East Coast - Winter 2023 - Allegiant NonStopLife

nonstoplife EAST COAST EDITION | WINTER 2023-24

®

Carrie Underwood NONSTOP LIVING

WITH ALLWAYS REWARDS®

SEEK SOMETHING NEW

IMAGINATION BECOMES REALITY

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

AT SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR

DISCOVER CLEARWATER’S COACHMAN PARK

AT ORLANDO’S THEME PARKS

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.

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Enroll online today at AllwaysRewards.com

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COVER STORY

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

27 LIPIZZAN STALLIONS OF SARASOTA

13 NONSTOP FORT MYERS/ PUNTA GORDA

31 NONSTOP ST PETE/ CLEARWATER/TAMPA

14 SEEK SOMETHING NEW

33 IMAGINATION BECOMES REALITY

Nonstop living with Allways Rewards®

Don’t miss these exciting events

At Southwest Florida’s Premier Resort

17 WINTER FUN OUT ON THE WATER Family-friendly boating excursions in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

21 NOT YOUR TYPICAL NEIGHBORHOOD BREWERY

Fort Myers Brewing Co. appeals to more than just beer aficionados

22 A FESTIVE FLORIDA DESTINATION Holiday magic in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach

Royal horses dazzle visitors

Don’t miss these exciting events Discover Clearwater’s new hub of activity: Coachman Park

34 STONE CRAB FEASTING ON CLEARWATER BEACH

The coveted seasonal crustacean is worth the trip

38 ‘TIS THE SEASON

Holiday fun in Tampa

43 HAPPY HOUR ON ST. PETE BEACH Set the stage for evening fun

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contents

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SUNSEEKER RESORT CHARLOTTE HARBOR

45 CAUTION: TURTLE CROSSING A look behind the yellow tape

47 NONSTOP ORLANDO/ SANFORD

Don’t miss these exciting events

49 TAKING TO THE WATER

Cruise, sail and paddle the waters of Sanford

50 CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

Seasonal attractions at Orlando’s theme parks

54 EXPLORE: KEEPER OF THE TREES SINCE 1936

Welcome to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

57 EXPLORE: DATE NIGHT EATS IN NEW ORLEANS

Romantic restaurants palates will love

58 EXPLORE: MAKING MERRY MEMORIES Unique holiday experiences in New York City

60 EXPLORE: OH, WHAT FUN!

A trip through the Austin Trail of Lights

59 FOR OUR PASSENGERS

Allegiant news, spotlights, route map, extensive snack & beverage options and traveler information

65 ALLEGIANT CARES

Allegiant celebrates Girls in Aviation Day

66 ROUTE MAP 69 NONSTOP MENU

Snacks, cocktails, mixers, coffee, beverages and water

80 TRAVELER SAFETY

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nonstoplife welcome ®

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 Heather Turk, Gabriele Walkow, Nancy Foster, Sandra Chambers, John Hardy, Andrew Porrello PHOTO CREDITS Eddie Edwards, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, Peace River Charters, Glass Bottom Rentals, Boca Boat Cruises, SUP Englewood, Fort Myers Brewing Co., King Fisher Fleet, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Fishermen’s Village, Charlotte Players, Noel Hyde, Clyde Sweatt, Julie Kaz/Kaz Photography, Rene Paciullo, Vanessa Bumbeers, Gestavo Menasce, James Lavoie, Cirque du Soleil 2022, John Wells, City of Clearwater, Tracy May, Crabby Bill’s Family Brands, Frenchysonline. com, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, Tampa Downtown Partnership, ZooTampa@Lowry Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography, Soho Images, Michael Sheehan, Bob Carey, Tampa Theatre, Tradewinds Island Resorts, michaelangeloloop courtesy of Envato, Gulf Coast IT Solutions, LLC, Hotel Zamora, Florida Fish & Wildlife, Todd Rosenberg, Reg Garner, St. Johns Rivership Co., U-Sail of Central Florida, Adventures in Florida, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney Company, SeaWorld Orlando, Key West Botanical Garden Society, Neil Alesander, Sheila Tahvildari, Osteria Lupo, Compère Lapin, Bronx Zoo, Janny Chiu, Classic Harbor Line, Tishman Speyer, Austin Trail of Lights, Brock Thoroughman

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. ®

aboard!

We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as you settle in for your flight. We appreciate your choosing to fly with us today and are excited to be a part of your journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first flight, we understand that every journey is unique, and we are committed to making your experience a great one.

Inside these pages, you will discover a wealth of information and a glimpse of the incredible destinations we fly to. From travel tips to cultural insights, and recommendations for the best things to see and do at your destination, you’ll find it all in nonstoplife!

Punta Gorda is hosting a variety of exciting shows this year, from “Elvis: A Musical Revolution” at Fort Myer’s Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, to the USA BMX Nationals where professional bike riders come from all over the U.S. and Caribbean to compete.

Most exciting of all; Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor opens its doors for the first time on December 15th! Get ready for the luxury that awaits you!

Looking for a laugh? The inaugural Sunshine Comedy Fest takes place in Tampa January 11-14.

If your headed to Clearwater you’ll want to read page 33 and learn all about the new Coachman Park, a massive hub for the entire community.

Once again, thank you for choosing Allegiant. We look forward to being a part of your journey, and we can’t wait to serve you again on your return trip.

nonstoplife

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Carrie Underwood

Nonstop living with Allways Rewards®

By Heather Turk

In October, Allegiant announced an exciting collaboration with 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner and current Resorts World Las Vegas headliner Carrie Underwood in support of the company’s Allways Rewards Visa® card and Allways Rewards® loyalty program. nonstoplife recently caught up with the busy country music superstar to talk about the partnership, her hit residency and how this “All-American Girl” is living her best nonstoplife.

What is it about Allegiant and Allegiant Allways Rewards Visa® card that made you want to be a part of this collaboration?

I grew up in a small town and know what it’s like not to live in a big city. Before Allegiant, a lot of people had to drive two to three hours to get to a major airport. They have really opened up U.S. travel and made it easier for a lot of people to get where they want to go nonstop.

What are you the most excited about with this collaboration?

I immediately responded to our shared roots and the fact that Allegiant makes air travel affordable and accessible for a lot of folks.

I also love that they have a strong ethos of giving back, which has always been important to me in my life and career. For example, since 2012, they have provided flights for almost 2,000 kids and families to Make-AWish destinations across the country. I’m a big fan and supporter of Make-A-Wish, which receives $1 from every ticket sold to my Las Vegas residency, “REFLECTION.” 8

nonstoplife

What does living the nonstop life mean to you?

I’m a doer, so I am pretty much on the move from the time I get up until I go to bed at night. I’m a mom of two young boys, so when I’m home, most of my day revolves around them and their activities. My job might be a little different from a lot of other people’s, but like every working mom, I’m always trying to find the balance between life and career.

My job takes me to a lot of amazing places and I get to do and see a lot. I definitely live a nonstop life, but I feel so blessed to have it and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Where do you like to go on vacation with your family: the mountains, the beach…?

I always think the best vacations are near the water, whether it’s a river, lake or ocean. We all love the beach, but the snow is fun, too.

And, as much as I cherish those family times and the memories we make together, I also love a trip to the vineyard for some good wine and delicious food, whether it’s with my husband or my girlfriends.

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ALLEGIANT ALLWAYS REWARDS® You recently extended your “REFLECTION” residency into 2024, much to the delight of fans. What do you love the most about having your own Las Vegas residency?

I was honored to be the first artist to perform on the Resorts World Theatre stage in 2021 — that will always be something special. It’s an incredible stateof-the-art theater and I absolutely love performing there. Touring and performing has always been one of my favorite things I get to do in my career. As much as I love being on the road, seeing the world and coming to the fans where they are, it’s also great to be in one place for periods of time and to get to play for audiences who have come from all over the world to see us.

Have any updates recently been made to the show?

We do tweak things here and there, but essentially it is the show we opened with. “REFLECTION” is designed to be a celebration of my career so far, and we really wanted to highlight all of the greatest hits that people love and have come to expect.

Whenever we do a new tour, we always want to find new ways to present familiar songs and that’s definitely the case with “REFLECTION.” Because we’re in one place and not moving the show from city to city, we’re able to include some spectacular effects and set pieces we couldn’t do if we had to load it onto a truck at the end of the night.

Is there a particular number you look forward to doing night after night?

Well, that’s really like asking someone to choose their favorite child! I love all of it for different reasons. Of course, it’s great to perform the songs that got me to where I am, like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” and I admit it’s pretty fun to set a truck on fire onstage every night! Our “Something in the Water” finale on the water wall is also thrilling to perform — that’s something we could never do in a touring production. That number also feels like crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon, in the best way.

Do you expect to incorporate any changes as the show continues?

We did recently add the title song from my Denim & Rhinestones album. It’s one of my favorite songs from the album to perform and is definitely reflective of this current time in my career, so we just had to add it to the show. It’s also a big dance moment in the show, which I love but isn’t something I’ve done a lot in the past. And we just might have some more surprises as we go!

Speaking of Denim & Rhinestones, what was your inspiration to recently release an updated version of the album?

Writing and recording Denim & Rhinestones was such a great experience and we had so much fun throughout the entire process,

I know what it’s like to live in a rural area and not have a lot of options when it comes to air travel. Allegiant has really opened that up for a lot of people.

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I love being strong and healthy not just for the way it makes me feel, but it’s what allows me to do all that I do. It’s so important for me to take time for self-care every day...

which was exactly what I think we all needed coming out of the past couple of years. We had so many songs to choose from, there just wasn’t any way to include all of them, and I just wanted to keep the Denim & Rhinestones era going with a deluxe edition. One of the new tracks, “Take Me Out,” was actually written toward the end of the Cry Pretty writing sessions, but it wasn’t the right fit with those songs. The vibe of that song became the inspiration for Denim & Rhinestones, so I’m happy that we held on to it and now she gets a chance to shine.

Are you currently working on any new music?

I love collaborating with other artists and am always working on something — though I’m very happy living in the Denim & Rhinestones era right now!

You are the first female artist with your own year-round 24/7 SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY. How much fun is that?

I love having my own channel on SiriusXM — it’s like my own musical universe and is really a reflection of the kind of music I like to listen to, whether it’s classic or current country, pop, rock or heavy metal. I grew up listening to everything and I have a good time curating

and programming the various shows we do on the channel.

This is also your 11th year performing the iconic Sunday anthem that opens NBC’s Sunday Night Football. How do you keep that fresh every year?

I’m so honored to have performed the Sunday Night Football show open for 11 years. We always want to change it up and try to top ourselves every year. It’s a great team, and they always deliver something new and different. That shoot is always a fun day.

Over the years, you have become almost as well known for your passion for health and fitness as for your performing career. You founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand CALIA by Carrie Underwood, and your first book, Find Your Path, was an instant New York Times bestseller.

You also launched your fitness app, fit52, in 2020. Why is this area so important to you?

I love being strong and healthy not just for the way it makes me feel, but it’s what allows me to do all that I do. It’s so important for me to take time for self-care every day, whether it’s a workout, a short walk or just giving my body the fuel it needs to do everything I’m asking it to do. I want to live a long and healthy life for my family. We’ve created an amazing community with the fit52 app — we really listen to the feedback we get and are constantly updating that content. I love sharing what I’ve learned, wherever someone is on their own fitness journey.

Finally, now that you’ve been a Las Vegas headliner for a couple of years, what are some other things would you recommend our readers use their Allways Rewards Visa® card on while they’re in town?

There’s so much to do in Las Vegas! I’m usually pretty focused on the show when I’m in town, but there are so many great shows I’d love to see. I’m a big foodie and there are so many incredible restaurants in Vegas now — that’s really my favorite thing to do, to go out for a nice meal and a glass of wine or two.

Resorts World is a really beautiful new hotel with a lot of great restaurant options. And don’t forget to check out Allegiant Stadium while you’re in town!

The Allways Rewards credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc.

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. Coming Soon!

The new Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor

PureFlorida.com

Fort Myers’ Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents the official Elvis Presley bio-musical, “Elvis: A Musical Revolution,” on select dates Dec. 30 through Feb. 17. Lunch and dinner performances are available. broadwaypalm.com Watch as riders from all over the U.S. and the Caribbean take part in the USA BMX Citrus Nationals Jan. 13 and 14 at Charlotte BMX in Punta Gorda. charlottebmx.net

Photo courtesy of Eddie Edwards

FORT MYERS/PUNTA GORDA

PGD

See celebrity impersonators Anthony and Eddie Edwards bring to life some of music’s biggest stars — complete with live vocals — when The Edwards Twins perform at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center in Punta Gorda Feb. 12 and 13. charlotteplayers.org Learn about burrowing owls and other wildlife at the 22nd annual Burrowing Owl Festival Wildlife and Environmental Expo. Taking place at Cape Coral’s Rotary Park Feb. 24, the event features birds, reptiles, guest speakers, nature tours, children’s activities and unique items for sale. ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2

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The Edwards Twins

Halloween events sure to bewitch boys, ghouls and adults alike

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Level Blue rooftop pool

SEEK SOMETHING NEW At Southwest Florida’s Premier Resort

SEEK LUXURY At Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, seek a new level of luxury with aweinspiring accommodations and the Gulf Coast’s finest amenities. This endlessly entertaining, totally relaxing waterfront destination features a signature list of 785 coastal-inspired accommodations including 189 luxurious Sunsuites™ that are perfect for those looking for a longer-term stay or just to feel at home with extra space while on vacation. These unique accommodations offer personalized concierge services, private balconies and exclusive privileges, including preferred dining reservations, grocery delivery service and exclusive tee times, all of which make curating your ideal vacation experience a breeze.

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nonstoplife

With an array of unmatched amenities and best-in-class service, Sunseeker Resort is your canvas to craft a memorable getaway tailored to every need. Whether you are looking to soak up the sun at the pool, play a round of championship-level golf, recharge at the spa or savor the flavors of our cuisine offerings from around the globe, this is the paradise you have been looking for.

SEEK ADVENTURE Take a break from the usual and seek adventure with a variety of attractions for you to explore in this stunning waterfront paradise. Charlotte Harbor, an area that includes the eponymous small town and estuary system, is a place unlike any other.

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Its untouched natural beauty includes pristine beaches and clear waters that set the stage for an abundance of outdoor activities — reel in a prized catch, bike ride along the coast or take a sunset cruise.

If you are looking to level up your golf game, the resort’s championship-level course, Aileron Golf Club, is the ultimate resort-level golf experience.

The private course, exclusive to guests 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. The newly imagined golf club will boast a 10,500 sq ft 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.

SEEK SAVORY Authenticity, quality and exceptional taste is the foundation of the culinary journey at Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, allowing you to seek an unforgettable savory or sweet dining experience unlike anywhere else. With a lineup of 20 first-of-its-kind food and beverage concepts; including seven stand-alone restaurants, 11 bars & lounges, two poolside offerings and a 25,000 sq ft multi-dining experience, there is something for everyone no matter what you are craving.

From casual eats to elegant fine dining, great food is the focal point of our dining collection and innovative beverage program offering 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 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 resort driven elevated dining experience that everyone can enjoy. sunseekerresorts.com

Charlotte Harbor

Spacious Luxe Sunsuites

Allegiant Stadium Sports Bar

Newly imagined Aileron Golf Club

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SEEK ADVENTURE

SEEK LUXURY

S E E K S AV O RY

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, this is your time — and all your needs can be met right here.

Use Discount Code INFLIGHT at Booking for a Special Offer Centrally located and just a short drive from three Allegiant nonstop Florida destinations.

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punta gorda/englewood beach

WINTER FUN OUT ON THE WATER Family-friendly boating excursions in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

Photo of Peace River Charters courtesy of Peace River Charters; Glass Bottom Rentals courtesy of Glass Bottom Rentals

By Heather Turk

Cover more than 20 miles of the Peace River at fast speeds on an airboat tour with Peace River Charters

While most of the country may be heading indoors to escape the cold winter weather, high temperatures in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach are still in the 70s. Not surprisingly, families visiting the area will find plenty of outdoor activities they can enjoy together during the warm winter months, including several fun boating excursions for those eager to get out on the water.

Create lasting memories with your kids on a kayak eco tour with Glass Bottom Rentals

One of the best ways to explore the area by boat is on an eco tour with Glass Bottom Rentals. Offering daily “Mermaid Adventures” in its signature one- or two-person clear kayaks, the tour company takes paddlers out into the shallow, teal waters of Gasparilla Sound to the Boca Grande Sandbar in search of wildlife. Each two-hour tour is led by a Florida Master Naturalist, who will point out any marine life along the way. While dolphin sightings are common throughout the year, during the winter months, the tides get very low, making it easy for paddlers to Continued on next page

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spot sea stars, conchs, urchins, sponges, whelks and other bottom-dwelling creatures. glassbottomrentals.com SUP Englewood is another popular excursion company in the area, especially for families with teenagers. Open to paddlers ages 14 and older, its paddle board tours are led by a Florida Master Naturalist who will take guests to various Gulf Island locations depending on the tour booked, like Don Pedro Island State Park. During the winter months, its two-hour Stump Pass Beach State Park tour is especially popular, as guests love paddling in the crystalclear Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve looking for live shells exposed by the low tide. Kids ages 3 and older are welcome to join any paddling trip by riding in a tandem kayak with an adult. supenglewood.com For a less active yet equally exhilarating adventure, Peace River Charters offers a variety of tours that cater to guests of all ages, including 50-minute airboat tours and 45-minute swamp buggy tours through the heart of Peace River. Not only will guests get an up-close view of the flora and fauna that call Peace River home — including wild alligators and a variety of birds— but they can also visit Peace River Charters’ petting zoo and alligator exhibit after their excursion and hold a baby alligator at no additional charge! peacerivercharters.com Families wanting more of a relaxing sightseeing experience needn’t look any further than Boca Boat Cruises. Its two-hour afternoon sightseeing cruise not only takes

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nonstoplife

Explore the waters of Stump Pass Beach State Park on an eco tour with SUP Englewood

See alligators up close at Peace River Charters’ alligator exhibit

passengers on a leisurely tour of Gasparilla Sound where dolphins often swim past the boat, but also pulls up to White Pelican Island to view the migratory birds. Lunch cruises are available as well to Useppa Island or Cabbage Key, where tortoise sightings are common. bocaboat.com

Photo of Boca Boat Cruises courtesy of Boca Boat Cruises; SUP Englewood courtesy of SUP Englewood; Peace River Charters courtesy of Peace River Charters

Dolphin sightings are common on an afternoon sightseeing cruise with Boca Boat Cruises

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fort myers

NOT YOUR TYPICAL

NEIGHBORHOOD

BREWERY Fort Myers Brewing Co. appeals to more than just beer aficionados

By Heather Turk

Fort Myers Brewing Co.’s special events are a favorite with locals and tourists alike

Celebrating its 11th anniversary in February 2024, Fort Myers Brewing Co. has come a long way since being Lee County’s only independent brewery.

Known for its signature lineup of ales, lagers and stouts, Fort Myers Brewing Co. initially began as a way for its founders — longtime homebrewer hobbyist Rob Whyte and his wife, Jen — to make some friends after moving to the area. Today, it’s one of Florida’s largest craft breweries, churning out 15,000 barrels of craft beer each year like its award-winning Chocolate Stout: an imperial stout that balances sweet, rich chocolate with notes of roasted barley and espresso.

Photos courtesy of Fort Myers Brewing Co.

Beer isn’t the only drink guests will find on the brewery’s tasting menu, either. In recent years, Fort Myers Brewing Co. launched the region’s first line of locally crafted hard seltzer beverages, Spyk’d Hard Seltzer, with more than half a dozen flavors available in its taproom.

Beyond its alcoholic beverages, Fort Myers Brewing Co. is known for its family and pet-friendly atmosphere, with rotating food trucks on-site, regularly scheduled live entertainment and special events held throughout the year. Its popular winter celebration, Winter Wonderland, returns Dec. 7 through 10, featuring four days of specialty beer releases, live entertainment and even a visit from Santa Saturday. Then Feb. 22, 2024, the brewery will kick off a four-day anniversary celebration showcasing more than 50 rotating specialty craft brews.

Fort Myers Brewing Co.’s owners, Rob and Jen Whyte, inside of the brewery

we create fun, memorable experiences for new and old friends to come together over cold beer, live music and tasty food,” said Jen Whyte. “The craft beer scene has taken off since we opened our doors as the region’s first craft brewery, and we’re here today because of Southwest Florida embracing us all those years ago.” fmbrew.com Fort Myers Brewing Co.’s Chocolate Stout and dry hopped High 5 IPA

“We’re proud to serve as a destination for award-winning craft beers and seltzers as nonstoplife

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Take in some of the area’s festive sights from the water with King Fisher Fleet

A FESTIVE FLORIDA DESTINATION

Holiday magic in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach

By Heather Turk

There may not be any snow falling from the sky, but that doesn’t mean Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach isn’t feeling festive this holiday season. Visitors will find no shortage of twinkling lights and seasonal entertainment in the area, making it one of Florida’s most magical holiday destinations.

One of the best ways to explore the area

by Fishermen’s Village is already feeling the holiday spirit, as the waterfront shopping and entertainment complex kicked off its annual Festival of Lights event in November. Running through Dec. 31, the free event invites guests to enjoy more than 1 million lights and holidaythemed decorations throughout the complex.

While guests take in the dazzling displays, they can cross a few names off their gift-giving list by picking up some presents from a few of Fishermen’s Village’s 34 independently owned businesses. There’s even a store sure to have something for the four-legged members of the family — Salty Paws!

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nonstoplife

Enjoy acres of gardens decorated with holiday lights and décor at Gardens Aglow

Fishermen’s Village’s Festival of Lights has been a holiday favorite for nearly two decades

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Photo of festive sights from the water courtesy of King Fisher Fleet; Gardens Aglow courtesy of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens; Fishermen’s Village Festival and fireworks courtesy of Fishermen’s Village; Whitney Grace courtesy of Charlotte Players

One of the area’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations is held at Fishermen’s Village too, complete with fireworks over Charlotte Harbor. The family-friendly event begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and continues until just past midnight, with fun, interactive activities and live music from South Florida party band The Shane Duncan Band. For those who want an excellent view of the fireworks, several restaurants at Fishermen’s Village offer special party packages that include prime seating. fishermensvillage.com From 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. Dec. 1, downtown Punta Gorda will host its annual tree lighting ceremony, Light Up the Night. Expected to attract up to 8,000 people, the event will not only include the official lighting of the 32-foot-tall Douglas fir at the intersection of West Marion Avenue and Taylor Street, but also live entertainment, snow machines, bounce houses and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For those who can’t make the free festivities, the tree will remain on display for photos through Jan. 10 2024, lightupthenightpg.com

punta gorda/englewood beach

Did you know: King Fisher Fleet offers a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise for those who want to ring in the New Year on the water.

More merry photo opportunities can be found at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ fourth annual Gardens Aglow event. Visitors can relish the splendor of the season Dec. 8 through 10 and 15 through 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., as they stroll past half a million lights, visit with Santa and cozy up to inviting fire pits with cups of hot cocoa. Guests may even go home with some gifts of their own at the Christmas tree raffle tent, where visitors can enter to win one of several Christmas trees, valued at over $150, decorated in swag from local businesses, like gift cards and beauty products. peacerivergardens.org Visitors can also view some of the area’s holiday lights aboard one of King Fisher Fleet’s Christmas Light Canal Cruises. A holiday tradition in Punta Gorda for more than 40 years, the cruises depart nightly (except on Christmas) Dec. 1 through 31 from Fishermen’s Village and take passengers on a tour of the residential Get into the holiday spirit with the feelcanals to view holiday lights, displays good Christmas show, and decorations on local homes, boats, “Whitney Grace — A seawalls and docks. kingfisherfleet.com/ Holiday Showstopper” christmas-light-canal-cruise - Continued on next page 25 nonstoplife

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THE FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON

ERY DY EV HT E M O G LIVE CURDAY NI SAT

PUNTA GORDA

Harborside

DIP YOUR TOES IN THE SAND AT

The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside, a premier hotel and resort situated on the serene Charlotte Harbor. With two unique dining destinations – The Dockside Grill and The Tiki Bar – guests can indulge in diverse culinary delights and refreshing beverages. The Tiki Bar, known for its lively ambiance, hosts live concerts every weekend, presents daily music, and offers enticing daily drink and weekly food specials. Beyond dining and entertainment, the resort boasts a plethora of amenities including a pristine pool, hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, versatile meeting rooms, refrigerators, microwaves, HBO, Showtime, complimentary electric car chargers, complimentary bicycles, ping pong, pool tables, volleyball, PLUS a shuttle to and from the airport.

www.ttspg.com

941-637-6770

Photo of boat parade by Noel Hyde; Punta Gorda’s Symphony by Clyde Sweatt; Gardens Aglow courtesy of Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

The Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve Boat Parade typically features more than 50 decorated vessels

Guests can see even more boats lit up for the holidays during Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association’s annual Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve Boat Parade. Happening Dec. 23 at 6 p.m., the free event features several locations for the public to watch the parade along its 4.5-mile-long route through the canals of Punta Gorda Isles.

Most spectators will only be 50 feet away from the decorated vessels as they cruise by! puntagordaboatparade.com Several seasonal shows are playing throughout Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach as well, like Punta Gorda Symphony’s annual Holiday Spectacular. Taking place inside the Charlotte Performing Arts Center Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m., the concert will feature a collection of timeless holiday classics, a Hannukah medley and selections from “The Nutcracker.”

The concert will also feature the Punta Gorda Symphony Brass Quintet as it celebrates the season’s various holidays. Use code PLANE for 10 percent off tickets. pgsymphony.org Visitors to the area can also see local singer/ comedian Whitney Grace starring in “Whitney Grace — A Holiday Showstopper” at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Grace performs a variety of toe-tapping holiday tunes during the joyful production while paying tribute to some of her favorite performers, like Groucho Marx and Shirley Temple. Additionally, Langdon Playhouse will host two New Year’s Eve

Listen to holiday favorites at Punta Gorda Symphony’s Holiday Spectacular concert

Gardens Aglow’s Christmas tree raffle winners not only receive the entire tree, but also everything on it

parties Dec. 31, featuring performances by vocalists and musicians from the Charlotte Players community theater. Perfect for those who don’t want to stay up late, the parties take place at 6 and 8:30 p.m., so holiday revelers can be in bed before midnight! charlotteplayers.org

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LIPIZZAN STALLIONS OF SARASOTA Royal horses dazzle visitors

By Gabriele Walkow

nonstop SRQ

sarasota

Rebecca Herrmann McCullough with Myakka performing the levade, the Lipizzan’s most recognized war maneuver Left to right, Julianna Herrmann on Zach, Sydney McCullough on Achilles, Rebecca Herrmann McCullough on Maximus

Dating back to the 16th century, Lipizzan stallions were once used by Austrian royalty and are one of the world’s rarest and oldest breeds of horses. Travelers to Sarasota can admire the beauty and grace of these regal white horses performing their classical equestrian maneuvers at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzans.

On their Sarasota ranch, the Herrmann family have bred, trained and cared for the endangered horses for generations. Their family has a long history with the breed, having rescued them during World War II in a dramatic mission depicted in the Disney movie “Miracle of the White Stallions.”

In the five decades since moving here from Europe, the family has welcomed the public to their ranch to watch performances and view the facilities. Bleacher seating and a concession stand are provided, but visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and coolers to set up around the arena.

Photos by Julie Kaz/Kaz Photography

Over the years, thousands of guests have been delighted and dazzled during the hour-long performances. Under the guidance of world-class horsemanship, the stallions gracefully prance, trot and canter with precise steps, springing jumps, magnificent leaps and deep plunges.

“Many guests come between 30 minutes to an hour before the show or stay after the performance because the barns are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to visit with the horses,” explained Rebecca Herrmann McCullough. “The ranch is home to 18 horses including stallions, mares and several rescues that have been taken in over the years. It also includes retired horses, as they are generally not sold after retirement, and live out their days here.”

The season runs from Dec. 28, 2023, until April 27, 2024. Performances are every Thursday and Friday at 3 p.m. and every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $12 each. Children aged 10 and under are free. herrmannsroyallipizzans.com

Argentos, a Royal Lipizzan, performing at liberty nonstoplife

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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.

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

Ponce de Leon Park 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy.

Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-637-3830

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No admission fee, but donations are appreciated!

Over 100 wild animals on educational display.

Open Every Day for Tours 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.

MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM ­

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Showcasing “The Carbonaro Effect” star’s humor and inventive illusions, “Michael Carbonaro: Lies On Stage” stops by Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. rutheckerdhall.com Featuring some of the country’s best stand-up comedians, including Troy Bond and Jeremiah Watkins, the inaugural Sunshine Comedy Fest takes place Jan. 11 through 14 throughout St. Pete and Tampa. In addition, guests can attend meet and greets, parties and live podcasts. sunshinecomedyfest.com An annual tradition since 1904, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest sets course for Tampa Jan. 27. Featuring the world’s only fully rigged pirate ship reenacting the city’s historic pirate invasion, the event also includes the Parade of Pirates and live entertainment. gasparillapiratefest.com A high-energy spectacle that pays homage to Cirque du Soleil’s legacy, “BAZZAR” comes to St. Pete’s Tropicana Field Feb. 22 through March 24 under the Big Top. cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar

ST PETE/CLEARWATER/TAMPA

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Photo by Rene Paciullo, Vanessa Bumbeers and Gustavo Menasce; costumes by James Lavoie; courtesy of Cirque du Soleil 2022

Cirque du Soleil’s “BAZZAR”

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nonstop PIE

clearwater

Photo of The Sound by John Wells; bicyclist and The Lake at Coachman Park courtesy of City of Clearwater; Peter Frampton by Tracy May

See your favorite music acts in concert at The Sound

IMAGINATION BECOMES

REALITY

Discover Clearwater’s new hub of activity: Coachman Park

By Heather Turk

After breaking ground in 2021, the $84 million Imagine Clearwater project that connects downtown Clearwater to a newly redeveloped intercostal waterfront park opened this past summer.

Located next to the Clearwater Main Library and the Clearwater Harbor Marina, the 19-acre Coachman Park offers locals and tourists alike a place to relax, reflect and be entertained. The main entrance to the park, the Civic Gateway, welcomes guests with cascading waterfalls, shaded seating areas and a scenic overlook where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. Once inside the park, guests can go for a stroll down the Bay Walk Promenade to see Clearwater Gas-lit public art displays and Florida palms; enjoy a picnic on the 4-acre Green, which boasts a tranquil park area surrounded by Florida vegetation; and admire large art murals adjacent to the library at Bluff Walk North.

One of the most active areas within Coachman Park is a 320-foot scenic lake that features two fountains and a pedestrian bridge. A big hit with families, The Lake at Coachman Park has a pirate-themed playground adjacent to it,

Bicyclists can access Coachman Park

Peter Frampton brought his Never Say Never Tour! to The Sound in July

complete with two climbing structures, slides and a catwalk. There’s also a 1,476-squarefoot splash pad with 68 water nozzles and four vertical fountains.

The Sound is another popular spot with guests. The 22,549-square-foot state-of-theart music venue features 4,000 covered seats, an additional 5,000 seats on the lawn and has already welcomed several big acts to its stage, including Peter Frampton and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Upcoming acts scheduled to perform at the venue include the Steve Miller Band and the Samantha Fish Band on Dec. 14, and Styx and .38 Special on Jan. 5.

Both concerts start at 7 p.m.

With so many exciting amenities, Coachman Park is quickly becoming a Clearwater favorite. myclearwater.com/visit-coachman-park

The Lake at Coachman Park is popular with guests of all ages nonstoplife

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Stone crab platter at SeaBreeze Island Grill

STONE CRAB

FEASTING

ON CLEARWATER BEACH The coveted seasonal crustacean is worth the trip

By Nancy Foster

It’s a fact. Some people actually plan their annual Florida vacation to fall between October 15 and April 15 to catch the muchanticipated stone crab season. This decadent crustacean is so coveted that every October, many area restaurants celebrate with a weekend festival that draws thousands. No worries though, there’s still time to binge your way through buckets of claws. Just get here before April 15.

THE LOWDOWN ON STONE CRAB Over 95% of stone crabs are caught off the coast of Florida, making this one of the state’s top commercial seafood products.

Stone crab is regulated by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with stringent rules for both recreational and commercial fishers on trap sizes, materials used, and quantities allowed. Only the crustacean’s claws can be harvested, and they must be a minimum of 2 7/8” long. This allows the crab to regenerate its claws and thus be sustainable.

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Stone Crab at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

A plateful of goodness at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

nonstop TASTE AND SIZE Stone crabs have a slightly sweet flavor, flaky meat and a firm texture. To access the succulent meat, most establishments offer a mallet or cracker. Stone crab claws come in several different sizes, but a rule of thumb is to expect six or seven claws per pound in the medium size, four or five for large, three for jumbo and one or two for the colossal size.

Photo of SeaBreeze Island Grill courtesy of Crabby Bill’s Family Brands; Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill courtesy of Frenchysonline.com; Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber courtesy of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber

WHERE TO GO In the Clearwater area, Frenchy’s Restaurants are known for their annual Stone Crab Festival but this iconic restaurant chain keeps the delicious crustacean on the menu throughout the season at their four beach locations. Many beachgoers favor the beachfront Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill because of its open-air patio dining, come-as-you-are vibe and a waitstaff that knows how to please.

Combine that atmosphere with heaping plates of stone crab and an icy cold brew for a truly memorable dining experience. frenchysonline.com Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant on the north side of Clearwater Beach has been dishing up fabulous meals to beachgoers and locals since 1948. This refined yet lowkey dining spot includes on its inventive menu the seasonal Colossal Stone Crab Claws served cold and by the pound, enhanced with their very own house-made mustard sauce. For sipping pleasure, take time to choose from their extensive wine menu. bobheilmansbeachcomber.com Ward’s Seafood, just five miles inland, is a consistently great place to go for fresh fish of any kind. It’s more of a take-out kind of place with a straightforward menu, but from October 15 until May 15 they feature stone crab by the pound in various sizes.

Remember to request their zesty housemade mustard sauce. wardsseafood.com A few miles south of Clearwater Beach overlooking the intercoastal waterways of Redington Shores is SeaBreeze Island Grill, where indoor or outdoor dining makes the perfect backdrop for your stone crab meal.

Theirs is served hot or cold with Island Mustard and two sides. Order medium (5-7 claws) or large/jumbo (2-4 claws) and tuck into a memorable feast. Assorted craft beers or an Island Mojito will make the wait time easy. seabreezeislandgrill.com

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Platter of Stone Crab at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber

Stone Crab at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

Stone crab is regulated by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ...

Only the crustacean’s claws can be harvested...

Stone Crab at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill nonstoplife

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Tampa Bay’s BesT Wings!

And lots of other options:

s e a fO O d Burgers salads full Bar 11 Tampa Bay Area Locations Visit the Original in Clearwater! Museum, Merch & More!

originalhooters.com

Holiday fun in Tampa

By Heather Turk

Winter Village is home to downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink

High temperatures may still be in the 70s, but that doesn’t mean Tampa isn’t feeling all merry and bright this holiday season.

Visitors will find several festive attractions and seasonal shows going on throughout the month of December, so guests can enjoy some Yuletide cheer along with Tampa’s warm winter weather.

One of Tampa’s most popular seasonal events can actually be found at one of its top attractions. Now in its 12th year, Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay takes place daily through Jan. 7, 2024, and is included with regular park admission. The

Even the animals at ZooTampa get into the holiday spirit during its Christmas in the Wild event 38

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ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild event is fun for the whole family

city’s biggest and brightest holiday event invites guests to enjoy millions of twinkling lights throughout the animal theme park as well as festive entertainment, including the fan-favorite “Christmas on Ice” skating show. There are also holiday-inspired culinary creations, dazzling fireworks on select nights and memorable photo opportunities with Rudolph and Santa through Dec. 24. For a truly unique holiday experience, be sure to step aboard the Holly Jolly Express to see the park’s 65-acre veldt, home to such magnificent animals as giraffes and rhinos, while listening to timeless songs of the season. buschgardens.com/tampa/events/ christmas-town ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Christmas in the Wild is another holiday favorite. Tampa’s premier outdoor family holiday event, Christmas in the Wild transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland full of magic and cheer. Guests can enjoy one of the city’s

Photo of Winter Village courtesy of Tampa Downtown Partnership; ZooTampa courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Christmas Town’s Holly Jolly Express and fireworks courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; Hillsborough River by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography; Tampa City Ballet by Soho Images and Michael Sheehan

‘TIS THE SEASON

nonstop largest light displays, complete with large lighted animal statues, as well as delectable holiday treats, holiday-themed animal experiences and merry entertainment. The separately ticketed event runs select dates through Dec. 30 from 4 to 10 p.m. zootampa. org/events/christmas-in-the-wild Holiday revelers will definitely want to stop by Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa to visit its Winter Village. Open through Jan. 1, 2024, the attraction typically draws 150,000 guests each year with its array of seasonal activities along the Tampa Riverwalk. Guests can go ice skating, finish up their holiday shopping at The Shops of Winter Village, savor specialty food and beverage items and watch a nightly 360-degree light show. Santa sightings are common as well, and visitors can book a ride on the Winter Village Express. The hourlong streetcar excursion takes passengers roundtrip from downtown’s Whiting station to Ybor City and features a holiday sing-along, trivia, milk and cookies, and festive surprises. wintervillagetampa.com Even more twinkling lights can be found at Tampa Riverwalk’s Holiday Spectacular, including a 35-foot-tall LED lighted Christmas tree that floats in the harbor. The illuminating event runs through January 2024 and invites guests to enjoy the Riverwalk’s festive holiday lights and décor, including floating gingerbread and toy train light displays. On the evening of Dec. 23, Riverwalk guests can also watch Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade — the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade — as it cruises along the Hillsborough River. thetampariverwalk.com

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Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year aboard Christmas Town’s Holly Jolly Express

See dozens of decorated vessels on the Hillsborough River during Tampa’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Christmas Town’s festive fireworks are a guest favorite

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Tampa City Ballet has been putting on performances of “The Nutcracker” since 2012 nonstoplife

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Fun Fact: In the spirit of giving this holiday season, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will donate at least $1 from every ticket sold on its winter tour to charity.

For those who don’t feel like it is the holiday season until they see “The Nutcracker,” Tampa City Ballet will be performing the holiday classic at various venues throughout the month. In addition to performances at the University of South Florida on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 10 a.m., audiences can see the holiday favorite at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. The professional dance company will even be putting on a shorter version of the classic adventure at the Carrollwood Cultural Center on Dec. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. for families with young children who may not be able to sit through the entire two-act ballet. tampacityballet.org Finally, visitors can rock out this holiday season with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra when their winter tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More,” stops by Tampa’s Amalie Arena for two performances. Featuring a larger presentation of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s seasonal rock opera as well as a laser-lit second set showcasing more of the band’s greatest hits, the highly anticipated holiday concert takes place on Dec. 23 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. trans-siberian.com

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra has performed their winter concerts to more than 18 million fans over the years

Buy some stocking stuffers from local purveyors at The Shops of Winter Village

See some of your favorite holiday movies back on the big screen during Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics film series

Photo of Trans-Siberian Orchestra by Bob Carey; The Shops of Winter Village courtesy of Tampa Downtown Partnership; Tampa Theatre courtesy of Tampa Theatre

Tampa Theatre’s Holiday Classics film series is another annual favorite sure to get visitors in the holiday spirit. Happening every Sunday at 3 p.m. until Jan. 7, 2024, the afternoon event screens various holiday classics as well as some newer seasonal favorites while inviting moviegoers to sing along to some holiday carols with the theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ before each showing. Movies include “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which will have several screenings leading up to Christmas, and a special sing-along screening of “Frozen” on Jan. 7, 2024. tampatheatre.org

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2023 WINNER PALM PAVILION INN

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st. pete beach

Happy hour time at RumFish Grill

HAPPY HOUR ON ST. PETE BEACH Photo of RumFish Grill courtesy of TradeWinds Island Resorts; cocktails by michelangeloop courtesy of Envato; Old Fashioned by Gulf Coast IT Solutions, LLC; 360 Rooftop courtesy of The Hotel Zamora

Set the stage for evening fun

By Nancy Foster

After a day of sunning and swimming in St. Pete Beach, happy hour is just what you need to take a pause, kick back with an icy cold drink and plan the rest of your evening.

St. Pete Beach has plenty of happy hour hosts, from tiki huts to rooftop lounges and casual eateries with sunset views.

360 ROOFTOP AT THE HOTEL ZAMORA Head directly to the top floor of the attractive beachfront Hotel Zamora, and cozy into the cushy seating of 360 Rooftop. Then, once you’re comfortable, feast your eyes on the jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of Mexico and downtown St. Petersburg. Happy Hour is featured seven days a week from 4-6 p.m. with specials on domestic beers, house wine and well drinks. thehotelzamora.com CHILL RESTAURANT & BAR Between Monday and Friday from 2-6 p.m. all drinks (apart from specialty drinks

Smoky Old Fashioned at Chill Restaurant & Bar

and bottles of wine) are half-price at Chill Restaurant & Bar, an off-beach casual eatery in the trendy Corey Avenue district.

House specialties sure to tempt include the Smoky Old Fashioned and the Espresso Martini. If you can’t make it to the weekday deals, going on a weekend will land you live entertainment. chillstpetebeach.com RUMFISH GRILL BAR AT TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS Inside Tradewinds Island Resort, the classy RumFish Grill Bar beckons deal seekers with a daily Happy Hour from 4-5 p.m., featuring specially priced beers and wines and halfpriced small plates. Enjoy the flavor-packed Firecracker Shrimp with Boom-Boom Sauce in the adjacent dining area, where a 33,500 square foot aquarium takes center stage, delighting patrons during their sumptuous evening meal. tradewindsresort.com

Happy hour appetizers at 360 Rooftop

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Photos courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

As many as 100 palmsized hatchlings head for the ocean

CAUTION: TURTLE CROSSING

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast—from Sarasota down through Nokomis, Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers—the sunscreen slathering and Frisbee tossing good times are randomly truncated by poles and fluorescent yellow ribboned-off, do-not-cross sections of beach.

The popular stretch of beaches is a hot spot for female sea turtle nesting. From May to October, female loggerhead turtles waddle out from the water and, using their strong two front flippers, brush away the sand to dig a lightbulb-shaped hole, 18 to 40 inches deep. They squat at the bottom and slowly lay as many as 100 golf ball sized eggs.

The nesting to hatching process takes about two months, depending on temperatures. The hotter the weather, the faster the palm-sized hatchlings crack through the eggs, poke through the sand and toddle their fraught-with-danger path toward the water.

A new loggerhead hatchling

S. Central Gulf Coast

A look behind the yellow tape

By John Hardy

Sadly, the risks and threats are many, and only about 1 in 1,000 tiny hatchlings make it to maturity.

“They usually emerge at night, partially to avoid daytime predators like raccoons, coyotes and armadillos, which scavenge for food,” explains Melissa Macksey, senior biologist and turtle conservation manager at Sarasota’s iconic Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

“They also rely on dim, natural light to find the sea. Turtle hatchlings are attracted to the light, which guides them to the water.

It is also the reason why most shoreline communities have strict local ordinances banning waterfront properties from having backyard lighting.” Hatchlings get easily disoriented and instinctively crawl toward the artificial lights and away from the ocean.

All things considered, it is quite a perilous journey from the nest to the ocean. “Even though the odds for survival are poor, the ribboned-off sections of beach are just one way to minimize the risks,” notes Macksey.

“It is a caution for people to just let Mother Nature do what Mother Nature does best.”

Yes, they are exotic, fascinating and even cute. And of course, most beach tourists are merely intrigued and just want to be caring, helpful and nice. But the strictly enforced U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, Florida Law 370 and several other statutes are important warnings: DO NOT disturb the turtles! nonstoplife

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Celebrate the holiday season with Victorian/ steampunk storytelling troupe Phantasmagoria when “Phantasmagoria: A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas” stops by The Ritz Theater in downtown Sanford Dec. 15. ritztheatersanford.com The always hilarious Fortune Feimster (“Chelsea Lately,” “FUBAR”) brings her Live, Laugh, Love! comedy tour to Orlando Dec. 29, performing inside Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall at 7 p.m. drphillipscenter.org

Photo by Todd Rosenberg

RSVP for Elmo’s Birthday Celebration Jan. 29 through Feb. 4 at SeaWorld Orlando. Included with park admission, the family-friendly event includes fun photo opportunities, an interactive DJ dance party and festive surprises each day. seaworld.com/orlando/events The Southeast’s ultimate comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event, MEGACON Orlando returns to the Orange County Convention Center Feb. 1 through 4. Celebrate all things fandom with cosplay encounters, star-studded celebrity appearances and amazing art and programming. fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando

ORLANDO/SANFORD

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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.

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TAKING TO THE WATER Cruise, sail and paddle the waters of Sanford

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Sanford

The elegant Barbara-Lee has five decks and can accommodate 194 guests

Photo of elegant Barbara-Lee by Reg Garner; Rivership Barbara-Lee courtesy of St. Johns Rivership Co.; sunset courtesy of U-Sail of Central Florida; kayak courtesy of Adventures in Florida

By Gabriele Walkow

Sanford, Fla., sits on the south shore of beautiful Lake Monroe, providing a spectacular waterfront backdrop and easy access to the lake and St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida. Taking to the water in Sanford is a breeze with several very different options for aquatic adventure.

ST. JOHNS RIVERSHIP CO. Go back in time on the authentic BarbaraLee sternwheeler while she cruises across Lake Monroe and plies up the historic St. Johns River. The whole family will enjoy the narrated luncheon and dinner cruises while viewing Florida wildlife in its natural setting.

Cruises include chef-prepared cuisine, live onboard entertainment and climate-controlled comfort. The open-air decks provide the perfect perch to feel the warm, gentle Florida breeze and watch the spectacular scenery slip by. Cruises depart from the Downtown Sanford Marina, and reservations are required. stjohnsrivershipco.com U-SAIL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Located adjacent to the Downtown Sanford Marina, U-Sail of Central Florida is the perfect place to connect with nature while skimming along the protected waters of Lake Monroe. Offering a roster of structured sailing courses on a fleet of keel boats, U-Sail is committed to making sailing fun for everyone. The popular two-hour Introduction to Sailing offers guests the option to participate as much as they like or just enjoy the ride. usail.com

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind cruise on the rivership Barbara-Lee

Feel the fair wind on your face on a sunset cruise with U-Sail of Central Florida

ADVENTURES IN FLORIDA Get up close and personal with the natural beauty of Central Florida during an exclusive kayak tour with Adventures in Florida.

Knowledgeable and passionate tour guides ensure a safe, enjoyable and informative experience for the whole family. Top rated Sanford area day tours include the popular three-hour Manatee Encounter and the scenic five-hour Wekiva River Kayak Tour.

There is a good chance of seeing a bear while paddling the Sanford Black Bear Wilderness Area. Depending on the season, manatees, alligators, turtles, otters, deer, bobcats and large wading birds can also be sighted. adventuresinflorida.com

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The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

Seasonal Attractions at Orlando’s Theme Parks

By Sandra Chambers

Get ready for some over-the-top holiday celebrations this year at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.

There’s wonderful winter fun for all ages, so ditch decking the halls and head south to Florida to experience the excitement.

WALT DISNEY WORLD Celebrate the magic of the season across all 40 square miles of Walt Disney World Resort. Inside the Magic Kingdom, catch the new “Frozen Holiday Surprise” at Cinderella Castle with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies. Another holiday “must see” is “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” featuring the popular “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmastime Parade.”

Christmas at Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has just debuted a brand new ticketed event, Disney Jollywood Nights. Enjoy Yuletide entertainment with live bands, DJ dance parties and a holiday special at Theater of the Stars hosted by Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog.

At Epcot, storytellers share holiday traditions from around the world with stories, musical acts and performances that celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year and more. The popular “Candlelight Processional” retells the traditional story of Christmas accompanied by an orchestra and choir. There’s also the opportunity to meet 50

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Photo of Hogwarts, Macy’s parade and Grinchmas courtesy of Universal Orlando; Epcot, Mickey’s parade and gingerbread creations courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

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The “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”

Santa Claus in his snow-covered sleigh at the Odyssey Pavilion.

Walt Disney World’s holiday celebrations run from Nov. 11 to Dec. 31. Some holiday events require separate tickets and space is limited. disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Universal Orlando’s two parks, as well as CityWalk, get a winter-wonderland makeover for the holidays with sparkling decorations, lights, festive food and even some snow.

Mistletoe Pines Village returns to Universal CityWalk this year with food, drink and retail options. Sounds of the season can be heard at three holiday concerts including Mannheim Steamroller, The Blues Brothers Holiday Show and Marilyn Monroe and the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas.

Universal’s Holiday Macy’s Parade

The entire family will have fun participating in “Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt,” a scavenger hunt that takes place at both parks and at Universal CityWalk. Scavenger maps can be purchased for $10 and, after completing the hunt, redeemed for a holiday tree-themed ornament.

At Islands of Adventures, Seuss Landing transforms into a Grinch-y Christmas wonderland with a 65-foot-tall, curved Christmas tree that looks like it’s taken right out of the Dr. Seuss books. Under the tree, the citizens of Whoville gather to perform

Life-size gingerbread creations

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“Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live retelling of the classic tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Harry Potter fans can enjoy some hot butterbeer while watching “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” The popular light show projects winter scenes onto Hogwarts Castle, as well as scenes from Harry Potter movies.

Sea of Trees Photos courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando

Christmas at Universal Orlando is also home to the 26-mile-long Macy’s Holiday Parade, featuring appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and popular characters from DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” and “Madagascar” films.

Universal Holiday Celebrations run from Nov. 11 through Jan. 1. universalorlando.com/web/ en/us/things-to-do/events/holidays-at-universal SEAWORLD ORLANDO SeaWorld Orlando has everything to make the holiday celebration magical, beginning with the “Sea of Trees” at the wintery wonderland around the lagoon. At night, guests can enjoy dazzling lights, snowflakes and fireworks choreographed to popular holiday music.

The entire family will love “Winter Wonderland on Ice.” This ice-skating extravaganza features a dazzling performance by ice skaters against a backdrop of lights, sparkling trees and dancing fountains. Guests can lace up and hit the ice themselves during the day at Bayside Stadium. “O Wondrous Night,” another family favorite, is a musical

O Wondrous Night

re-telling of the Christmas story through the eyes of those who were present at the Nativity, featuring life-size puppets.

At “Rudolph’s Christmas Town,” kids can meet Rudolph and other beloved characters from the book inside life-size story book vignettes of the classic christmas tale “Rudolf the RedNosed Reindeer.” Of course, Santa always makes a visit to SeaWorld Orlando during the Christmas season too. Christmas at SeaWorld runs from Nov. 10 to Jan. 2. seaworld.com/ orlando/events/christmas-celebration

Ice skating at Bayside Stadium

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Explore

Blue Hole Falls

An experience full of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, history, and more.

PLAN YOUR VISIT AT

TOURCARTERCOUNTY.COM

KEEPER OF THE TREES SINCE 1936 Welcome to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Lush and tropical, a calm and peaceful oasis awaits visitors to one of Key West’s oldest operating attractions. Home to a historic, rare ecosystem, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden showcases flora and fauna native to the Florida Keys, Cuba and the Caribbean.

This gem on Stock Island is only minutes from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street but seems a world away. Because of its unique southernmost geographical location, this is the only frost-free tropical forest and botanical garden in the continental U.S., protecting and nurturing many endangered and threatened plants and species.

As its name suggests, the Visitor Education Welcome Center is a great place to start when visiting the 15.2-acre garden. The short film screening inside contains many interesting facts about the area, and a garden guide details the 12 self-guided tours, three wetland habitats and two butterfly gardens that make up the grounds.

The Welcome Center is also a great spot to get a cold beverage and shop for mementos and gifts before heading off into the gardens.

With garden guide in hand, it’s easy to explore the special biodiversity of this tropical forest and garden on beautiful boardwalks and nature trails and view rare butterflies, migratory and resident birds, tropical and subtropical plants and resplendent flowers. Three of the last remaining freshwater ponds in the Keys can also be found inside the botanical garden.

The Garden Courtyard features a unique waterfall wall of tropical plants, and turtles 54

Northside Pond

By Gabriele Walkow

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happily basking in the dappled sunlight.

The butterfly habitats are home to over 39 identified species, and the hidden pond is known to host a rare resident white crowned pigeon or bald eagle.

Known as the Keeper of the Trees since 1936, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is also an arboretum featuring a collection of trees, shrubs and palms. Several of its coveted “champion tree” specimens have been listed in the National Champion Tree Database.

One of the best times to visit is during the annual GardenFest Key West, scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2024. This popular, free event has arts and crafts, kid’s activities, food vendors, live music, tours and, of course, plants!

Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, and children are free with an adult admission. keywest.garden

Great Herons are among one of many species you’ll see at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Photos courtesy of Key West Botanical Garden Society

EXPLORE M O R E

key west, FL

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Welcome Home Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm | Sunday 10am-6pm

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Discover over 60 communities to choose from across Southwest Florida.

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41

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, 41 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) 12/23.

29

DATE-NIGHT EATS IN NEW ORLEANS Romantic restaurants palates will love

Each of the dining spaces at Jack Rose has its own unique atmosphere

new orleans, la

MSY

EXPLORE M O R E

By Heather Turk

Photo of Jack Rose dining space by Neil Alexander; dessert by Sheila Tahvildari; Osteria Lupo courtesy of Osteria Lupo; Compère Lapin courtesy of Compère Lapin

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, Valentine’s Day or just a night out with the one you love, the dining scene in New Orleans has several romantic restaurants that are perfect for a dinner date.

COMPÈRE LAPIN Couples can dine on flavorful cuisine from James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton at Compère Lapin, a charming eatery in the Warehouse Arts District.

Serving robust dishes that meld the flavors of Compton’s Caribbean upbringing with her love of French and Italian cuisine while simultaneously highlighting the Gulf and Louisiana’s indigenous ingredients, the restaurant offers an assortment of delectable dishes that can be shared — like Compton’s signature Curried Goat with sweet potato gnocchi. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant also offers a variety of specials, including a succulent steak for two. comperelapin.com JACK ROSE The culinary crown of the Pontchartrain hotel, Jack Rose is an acclaimed restaurant in New Orleans’ Garden District perfect for date night. Guests can savor a mix of Italian, French and Spanish dishes with a culinary twist in one of four unique dining spaces, including the 25-seat Rose Garden overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Couples can toast the night ahead with the restaurant’s popular Chambongs (sparkling wine bongs for two), or celebrate a special occasion with an ice cream Mile High Pie topped with a sparkler. For those dining on Valentine’s Day, a prix fixe menu will be available featuring such delightful selections as the Duck & Andouille Gumbo. jackroserestaurant.com

No romantic dinner at Jack Rose is complete without splitting a Mile High Pie with your sweetheart

Inside Compère Lapin’s art-adorned dining room

Osteria Lupo has quickly become a popular date night spot since its opening

OSTERIA LUPO Located in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood, Osteria Lupo is a sexy new restaurant specializing in impeccable Northern Italian fare. Diners can relish a menu of shareable plates, housemade pastas and roasted meats and vegetables, like the luscious Grilled Lamb Rack served with wood-fired zucchini. Specialty dishes are available on Valentine’s Day as well, not to mention some incredible vinos from the restaurant’s all-Italian wine program. osterialupo.com nonstoplife

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MAKING MERRY MEMORIES

Guests of all ages love Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights’ customdesigned animal lanterns

Unique holiday experiences in New York City

By Heather Turk

Home to the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — not to mention the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop — New York City has become as synonymous with the holiday season as Santa Claus and fireworks. Even Ebenezer Scrooge wouldn’t be able to resist getting into the holiday spirit with so many merry things going on in the Big Apple.

One of the more unique ways to celebrate the holidays in New York City is by taking a 90-minute sightseeing cruise with Classic Harbor Line. Guests can book a variety of holiday-themed excursions aboard one of its three yachts, each featuring interiors decked out in sparkling lights and other holiday décor. While guests cruise past such landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, they can savor some holiday cookies, sip hot chocolate (spiked, if they’re old enough) and, on select cruises, enjoy Yuletide music.

A New Year’s Eve Champagne Pairing Cruise is also available, as well as New Year’s Day and holiday brunch cruises that include a three-course meal. classicharborline.com/nyc 58

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Watch as expert artists create wildlife art from giant blocks of ice during Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

See a piece of Christmas history — the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” — at The Morgan Library & Museum

EWR

New york city, ny

Another only-in-New-York holiday experience can be found at The Morgan Library & Museum. Each year it displays Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol,” which was acquired by J. Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript is turned to Page 7 this holiday season and will be on view during regular operating hours in the library’s West Room through Jan. 7, 2024. themorgan.org

Celebrate the holidays on the water with Classic Harbor Line’s holiday cruises

EXPLORE M O R E

Photos of lion and ice carving courtesy of the Bronx Zoo; manuscript by Janny Chiu; hot chocolate courtesy of Classic Harbor Line; skating rink photos courtesy of Tishman Speyer

HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIP: For even more exciting seasonal events and attractions, visit nyctourism.com/things-to-do/ holidays.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center’s Après Skate Chalets can be reserved in 50-minute increments

For those in search of festive lights, Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights runs select evenings through Jan. 7, 2024. Boasting nearly 400 lanterns representing almost 100 animal and plant species, the illuminating event features seasonal treats, ice carving demonstrations, a kids’ holiday train and live entertainment. New for this holiday season is the interactive Enchanted Sea experience celebrating bioluminescent creatures, as well as 64 never-beforeseen lanterns representing nine animal species from New York’s wetlands and ocean waters. bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights Of course, no visit to New York City during the holidays is complete without going ice skating at Rockefeller Center.

Hosting more than 250,000 skaters each year, the 6,900-square-foot Rink at Rockefeller Center has been a New York City holiday staple since 1936.

Skaters can hit the ice through March 2024 for a nominal fee, with skate rentals available for those who left theirs at home. Additionally, cozy Après Skate Chalets are available to rent through Jan. 14 that offer incredible views of the over 75-foot-tall Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and its 50,000 multicolored LED lights. This year will be the first in which guests can enjoy a selection of alcoholic beverages in the chalets by Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing Company alongside a warming menu of après-skate bites, so be sure to make your reservation early. rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rinkat-rockefeller-center

For more than 85 years, ice skating at Rockefeller Center has been the quintessential New York City holiday experience nonstoplife

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Oh, What Fun! A trip through the Austin Trail of Lights

Lights surround guests at every turn on the Austin Trail of Lights

By Connor McIlveen

Though the night gets longer in the winter, it also gets a bit brighter in Austin, Texas.

Since 1965, the city has hosted the Austin Trail of Lights, a gigantic display of festive lighting covering Zilker Park.

Originally known as Yule Fest, the celebration is a winter tradition now boasting more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. The 1.5 mile trail is also lined with vendors selling festive snacks and games that could easily turn a quick trek into an all night holiday hike.

The festive carousel is a respite for aching feet, as is the Ferris wheel, a perfect perch for a bird’s-eye view of the lights. In December, musicians perform every week, serenading patrons with festive carols and songs. Even Santa Claus can’t resist the charm of the Trail.

He appears nightly at his home in the North Pole area from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The Austin Trail of Lights has grown to become one of the three largest events in Austin and regularly receives national accolades. But that hasn’t stopped the organization behind the festivities from remaining local at heart.

The event has remained a deeply cherished local tradition because of the Trail of Lights Foundation’s commitment to its community.

Their STARS at the Trail program gives

Musicians perform every year at the Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights is host to rides, games and more

Photos courtesy of Austin Trail of Lights

EXPLORE M O R E

Austin, tx

AUS

those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the event a special holiday experience tailored exclusively for them. Since 2013, STARS at the Trail has brought over 20,000 individuals to the Trail of Lights including children, families, seniors and veterans.

The foundation also provides thousands of passes to eligible families throughout the Austin Independent School District, spreading a bit of holiday cheer to those who need it most.

Parking at Zilker Park is available only with a pre-paid parking pass, and there are a limited number available each night. All parking must be purchased in advance, online. austintrailoflights.org

The Trail of Lights is one of the biggest events in the city 60

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65 ALLEGIANT CARES 66 ROUTE MAP 71 SNACKS

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

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FOR OUR PASSENGERS

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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

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Allegiant celebrates Girls in aviation day

Allegiant sponsors local nonprofit in annual event for the seventh year

By Andrew Porrello

For the seventh year, Allegiant served as the premier sponsor of Girls in Aviation Day in Las Vegas. The program, hosted by the nonprofit Women in Aviation International, is an annual event designed to introduce girls to all things aviation.

Nearly 300 girls toured an Allegiant airplane and met the women who fly them at an event celebrating Girls in Aviation. The goal of the event is to encourage more girls to pursue the education and experience that will help them achieve these careers.

Women currently make up only about six percent of the total pilot workforce in the U.S., and studies show the key to increasing those numbers is to increase the visibility of aviation careers and role models in those fields. Promoting a diverse workforce in aviation and access to STEM education is a key component of Allegiant’s corporate giving program.

“Allegiant recognizes the critical need for a diversified workforce and is committed to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, specifically aeronautical sciences,” said Sonya Padgett, Allegiant’s director of corporate communications and corporate giving. “Year after year, we’ve been proud to partner with the local chapter of Women in Aviation International

and provide a chance for girls from all walks of life to see and hear from Allegiant’s women pilots, maintenance engineers and crew members about how they achieved their dream of working in aviation.”

Allegiant and other businesses from the community partnered with the local chapter of Women in Aviation to offer the girls, ages 8 to 18, a variety of experiences, including touring one of our A320 aircraft.

“Allegiant recognizes the critical need for a diversified workforce and is committed to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, specifically aeronautical sciences.”

Additionally, the girls met and heard from women about their roles. This included pilots, maintenance engineers and Allegiant executives. The women shared their personal stories about their educational paths and experiences in the dynamic world of aviation.

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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

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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

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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.

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• Dasani Bottled Water

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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

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FLIGHTS