by Diana Andrews

If you were to play a word association game and the challenge was to associate the first word or words that come to mind when you hear “Key West, Florida” you would probably come up with something to do with tropical breezes, water sports like fishing or sailing, white sand beaches or sun-baked beauties.

The idea of cats in an island paradise where water is the name of the game, however, may not be at the top of your list! But as the proprietors at Island City House Hotel will tell you, cats are so famous there’s even been a book written about them!

“The Island City House Cats: A True Key West Cat Tale” written by Janet D. Corneal is a children’s story that spins the tale of the ‘real’ owners of this quaint hotel set amidst lush gardens. Guests may spot these mysteriously-natured, feline creatures prowling and hiding in the vegetation only to appear when it suits their needs for nourishment whether that be in the form of food or head rubs.

The history of cats in Key West can be directly attributed to Ernest Hemingway. Visitors to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum will discover upwards of 40-50 polydactyl or six-toed cats! Turns out Ernest Hemingway was given such a cat by a ship’s captain, so some of the cats living there today are likely direct descendants of Snowball, the original Key West cat.

Chances are after a visit to this beautiful, water-surrounded paradise, you’ll find it easy to associate the idea of cats with the laid back island vibe and atmosphere despite your knowledge that cats and water usually don’t mix.

by Diana Andrews
According to Wikipedia, a Global or World City is a “city generally considered to be an important node in the global economic system.” On the way to its 2010 designation as a world city, Orlando, Florida has ebbed and flowed like the tide.

• During the Civil War and the Union blockade, Orlando was thought to be nothing more than rural backwater. Thanks to the population explosion brought forth by the Reconstruction Era, however, Orlando was incorporated as a town July 31, 1875.
• Orlando experienced its Golden Era from the citrus industry for two decades in the late 1800’s only to be followed by the Great Freeze that forced independent growers to consolidate their holdings. The resulting “citrus barons” then shifted operations to the south.
• Between the Spanish-American War and WWI, Orlando became known as a popular resort destination. In turn, a housing boom developed only to be followed by desecration from hurricanes in the 1920’s followed by the Great Depression.

• The city’s long and illustrious relationship with aerospace and defense began during WWII. Along the way there have been many changes due to base closures and realignments to include the development of the current Orlando International Airport and the Baldwin Park neighborhood.

• Most notable of Orlando’s accomplishments occurred in 1965 when Walt Disney made known his plans to build Walt Disney World. Thanks to its inland locale and reduced hurricane threats, Disney chose Orlando over Miami and Tampa. The opening in 1971 was the catapult to the tourism industry that has made Orlando known the world over as “The Theme Park Capitol of the World.”

It seems only fitting that The City Beautiful would gain the recognition it deserves as a World City. Afterall, Orlando has been a member of the Sister Cities International since 1982 with nine official sister cities worldwide.

by Diana Andrews

Orlando, Florida

• 2010 – 79^th largest city in the US
• 26^th largest metro area in the US
• 6^th largest metro area in the Southeastern US
• 3^rd largest metro area in Florida
• 5^th largest city in Florida
• The Orlando International Airport is the 13^th busiest in the US, 29^th in the world
• Nicknamed “The City Beautiful” or “The Theme Park Capital of the World”
• Symbol – Fountain at Lake Eola
• Orlando means “famous land” in German and Italian; “famous” in Spanish; “bright sun” in Latin
• Most Visited American City in 2009 attracting over 51 million tourists a year

With a bio like this, one would expect to face crowds, lack of lodging and long lines, and this may put off some potential visitors. But wait! There’s a way around these potential barriers to a great Orlando vacation.

First, imagine the looks on your children’s faces when you tell them you’re NOT taking them to Disney to see Cinderella and Mickey Mouse.

Second, consider vacation rental homes, condos and townhomes. You can give your family their own private pool in addition to an ample amount of room to stretch out and relax.  Leave the small, over-chlorinated pools found in most hotels to business and less savvy travelers.

Third, skip the crowded malls and losing your car in the parking lot and give the gift of an Orlando Christmas. You’d be surprised at how much shorter and faster moving the lines are at major theme parks this time of year.

Plus, it’s an enchanting walk around the neighborhoods viewing palm trees decorated like their cousins to the north, seeing snowmen where there’s not likely to ever be snow, hearing carolers as they pass by in Hawaiian print shirts, cargo shorts and flip flops. And who wouldn’t want to unwrap themselves enough to warm their skin under the golden sun and sink their toes into the white sand of nearby beaches?

Fourth, warm temps mean fewer clothes to pack which, in turn, translates to cost savings when checking bags with most airlines and quicker exits from the airport.

Natural beauty, friendly and excited visitors, the warmth of the sun, the beauty of having less luggage to cart through crowded airports and feelings of escapism are all reasons to make your vacation plans to Orlando sooner than later. You’ll regret it if you don’t, and your kids will never let you live it down.

by Diana Andrews

As a little girl, I grew up fishing with my maternal grandparents and one aunt on the banks of small ponds owned by my grandparents’ neighbors and friends. I was always armed with my trusty bamboo pole, red and white bobber weighted down with some lead weights, and a can of squirmy worms for bait with the anticipation of fresh fried fish accompanied by cornmeal coated fried zucchini for dinner.

Now, living in Colorado, I have a very fashionable pair of

chest waders to go with my river boots and have accompanied a friend who doubles as a fly fishing guide on several occasions. This weekend, I saw many a fisherman wading in the cold mountain waters awaiting their next catch only to carefully place it back in the stream in preparation of the next person’s moment of pride and joy as most of the fishing here is ‘catch and release’. Apparently, they have caught the same ‘mountain fever’ when fly fishing off the Florida Keys that precludes one from expecting dinner at the end of the day!

But, if you’re like me and want to eat what you catch, then I’d suggest a professional fishing charter into the deep waters for your first Florida Keys adventure. But don’t limit yourself to just one kind of fishing experience. Plan your excursions so that you can deep sea fish for food on day one. Get a good night’s rest knowing you took advantage of Key West Vacation Specials. Then prepare to learn the skills and habits that arise from experiencing the sport of fly fishing knowing full well dinner awaits at the local fish market.

by Diana Andrews

Sit back in your beach chair, bury your toes in the sand, close your eyes and imagine the architecture you’d find in and around the Miami area. It wouldn’t be unlikely for you to be picturing Miami Beach hotel resort and condo high rises lining the shores in all their bright pastel and neon finery. After all, that imagery is often used in television, advertisements and vacation brochures. It’s indicative of what you expect when you visit Florida, but Miami especially.

Probably the most unique architectural feat that was single-handedly constructed is the Coral Castle Museum. Completely carved and constructed from 1,100 tons of coral rock, visitors can explore the castle and stone gardens and imagine what would drive one man to accomplish such an incredible feat! However he did it, Ed Leedskalnin took his construction secrets to his grave leaving scientists and thinkers alike to debate their theories on his methodologies.
 
The Miami Beach Architectural District (also known as the Art Deco District) is an example of obvious design reasoning – create and market Miami’s tropical paradise. This area takes you back in to the roaring 20’s and 30’s resort architecture. Vibrant colors and a consistent Mediterranean Revival style from the 20’s and the Art Deco style from the 30’s make up 3 distinct neighborhoods; the seasonal hotel area, the commercial area and a residential area.

But architecture from the 20’s and 30’s and one man’s quest to replicate the Egyptian’s secrets aren’t really the historical representation of this city’s past that I was looking for. Travelling on I discover Fort Dallas. It was established on the Miami River around 1836 in order for the Navy to aid in the ongoing unrest of the Seminole Indians. The “barracks” remained on their original site until 1924 before being disassembled and reassembled at its current location in Lummas Park.
 

The William Wagner House is not only a unique reflection of Miami’s antebellum era it is also thought to be the oldest house in the county. Construction geeks will relish the hand-hewn lumber with its mortise and tenon joints. History buffs will see how one of the area’s first residents lived and worked. It seems fitting that this home was also relocated to Lummas Park since William Wagner had at one time operated a sutler’s store near the location of the original Fort Dallas.

Miami is everything you imagine with its bright colors and vibrant architecture. Intermingled with the glitz and bright lights is its colorful history of Indians, settlers, a Navy presence and one man’s quest for what is still considered to be a mystery.