Help with Florida trip

[PhilipM1]

Originally Posted by RBrenton Thanks Philip. I also ask that you schedule one of your parties the weekend of July 4th. I'll think of something to ditch the family for a night. I will throw some sort of crazy party just for your that weekend. I do suggest putting your ring in your pocket and taking the photo's of the kids out of your wallet. It'll help get the girls naked, drunk, and dancing all over you, maybe not in that order. Originally Posted by sf280 Clearwater - "Too Damn Cold" in July? I think not. Spent July- Beginning of October in the Tampa area and Too Damn Cold never came to mind. In fact, only can hardly breathe in a parking lot do to hot asphalt Asphyxiation comes to mind. oh crap, I didn't see it was for July. some travel agent I am In that case, Bush Gardens and the water park are a fantastic idea as is staying near pier 60 at clearwater beach. Or the Don in st pete beach. Its a little farther of a drive, but the hotel is awesome and the beach out there is beautiful too.

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[electromethod]

Originally Posted by emrliquidlife

Why you jipping the poor boy?

Where is the recommendation for a Gator Park, or a reptile zoo?!

Where is the biggest ball of string? The largest used gum collection.

Shheesh.

E

He never said he was interested in the "redneck" sights I will keep that in mind when making further suggestions. Thanks for setting me straight Ed.

[Mister Brenton]

I actually did go to the gator parks many years ago. Heck, never saw a gator growing up in Sopranos land.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

I actually did go to the gator parks many years ago. Heck, never saw a gator growing up in Sopranos land.

There are some swamp airboat rides in orlando area, over by Boggy Creek if you want. Gators aren't that scary anymore... it's the damn Burmese Pythons that will eat a gator WHOLE that make us soil ourselves.

[GGM]

Originally Posted by emrliquidlife

Why you jipping the poor boy?

Where is the recommendation for a Gator Park, or a reptile zoo?!

Where is the biggest ball of string? The largest used gum collection.

Shheesh.

E

I literally live right next to Gatorland but I have never been so can't make a recommendation. Straight west of Orlando on the Gulf is Weekee Wachee with the mermaids and everything. If you want old Florida--one day at Gatorland, the next at Weekee Wachee.

[AMGfan]

I wish I could help you but abhor theme parks (my wife's job) and don't find tourist sights interesting...you are on the right track if you try Captiva/Sanibel down south or the Sarasota/Bradenton beaches just south of Tampa which are very nice for just relaxation.

You could take a deep see fishing charter, which is can be interesting. If you like golf then I can really help you. Other than that...try the Penthouse Club for dinner/drinks and Mons Venus later ......that would have to be boy's night out.

I think I can scrounge up a couple of other board members that might be interested in the latter.

Jon

[Mister Brenton]

Originally Posted by AMGfan

I wish I could help you but abhor theme parks (my wife's job) and don't find tourist sights interesting...you are on the right track if you try Captiva/Sanibel down south or the Sarasota/Bradenton beaches just south of Tampa which are very nice for just relaxation.

You could take a deep see fishing charter, which is can be interesting. If you like golf then I can really help you. Other than that...try the Penthouse Club for dinner/drinks and Mons Venus later ......that would have to be boy's night out.

I think I can scrounge up a couple of other board members that might be interested in the latter.

Jon

How far of a drive is Sanibel from Orlando? I have to keep in mind getting back to Orlando for the return flight.

I'd love to get a group gathering together, but that would be nights I'd have to ditch the family, what with Philip's whore party and all.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by AMGfan

I wish I could help you but abhor theme parks (my wife's job) and don't find tourist sights interesting...you are on the right track if you try Captiva/Sanibel down south or the Sarasota/Bradenton beaches just south of Tampa which are very nice for just relaxation.

You could take a deep see fishing charter, which is can be interesting. If you like golf then I can really help you. Other than that...try the Penthouse Club for dinner/drinks and Mons Venus later ......that would have to be boy's night out.

I think I can scrounge up a couple of other board members that might be interested in the latter.

Jon

Count me in .

Btw... you going to the St. Pete Bowl?

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

How far of a drive is Sanibel from Orlando? I have to keep in mind getting back to Orlando for the return flight.

I'd love to get a group gathering together, but that would be nights I'd have to ditch the family, what with Philip's whore party and all.

Around 4 hours if you do the speed limit and avoid traffic. Pan handle is a couple hours more than that..........

If you are looking for something closer, then you can try Siesta Key Beach over by Sarasota..... i haven't been there in years, but it was a clean and family oriented beach last time I checked. They have boat racing events down there but that's all that I know.... sorry.

[midget fidger]

You could go to Busch Gardens in Tampa then chill in Clearwater Beach

[AMGfan]

Originally Posted by electromethod

Around 4 hours if you do the speed limit and avoid traffic. Pan handle is a couple hours more than that..........

If you are looking for something closer, then you can try Siesta Key Beach over by Sarasota..... i haven't been there in years, but it was a clean and family oriented beach last time I checked. They have boat racing events down there but that's all that I know.... sorry.

+2

[Mister Brenton]

Alright, Hazy gave me a link to a nice little place that has 2-bedroom beachfront cottages at really good rates, but they are booked up. I'm looking for July 2-6, in a similar vein. The properties suggested above look great, but are fairly expensive for a suite. And also, since I need to drive back to MCO the afternoon of the 6th, I can't be more than a few hours drive from Orlando.

Any other suggestions?

[LRM1]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

Alright, Hazy gave me a link to a nice little place that has 2-bedroom beachfront cottages at really good rates, but they are booked up. I'm looking for July 2-6, in a similar vein. The properties suggested above look great, but are fairly expensive for a suite. And also, since I need to drive back to MCO the afternoon of the 6th, I can't be more than a few hours drive from Orlando.

Any other suggestions?

Yes, I suggest you give up on being Christopher Columbus and park your butt in Orlando. Go to Cape Canaveral (sp?) if you want some adventure.

[Mister Brenton]

Originally Posted by LRM1

Yes, I suggest you give up on being Christopher Columbus and park your butt in Orlando. Go to Cape Canaveral (sp?) if you want some adventure.

No way. After 7 days in crowded park hell, I'm going to need a real vacation.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

Alright, Hazy gave me a link to a nice little place that has 2-bedroom beachfront cottages at really good rates, but they are booked up. I'm looking for July 2-6, in a similar vein. The properties suggested above look great, but are fairly expensive for a suite. And also, since I need to drive back to MCO the afternoon of the 6th, I can't be more than a few hours drive from Orlando.

Any other suggestions?

Where did you finally settle on? Any specific region, beach, coast, etc?

[Mister Brenton]

Originally Posted by electromethod

Where did you finally settle on? Any specific region, beach, coast, etc?

I leaning toward Clearwater or Tampa for the easy distance.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

I leaning toward Clearwater or Tampa for the easy distance.

Tons of rental homes on Indian Rocks Beach...... they aren't terribly cheap but it's a great location. We rented out 4 homes side by side for my sisters wedding, and I remember it cost us over 2k each home for a week. That was because we NEEDED them next to each other. I remember finding much better deals but none of them were side by side. I think you should be able to get a 1 week stay for under a grand. The economy is so crappy down here right now, I think they would jump at the opportunity.

[Mister Brenton]

Originally Posted by electromethod

Tons of rental homes on Indian Rocks Beach...... they aren't terribly cheap but it's a great location. We rented out 4 homes side by side for my sisters wedding, and I remember it cost us over 2k each home for a week. That was because we NEEDED them next to each other. I remember finding much better deals but none of them were side by side. I think you should be able to get a 1 week stay for under a grand. The economy is so crappy down here right now, I think they would jump at the opportunity.

Do you have a link I can see? I'm browsing one called VacationRentals.com for a start.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

Do you have a link I can see? I'm browsing one called VacationRentals.com for a start.

I will see if I can find a receipt from the lady that owned the homes. Won't be easy since my sister married around 7 years ago, but I am a record keeping whore so I'll check tonight. Be careful about websites like that..... at least have one of us check the place out and do a driveby for you. Some of them like to advertise as beach front when they are actually not. I remember we dealt with one a$$hat realtor who kept asking for a deposit before he would show us a supposedly massive house on the beach that would accomodate everyone. Turned out it was walking distance from the beach, but definately not on it.

[Mister Brenton]

Yeah, I found tons of listings on vrbo.com that make it hard to tell exactly how close to the beach they really are. I'm very picky about quick beach access, but I also prefer a private elevated balcony overlooking the water. Seems like there are a lot of multi-unit condo boxes with no vegetation on the grounds. Most of them will only rent in full week blocks.

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

Yeah, I found tons of listings on vrbo.com that make it hard to tell exactly how close to the beach they really are. I'm very picky about quick beach access, but I also prefer a private elevated balcony overlooking the water. Seems like there are a lot of multi-unit condo boxes with no vegetation on the grounds. Most of them will only rent in full week blocks.

You are right about the full week rental. None of them seem to want to budge on that issue, as it seems to be a rule across the line for all of the rentals there. My sisters ceremony was on the beach, 15 feet away from the backyard. Absolutely gorgeous view and terrific privacy. Steer clear of trashy beaches like Madeira (sp?)..... unless they drastically cleaned it up, it used to be a beer can alley.

[Mister Brenton]

What do you think of this type of place?

http://www.sunsetvistas.com/

[electromethod]

Originally Posted by RBrenton

What do you think of this type of place?

http://www.sunsetvistas.com/

I haven't been to Treasure Island for almost 10 years...... I can tell you that it's definitely Mega-Touristy! Nothing quiet about it..... if that's your cup of tea. I can ask a buddy of mine who used to live out in those parts for years. I'll send him an email tonight and forward you his response.

FYI.... don't know if you and wife love art, but the DALI museum in St. Pete takes the cake. Sorry if I am not much help Rick.... guess I am just full of useless info, eh?

[electromethod]

Rick.... PM sent.