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TIME to Save
• Enjoy 10% off a three-night stay at Blue Water Beach Club.
(Valid through December 31, 2008. Reservations are subject to availability. Holidays excluded.)
• Enjoy 20% off one- to five-bedroom accommodations for stays of seven nights or longer at several Island Real Estate vacation rentals.
• Book three nights and receive the fourth night at half price and 15% off for AAA members, Florida residents and members of the military at Seaside Inn Beach Resort.
(Offers valid with proof of I.D. through December 15, 2008. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply.)
• Stay three nights, get the fourth night free at Tortuga Inn Beach Resort.
(Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer valid through November 13, 2008.)
• Stay three nights, get the fourth night free at Tradewinds Resort.
(Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer valid through November 13, 2008.)
• Enjoy a 10% discount on all three-night stays and a 15% discount on weeknight three- to five-night stays at Tropical Beach Breeze Club.
(10% discount available through December 20, 2008. 15% discount on weeknight rates valid from November 15-December 15. Reservations are subject to availability. Holidays excluded. First time customers only. Must mention promotion at time of booking.)
• Enjoy 10% off nightly rates at the White Sands Beach Resort.
(Offer valid on Gulf-front beach units only for three to five-night stays. Valid weekdays through December 15. Holidays excluded. Reservations subject to availability and valid for first time customers only. Must mention promotion at time of booking.)
• Book three nights (Monday-Wednesday) at Bungalow Beach Resort and receive the fourth night (Thursday) free!
(Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Not valid during holidays or weekends. Offer valid through November 13, 2008.)
ACCOMMODATIONS ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS| CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME to Learn Luncheon Lessons from Chef Arpke
Euphemia Haye co-owners, Chef Raymond Arpke and wife D’Arcy, will host five weekly gourmet-themed luncheon lessons through November 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chef Arpke’s seasonal cooking school provides visitors a chance to create their own cuisine while dining in. Space may still be available for the following themed meals: “It’s All About the Essence” featuring classic French cuisine with instruction on modernizing presentation as well as the essence of the food; “Nothing Like a Sunday Brunch” including a lavish buffet of smoked salmon, artisan fruit and cheeses, jelly omelettes, spice cake and more; and “Melange A Trois” with fresh fennel and blood orange salad topped off with a season appropriate apple crisp. Chef Arpke entertains visitors with quips from his latest book, “You Don’t Have to be Crazy, but it Helps: Recipes and Rantings of a Madman”. The cost is $60 per person and offers an array of recipes to savor for years to come. For more information, click here.
DINING ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME to Light up the Crosley
The Powel Crosley Estate comes alive with the holiday season December 3 with its 12th Annual “Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees”. Running for eight magical days through December 10, the Festival transforms the historic restored 1920s Mediterranean Revival mansion into a winter wonderland. Visitors of all ages will be in awe of the dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and vignettes by the area’s top designers. Guests can experience the spirit of the season among rare exhibits of antique Crosley automobiles (weekends only), Crosley radios, and a vintage model railroad display that fills an entire room. Lunch and refreshments will be served at the bayside pavilion, and special events include afternoon teas, wine tastings, scenic cruises along Sarasota Bay and performances of “It’s a Wonderful Life” by the award-winning Manatee Players. For more information, click here
ATTRACTIONS ON FLORIDA’S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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TIME to Follow Football
For football fans, no fall vacation getaway would be truly enjoyable unless they can still catch the big games. Florida’s Gulf Islands welcomes sports enthusiasts with plenty of open-air and waterfront locales ideal for watching America’s favorite pastime. Bridgetender Inn & Dockside Bar on Anna Maria Island caters to sports lovers with flat screen televisions tuned to the week’s best matchups (unless the Green Bay Packers aren’t your favorite). Ideally located overlooking Sarasota Bay and the newly-restored Bradenton Beach City Pier, the Old Florida-style Bridgetender Inn serves up lunch, dinner and late-night snacks along historic Bridge Street. The restaurant features a separate dining room and patio/bar area serving up fresh seafood, steaks, ribs and pasta with live nightly entertainment. For more information, click here.
DINING ON FLORIDA'S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME for Fun on the Farm
‘Tis the season for changing leaves, picking pumpkins, and enjoying hay rides and apple cider. Florida’s Gulf Islands offers three area agri-tourism attractions that bring the farm and the fall season to life with a Florida spin. Visitors can get lost in the nine-acre corn maze, shoot ears of corn from a corn cannon or squeal at the pig races at the newly-opened Dakin Dairy Farms; pick their very own pumpkin at Hunsader Farms; or take the Orange Blossom Express at Mixon Fruit Farms. Farm tours, tastings and fresh Florida produce come standard down on the farm. For more information, click here.
ACTIVITIES ON FLORIDA’S GULF ISLANDS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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TIME for Island Weather
Area Temperature Averages |
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October
Air High: 85
Air Low: 65
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November
Air High: 80
Air Low: 59
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December
Air High: 74
Air Low: 53
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