By Nanette Wiser
ANIMAL ADVENTURES Florida’s wildlife may be one of its greatest tourist attractions, from the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa to Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland or Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee. Here in Pinellas, we have the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Centre in John’s Pass, almost 10,000 square feet and home to almost 250 animals including lizards, turtles and tortoises, amphibians, a variety of small mammals, fresh and saltwater marine life, and of course…alligators. Help them celebrate their 10th Anniversary 12/17-12/23. Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center in The Pier DTSP is amazing, and there are tons of adventures and classes. We will miss Winter the Dolphin, but her spirit lives on at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where you can interact and learn about marine rescue and wildlife.
Swim with the manatees at the Plantation on Crystal River and book a new one-night package at the riverfront resort where hundreds of manatees migrate from the cool Gulf to Crystal River’s pristine springs, where the waters remain a constant 72°F (23°C). Starting at just $299 for two guests, the package includes overnight accommodations in a garden view room; manatee snorkeling tour for two from the Plantation Adventure Center, with all equipment provided (mask, snorkel and wetsuit); breakfast for two at West 82° Bar & Grill and a welcome bag with plush manatee toy, fun facts, and manatee interaction guidelines. www.plantationoncrystalriver.com
KEYS TO MY HEART The Margaritaville Beach House Key West is now open, following an ongoing multi-million investment to bring the full Margaritaville experience to life along Key West’s largest beach. Previously the Barbary Beach House Key West, the rebranded and upgraded resort features popular family-friendly amenities, an expanded retail outlet, and Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill featuring fresh seafood, American-Caribbean dishes all spiced up with a Southern twist.
With seasonal offers including your 5th night free, bike rentals, and daily breakfast this is the quintessential old Florida getaway. The resort sits oceanfront along Smathers Beach and offers 186 spacious suites, a lagoon-style pool, and lounging hammocks throughout the grounds. Exclusive amenities include poolside entertainment, daily refreshments, a 24-hour fitness center, kids’ activities, lawn games, and easy access to beachfront fun. The resort also boasts indoor banquet space and outdoor gardens and courtyards, complete with a 1,500-square-foot event Tiki for smaller meetings, intimate weddings, and events. www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-house-key-west
MERRY MAGICAL VACAY Thru Jan. 2nd, you can revel in the joy of the holidays with a Christmas stay or visit to Orlando’s Gaylord Palms, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and mesmerizing holiday activities, shows and events. Experience ice tubing, gingerbread house making, Build A Bear workshop and the all-new Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™. Also new for 2021, get your tickets now for a Cirque-style Christmas show features dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The spectacle centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, the child is visited by spirits who bring back the season’s true meaning in energetic, dreamlike chapters. www.christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com/all-activities
