Travel & Tourism

5 Things You Didn’t Know About a Trip to New Zealand

5 Things You Didn't Know About a Trip to New Zealand

Traveling to New Zealand? New Zealand is one of the world’s most alluring destinations, regularly appearing on travellers’ bucket lists thanks to its lush rainforests, deserted beaches, snow-capped mountains and towering glaciers.  Its majestic scenery is only surpassed by the warmth of its people – if you ask anyone who has visited this wonderful country, no one will have a bad word to say about it. It is, of course, famous for its natural beauty, which has played a starring role in films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Last Samurai among many others. This …

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Around and Near Jacksonville: The Best Beaches to Visit on the First Coast of Florida

Around and Near Jacksonville: Best Beaches on the First Coast, Mickler's Beach in Ponte Vedra, Sharks Teeth

The expression “Life’s a beach” looks at the bright side of things, putting a sunny spin on a phrase that when substituting its more vulgar counterpart means the exact opposite, or at the very least a female dog. “A day at the beach” also serves as a unit of measurement to describe a pleasurable situation, but in an idiomatic sense denotes less than desirable circumstances, as in ‘she was no day at the beach’. What does a day at the beach mean to you? For some, it’s as simple and stretching out on a towel or lounge chair, turning the …

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Top 5 New and Upcoming Theme Park Attractions in Florida

Tigris Opening Bush Gardens Tampa Bay, Top 5 New and Upcoming Theme Park Attractions in Florida

There’s nothing more road trip-worthy than Florida’s theme parks, and this summer is a great time to brave the crowds and the heat. This year all of the major theme parks in the state have either already unveiled new attractions or will have something new to share in the coming months. Here’s a look at the five new additions we’re most excited about: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios For over 40 years the franchise has been a global phenomenon, keeping generations of fans transfixed on amazing adventures that happened “a long time ago in a galaxy far, …

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Camping is Like Childbirth: A Trip to Fort Wilderness at Disney with Kids

Camping is Like Childbirth: A Trip to Fort Wilderness at Disney, Photo by Jessica Stevenson

“Camping was like childbirth.” I explained to my friend after my husband and I decided to give camping as a family a try this January. I am already planning our next camping adventure in my head, even though just a few days ago I was lying on a freezing air mattress, with a four year old as physically close to me as possible without crawling back inside his first home, and swearing to myself, “I will never do this again! Never!” Yet, somehow I am pretty sure we will do it again, and possibly even make it an annual thing.  …

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Water View Dining Around Jacksonville, The Beaches, and St. Augustine

Palms Fish Camp, waterfront deck, Water View Dining Around Jacksonville, The Beaches, and St. Augustine

The First Coast doesn’t lack for food and drink with a view, specifically a water view. Here’s a rundown of a few of the places you can find with varying water vistas. For a view of the St. Johns River and , there are two places you might try: the River City Brewing Company (835 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, 398-2299) and Charthouse (1501 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, 398-3353). If you go to the Charthouse for the view, it’s a good idea to come during happy hour for bar snacks. Prices are exceptionally high on their dinner menu. River City Brewing Company is more …

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THE AMP: St. Augustine Amphitheatre Leads Nation as an Eco-Friendly Live Music Venue

Tame Impala at The Amp in May 2019, The Amp St. Augustine, Florida, Live Music Venue, St. Augustine Amphitheatre

An Epic Celebration of Live Entertainment The recent exit of as the driving force behind the has left big shoes to fill. But it also cemented Murphy’s legacy as a forward-thinking leader who implemented a series of green practices to make the Amp a fully sustainable venue and put St. Augustine on the map as a live music destination. Murphy stepped down April 20 after a decade-long tenure as the county’s Director of Cultural Events. He was responsible for programming at The Amp and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, both county-owned and operated venues which he developed into profitable, innovative and …

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Mamma Mia, Valdosta State University’s Peach State Summer Theatre Has a Crazy Line-Up!

Mamma Mia, Peach State Summer Theatre

Peach State Summer Theatre is a professional summer stock theatre located on the lovely University campus in Valdosta, GA. Each summer, some 60 talents gather for ten-weeks to rehearse, build and present three musicals in repertoire. has produced professional summer musical theatre since 1990. Just two hours from Jacksonville, Valdosta is a thriving community with much to offer. If three musicals in a weekend aren’t your cup of tea, take in a theme park, golf course, museums, historic areas, or just relax in the lovely surroundings. For their 30th season, which includes Mamma Mia!, Little Women, and Crazy for You …

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Celebrate Independence Day! 🇺🇸 14 Ways to See Fireworks & Other 4th of July Events Around Jacksonville

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS ON THE FIRST COAST July 3rd Independence Day Celebration at the Ballpark The are proud to give away patriotic Jumbo Shrimp caps to the first 2,000 fans through the gates! Stick around post-game for the largest fireworks show of the season. Secure your tickets NOW because this game will sell out! You can purchase online, or avoid fees by purchasing over the phone (904-358-2846). Tickets start at $5! July 4th Throwback Baseball Game The tradition carries on July 4th, 4-7pm, as the Westside and Eastside (of the ) battle it out on the baseball field for bragging …

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Peach State Summer Theatre is Back! Since 1990 Theatre Professionals Head to Valdosta for a 10-Week Summer Season

Peach State Summer Theatre, Mamma Mia, Behind the Scenes, Valdosta State University

A few hours down the road you’ll find , Valdosta, Georgia’s premiere professional summer stock theatre. Each summer, a company of some 60 actor-singers, dancers, technicians, managers, and creators will reside in Valdosta for a ten-week season. During that time, they will rehearse, build and present three musicals in rotating repertory. has produced professional summer musical theatre since 1990. MAMMA MIA! (June 7 – Jul 20) Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island …

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So Much More Than Folk Music—The Florida Folk Festival Offers a True Floridian Experience Over Memorial Day Weekend

Musicians at the Florida Folk Festival

Hang out beneath the pine trees, majestic Live Oak, and flowering Magnolias along the banks of the meandering Suwanee River while you take in all Florida has to offer. The largest art, music, and culture festival in the state is just around the corner and you’re invited. The 67th Annual , a three-day celebration spanning Memorial Day weekend, highlights the best of the state’s music, dance, stories, crafts, and food. With more than 300 scheduled performances and over 50 acres of festivities, this family-friendly event offers plenty of adventure. Come out for the music and stay for cultural experiences, great …

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