Thursday, February 21, 2013

Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa


Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa
Fall into the charming yet elegant world of Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa. Located just steps from the beach in Hollywood, this enchanting getaway encompasses all the beauty and charisma of Southern France.  If you are coming to South Florida in search of romance, relaxation or simply the comfort of a warm sea breeze, Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa is the perfect destination. 
 

 
A peaceful lounge area with ipads available for you to rent provides the perfect spot to check up on things at home.  Unwind in a cabana during the heat of the day and move to the hot tub at night for a fun and relaxing evening.  Villa Sinclair’s suites are complete with a full service kitchen for your use and a state of the art grilling space on the patio.
 
 
 
 

Coming to South Florida for a romantic getaway? A family vacation? To simply escape from the cold? Villa Sinclair is the perfect spot for every type of vacationer. With cozy rooms just steps away from the beach and Hollywood’s famous boardwalk, Villa Sinclair has it all. Complete with laundry facilities, cabanas, hot tub, barbeques, bicycle rentals, scanners, printers and ipads, visit Villa Sinclair for a weekend, a week or a month…because once you check in, you’ll never want to leave. 
 

Bird Watching in South Florida


Bird Watching in South Florida

There are many great places in South Florida for bird watching.  Located near the beach in Fort Lauderdale, north of Sunrise Boulevard is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.  New mitigation areas have attracted many species of birds to the park. In the fall, an abundance of warblers were seen each day, including rare species like Worm-eating, and Prothonotary warblers.  Various species of swallows such as Barn Swallows and Bank Swallows are also seen each year.  Kingbirds, Cooper’s Haws and Merlin Vireo can also be found.  
 
Also in Fort Lauderdale, located on Sheridan Street near Pine Island Ridge Road, is Brian Piccolo Park.  The main bird that can be found at this park are Burrowing Owls.  The owls are protected by stakes and ropes from other human activity in the park such as baseball fields and joggers.  Look for these ropes and stakes around the park to spot the owls. 
 
In central Hollywood, a tiny nature path known as John Williams Park is a mecca for songbirds during migration.  Bird-watchers will also find Screech Owls, Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Cooper’s Hawks.  There is a wide paved trail perfect for watchers, joggers as well as a playground for children.  Just west of State Road 441 north of Sheridan Street, this bird-watching hotspot is a well-kept secret. 
 

South Florida Graffiti Art


South Florida Graffiti Art

Graffiti as an art form is taking over large cities all over the USA, including Hollywood, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.  What began as a way to send messages on the street, has evolved into a bold and colorful expression of emotion and artistic talent.  Throughout South Florida, Graffiti Art Communities are forming and sharing their messages on the city landscape. 
In Fort Lauderdale, Fat Village is one such community.  They hold regular competitions and battles to determine the best graffiti artists in the city.  Their work can be found mostly in downtown Fort Lauderdale and areas surrounding the train tracks.  Some may mistake these pieces for vandalism, but if you take time to check them out, it is clear that this is art…these artists simply have a bigger canvas than most.
In Downtown Hollywood primarily on Harrison Street, much of the same type of art can be found.  Similarly to Fat Village, these artists are attempting to change the way that we view graffiti by creating graffiti that inspires the same way that classical art does. 
Further south in Miami, you can find Wynwood Walls. This gallery is located downtown on NW Second Avenue between 25th and 26th Street.  They are open to the public and require no reservations or tickets. Wynwood is definitely the most popular and well-developed of the three locations featuring artists such as Paris’ famous graffiti artist Invader, and Brazil’s Nunca. Wander through the colorful buildings and discover the hidden messages within the walls. 

Unique Museums


Unique Museums

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a beautiful place to discover South Florida’s unique connection with Japanese Culture.  Wander through six different gardens each designed to represent a specific historical period and Japanese gardening style. Travel through time and discover Japanese culture both traditional and contemporary as you roam through Morikami’s varied exhibits, educational programs, Pan-Asian cuisine and gift store. For your very own special event, choose Morikami for a beautiful and calming setting. Each month, attend one of their offered cultural demonstrations or festivals.  
South Florida has a variety of great museums if your group includes children.  One of the best is The Young At Art Museum.  Exhibitions are interactive and allow children to learn and experience different aspects of art and culture.  All exhibits are based on a child’s view of the world through the interpretations of internationally known Haitian, Seminole, African, Japanese, and Cuban artists. 
Another unique museum to check out is the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum.  The museum started as a non-profit with the goal of preserving the history of the Packard Motor Company.  Step onto the floor of a Packard showroom circa 1920 and explore unique motorcars from the first half of the 1900s.  In addition to the cars, the museum also includes pieces of memorabilia and rare parts that come together to create a unique peek into American History.  

Mountain Biking in South Florida


Mountain Biking in South Florida!

Enjoy and adventurous day outdoors at Markham Park Mountain Bike Trails.  Located in Sunrise, FL, Markham Park has a variety of trails perfect for all skill levels.  With approximately 10 miles of trails, you are sure to both enjoy and challenge yourself. The trails are built from left over fill that was used to dig the lakes in Markham Park and provides the perfect terrain for varied routes.  So strap on your helmet and hop on for an exciting ride through Markham Park!

Florida’s largest urban Park, Oleta River State Park is host to miles of off-road bike trails.  Located on Biscayne Bay in North Miami, Oleta River Park offers a scenic yet exciting ride.  Trails are well maintained and always ready to ride.  Head towards the north end of the Park along the Oleta River and you will find a large preserve of native plant and animal life.  Oleta River Park also hosts occasional night rides for an extra splash of adventure!

Recently rebuilt, Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, FL provides an exciting and thrilling ride for a small $6 per car entrance fee.  Amelia has about 8 miles of trial ranging between easily ridden roads for those new to mountain biking as well as extremely challenging rides for advanced or expert riders. Located off the beaten path, Amelia Earhart Park is the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends. 

Exploring the Everglades


Exploring The Everglades

What better way to explore the Everglades than through an Everglades Tour in Sawgrass Recreation Park? See endangered wild animals and plant life while you whiz through South Florida’s unique treasure on an airboat.  You will learn the history of the Everglades as well as how we can protect one of the rarest ecosystems surviving today.  So gather the family and let/s go see what the Everglades has to offer in Sawgrass Recreation Park!

Another great way to explore the Everglades? Florida Everglades Kayak and Hiking Tour from Kayak Dave's Adventures of South Florida.  Start your tour by crossing over a fresh water slough where you can catch unparalleled views of alligators, snakes, turtles, fish, birds and other creatures of the “glades”.  Then hop into your kayaks and slither alongside the snakes to truly experience the Everglades up close and personal.  You can’t get any closer than this!


Come see the Gator Boys at Fort Lauderdale’s very own Everglades Holiday Park.   An educational and thrilling show will demonstrate just how powerful these ancient reptiles can be.  Featured on Animal Planet, the Gator Boys are the best of the best when it comes to gator shows.  Most episodes are filmed right here in Holiday Park! Get as close as humanly possible to real gators, and hold your breath as the experts get even closer!

Xtreme Indoor Karting


Xtreme Indoor Karting

Race into the fast paced world of Xtreme Indoor Karting.  Begin your ride by obtaining your coveted drivers license, ride card, and head sock that is yours to take home! Choose your race duration and off you go to the track.  All that’s left to do is grab a helmet and hop into the drivers seat! You’ll tear around tight corners and sprint through the straight-aways on a thrilling 8-30 minute ride. 

In the event of a spin out, Xtreme staff are quick to react and get you back in the race! After racing, enjoy a beer or cocktail in the Finish Line Sports Bar while you review your lap times and race info.  You can watch other racers challenge each other at speeds up to 45 mph.   With your ride, you receive 2 for 1 drinks at great prices available only after you race. Try your hand at billiard games, shuffle board, and pool inside the sports bar too!
Xtreme Racing has more to offer than thrilling car races. Surrounding the track is an extensive arcade.  Play games like Pac Man and Time Crisis, Nascar simulatiors, and air hockey! Xtreme even has a separate arcade for children.  If you are up for it, wander over near the entrance where Xtreme has a state of the art mini golfing course that is fun for the entire family! So head on down to Xtreme Indoor Karting and get your game on!