SUMMER DEALS
Summer in Florida: Now it's our turn
High prices at the pump and an economic downturn make Florida vacations especially appealing this year.
Posted on Sun, Apr. 20, 2008
BY JAY CLARKE
Head north to Panama City Beach to check out FSU's Flying High Circus.
The snowbirds are back up North, streets and sidewalks are less crowded, and upscale shops are putting up sale signs. It's that time of year when Floridians can reclaim their state.
Summer may be hot and sticky in Florida, but except for theme park country, Florida belongs to Floridians. We explore our own state, staying in upscale hotels at discount prices, getting our tans at beaches blessedly less crowded, enjoying festivals and other activities unknown to winter's snowbirds.
With this year's economic woes and high gas prices, staying in Florida may be especially appealing. Driving a family of four from South Florida to Tampa in a recent-model Ford Explorer will cost you about $90 roundtrip, according to AAA's online Fuel Cost Calculator. An Orlando visit will cost about $75 in gas, and closer locations -- like Naples and Delray Beach -- cost even less. All are cheaper than a single airline ticket to just about anywhere.
Another bonus: Many in-state resorts have created ''value added'' packages, and it's not unusual to see offers with resort credits in the spa or children's program, gas rebates and additional nights at a reduced rate.
Here is a sampling of doings that may intrigue Floridians looking for in-state getaways this summer.
Panama City Beach: The beaches in the Florida Panhandle are some of the world's best, and an added incentive is that the famed Flying High Circus of Florida State University is going to spend the summer here. Called Circus by the Sea, the three-ring aerial and stage production will run from June 13 to Aug. 2 in a brand-new permanent site, and will include a children's circus camp. Seating for 2,000 is in an air-conditioned big top. Admission, $24 adult, $16 ages 4-16. 866-234-8895, www.circusbythesea.com.
Key West: You don't need an excuse to visit this funky city, but a good time to go would be July 15-20, when the city stages its 38th annual Hemingway Days. It's a celebration of the author's works and lifestyle, with literary events, a theatrical premiere, fishing tournament and a good bit of beer-drinking. The most celebrated event is Sloppy Joe's Look-Alike Contest, when grizzled men vie for the honor of looking most like the author. Look-alike events, 305-296-2388. Literary events, 305-294-0320 or www.hemingwaydays.org.
Daytona Beach: Summer's biggest racing event takes place July 3-5, during Coke Zero 400 Weekend at the famous Daytona Beach International Speedway. On July 3 the Brumos Porsche 250 will roar around the oval and on July 4 comes the Winn Dixie 250. The major race takes place July 5, when the famed Coca Cola 400 (formerly the Firecracker 400 or Pepsi 400) is run. Speedway information, 386-254-2700; ticket office, 800-PIT-SHOP or www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Orlando: Events range from mild to wild during the 12 days of the 17th annual Orlando International Fringe Festival May 15-26. All facets in this highly unconventional celebration of theater, art and music are uncensored and mostly adult, but there is a kid-friendly fringe tour as well. 407-648-0077, www.orlandofringe.org. Tickets, $5-$10.
Jacksonville: The human body is always a fascinating subject, and a most interesting exhibit will be mounted at the Cummer Museum of Art July 10-Sept. 28. Scalpel to Sketch: The Science and Beauty of Medical Illustation at Mayo Clinic portrays the human form in various media, presents animated voyages inside the body and takes a rare look at the unique anatomy of conjoined twins. 904-356-6857, www.cummer.org. General admission, $10.
Also see Tampa, below.
Tampa: A new permanent exhibition on the human body opens at the Museum of Science & Industry in May. Called The Amazing You, it gives visitors an insight into three life stages: the beginning of life, childhood and adolescence. 813-987-6000, www.mosi.org/theamazingyou.html. Admission, adults $20.95, $16.95 ages 2-12.
Also opening in Tampa this spring: Gator Falls, a water flume ride at Lowry Park Zoo that floats by a new rare albino alligator exhibit. 813-935-8552, www.lowryparkzoo.com. Admission, adult $18.95, $14.50 ages 3-11.
Cape Canaveral: Always a stunning sight are rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center. Next space shuttle is scheduled to go off May 31 (Discovery). Atlantis is slated to launch Aug. 28, Endeavor Oct. 16. For full schedule, www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html (tickets $38 adults, $28 ages 3-11). Be sure to recheck launch dates; they often change. Also check Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for launch viewing packages as well as guest activities, 321-449-4444, www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
Theme parks: New attractions opening this summer: Universal Orlando's The Simpsons Ride, themed on the animated TV series; Sea World Orlando's Aquatica, a major new water park; Busch Gardens' Jungala, a major new jungle village (Tampa); Walt Disney World's Toy Story Mania!, a ride-game (Orlando).
888-800-5447 or www.buschgardens.com
800-327-2424 or www.seaworld.com
407-939-6244 or www.disneyworld.com
407-363-8000 or www.universalorlando.com.
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