tip: Use discount card to save money in Orlando like the locals
Filed Under Florida Vacation, Orlando, Theme Parks | 2 Comments
Well, we’re going to Dismal Disney World in mid-December for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas. We do this trip almost every year - we get there in the afternoon, check in at the hotel, then hit the park at sunset. Rides, parades, hot chocolate, cocoa, then Dad gets a sore back carrying children who have passed out to the parking lot. Most years, I can still walk the next morning, so we like to schedule some other cool activity - another park, shopping at Disney Village, something off Disney property.
Whaaaaa??? There’s more to Orlando than Disney?
Um, yeah!
Having lived in Orlando and worked for both Sea World and Disney World, I learned a few tricks. Yes, having an employee pass is great, except the last place you want to be on your day off is back at the park. With the benefit if time and distance, though, I’ve regained my enthusiasm for the attractions. Locals know all the ins-and-outs of saving money at the parks and attractions. One of those methods is using discount cards. For instance, the Go Orlando Card includes 50 Orlando Attractions, Tours, & Shows for 1 Low Price. You can go to as many Florida attractions as you like, once per day on your card. Depending on how many days your card is valid (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days), you may use it on any day, up to the total number of days you have purchased, within a 14-day period.
Even better, though, is that you can get a discount on your discount card: Go Orlando Card - Save 20% Now!
Are these kind of tips a good thing? Let me know in comments, I have more where this came from.
