Bar-B-Ranch in Davie Offers Horse Back Riding Lessons

Want to break out of the ordinary beach and clubbing routine? Try something different in South Florida and get a piece of the country life. Bar-B-Ranch in Davie offers horseback riding lessons in both English and Western style riding.

The Bar-B-Ranch, a family owned business has been around over 30 years and is the largest and most experienced business of its kind in South Florida.

The ranch has approximately 35 horses and occupies a 25 acre spread along the Davie Trail system, next to Flamingo Gardens Park.


Here is what Barb-B-Ranch has to offer:

1. One hour and hour and a half trail rides
2. Summer day camp
3. Riding lessons
4. Horse and pony rentals
5. Therapy program called ”Healing Hooves”, run by licensed psychologist Terri Jennings, which provides valuable help to mentally and physically-challenged children and adults.
6. Rent a horse for your wedding or any other special occasion.
   Horses are available for television commercials, movies, still photography and more.

.

Have a question about what to wear and/or experience? Visit their most commonly asked questions page for more information.


Rates and Times for Scenic Trail Rides:
1and 1/2 hour: $45.00 and up
9am -5pm Monday -Saturday
9am - 4:30pm Sunday

Rates and Times for riding lessons:
$50.00 per hour
AM on weekends All day during the week

Tips:
-Come early because the ranch tends to fill up quickly during the afternoons and weekends. Summers are also busy because of the day camp.
-Credit cards are not accepted.
-Call ahead a day or so to book an appointment
photo courtesy of Douglas Eames, freelance writer

The Floridian Restaurant Is A Crowd Pleaser

Hungry at 2 a.m. and don't know where to go? Well the Floridian, a restaurant located in Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard is open 24 hours a day, so you can eat any time you want. The Floridian which is a Rachael Ray pick, has been serving South Florida customers for more than 63 years with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.





It's busy on weekend mornings when locals and tourists come in for huge omelets, fresh oatmeal, sausage, and biscuits. The type of food they serve is the traditional American style cuisine.

If you have some money to spend the Floridian offers a $300 Fat Cat meal for two that includes, steak, eggs, and a bottle of Dom Perignon. But if you're pinching your pennies, especially in this economy, most meals are inexpensive.



"I went there at 3 a.m. and the food was good and there was a lot of it. It has that diner appeal with a museum feeling because of all the pictures and autographs on the wall," said Mike Lachmanen, a happy customer from Sunrise.

Don't be mistaken the Floridian's not Denny's or IHOP. It is rather a clutter of years of memorabilia and pictures. There's a lot of knick-knacks and clutter, and while the space is big you may feel cramped. It's personable and friendly, and a real Fort Lauderdale spot.

For more reviews you can visit tripadvisor.com

Just for Fun:
An interesting line on the front of their menu says, ""And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming WOO HOO, What a Ride! "

Tip:

As of right now they do not accept credit cards.
Come prepared to eat because the portion size is huge!

Pompano Beach Hosts 25th Annual Seafood Festival

Enjoy eating seafood and lots of it? The city of Pompano Beach is holding its 25th Annual Seafood Festival April 24h - 29th, 2009 located on the beach at Atlantic Blvd. and A1A.

The main attraction of course is the wide variety of seafood, but there is also many other attractions including:

• Live Local Bands- Grand Funk Railroad, Beddy Ford, and the Beatles Remembered Tribute Band
• Boardwalk Bazaar- mix of arts and crafts, clothing and displays by local businesses.
• Pompano Jack's Fun Zone- games, bungee jumping, rock climbing, bounce houses, and face painting.

Event Open:

Fri- 5p.m.-10p.m.

Sat- 10a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sun- 11a.m.- 8p.m.

Cost- Adults: $10.00 and children under 10 are free

Tips:

Free Trolly Service runs for parking lots located on parking lots of Wachovia and Washington Mutual Banks because beachside parking fills up fast. So if you want to park by the beach come early.

If you don't want seafood there is other food served.

No pets are allowed

The concert is on the beach and there is no seating so you should bring a towel or beach chair if you want to sit.

photo courtesy of photogaphbydavidwatson.com.

Briney's Irish Pub- A Local Favorite

St. Patricks day is over but Briney's Irish Pub is a place you can keep in mind for next year.

After being open for so long, Briney's Irish Pub located on Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach is still the popular place to be for locals and tourists.

If Pompano Beach isn't where you want to go, A newly opened Briney's is located in Riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This pub/restaurant has a fully stocked bar and a long lineup of bands that play every week. They serve Irish and American cuisine such as corn beef and cabbage to Shepard's Pie.

DJ's and Dancing Fridays & Saturday nights at 5 p.m.

Dining:

Sun-Wed 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Thurs- Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm

Tips:

Come during happy hour- Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

$2 Domestic Drafts, Well Cocktails, and House Wine

$4 Tropical Frozen Drinks

Casual Dress

Aloha Water Sports- The Ocean is Their Playground

A vacation in South Florida would not be complete without having some ocean interaction.

Aloha Watersports offer parasailing, waverunners, sailboats, kayaks, boogie boards and surfboards, snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat, speed boats, and sport fishing.

If you live in South Florida and are just looking for a fun day at the beach, then some of these activities would be be a great experience.

Aloha Watersports is also the only company in Broward County endorsed by Ft. Lauderdale's Marine Police Unit, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Patrol, Ft. Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board and City Hall.

Tips: They have coupons on their site so just download what you need. Some prices are reasonable but you can always negotiate the best price with them. Use your magical negotiating skills!!

They have two locations:

1. Marriott's Harbor Beach Resort and Spa- 3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale
2. Las Olas Boulevard and Southbound A1A.
   
   

Clevelander Hotel in Miami Revamps Its Style

Looking for an extraordinary hotel experience in South Beach? If you like to party, dance and have fun at the beach, then the Clevelander Hotel located at Ocean Drive in the South Beach Miami historic Art Deco district may be what you're looking for.

1. The Clevelander has been a landmark and hot spot for locals and celebrities for over 70 years.


2. Originally constructed in 1938, the hotel, bar, restaurant and entertainment venue has maintained its reputation as a world-famous destination and the central point of South Beach Miami since its opening.


3. After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Clevelander is set to be the prime choice amongst ocean front hotels Miami Florida.


4. Perfect for visitors looking for a tropical experience with a nonstop party experience


5. Prices range from $189 to $439 a night.


6. The ROCKSTAR Suites for $439 a night provide a personal Rock Star Host to customize your South Beach experience, in addition to views of the ocean and poolside action. Balcony and connecting suites are available upon request. Direct elevator and stair access (steps away) is granted to the 1020 Music Box, SPF4 Sun Deck and Game On Sports Bar. Additional suite amenities include two complimentary admission passes to 1020 Music Box, 32" and 42" plasma flat screens, DVD player, and an in-room hot beverage service.

Tips:

I do not recommend this for a family vacation or honeymoon. This is more for a group of friends that enjoy staying up all night. This is not the place to sleep.

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com.

Florida Panthers Race For The Cup

Need a break from the heat? A good place to be during those hot days in South Florida would be at a Florida Panthers game.

As of right now the Panthers are not in the playoffs but they are in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. They are only one point away from making the final playoff spot.

The season ends April 11th and there are only seven home games remaining.

For tickets you can visit the Florida Panthers website, Ticketmaster.com, or visit the Bank Atlantic Center box office in Sunrise.

The Panthers are also having a promise plan that says, if you purchase four tickets for four games this season, then you have priority access to the playoffs.

If the team does not make playoffs then you get 4 Free Tickets During 2009-10 Season.

Tip:

Park across the street at Sawgrass Mills for free parking.

pictures courtesy of floridapanthers.com

Jungle Queen Riverboat- Dine While You Sail

If you like cruises but don't have the time or money to spend at the moment, you may want to try the Jungle Queen Riverboat located in Fort Lauderdale.

The Riverboat offers two types of cruises

1. Sightseeing Cruise- Goes along the New River with the changing scenery; the plush waterfront homes, downtown Fort Lauderdale, great yacht and storage basins, a bit of the Everglades, and a stop off at the Jungle Queen Indian Village. Departs at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (3 hours long) Adults: $15.50 and Child $11.00


2. Barbecue and Shrimp Dinner Cruise- leaves Bahia Mar Docks and cruises up the New River to a Tropical Isle, with a commentary by the Captain, of the many interesting sights and people on the River. The highlight of the night is the comical variety show. Departs at 6:00 p.m. (4 hours) Adult $34.95 and Child $19.00

Advice:

Great for dates and visitors of Florida. If you are on vacation, the sightseeing tour is a great way to experience a little of what South Florida has to offer. But remember not to fall in the tourist trap. Also remember this is not a luxury cruise but simply much like a big ferry ride. It's good for families with young children and couples.

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com

picture courtesy of junglequeen.com

Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science-Educational and Entertaining

If you are on vacation in South Florida or already live here, be sure to visit the Museum of Discovery and Science located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Although this place is good for adults, it's extra special for the kids.

The Museum of Discovery and Science has:

1. An interactive learning center


2. More than 200 interactive exhibits, ranging from live sharks to a cyclone chair that demonstrates inertia.


3. Also houses an IMAX theater that shows 3D films for viewers wearing special glasses.

One of the exhibitions include the popular "Living in the Everglades." This exhibit features interactive kiosks that demonstrate the historical and present flow of water in the Everglades, the effect of human development on the Everglades and the scope of the Restoration Project. The exhibit also includes an 11,000 square foot outdoor nature trail that showcases the various ecosystems found in Florida.

To see what other people are saying about this museum visit tripadvisor.com or yahootravel.com.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Wine and Culinary Celebration- April 24, 2009

picture courtesy of mods.org

Seminole Hard Rock Casino: Experience the Unlimited Possiblilities

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino located in Hollywood, Florida is known as an "Adult's Playground."

Here's what Hard Rock has to offer:

1. Vegas style gambling,


2. Concert venues- Hard Rock Live


3. Comedy shows at the Improv


4. Shopping- Cache, Quicksilver, Brookstone etc.


5. Restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, Tatu and Johnny Rockets


6. Clubs like Passions and The Beach Club.


7. They also have a fountain show every Friday night.


8. Prices for hotel rooms range from $180 a night to $500 a night depending on what type of room you pick.
   
   
   

Tip: If you go for the gambling they always give cars away on Sundays

-Be prepared for cigarette smoke in the clubs and hallways of the hotel.

- Pool is the favorite among hotel guests

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com

Lion Country Safari- Come Face to Face With a Giraffe

Photos courtesy of Lion Country Safari

Imagine you're driving along and stop for the herd of lions to cross or stop because a zebra is peering into your window. No you're not in the middle of an African Safari but close to it. You may be at the Lion Country Safari located in West Palm Beach.

The Lion Country Safari is South Florida's only drive through safari with over 800 animals covering over 300 wild acres. It's a four mile drive through safari and 55 acre walk-through amusement park.

Also Includes:

1. animal displays and encounters


2. animal feeding experiences


3. 7 rides


4. water sprayground
   
5. food and shopping

Prices and Hours:

• Admission: Reg (10-64): $24
  
• Seniors (65+): $22


• Children (3-9): $18


• Children 0-2: Free


• Parking (per vehicle): $4.50


• Vehicles Admitted Mon - Fri (Fall Season): 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.


• Park Closes: 5 p.m.


• Vehicles Admitted Sat and Sun 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


• Park Closes at 5:30 p.m.

Tips: Plan to come early to get the full experience

Visit the website at lioncountrysafari.com to download a coupon.

For more information visit the online store and/or goflorida.com

Fruit and Spice Park Has a Unique Flavor of History

Do you like tasting new things? How about tasting and learning about exotic fruits? If you like to try new things and enjoy leisurely walking through a botanical garden, you should visit the Fruit and Spice Park located in Homestead, Florida.

Only tropical botanical garden of its kind in U.S.

The park has 37 acres open to the public

Has over 500 fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts

Park has special events and classes

Gift shop open 9a.m to 5p.m

Upcoming event to check out:
Redland Summer Fruit Festival June 20 and 21 from 10 am to 5 pm
Admission $6; (Children under 11 are free)
This annual event showcases local agriculture and tropical fruit plants.
Vendor booths featuring local wines, foods, and rare fruit samplings.


Guided Tours:
Conducted everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
Special tours can be arranged at convenient times for schools, clubs, and any special interest groups, from preschoolers to golden years groups.


Park Admission:
$7.00 per adult, $1.50 per child 6-12, and children under 6 are free.
Picnic facilities are available.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open 7 days a week except Christmas



Tips:

1. The guided tour staff doesn't accept credit cards, so come prepared with cash.
2. Best time to come is during blooming season.
3. Call ahead of time to see what's in bloom and what classes they are offering.
4. The park is also nearby a monkey jungle so stop and see that if you want.
5. Be prepared to walk a lot, but if you don't feel up to walking there is a tram that goes around the park.

Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor Has Everything Including the Kitchen Sink

Jaxsons Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant open in Dania Beach since 1956, has a historic aura about it that bring in visitors every year.

Jaxsons is an old fashioned ice cream parlor that has one of the nation's largest collections of rural American memorabilia, including a world class automobile license plate collection.


The parlor has over 34 flavors of ice cream and many varieties of specialty ice cream deserts and American style food. They serve sugar free ice cream and fat free yogurts

The kitchen sink is a crowd pleaser. This desert is so big that it is recommended to share with four or more people.






" It's a Florida landmark," said Emilio from Pembroke Pines.
"Immediately you can tell its a special place once you come inside. Besides the lines, the interior of the restaurant is a tribute to "Yester-year". Nothing has changed. The food is pretty darn good...I'm not a hamburger type person, but this hamburger was phenomenal! Just wanted to order another one..The ice cream is very tasty and you might just go overboard by ordering "The Kitchen Sink"...Its truly a kitchen sink full of ice cream."

For more comments you can visit diningguide.network or cityguide.aol.com

Hours of Operation:

Sun-Thu 11:30 AM- 11PM

Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-12 AM