The scenario plays out on any beach.  It’s instinctive and universal.  Walk along any beach just along the waterline where the waves roll rhythmically in and you’ll catch yourself doing it:  looking down.  Suddenly, right there, tumbling in sand and foam, you see it!  A fleeting hint of color, a minute rippled edge.  As the water recedes pulling a layer of sand and shell with it, it disappears.  Now you see it, now you don’t!  With impressive reaction time you reach down and grab the illusion.  Slowly you open a dripping handful of sand and peer inside, hoping for the perfect keeper – an intact shell, a wonder nature, strikingly beautiful, elegantly scrolled, perfectly fluted, delicately patterned.

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Of all the creatures in the sea, dolphins, hands down, win the popularity contest.  We are inexplicably drawn to them, we personify them, we see ourselves in them!

They appear playful, curious; they show off, display a certain joie de vivre, and even look us right in the eye – all personality traits we claim as our own!   Like us, they’re mammals, and are therefore warm-blooded, have lungs that breathe air, give birth to their young and nurse them.  Add these facts - they have large brains, live in complex societies, help one another, learn from experience.  It’s no wonder we’re intrigued. Continue Reading »

Disney World, with all its showy, imaginative make-believe is truly a kid’s world.  And, they flock to it. 

But Florida has something more to offer kids – something natural, connecting, and equally magical, if in a different sort of way.    

In separate posts on Trusted Tours Travel Guide, you’ll see three of these – places where kids can see, smell, hear, and sometimes feel Florida’s unique natural habitat –golden sawgrass in the Florida Everglades, alligators lying ever-so still on cypress logs, gentle manatees moving ever so slowly, green, flat-laying tree frogs camouflaged in bright bromeliads, flamingos decked out in the brightest of pinks, roseate spoonbills rhythmically waving paddle shaped bills back and forth in the shallows seaching for fish, great white herons gracefully balancing in tree-top nests, stingrays swimming in an underwater ballet, great barracuda lurking territorially, giant sea turtles surfacing for air, and multi-colored tropical fish darting over coral patches.

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I was surprised by how different the day and night Starlight cruises are in Tampa, Florida. Completely different crowd from day to night. While the daytime was casual, relaxed and oriented to sightseeing with mostly an older group the night time was energetic, fun and oriented to dancing with a younger group.

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Okay, I’ll admit it…I drove past the Florida Aquarium four times before I saw it over my left shoulder. Sheesh! I was so annoyed that I had to sit down and breathe deeply. Once inside my tension melted away. Soon I was floating amongst the fish. Gliding along while filtered sunlight washed over me and cool blue light calmed my senses….no…really. The interior was so tranquil that I could have fallen asleep. It was wonderful.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet”package. I enjoyed the tropical rainforest area, the coral reef viewing window and the penguin promenade show is fun.

You can swim with the fishes and dive with the sharks here but one of the most popular features is the ”Explore a Shore,” 2 acre, outdoor waterpark geared towards young children. Parents can enjoy the Cantina while watching the kids have a blast. Everyone wins.

So…get excellent directions to the parking lot, buy your Tampa Bay’s Triplet ticket and enjoy the Florida Aquarium. More photos here.

The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida is one of the most unusual zoos I have ever visited. Part zoo, carnival, water park, aquarium, theme park, arcade and petting zoo, they try to have a little something for everyone, choosing variety over depth. It’s a busy kids dream come true.

The Lowry Park Zoo is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet” package. I saw animals, rides, games, safaris, feedings, touch tanks and aviaries. Done with the Elephants? Feed a Giraffe. Tired of walking? Take a sky ride. Want to beat the heat? Cool off at the waterpark. They even have plans for a waterslide. (Bring some cash and coin to get the most from these experiences) More photos here.

Over 2,000 animals, endless variety and hours of fun on 41 acres in Tampa Florida.

Not Baaaaaaaaaaad.

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida is…well…industrial. No flourishes or fluff, just interesting science exhibits and daily demonstrations. Even the IMAX dome Theater lets you see the projection room from the museum so you can watch and learn. Nice!

MOSI is part of the “Tampa Bay’s Triplet” Package and loads of fun. My favorite was Disasterville where they simulate a tornado and a hurricane in different rooms. Safe but cool. Travelling exhibits and new IMAX movies keep things fresh. A Pirate and treasure exhibit was featured while I was there, including it’s own gift shop.

The Museum of Science and Industry is fun for all ages especially if you enjoy exploring the world around us. Don’t miss the Butterfly room outside. If you enjoy fast Mexican food then the Qdabo Grill next door is good. See more photos here.

Tampa, Florida is a city of contrasts for me. It can offer a hip urban scene or a laid back Florida retreat. Known for its water activities, Tampa provides almost anything you can imagine that is water-based. The choices are endless. The challenge is getting around.

Because almost 3 Million residents live in the “Tampa Bay area” , travelling here requires preparation. You need extra time to get around and excellent directions. The rewards are many. Beautiful beaches, exciting activities, interesting arts, active nightlife, delightful dining and a major theme park make Tampa a worthy destination. Bring your patience and enjoy.

I was twelve years old when I first rode the Glass Bottom Boats at Silver Springs, near Ocala, Florida. “Creature from the Black Lagoon” was fresh in my mind as I scanned the water for any sign that the movie filmed there might be real.

Now that I’m a little older, the visit had me wondering if the experience would still be as exciting. It was. Today Silver Springs is a wonderful blend of the old and the new. Signs of progress mixed with nostalgia from over one-hundred years of greeting guests gives Silver Springs a great feel and lots to do.

The Glass bottom boats are still there and you can also explore other parts of the river on two narrated boat rides. One of my favorite experiences was feeding the giraffe near the petting zoo.
You get what looks like graham crackers to hold up until the giraffe’s foot long black tongue snakes out and wraps around the wafer. Sweet.

Silver Springs has been a tourist attraction for a long time and some may consider it old-fashioned. No, it’s not laser tag and roller coasters but that’s part of it’s charm. The combination of animals, rides and shows in a beautiful Old Florida setting was very appealing to me and I got a big charge out of the history. So many famous movies and television shows were shot there that it’s hard to keep track. Tarzan, James Bond, Sea Hunt, I Spy. The list is endless. I was also surprised to see the names on their concert series list. Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap among others were featured. Don’t miss the Jeep Safari near the bears at the back of the gift shop. Bouncy and fun. Had a good sandwich at the Deli, too.

All in all, very relaxing, lots to do in a natural environment which appeals to kids and adults.
The “Original Florida Tourist Attraction” I remember from my childhood is still going strong. I’m not sure but when I was looking down in the clear water, I thought I saw something large and dark move at the bottom near a cave. Maybe, just maybe.