'keewee and family visit the USA!' Cointest

[+GATOULIS]

inbound - October 19, 13:00

[+ocklawahaboy]

If I talk you into a trip to st Augustine, I have to suggest pizally's pizza, on st. George street (the main shopping area) its one of the few reasonable lunches and quite good.

[+seekerfamily]

leave Orlando November 6th 6:55 am

 

Idea - Visit the Florida keys. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental US.

[+GATOULIS]

outbound - November 17, 17:00

[+ocklawahaboy]

Also in st Augustine is Anastasia state park. They have a great beach there. It's another cheap way to have fun in fl.

[+GATOULIS]

outbound - November 20, 16:00

[+ocklawahaboy]

Also in st Augustine, there is an alligator farm that gives tours. It's a good place to see the critters close up.

[+GATOULIS]

inbound - October 17, 20:00

[+GATOULIS]

outbound - November 8, 19:00

[+GATOULIS]

outbound - November 16, 16:00

[+seekerfamily]

Leave Orlando November 2nd 6:55 am

 

Suggestion - Don't forget the sunscreen everyday, multiple times daily. This is Florida and it is hot and sunny.

[+keewee]

inbound - October 17, 20:00

 

Well done Gatoulis, this is the correct Inbound date. I think rather than try to get you all to guess the time I will tell you and I will award the first geocoin to Gatoulis.

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Gatoulis

 

We fly out of Christchurch International Airport at 6.35am heading to Orlando via Sydney and Dallas.

Edited April 17, 2012 by keewee

[+steben6]

Outbound - November 2nd 6:00 pm

[+keewee]

Leave Orlando November 2nd 6:55 am

 

Suggestion - Don't forget the sunscreen everyday, multiple times daily. This is Florida and it is hot and sunny.

 

And seekerfamily, you have got the correct Outbound date for the day we fly out of Orlando - Well Done...

 

Again, rather than try to get you all to guess the time I will tell you and I will award the second geocoin to seekerfamily.

 

CONGRATULATIONS

seekerfamily

 

We fly out of Orlando International at 1.15pm on the 2nd of November heading to Christchurch via LA.

 

I booked the flights so we would get to experience a real Halloween!

 

 

So now you know that we will be in the US between Oct 17th and Nov 2nd - so this will make Cointest #2 suggestions a bit easier.

[+GATOULIS]

Oh!! I found the date? Congrats to seekerfamily too!!!

 

Tip and Info for the cointest #2

 

since you will be there in October.. you will be there durung Halloween right? In orlando there are the Halloween horror nights... and I am posting a link I foung (has other links inside for info too...if you are interested...), BUT!!! these nights are not for young children! even the trailers are not for children under 13.... so... even if you do not want these.. you will know what to expect if they tell you to go...

 

here is the link..

 

http://www.orlando-florida.net/events/october/halloween-horror-nights.htm

[+ocklawahaboy]

Ok, you will be here for all hallows eve....

I would normally agree with the suggestion to go to the keys, just don't go to Key West that weekend. If you want to know why, do a Google image search for Fantasy Fest.... just don't do it with the child around.

[+steben6]

Oh, boy...my guess of the outbound date/time was closer to the right time!

Thanks for a fun cointest. Enjoy your stay in Florida...hope you can make it to the west coast someday!

'Grats to both the winners!

[+steben6]

Don't know if you have time to make it to Key West on your trip, but Ernest Hemingway's home is there and you can tour it. There are about sixty cats that still reside at the home. Many of the cats have six toes, and it is rumored that they are descendents of Hemingway's own six-toed cat! Reviews on this tour are really favorable.

[+steben6]

For an relaxing day away from the amusement parts, you might consider Discovery Cove in Orlando. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling amongst the fish, swimming, and you can ever schedule a swim with the dolphins! Check out their website for more info and for pricing for the day.

[+seekerfamily]

Definately go trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Find a good neighborhood with lots of houses.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Big pine key is known for their little "key deer". You can see them just a short trip from the highway down there

[+ocklawahaboy]

Still on the key west theme... If you get down there, go to Mallory square to watch the sunset. There are a buch of street performers who gather there every night. Quite entertaining.

[+ocklawahaboy]

It's a little expensive but you can take a boat from key west to dry tortugas and the fort there. Very cool looking place.

[+seekerfamily]

Go to a sporting event. Three professional football (american football) teams play within a few hours of Orlando, 2 hockey teams and 2 basketball teams (unsure exact dates that season start). Many college teams in the area.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Silver springs attraction is not far north of Orlando. Crystal clear water, glass bottomed boats, animals etc.

[+seekerfamily]

Going farther north from Crystal Springs is the Florida museum of natural history and the butterfly rainforest in Gainesville.

[+GATOULIS]

In case you like the idea of the ballon ride.. I found that with less than 20$ (probably per person), and 15$ if you use a coupon (I do not know where you will find one... so you have to ask.. and please bring one for me too for my collection! ), you can go up with a hellium balloon, and see the disney parks etc from above... and if you go at night... you can even see the fireworks... from the magic kingdom....

the pilot is friendly, and the experience amazing! and it is nice for children too!!

 

Just make sure the weather is ok..for the ride.. and ask foy info there!

 

you can find critics from people who actually did that here:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d1556970-r126832981-Characters_in_Flight-Orlando_Florida.html#REVIEWS

 

edit for some spelling mistakes...

Edited April 18, 2012 by GATOULIS

[+ocklawahaboy]

If you wanted to travel about one mile into GA you could take a ferry over to Cumberland island national seashore. Ruins of gilded age mansions, pristine beaches and wild horses. It's one of our national treasures.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Thinking back to the space coast... If you go over there, I'd suggest a stop at dale & barb's geocaching store. Some of the lacky's came to visit them a couple of weeks ago. They have the most favorited traditional cache in all of fl, right there at the store.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Floridas west coast has some really neat spots. Crystal river and homasassa springs are two really neat ones. If you go to homasassa springs state park you can get up close and personal with the manatees and some other really neat Florida wildlife too.

Edited April 19, 2012 by ocklawahaboy

[+mamoreb]

When we were researching geocaches in Florida, we came across one that seems amazing: "The Ghost Orchid" (http://coord.info/GC112JY).

 

It's a 5/5 multi geocache, in Fakahatchee Strand where you can see many species of orchids. It is a long, hot and wet hike, but seems to be worth it, both for the geocache and the sights. Perhaps attractive both to the scout and the wife?

 

Unfortunately we weren't able to fit it into our programme when we visited Florida, but it is one of the things I'll definitely prepare for if we go back.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Ok, 131 replies and I'm just now thinking about a must do geocaching event for you. The Florida Finders Fest will be going on when you are here. Gc36pza. There will likely be hundreds of new caches, several events, including the main MEGA event. Games and caches galore! There is free camping and I would gladly loan you tent etc. They usually have an event coin and other cool swag. Rent a car, drive 2 hrs north and have the caching time of your life. I may even be running a canoeing/caching event this year. Feel free to Pm me with any questions.

[+seekerfamily]

Great idea on the Florida Finders Fest - If we ever get a weekend off we will make it there and not have to travel halfway around the globe only about 3 hours for us. On the west coast of Florida you can visit Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks. A huge Greek community in the area - Gatoulis would like it.

[+GATOULIS]

Ok.... ready for a small trip? you will be there during Halloween... and you will not visit a real haunded place??

 

How about the St. Augustine lighthouse in Florida??

 

here is its story...

 

http://www.angelsghosts.com/haunted_light_houses_st_augustine_lighthouse.html

 

and... if you want a tour at night... you can arrange that!

[+ocklawahaboy]

Also on the space coast.... A bioluminescence kayak tour.

http://www.adventurecentral.com/user/web/wfDetails.aspx?AID=9694&CLUID=1e5fa7aa-4fe5-4e70-9d43-b907c5314584&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1#InitialLocation

[+GATOULIS]

in case you want to enrich your halloween with a ghost tour.. in haunded places in orlando...

 

here you can find all info...

 

http://www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/13/ghost.html

[+seekerfamily]

Travel to Tampa (actually Ybor City for Gwavaween - ok during the day for families and kids, large party at night definately not for the kids.

[+seekerfamily]

Visit Captive and Sanibel island on Florida's west coast - the seashell capital of the world.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Leu Gardens in Orlando is inexpensive and gives you quite the variety if tropical and subtropical plants. Really a beautiful botanical garden.

[+ocklawahaboy]

I think that Epcot should have their international food and wine festival going on while you are here. You can probably skip the booth for New Zealand but there are some other cool things to sample.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Get a little glimpse of American motorcycle culture, while still being in a family friendly atmosphere, and stop for lunch at the old Florida grill, on US highway 1, on the space coast. The food is quite good and it's a great waterfront view from the back deck.

[+ocklawahaboy]

Also on floridas west coast... Cedar key. If you get over that way, it's a nice place to visit.

[+ocklawahaboy]

When you are planning your trip be sure to figure in realistic driving times. Many people don't realize how long it takes to get around fl. For instance, someone suggested going to key west. It's about 7 hours from Orlando. Even a destination across town can be over an hour because of traffic.

[+keewee]

Keep the fantastic trade information and idea coming - it is all really, really helpful and useful. Thank you very much!!!

[+GATOULIS]

here you can find the list of the top 20 restaurants in Orlando....

 

just in case...

 

http://www.orlandoescape.com/orlandorestaurants.htm

[+Tennessee Jed]

Also on the space coast.... A bioluminescence kayak tour.

http://www.adventurecentral.com/user/web/wfDetails.aspx?AID=9694&CLUID=1e5fa7aa-4fe5-4e70-9d43-b907c5314584&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1#InitialLocation

 

This only takes place in late summer...definitely worth doing though!!!

Edited April 21, 2012 by Tennessee Jed

[+GATOULIS]

while I was searching, I saw that criminality is big in Orlando.. so you have to be careful!

 

here is a link.. to see the safe areas and the areas you have to avoid! I believe you really want to ready this....

 

oups... I forgot the link!!!

 

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/16/safe-and-dangerous-places-in-orlando/

Edited April 21, 2012 by GATOULIS

[+Tennessee Jed]

One of my favorite places to go to is Venice Beach

[+ocklawahaboy]

while I was searching, I saw that criminality is big in Orlando.. so you have to be careful!

 

here is a link.. to see the safe areas and the areas you have to avoid! I believe you really want to ready this....

 

oups... I forgot the link!!!

 

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/16/safe-and-dangerous-places-in-orlando/

Some area of Orlando are high crime. Not as bad as some other cities though. Just stay around the main tourist areas at night and you'll be fine. Just like anywhere else in the world, well lighted areas are your friend and money is safer in the front trouser pocket than the back. Orlando wouldn't exist without tourist so they do their best to keep you safe.

[+GATOULIS]

while I was searching, I saw that criminality is big in Orlando.. so you have to be careful!

 

here is a link.. to see the safe areas and the areas you have to avoid! I believe you really want to ready this....

 

oups... I forgot the link!!!

 

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/08/16/safe-and-dangerous-places-in-orlando/

Some area of Orlando are high crime. Not as bad as some other cities though. Just stay around the main tourist areas at night and you'll be fine. Just like anywhere else in the world, well lighted areas are your friend and money is safer in the front trouser pocket than the back. Orlando wouldn't exist without tourist so they do their best to keep you safe.

 

Of course! for example... Athens here in Greece is like a jungle! you haveto be very careful in some areas...