I had “high hopes” of posting this yesterday.  But (seemingly smiling) rays of sunshine and the day’s temperate climate led my husband and I to the car for a spontaneous travel adventure to Disney World Resort® in Orlando (FL). 

This destination point, for people from around the world, is located only a short car ride from the South Gulf Beaches of Pinellas County (FL).

Disney World Resort® features Magic Kingdom Park, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot Center Theme Park, with its Future World and World Show adventures.

The Resort offers discounted vacation packages for Florida residents, free admission on your birthday, thrill rides, daily parades, and an amazing fireworks show every evening!  There’s plenty of dining options, learning exhibits, live shows and concerts, and holiday-themed events.  And, all of this is located near Pinellas County for families and kids at heart (of any age) to enjoy!   

A must see destination to the south of the South Gulf Beaches area is The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota (FL).  The Museum features masterwork paintings and sculptures by American, European, and Asian artisans. The Museum’s volunteers are super friendly and offer golf cart rides to points of interest, including the Ringling’s private estate, Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the Circus Museums, and Historic Asolo Theater. 

The grounds surrounding the Museum are breathtakingly beautiful, especially Mable Ringling’s beloved flower garden, with its multitude of colorful roses and marble statuary.  There’s a great restaurant, gift shop, and guest services, too.  While there, you might encounter a famous clown or aerialist willing to share fascinating stories of their life in the circus (as happened when my husband and I recently visited).

The Orlando area is home to other thrilling destination points, such as SeaWorld® and Universal Studios Orlando®, Where Blockbusters Come to Life!. 

Pinellas County residents don’t have to go far to experience an adventure!  Tampa Bay is graced with numerous exciting and top-rated destination points, including Busch Gardens® and The Florida Aquarium®.  Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoological Gardens® was recently rated (again) as ”The Best Zoo in the U.S.” by Parents Magazine. 

Our museums, parks, nature trails, and historical sights are second to none! (Check out Bob Horn’s post about the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to understand why!)

No . . . I didn’t post this yesterday, as intended.  But I’m smiling.  Relishing the memory of a leisurely drive and fun afternoon in a wonderful world of make believe. 

Humming a happy tune, I realize how fortunate we are to have truly magical travel destinations so near to us–close enough, in fact, to enjoy each and every day.  And each place is capable of making fairytale dreams come true!

Now that’s worth smiling about . . . in Paradise Found!

Thanks for visiting!

Photos courtesy of The John and Mable Ringling Museum (Taken by Connie Langhorst)