Disney For Grown Ups -- Food and Wine Festival Comes to Epcot September 30

We recently returned from a visit to the Magic Kingdom plus with child in tow... and, sorry for the overuse, but it was magical!  While there I was reminded as we dashed in and out of Epcot to do Soarin, the Triple AAA attraction which takes you on a virtual flight over the USA, that Disney World is fun for adults too.  And next month I can use the excuse of an adult experience -- the upcoming food and wine festival --to do an adult thing and sneak about and have some kid fun as well.

The Food and Wine Festival, which starts September 30,  is a 45-day Disneyesque experience that  gives "guests" a taste of a wide variety of international cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents, with more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions of dishes paired with beer, wine and cocktails.

The Marketplaces are positioned around the 40-acre Epcot World Showcase Lagoon. This year, they include the festival’s first Hawaii marketplace, which will cook up Kalua pork sliders and tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips to team with a refreshing Seven Tiki Mai Tai or a Kona Longboard or Pipeline beer.  A new Caribbean Islands marketplace will serve ropa vieja with rice and jerk-spiced chicken with mango salsa. A beverage menu featuring a frozen Dragon Berry Colada and frozen Rock Coconut Mojito is sure to conjure steel-drum fantasies.

Another  new addition is the Portugal marketplace, where the Portugal Wine Bar will offer best sips to pair with calamari salad with olives and smoked paprika. The Scandinavia marketplace will return after a hiatus with a fresh new Xante Sunshine cocktail made from Xante pear and cognac liquer. And the Canada marketplace will introduce a sweet treat: apple ice wine.

The festival will also feature:

• Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.


• First-ever HGTV home entertaining seminars each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


• The Cranberry Bog display by Craisins telling the story behind the venerable cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.


• Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.


• Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.


• Plus, many other special events

I am thinking when I go in early October I might just want another spin on Soarin again....but perhaps I ought to do that before the tasting begins for many reasons.  

Resources:

Christmas Time is Definitely More Kitschy in Key West

To begin with as soon as you add palm trees to Christmas, you have an oxymoron.  

And then there's Key West, and you can add some extraordinarily different Christmas ornaments.  You could choose one of these for your Christmas tree from Fast Buck Freddies on Duval Street.

And then of course there are the bespeckled coconuts that make for a unique holiday ornamentation.

In tropical climates, you can decorate your outdoor tree as you might your indoor evergreen as in this gorgeous display.  

Beautiful Victorian residences and inns may be subtly enhanced for the season.

Or some conch homes may go to the extreme for all the glitz they can deliver.

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The classic Key West bars like the Green Parrot get even greener during the holidays.

Palm trees along the waterfront and throughout the town are wrapped in light.  

Poinsettias are everywhere.  Here they accent this classic entrance.

And it wouldn't be Key West without a parade.

 There is no doubt that Santa is here and undoubtedly loving the weather.

Rediscovering America -- On the Tamiami Trail to the Keys

It was unusually cold for Florida even in December as we started our journey to Key West. While we could have taken I75 - Alligator Alley  (puzzles me why it's called this since it is very rare to see alligators along this fast lane through the Everglades), the adventure would have been lost. Instead we took the old route, Tamiami (to Miami) Trail, which allowed for stops along one of the most exotic roads in the U.S. 

From Naples we enter Big Cypress Preserve, where hammocks of immense bald cypress trees rise up from the swampy land teaming with life.   I'm just in the middle of reading a wonderful book called "the Orchid Thief" by Susan Orlean and as we pass by the thick jungle-like places (the Fakahatchee, e.g.) where she wandered with her quixotic guide, places where snakes and alligators thrive, I have to shutter and admit that I am not that much of an adventurer -- and that there are places where I do fear to tread, although I love reading about them and gazing at them at a relatively safe distance.

We made a brief stop at the visitor center which is located where Route 29 crosses Tamiami Trail.  From there, you can pick up lots of maps, pamphlets about the area and such.  Had time permitted we would have visited Everglades City further down 29 -- its a unique piece of old Florida, with some historic buildings, a museum and opportunities for Everglade tours.  Further along the trail, we passed the Wooten Swamp Buggy Tours -- been there done that -- another Florida tourist thing that you should do at least once in your life.  In the little town of Ochopee, we also stopped by the smallest post office in the U.S., where I mailed a postcard of the small little post office.  We did also stop at Clyde Butcher's, a wilderness photographer, who for years lived in a small cottage behind the gallery in Big Cypress -- he only recently moved to Venice, Florida.


Further along  Tamiami Trail into the Everglades runs a shallow waterway with a narrow bank just on the side of a endless stretch of sawgrass march dotted here and there in the backdrop by dense hammocks of palms, gumbo-limbos and other sub-tropical trees.

Today almost every 30 feet or so, we spotted an alligator, so many of them that we decided to stop an the Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress to get a closer view.   The Center has a boardwalk raised above the shallow stream that parallels the highway.  Amazingly herons, anahinga and other birds perch over the waters gazing at the pristine crystal stream teaming with fish along with many, many alligators who swim and sun themselves along the bank.

1 According to Wikipedia "The 165 mile  north–south section (hidden SR 45) extends to Naples, whereupon it becomes an east–west road (hidden SR 90) crossing the Everglades (and forming part of the northern border of Everglades National Park) before becoming Southwest Eighth Street in Miami-Dade "

Freezing in Florida -- Experiencing "Ice" at the Gaylord Palms Orlando

I'd often heard about "ICE," the annual display of hand-carved frozen sculptures that takes place at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida near all the Orlando Disney World attractions. (There are also similar shows at other Gaylord hotels.) Last year towards the end of the season there, I decided to experience it first hand.

From the Jungle of Gaylord's Everglades to the Artic "ICE"

It was an early somewhat crisp Sunday morning -- 60 degrees outside when we embarked with some trepidation into the frozen wilderness of "ICE" at 9 degrees -- remember I am a Floridian, anything under 50 is freezing. The Gaylord Palms Hotel is a somewhat daunting place to begin with -- a theme park inside a hotel with all kinds of funky Florida themes that take you through the swamps of the Everglades to Key West, to the walled Spanish look of St. Augustine. But even the dragon pool can't come close to the main attraction here come every November --- "ICE."

Once we had bought our tickets, we were escorted into a room where all sizes of very padded winter coats were provided.  (We had come somewhat prepared for this -- and didn't wear sandals for instance and wore long pants.) But as we were to soon find out, we would need those ugly winter parkas.

We heeded all the warnings and I covered my camera lens up with my parka so that my camera wouldn't give out between photos.  Then we trudged into the gallery with about 50 or so others... who had been ticketed for the same entry time as we had.

The exhibition itself is about 18,000 square-feet of frosty characters and settings, that are carved each year by a team of artisans from Harbin, China.  Harbin is world-famous for its annual Ice and Snow Festival where more than 2,000 sculptors annually care a 100-acre walk through an ice park. Ice Lantern Festivals can be traced back as far as the late Ming and early Qing dynasties of Imperial China where 500 years ago hunters created ice lanterns to help guide themselves home.

 

We walked through a huge ice tunnel into a vast frozen world. And I have to admit I was truly awed by the intricate carvings of bears, sheep, angels, reindeer and more. Most impressive were the huge ice-carved manger and carousel. And, of course, I had to try the ice slide -- hey I had the parka to protect me.

This year's "ICE" at the Gaylord Palms opens tomorrow. The Theme for 2010 is "Twas the Night Before Christmas" And if you decide to go, even if you don't stay at the Gaylord, check out the hotel, it is unique! And be sure to bring hats, gloves and dress warm--it's cold even in Florida. For more information, or to purchase your tickets by phone, call (407) 586-4423.

Unconditional Surrender -- A Sarasota Florida Statue is all in "The Kiss" of a moment

A well-know photo shows an American sailer kissing a young woman in white, presumably a nurse, on V-J Day in Times Square. The photograph taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt and originally published later in Life magazine was among many of those taken during celebrations across the US on the end to a long, costly war. A war during which many loved ones had been lost. A war which separated husbands and wives, lovers, family for almost four years.

Pictures were being snapped quickly then to capture reactions as the anticipated news of the US victory over Japan was announced. But this particular shot caught something that symbolically stuck ...not only as a moment of sheer, spontaneous joy at the end of a war but as a foreshadowing of the promise ahead .... the return of the soldiers too long gone and of the many, many long-awaited kisses to come. It's probably one of the most romantic photos ever taken even though that particular kiss was between strangers.

More recently, a gigantic, pop-art likeness of "The Kiss," entitled more appropriately that anyone thought "Unconditional Surrender," was raised along the main artery in Sarasota, Florida by the bay. Ever since the sculpted couple's very presence has been consumed with controversy...somewhat akin to the battle caused when the Rocky statue was originally placed on the steps in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum. ( There is something about pop-art that requires ripening before it's ultimately accepted for what it is.)

"Unconditional Surrender" was created by eminent artist, J. Seward Johnson, known primarily for his iconic man-in-the-street series...yes one of the looks-real bronzes that on one of those late nights out you might have a chat with . The first rendering of "Unconditional Surrender" was a life-sized version that appeared in Times Square in 2005 to commemorate the announcement at 7:03 PM sixty-years before of the end of WWII. Later the 26-foot version was sited at Snug Harbor in New York for a month before being moved to Sarasota where many of the more patriotic residents wanted it to remain. And so far it has, after a brief visit to San Diego a few years back.

After a combative public hearing, city commissioners agreed  to accept a donation of a $500,000 from a WWII Vet and to embrace the huge artwork for ten years. Still arguments regarding the kissing duo -- appropriateness for "artsy" Sarasota, legal issues (i.e. derivative work licensing) -- drag on. But in the meantime, the huge sailor and nurse continue to smooch behind the palm trees with Sarasota's gleaming buildings as a backdrop.

And on any given day, in particular one to do with love (and frequently reuniting) -- an anniversary, Valentine's Day, a day marriage is proposed, a wedding day, a celebration of a soldier's return from a current war, or just a day to be in love, you can see a couple strike the pose in the shadow of a moment that captured the promise of hope, renewal and commitment... and everything love is all about.....

Disney for Adults - A Mini-Trip around the World at Epcot

While the real trip I would have liked to begin 2010 with wasn't going to happen just now, a miniaturized version was within reach. Where else on the planet could I from one vantage point gaze at what at least appeared to be Paris, London, Venice, and Tokyo -- Epcot.

While frequently passing by on the way to somewhere else, I hadn't been to Epcot in quite awhile. But it didn't take me long to figure out that it was a great destination for grown-ups. While some travel writers find the Worlds of Disney cloying or at least in one writer's case downright "frightening," I still find them delightful. Perhaps because Disney was the first to whisk me away on a magic carpet ride to unfamiliar turf. Whatever, Disney's lands still draw me again and again whether child in hand or as it was this time child in heart.

There was much more to do at Epcot than the time we had alloted to be there permitted. In addition to the World Showcase, our focus the day we visited, there is also Future World. Lines from Mission: Space told the story --- this was something to get a FastPass for next time around. I'm also told that Soarin is a not-to-miss attraction for kids and adults. But I guess that depends on how much exhilaration you are looking for.

But it's the World Showcase that is the real adult draw -- a great place to spend a morning through lunch, or an afternoon through early evening. Some of the pluses: great exercise as you walk around the Lake with lots of eye-candy to distract you from the fact you are working-out, lots of good adult entertainment, shopping opportunities and attractions/shows.

The day we were there we breezed through Canada and caught a Celtic Rock Band, with a lead singer who resembled a younger Mel Gibson, that was quite good in Canada. Canada also has a Circle Vision film that we passed on this time.

Past Canada, the Rose & Crown Pub is available to quench your thirst in the United Kingdom. Then it's a short stroll to France for a large circular-screen film that brings you into the French countryside for a peak at castles, small French towns, Churches, vineyards and more. And while you're in France there are several dining opportunities including a tempting Boulangerie Patisserie.

We moved onto for a quick flight through Morocco because we were getting hungry and sushi was on the menu in Japan. There are three dining choices in Japan, one with teppanyaki, one a yakitori house and the other a more formal restaurant, Tokyo Dining, which we chose for lunch. While waiting for our buzzer to go off, we watched a performance of Epcot's Taiko Drummers -- amazing.






Following lunch we stopped at the American Adventure -- a quick tour through American history with the use of film, animation and animatronics -- well worth the time. Then as time was getting short we sped through Italy, quickly checked out Oktoberfest in Germany, which looked worthy of a return visit at a later time, and passed by China with a Circle-Vision film that we had to miss this time.

Two boat rides ended our day. Norway has a short boat voyage that draws crowds and Mexico's Gran Fiesta Tour is an entertaining diversion after the long walk around the world.

Epcot is definitely worth putting on your agenda if you are planning a trip to Florida or live anywhere in the southeast US and are looking for a weekend getaway. Plan to go, as we will next time, during one of Epcot's major events:

Flower and Garden Festival -- March 3 through May 16.

International Food and Wine Festival -- September 25 through November 8.

Holidays Around the World -- November 27 through December 30.

Other tips for adults:

1. Plan ahead -- check out Disney Epcot's website and decide what you would like to do. Find out what shows and special events are available on the day(s) you want to visit.
2. Use Fastpass for popular attraction. You insert your park ticket into the Fastpass kiosk and receive a ticket with a return time, so you can come back with no wait.
3. If you buy items during your walk around, consider having your packages delivered to the Package Pickup at the Gift Shop at the Main Entrance.
4. Taking pup, there is a kennel located near the Main Entrance.
5. If you want to break up your visit, you can go early in the morning and return later in the day as long as you retain your ticket.
6. Some restaurants in the park are worth reserving in advance: Call 407-939-3463.

It's Christmas Time on the Water...The Best Lighted Boat Parades Across the US

Harbors and rivers are ablaze, with mega-yachts, cruisers, sailboats, kayaks, and other flotables sporting every starry decoration imaginable from Christmas trees to naughty Santas. It's Christmas time on the water. And ever since the first little line of boats with lights strung from their masts set sail, holiday lighted-boat parades have become bigger and more extravagant each year.

With the economy still wobbling, it remains to be seen along the shore whether this year's celebrations will be as spectacular as those in more fiscally robust seasons of past years. However, a quick survey of websites dedicated to the parades indicates that, despite the economic climate, the parades will float on as elaborate as ever (boat owners spending as much as $40,000 to deck the halls of their vessels according to one website).

The waterside Christmas celebrations, most of which start showing up next weekend (the first weekend in December) and continue through the month up until the weekend before Christmas, are usually run by Chambers of Commerce, Yacht Clubs or Visitors Bureaus as a draw for communities on the water to not only the parades, but to local restaurants and shops. For example, the Newport Beach, California parade, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, of this type of spectacle (this year is the 101st parade) attracts millions of viewers each year, many of whom reserve tables at waterfront restaurants. Hey when you can't offer a white Christmas, boats with glistening decorations playing strains of Jingle Bells are a great way to make the holiday merry and bright. And Newport Beach, whose holiday regatta sails between Balboa Island and Pennisula, starts the season right with 5 consecutive days of boat parading beginning December 16.

Not to be outdone, the festival of lights for these boating extravagances often extends to shoreline residences and busineses as well. Creating runways of light for the parades, owners throw large parties where canal or harbor front docks are strung with lights and lawns and lanais bedecked with lighted Santas, reindeers and more. In the tiny waterfront town of Punta Gorda in Southwest Florida, for instance, boat parades wind through a maze of canals passing homes elaborately lighted for the procession.

The historic waterfronts of Alexandria, Virgina and Annapolis, Maryland will also sparkle during this holiday season. Alexandria's 10th regatta of lights which launches this Saturday, December 5, will navigate the Potomac from Washington to Alexandria's dock. Appropriately, Annapolis will welcome Santa from his boat rather than a sleigh the following Saturday.

The big daddy of the Lighted Boat Parades, Fort Lauderdale's Winterfest Parade is an entertainment extravaganza, entitled this year "That's Entertainment." The December 12 show, and it is a show, actually includes what the parade sponsors describe as giant showboats with musicians and dancers. Highlighted features of this year's 38th Annual splash of mega-yachts and more are "Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza Showboat," the Clydey Foundations "Cirque" Floating Finale, and a "Phantom of the Opera" show. This year's grand marshals include celebrities Alonzo Mourning and Kim Kardashian.

Here's a rundown on some of the best upcoming Lighted Boat Parades:

Parade	Dates and Times	More Information
Newport Beach, CA	12/16-12/20 6:30 PM	http://www.christmasboatparade.com/
Punta Gorda, FL	12/5 6-9 PM & 12/19 6 PM	http://youbelonginpuntagorda.blogspot.com/2009/11/punta-gorda-lights-up-harbor-and.html
Annapolis, MD	12/12 6-8 PM	http://www.eastportyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=32
Fort Lauderdale, FL	12/12 6 PM	http://www.winterfestparade.com/winterfest_schedule_of_events.cfm
Marina Del Ray, CA	12/12 6 PM	http://www.mdrboatparade.org/home.htm
Venice, FL	12/5 6-8 PM	http://www.venicechristmasboatparade.com/
Alexandria, VA	12/5 4-6 PM	http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=26951
St. Augustine, FL	12/12 6 PM	http://www.sayc2000.com/R_Blair_Maintained/LightsRegatta_2009.html