Florida

Who Knew That Bowling Could Save a Rhino

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:13:00 PDT

The American Association of Zoo Keepers announces the return of

Bowling for Rhinos at Bird Bowl on July 24, 2009

WHO: Miami Metrozoo and the South Florida Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).

WHAT: Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) 2009, an annual bowling fundraiser that benefits the South Florida Chapter of AAZK’S rhino conservation projects, is sure not to leave you in the gutter.

To help rhinos worldwide, 100% off all funds raised by BFR benefits rhino conservation projects conserving four species of Rhino, their habitats, and hundreds of other endangered plants and animals. BFR helps preserve the black, white, Javan and Sumatran rhinos. Did you know 80% of the world’s wild rhino population has been killed in the last 20 years?

The AAZK and Metrozoo invite everyone for a night of excitement that includes: bowling, raffles, t-shirt sale, and a much anticipated silent auction.

Open to the general public, teams of five to six bowlers may register for a night hopefully full of strikes and spares. The registration fee includes two games and shoe rental. Ask around for sponsorship money because bowlers who raise more than $30 receive a special gift! Bowlers who raise more than $200 will be eligible for the grand prize! Collect that money, because last year the highest money raiser won a 15 day trip to Indonesia! BFR is sure to be a wild night for all ages, not to mention great for the rhinos!

WHEN: Friday, July 24, 2009

Registration opens at 6:30 pm; Bowl-a-thon is from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

WHERE: Bird Bowl; 9275 SW 40^th Street; Miami, FL 33165; (305) 221-1221

The Intracoastal Waterway

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:00:04 PDT

Ever wonder why every coastal town in Florida has bridge that leads to the seashore? In order to reach the beach in the Sunshine State, travelers have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway from the mainland. The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000 mile waterway that starts in the Jersey shore, goes down the Eastern Seaboard and continues to the Gulf of Mexico along Florida's west coast and Panhandle all the way to Brownsville, Texas.

The Intracoastal Waterway is used by recreational boaters as well as for commercial use, especially when rough seas make traveling to Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico too hazardous. The waterway was constructed in 1919 and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Some canals are manmade, but many areas of the ICW are natural inlets, rivers and other of bodies of water that separate the mainland from the barrier islands that have some of Florida's most popular vacation spots.

Some of the natural bodies of water that make up Florida's stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway are Biscayne Bay by Miami, Tampa Bay and Pensacola Bay. And while many of the causeways used to traverse the ICW are popular hangouts for fishing and other water sports, the causeways in the Florida Space Coast--such as the Bennett Causeway linking the city of Cocoa to Cocoa Beach--also serve as viewing locations for space shuttle launches.

Get More Out Of Your Game

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:18:00 PDT

One of the finest facilities of its kind, the TOUR Academy at TPC Sawgrass uses hi-tech tools and hands-on training to elevate your game. Employing TaylorMade MATT (Motion Analysis Technology) 3-D Motion Capture System and Trackman ball flight monitors, the new FuZion Golf Performance Lab provides a detailed analysis of your swing to determine which clubs are right for you. As you acquire a smoother, more assured swing under the expert tutelage of PGA professionals, you can test your new skills on our indoor hitting bays and private practice area. You can also perfect your putt on one of only two TalorMade Putting Systems in the world. The TOUR Academy offers learning opportunities for golfers regardless of age or ability, including golf schools, private lessons and player development programs. The curriculum also includes Golf for Life, an innovative lifestyle program that encompasses everything from fitness and nutrition to spa treatments and wine tastings.

Shuttle launch scheduled for July 11

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:03:35 PDT

After NASA scrubbed the initial launch attempt in June, space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch this Saturday, July 11 at 7:39 pm. The seven astronaut crew will be traveling to the International Space Station for a 16 day mission.

For those who wish to view the launch, the NASA Causeway is the closest location for civilian spectators, but tickets are required ahead of time. Many people watch the launches from the public parks in Titusville along US 1 (Space View Park is where the Orlando area news channels set up their live shots) as well as well the Bennett Causeway and Cocoa Beach. The view from Titusville is unobstructed, whereas the hotels on Cocoa Beach block the view of the shuttle actually lifting off of the ground (although once the shuttle clears those buildings, the view is quite spectacular).

The Space Coast fills up with thousands of visitors every time NASA schedules a shuttle launch. Keep in mind that launches can be canceled even minutes before liftoff for a number of reasons, ranging from inclement weather to technical difficulties. After the launch, it can take up to four hours to return home (or back to the hotel room) for spectators driving in from Orlando. No matter how long the return trip, however, the memory of seeing a shuttle launch from the Space Coast will last a lifetime.

Play Where The Pros Play

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:17:01 PDT

Home of the Players the two courses at TPC Sawgrass exert a profound allure for pros and amateurs alike. Painstakingly conditioned to exceed even the most stringent PGA TOUR standards, they take full advantage of the abundant natural beauty that surrounds them.

Each May during THE PLAYERS Championship, the world’s top-ranked golfers take to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course to vie for one of the most coveted titles on the PGA TOUR. Imaginatively conceived and expertly designed by Pete Dye, the course is both a joy and a challenge to play-particularly the par-3, 132-yard 17^th hole known to millions of golf fans across the globe as the Island Green.

Another Pete Dye creation, Dye’s Valley Course, begins with an outstanding first hole that carries you through a memorable layout featuring expansive greens with water in play on every hole.

Resorts in Orlando

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:04:00 PDT

Walt Disney Maingate Hotels / Kissimmee Hotels

Gaylord Palms Orlando Resort - $129.00 Special Rate. Selected nights.
Seralago Hotel -Save 35% every day! Rates From $47. Lowest rates guaranteed
Synergy Hospitality - Featuring Trafalgar Resorts & Lighthouse Key Resorts.
Holiday Inn Maingate - FREE shuttle to Disney & shopping. Rates from $69.00
Howard Johnson Kissimmee - Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel. Low rates!
Ramada Hotels - Superior amenities and discount rates in hotels near Disney.
Rodeway Inn Maingate - Hotel near Disney World. Rates from $39.95.
Clarion Resort & Waterpark - Full service hotel and state of the art waterpark...
Quality Suites / Royale Parc Suites - 1 and 2 bedroom suites * Free shuttle
Suites at Old Town - 1 and 2 bedroom suites * FREE shuttle to Magic Kingdom
Ramada Orlando Celebration Resort - Hotel near Disney World. Great rates!
Radisson Resort - Orlando discount hotel rates from $79.00. Kids Eat FREE
Galleria Palms Boutique Hotel - FREE breakfast and shuttle to Magic Kingdom
Disney Universal Area Vacation Homes - Homes & Condos from $79.00.
Knights Inn - Find cheap Orlando hotel deals. Just $29.00 p/day - tax included!

Marriott BeachPlace Towers

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:00:04 PDT

The Marriott BeachPlace Towers in Fort Lauderdale has the benefit of being centrally located on State Road A1A directly across from the beach, as well as being in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's tourist district. Restaurants and gift shops are just steps away from the hotel, which provides easy access to one of the most famous beaches in South Florida.

In addition to beach activities, the hotel has plenty of options for children and adults. The fifth floor outdoor pool overlooks the beach and the A1A strip, spa services are available through the hotel, and an activities area for kids includes an indoor playground, arcade, movie room and scheduled activities for children throughout the day.

The Marriott BeachPlace Towers is also part of the Marriott Vacation Club, which has locations in premier vacation destinations throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Membership in the Marriott Vacation Club is not required to stay of this hotel.

Resorts in Cocoa Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:00:13 PDT

The Four Points Cocoa Beach is located one-half block from the beach in Cocoa Beach, Florida. A main floor shopping area, called The World's Largest Surf Complex, features beach rentals, surfing lessons and Cocoa Beach Surf Company, stocked with Cocoa Beach memorabilia and beach supplies. The complex also houses a Starbucks coffee shop and Shark Pit Bar & Grill, boasting 13 high-definition televisions and a 5,600-gallon aquarium with sharks and tropical fish. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center equipped with complimentary high-speed Internet access. A fitness center and heated outdoor pool top off the list of amenities. High-speed Internet access, cable television and video game consoles provide entertainment. Select rooms feature microwave ovens and refrigerators.

Daytona Beach Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:00:14 PDT

The La Quinta Inn is located one mile from Daytona International Airport and six miles from the magnificent beach in Daytona Beach, Florida. Enjoy an excellent location, within easy reach of the Indian Ocean at only a fraction of the beachfront rates. The La Quinta Inn is within a two-mile radius of Volusia Mall, Volusia Plaza, Volusia Point and Volusia Square. The rooms are well suited to the needs of both the business traveler and the leisure quest. To start your day off right, La Quinta provides a daily complimentary breakfast.

4th of July at the St. Pete Pier

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:00:20 PDT

This Saturday there will be a 4th of July Extravaganza at the St. Pete Pier, presented by the City of St. Petersburg, The Pier and Clear Channel Radio. The event kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at the Waterside Courtyard & The Pier, with fireworks shot off the waters of the Pier and Spa Beach at 9:00 p.m.

This free event lasts until 11:00 p.m. and during the afternoon and early evening there will be food and beverage vendors available. The 4th of July Extravaganza also includes up to eight hours of live entertainment leading up to the grand finale fireworks display.

The Pier has long been a gathering place for the St. Petersburg community. The current five-story structure was built in 1973 and renovated in 1988. The building houses specialty stores, galleries and boutiques, the Dockside Eatery food court and Captain Al's Waterfront Grill & Bar and outdoor Tiki Bar, the Pier Aquarium, the Columbia Restaurant, Cha Cha Coconuts Tropical Bar and Grill and an Observation Deck.

For a full listing of the day’s events, visit the StPetePier.com Web site.

Panama City Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:44 PDT

The Holiday Inn is located in Panama City, Florida
Adjacent to Panama City Mall
Heated indoor pool, sauna and spa tub
Mamma Mia's Restaurant and Chances R Lounge
Fitness room
Complimentary high-speed Internet access
Microwave ovens
Mini fridges

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens hosts 4th of Zoo-ly Jamboree

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:00:24 PDT

This weekend July 3 – 5, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will celebrate our nation’s independence with a 4th of Zoo-ly Jamboree, filled with live music, fun contests and prizes, plus visits from Jazzo, the zoo’s lion mascot.

Guests can also bring a blanket and enjoy listening to live music on the Great Lawn. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is also offering a 25% off regular admission and 10% off regular price items in the gift shops for active duty military and their families (to be eligible, please show a military ID).

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens features the Florida First Coast’s only walking safari and it has over 1,500 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. The zoo was established at its current location in 1925, and over the years has expanded to 89 acres. In December 2003, the Zoo name was officially changed from the Jacksonville Zoo to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The Zoo is in the process of becoming officially recognized as a botanical garden.

Ormond Beach Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:00:15 PDT

Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach is located in Ormond Beach, Florida
Five miles from Daytona Beach
Five miles from Daytona International Speedway
Complimentary breakfasts
Fitness center and outdoor pool
Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel

Miami celebrates 4th of July with America’s Birthday Bash

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:00:19 PDT

While there will be several fireworks displays to choose from in Miami-Dade County, America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami promises to be one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida.

The festivities begin at 3:00 p.m., and visitors can beat the South Florida heat with food and beverages from local vendors. In addition to live musical performances, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., there will be a free Kids' Zone with inflatable slides, a “kiddie carousel,” hoops, face painting and more. The fireworks display over Biscayne Bay will begin around 9:00 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. The Bayside Amphitheatre is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd in downtown Miami. For more information, call (305) 358-7550.

Lodgings Go Green in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:26:01 PDT

From the beaches, through the historic district of the Nation’s oldest city, to the golfing destinations of Ponte Vedra and World Golf Village, accommodations in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches are setting the pace for membership in the Florida Green Lodging Program. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the program establishes voluntary guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

Properties that meet the guidelines are recommended by the state to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally-conscious lodging and convention facilities. It’s not surprising to me that our destination is among the most environmentally-conscious in the state,” said Glenn Hastings, executive director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “As one of the nation’s most historic destinations, we take preservation seriously – and not just when it comes to history and culture. Preserving our natural environment is also essential to telling both the story of our past and insuring our wise stewardship of the natural world will continue into the future.

Today, 17 properties in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches have been admitted to the Green Lodging Program – an impressive number for a destination that has less than one percent of the state’s population.

The Hampton Inn and Suites St. Augustine at Vilano Beach was one of the first properties to be inducted into the Green Lodging Program and has since received the prestigious Two Palm certification. The management and staff were so enthusiastic and successful at adopting green practices that the property was chosen as a host for a Green Lodging workshop. The results quickly spread throughout the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra accommodations community.

The elegant seaside resorts of Ponte Vedra Beach have also embraced the Green Lodging Program. The AAA Five Diamond Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, along with the Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra and the Sawgrass Golf and Spa Resort, a Marriott property, have all received official certification.

The inclusion in the program of the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village proved that with planning and commitment, even the largest properties can become eco-friendly. Despite its size (more than 300 rooms) and the fact that a $10 million renovation was just completed, this luxurious centerpiece to one of the world’s great golfing and convention destinations was able to meet all the requirements for inclusion in the Green Lodging Program.

Hilton properties in St. Augustine have also enthusiastically embraced the goals of the program. The beautiful new Hilton St. Augustine Bayfront, was not only designed and built to meet the oldest city’s stringent requirements for historical accuracy, it also operates in compliance with the Green Lodging Program’s guidelines – as does the Hilton Garden Inn located just across the street from the inviting seaside sands of St. Augustine Beach.

The new Castillo Real Resort Hotel, also in St. Augustine Beach, emphatically proved that architecture inspired by 18th century Spain can be adapted to meet the environmental needs of the 21st century. Just a block north, the oceanfront Hampton Inn located on historic A1A has also become a member of the elite group of properties included in the Florida Green Lodging Program.

Certified Green Lodging in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches:

Best Western Spanish Quarter Inn
Casa Monica Hotel
Castillo Real
Comfort Suites – World Golf Village
Days Inn St. Augustine Beach
Grande Villas at World Golf Village
Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach
Hampton Inn Historic
Hampton Inn and Suites St. Augustine at Vilano Beach
Hilton Garden Inn St. Augustine Beach
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
Holiday Inn and Suites
LaFiesta Ocean Inn & Suites
Ponte Vedra Inn and Club
Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa - A Marriott Resort
The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra

17. The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

Sawgrass Village

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:29:02 PDT

Come stroll the walkways of charming Sawgrass Village and Ponte Vedra Beach’s Town Center. You’ll find over 30 specialty boutiques, restaurants, stores and services.
Treat yourself or choose a special gift from the latest in women, men and children’s fashions, home décor, stationery, garden and patio items, art jewelry and more.
You’ll also find hair and nail salons, dry cleaning services and even alterations and postal services. Enjoy cocktails and dining alfresco at our Village restaurants, some of the best in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Your visit to Ponte Vedra Beach is not complete without a visit to Sawgrass Village.
Located 3.5 miles south of J. Turner Butler Blvd. and 11.3 miles east of US 1 via County Rd. 210 at the intersection of A1A and PGA Tour Blvd.Visit SawgrassVillagePVB.com for more information about the area visit these links.
Sunshine Guaranteed Romantic Getaways Ponte Vedra Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn Ponte Vedra Ponte Vedra Hilton Garden Inn

Save money with Starwood Hotels friends and family rates

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:29 PDT

Book by June 30 and stay by September 30, 2009 at select Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Florida, the Caribbean, and the Southeast, and your family can pay the same “friends and family” rates enjoyed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. As part of this limited time only offer, kids 12 and under eat for free.

Florida hotels and resorts that are part of this special offer include the Walt Disney World Dolphin from $139 per night, Walt Disney World Swan from $149, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL from $149, the Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa in Hallandale Beach from $139, the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale from $109, W Fort Lauderdale from $139, Le Meridien Sunny Isles Beach from $139, W South Beach (opens July 1) from $199 and the Resort at Singer Island from $189.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts include several upscale hotel chains, such as the Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, Le Meridien, The Luxury Collection, Westin, St. Regis, Aloft and Element.

Beachfront Hotels in Hollywood, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:00:03 PDT

La Terrace Motel is located in Hollywood, FL.
Half a mile from The New Oceanwalk
Three miles from Three Islands Park
On the beach, adjacent to boardwalk
Terrace overlooking the water
Two on-site restaurants
Full kitchen
Microwave and refrigerator
Complimentary high-speed Internet access

Goombay Festival in Key West

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:29 PDT

This weekend Key West, Florida celebrates its Bahamian heritage at the Goombay Summer Fest, which is scheduled noon to midnight Saturday, June 27 in front of the Coral City Elks Lodge, 1107 Whitehead St. on the edge of the island's historic Bahama Village district.

This high-energy street festival features live music from local and regional bands, and the planned attractions include open-mike opportunities for talented local entertainers, arts and food at booths set up by selected vendors and a chance to meet and greet musicians and community leaders. Admission is free. For more information about Goombay Summer Fest, e-mail ken@keywestelks.com.

Clearwater, Florida Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:54:02 PDT

Shephard's Beach Resort is an entertainment complex and hotel, convenient to many of Clearwater, Florida's notable attractions. Two miles from popular Sand Key Park, the hotel is situated on Clearwater Beach, a half- mile from Pier 60, a marina and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Families and fun-lovers will delight in the array of property amenities offered at Shephard's Beach Resort. The beach, food and entertainment are the highlights at the hotel, which caters to leisure travelers. The property also sports an outdoor pool and fitness center. Two on- site restaurants serve local specialties.After dinner, guests might unwind at the Wave, a two-tiered nightclub. Live music is performed daily at the Tiki Bar and the Sunset Lounge. Guestrooms are spacious with Caribbean- inspired décor. Suites are located throughout the rambling property. Some have poolside views while others feature views of the Gulf Coast.

Romantic getaways in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:18:23 PDT

Florida has a reputation for stroller-filled theme parks and family vacations, but the Sunshine State has plenty of options for couples who are searching for a little “alone time” as well.

Marco Island on the Gulf of Mexico is one of the more romantic spots in Florida. Not only is it less crowded than neighboring Naples and a few other cities up the coast, there are enough recreational activities—such as fishing, golf, and water sports to name a few—to give couples a chance to be as active or as relaxed as they like. The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club and Spa is a popular destination for honeymoons as well as beachfront wedding ceremonies.

On the other side of the peninsula, there is the Sandpiper Club Med resort in Port St. Lucie, FL. In recent years Club Med has begun to cater to families as well as singles and couples, but for couples looking for a South Florida vacation that is all-inclusive, Club Med offers a great opportunity to get away from it all.

Further south in the Florida Keys, the city of Key West offers plenty of grown-up entertainment on Duval Street. Spend a night or two in a cozy bed and breakfast, participate in the sunset celebration on Mallory Square, and have a drink at Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar, Sloppy Joe’s.

And finally, don’t forget that Walt Disney World in Orlando is another popular wedding and honeymoon destination. On any given day in the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s other theme parks, guests will see brides and grooms wearing their special Minnie and Mickey ears. For some of the finest food and the most romantic dining in town, reserve a table at Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort. The restaurant consistently ranks as one of the very best in Orlando—and children under 10 are not permitted, ensuring a very romantic dinner for two.

Waterfront Hotels in Tampa

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:45:04 PDT

The Doubletree Guest Suites on Tampa Bay is the situated on the waterfront in Tampa, Florida. Located two miles west of Tampa International Airport, this hotel has a unique, contemporary v-shaped design that offers spectacular views of Old Tampa Bay. The Floridean-style landscaping welcomes guests with a tropical décor from the circular drive all the way to the bayside swimming pool patio. The natural bay waters surrounding the heated swimming pool offer glimpses of Tampa's marine life - dolphins, manatee, flamingos and pelicans. All guestrooms are complete with a separate living room and bedroom, stocked refrigerator, wet bar, large vanity, work desk and three televisions. High-speed internet access is available.

Top 10 Orlando Summer Escape Ideas

irmarie@orlandoescape.com (eGruve.com) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:11:27 PDT

Florida existing home and condo sales up since last year

noreply@blogger.com (Floridaescape.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:25:35 PDT

Although the prices for existing home and condo sales in Florida are still experiencing declines, the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) is reporting that there has been a 38 percent increase in existing home and condo sales in April 2009 as compared to the figures from April 2008.

According to the FAR, this is the eighth consecutive month that sales activity increased in the year-to-year comparison for both existing homes and condominium units. The FAR reported that existing home sales rose 18 percent in April 2009 with a total of 13,111 homes sold statewide compared to 11,133 homes sold in April 2008. For existing condos, there was a 21 percent rise in statewide sales this April as compared to the previous April.

The Florida real estate market continues to be a buyer’s market. Florida’s median sales price for existing homes for April 2009 was $138,500; in April 2008 it was $199,500, which is a 31 percent decrease. The statewide existing condo median sales price figure for April 2009 was $106,600; in April 2008 it was $178,900, making it a 40 percent decrease.

For more information contact Greg Volan at the Southern Realty Group.

Beachfront Hotels Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Destin, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:06:36 PDT

Sitting high atop the bluffs overlooking Destin Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico and East Pass, is the Inn on Destin Harbor in Destin, Florida. This inn offers guests ever-changing panoramic views of the area. The property has a private harbor beach and is five minutes from the Gulf of Mexico beaches. The inn is within walking distance of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and shops, and just a short drive from one of the largest designer outlet malls. The Destin area is home to more than 20 world-class, 18-hole golf courses. The Inn on Destin Harbor is an elegant and private retreat. Continental breakfasts are served daily in the intimate downstairs seating area overlooking the harbor, beach and pool deck. The inn offers wine tastings on Wednesdays and champagne receptions on Fridays. The outdoor pool is adjacent to the private harborfront beach, where docking facilities are available. In-room amenities include mini fridges, coffeemakers with complimentary coffee, cable television, complimentary newspapers delivered daily to the door, data ports and telephones.