St. Lucie County, Florida is embarking on a green initiative to facilitate the nation’s first sustainable community’s demonstration project.  Although the details are a bit over my head, I was struck by the idea that a partnership was being made to move towards a greener economy.  Included in the plan is a 65,000 square foot alternative energy center that will be incorporated as a real-world classroom with hands-on experiences for students at a local state college. Discussions are also under way to bring in from around the world leading scientists to the classrooms and energy center thus broadening the idea of sharing and partnering for a greener community.

The highly competitive grant was the only one awarded in the state of Florida.  Community leaders and program partners have toured St. Lucie County and the Fort Pierce area looking for public, educational, manufacturing and industrial facilities in addition to commercial structures to be included in what they have termed the “Green Mile District.”

The idea of having a ‘green mile’ struck me as ironic knowing how popular a different ‘green’ is in the area. Port St. Lucie, Florida has some great greens in the form of PGA golf clubs! 

For instance, you can basically have a PGA golf course in your back yard at your ‘home away from home’ at one of Florida’s golf resorts.   Green abounds at these beautiful links that include courses designed by the famed Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

Visitors wanting to save some ‘green’ can do so by checking out the golf specials and packages in Port St. Lucie. 

Make the plan to save some green, hit that perfect shot to the green and visit a green community with a HUGE alternative energy center all in the same area.  Your friends will be green with envy at the stories you come back telling of all your green experiences.  Heck, I’m turning a little green myself.

Welcome back!

It has been over 100 days since the oil drilling platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and despite what you may have heard, Florida beaches are still open! Additionally, as of 8/10/10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened 5, 144 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico for finfish fishing. Flights over the area in the last 30 days and NOAA data show no oil in the area reopened for fishing. Although crab and shrimp fishing remains closed, visitors and commercial fisherman can catch renowned grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi.

The eastern edge this recent closure affected Cape San Blas on Florida Panhandle’s Forgotten Coast. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) confirmed reports of tar balls near Pensacola, FL, however local Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the air and water quality closely in Cape San Blas, and so far the beaches remain beautiful and open. According to a statement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman, Rodney Barreto, “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”

Still hesitant about booking a Florida vacation?

I recommend finding a reputable company that is offering options to its guests in the event of beach closures. Pristine Properties is one of those reputable Cape San Blas vacation rental companies. Their recent newsletter announced options for their guests to relocate to open beaches, reschedule to a future date, or refund reservations in the event of a closure. Owners, Alyson and Justin Gerlach, are making all attempts to keep their visitors happy and coming back year after year. “We understand this situation has created a great deal of uncertainty for you as well as us.  We’re planning to handle this to the best of our ability and our main concern is not having our guests feeling like they’re going at it alone.” 

A meaningful vacation

For those of you looking to do more than just relax on your Florida vacation, check out one of these webpages for volunteer opportunities: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/deephorizonsoilspill.cfm or www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/forms.cfm?id=619.

Have you ever had a vacation where you needed a vacation when you were done just to recuperate from all the fun and activity? 

Do the people in your party have such diverse taste in what they do to have fun, that it’s hard to please everyone all the time? 

If you answered yes to either question, then you might want to start your vacation planning with  Deep Creek Lake rentals and prepare for a delightful Maryland vacation experience full of giggles and stories to share that is sure to please everyone in your family or group.

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland seems to have every kind of vacation activity you could imagine no matter what time of year! 

Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts can select from activities that exhilarate the senses such as water or snow skiing, wakeboarding and river rafting or experience the mountain coaster all year round. 

If your senses are looking for a calmer, more tranquil feel, then visitors can choose to enjoy the peacefulness of snow-shoeing or cross country skiing, fly fishing or simply bobbing or floating on the lake.

 Festivals more your thing?  Then , don’t miss out on the Art & Wine and Highland Festivals.  Visitors of all ages will find events to delight by visiting the local chamber for their calendar of events.

 I can’t imagine a family or group that wouldn’t be able to find something to interest everyone in and around the Deep Creek Lake area.  What’s even better is the close proximity to Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.  With the hassles of flying, how nice is it that so many people can visit by driving from nearby? 

Moving to Colorado after living in the Midwest farmland for many years has made me realize that you can have a vacation nearly every weekend when places are within easy driving distance.  It seems like the same would be true for people in and around the Deep Creek Lake area.  Iowa Farmlands?  Not so much.  I used to have to drive at least 40, if not 90 miles, just to reach the nearest interstate that would then take me another sizeable distance to some place you actually wanted to visit! 

 So, whether you travelling from near or far, your group is large or small, you’re looking for exhilaration or tranquility, a vacation in and around the Deep Creek Lake area of Maryland seems like a sure bet.  It’s certainly going to be on my ‘list of places to see.’

The weather is getting nice, the spring break insanity is over, and you deserve a warm, sun-soaked getaway!  One of our favorite family vacation destinations is offering great deals on amazing family vacations, so why not pack up the whole group and head down to a great Orlando vacation rental for some fun in the sun?

Orlando offers a wide variety of fun things to do in the spring and summer months, at a variety of price points.  Here are a few of our favorite activities:

• Disney World – We can’t bring up Orlando without thoughts of the magic of Disney coming to mind.  One of the most popular Orlando family vacation experiences, but it can be expensive.  Be sure to save up for this one!
• Universal Studios – For those who have already experienced Disney World, or have some teens in your group, Universal Studios should be on your list of things to experience while visiting Orlando.  Visitors of all ages will enjoy the thrill rides, attractions, and dining options offered by Universal Studios!
• Sea World Orlando – A must-visit attraction for groups bringing a marine lover along on vacation.  Guests can visit scheduled shows in addition to a variety of attractions and fun experiences.
• Water Parks – Looking for a cool alternative to the summer heat?  Check out some of the popular area water parks, and choose your favorite!
• Beaches – There are several great Florida beaches within reasonable driving distance from the Orlando area, so why not take advantage of Orlando’s centralized location and check out a few of them?  Some of the most popular include Cocoa, Daytona, and St. Petersburg beaches.  Be sure to pack your sunscreen!
• Free Attractions – Many people worry about what a trip to Orlando will do to their budgets.  Have no fear, we’ve got a great list of free things to do in Orlando!  Choose from outdoor activities, museums, beaches, and Downtown Disney for some fun in the sun that won’t break the bank!

Images Courtesy @ LaRsNoW @ and Discount Vacation Rentals Online

Beachgoers from around the globe know that St. John is at the top of the list when it comes to phenomenal island locales. The island’s natural beauty is challenged only by the amazing Caribbean sea that surrounds it. Because nearly two thirds of the island is designated as a U.S. National Park, it is one of the most scenic and unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. The weather is beautiful throughout the year, with temperatures hovering in the low 80’s.

Guests who choose to experience the Caribbean in style often recommend one of the amazing St. John vacation rental properties. Many offer unmatched views, private swimming pools, outdoor showers, and more!  Whether you choose to be pampered at a luxury resort, or have a whole island villa to yourself, you’re sure to be pleased with your taste of island life.  While the rentals do come fully-equipped with kitchens, many guests choose to let someone else handle the meal plans.  With over 35 restaurants to choose from, there is no shortage of cuisine to sample.

Outdoor activities are a favorite way to pass the time in the Virgin Islands.  Some consider a great book in a hammock as active as they’d like to get, while others opt to try out some of the area’s favorite water sports.  Some favorite water activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.  A trip below the surface of the water will show you the island from a whole new perspective!  The countless tropical fish swimming around, beautiful coral clusters, and variety of marine life continues to keep both visitors and locals in awe of the beauty of the Caribbean.

Shoppers will enjoy Mongoose Junction, located in Cruz Bay.  Offering a variety of goods in a beautifully crafted shopping village, you’re sure to find that perfect item to take home with you at Mongoose Junction! 

Be sure to set aside some time to explore some of the many amazing beaches while visiting St. John.  Words and photos do the island no justice when trying to explain the unmatched beauty of this island paradise!  Be sure to look out for one the wild donkeys that roam the island for a fun diversion from your average beach vacation.

What is your favorite thing about St. John?  The beaches?  The shopping? The activities?  Something we’ve missed?

Images courtesy Andolent