Sunshine State of Mind

This week we catch up on what's opening soon and talk about the ever-evolving Covid situation as we start to inch back to normal.  Also, Shannon checks out a trendy Tampa restaurant, and Andy has a close encounter with a manatee. In this Episode:  Brunch at the Oxford Exchange Manatee encounter from the kayak 2021 midyear update Amazon Purchase of the Week: Kwikset Emergency Keys Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

We're back after an unplanned hiatus!  This week we tell you where we've been, and talk about our trip to the Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg to see the "Van Gogh Alive" exhibit. In this Episode:  Our 4-week unplanned hiatus caused by home renovation chaos A trip to the Dali Museum to see the "Van Gogh Alive" exhibit https://thedali.org/exhibit/van-gogh-alive/ https://youtu.be/nCWsPY2nHJY Amazon Purchase of the Week: MOCOLY Women's Cargo Hiking Pants Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

We talk about our week off for Spring Break where we visited Silver Springs State Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Pass-a-Grille Beach, and went out for a deep-sea fishing trip on a party boat out of Clearwater Beach. In this Episode:  New DisneyWorld Florida license plate to be released Drive-in movie theater coming to St. Petersburg https://stpeterising.com/home/2021/3/8/drive-in-movie-theater-is-coming-soon-to-st-pete Spring Break discussion Deep-Sea Party Boat fishing https://queenfleet.com Amazon Purchase of the Week: Kamp-Rite Outdoor Camping Tailgating Folding Director's Chair Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

Florida continues to grow, and this winter will probably send even more people to the Sunshine State.  This week we take a look at, and react to US News & World Report's list of the best Florida cities to move to in 2021. In this Episode:  Happiest Florida Cities https://www.winknews.com/2021/03/08/study-says-cape-coral-is-happiest-city-in-florida/ Best Florida cities to move to in 2021 https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live-in-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: The Southerner's Cookbook Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

This week we went to Spring Hill for a kayaking trip on the Weeki Wachee River and review the experience on this river famous for its crystal clear water and frequent manatee sightings.  Also, a new theme park is on the way, live music returns to Busch Gardens, and a visit to Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park. In this Episode:  Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/cockroach-bay-preserve-state-park Live music returns to Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival A new Peppa Pig theme park is on the way Kayaking at Weeki Wachee State Park https://weekiwacheekayakrental.com Amazon Purchase of the Week: Feline Greenies Pill Pockets How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

This week we checked out the Second Saturday Art Walk in downtown St. Petersburg, a fun monthly event where you can grab a local beer, check out some local art, meet the artists, all while in an easy-going setting.  There are lots of Art Walks all around Florida for you to check too. In this Episode:  2021 Hurricane names Walt Disney World is turning 50 this year. St. Petersburg Art Walk Discussion https://stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk List of other Florida Art Walks Amazon Purchase of the Week: Desert Reptile Substrate How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

Hey, our hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers just won the Super Bowl!  We'll talk about that for a few minutes before getting back to our normal Florida discussion.  This week we talk about some little-known gems we've never talked about or even heard of, before. In this Episode:  A few Super Bowl thoughts Little known Florida gems we've never talked about before. https://thefloridatravelgirl.com/things-to-do-in-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

Tampa is hosting the Super Bowl in just a couple of weeks, and the hometown Buccaneers are the first team to ever play in the big game on their home turf.  If you're coming to town, a local, or just somebody who might visit one day, we have a big list of outdoor, Covid friendly, things to do around town. In this Episode:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the Super Bowl. List of outdoor things around the Tampa Bay area to do. https://tampabaydatenightguide.com/outdoor-activities-in-tampa-bay-before-summer/ Amazon Purchase of the Week: Fluker's Buffet Blend Aquatic Turtle Food How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

This week we take a look at the year ahead and all the best new Florida attractions we except (and hope) to open in 2021. In this Episode:  2021 Florida Attractions Preview https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/space-220/ Amazon Purchase of the Week: 2021 Pooping Pooches Calendar How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com

Happy New Year!  This week we got 2021 started by taking our new kayak on it's maiden voyage through the mangrove forests of Weedon Island Preserve.  A great little nature preserves along the shores of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg. In this Episode:  Our kayaking trip at Weedon Island Preserve near St. Petersburg. http://www.weedonislandpreserve.org The Top Ten Kayak trips in Florida https://floridakayaker.com/best-kayaking-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: eBook: Revolutionary Mothers Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

By listener request, today we complete our Trilogy of Florida Wonders.  This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Theme Park Wonders of Florida. In this Episode:  The Seven Theme Park Wonders of Florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

Last week we discussed Floridas Natural Wonders, and now it's time for the sequel.  This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Manmade Wonders of Florida. In this Episode:  The Seven Manmade Wonders of Florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Midwest Bolster Pet Bed Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

Florida is a state with a lot of natural beauty and natural wonders.  This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Natural Wonders of Florida. In this Episode:  The Seven Natural Wonders of Florida http://sunshinestateinsider.com/natural-wonders-of-florida/ Amazon Purchase of the Week: NCAA College Facecover Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

We are back after a bit of a break to tell you about some of the fun stuff we've been up to, and review some of the places we've gone over the last few weekends.  Jet Skiing at John's Pass, a Florida Christmas Tree Farm, and a visit to the NEW St. Pete Pier. In this Episode:  Snowcat Ridge opens in Dade City https://snowcatridge.com We visit and review the new St. Pete Pier https://stpetepier.org Withlacoochee River Park https://www.pascocountyfl.net/303/Withlacoochee-River-Park Visting a Florida Christmas Tree farm http://www.ergletrees.com Jet skiing at John's Pass https://www.johnspass.com Photos: http://sunshinestatepodcast.com/cassadaga-florida-photo-gallery Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

This week Shannon took a trip to Cassadaga, the "Psychic Capital of the World", where she visited the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, took a walk on the Fairy Trail, and even had a session with a psychic medium!  We had a really interesting discussion about this unique experience in this unique town.  Also, Sea World offers a great deal for teachers, and Scream-a-geddon returns for Halloween 2020 In this Episode:  SeaWorld offering free season pass for Florida teachers. Scream-a-geddon, Florida's largest horror attraction, will return with a new haunted house. Shannon visits Cassadaga and has a reading with a psychic medium.   Photos: http://sunshinestatepodcast.com/cassadaga-florida-photo-gallery Amazon Listener Purchase of the Week: Dance Class Kids Molly Jane Tap Shoes Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

An invasion of rotten mollusks! Classic mini golf courses! And a promising study that just shows beer is even better that we already knew.  This week we get caught up with a few different stories and happenings from around Florida. In this Episode:  The Florida Historic Mini Golf Trail http://floridahistoricgolftrail.com Mote Marine Lab teams up with Darwin Brewing to find a cure for red tide. https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/08/31/could-beer-help-florida-raise-a-glass-to-the-end-of-red-tide/ Sea Squirt Invasion https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/08/28/thousands-of-rotting-sea-squirts-stinking-up-pass-a-grille-beach- Polynesian Resort Renovation Theme park season pass deals Hollywood Studios trip report/Mickey & Minnies Runaway Railway ride review Support the Show with Amazon  Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

After months of unprecedented closures Walt Disney World has reopened, but with a lot of changes.  We spent a day at Animal Kingdom and this week we talk all about what we thought of the new rules and the current Disney experience.  Also: A kayaking trip to a Florida State Park and a getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this Episode:  Cheap Kayaking at Colt Creek State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park A quick trip to North Georgia We discuss our recent trip back to Walt Disney World and all of the changes that have been made to deal with COVID-19. Listener Purchase of the Week: Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com   How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

Is there something in Florida that you love, that others dont?  Maybe something you think is overrated, and don't get the hype?  This week we share some of our own Unpopular Florida Opinions. In this Episode:  Our Fourth of July weekend at Siesta Key Palms Resort https://www.siestakeypalmshotel.com We discuss some of ours and some listeners unpopular Florida opinions. Listener Purchase of the Week: Altec Lansing Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com   How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

The current situation has put the breaks on some highly anticipated new Florida attractions.  This week we take a look at where we are now, and when we might expect to see all these new projects finally open. In this Episode:  2020 Florida attractions status & discussion; Busch Gardens, Sea World, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios Island's of Adventure "Velocicoaster" virtual ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ba8m8HRSTU Listener Purchase of the Week: HURR-PRO Universal Hurricane Window Clips Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com   How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon

This weekend we visited Repticon, the Reptile Convention at the Florida State Fairgrounds and even brought home a new family member!  Then we headed over to Tarpon Springs to check out a local brewery. In this Episode:  We visit Repticon and bring home a new family member. https://repticon.com/ Five Branches Brewery in Tarpon Springs Listener Purchase of the Week: Batman Cuff Links! Contact Us!  We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports!  Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com   How to support the show  Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon