Hosted by Visit Sarasota County, this culinary celebration spotlights $25 three-course dinner menus at more than 35 participating restaurants, from elegant waterfront bistros and fine dining rooms to casual beach cafés.

At Savor Sarasota, dining guests enjoy $25 prix fixe dinner menus from the destination’s acclaimed restaurants. Three-course lunch menus are also offered for just $15, allowing visitors to sample eclectic offerings for every palate. Award-winning chefs serve up authentic Peruvian and French cuisine, fresh Gulf seafood, Mediterranean tapas, modern American fare and much more.

Participating restaurants include Italian favorites like Salute!, Cafe Baci and Caragiulos; beach eateries like Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar and Siesta Key Oyster Bar; Sarasota staples Michael’s on East and Mattison’s City Grille; and upscale dining establishments like Vernona at the Ritz-Carlton, Ophelia’s On The Bay, Cafe L’Europe and Euphemia Haye.

Additional participants include 62 Bistrot, Cafe Venice, Crow’s Nest, Derek’s Culinary Casual, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Duval’s New World Café, H20 Bistro, Harry’s Continental Kitchen, Libby’s Cafe and Bar, Mi Pueblo, Michael’s On East, Mozaic, Patrick’s 1481, Pattiegeorge’s, Polo Grill and Bar, Roessler’s, Sam Snead’s Oak Grill and Tavern, Sangria Tapas Bar, Selva Grill and The Broadway.

Sarasota County’s renowned chefs include culinary all-stars from across the country. For more information about the 2012 Savor Sarasota celebration – including featured chef profiles, a complete list of participating restaurants and prix fixe, three-course menus, alongside upcoming events and accommodation packages – visit www.savorsarasota.com.

MyPalmBeachSummer.com, focuses on seasonal hotel packages and rates under the umbrella categories of Affordable Luxury, Family Fun and Other Exciting Packages. There’s s a strong focus on Florida resident rates.

Nearly 50 packages are available through the campaign. The microsite will also feature a Ways to Explore section, with links out to various articles created by the CVB for its popular blog, “Living in a Postcard”, all with a local or insider’s perspective on interesting ways to enjoy The Palm Beaches and Boca Raton in the summer months.

Current travel deals available on the site include:

Affordable Luxury

 • PGA National Resort & Spa, one of the country’s premier golf resorts, is offering the Summer Escape and Play package (through September 30, 2012). Starting at just $79 per night, the package includes daily breakfast in the Citrus Tree Restaurant; access to the Waters of the World mineral pool at the spa; and a myriad of golf amenities, including unlimited daily golf on the Palmer, Haig, Squire or Estates golf courses, complimentary replay rounds, golf club storage, unlimited practice range balls and a discount at the David Ledbetter Golf Clinic.

 • The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is encouraging guests to indulge in the resort’s incredible amenities at no cost by offering resort credits to those booking two consecutive nights through September 30, 2012. Guests staying in an ocean-view or premier ocean-view room will receive a $100 resort credit, and guests in the resort’s suites will receive a $200 resort credit to use on dining, spa treatments, cocktails and more.

 Family Fun

 • Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa wants to get the kids outside to explore the beautiful beaches and nearby Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. With rates starting at just $145 per night through September 30, 2012, the Lighthouse Lookout package includes breakfast for the entire family and a tour of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.

• The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic luxury resort, is inviting adults and children alike to experience the oceanfront resort starting at $289 per night. Through September 30, 2012, guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast buffet daily; admission to the spa and oceanview fitness center; unlimited tennis; and savings on golf at the Ocean Course. In addition, kids under 12 eat free off the children’s menu when dining with adults, and can enjoy access to The Breakers’ kids’ camp.

Other Exciting Offers

 • Several local hotels and accommodators are offering special Florida Resident Rates this summer, including the Delray Beach Marriott with rates from $127 per night, and a 10 percent discount at Casa Grandview Historic Luxury Inn, Cottages & Suites. The Chesterfield Hotel, Hilton Suites Boca Raton and Historic Hartman House are just a few of the destination’s other hotels offering Florida residents special rates through September 30, 2012.

 • The Colony Hotel Palm Beach is welcoming summer travelers to experience one of Palm Beach’s premier entertainment performances, the Colony Cabaret. With rates from $500, the Life is a Cabaret package includes a two-night stay; dinner and performance in the Royal Room; breakfast for two each morning; complimentary parking; and admission to Motown Friday Night in the Polo Lounge when staying through September 2, 2012.

www.MyPalmBeachSummer.comis also viewable on mobile devices. For more information and a complete listing of special offers, visit MyPalmBeachSummer.com or call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 554-7256.

Some items on the list:

• Eagle Creek Luggage – Sturdy luggage is always a must, and it’s even better when it’s made sustainably. Eagle Creek excels at both. Its luggage product lines are made with minimal waste and responsibly sourced materials. They’re also designed with travelers’ needs in mind, offering features such as shoe compartments and multiple handles to make grabbing at baggage claim easier.

• Bag of Rhythm Portable Audio System by House of Marley – If you really want to make your party portable wherever you go, this all-in-one docking station will fit the bill. Part shoulder bag, part stereo system with twin tweeters, woofers and an amplifier, it’s made from sustainable birch wood and reclaimed canvas. Plus, proceeds support 1love.org, Bob Marley’s family’s charitable foundation, aimed at spreading love and harmony through youth, the planet and peace.

• Bedol Water Alarm Clock – A reliable alarm clock is a basic travel accessory, and Bedol has built one that runs on water; something every traveler – unless they’re part camel – has with them. Each refill lasts an incredible six months, so the only way you’ll sleep through your alarm is if you drink it dry during the night.

• Solio BOLT Charger – With the many rechargeable gadgets we take with us, having a reliable way to power them up can be a hassle in the middle of the jungle, Grand Canyon or anywhere else not connected to the grid. Solio’s BOLT charger has rotating solar panels to maximize collection and quickly charges any USB-compatible device with no carbon required. There’s also a battery that is handy for charging when the sun goes down.

• Earth Doggy Eco-Friendly Pet Carriers – For when you want to travel green and bring Rover the (small breed) Dog, or Fluffy the Cat along, Earth Doggy has a line of pet carriers made from reused denim, recycled nylon or hemp. They come in a shoulder-bag style, as well as a conventional duffel bag, and even include a blanket, fleece pad and water bowl.

Rounding out the list: ReSource Series by Osprey Packs; PB Travel Bamboo Travel Blanket Set; Eco Speakers by Merkury Innovations; Revolution Apparel; and the Steripen Traveler.

To read details on these environmentally-friendly products, visit http://news.cheapflights.com/top-10-eco-friendly-travel-gadgets-accessories/

The resort’s eco-coastal Sandava Spa is breaking tradition this Mother’s Day with its new Mimosa Champagne Body Glow.

While enjoying champagne and strawberries, Mom will receive a customized sugar scrub infused with bubbly goodness straight from the bottle. The experience finishes with a mimosa champagne body crème and an invigorating scalp massage, letting Mom escape from her job as mommy. The Mother’s Day Mimosa Champagne Body Glow includes a bottle of Dom Perignon, a mimosa champagne body glow and a revitalizing scalp treatment for $500 and is exclusively available May 1 – 20.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach’s signature restaurant, SHOR American Seafood Grill, will also be rolling out the red carpet for moms this Mother’s Day. This year’s brunch will include roses for all mothers, a complimentary bloody Mary bar, extensive brunch options from a beautifully decorated buffet, a picturesque view of the Gulf of Mexico and live entertainment. Menu highlights include a vegetable bruschetta station, chef-attended stations of slow-roasted prime rib and brown sugar-cured ham and delicious desserts, including individual key lime tarts, white chocolate and raspberry shooters, warm mango cobbler and Jerry’s chocolate, coconut and avocado mousse, among others. Prices are $45 per adult and $21 per child ages 12 and under. Brunch seatings are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Since every mother could use some more free time, the resort has recently launched a fifth night free promotion, which also includes complimentary daily breakfast for two.

The “Free Time” promotion is valid for stays now through December 30. To take advantage of this special offer, reference offer code FRTIME.

To book a reservation with the resort, a treatment at Sandava Spa or the Mother’s Day brunch buffet at SHOR, please visit www.clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or call 1-800-233-1234.

Cruise Holidays consultants reflected on their own cruise experiences – as well as their clients’ feedback – to select their three favorites. An impressive 39 percent of respondents picked the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America Line as their favorite cruise line specialty restaurant. Tamarind, also by Holland America Line, took second place in winning the hearts of 31 percent of the respondents, and Celebrity Cruises’ Murano placed third, picked by 21 percent of respondents. There were 44 specialty restaurants to choose from across 13 major cruise lines.

Here’s the list of Top 10 specialty restaurants aboard cruise ships:

1. The Pinnacle Grill Holland America Line 39%

2. Tamarind Holland America Line 31%

3. Murano Celebrity Cruises 21%

4. Tuscan Grill Celebrity Cruises 20%

5. Portofino Royal Caribbean International 18%

6. Qsine Celebrity Cruises 16%

7. Chops Grille Royal Caribbean International 14%

8. 150 Central Park Royal Caribbean International 12%

9. (tie) Silk Harvest Celebrity Cruises 10%

9. (tie) Palo Disney Cruise Line 10%

(Total exceeds 100% because each cruise consultant could select three restaurants from a list of 44.)

Although Holland America Line took the top two honors, Celebrity Cruises logged four of its specialty restaurants in the top ten. Three restaurants from Royal Caribbean International made the list as well as one from Disney Cruise Line.

The repairs include work on the lounge’s original main room, which had been wrecked by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Jimmy Buffett helped immortalize the bar in his song, “Bama Breeze.”

In celebration of this restoration, the Flora-Bama will celebrate in April with live music on three stages from past and current Flora-Bama players and characters, as well as food and drink specials, giveaways and special events.

The Flora-Bama Anniversary Party is set for April 17. All events are open to the public with the Flora-Bama opening daily at 11am.

For more information, visit www.florabama.com.

The editors at Travelzoo find that the best spring deals can be found in late April and early May, the weeks between Easter and Memorial Day.

At many popular destinations, this time period is referred to as shoulder season. It’s between peak season – when rates are sky-high and crowds are plentiful – and off season – when rates are rock-bottom low but the weather might be less-than-ideal. Shoulder season offers reasonable rates, decent weather and smaller crowds.

Here’s the list:

TRAVELZOO’S SEVEN SPOTS TO SAVE THIS SPRING

1.) Coasts

The Carolinas, Texas Gulf Coast, Monterey Peninsula and Jersey Shore are all popular summer destinations, and hotel rates reflect that after Memorial Day. But in April and May, the season is just ramping up – and while the ocean waves may still be a bit chilly, never underestimate the recuperative power of sand between the toes and listening to crashing surf on uncrowded beaches. You may even get lucky with the weather and get a head start on the tan. Hotel rates in popular destinations such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., South Padre, Monterey and Atlantic City can be 50% less than those expected in the summer months.

2.) Europe

With high fuel prices appearing to be a fact of life, it’s not cheap to get to Europe. But it’s much, much cheaper in the spring versus the summer, when fares will easily climb above $1000 roundtrip. Travelzoo is finding good European fares as low as $600-$700 for April and May travel across the pond. Get a head start on the England’s big year before the Olympic rush. Or take advantage of shorter flights and long days in Ireland or Iceland – regularly two of the more affordable European countries to fly to.

3.) Repositioning cruises

Spring is often a time when the cruise lines move ships from one popular area to another. When these ships move, they offer up one-time savings on unique itineraries – and often huge discounts. In recent months, sailings from Miami to Barcelona go for less than $500 per person, plus an onboard credit. On a 13-night cruise, that’s less than $40 per night for meals, drinks, lodging and activities. Popular repositioning itineraries include the Caribbean to Europe and Southern California to Alaska.

4.) Hawaii

Because the weather never gets bad in Hawaii, seasonality depends more on when people can travel to the Aloha State. Prices tend to spike around the winter holidays, spring break and summer. But during the spring months of April, May and June, rates at top Hawaiian resorts drop by $100 per night or more. The cheapest hotel nights will be found in Honolulu near Waikiki, but give Maui a look for deals as well.

5.) Beat the Heat

Hotel rates in Arizona and Florida stay high through the winter months as travelers chase the sun. The spring season offers a chance to save 50% or more from South Beach to Scottsdale – before the temperatures spike. These rates are less than $200 per night at 4- and 5-star resorts that would have commanded $400 or $500 in February or March.

6) Tap the Rockies

Mountain resorts in Colorado, Utah, British Columbia and other Rockies resorts are coming off a winter season in which rates were sky high. But mud season, as the spring months are sometimes called, often yields savings as much as 70% compared with ski season. It’s a great excuse to get outdoors in the mountain air and do some hiking, or just sit back and enjoy amazing mountain views.

7) Caribbean and Mexico

In between the spring break and summer crowds, the beaches often empty out at resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Look for deals with discounted rates, free nights or resort credits. Travelzoo is seeing great deals throughout the region on vacations and hotels not just in mainstays such as Cancun, Riviera Maya, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but also more exclusive spots such as Barbados, St. Lucia, Aruba or Curacao. Tip: You can also get deals directly from popular destination resorts such as Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

At least that’s the mindset at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, which is offering packages tailored to romance. 

The Amour Package includes a welcome amenity of champagne and chocolates, full daily breakfast for two, valet parking, resort fees and guaranteed late checkout at 1 p.m. This offer is valid now through December 30, 2012. To book, visit http://clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or call 1-800-233-1234.

The resort’s eco-coastal Sandava Spa also features a wealth of spa packages for the bride, groom and even the entire bridal party. For brides seeking to cut down on pre-wedding stress, the five-hour Tranquil Bride Package includes a cucumber mint body glow, an endless wave massage, a gentle skin-correct facial and a citrus-c peppermint manicure and pedicure for $500.

The three-hour Get Him to the Church on Time Package indulges grooms with a move your body massage, a beach boy facial and a men’s sports pedicure for $315. Even the bridal party can gather together for some pampering and relaxation with the three-hour Bridal Party Bliss Package. The package includes a mimosa champagne body glow, a sun-warmed shell massage and a manicure with pedicure for $310 per person.

Sandava Spa also offers an array of treatments and services designed specifically for couples. The Sandava Couple’s Escape provides a 90-minute retreat for two in the luxury of a two-person treatment suite where lovebirds will lose themselves in an oasis of relaxation. This ultimate indulgence for two includes a sun-warmed shell massage, a sweet-mango-and-coconut oil body massage and a blueberry bliss facial for $400. To book this package or other couple’s spa packages, visit http://clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/ or call 1-727-373-4970.

Looking for another indulgent treat to turn your romantic getaway into a luxurious retreat? Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach features 20 state-of-the-art, climate-controlled cabanas bordering its eighth-floor infinity pool deck. Available for full-day rental, each cabana is equipped with WiFi, a high-definition flat screen television, a private bathroom, a wet bar and a service call button. Cabana packages range from sophisticated wine and cheese platters to The Whole Cabana Caboodle Package, which serves groups of up to eight guests. For a full visit of cabana packages, visit http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/images/hotels/pierc/CabanaPackages.pdf.

For more information or reservations, visit http://clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or call 1-800-233-1234.

That authentic replica ship will make its first American stop in St, Augustine, sailing from Spain to the historic Florida city for a three-week stay before embarking for other points of call in Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Proceeds from the black-tie event go to support the work of the First Light Maritime Society, including:

• Discovering and conserving priceless artifacts and stories from centuries-old shipwrecks through scientific, archaeological and historical research.

• Keeping alive the traditions and skills of wooden boat building

• Providing life-changing educational opportunities to children, including the underserved and homeless.

• Presenting and preserving our rich multicultural maritime heritage.

• Preserving the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.

The event is black tie or period-style attire and tickets are $150 for dinner and drinks or $250 for dinner, drinks and a VIP ticket to see Bill Clinton on March 19 at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Anne Urban at (904) 997-8004 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.

While in St. Augustine, the Galveztown will pick up two Yawl Boats (ship’s boats) fashioned at LAMP Boat Works at the St. Augustine Light Station in exchange for boats built for the same purpose in Spain.

The First Light Maritime Society’s archaeological program, LAMP, is dedicated to the investigation, interpretation and better understanding of the maritime history and archaeology of St. Augustine. Through historical research and scientific study of shipwrecks and other maritime archaeological sites, LAMP seeks to engage local and visiting communities while exploring the dynamic story of the oldest port city in America.

For more information on LAMP, please visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org, visit the Saint Augustine Light Station, or contact Chuck Meide, LAMP’s Senior Archaeological Director at (904) 829-0745.

Here are the details as forwarded to the Postcards blog:

The 5 Inns of Elegance in St. Augustine invite couples to enjoy a romantic 2-hour sail along the historic St. Augustine bayfront aboard the Schooner Freedom, with excursions running May 1 through December (not including weekends & holidays).

Take a step back in time and cruise through the beautiful waterways when you stay at any of the Inns of Elegance for two nights Sunday-Thursday at the prevailing full-rate price per inn. A complimentary bottle of Champagne at the Inn begins your adventure upon arrival.

This promotion requires ‘advanced reservations’. (Schooner Sail for Two & Champagne = $100 value).

The TALL SHIP 72’ Topsail Schooner is a U.S. Coast Guard certified sailing vessel, a replica of the blockade runners that once cruised the famous waters in the 19th century. She was built in Norfolk VA in 1982 by famed Naval architect Merritt Walters.

Guests can choose either a sunset 2-hour romantic evening sail watching the dazzling sunset embracing the City’s skyline – or – a midday cruise through the Matanzas River soaking up the sun and watching for dolphins and manatees.

The 5 Inns of Elegance is a Celebrated Collection of Romantic Bed & Breakfast Inns offering:

• Gourmet Breakfast

• Outstanding Accommodations with Picturesque Settings

• V.I.P. Personalized & Attentive Service

• Award-Winning Historic Properties (circa 1791 – 1918)

For Reservations and Information: www.innsofelegance.com