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TIME to Attend Super Bowl XLIII
Football season is heating up and fans are getting ready for the big game being held in Tampa on February 1, 2009. With limited hotel rooms available in the Tampa Bay area, Florida’s Gulf Islands is happy to welcome visitors with accommodations for every taste and budget, putting them just one hour south of Raymond James Stadium. From branded properties to B&Bs, boutique resorts and cottage rentals, the Bradenton area allows you to rest comfortably before and after a day in the Super city. Several of the destination’s restaurants will also be offering special Super Bowl menus, events and promotions on game day, so there are plenty of options for anyone who doesn’t have a ticket to the main event. For accommodations, click here.
VACATION DEALS ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME to Host a Literary Legend
Literary legend Edgar Allen Poe will celebrate his 200th birthday at the Powel Crosley Theatre, January 13-23, 2009, with his always-chilling Poe at the Crosley event. Poe will be joined by Sarah Bernhardt and Auguste Dupin, as they move visitors from room to room with theatrical presentations of his master works, including The Bells, The Raven, The Black Cat, The Masque of the Red Death, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, A Predicament, How to Write a Blackwood Article, The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion, and The Dream of King Karna-Vootra by Lord Dunsany. The Crosley’s outdoor courtyard overlooking Sarasota Bay will host the event’s opening and closing gatherings. For more information, please click here
THEATER ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME to Shop Around
Florida’s Gulf Islands offers something for every forward thinking fashionista on your gift list and numerous items for the budget-conscious traveler this holiday season. Bradenton is home to several unique shopping experiences, offering everything from fresh Florida citrus at Mixon Fruit Farms and designer deals at the Prime Outlets Ellenton, to signature collectibles in the Village of the Arts and one-of-a-kind finds at the Red Barn Flea Market, more than 125,000 square feet of air-conditioned retail space. Driving over the bridge to the barrier islands, visitors can appreciate familiar finds and luxurious labels at the many boutiques along St. Armands’ Circle on Longboat Key, and an entirely unique shopping experience on Anna Maria Island, from island-style furnishings and home décor at Ginny & Jane E’s at the Old IGA, to trendy clothing and home accessories at the Sand Dollar Gift Shop and handmade Nectar Jewelry found at The Hive Creations. For more information, please click here.
THINGS TO SEE & DO ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME to Rest in Modern Comfort
The new 153-room Courtyard Bradenton Riverfront opens this month, showcasing Courtyard by Marriott’s new stylish and modern lobby of the future. Highlights include new welcome podiums replacing the traditional front desk designed to create more personal interactions between staff and guests, and the exclusive Courtyard GoBoard™, a 52-inch LCD touch screen packed with local information, maps, weather, and news, business and sports headlines. Guests can navigate using the touch screen to find popular Bradenton area restaurants, attractions and directions. The lobby also features free WiFi, a business library with several complimentary computer terminals, along with a free printer and separate computer stations dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status. Lobby dining has also been completely redesigned with casual, flexible seating; easier access to food and higher quality, healthier menu options at the Bistro for breakfast and lunch; and light evening fare, including snacks, beer and wine, so guests can unwind. Guest rooms were given an extreme makeover and now feature Marriott’s highly-acclaimed plush bedding and bath linens, and offer 18 king suites and 39 queen suites. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the property. For more information, please click here.
ACCOMMODATIONS ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME for our Featured Partner: Super Private Island Garden Home
Luxurious Anna Maria Island vacation home. Tropical foliage surrounds this 3 bedroom island retreat, featuring garden waterfall pool with spa. Accommodates up to 6 guests. Call 941-778-3086 or visit our website.
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TIME for our Featured Partner: Anna Maria Island Resorts
No shoes required. If you're dreaming of a relaxed beach vacation with Old Florida charm, our SeaSide, Tradewinds and Tortuga Resorts are the perfect choice for you. Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night FREE. Based on availability. Some restrictions apply. To learn more, click here
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TIME for Island Weather
Area Temperature Averages |
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December
Air High: 74
Air Low: 53
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January
Air High: 72
Air Low: 5 |
February
Air High: 74
Air Low: 53
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