East Coast - Fall 2023 - Allegiant NonStopLife

Page 1

nonstoplife EAST COAST EDITION | FALL 2023

®

FLORIDA’S PREMIER GULF COAST OASIS

Stay

785 COASTAL-INSPIRED GUESTROOMS

Play 2 UNIQUE POOL EXPERIENCES

Eat

20 WORLD-CLASS FOOD & BEVERAGE CONCEPTS


IT'S NOT JUST A VACATION... IT'S A LIFESTYLE Discover championship golf, award-winning dining, shopping, seasonal events and of course the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, all within the 2,400 acres of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Plus, with direct flights on Allegiant Airlines to get you here and over 1,000 vacation rentals to choose from, visiting Sandestin is a breeze. SANDESTIN.COM || 855-999-7415 WANT TO STAY FOR LIFE? SANDESTINREALESTATE.COM || 833-783-0950


Unforgettable Moments Captured Together Featuring 250 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, fine dining, a luxury spa, and the only hotel rooftop pool and lounge on the Emerald Coast. Hotel Effie delivers chic accommodations and the ultimate in Southern hospitality. It's time to get away and experience this new luxury hotel along the beaches of the Emerald Coast in beautiful Miramar Beach, Florida. We can't wait to welcome you! HotelEffie.com | 844.900.3466

As the premier provider of beach cottages, luxury condos and vacation homes in South Walton for nearly 40 years, Cottage Rental Agency by Sandestin has the perfect selection of vacation rentals for every beach getaway. � Sea Sabella || Seaside, Florida

CottageRentalAgency.com | 833.943.3454


THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE THE BEST OF TSO AND MORE

SEE WHY MILLIONS HAVE MADE TSO THEIR ROCK HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY



CONTENTS EAST COAST FALL 2023

31

38 23

41

12

45

11 NONSTOP FORT MYERS/ PUNTA GORDA

31 FRIGHTFUL FUN IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

12 COVER STORY

35 A TRUE ‘WALK’ OF ART

Don’t miss these exciting summer events

SEEK SOMETHING NEW AT SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR Southwest Florida’s first new-build resort in over 13 years opens this fall

23 SARASOTA, NATURALLY See Sarasota’s wild side

26 FOREVER IN BLOOM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrates half a century of breathtaking beauty

29 NONSTOP ORLANDO/SANFORD

Don’t miss these exciting summer events

4

nonstoplife

Halloween events sure to bewitch boys, ghouls and adults alike

Go for a picturesque stroll along the Sanford Sculpture Walk

37 NONSTOP ST PETE/CLEARWATER/ TAMPA Don’t miss these exciting summer events

38 FRESH OFF THE GRILL

Dining hot spots in St. Pete/Clearwater

41 THE PERFECT COASTAL ESCAPE Delightful Dunedin has it all

45 MARVELOUS MADIERA BEACH

A beautiful beach town home to alligators, pirates, grouper and more


47

51 54

New Inflight Menu! 56

65

69

47 A THRIVING PIECE OF MOVIE HISTORY

59 FOR OUR PASSENGERS

51 EAT LIKE A LOCAL

61 WANT TO FLY IN THE VERY FRONT ROW?

Tampa Theatre is a timeless treasure Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s best kept foodie secrets

54 EXPLORE MORE

Dollywood, Pidgeon Forge, TN and Las Vegas, NV

54 FALL IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN At Dollywood

56 ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Score a financial touchdown with Allegiant’s money-saving Football Fan Packages

Allegiant news, spotlights, route map, extensive snack & beverage options and traveler information Introducing the Altitude Pilot Pathway

63 ALLEGIANT CARES

Inspiring young minds to explore aviation careers

65 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Allegiant’s newest livery unveiled

66 ROUTE MAP 69 NONSTOP MENU

Snacks, snack boxes, signature cocktails & combos, liquor, beer, seltzer, wine, mixers, coffee, beverages and water

80 TRAVELER SAFETY nonstoplife

5




ARRIVING THIS FALL

WELCOME TO THE FINEST IN COASTAL LUXURY Discover an endlessly entertaining, totally relaxing waterfront destination where life is so simple — and simply amazing. Stay and play here. Eat and drink here. Meet and greet here. Whether you’re staying for a few days or an entire season, our lineup of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and the gulf coasts finest amenities are the perfect accompaniments to an unforgettable stay.

WORLD-CLASS DINING

LUXURIOUS SUNSUITES ™

UNRIVALED AMENITIES

Centrally located and just a short drive from three Allegiant nonstop Florida destinations.

Use Discount Code INFLIGHT at Booking for a Special Offer


nonstoplife welcome aboard! ®

PUBLISHER Allegiant Travel Company CHAIRMAN Maurice J. Gallagher

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR Robyn Davies EDITOR Riley ​McIIveen ASSOCIATE EDITORS Teresa Bitler, Justin Ralenkotter, Heather Turk, Allison Barnett CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN 702West.com WRITERS Sandra Chambers, Nancy Foster, Heather Turk, Gabriele Walkow, Sean Davies, Andrew Porrello PHOTO CREDITS

VisitSarasota.com, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Come Out with Pride, Universal Orlando Resort, Memoir Agency, Courtney Keifer, Gatorland, City of Sanford, Ruth Ekerd Hall, Crabby Bill’s Family Brands, Columbia Restaurant, Frenchy’s Online, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Tradewinds Island Resort on St. Pete Beach, Bicycle Boutique, Chris Price, Honeymoon Island State Park, Hunter Davis, Caladesi Island State Park, John Stronijny, Isaac Wasilefsky, Jerry Bell, Misty Wells Let’s Take it Outside, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf/Madeira Beach, Florida, Tampa Theatre, Saltwater Restaurants, Breeyen Scurto, Okaloosa County TDC, The Dollywood Company, Silver & Black

Want to read this on the go? Access the digital version 24/7.

Just scan the QR code while connected to a cellular or wifi network.

FOR ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION Shaun McIlveen shaun@smmediasales.com ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY

1201 N. Town Center Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144 702.505.8888 nonstoplife® is owned and published by Allegiant Travel Company. Statements, opinions and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Allegiant. Allegiant is not responsible for incorrect pricing or information.

Welcome! We’re thrilled to have you onboard as you embark on your trip today. Now that you’ve taken advantage of our low fares and nonstop flights, we want to show you the best places to unleash your wanderlust. With nonstoplife, immerse yourself in your favorite destinations and learn about the best places for food, fun and travel inspiration. You’ll be a local expert before you even arrive! Let Allegiant nonstoplife be your guide to the best places to eat, drink, and have fun on your vacation. If you’ve been dreaming about a luxury beach vacation, look no farther than the brand new Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. Learn all about its state-of-the-art amenities from pages 12-19. Go wild in Sarasota and explore miles of bike trails and waterways. Known for its picturesque kayaking, Sarasota is an outdoor-lover’s dream destination. Read pages 23-25 to learn about more adventures! Looking to go all-out for Halloween this year? The best place to get your spook on is in Orlando, Florida. Several amusement parks in the area celebrate the fearful holiday for a couple months in the fall. Read pages 31-33 to find out which one is right for you. Welcome the fall colors on a trip to Dollywood, the perfect autumn destination located near the Great Smoky Mountains. This family-friendly theme park has everything from awardwinning roller coasters to an authentic steam train you can ride! Read pages 54-55 to start planning your trip. We hope you continue to take advantage of our nonstop flights and low fares for all your travel needs. Thanks for choosing Allegiant, and have a great trip.

nonstoplife

9


OUTSIDE

From pristine beaches and waterways to nature trails filled with fascinating wildlife, an outdoor wonderland awaits to rekindle romance and reawaken your sense of adventure. Come share unforgettable moments in a getaway that’s outside all expectations.

PureFlorida.com


Celebrate Oktoberfest at Fort Myers Brewing Co. Oct. 5 through 8. Guests can enjoy authentic German food, craft beer and live music as well as test their endurance during a stein hoisting competition. fmbrew.com The Florida International Air Show flies into Punta Gorda Airport for its 41st year Nov. 4 and 5. The event will feature a wide variety of aerial performers, including U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. floridaairshow.com

Photo courtesy of Sunseeker Resort

Southwest Florida’s premier celebration of everything water, Englewood Beach Waterfest takes place Nov. 17 through 19. In addition to the OPA (Offshore Powerboat Association) Racing World Championships, spectators can attend a block party on Dearborn Street Friday. englewoodbeachwaterfest.com

Sunseeker Resort

FORT MYERS/PUNTA GORDA

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor will open its doors to guests this fall. Boasting 785 guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course, two sparkling pools and 20 world-class food and beverage offerings, the luxurious waterfront retreat promises to be the ultimate place to stay and play in Charlotte Harbor. sunseekerresorts.com

nonstop

PGD

11


FLORIDA’S PREMIER GULF COAST OASIS

SEEK SOMETHING NEW AT SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR Southwest Florida’s first new-build resort in over 13 years opens this fall

Stay

Complete with touches of coastal luxury, Sunseeker Resort will boast 785 guest rooms including 189 top-tier, signature Sunsuites™. The premium guest rooms and Sunsuites will feature spacious areas with designer furnishings and top-ofthe-line finishes, complete with stunning views of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River. Sunseeker Resort will be the first completely new-build resort with more than 750 rooms to open in Southwest Florida in over 13 years. Each guest room will be outfitted with

12

nonstoplife

the latest in technology and comfort. Guests will sleep comfortably on a Sealy® Posturepedic mattress with gel-infused foam, CoreSupport center and firm Euro pillowtop dressed with 300-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. All guest rooms will be equipped with smartphone enabled side tables, ceiling fans, laptop safes, double-sink bathroom vanities and oversized walk-in showers, to name a few. Guests can take advantage of the quick and easy mobile check-in and checkout, in addition to the mobile room key and guest app that can handle requests such as housekeeping, valet car service,


Stunning views of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River

Sunseeker Resort treats guests to the VIP Lounge during check-in when booking the Sunsuites™

on-site reservations, food hall takeout and more. All guest rooms will also feature one button that can modify room settings with a digital display that controls privacy settings, lighting, temperature and more, as well as a personal device pairing system to allow over 2,000 streaming options to the guestroom television. Guests looking for the ultimate experience will enjoy the crown jewel of the resort, the spectacular Sunsuites with one, two and three-bedroom accommodations. Housed in the luxe Lotus and Iris towers, Sunsuites will feature expansive living and dining

The Sunsuites experience takes resort life to a whole new level

areas with the latest technology, cheflevel kitchens equipped with Sub-Zero/ Wolf stainless steel appliances, sweeping water views, private outdoor balconies and more. The well-appointed Sunsuites will offer an elevated escape with personalized concierge services, a separate check-in area and private lounge fully stocked with amenities. Designed for the sophisticated travelers, Sunsuites offers the ideal solution for flexcations and home-awayfrom-home longer-term stays including seasonal vacations, home renovations, job relocations and business travel. nonstoplife

13


Play Aileron Golf Club will guide your golf game to new heights

Aileron Golf Club has received a Course Rating of 74.1 and a Slope Rating of 134 by the Florida State Golf Associations Ratings Team for the World Handicap System French for “little wing,” Aileron takes its name from the trailing edges of an aircraft wing, which help stabilize and steer during flight

Aileron Golf Club - Lush greens, year-round sun, and distinctive course design, this golf experience is a Port Charlotte original

The highly anticipated Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is set to bring more than just traditional resort style amenities to Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast with Aileron Golf Club. The 18-hole course will be home to the finest in golf course design with rolling fairways, strategic waterways, mounded greens and framed bulk heads, which will be open exclusively for resort guests. Designed by renowned golf course architect Kipp Schulties, Aileron Golf Club will offer Sunseeker guests the ultimate resort-level golf experience. The private course, exclusive to hotel patrons only, will feature five different teeing selections on every hole, providing golfers with options of play from 5,000 yards to over 7,000 yards. Golfers will marvel at the over 650-yard par 5, one of the longest par 5s in the state. The newly imagined golf club will boast a 10,500-square-foot luxe clubhouse, including the Aviators Club, a full-service restaurant and bar and a pro-shop featuring premium golf brands, as well as Aileron merchandise that is only available for purchase at the course. Golfers will enjoy a new fleet of state-of-the-art EZ GO lithium-ion golf carts. Throughout the year, Aileron Golf Club will play host to tournament events, weekly guest leagues and fun, social competitions, in addition to group golf outings and customized golf getaways. Golfers of all levels will enjoy an unforgettable golfing experience with opportunities to improve their game or hone their skills. Aileron Golf Club will offer a wide range of private and group instruction, focused on learning cause and effect principles applied in setup and motion, unlocking golfers’ ability to improve direction and maximize distance. Additionally, offering the best equipment available for practice, demos and expert club fittings that target improving accuracy, fewer putts and building more confidence on the course. In addition, Aileron boasts a practice facility which includes a full-size driving range with target greens, short game practice greens with shot selections ranging from 10-60 yards with multiple bunkers to refine chipping skills and a 7,400 square foot putting green that simulates similar putts you will see throughout the course.

Aileron Golf Club is an experience exclusive only to Sunseeker Resort guests 14

nonstoplife


Maury’s, named after the founder of Allegiant Travel, brings the best of the Gulf Coast together with favorites from the heyday of the American steakhouse

Eat & Drink

From casual eats to elegant fine dining, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is set to introduce an unforgettable dining collection and innovative beverage program to Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. With 20 first-of-its-kind food and beverage concepts on property, Sunseeker Resort’s dining experience will offer guests a decorative culinary adventure. With 600+ food and beverage team members, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor will cultivate the largest culinary team on the Southwest Coast of Florida. “With a team of over 600 we will ensure that every guest has the options they should expect at a destination resort, and even some surprises along the way,” says Sunseeker Resort President and Chief Operating Officer Micah Richins. “The culinary experience is a core foundation of our resort and we know how important it is for travelers. We sought out to build something truly unique to the market and hospitality industry.” Hotel guests will be able to experience a lineup of seven stand-alone restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, two poolside offerings and the 25,000-square-foot Harbor Yards Fool Hall. The waterfront resort will showcase fine and casual dining options with everything one could imagine including a modern steakhouse, traditional trattoria-style Italian restaurant, coastal Mexican restaurant, expansive sports bar, a full-scale in-house bakery, a dedicated banquet kitchen and much more. The 11 bar and lounge areas on property feature a robust wine program with a selection of internationally acclaimed fine wines, modern cocktails, local beer and tropical libations which are the finishing touches to the resortdriven elevated dining experience available.

Kinderhook Raw Bar & Co., located in Harbor Yards Food Hall, offers fresh oysters, cracked crab, fish and shellfish

Embrace Caribbean island time at Half Cracked Tiki Shack

Waterside Table is situated between our tropical pool oasis and the coastal views of Charlotte Harbor

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor’s One-of-a-Kind Culinary Portfolio List • Maury’s Steak, Seafood & Spirits • Stretto Coastal Italian Table • Blue Lime Modern Coastal Mexican • Allegiant Stadium Sports Table Tap • Waterside Table Restaurant + Bar • Half Cracked Tiki Shack • Level Blue Rooftop Pool Bar & Bites • Reflections Pool & Bar • Harbor Yards Food Hall

nonstoplife

15


Pools

Sunseeker Resort will offer guests some of the finest amenities on Florida’s Gulf Coast including two expansive and breathtaking pool experiences which will cater to those looking to relax while enjoying the coastal surroundings. These pools welcome guests to a world of unparalleled indulgence where the sun-drenched skies meet the sparkling waters of Charlotte Harbor. Adjacent to the hotel, the Reflections Pool & Bar will be perfect for all ages and set to be the largest pool in Southwest Florida at 117,000 square feet. This ground-level ultraluxe resort-style oasis will offer breathtaking bayside views of Charlotte Harbor with lounge chair seating and private cabanas alongside the scenic harborside promenade. Guests can order refreshing cocktails and small bites with delivery directly to their seats as they soak up the sun or enjoy a full meal at Waterside Table only steps away. Whether future guests are looking to make a splash or cool off from the Florida heat, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor will offer something for everyone. For those looking for privacy, the 21,000-square-foot Level Blue rooftop pool will be the ultimate adults-only place for exclusive relaxation. Situated 127 feet up, this exclusive spot will be an adult oasis that offers 360-degree sunset views where guests can sip on refreshing cocktails or savor fresh sushi and cold salads available to hotel guests with a daily pool pass. Visitors will be able to decompress after a long day in the heated spa available for those relaxing at Level Blue. This sanctuary is truly where

Enjoy breathtaking sunset views from 127 feet up at Level Blue, adults-only, rooftop pool

Level Blue is the largest rooftop pool in Florida perched 127 feet up holding 127,000 gallons of water privacy and rejuvenation go hand in hand. Sunseeker Resort’s pools are not only a place to swim; they are a place for renewal, connection and enjoyment. These spaces embody a poolside oasis and offer an unparalleled experience for guests. Whether guests are seeking a tranquil escape, a social scene or a family-friendly vacation, Sunseeker’s pools provide the perfect setting for unforgettable moments. Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is set to become one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after wedding, meetings and events destinations. Easily situated close to five airports (PGD, RSW, SRQ, PIE, and TPA) and accessible to Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota, Sunseeker Resort offers the perfect combination of versatility and leisure for groups of all sizes. For groups looking to fly directly into Punta Gorda, Allegiant Air’s private charters are available from any U.S. airport for easy access to Sunseeker Resort.

Order a frozen cocktail or small bite delivered chair-side at Reflections Pool 16

nonstoplife


The Great Egret main ballroom is a 15,000-square-foot space lined with floor-to-ceiling windows and is the ideal atmosphere for flawless meetings

Meetings, Social Gatherings & Events From intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations, Sunseeker Resort will offer event spaces that provide the perfect setting to impress all of your guests and accommodate gatherings of any size. With 20 unique food & beverage concepts, the options for private dining events are endless. Whether you are looking to host a relaxed outdoor brunch or an elegant fourcourse plated dinner, you can rest assured that your experience will be first-rate and tailored to all your needs.

As one of the largest convention spaces in the West Coast of Florida, the 60,000 sq ft event space will encompass the main ballroom, junior ballroom, two executive boardrooms, 12 meeting rooms and an Ideation Suite with three separate breakout rooms. From small, intensive work sessions or intimate events to major corporate summits for hundreds, the indoor and outdoor space features state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, dramatic lighting capabilities, and high-resolution digital displays optimized for hybrid meetings. With 22-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the spectacular views of Charlotte Harbor and a chef de cuisine preparing dishes in a dedicated banquet kitchen to the highest culinary standard, Sunseeker Resort offers a dynamic environment that allows groups the opportunity to customize and create their own unique event experience.

Meeting rooms can be set up classroom style which includes natural light and state-of-the-art AV tech to enhance the learning experience

Boardrooms and Breakouts with the ideal mix of privacy, flexibility and convenience

An Ideation Suite intentionally designed to spur communication and collaboration

nonstoplife

17


Activities & Things To Do Port Charlotte on Florida’s Gulf Coast showcases Florida’s quieter, more laid-back side, away from the glitz and glamour of the East Coast. Take a break from the usual and explore the variety of attractions in this stunning waterfront paradise. The resort is just across the bridge from historic Punta Gorda, within easy reach of Fort Myers and Sarasota as well as attractions such as Englewood Beach, Little Gasparilla Island, Cabbage Key and Captiva Island. Nearby beaches include Port Charlotte Beach Park (10 minutes away), Stump Pass Beach State Park (40 minutes away), Blind Pass Beach (45 minutes away) and Manasota Key/Englewood Beach (45 minutes away). Local attractions and activities include a visit to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, an iconic 19th century sight on Gasparilla Island, taking a sunset cruise to enjoy sunsets over Charlotte Harbor, catching the Tampa Bay Rays at a Spring Training Game, kayaking over 50 routes throughout Charlotte Harbor, fishing in the tarpon fishing capital of the world, biking the Cape Haze Pioneer trail, experiencing the beauty of the surrounding wildlife on a nature tour and more. Hotel guests are also welcome to visit Aileron, a championship-level golf course designed by renowned architect Kipp

18

nonstoplife

Take in scenic views of Port Charlotte while paddleboarding

Boca Grande Light House, Gasparilla Island

Schulties. Exclusive to hotel guests, this course is available for daily tee-times and features a stunning clubhouse that rounds out the experience and offers merchandise that can only be purchased on-site. With five nearby airports - Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota — and located just off the Tamiami Trail, it is as easy to get to as it is hard to leave.


Employment/Recruitment Sunseeker Resort will be recruiting for over 1,200 positions at all levels of opportunity within multiple career fields including hotel services, housekeeping, restaurant servers, chefs, kitchen workers, warehouse operators, engineers and more. The CEO of Allegiant Travel Company John Redmond, along with the President of Sunseeker Resorts Micah Richins, recently announced an innovative $100,000 retention bonus and benefits program for eligible full-time employees of Sunseeker Resort. Employees eligible for the retention bonus program include full-time hourly or select entry-level salaried employees hired by Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor either before the resort’s opening or within the first 30-days after the resort’s planned fall opening. Once an eligible employee satisfies the service requirement, the eligible team member will begin receiving annual installment payments of $10,000 per year for 10 years, subject to applicable tax withholding requirements. Set to be the new marquee destination in Florida, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor will also offer a variety of unique benefits to their team members including free flights on Allegiant Air to numerous destinations throughout the U.S. for full-time team members and their eligible family members. In addition, medical, dental and vision plans with industry leading partners, competitive in-market compensation, work/ life flexibility and paid time-off opportunities, continuing education benefits, career-path planning and growth opportunities, special team member & partnership rewards, friends & family travel discounts and more are offered. Employees will also receive retirement, financial & life planning options that include the ability to participate in a 401(k) plan that currently offers company matching contributions, flexible spending account options, employee stock purchase plan program opportunities and more. sunseekerresorts.com

Harbor Yards Food Hall

Lorelei Natural Beauty & Wellness

Sunsuites Porte-Cochère

The resort will employ over 1,200 hospitality workers in Southwest Florida

nonstoplife

19


(941) 621-6046

front er

Dining

Wat

Lu

ry Sui xu

tes

out &b i

es qu

shops

(941) 639-8721

charte

Punta Gorda's premier waterfront destination! 1200 W Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL FISHERMENSVILLAGE.COM

ls ta

& Ren rs


COME MEET OUR ANIMALS!

TOUR OUR WILDLIFE CENTER Over 100 wild animals on educational display

Open to the public daily 11AM-4PM Show your support and shop our online store prwcstore.org

No fee to enter

Donations greatly appreciated and go to the care of wildlife. 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy., Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 Ponce de Leon Park

prwildlife.org | (941) 637-3830 We’re just 2.5 miles from Fishermen’s Village!


Southwest Florida's Irish Pub in beautiful historic downtown Punta Gorda

Only five minutes from PGD

-42 Taps-Full Liquor Bar-Live Entertainment Thursday thru SundayOpen 11am-1am Full Homemade Menu [available 11am-midnight] [ every day of the year ]

2 Tier Beer Garden & Outdoor Bar

esd

a

y

New

Tu very

Ic e l a

n dic C o d Fis h & C hi 145 E. Marion Avenue Punta Gorda, FL. 33950 [941] 916-9115 celticray.net curry

of the week e

ps


nonstop SRQ

sarasota

SARASOTA, NATURALLY See Sarasota’s wild side By Sean Davies

The beautiful state parks of Sarasota are perfect for outdoor excursions. With varied ecosystems home to endangered species, there’s always something to discover when exploring the wild side of Sarasota.

Photos courtesy of visitsarasota.com

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK The Myakka River, Florida’s first state-designated wild river, flows through 58 miles of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands that make up Myakka River State Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in the state. The state park is easy to explore in a number of ways. Canoes, kayaks, and bikes are available for rent at the Outpost, the state park’s main place for snacks and supplies. The kayaks are all single-occupant boats better suited for solo paddlers, while each canoe can hold up to three adults or two adults and two children. For any of the boats, the cost is $20 for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour, and there is a $50 deposit that Story continued on page 24

Canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park nonstoplife

23


Kayaking in Sarasota is always picturesque

is refunded when the boat is returned. Life jackets and paddles/oars are provided. In addition to single bicycles, tandem bicycles and children’s bicycles are also available to rent, and helmets are provided. The camp store also offers a wide assortment of grocery items, camping supplies, ice, firewood and fishing gear for purchase. The Pink Gator Cafe attached to the Outpost serves a variety of food like sandwiches, wraps, hotdogs and more, as well as popular sides such as onion rings and jalapeno poppers. It is famous for delicious fresh homemade offerings, especially the alligator stew and seafood gumbo. Motorized excursions are also available, as Myakka River State Park hosts boat and tram

24

nonstoplife

tours every day, weather permitting. Led by knowledgeable staff, the tour leads visitors out into the diverse natural landscape to educate visitors about the flora and fauna that define the local ecosystem. LEGACY TRAIL The 12-mile bicycle trail from Venice to Sarasota connects to some of Sarasota County’s beautiful parks, beaches, waterways and community gardens. Bikes, skateboards, roller blades and even dogs are welcome! Wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, songbirds, butterflies and an occasional otter can all be seen on a stroll along the trail. In addition to 15 rest areas and seven trailheads with free parking, the Legacy Trail also connects to Oscar Scherer State Park.


OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK With 15 miles of trails, Oscar Scherer State Park is a popular stop for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail. The park is an invaluable location for local wildlife and has played a huge part in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. It’s also an amazing place to see bald eagles, which nest within its boundaries in the winter.

Photos courtesy of visitsarasota.com

South Creek, which runs through the park, is a great spot for canoeing and kayaking. Guided paddles take guests on a journey that winds through the whole park. Talented tour guides lead a program that covers the estuarine critters, mangroves and the park’s history. Since South Creek is a tidal estuary, water may sometimes be too shallow for paddling. Thankfully, guided walks along South Creek are also offered, just in case. Oscar Scherer’s interpretive nature center is located adjacent to Lake Osprey, a short walk over the bridge from the campground. The small gift shop has trail maps, program brochures and local highlights to aid adventurers in getting the most out of their excursions. Realistic dioramas with some of the park’s fascinating wildlife and programs about the local area, park history and wildlife add even more context to the trip. visitsarasota.com

Both Myakka River and Oscar Scherer state parks offer kayaking and canoeing

Hike along the river at Myakka River State Park

Families often enjoy kayaking and canoeing at Sarasota’s state parks

nonstoplife

25


FOREVER IN BLOOM Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrates half a century of breathtaking beauty By Heather Turk

Boasting two beautiful bayfront sanctuaries that connect people with the air plants of the world and native nature, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers guests a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Sarasota.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytes or air plants

The gardens’ 15-acre downtown Sarasota campus is the world’s most biodiverse botanical garden per acre. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the campus features a variety of gardens and habitats displaying tropical and subtropical plants from around the world. Meanwhile, the gardens’ 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus is one of the largest waterfront preserves showcasing native Florida plants that is open to and interpreted for the public. Visitors also can explore 5,000 years of Florida history while strolling through the picturesque campus. “Each of our two campuses is truly a bayfront sanctuary,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ president and CEO. “When first-time visitors get into the heart of either campus, many say, ‘I had no idea this was here.’ And then, when they get their first water view, they’re sold!” 26

nonstoplife

Did You Know: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ two campuses were established by forward-thinking women of their time: Sarasota resident and gardener Marie Selby and Chicago businesswoman Bertha Palmer.


nonstop SRQ

sarasota

The breathtaking bay view from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus

Currently in the midst of a $92 million Master Plan project that will eventually include a new hurricane-resilient greenhouse complex and the restoration of the historic Payne Mansion (which serves as the Museum of Botany & the Arts), the gardens’ downtown campus is scheduled to open Phase One of its transformative project in November. In addition to creating a more welcoming experience for guests, Phase One will debut the world’s first net positive-energy botanical garden complex and restaurant.

A rendering of the downtown Sarasota campus’ new Welcome Center, opening this fall

Photos courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Guests can explore structures from Florida’s pioneer years at the Historic Spanish Point campus

Stroll through philanthropist Bertha Palmer’s beautifully preserved gardens at the Historic Spanish Point campus

“Visitors will be greeted by a state-of-theart Welcome Center, which will create a stunning entry to the gardens,” Rominiecki stated. “Then, they will have a muchimproved orientation experience, thanks to a new Welcome Gallery and orientation film. They will also be able to dine at our garden-to-plate restaurant, where meals will include produce and herbs grown right on the restaurant’s roof. The improvements also will provide new windows into Selby Gardens’ hidden treasures, which include the best scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads anywhere.” Fall also marks the return of the downtown campus’ Orchid Show. Part of the gardens’ rotating schedule of dynamic exhibitions, the annual showcase features the plant family for which Selby Gardens is most famous. The 2023 Orchid Show will take place Oct. 7 through Nov. 26. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus and Historic Spanish Point campus are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While separate admission tickets are required for each campus, visitors can book a daylong boat tour that includes access to both sites as well as lunch. Guided walking tours can also be booked in advance, including a cool carnivorous plant tour at the downtown campus where guests can feed some of the plants. selby.org nonstoplife

27


Discover Southwest Florida’s Historic Gem!

VISIT TODAY

Edison’s and Ford’s Winter Homes 20 Acres of Botanical Gardens Thomas Edison’s Laboratory 15,000-Square-Foot Museum

OPEN DAILY 9:00 a.m. TO 5:30 p.m.

SEASONAL EVENTS

Garden Festivals Holiday Nights Light Show Riverfront Concerts 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, Florida 33901 239.334.7419 EdisonFord.org

TT'S TIKI BAR PUNTA GORDA

ORDER VIP TICKETS TODAY!

TT'S

TIKI BAR CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BEHIND THE FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PUNTA GORDA HARBORSIDE IN DOWNTOWN PUNTA GORDA

Event Hosting Available (up to 500 ppl)

LIVE CONCERTS WEDDINGS/BANQUETS WATERFRONT LOCATION HAND CRAFTED COCKTAILS & DELICIOUS FOOD

CONTACT US

+941-637-6770 WWW.TTSPG.COM


Dine for a cause during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining event Sept. 1 through Oct. 1. Diners can savor specially priced prix-fixe menus at some of Orlando’s best restaurants — including MICHELIN Guide honorees — with $1 from each meal donated to charity. magicaldining.com

Photo courtesy of Come Out with Pride

Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny comes to Sanford Oct. 6 through 15 when the hit Broadway musical “Mary Poppins” flies into The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center for seven supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performances. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, with an additional 2 p.m. performance Oct. 14. ritztheatersanford.com Expected to attract more than 200,000 guests, the Come Out with Pride Festival takes over Lake Eola Park in Orlando Oct. 21. The familyfriendly event is the largest single-day event in Central Florida and will include a parade in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. comeoutwithpride.org Comedian Anthony Jeselnik’s Bones and All Tour stops by Hard Rock Live Orlando Nov. 16 for two hysterical performances. Show times are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. hardrock.com/live/locations/orlando

ORLANDO/SANFORD

SFB

nonstop

Come Out with Pride Festival

29


Make Every Day a Vacation

Step into sunshine at Lennar of Southwest Florida, where resort-style living awaits you along the Gulf coast from Naples to Sarasota. Whether you’re a full-time or seasonal resident, we have the perfect home for you! A distinctive feature of Lennar® is the opportunity to live within a community where Everything’s Included® in your new Lennar® home! We simplify your home buying experience so you can enjoy the most desired smart home technology, energyconscious features, modern interiors, and exteriors, plus lifestyle amenities, without the surprise of upgrade fees. Everything your new home needs is simply included! Find your dream home in Southwest Florida today. Visit Lennar.com | Call 239-208-6417 or 877-45-LENNAR today!

Best Homebuilder

Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Sq. ft./acreage/dimensions is estimated; actual sq. ft./acreage/dimensions will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. Maps are not to scale and are for relative location purposes only. Lennar does not guarantee the availability of homes within the price ranges above. Price subject to change without notice. Site plans, community maps and/or aerial photos are conceptual in nature and are merely an artist’s rendition. They are solely for illustrative purposes, should never be relied upon, and are subject to change. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2023 Lennar Corporation, Lennar, the Lennar logo, WCI, the WCI logo, Everything’s Included and the Everything’s Included logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. LENNAR HOMES LLC CBC038894 and CGC1523282. LENNAR REALTY INC (CQ1013633) 07/23.


nonstop

Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights is always a scream

SFB

orlando

FRIGHTFUL FUN IN

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Halloween events sure to bewitch boys, ghouls and adults alike

Photo of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort; Happy P. Leu Gardens’ Haunting Nights party courtesy of Memoir Agency

By Heather Turk

Halloween isn’t just celebrated Oct. 31 anymore — especially in Central Florida. Several parks in the Orlando area go all-out for the spooktacular holiday, hosting frightfully fun events Halloween fans of all ages won’t want to miss. One of the area’s most popular Halloween events is already in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicked off in Aug. at the Magic Kingdom Park and continues select dates through Nov. 1. The separately ticketed nighttime event lets guests not only go trick-or-treating at locations throughout the legendary theme park, but also see some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best. Additionally, visitors can enjoy spellbinding entertainment like “Mickey’s Boo-toYou Halloween Parade,” “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” hosted by Jack Skellington and the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” starring the Sanderson Sisters. disneyworld.disney.go.com/ events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scaryhalloween-party

Get your fright on at Happy P. Leu Gardens’ Haunting Nights party

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is another family favorite during the Halloween season. Families will be screaming with excitement during the Winter Haven Story continued on page 32 nonstoplife

31


Monstrous fun awaits at LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party!

attraction’s annual Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party! event, which returns select nights in Sept. and Oct. Included with valid theme park admission, the event promises to cast a spell over guests with more surprises than ever before, including thrilling meet and greets with LEGO Monster characters, eerily entertaining live shows, spooky LEGO decorations and lots of Halloween candy! legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/seasonalevents/brick-or-treat Families who visit the 110-acre Gatorland theme park in Orlando can enjoy its all-ages Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event with park admission, too. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 through 29, the daytime event returns for its fifth year with new haunt zones like the “Frightful Frontier” — an Old West town populated with cursed cowboys — a children’s Halloween costume parade, fun shows and amazing animal meet and greets. Visitors can even learn more about the origins of everyone’s favorite haunted holiday at Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum and hop aboard the Cryptid Express to seek out hidden beasties like the Florida Skunk Ape. gatorland.com For brave souls age 13 or older who really want to get their scare on, Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 32nd year on Sept. 1. Terrifying guests for a record-breaking 44 nights through Oct. 31, the separately ticketed event brings guests’ worst nightmares to life as they step inside 10 allnew movie-quality haunted houses — including 32

nonstoplife

SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream spectacular proves you’re never too old to get into the Halloween spirit

houses themed after USA and SYFY’s hit series “Chucky” and PlayStation’s post-pandemic video game “The Last of Us.” Visitors can also navigate five sinister scare zones throughout the theme park, each filled with hordes of scare actors on the prowl, and enjoy live entertainment. universalorlando.com/hhn SeaWorld Orlando’s third annual HowlO-Scream spectacular offers thrill seekers another bone-chilling experience. Running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 8 through Oct. 8, Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 12 through 29 and Oct. 30 and 31, the separately ticketed nighttime event is intended for a mature audience and boasts five bars, seven scare zones, five haunted houses and three shows. Returning favorites include the Sirens’ Last Call, Tormented, Poison Grotto and Longshoremen Tavern bars, the Blood Beckoning haunted house and the “Monster Stomp” show. Guests can also venture inside four new haunted houses: Delerium666 Laboratories, Beneath the Ice – The Meltdown, Captain’s Revenge – Drowned in Darkness and Dead Vines – N’awlins Nightmare. For even more screams, four of the theme park’s thrilling roller coasters will remain open throughout the event, including the all-new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster that launches riders 110 feet into the air at 60


Photo of LEGOLAND courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida Resort; SeaWorld courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando; pumpkin tunnel courtesy of Memoir Agency; parade by Courtney Keifer; Gatorland courtesy of Gatorland

miles per hour. seaworld.com/Orlando/events/ howl-o-scream One of Orlando’s best-kept secrets is getting into the Halloween spirit as well with two all-new immersive experiences. The beautiful 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens near downtown Orlando has partnered with the same team behind its Dazzling Nights holiday event to replace its old-fashioned ghost storytelling event, “Haunting Tales,” with two separately ticketed events: Happy Frights and Haunting Nights. Happening select dates Sept. 29 through Oct. 31, Happy Frights offers guests an early evening family-friendly Halloween adventure. Visitors will meet a dancing bridge troll, explore a neon-light maze, climb up a giant hay pyramid, encounter a ghost pirate and more while visiting eight trick-or-treat stations along the way. Meanwhile, Haunting Nights takes place in the forests of Harry P. Leu Gardens after the sun goes down and is intended for guests age 13 or older. Visitors can enjoy fantastic fall-themed food and beverages during the artful Halloween party — along with a few minor jump scares. halloweeninthegarden.com With so many exciting events to choose from, Central Florida visitors can easily turn Halloween into a two-month celebration!

A rendering of an illuminated pumpkin tunnel at Harry P. Leu Gardens’ Happy Frights event

See your favorite characters from the Haunted Mansion come to life during “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event is fun for all ages nonstoplife

33


$10 off

CODE: SUNSEEKER

BUCKET LIST ITEM | TOP 3 THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA

Beach Horseback Rides Come experience horse surfing, skiing and swimming with our rescue horses. You might even spot a dolphin, manatee and plenty more sea life! Ages 3 and up | All experience levels | Cantering down the beach for experienced riders

www.FloridaBeachHorses.com | 941-527-9621

Florida Beach Horses


nonstop SFB

A TRUE ‘WALK’ OF ART Go for a picturesque stroll along the Sanford Sculpture Walk

orlando

The Sanford Sculpture Walk was thoughtfully designed to complement its surrounding environment and add a touch of beauty to the city

By Heather Turk

Already known as one of the most picturesque places in Florida to watch a sunset, the Sanford RiverWalk is now more breathtaking than ever thanks to the recent addition of the Sanford Sculpture Walk.

Photo of sculptures courtesy of City of Sanford

The perfect complement to the many resources the Sanford RiverWalk has to offer — including fishing, boating, picnicking and a children’s playground and splash pad — the Sanford Sculpture Walk was unveiled to the public last April. Boasting five original sculptures by Massachusetts metal sculptor Dale Rogers that range between 5 and 11 feet tall, the permanent outdoor art exhibit seamlessly blends art with nature. Located on the southern shore of Lake Monroe and extending into Paulucci Park, the Sanford Sculpture Walk takes pedestrians approximately 30 minutes to walk to each piece. As visitors stroll along the one-of-a-kind attraction, they will see such stunning pieces by Rogers as “3 Cardinals in a Tree” — a COR-TEN steel tree sculpture adorned with three bright red cardinals that captures the essence of Sanford’s love for nature and wildlife. “Dog and Cat” is another favorite, highlighting the city’s love for pets and animals by showcasing a COR-TEN steel dog with a COR-TEN steel cat on its back.

Rogers’ “Dragonfly” sculpture symbolizes transformation and change

Rogers’ works are joined by a sixth sculpture — a 14-foot-tall, threedimensional chainsaw art piece by tree artist Mark Rice that highlights some of the wildlife visitors might see along St. Johns River — located in front of the Civic Center. The City of Sanford’s Public Art Commission plans to continue to add more sculptures by various artists to the Sanford Sculpture Walk in the future and is continuously adding art wraps to the Sanford RiverWalk’s utility boxes. Work also began on a 66-footlong floral mural painted on the Sanford RiverWalk’s shuffleboard building over the summer, further adding to the area’s natural and man-made beauty. sanfordfl. gov/government/communications-office/ public-art/sculpture-walk nonstoplife

35


WHEN SEA LIFE NEEDS NEW LIFE At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, we rescue, rehab and release sea life. You’ll be up close and personal with our animals, utterly enthralled by their beauty.


Kenny Loggins’ “This is It” farewell tour rocks Clearwater’s new outdoor waterfront concert venue, The Sound at Coachman Park, on Sept. 16. Celebrating a career that spans nearly six decades of hits, including “I’m Alright” and “Footloose,” the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. rutheckerdhall.com

Photo courtesy of Ruth Eckerd Hall

The 15th annual Baystar Clearwater Offshore Nationals takes place at Clearwater Beach Sept. 22 through 24. Spectators can enjoy multiple parties leading up to and following the 2.5-mile-long powerboat race Sunday, plus live entertainment and vendors Saturday. clearwaternationals.com Mural artists from across the globe will leave their mark on downtown St. Pete Oct. 13 through 22 when the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival returns for its ninth year. Guests can access a map online to find 14 new murals being painted throughout the area, as well as a series of community mural projects. stpeteartsalliance.org/shine-mural-festival Author Fran Lebowitz brings her sardonic social commentary to the Straz Center in Tampa Nov. 4 for “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz.” The event begins at 7:30 p.m. inside Ferguson Hall. strazcenter.org

ST PETE/CLEARWATER/TAMPA

PIE

nonstop

Kenny Loggins

37


FRESH OFF THE GRILL Dining hot spots in St. Pete/Clearwater

By Nancy Foster

Cabana’s Coastal Grill Combo

Warm sunshine, coastal breezes, sandy white beaches and fabulous sunsets are the main requisites for most vacationers in search of a relaxing getaway, and the St. Pete/Clearwater area checks all those boxes. Add in a fabulous dining experience at one of the many beach cafes, bistros, tiki huts and upscale restaurants, and a laid-back getaway becomes an even more memorable experience. Clearwater Beach visitors can easily choose a different spot each day and never go wrong. Several Frenchy’s restaurants are on the beach, all synonymous with great food and an ultra-casual setting. Arguably the most popular is beachside Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill with its come-as-you-are vibe, amazing Gulf views, affordable prices and friendly waitstaff. Their claim to fame is the WorldFamous Grouper Sandwich, and their icy craft beer pairs great with their fiery sunset views. frenchysonline.com Another must-try is the trendy Cabanas Coastal & Beachside Grill with relaxing water views and ultra-satisfying dishes. Cabanas Coastal Combo is a seafood feast bursting with grilled grouper, shrimp skewers, signature crabcake and house made sauces. Their cocktails, like the sassy Peach-on-theBeach, are guaranteed to quench any thirst. cabanasgrill.com 38

nonstoplife

Salmon Aurora at Columbia Restaurant

The Original Crabby Bill’s – Key West style shrimp, skewered and grilled with honey mustard and topped with pico


nonstop

Photos of shrimp courtesy of Crabby Bill’s Family Brands; salmon and snapper courtesy of Columbia Restaurant; Frenchy’s courtesy of Frenchy’s Online; steak courtesy of Sheraton Sand Key Resort; Mahi Mahi and Pompano courtesy of Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach

PIE

st. pete/clearwater

Snapper “Adelita” at Columbia Restaurant

On the Sand Key side of Clearwater Beach is Columbia Restaurant, a legendary Spanishthemed award-winner where the ambiance, intracoastal views and skilled waitstaff are surpassed only by an inventive menu that includes such favorites as Palomilla Steak and mouthwatering Snapper “Adelita”. columbiarestaurant.com Across the street in the Sheraton Sand Key Resort is Mainstay Tavern, a contemporary pub-style spot with an inventive menu. The rosemary-marinated New York Strip Steak is fork tender and bursting with flavor. Salad eaters can enjoy steak added as a topping to the nutritious SuperFood Salad with greens, berries and feta, or choose to top it with a grilled salmon instead. marriott.com/tpasi

Dine al fresco at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

The rosemary-marinated New York Strip Steak from Mainstay Tavern

A few miles south down the Gulf coast, Indian Rocks Beach is home to the Original Crabby Bill’s, an unpretentious favorite with an uptempo attitude. It’s the perfect place to kick back with a domestic, imported or craft beer while you await a heaping plateful of truly delicious Key West Style Shrimp, skewered and grilled with honey mustard. crabbybills.com Further south lies Tradewinds Resorts on St. Pete Beach and their signature restaurant, RumFish Grill. A breathtaking 33,500-gallon aquarium stages the background for exceptional culinary creations including sumptuous Blackened Mahi Mahi and Gulf Shrimp. rumfishgrill.com

Blackened Mahi Mahi and Gulf Shrimp at RumFish Grill

Photo xxxxxx

Florida Pompano (Gluten Free) at RumFish Grill

nonstoplife

39



nonstop PIE

Dunedin

Photo of Bicycle Boutique courtesy of Bicycle Boutique; ParrotDise Express Boat Tours by Chris Price

Cruise around Dunedin on a bicycle rental from Bicycle Boutique

THE PERFECT COASTAL ESCAPE Delightful Dunedin has it all By Heather Turk

Whether your ideal vacation destination offers plenty of recreational activities or some much-needed relaxation, the charming coastal town of Dunedin has something for everyone to enjoy. Located along Florida’s West Coast, Dunedin offers travelers an array of big-city amenities while still maintaining its quaint, small-town feel. The diverse destination is home to two of Florida’s most beautiful state parks: Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. Boasting nearly 5 miles of beach to explore along with a 3-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, Honeymoon Island offers visitors an escape from the bustle of city life. Guests can go swimming, fishing, shelling and hiking, as well as look for wildlife. Eagles, osprey and great horned owls are often

Soak up a stunning Florida sunset on an excursion with ParrotDise Express Boat Tours

spotted flying overhead, while gopher tortoises, raccoons and armadillos are frequently seen on land. floridastateparks. org/honeymoonisland Honeymoon Island also serves as the ferry terminal for access to Caladesi Island. Accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island is one of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast. Visitors can stroll along its pristine beaches, walk down a nature trail while listening to the ocean breeze whisper through old-growth slash pines and even rent a kayak to go paddling through a Story continued on page 42 nonstoplife

41


Honeymoon Island with a view of Caladesi Island to the right

bayside mangrove forest. floridastateparks. org/parks-and-trails/caladesi-island-state-park ParrotDise Express Boat Tours offer guests another exciting way to experience the area’s waters. Departing daily from Dunedin Marina, the excursion company offers a variety of tours through the Gulf of Mexico, including snorkeling and shelling adventures. Its most popular tour, however, is its 150-minute Sunset Dolphin Tour aboard the custom-built, 34-passenger ParrotDise Express I monohull. The excursion not only lets passengers enjoy some leisurely sightseeing while learning about the history of the area, but also includes unlimited drinks — with beer and wine available for adults. In addition to seeing dolphins year-round, manatees, sea turtles and pelicans are often spotted on voyages during the fall months. parrotdiseexpress.com Recreation lovers will be delighted to know that the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail — a linear trail extending from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs — runs through downtown Dunedin as well. Guests can bike, walk, skate or jog down the paved trail, which has a multitude of unique restaurants, bars and shops to stop at along the way. One of the best ways to explore the 47-mile-long trail is by renting a bicycle at downtown Dunedin’s Bicycle Boutique, which has a fleet of e-bikes and cruiser bicycles available to rent by the hour, day or week. All rentals come with a front basket to hold purchases made around town as well as a comfortable Cloud 9 bicycle seat upgrade, not to mention the use of a helmet 42

nonstoplife

Bicycle Boutique’s Glow Bike rentals are a great idea for bachelor and bachelorette parties

Dunedin Brewery is one of Dunedin’s most popular places to enjoy live music

Paddlers love kayaking the Caladesi Island kayak trail

and bike lock. The woman-owned bicycle accessory and rental shop is the only place in the Tampa Bay area to offer Glow Bike rentals, too. Available Friday and Saturday night, the bikes’ illuminated frames, wheels and baskets provide visitors with a fun way to explore the town safely after sundown. bicycleboutiqueoutpost.com For beer aficionados, Dunedin has several


Photo of Honeymoon Island courtesy of Honeymoon Island State Park; bibycles courtesy of Bicycle Boutique; Dunedin Brewery by Hunter Davis; kayak courtesy of Caladesi Island State Park; Wines the Blues festival by John Strojny; Downtown Dunedin and creamery by Isaac Wasilefsky; dolphins by Chris Price

Did You Know: Dunedin’s TD Ballpark is the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays? Baseball fans visiting the area in September can actually enjoy a Minor League Baseball game at the ballpark, as the Toronto Blue Jays’ Single-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays, will host their final home games of the season Sept. 5 through 10. craft breweries located within walking distance of one another, including Florida’s oldest microbrewery: Dunedin Brewery. Founded in 1996, the award-winning brewery features a draft list of 14 beers, with only six selections available year-round. A new beer is tapped every Friday, and there is a kitchen serving delicious coastal pub grub like Blackened Mahi Fish Tacos. In addition to having a large outdoor beer garden, Dunedin Brewery has a stage in its tasting room that regularly hosts free concerts. A vital part of Dunedin’s vibrant nightlife scene, the brewery has welcomed everyone from local musicians to Grammy Award-winning artists. Guests can catch several music acts performing during the brewery’s Oktobeerfest celebration Oct. 5 through 8, as well as the Weezer tribute band, Halloweezer, on Halloween. dunedinbrewery.com No stranger to hosting special events, downtown Dunedin will once again welcome its annual Wines the Blues festival on Nov. 11. For more than 30 years, the free music and wine festival has invited guests to enjoy a variety of vinos while savoring some of the region’s finest fare and listening to some of the best blues musicians around. Downtown Dunedin also recently relaunched its popular 2nd Fridays event. Not only can visitors shop at participating merchants during extended business hours from 5:30 until 8 p.m., but those who purchase a wristband for $10 will also be able to enjoy discounts at select merchants, unlimited wine samples and can enter to win prizes from local businesses. dunedinmerchants.com/ ddma-events For more information on everything Dunedin has to offer, visit dunedinfl.com.

Enjoy live music on multiple stages around downtown Dunedin during the Wines the Blues festival

Downtown Dunedin is widely regarded as the heart of the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

Downtown Dunedin’s plant-based ice cream shop, Chelsea’s Cashew Creamery, offers free vegan baked goods during 2nd Fridays

Since dolphins prefer the larger wake displaced by monohulls versus pontoon-style boats, sightings are common on ParrotDise Express’ dolphin-watching tours nonstoplife

43



nonstop PIE

ST. PETE/CLEARWATER Ahoy matey! Prepare for pirate adventure on the Royal Conquest

MARVELOUS MADEIRA BEACH A beautiful beach town home to alligators, pirates, grouper and more

Photo of Royal Conquest by Jerry Bell; Grouper by Misty Wells Let’s Take it Outside; Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf courtesy of Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf / Madeira Beach, Florida

By Gabriele Walkow

Madeira Beach is the Grouper Capital of the World

Madeira Beach is a Gulf of Mexico gem located south of Clearwater and Tampa and just west of St. Petersburg. Sporting sun, sand, sea and fantastic fishing, Madeira Beach is packed with fun-in-the-sun for all travelers. Historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, is home to a colorful collection of buildings with over 100 unique shops, bars, restaurants, watersports outfitters and a 1,100-foot boardwalk. The village and boardwalk are perfect for strolling about, picking up a special souvenir, grabbing a cold brew or digging into the fresh catch of the day. Hubbard’s Marina, Hawaiian-style Florida Tiki Tours and other tour operators offer dolphin sightseeing, snorkeling and shelling excursions, boat rentals, fishing charters, sunset cruises, parasailing and jet skiing. Or for swashbuckling adventures, the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship hosts an authentic pirate cruise filled with family fun. John’s Pass Park, with Madeira Beach’s stunning two-mile-long stretch of soft, white sand, is located directly across Gulf Boulevard. Madeira Beach and its enchanting clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and sunbathing. For an adventure of another kind, the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center nearby is open

Golf with live gators at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

365 days a year, inviting guests to get up close and personal with alligators in their own habitat. Visitors can also see exotic birds, mammals and reptiles from around the world. And at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, guests can golf with live gators! The 18 holes of adventure-style golf navigates visitors through pirate ships, caves, waterfalls and around live alligators that can be fed using cane fishing poles. Having access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway, fishing is the primary sport activity on Madeira Beach. In fact, so much grouper is brought into John’s Pass that Madeira Beach is the Grouper Capital of the World. Maybe that’s why the Annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival is celebrating its 42nd year from Jan. 19-21, 2024. This popular celebration of fresh seafood attracts as many as 130,000 visitors. visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-west/ madeira-beach nonstoplife

45



nonstop PIE

TAMPA

A THRIVING PIECE OF

MOVIE HISTORY Tampa Theatre is a timeless treasure

By Heather Turk

While many movie theaters are struggling to attract audiences in the streaming era, one of America’s best preserved movie palaces — Tampa Theatre — continues to be one of Tampa’s hottest tickets. “As our CEO, John Bell, likes to joke, Tampa Theatre has survived the Great Depression, World War II, all seven ‘Police Academy’ movies and — most recently — a global pandemic,” said Jill Witecki, Tampa Theatre’s vice president and director of marketing.

Photos courtesy of Tampa Theatre

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, part of Tampa Theatre’s resilience can be credited to its diverse programming. Witecki noted that the opulent theater opens its doors more than 700 times a year not only to screen new and classic movies, but also host live shows, special events and behindthe-scenes tours.

Tampa Theatre has been named one of the most beautiful theaters in the world by the Motion Picture Association

beloved films as “The Greatest Showman” and Disney’s animated masterpiece “The Little Mermaid.” Fall also marks the return of Tampa Theatre’s 11th annual A Nightmare on Franklin Street series. From Oct. 13 through 31, guests not only can see such classic horror films as 1978’s “Halloween” and creepy cult favorites as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” back on the big screen, but also learn more about the theater’s ghostly guests and eternal employees on a Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour, see the Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria perform and more. Several other notable acts will grace Tampa Theatre’s stage this fall, too, including comedians Michelle Wolf and Taylor Tomlinson.

September actually marks the highly anticipated return of Tampa Theatre’s September Sing-Along Sundays, where audiences are invited to sing along to such

“Whether you are a history buff, a cinephile or just looking for a cool way to spend a hot Florida afternoon, I guarantee we have something on the schedule that will let you make a lasting memory and take home a little piece of Tampa’s history,” Witecki concluded. tampatheatre.org

Witecki said Tampa Theatre offers guests an “authentic visit to a majestic movie palace”

See Phantasmagoria bring to life haunting works of historic literature and poetry during A Nightmare on Franklin Street

nonstoplife

47


O T E M O C L WE

! E S I D A PAR

ME R ENTERTAIN IE M E R P ’S A FLORID

NT RESORT

ay & Night Live Bands D ll Waterside Gri Oasis Tropical Pool s Luxury Room

77 800.237.84LV D

WB 619 S. GULFVIER BEACH TE A CLEARW OM SHEPHARDS.C


Stay & Celebrate with Us

The Best of St. Pete/Clearwater

2023 WINNER PALM PAVILION INN

#1 Best Boutique Lodging

Palm Pavilion Inn


727-573-3363 | 3665 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater, FL

Mon - Fri 11:30 - 9:00pm | Sat 5:00-9:30pm | Sunday 4:00 - 9:00pm Banquets | Catering | Live Entertainment urs, Fri & Sat | bascoms.com


nonstop VPS

destin/fort walton beach Hang with the locals and sip a margarita or two at Rockin Tacos

eat like a local Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s best kept foodie secrets By Gabriele Walkow

Photos of Rockin Tacos courtesy of Saltwater Restaurants, Inc.; Destin Brewery by Breeyen Scurto; Dewey Destin’s courtesy of Okaloosa County TDC

Destin-Fort Walton Beach serves up a diverse range of culinary options ranging from the freshest gulf-to-table seafood to mouthwatering steaks and barbecue. However, sometimes it’s fun to find those special hometown eateries and mix with the locals while savoring legendary fare. DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Offering three family-owned and operated restaurants, Dewey Destin’s original location nestled off Choctawhatchee Bay is a hidden gem. Guests order at the counter window before grabbing a seat on the dock, taking in the incredible bay view and enjoying the best seafood in town. The restaurant has grilled or fried fish, wild caught Gulf shrimp, soft shell crabs, sea scallops, tuna and oysters. Salads, grilled or fried chicken and hamburgers are other tempting choices. Fishers can have their fresh catch fried or grilled and served family style with a choice of two sides. destinseafood.com/seafood-restaurant DESTIN BREWERY With slogans like, “If you’re here, you’re local” and “We put the local, in local craft

Sample Destin Brewery’s thirst-quenching East Pass IPA, Emerald Coast Ultra Premium Lager and Don’t Hassle Me I’m Local (Blood Orange Blonde)

beer,” Destin’s premier microbrewery is a gathering place for family and friends. At this brewery and taproom, tucked away on Mountain Drive, they have brewed a line of award-winning, small batch beers that reflect the style, flavor and fun of Destin. Flagship beers include the Destin Ale, a light blonde ale popular with the beach and boating crowd; East Pass IPA, a lighter style IPA to complement beach, pool and golf course activities; and Bote Beer, a lower alcohol content IPA perfect for standup paddleboarding excursions. An extensive draft menu, convenienced by can, bottle and to-go options, refreshing hard seltzers, recurring seasonal beers, coveted limited releases and experimental batches round out the offerings. Story continued on page 52 nonstoplife

51


Soak up the fantastic view at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant

The simple but tasty food menu includes flatbread Pepperoni and Cheese Pizzas and Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs. destinbrewery.com

The popular Gator Tacos with a cold margarita at Rockin Tacos

Fun Fact: The first restaurant in Destin was opened in 1960 by Vernon “Bud” and Joyce La Fountain. Back then, a seafood platter cost just $2.50. Today, Destin is home to America’s largest fishing fleet and dozens of unique restaurants serving fresh Gulf to table cuisine. ROCKIN TACOS GRILL & TEQUILA BAR At The Boardwalk on beautiful Okaloosa Island, the locals hang at Rockin Tacos, home to fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine and an unbeatable Gulf view that goes well with a margarita. Serving south of the border flavors, Rockin Tacos’ appetizers include Mexican Street Corn, Table Side Guacamole and Rockin Nachos. The gigantic Blackened Shrimp Burrito comes highly recommended, as well as the unique Gator Tacos, which were featured on The Food Network. Other specialties include Crab N’ Shrimp enchiladas and Baja Fish Tacos. Guests can build their own amazing tacos too. With over 75 tequilas and house-infused handcrafted margaritas, every day feels like a fiesta! Margarita offerings include options such as the classic La Casa Margarita, the famous Rockin Rita and the spicy Jalapeño Rita. rockintacos.com

52

nonstoplife

Line up at the counter window at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy the sun, sand and sea with a Destin Brewery East Pass IPA


Explore

Blue Hole Falls

An experience full of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, history, and more. PLAN YOUR VISIT AT

TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COM


Fall in Love with Autumn At Dollywood By Sandra Chambers

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the perfect destination this fall. With cooler temps, mountain vistas and brilliant foliage, autumn is one of the most popular times to visit the theme park. Visitors will discover plenty of family-friendly activities, festivals, thrill rides, top-rated entertainment and delicious culinary offerings. One of the unique features of this 165-acre theme park is that it is surrounded by nature. In fact, when Dollywood was first planned, the natural beauty of the mountain landscape was considered a key attraction. Built right into a mountain, the theme park has a strict policy about not removing trees, so everything, including the rides, are built around

Hollywood Express Steam Engine

them. The park’s layout is easy to navigate as it’s divided into several different themed areas. If you’re a thrill seeker, head to Wildwood Grove, which is the location of Dollywood’s award-winning 10 coasters and other thrill rides. Craftsman Valley offers live demonstrations and crafts created by local Eastern Tennessee artisans and a Country Fairthemed area salutes an All-American summer activity and offers fun rides for the little ones in the family. The one thing you won’t want to miss is a ride aboard Dollywood’s authentic steam train, which will give you a great overview of the entire park. Dollywood is open mid-March through early January, and throughout the year, four festivals anchor Dollywood’s decor, activities and food. Spring welcomes the Flower and Food Festival, followed by the Smoky Mountain Summer Festival, the popular

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival 54

nonstoplife


A rendering of Heartsong Resort & Spa

Harvest Festival and to finish out the season, the Smoky Mountain Christmas. The upcoming Fall Festival takes place this year from Sept. 20-Oct. 30. This “not scary,” family-friendly celebration includes thousands of glowing and carved pumpkins throughout the park. Some of the massive pumpkins weigh between 800-1,500 lbs. each and come from growers across the East Coast. At night, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Hoot Owl Hollow feature carved pumpkins and a massive 14-foot-tall owl created with white pumpkins.

EXPLORE M O R E

Pidgeon forge, TN

TYS

property — Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort which is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Dollywood has garnered many awards over the years. It has been recognized as a topthree U.S. theme park in the country by USA Today and was TripAdvisor’s 2022 #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. dollywood.com Great Pumpkin LumiNights

Photos courtesy of The Dollywood Company

During the festival, Dollywood’s culinary team creates a cornucopia of harvest-themed foods. Just follow the delicious smells of smoked bratwursts, turkey legs, three-bean pumpkin chili and desserts like maple-pecanbacon funnel cakes and pumpkin spice churros. Be sure to purchase a tasting pass which allows you up to five festival foods for one low price. No festival is complete without awardwinning entertainment, and with more than 1,900 performances taking place both outdoors and indoors during the Harvest Festival, everyone is sure to discover some favorites. Dollywood Company is much more than just a theme park. It also includes a 35acre Splash Country water park and the DreamMore Resort and Spa. Currently the company is in the midst of a $500-milliondollar expansion that includes the Big Bear Mountain Coaster, the longest coaster at Dollywood, which opened in the spring of 2023. It also includes a second resort

Big Bear Mountain Coaster nonstoplife

55


ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Score a financial touchdown with Allegiant’s money-saving Football Fan Packages

By Heather Turk

The only domestic airline to offer game day packages, Allegiant lets customers save on their flight, hotel and football tickets when they bundle their purchase and book online through allegiantair.com/raiders. Each package not only includes a seat at a Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game, but also airfare and a two-night minimum stay at a 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel. Guests can pick which property they want to stay at from any of Allegiant’s hotel partners in Las Vegas as well as their preferred room type. Additionally, passengers will receive priority boarding on their Allegiant flights, confirmed seat assignments and be able to bring a complimentary carry-on bag and checked bag. “Allegiant is looking forward to another great season of football and we can’t wait to host some amazing teams here at Allegiant Stadium, including the most recent world champions — Kansas City,” said Sadie Morris, senior manager of partnership marketing 56

nonstoplife

for Allegiant Travel Company. “For the first time ever, Allegiant Stadium will also play host to Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Minneapolis and both New York teams. Allegiant already offers nonstop flights from each of these destinations to amazing cities across the nation, and now we can welcome their fans to our beautiful stadium in our hometown.” New for the 2023-2024 NFL season,

The 2023-2024 NFL season will be the third time Allegiant has offered Football Fan Packages to customers

Photos courtesy of Silver & Black

Football fans planning to see their favorite NFL team play at Allegiant Stadium this season will feel like a winner regardless of if their team wins or loses with the return of Allegiant’s popular Football Fan Packages.


las vegas, nv

LAS

EXPLORE M O R E

Allegiant’s Football Fan Packages offer a great selection of seats on the 200 level of Allegiant Stadium

Allegiant will also be offering Football Fan Packages that exclude airfare for anyone driving in to watch a game or any locals who want to make a staycation out of seeing the Las Vegas Raiders in action. Hotel and football ticket packages are available at allegiantair.com/hotelbooking that include stays at Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, New York-New York or Mandalay Bay, the last being a game day favorite since guests can easily walk to Allegiant Stadium from the resort. As always, everything purchased on allegiantair.com earns Allways Rewards points. Allegiant customers are encouraged to use their Allegiant World Mastercard when purchasing their Football Fan Package to earn even more points.

Allegiant Stadium is the home of the Las Vegas Raiders

Did You Know? In addition to the Las Vegas Raiders playing several games this fall at Allegiant Stadium, several other can’t-miss events will also take place at the venue, including P!nk’s Summer Carnival Stadium Tour Oct. 7.

Teams scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium this season include the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 24, the Green Bay Packers Oct. 9, the New England Patriots Oct. 15, the New York Giants Nov. 5, the New York Jets Nov. 12, the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 26, the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 10, the Los Angeles Chargers Dec. 14 and the Denver Broncos in January. Limited seats are available for each game, so be sure to book your Football Fan Package as soon as possible. allegiantair.com/raiders

Being a world-class destination, Las Vegas is a top choice for football fans to come watch their team play an away game nonstoplife

57



61 PILOT PATHWAYS 63 ALLEGIANT CARES 65 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

73 SIGNATURE SNACK PACKS 75 SIGNATURE COCKTAILS 75 SIGNATURE COMBOS 77 LIQUOR & MIXERS 77 BEER & SELTZER 79 WINE & SPARKLING 79 COFFEE & BEVERAGES

Photo by Brock Thoroughman

80 TRAVELER SAFETY

ALLEGIANT’S NEWEST LIVERY DESIGN

nonstop

71 SNACKS

FOR OUR PASSENGERS

66 ROUTE MAP

59


SPECIAL INFLIGHT OFFER

25,000 15,000 Bonus Points Offer Equal to $250 off a future Allegiant trip! Get a bonus offer for 15,000 points, plus an additional 10,000 points when you apply today! Ask your flight attendant for more details.

Complimentary Priority Check-in and Priority Boarding on Allegiant flights for you and everyone else on your itinerary when you present your Allegiant credit card. Earn 25,000 Bonus Points Get a bonus offer for 15,000 points, plus an additional 10,000 points when you apply today and make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening. That’s equal to $250 off a future Allegiant trip. One Free Beverage every time you fly Allegiant when you present your Allegiant credit card. Buy One, Get One Free Airfare Anytime you use your card to purchase a vacation package from Allegiant with 4 or more hotel nights or 7 or more rental car days on the same itinerary when you call Allegiant Member Services for booking.

3X

points on Allegiant purchases

2X

points on qualifying dining purchases

1X

1 point per $1 on all other purchases

No blackout dates. No destination restrictions. No minimum points redemption. Points don’t expire for cardholders.

Apply today! Ask your flight attendant how to apply now. This offer is unique to this ad. Our credit card offers may vary, and this offer may not be available elsewhere. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now. For more information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the card, refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. The Allegiant credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Contactless Symbol and Contactless indicator are trademarks owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.


nonstop G4 AAY

ALLEGIANT Careers

Want to fly in the very front row? Introducing the Altitude Pilot Pathway

The Altitude Pilot Pathway* based near Denver, Colorado is designed to prepare flight students and instructors to transition from flying training aircraft to heavy jets in as few as two and a half years. The Pathway pairs FAA Part 141 pilot training with customized courses and experiences to prepare you for pilot opportunities at Allegiant. “We are excited to partner with Spartan Education Group to create a proprietary pathway for cadets to train to become Allegiant pilots,” said Allegiant President Greg Anderson. “This partnership provides an important foundation that will allow us to introduce pilot candidates to the unique benefits of flying for Allegiant and support our plans for future growth.” McAir Aviation, owned by Spartan Education Group, LLC provides expertise in training that leverages modern learning practices, proprietary digital resources like the Altitude App, and advanced training content. To prepare for the responsibility of First Officer, Altitude incorporates facilitated leadership training using MaxKnowledge and Harvard ManageMentor. In order to immerse candidates in Allegiant’s unique culture and business model, the pathway affords cadets and CFIs the opportunity to interact with Allegiant executives and leaders. Spending casual time together can often create connections and provide real insights beyond routine recruitment activities.

“Allegiant is a leader in their class and has grown by innovating and connecting people, and Altitude reflects these same values,” said Rob Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group, LLC. “We are excited for the early immersion of the Altitude Pilot Pathway and how it modernizes pilot training.” The Altitude Pilot Pathway emphasizes accessibility as it seeks to reduce the financial barriers that many cadets face. Allegiant’s Loan Repayment Program can pay up to $50,000, direct to the lender, of student pilot training debt after three years of flying for Allegiant and meeting the airline’s performance standards. New and current students are invited to apply. For more information, visit AllegiantAltitudePilotPathway.com and learn how to get started on your pilot training journey. The Altitude Pilot Pathway (“Pathway”) is intended to provide Allegiant with a pipeline of prospective pilots. The Pathway is available to interested McAir Aviation students. Pathway terms and availability may be subject to change. McAir Aviation is not a party to any contract between Allegiant and the student. Pathway participants are not eligible to apply for employment as a pilot with Allegiant until logging additional flight hours after completing training. Employment and third-party certifications are not guaranteed. nonstoplife

61


app


nonstop G4 AAY

ALLEGIANT CareS

Inspiring Young Minds to Explore Aviation Careers Allegiant partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create aviation-inspired programming

By Andrew Porrello

Allegiant wants to help the next generation of aviators get excited and inspired by aeronautical sciences. We know the future of the industry depends on it! That’s why we announced a new partnership with Boys & Girls Club of America. In May, we pledged $1 million to the organization to develop aviation-inspired programming to reach youth across the country.

Additionally, the partnership includes a fundraising campaign to match donations made by individuals who make a new monthly pledge or increase a current pledge amount. Through this matching program, Allegiant plans to create twice the impact, all year long. This ensures kids at every stage of development have resources they need to succeed academically.

To celebrate the partnership, Allegiant hosted over 20 Club kids from ages 9 to 18 at their West Coast training center in Las Vegas. The kids got the unique opportunity to interact with pilots and other aviation professionals, tour the airline’s mock cabin trainer, and fly an Airbus flight simulator. The equipment is used to train Allegiant crew members before they begin flying with the airline.

Promoting STEM education with an emphasis on careers in the aeronautical sciences is one of our core pillars of corporate giving. The airline plans to host experiential activities and offer mentorship opportunities in multiple cities across the country. Through this partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Allegiant aims to engage children of all ages to empower and inspire them to pursue careers in aviation.

“Allegiant is committed to inspiring the next generation of young aviators and aircraft maintenance engineers,” said Keith Hansen, Allegiant’s SVP Government/Airport Affairs & Corporate Communications. “We know this industry has a unique way of captivating young minds and sparking curiosity. Allegiant’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America allows us to enhance our emphasis on STEM education and offer kids around the country experiential opportunities to view the world of aviation through a lens that may not otherwise be available to them.”

Please visit BGCA.org/monthly to learn more. nonstoplife

63


Bellingham

Appleton Grand Rapids Provo

Des Moines

Indianapolis

Las Vegas Los Angeles

Nashville

Flint

Allentown Pittsburgh

Cincinnati Knoxville

Asheville

Phoenix / Mesa Destin / Ft. Walton Beach

Savannah/Hilton Head

Austin

Orlando/Sanford Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Fort Myers / Punta Gorda

/jobs

Fort Lauderdale


nonstop

Photo of team courtesy of Allegiant; bottom photo by Brock Thoroughman

G4 AAY

ALLEGIANT SPOTLIGHT

Allegiant’s newest livery unveiled

Thousands of team members contributed to the design

Did you know that the paint job on the plane is called the livery? Each unique livery tells a story. As you fly the skies, you’ll see a few of them celebrating our partnerships: the Vegas Golden Knights, EDC, Raiders and Make-A-Wish. But now you’ll see one dedicated to the most important group, our Team Members. We asked our Team Members to share a few words about what it’s like working at Allegiant. Thousands of them responded with what being #AllegiantProud means: safety, fun, success, adventure, bold, thriving, amazing, limitless, trustworthy, welcoming… and many, many more! These words represent our culture, our brand, and each of member of our team – which is why they make the perfect tribute

livery! We were proud to unveil the brand new Together We Fly livery earlier this year. When you see the plane in person, you’ll notice the blue section includes a backdrop of all the words that came from — and represent — our amazing team. New liveries are something we don’t take lightly in the aviation industry. To celebrate the milestone, we hosted an event with CEO John Redmond at Punta Gorda Airport where Team Members got a chance to explore the newly painted plane firsthand! Keep an eye out on our social channels for this unique livery!

nonstoplife

65


Bellingham Bellingham Kalispell Kalispell SpokaneSpokane

Portland PortlandPasco Eugene Eugene Medford Medford

Pasco Great Falls MissoulaMissoula Great Falls

Minot

Gran

BismarckBismarck BozemanBozeman Billings Billings

Fargo

Boise

St. Clou

Boise

Minnea

Idaho Falls Idaho Falls Reno Reno San Francisco San Francisco StocktonStockton / Oakland / Oakland MontereyMonterey Fresno Fresno

Provo

Minot

Provo

Rapid City Rapid CitySiou

Grand Island Grand Island Des Mo Omaha O

Denver Denver

Grand Junction Grand Junction

Las Vegas Las Vegas Los Angeles Los Angeles PalmPalmPhoenix / / Springs Phoenix SantaSanta Ana /Ana / Springs Sky Harbor Sky Harbor Orange Orange County County San Diego San Diego Phoenix Phoenix / Mesa / Mesa Santa Maria Santa Maria

Kansas C

Wichita Wichita Sprin Tulsa Oklahoma Ci Oklahoma City No

El Paso El Paso

Shr

Austin Austin San Antonio San Antonio

Laredo Lared

McAllen M

66

nonstoplife


Routes as of July 11th, 2023. Some routes may be seasonal; subject to change.

Plattsburgh Plattsburgh

Grand Forks nd Forks

Bangor Bangor

Portsmouth Portsmouth Albany Albany SyracuseSyracuse Traverse Traverse City Rochester City Rochester udSt. Cloud Providence Providence AppletonAppleton Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Elmira Elmira Newburgh Newburgh apolis Minneapolis Grand Grand Rapids Flint Rapids Flint ux Falls Sioux Falls Akron Akron Allentown Allentown Harrisburg Harrisburg -Canton -Canton RockfordRockford Toledo Toledo Hagerstown Hagerstown Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids Pittsburgh Pittsburgh South Bend South Bend Des Moines oines Moline Moline Clarksburg Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Clarksburg Peoria Peoria Omaha Indianapolis Indianapolis Washington Washington D.C. / Dulles D.C. / Dulles Bloomington Bloomington Columbus Columbus Richmond Richmond Dayton Dayton Cincinnati Springfield SpringfieldCincinnati RoanokeRoanoke Huntington LouisvilleLouisville Huntington Kansas City City BellevilleBelleville Lexington Lexington Evansville Evansville Tri-CitiesTri-Cities a Greensboro Greensboro ingfield Springfield KnoxvilleKnoxville Concord Concord Tulsa ity Chattanooga Chattanooga orthwest Northwest ArkansasArkansas Greenville Greenville / / MemphisMemphis Spartanburg Spartanburg Little Rock Little Rock

o

Fargo

Boston Boston

New York New City York City

Chicago Chicago

Washington, Washington, D.C. / D.C. / Baltimore Baltimore Norfolk Norfolk

Nashville Nashville

Asheville Asheville

Myrtle Myrtle Beach Beach Charleston Charleston Savannah/Hilton HeadHead Savannah/Hilton

Destin / Destin / Ft. Walton Beach Ft. Walton BeachJacksonville Jacksonville New Orleans Orlando/Sanford Orlando/Sanford n New Orleans Gulfport Gulfport / Biloxi / Biloxi Melbourne Melbourne / Cocoa / Cocoa Beach Beach Tampa Tampa / St. Pete / St. Pete Houston Houston PalmPalm Beach Beach Sarasota / Bradenton Sarasota / Bradenton WestWest Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Fort Myers / Punta / Punta GordaGorda Fort Lauderdale do Key West Key West

reveport Shreveport

McAllen

nonstoplife

67



nonstopmenu buyonboard

nonstoplife

69


©2023 TWISTED TEA BREWING COMPANY, TWISTEDTEA.COM | CONTAINS ALCOHOL | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY


LARGER SIZE

LARGER SIZE

LARGER SIZE

LARGER SIZE

nonstoplife

71


Relax responsibly®. Corona Extra® Beer. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL


$1 from every Deluxe Wingz Snack Pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish®. For more info, visit wish.org or call 1.800.722.9474.

nonstoplife

73



Mule $10.98

Titos Vodka & Stirrings Mule Cocktail Mix

PICK ONE

nonstoplife

75


BLACKBERRY MOONSHINE ORDER A BLACKBERRY MOONSHINE ON TODAY’S FLIGHT

Shine Responsibl�®

CHECK US OUT

Ole Smoky BLACKBERRY Moonshine. 20% Alc./Vol. ©2023 Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC, Gatlinburg, TN @OLESMOKY All Rights Reserved. OLE SMOKY, OLE SMOKY TENNESSEE MOONSHINE and SHINE RESPONSIBLY are registered trademarks of Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC.


MAKES TWO DRINKS

NEW

nonstoplife

77


FOOTBALL

FAN PACKAGES • • FLIGHTS

HOTELS

TICKETS


375mL

• • • • • •

Coke Original Diet Coke Coke Zero Sprite Fanta Orange Fresca Original

• Minute Maid Lemonade • Seagram’s Tonic Water • Seagram’s Sparkling Seltzer Water • Seagram’s Ginger Ale

• Minute Maid Orange Juice • Minute Maid Cranapple • Minute Maid Apple Juice Offered on SFB & PIE flights only.

• Dasani Bottled Water

nonstoplife

79


TRAVELER INFORMATION SAFETY FIRST

Customer safety is Allegiant®’s first concern. Please be advised that interference with the duties of crew members, including flight attendants, is a violation of federal laws. Our crews are thoroughly trained in all safety procedures. To ensure your own safety, we hope you take a moment to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Be aware of the following: • Location of the nearest emergency exit • Location of your emergency oxygen mask, if needed • Correct procedure for exiting the cabin in an emergency

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALWAYS PERMITTED*

Hearing Aid

Tablet

Media Player Noise-Cancelling Headphones

CD Player

E-reader

Wireless Mouse, Camera Keyboard or (digital/film/ Other Accessory video)

Smartphone in Airplane Mode

Handheld Game

Pacemaker

SEAT BELTS

Seat belts must be fastened ANY TIME the seat belt sign is on, during taxi, takeoff and landing. Once the seat belt sign is turned off, you may walk around the cabin. Due to unexpected turbulence, it is strongly recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened any time while in your seat. Allegiant’s exit seating policy does not allow the use of seat belt extensions in the exit seats due to tripping hazards.

CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS

Federal Aviation Administration requires that all child restraint seats used on planes meet federal safety standards. Acceptable seats bear proper labeling “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT" from the manufacturer. Unlabeled seats or seats manufactured before Jan. 1, 1981, are not acceptable. Child restraint seats are to be placed into a window seat and secured with an aircraft seat belt.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS ONBOARD

The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted onboard provided you keep the purpose of your photography and video to capturing personal events. Photographing or recording other customers or airline personnel without their express consent is prohibited. Airline personnel reserve the right to prohibit photos and videos onboard the aircraft if it becomes a disturbance to them or other passengers.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Allegiant is forbidden to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone who appears to be intoxicated or who has not yet reached the age of 21. It is a violation of federal regulations to drink alcoholic beverages during a flight unless they have been served by Allegiant personnel.

SMOKING

Smoking, the use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other similar smoking devices are not permitted on any Allegiant flight. Federal law imposes fines of $1,000 for smoking and up to $2,000 for any attempt to disable an aircraft smoke detector.

AIRBUS A319

Number of Aircraft: 35 Cruising Speed: 514 mph Range: 4,315 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 166,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 156

80

nonstoplife

Total Length: 111 feet Wingspan: 112 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4

*Restrictions may apply when operating outside of U.S. Airspace. NOTE: Portable electronic device use on the ground, during takeoff and during landing should be limited to small, lightweight devices less than 2 lbs. These devices should be able to be easily secured in a seat back and not impede emergency access to the aisle.

PERMITTED AT GATE & IN FLIGHT

Laptop/Tablet

DVD Player

NEVER PERMITTED

Personal Air Purifiers

TV

Remote Two-Way Radios or Control Toys Transmitters

Using cellular network services (voice or data) to make or receive calls during the flight is not permitted by U.S. and International regulatory authorities. If you have other questions about the use of other portable electronic devices not shown here, ask your flight attendant.

AIRBUS A320

Number of Aircraft: 89 Cruising Speed: 561 mph Range: 3,797 miles Maximum Take-Off Weight: 172,000 pounds Maximum Passengers: 186

Total Length: 123 feet Wingspan: 112 feet Pilots: 2 Flight Attendants: 4


WINNER OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

WHO’S THE DUMMY NOW?

TOUR DATES Sept. 29, Friday

Minot, ND - Norsk Hostfest

Oct. 21, Saturday

Modesto, CA - Gallo Arts Center

Nov. 18, Saturday

Denver, CO - Bellco Theatre

Nov. 19, Sunday

Winnepeg, MB - Club Regent Casino, Event Centre

BUY TICKETS TerryFator.com


Myakka River State Park

Introduce your f amily to a djec tives th ey n ever k n ew exis ted . Together your family can discover n ew co l o r s , n ew exp e r ie n ces a n d new emotions on your extraordinar y Sarasota getaway. Super. Natural. Sarasota.

The Bay Park

SuperNaturalSarasota.com


Articles inside

TRAVELER INFORMATION

2min
pages 82-83

Allegiant’s newest livery unveiled

1min
pages 67, 69-70

Inspiring Young Minds to Explore Aviation Careers

1min
pages 65-66

Want to fly in the very front row?

1min
page 63

15,000 Bonus Points Offer

1min
page 62

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

2min
pages 58-59

Fall in Love with Autumn At Dollywood

2min
pages 56-57

eat like a local

2min
pages 53-55

A THRIVING PIECE OF MOVIE HISTORY

1min
pages 49-52

MARVELOUS MADEIRA BEACH

1min
pages 47-48

THE PERFECT COASTAL ESCAPE

3min
pages 43-46

FRESH OFF THE GRILL Dining

1min
pages 40-42

A TRUE ‘WALK’ OF ART

2min
pages 37-39

CENTRAL FLORIDA

3min
pages 33-36

FOREVER IN BLOOM

2min
pages 28-32

SARASOTA, NATURALLY See Sarasota’s wild side

2min
pages 25-27

Employment/Recruitment

1min
pages 21-24

Activities & Things To Do

1min
page 20

Meetings, Social Gatherings & Events

1min
page 19

Pools

1min
page 18

Play

2min
pages 16-17

Stay

1min
pages 14-16

welcome aboard!

1min
pages 11-13
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.