The Great State of Florida

The Great State of Florida

While Florida may be a sunbathers and theme park lovers paradise, hidden gems tucked away along the state’s coasts and in between await visitors from both near and far.  Whether travelers have just a few hours or a few days, there is something to entice everyone.

Nature lovers will find canoeing along the Loxahatchee River at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, FL, just north of Jupiter, FL, making for a peaceful afternoon.  After a relaxing day on the river, guests can spend the night in one of the cabins available for rent.  For those who love nature, but are looking for an experience in the water, look further north to Fort White, FL.  Just six miles long, the Ichetucknee River is famous for its premier activity of tubing.  Visitors can bring their own tubes, or rentals are available at private vendors near the park.  Guests can also snorkel, scuba, swim, and hike among other activities.

There are also attractions for people who are looking to have a close-up encounter with living creatures.  Considered the first undersea park in America, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park provides scuba and boat tours in addition to its most famous activity of snorkeling.  At mile marker 102.5 on the Overseas Highway heading though the Florida Keys, the park is located on the northernmost key of Key Largo.  Folks who prefer to be a bit further from the crowd, but still close enough for viewing, Blue Spring State Park in the central Florida city of Orange City is a designated Manatee Refuge and growing home to West Indian Manatees.  While swimming with the manatees is prohibited, visitors will find plenty to do among the spring’s crystal clear water.

Florida is also home to a few landmarks.  Among the hidden jewels is Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales, FL, a National Historic Landmark.  With gardens, trails, and butterflies, nature can be viewed at its best in this Central Florida attraction.  For a more hands-on visit, guests can golf, dine, stay or do all three at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL.  Top off a visit here with a hands-on cooking class taught by the Biltmore chefs.  Both adults and children can take classes designed for all levels.

Foodies are also welcomed in the Sunshine State.  The Reef Restaurant in Vilano Beach, FL (just north of St. Augustine) provides incredible views of the ocean as diners nosh on delectable dishes.  Sundays are known for the fantastic brunch served, and diners can opt to sit on the outdoor patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  For a grand view of the gulf coast while dining on delicious seafood or steak, stop in at The Breakers in Panama City Beach, FL.  Dine and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the west coast of Florida.  For a taste of Europe without having to fly across the Atlantic, enjoy a bit of Germany right here in Florida.  The famous Hofbräu Bier is served in two locations at opposite ends of the state.  Along the southeast coast, guests will find the Hofbräu Beer Hall in Miami Beach.  Northwest visitors can visit the Hofbräu Beer Garden in Panama City Beach.  Each location serves five of the most popular Hofbräu brews, and offer authentic German dishes.  And finally, enjoy fresh fruit, homemade jams and jellies, and incredible milkshakes made with fresh fruit at Robert Is Here fruit stand in Florida City, FL.  The Key Lime milkshake is a treat!  Local musicians provide live entertainment on weekends during the winter months.

Whether it is nature, historic parks and landmarks, or just a good meal, from coast to coast Florida has something for everyone.

Florida Convention Sales and Services

Convention Sales and Services

            There are two experiences in Florida; the kind that locals see and love, but also the beaches and tourist attractions. Southern Hospitality is a big thing in Central Florida, just as the entire south. However, isn’t as common in the larger populated areas that many of the attractions are located unless a venue or hotel is family owned and operated. Those core values that many guests look for thrive in private businesses. Having that said, the best way to look at two very different; but essential properties that would be direct competition for a family owned and operated venue in Central Florida would be  the most popular Family owned resort in Daytona Beach, Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort and Moss Gate Bed & Breakfast located in the small town of Umatilla, FL.  Both of these properties are thriving with business because of the things they believe in and the small-town principles they accomplish every year.

            Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort prides itself by having the nickname “Daytona Beach’s Family Resort.”  In Daytona Beach alone, there are over 12,000 guest rooms. (Daytonabeach.com, 2014) Perry’s only occupies 213 of those rooms and has earned its name because they are known for having a large percentage of return customers year after year. Not only are they just minutes from the Daytona Beach Ocean Center for conventions and/or concerts, they really aim to please all ages of a family. Perry’s has a list of activities everyday for Children throughout the summer. For adults, there are many different activities to do at the resort as well. This doesn’t even include all of the attractions in and around Daytona Beach. For instance, The Daytona Beach Pier, and their newest water park, Daytona Lagoon. Also, there are lots of dining and shopping nearby, plus the Daytona International Speedway that provides the men in the family with simulations, tours and the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and of course, fishing excursions. All of this just in Daytona is a huge threat to any competitor in Central Florida that may not reside near the beaches. Perry’s is a great location to spend time with the family, and it is affordable, ranging anywhere from $59.00 to just under $120.00 per night. (Perry’s, 2014)

As for Moss Gate Bed & Breakfast in the quaint Umatilla, Florida, it’s like night and day comparing it to Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort.  Umatilla, “Nature’s Hometown,” (Umatillafl.org, 2014) is known for its serene atmosphere and most famously, the Gateway to the Ocala National Forest, which is the home of multiple natural springs, nature hikes, fishing and hunting.  Umatilla is surrounded by lakes and small bodies of water. “The superlatives to describe Moss Gate Bed & Breakfast are nearly as endless as the acres of this former plantation house and sprawling orange grove.” (lakecountyflorida.gov, 2007) Also, Moss Gate happens to sit right on Lake Umatilla, which provides a beautiful scenic view and opportunities for lake activities during a guest’s stay.  The owner of Moss Gate actually lives on the property and maintains it herself, as well as hosts Weddings and other events in her beautiful on-site chapel and rustic barn. There is a large space near the lake that can be used for Tents and Moss Gate holds 3 suites and a two-bedroom cottage. During a guest’s stay, homemade meals are served and make from scratch.  Moss Gate is most known for being a location for tea parties, luncheons and small, elegant events during the day. In the winter months, many hunters that travel to the area will stay at Moss Gate as well. The events that are held at Moss Gate are amazing, and always set to a higher standard than any other venue in the county.  Moss Gate’s rates are typically varying, but average between $85.00 and $125.00 per night.

Either property is direct competition for a small venue in central Florida. Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort has all the attractions and is family oriented. It still thrives on family owned principles, but actually in 2001, the Perry family sold the property to GDA Investments, who then sold it to Pacifica Host in 2012. (Perry’s, 2014) Regardless, both companies took the time and effort to continue the tradition and core values still today. Moss Gate Bed & Breakfast in Umatilla is so serene and beautiful. The owner really shows pride in her property and everything about it. The standards are set high with everything event that occurs at Moss Gate. Any potential small venue is aware of the competition from both of these properties and the bar is set high.

References

City of Umatilla, FL. , 2014, Homepage Retrieved from:

http://www.umatillafl.org/Pages/index

Daytona Beach.com, 2014; Meetings Retrieved from:

http://www.daytonabeach.com/meetings/

Lake County, FL Government, 2007, Hometown Highlights: Moss Gate Bed & Breakfast Retrieved from:

http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/hometown_highlights/moss_gate_bed_and_breakfast.aspx

Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort, 2014; Perry’s Book Online Retrieved from:

https://www.bookonthenet.net/east/premium/eresmain.aspx?id=8WcabiUMamq7O2H8WvbsIqRBtm13qEkd0XhSiKpouvc%3d&arrival_date=2014-9-13&stay_nights=1&adults=1&children=0#/rates

Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort, 2014; Perry’s History Retrieved from:

http://perrysoceanedge.com/perryshistory