Florida Travel Fanatics

Send a text We recently made a long weekend trip to Marco Island, Florida, on the southern end of the Gulf Coast. In this episode we'll share our experiences and give you some ideas about how you can visit Marco Island and tips on restaurants, fishing, lodging, weather, beaches, etc. We'll also share our experiences at two Tampa Michelin rated restaurants, Clarke's day at the Dunedin Celtic Music and Craft Beer Festival, a trip to the Florida Aquarium, positive changes to T...

Send a text The Atlantic Hurricane Season is tricky, especially here in Florida. We're 2/3rds of the way through the peak of this years season, and it's been quiet but odd. Join us as we explain it, and as usual we've got some great Florida restaurants to talk about ! A BBQ brisket sandwich on a donut ! And a Michelin recommended English restaurant in affluent South Tampa. Take our survey on Florida Digital Travel guides: https://www.survey...

Send a text Join us as we recap our wonderful 37th anniversary getaway to Fort Myers, Florida! In this episode, we share tips for planning a Florida road trip—even when the weather’s a little unpredictable. Hear about our stay in the historic Altamonte neighborhood, just ¾ mile from downtown Fort Myers with walkable access to restaurants, breweries, speakeasies, and more. We explore the Sanibel Causeway, visit Bowman Beach and charming Captiva, cruise through Fort Myers Beach and downtown Nap...

Send a text The IndyCar Grand Prix of St Petersburg is something we enjoy every year, and we can't recommend it enough. Downtown St Petersburg Florida comes alive with incredibly fast cars (up to almost 200 mph) and highly skilled drivers. In this episode we'll talk about it in detail, and let you know how you can enjoy attending this race. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribu...

Send a text We love travel planning, and have never considered using a travel agent. Why would we ? You can do everything online, right ? Well, we recently had a conversation with our good friend Chance Williams, a travel agent. He opened our eyes to the value of using a travel agent, and we learned that most travel agents don't charge you anything for their services. And they have access to information, bookings, discounts, etc. and special access only f...

Send a text Winter is a great time to be in Florida ! In this episode we'll talk about winter activities, travel suggestions, and give some locals tips on how to maximize a winter trip to Florida. Bring a sweatshirt ! Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com In...

Send a text We recently spent a long weekend in the Florida Keys ! This has been a Bucket List trip for us for quite awhile, and we had an amazing trip and we're glad to share it with you ! There's a lot to talk about, so we're splitting this into two episodes. In this second of two episodes, we'll talk about the trip back from Key West and and overnight stay in Islamorada, as well as a fun stop we made in the Everglades on our way back to our home in Tampa. Our Links&nb...

Send a text We recently spent a long weekend in the Florida Keys ! This has been a Bucket List trip for us for quite awhile, and we had an amazing trip and we're glad to share it with you ! There's a lot to talk about, so we're splitting this into two episodes. In this first episode, we'll talk about the 8 hour drive from Tampa to Key West, including lunch in Key Largo. We hope we can give you some tips and ideas for your own Keys trip !! Our Links : ...

Send a text In this special "double hurricane" episode, we'll talk in depth about Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit Florida within 13 days of each other. We live fairly close to the Gulf of Mexico and experienced it first hand. We didn't spend much time editing this episode because we wanted you to hear it within just a few days after Milton and hear our experience and perspective. This episode was recorded just 6 days after Milton, which gave us time to see t...

Send a text Sporting events are very popular in Florida, whether it's professional or college sports. In this episode we'll talk about how you can enjoy Florida sporting events including football, hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and auto racing. No matter what time of year you're in Florida, there's always a sporting event to attend. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly...

Send a text Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Links from this podcast episode: Apple Podcast on the Web: Podcasts.Apple.com Ozona Blue Grill Ozona Brewing Company Autonomous Wheelchairs at the Miami Airport Tropical Smokehouse restaurant(s) Big John's Alabama BBQ in T...

Send a text Venice Beach, Florida is a sister city to Venice, Italy and it shows. It's a beautiful place with a quaint downtown area, a stunning beach, great restaurants, and plenty of fun things to do. In this episode we'll talk about the area and suggest some fun things to do regardless of the time of year. From The Bean Depot to Clyde Butcher's photo studio, you'll find something in this episode that'll interest you. We also talk about going through Tropica...

Send a text Florida is a great place to travel to, but it's also a great place to travel FROM. In this episode we'll talk about quick trips just outside Florida, from Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas, driving to New Orleans from the Panhandle, or even a trip to Cuba. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email :...

Send a text Florida is a great place to celebrate the 4th of July ! In this episode, we'll discuss several unique locations around the state to enjoy fireworks shows and other celebratory activities like watermelon eating contests, food trucks, live music, a drone show, etc. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Ema...

Send a text Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. In the third and final episode of this series, and we'll talk more about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals often prefer. From Jacksonville Beach all the way around the state to Dog Island, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches and beach towns that many of you have never heard of. &nb...

Send a text In this episode we interview Walt Disney World expert, Lou Mongello. Lou is a legend in the world of travel podcasting, with his WDW Radio podcast that started in 2005 ! Lou has been going to the parks since they opened in 1971, and lives in Orlando and is very passionate about all things Disney. In this episode, talks about the magic of the Disney experience, why he still enjoys it so much, and gives great tips to both Disney newbies and Disney experts. ...

Send a text In our first official interview podcast episode, we are thrilled that we've been able to interview Jacksonville Beach local Alban Brooke, who just happens to be the head of marketing for Buzzsprout, our podcast hosting company. Alban loves living in Jax Beach, and he's always willing to talk about why he loves it and share tips and suggestions for people who may want to visit there. Whether you're a golfer coming to play the awesome courses, or an avid traveller look...

Send a text Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. In the second episode of this series we'll talk about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals prefer. From Seaside Beach all the way around the state to Perdido Key, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches that many of you have never heard of. This is part 2 of a 3 part series ! Cigar City Brewer...

Send a text Florida is famous for well known beaches like Miami Beach, Clearwater-St Pete, Sanibel Captiva, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. In this episode we'll talk about lesser known beaches that experienced Florida travelers and locals prefer. From Fernandina Beach all the way around the state to Perdido Key, we'll talk about some fantastic beaches that many of you have never heard of. Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel ...

Send a text Roadtripping in Florida can be a lot of fun, but sometimes you just don't want to drive when you're traveling ! In this episode we'll talk about ways to get around in Florida that don't involve driving, which includes a regional Florida airline, train travel, ferries, and water taxis. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Email...

Send a text Given that Florida is a peninsula surrounded by saltwater, it's no suprise that it's one of the best places in the world to get fresh seafood. In this episode we'll talk about how to enjoy Florida oysters, blue crabs, stone crab claws, spiny lobster, and fish throughout the state. Whether you're trying to catch it yourself, find a local seafood market, or look for a great local seafood restaurant, we'll cover it all. Chef Heather will offer advice ...

Send a text Florida has a long history with aviation, especially military aviation. And our mild weather is ideal to host large air shows. In this episode we'll give you our advice on how to best enjoy these museums and air shows, from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola to an air show over Miami Beach. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help ...

Send a text Florida is full of great live music, whether it's a big concert at a stadium from a world famous band like the Rolling Stones, a small and intimate jazz club in Miami Beach, or the Key West Song Writer's Festival. In this episode we'll talk about how you can enjoy concerts and live music during your next trip to Florida. We'll tell you how to find bands you want to hear, or just a local venue for a night of live music from a local band you've probably never heard of.&...

Send a text When you think of places to hike, Florida is probably the last place you'd think of. However, Florida has hundreds of excellent places to hike, including the 1,400 mile Florida Trail ! In this episode we'll talk about the Trail and other great places to hike in Florida, as well as recommend some websites, apps, and books to help you find a Florida hike that's perfect for you. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our ...

Send a text Seeing manatees in Florida is a unique experience that everyone should do in their lifetime! To see these large but docile and curious creators lumbering through the water is a special treat. In this episode we'll talk about the different ways to see them, when and where to see them, and even a way to see some during the summer months. We'll also talk about some of the experiences we've had with them, including kayaking over juvenile manatees at Crystal R...

Send a text If you're planning a trip to Florida and wondering about the weather and what time of year to visit and what activities you can enjoy, this episode is for you. We'll offer advice and suggestions on how to enjoy the weather and many Florida activities ALL 12 months of the year. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our...

Send a text Eating well on vacation or trip to Florida doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In this we'll talk about eating on a budget, how to shop for groceries and alcohol in Florida, how to cook in your hotel or rental home, how to find good local restaurants (including our favorites!) and all the way up to Florida's Michelin Guide ! We'll also recommend Florida specific foods such as grouper, stone crab claws, Gulf ship and oysters, Key Lime pie, and gator nuggets.&...

Send a text Florida has hundreds of unique and different activities that you can enjoy. In this episode we're recommending 50 specific activities, most of which we think you've never heard of before ! Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our new Beach Cart Youtube vid...

Send a text Florida is a great place for a family vacation ! In this episode, we'll give you some advice and ideas on how to plan and enjoy a Florida vacation with your family. We're including suggestions on how to teach your children to learn to travel well ! We're grateful that our parents taught us to travel and to enjoy it, and we hope you'll do the same for your children. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatic...

Send a text Florida is a great place for a romantic weekend getaway ! In this episode we'll give you some ideas for different activities and places to go to have a memorable weekend with someone special. From downtown Pensacola to St Augustine to South Beach ! Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : cont...

Send a text Florida's State Parks are amazing places to visit, whether you're looking for a pristine beach, bike trails, snorkeling, or bird watching. The episode is the fifth of a five part series covering State Parks all over Florida. Part 5 is from State Park's District 5 between Fort Pierce to Key West on Florida's lower east coast. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution ...

Send a text Florida's State Parks are amazing places to visit, whether you're looking for a pristine beach, bike trails, snorkeling, or bird watching. The episode is the fourth of a five part series covering State Parks all over Florida. Part 4 is from State Park's District 4 between Weekie Wachee and the Everglades on Florida's west coast. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribut...

Send a text Florida's State Parks are amazing places to visit, whether you're looking for a pristine beach, bike trails, snorkeling, or bird watching. The episode is the third of a five part series covering State Parks all over Florida. Part 3 is from State Park's District 3 between Jacksonville and Fort Pierce on Florida's east coast. Our Links : Subscribe to our Newsletter www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Mon...

Send a text Florida's State Parks are amazing places to visit, whether you're looking for a pristine beach, bike trails, snorkeling, or bird watching. The episode is the second of a five part series covering State Parks all over Florida. Part 2 is from State Park's District 2, between Tallahassee, Amelia Island, and Crystal River on the Gulf coast. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ co...

Send a text Florida's State Parks are amazing places to visit, whether you're looking for a pristine beach, bike trails, snorkeling, or bird watching. The episode is the first of five part series covering State Parks all over Florida. Part 1 is from State Park's District 1, between Perdido Key and Tallahassee. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Faceb...

Send a text Florida has dozens of wildlife attractions: Zoos, aquariums, habitats, animal rescue facilities, and real animals in the wild. In this episode, we'll talk all about the wonderful critters you can see in Florida. From gators to guide dogs to capybaras to manatees and sea turtles, there's something for everyone. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help su...

Send a text When you think about Florida, the term "islands" doesn't usually come to mind. But Florida has islands throughout the state, from the barrier islands along the coastline, to the Florida Keys, to remote islands like Cedar Key and St George Island. In this episode, we'll talk about how you can enjoy islands throughout the state in your next Florida trip or vacation. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitt...

Send a text Florida has been a popular place to make movies and TV shows since the silent movies of the early 1900s. In this episode we have fun talking about the history of film and media in Florida, including well known and some not so well known movies and TV shows that were filmed here. In several cases, there are locations from movies and TV shows that you can actually visit while you're here in Florida, including the house from Scarface, the Yearling restaurant, and the ba...

Send a text In Florida there are 372 craft breweries, 49 distilleries, 40 wineries, and 19 cideries and meaderies. In this episode, we'll give advice on how you can enjoy a craft adult beverage in Florida, whether you live here or are making a trip here. We'll discuss our favorite breweries, wineries, and distilleries, and we'll also talk about some "off the beaten path" ways to enjoy a few drinks with your dog or your friends. Our Links : www.Fl...

Send a text Florida is home to eleven U.S. National Park properties, with everything from spectacular beaches to incredible outdoor adventures to amazing historical sites. Spread throughout the state, there's always a National Park property nearby. In this episode, we'll talk about all eleven Parks and give you tips on how to enjoy them all. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help s...

Send a text Florida is world famous for it's sandy beaches and it's clear warm waters. In this episode, we'll give you advice on how you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. The water here is incredible, and we've got a TON of information to share with you and a lot of suggestions of how YOU can enjoy the water in Florida. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support...

Send a text The freshwater springs in Florida create some of the best recreational opportunities in the state, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping. Never heard about Florida's springs ? In this episode, we talk about the geology, history, and appeal of the springs. We'll also talk about several springs including Rainbow Springs, Weeki Watchi, Manatee Springs, Ponce De Leon Springs, and Salt Springs (among others). Our Links ...

Send a text Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Episode notes: Local Orlando TV Channel video on new MCO Brightline station Brightline Web Site 6 Best Dude Ranches in Florida Weeki Watchee Mermaid Show Don Garlitts Museum of Drag Racing Valiant Air Command War Bird Museum Bok Tower Gardens Juno...

Send a text Florida is home to 1,100 golf courses and is considered one of the top golf desinations in the world. But there are also fun golf related and golf themed activities you can enjoy in Florida, even if you're not a golfer. We'll talk about those activities in this episode, as well as provide tips and suggestions for you golfers to come to Florida and enjoy playing a round or two. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram...

Send a text Saint Petersburg is a fun place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, whether it's downtown or at the beach. As Tampa Bay area locals, we'll go into detail in this episode on how to best enjoy St Pete ! Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help support our Podcast Join our Facebook Group Email : contact@FloridaTravelFanatics.com Episode Links: New Hertz electric car rentals at ...

Send a text Saint Augustine is the oldest city in America, founded in 1565. The history and Spanish architecture make this one of our "must do" trips in Florida. In this episode, we'll talk about our own recent trip to St Augustine and we'll give you tips and tricks on the best way to enjoy the sights, activities, food, and drink in this amazing city. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contri...

Send a text Florida is world famous for it's beaches and theme parks. But there are dozens of things to do and see in Florida that are "Off the Beaten Path" that most people don't know about. In this episode, we'll share with you the best of these lesser known activities and locations, from overnight island camping to a guide dog experience. Our Links : www.FloridaTravelFanatics.com Our YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter Monthly $$ contribution to help supp...

Send a text Florida is one of the top fishing destinations in the world ! In this episode, we'll talk about how enjoy inshore and offshore charter fishing, party boats, surf fishing, fresh water inland fishing, spear fishing, as well as catching scallops and spiny lobsters. Join our private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/727374752384320/ Make a monthly contribution to support our show : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1933783/support Feel free to...

Send a text Florida is packed with places to enjoy bike riding year round ! In this episode, we'll talk about all the bike trails, beach rides, mountain biking and many other places to ride, as well as share with your our favorite rides that we've done. Our YouTube video on riding the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail : https://youtu.be/DqRnsjTfQzI If you're enjoying our podcast, we'd appreciate your support ! You can sign up for as little as a $3 per month by going...

Send a text There's a lot to see and do in Florida, and road tripping is one of them. It's our favorite way to travel around the state, and in this episode we'll share tips and tricks on how to maximize your Florida road trip. We'll also talk about enjoying professional baseball's Spring Training "Grapefruit League", as well as the professional golf Florida Swing of the PGA Tour ! Moon Florida Gulf Coast book The author (Josh Kinser) also has an excellent book on the Flor...