Where to Stay and Play in Jensen Beach, Fla.

Happy Earth Day everyone! What better way to celebrate the earth than enjoying the sand and sea shells at Jensen Beach/ Hutchinson Island, Fla.? I learned about the area when I attended a friend’s beach wedding there recently. How could I have not known about this beautiful beach that is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Orlando? It has great shelling, and the beaches are not crowded, as they are in the Port Canaveral area. 

When you go, I would recommend staying at the Courtyard by Marriott on the ocean at Jensen Beach. The suites are spacious and the bathrooms have been upgraded with marble tile and adjustable shower heads. I love the large balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are a lot of great restaurants in the area too. I ate at Conchy Joe’s – the food was overpriced but tasty. Still, you have to make a point to hang out there with appetizers and drinks for the spectacular view. 

Area's Top Food & Wine Represented at Taste of Winter Park

Where can you eat food from several of Orlando’s top restaurants in one place? At the Taste of Winter Park, happening this Wednesday, April 20, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. I have heard so much about the high quality of food at The Ravenous Pig and Orchid Thai, that I am excited to try their samples. Other top restaurants that will be represented include: Shula’s Steakhouse, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub, Mitchell’s Fish Market, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. For dessert, you can choose from Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Schakolad Chocolate, Sprinkles Cakes, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, and others.

The Taste of Winter Park offers unlimited food and drink samples, for $40 per person.

Speaking of good food, I had the opportunity to try Monte Bene Low Fat Vodka Sauce with my pasta the other night, and was impressed at how delicious it tastes, for something that is so healthy. The sauce has no sugar and little salt; it is just natural ingredients. I love that!

Spring Cruise Deals - Book by April 16

The deals on cruises are out in full force this spring. First, I want to let my readers know about a very time-sensitive offer from Royal Caribbean through Orbitz. Four-night cruises to the Bahamas are priced starting at $199, and many other Royal Caribbean cruises are also discounted. Royal Caribbean is also offering a $1,000 airfare credit on specific cruises, free pre-paid gratuities, and $100 in spending. The catch? You must book by midnight on April 15. Click this link to book: http://cruises.orbitz.com/.

Another amazing cruise deal this week is from TravelZoo.com via Travelocity: you can get a seven-night Mediterranean and Greek Island cruise starting at $399. For information, visit:  http://www.travelzoo.com/cruises/europe/1013926/?ptl=done&rating=&tppct. If you are not signed up for TravelZoo’s e-newsletter already, you are missing out on great last-minute deals on hotels, cruises, and vacation packages.

Where are you cruising to this year?

How to Help Japan

Just like in the Gulf oil spill, some of the most affected people in Japan are the numerous fishermen and fishing companies whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami.

I strongly recommend one U.S. organization that makes sure donated funds go directly to these fishing families. The Alaska Fishing Industry Relief Mission (AFIRM), which donated money to fishing families during Hurricane Rita and the BP oil spill, is raising money for the Japanese fishing communities. The all-volunteer organization sends 100 percent of donated funds directly to fishing communities. AFIRM has already donated $20,000 to the cause.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the Japanese people as they seek to recover from the terrible tragedy, and we will look for guidance from them on how best to use the resources we raise to assist their fishing communities,” said Larry Cotter, chair of AFIRM. To find out more about AFIRM’s relief efforts, visit www.AKJapanHelp.org or call 907-586-2820.

Check out Winter Garden's Spring Festival

One of the best local spring festivals every year is Spring Fever in the Garden in downtown Winter Garden, Fla. This year, it will be held on April 9 and April 10. Browsing through the beautiful flowers and plants for sale is one of my favorite parts of this festival. At the same time, art is a big draw here: painters and other artists work while attendees watch, and artists of all ages are invited to participate in the “Chalkin it Up” chalk art contest on the sidewalk.

The other neat part about Spring Fever in the Garden is spending time in the quaint downtown area. Since I do not live near Winter Garden, I don’t get there often. But when I do, it is neat to visit the newer facilities such as the Garden Theater and try restaurants such as Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel, Downtown Browns – which features an old-fashioned soda fountain - Winter Garden Pizza & Pasta, and Choctaw Willie’s barbecue.

Buzz, Lightning McQueen Featured at Epcot Flower & Garden Fest

There are some great, different topiaries at this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs from March 2 through May 15. From the popular Toy Story 3, Buzz, Woody, and Lotso are fashioned into colorful leafy displays. Also new this year is Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars 2. My relatives swear there are more flowers planted around Space Mountain this year too – what do you think?

Every year, the Flower & Garden Festival is a great way to view creative greenery, while enjoying the park. In addition, HGTV stars like Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder, along with Epcot gardening experts, hold classes on gardening and landscaping. Meanwhile, some great musical acts are gracing the stages at Epcot including Melissa Manchester – this weekend – along with Starship, Ricky Nelson, Davy Jones, and Herman’s Hermits.

Are you going to the Festival this year?









D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival Honors Japan

The cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C., are a beautiful sight. And I love visiting the city: seeing the unique and historic architecture, visiting the White House and Congressional buildings, and trying new foods in Chinatown and at the numerous outstanding eateries throughout the city. It is great that the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which kicks off March 26 and runs through April 10, combines the best of all worlds. The National Festival features music, interactive art demonstrations, children’s art activities, and outdoor performances that celebrate spring and Japanese art.

This Thursday, March 24, a neat event associated with the Festival also aims to support those undergoing hardships in Japan. Starting at 6:30 p.m., people will get together and walk around the Tidal Basin in a “Stand with Japan” ceremony. The cherry blossom trees around the Monument were a gift from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. in 1912. What a great way to extend some positive energy to the people of Japan.