And we hadn't even entered the huge barn containing all the afore-mentioned stalls proffering fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, cheese and chocolates, plants and more varieties of nuts and dried fruits than you ever knew existed. Also clothes, backpacks, jewelry, African handicrafts, tropical oils, bath products and too many other items to even contemplate. If there's anything you could possibly want, I promise you it's there - you just need the patience to seek it out.

Most people know of - and many people live by - the aphorism "It's 5 o'clock somewhere," but during my recent trip to Hollywood, Florida, it took on an even more special meaning. When Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023, he left behind a beloved legacy of famous songs. Such is true of many well-known musicians. But none has also left behind an empire of bars, restaurants and hotels as celebrated as the artist himself. The various "Margaritavilles" - based on Buffett's 1977 hit song - attract thousands of visitors nationwide and it felt particularly fitting, as an ardent fan, to visit one.

I'm thinking about plastic surgery. Let's just say that after drinking the water at the celebrated Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, I didn't achieve the "as-advertised" (OK, truth be told, the "as-hoped-for") miraculous transformation to blushing, youthful skin. But, let me quickly add, that this Fountain of Youth is, without a doubt, the only thing that disappoints in picturesque, moss-draped St. Augustine. (And on the plus side, Ponce de Leon's park offers other activities—and also is home to a harem of sartorial peacocks, who entertain, as they strut and prance freely.)

Gaylord Palms in Florida honored its ice artisans last month with a standing ovation and Chinese-themed lobby celebration. The workers, who began work in August, are carving away in sub-freezing temperatures after a two-year pandemic break.

Despite a postponement due to Hurricane Nicole, the sixth edition gave Orlando the chance to exhibit their fashion sense, displayed their classy taste for design and elegance and share their gastronomic delights. World-renowned for its photogenic moments, Saturday's Le Dîneren Blanc did not disappoint.

There's a lot to recommend a city that old -- history, ancient (for the states) architecture, Spanish culture. And, of course, ghosts. A city that old has a lot of history to haunt -- a lot of death and despair to permeate the landscape -- and the spirits of St. Augustine are sufficient to keep a multitude of ghost tour operators very busy.

Following weeks of expectation, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish, has finally arrived in Port Canaveral, Florida. Nearby, about two dozen local residents watched from the quay of Jetty Park. Several leatherback sea turtles and dolphins were seen romping in the cove as the ship approached. With Florida’s Patrick Space Force Base in the background, the ship was welcomed by Disney characters at a private ceremony shortly before daybreak on Monday.

It's a town time forgot – or maybe it just refused to move forward. Serene and unpretentious, Amelia Island remains in the 1900s – reveling in its long, colorful history, quite aware it no longer has to prove anything to the rest of the world.

Donned out in snorkel equipment and wet suit – getting in and out of which was admittedly the most challenging aspect of the whole experience -- I entered the 200,000 gallon coral reef tank filled with large and small residents -- over 50 species of fish, sharks and eels -- into whose life I was about to intrude at the Aquarium Encounters complex in Marathon, Florida.

With NASA in the background, I arrived before sunrise in Port Canaveral on Friday, June 4th. Leaning on the sixth-floor wall of the parking garage, I watched more than 1,500 Floridians cheering and waving flags on the shores of Jetty Park nearby. The water stirred and bubbled. Making her arrival in the channel was the new Carnival Mardi Gras. The …