Destinations Diva

     Orlando is known for themeparks, family entertainment, and quite honestly, crowds.  What many don't know is that there are several charming towns that are worthy of a break from your busy vacation schedule.  During a recent trip to Orlando, we took a time-out from the themeparks to visit the town of Winter Park, just a 10 minute drive north on I-4.  Park Avenue is the main street in downtown Winter Park, across from a park that spans several blocks and includes a Amtrak train depot and SunRail stop.  This quaint downtown area attracts locals and tourists for shopping and dining.        During our time in Winter Park, we got to partake in a culinary tour with Orlando Food Tours.  We met at 11am in front of Kilwin's Ice Cream shop and were greeted by our two personable hosts, Carling and Kiel.  Carling gave a brief history of the town of Winter Park before the first stop on our tour. 1.  The Parkview is a ...

Orlando is synonymous with Walt Disney World, but over the past five years, Universal Orlando has grown in popularity with their theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure because of their ground breaking, award winning rides and entertainment.  With two theme parks, a water park, four onsite hotels, a dining/entertainment complex, convention space and more expansion in the works, guests have no reason to leave!  The past few years have seen tremendous changes at the Universal complex, mostly due to the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade and most recently, Diagon Alley.  The new Hogwarts Express train ride is the only one in the world of its kind, allowing guests to ride from one park to another.   These attractions bring guests from all over the world.  What you might not know is that there are secrets all over the parks in the form of "Easter Eggs" or as I call them in my book, Geek's Guide to the Wizarding World o...

     Universal Orlando is a complete vacation destination located in Orlando, Florida and only 10 minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World.  It is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for family travel.  With two theme parks, a water park, four onsite hotels and a dining/entertainment complex, convention space and more expansion in the works, guests have no reason to leave!  The past few years have seen tremendous changes at the Universal complex, mostly due to the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.   Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the newest onsite hotel in the value category with perks like complimentary transportation to the parks and Early Park Admission.  The newest restaurant at Universal CityWalk, the onsite entertainment complex, is NBC Grill and Brew, a sports bar with much more! And we must not forget the recently opened Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World o...

I routinely find myself traveling down a very familiar stretch of I-10 in Louisiana between Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  I like to call it the "Cajun Stretch" of Louisiana highway.  Along this well traveled roadway are places and towns so unique they are unmatched anywhere in the world.  Crossing the Atchafalaya Basin bridge has a magical beauty.  When crossing it, I imagine the Louisiana wildlife living there, but hiding from my view, alligators, turtles, Louisiana black bears, egrets and more.  The Atchafalaya Welcome Center on I-10 at the Butte La Rose exit is no  ordinary rest area.  You are welcomed by the staff to try a sample of Louisiana coffee while you peruse the tourism materials and get advice on local travel.  You can even shop for gifts and watch a fantastic movie based on the Atchafalaya Basin. Small towns you'll pass on this stretch are Breaux Bridge, Cecelia and Henderson where you can do a swamp tour and dance during breakfast ...