qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq===== South Florida trip =====
Leslie and I are vacationing in south Florida in late April, 2011

==== Itinerary ====

^ ^ Morning  ^ Afternoon  ^ Evening ^
^ Tuesday, April 26  | | [[http://www.floridaparktours.com/boattours.html#Tour Boat|Loxahatchee Queen]] riverboat //(3:00 PM, 2hr, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jonathan+Dickinson+State+Park,+Jupiter,+FL&aq=0&sll=33.769284,-84.342749&sspn=0.005904,0.013325&ie=UTF8&hq=Jonathan+Dickinson+State+Park,+Jupiter,+FL&hnear=Jonathan+Dickinson+State+Park,+16450+SE+Federal+Hwy+%23+1,+Hobe+Sound,+Florida+33455-3799&z=12|map]])// | Dinner with Jacki at [[http://www.twogeorgesrestaurant.com/thecove/|Two Georges at the Cove]] //(7:30 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=The+Cove+Restaurant+and+Marina,+1754+Southeast+3rd+Court,+Deerfield+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=26.315882,-80.081813&sspn=0.006366,0.013325&ie=UTF8&hq=The+Cove+Restaurant+and+Marina,&hnear=1754+SE+3rd+Ct,+Deerfield+Beach,+Florida+33441&ll=26.313978,-80.082114&spn=0.006367,0.013325&z=16|map]])//\\ \\ Drive to [[http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/|hotel]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Marriott+Harbor+Beach,+Holiday+Drive,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Florida&aq=1&sll=26.471802,-80.020294&sspn=0.406898,0.852814&ie=UTF8&hq=Marriott&hnear=Holiday+Dr,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Florida&ll=26.108298,-80.10473&spn=0.006378,0.013325&z=16&iwloc=A|map]])// |
^ Wednesday, April 27  | Morning at [[http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/haulover_park.asp|Haulover Beach]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Haulover+Beach+Park,+10800+Collins+Avenue,+Bal+Harbour,+FL&aq=&sll=25.860376,-80.173626&sspn=0.204519,0.426407&ie=UTF8&hq=Haulover+Beach+Park,+10800+Collins+Avenue,+Bal+Harbour,+FL&hnear=Haulover+Beach+Park,+10800+Collins+Ave,+Bal+Harbour,+Florida+33154-1006&z=14|map]])//  | Lunch at [[http://www.seawatchontheocean.com/|Sea Watch]] //(11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Sea+Watch,+Lauderdale+by+the+Sea,+Florida&aq=&sll=26.070276,-80.438805&sspn=0.025519,0.053301&ie=UTF8&hq=Sea+Watch,&hnear=Lauderdale-by-the-Sea,+Broward,+Florida&z=13|map]])//\\ \\ Shopping at [[http://www.tothemoonmarketplace.com/index.html|To the Moon]] //(10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=To+The+Moon,+2205+Wilton+Drive,+Fort+Lauderdale,+FL+33305&aq=0&sll=25.746791,-80.273345&sspn=0.008775,0.013711&ie=UTF8&hq=To+The+Moon,+2205+Wilton+Drive,+Fort+Lauderdale,+FL+33305&hnear=To+The+Moon,+2205+Wilton+Dr,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Florida+33305&ll=26.157691,-80.138397&spn=0.004613,0.006856&z=17&iwloc=A|map]])//\\ \\ Afternoon at [[http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/|resort]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Marriott+Harbor+Beach,+Holiday+Drive,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Florida&aq=1&sll=26.471802,-80.020294&sspn=0.406898,0.852814&ie=UTF8&hq=Marriott&hnear=Holiday+Dr,+Fort+Lauderdale,+Florida&ll=26.108298,-80.10473&spn=0.006378,0.013325&z=16&iwloc=A|map]])// | Dinner at [[http://www.mbfgr.com/|My Big Fat Greek Restaurant]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=My+Big+Fat+Greek+Restaurant,+Griffin+Road,+Dania+Beach,+FL&aq=0&sll=26.204518,-80.093921&sspn=0.05098,0.106602&ie=UTF8&hq=My+Big+Fat+Greek+Restaurant,&hnear=Griffin+Rd,+Dania+Beach,+Florida&ll=26.072589,-80.188351&spn=0.025519,0.053301&z=14&iwloc=A|map]])//\\ \\ Jai alai at [[http://www.dania-jai-alai.com/|Dania Jai Alai]] //(7:00 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Dania+Jai-Alai,+East+Dania+Beach+Boulevard,+Dania+Beach,+FL&aq=3&sll=26.072589,-80.188351&sspn=0.025519,0.053301&ie=UTF8&hq=Dania+Jai-Alai,&hnear=E+Dania+Beach+Blvd,+Dania+Beach,+Florida&ll=26.058402,-80.135865&spn=0.012761,0.02665&z=15&iwloc=A|map]])// |
^ Thursday, April 28  | Drive to Key West //(4 hr, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Key+West,+FL&aq=&sll=26.058402,-80.135865&sspn=0.012761,0.02665&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Key+West,+Monroe,+Florida&ll=24.578661,-81.775703&spn=0.103343,0.213203&z=12&iwloc=A|map]])//  | Lunch at [[http://www.garbosgrillkeywest.com/|Garbo's Grill]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Garbo's+Grill,+Key+West,+FL&aq=&sll=24.578661,-81.775703&sspn=0.103343,0.213203&ie=UTF8&hq=Garbo's+Grill,&hnear=Key+West,+Monroe,+Florida&ll=24.569919,-81.802311&spn=0.025838,0.053301&z=14&iwloc=A|map]])//\\ \\ Key West attractions  | Dinner\\ \\ [[http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/|Sunset Celebration]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mallory+Square,+Key+West,+FL&aq=&sll=24.559268,-81.807201&sspn=0.051679,0.106602&ie=UTF8&hq=Mallory+Square,+Key+West,+FL&hnear=Mallory+Square,+1+Whitehead+St,+Key+West,+Monroe,+Florida+33040&ll=24.566484,-81.805744&spn=0.025838,0.053301&z=14&iwloc=lyrftr:m,2006401038112113795,24.559458,-81.807461|map]])//\\ \\ Drive to [[http://www.theocean-view.com/|hotel]] //(2 hr, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ocean+view+inn,+islamorada,+fl&aq=0&sll=24.566484,-81.805744&sspn=0.025838,0.053301&ie=UTF8&hq=ocean+view+inn,&hnear=Islamorada,+Monroe,+Florida&ll=24.966763,-80.598621&spn=0.05151,0.106602&z=13&iwloc=A|map]])//  |
^ Friday, April 29  | [[http://fruitandspicepark.org/friends/index.php|Fruit and Spice Park]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Fruit+and+Spice+Park,+Southwest+187th+Avenue,+Homestead,+FL&aq=0&sll=25.987675,-80.123978&sspn=0.204298,0.426407&ie=UTF8&hq=Fruit+and+Spice+Park,+Southwest+187th+Avenue,+Homestead,+FL&hnear=Fruit+and+Spice+Park,+24801+SW+187th+Ave,+Homestead,+Florida+33031-1708&ll=25.541744,-80.49202&spn=0.025633,0.053301&z=14&iwloc=A|map]])//  | Lunch at  [[http://www.cheenhuaye.com/|Cheen Huaye]]  //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Cheen+Huaye,+15400+Biscayne+Boulevard,+Aventura,+FL&aq=&sll=25.801464,-80.277868&sspn=0.409242,0.852814&ie=UTF8&hq=Cheen+Huaye,&hnear=15400+Biscayne+Blvd,+Aventura,+Miami-Dade,+Florida+33162&ll=25.917137,-80.156679&spn=0.012776,0.02665&z=15&iwloc=A|map]])//\\ \\ Driving tour of Opa-Locka //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Opa-Locka,+FL&aq=&sll=25.917137,-80.156679&sspn=0.012776,0.02665&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Opa-locka,+Miami-Dade,+Florida&ll=25.903028,-80.250117&spn=0.003194,0.006663&z=17&iwloc=A|map]])//\\ \\ Check in to [[http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3620|hotel]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Sheraton+Miami+Airport,+3900+NW+21st+Street,+Miami,+FL&aq=&sll=25.794531,-80.259539&sspn=0.025579,0.053043&ie=UTF8&hq=Sheraton+Miami+Airport,+3900+NW+21st+Street,+Miami,+FL&hnear=Sheraton+Miami+Airport+Hotel+%26+Executive+Meeting+Center,+3900+NW+21st+St,+Miami,+Florida+33142&z=14|map]])//\\ \\ [[http://www.coralgablesvenetianpool.com/index.html|Venetian Pool]] //(11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Venetian+Pool,+2701+De+Soto+Boulevard,+Coral+Gables,+FL&aq=&sll=25.745438,-80.273237&sspn=0.009258,0.013711&g=2701+De+Soto+Boulevard,+Coral+Gables,+FL&ie=UTF8&hq=Venetian+Pool,+2701+De+Soto+Boulevard,+Coral+Gables,+FL&hnear=Venetian+Pool,+2701+De+Soto+Blvd,+Coral+Gables,+Florida+33134-4845&ll=25.746791,-80.273345&spn=0.008775,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A|map]])//  | Dinner at [[http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/12/152126/restaurant/Flagami/El-Palacio-de-Los-Jugos-Miami|Palacio de los Jugos]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Palacio+de+los+Jugos,+Miami,+FL&aq=&sll=33.769284,-84.342749&sspn=0.005904,0.013261&ie=UTF8&hq=Palacio+de+los+Jugos,+Miami,+FL&hnear=El+Palacio+De+Los+Jugos,+5721+W+Flagler+St,+Miami,+Florida+33144-3433&z=14|map]])//\\ \\ South Beach [[http://www.halfpricetourtickets.com/segwayrental.html|Segway]] rental //(by 6:30 PM, no reservation needed, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Half+Price+Tour+Tickets,+1599+Washington+Avenue,+Miami+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=25.789072,-80.131874&sspn=0.02558,0.053043&ie=UTF8&hq=Half+Price+Tour+Tickets,&hnear=1599+Washington+Ave,+Miami+Beach,+Florida+33139&z=16|map]])//  |
^ Saturday, April 30  | Art deco [[http://www.mdpl.org/tours/guided-walking-tours/|walking tour]] //(10:15 AM, no reservation needed, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1001+Ocean+Drive,+Miami+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=25.789072,-80.127926&sspn=0.02558,0.053043&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1001+Ocean+Dr,+Miami+Beach,+Florida+33139&ll=25.781073,-80.130394&spn=0.006396,0.013261&z=16|map]])//  | Lunch at [[http://www.otentic-restaurant.com/|Otentic]] //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Otentic,+710+Washington+Avenue,+Miami+Beach,+FL&aq=&sll=33.769284,-84.342749&sspn=0.005904,0.013261&ie=UTF8&hq=Otentic,&hnear=710+Washington+Ave,+Miami+Beach,+Florida+33139&z=16|map]])//  | Sunset [[http://www.playtimewatersport.com/sunsetcruise.html|catamaran cruise]] //(6:30 sharp, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Four+Ambassadors+Hotel,+801+Brickell+Bay+Drive,+Miami,+FL+33131&aq=&sll=25.764803,-80.18908&sspn=0.006396,0.013261&ie=UTF8&hq=Four+Ambassadors+Hotel,&hnear=801+Brickell+Bay+Dr,+Miami,+Florida+33131&z=16|map]])//  |
^ Sunday, May 1  | Visit [[http://www.coolstuffgames.com|Cool Stuff, Inc.]] store in Orlando //(11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, [[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cool+stuff+games&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=Cool+stuff+games&hnear=&cid=1467291598986355566&ll=28.606188,-81.300513&spn=0.004512,0.006856&z=17&iwloc=A|map]])//  |

==== Ideas for things to do ====

=== Heck yeah! ===
  * The best option for airboats seems to be [[http://www.evergladesholidaypark.com/|Everglades Holiday Park]].  Rides last about an hour and cost $18 per person with coupon from the website.  Well rated on Trip Advisor.  Thirty minutes from Fort Lauderdale, forty from Miami
  * The [[http://fruitandspicepark.org/friends/index.php|Fruit and Spice Park]] is exactly what it sounds like: a botanical garden focused on fruit and spice bearing plants.  They claim to have over five hundred different specimens, many of which you can taste.  Out of the way of our hotels, but right on the route to and from Key West.  $8 per person

=== Maybe ===
  * The [[http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/pahayokee-overlook.htm|Pa-Hay-Okee]] overlook is recommended as a place to see a sunset in the Everglades.  The one-way drive from Miami is about an hour and a half, but it might be a good thing to do on the way back up from the Keys on Friday.
  * [[http://www.flamingogardens.org/|Flamingo Gardens]] is a botanical garden and animal sanctuary.  It's a little pricey at $17 a person, but it's well reviewed and is just half an hour from our Fort Lauderdale hotel.
  * The [[http://www.floridaparktours.com/|Loxahatchee Queen]] riverboat is a neat way to see a little backcountry and wildlife.  It sounds very similar to the boat trip we took at the gardens near Mobile.  It's a little pricey at $19 a person and we'd definitely want to do it as we arrive on Tuesday, as it's located an hour and a half north of Fort Lauderdale.  Trips leave at 1:00 and 3:00 PM
  * The [[http://www.morikami.org/index.php|Morikami Museum and Gardens]] are well reviewed and only cost $12 per person.  They're a little out of the way at a 45 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale.  Open 10:00 to 5:00 (sharp)
  * [[http://www.dolphins.org/|Dolphin Research Center]] costs $17 per person with coupon from website.  Open 9:00 to 4:30 and located at mile 59 in Grassy Key.  Most of the reviews on TripAdvisor are glowing, but they're for the full-on swimming with the dolphins program.  What's left for spectators may or may not be worth the price.
  * The [[http://www.turtlehospital.org/|Turtle Hospital]] costs $15 per person and is located at mile 48.5 in Marathon.  If we want to visit and take the full tour, we need to make a reservation
  * [[http://www.broward.org/PARKS/MARKHAMPARK/Pages/Default.aspx|Markham Park]]'s observatory is open for free stargazing on Saturday nights //([[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Markham+Park,+16001+W.+State+Rd.+84,+Sunrise,+FL&aq=&sll=26.032106,-80.257187&sspn=0.295534,0.438766&g=16001+W.+State+Rd.+84,+Sunrise,+FL&ie=UTF8&hq=Markham+Park,+16001+W.+State+Rd.+84,+Sunrise,+FL&hnear=Markham+Park,+16001+W+State+Road+84,+Weston,+Florida+33326-1232&ll=26.128075,-80.359561&spn=0.004373,0.006856&z=17&iwloc=A|map]])//

=== Not so much ===
  * West Palm Beach [[http://www.sunfest.com/|Sunfest]], a music and arts festival, runs from April 27 to May 1.  Tickets, however, are $30 a person and there's no one act on the schedule I think we're dying to see.
  * [[http://www.capsplace.com/|Cap's Place]] is a historic restaurant on an island reachable by water taxi.  By all reports, however, its heydey is long over.  Entrees run about $30 apiece and they're only open for dinner.
  * The [[http://www.junglequeen.com/Homes.html|Jungle Queen]] riverboat in Fort Lauderdale seems overpriced for what it is: an $18 per person ride up the New River, looking at the mansions and spending time at a tourist trap private island.  I think we'd enjoy looking at the houses more by car, deciding on our own when we've had enough.

==== Accommodations ====

=== Fort Lauderdale ===
  * Staying at Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa
  * Reservation made March 29
  * Confirmation 8443 8204

=== Florida Keys ===
  * Staying at [[http://www.theocean-view.com/|Ocean View Inn, Islamorada]]
  * Reservation made by phone April 1

=== Miami ===
  * Staying at Sheraton Miami Airport
  * Reservation made March 29
  * Confirmation 94764