Thetownend.com

I gotta go to Florida with work for a coupla days next jan - sweet!

anyone been there?

In 1989, as a 12 year old, not sure I could be of much help, other than saying I used to love eating in Wendy's.  The chocolate fudge sauce was lovely!

Just got back on Saturday from Tampa/Clearwater/St Petersburg area. Quite a nice area on the gulf coast, white sandy beaches.

Not been to the Atlantic coast or Orlando though, and frankly don't want to (except Kennedy Space Centre).

Where abouts you going?

I can give you some restaurant recommendations, especially if your on expenses!

"I can give you some restaurant recommendations, especially if your on expenses!"

I've already done that Pumbaa!!  "Wendy's"

 :wink:

 :chunder:

Wendy's is rank. Avoid. Seriously.

Hooters is where its at!

If you like fake boobs and thick tights, then Hooters is a worthy trip. They do big jugs so well.....

yes funny enough it is full of fat stupid amercains. you have been warned.

Get it right mate  :wink:

Full of old farts in Florida driving Lincoln Town Cars, very badly.

not sure yet, going to some golf convention and playing some courses...

'Work', golf convention and playing some courses in Florida sounds like my sort of gig. Throw in some cheesy strip joints and you've got it made. How do you break into this career field????

Jammy bastard!

I'v left a footie mag to try some golf. football getting a bit voring, to be honest.. all the players say the same cack and we never get any decent time with them anymore... So golf it is!

need a caddie?

Florida...America's wang...

I'd loved to take everyone who wants to come with me... my dad's offeredd photogrpahy, magic to caddie, my missus to sunbath!

Been 4 times.

My mum, Stepdad, brother and sister live there, in Panama City which is right in the North. Probably going to visit again next year.

Its too hot for my liking though.

Thats up near Fort Walton Beach/Pensacola on the panhandle isn't it?

Not been to that area, but its still the gulf coast so probably quite nice. This time of year, through to early March, is ideal as the temps max out in the 70's. Hurricane season is over by then too. Sometimes get some frosts, but still very nice.

I wouldn't go near Florida, through choice, between March and October.

Actually, its full of old Canadian snowbirds at this time of year.

NMH

very hot. Make sure you get air con in your room/car. Go down to the keys, it's easily the friendliest place on Earth.

wherabouts is the Golfing?  don't forget Florida is as big as the UK.  You may want to limit the choices of where to go and what to do based on where you'll be.  As Coxy mentions, St Pete's Beach/Clearwater and the cheasily named Treasure Island area is quite nice, about 30 mins past Tampa.  Further south on the same coast it gets a bit more upmarket (Naples for example).  I think my brother did Orlando to Miami in a day (there and back), which is roughly the same sort of journey as Swindon to Lancashire.  I believe the North of Florida is about as much again in the opposite direction.

it's in Orlando...

http://www.pgashow.com/

Marco Island down the south is quality, been 4 times. Go to a chequers burger drive thru - fucking ace  :mrgreen:

what courses will you be playing?

i'm so tempted next year to book myself a long weekend away to a golf resort somewhere.

looking through Golfbreaks magazine there are some lovely courses abroad.

But the traffic is no-where near as bad. Me and the wife did Key Largo to Orlando in about 6 hours

juddie - some nice courses around orlando apparently. Nice courses all over the States to be honest. Anyway, if you want some eating recommendations, here is what I would recommend.

Steak - go find a decent steakhouse, and no I'm not talking about Longhorn, or Texas Roadhouse or Outback. Find a decent independent place or small chain (they tend to be regionalised) and expect to pay between $25 and $30 for a filet mignon. Anything less is probably less quality.

Burgers - Without a doubt, Red Robin. Try their A1 Peppercorn Burger. It is bloody delicious. Fuddruckers is next best, but avoid Wendy's, McDonalds, Burger King and all thoe other fast-food joints like the plague.

Italian - Maggiano's is THE best Italian chain in the States. There are others like Bravo, Brio, Olive Garden etc., but Maggiano's is ace. Good food, loads of it, excellent wine list (with the BEST Chianti I've ever had, although it was $45 a bottle, but I was on expenses....).

Chinese - I'm not partial to the way America does Chinese food. The chinese all you can eat buffets for about $10 are pretty good value though.

Seafood - if you are partial to seafood, the two best chains IMO are Bonefish and McCormick & Schmick's. Both up-market, may be a little pretentious, but worth a visit. The Mussels in Bonefish are TO DIE FOR (and I don't really like shellfish). There may be lots of other smaller chains down in Florida, and a load of independent places as well to choose from.

There should also be loads of Thai restaurants as well, most are independent but all are very good. Same with Sushi. Worth looking out for the Japanse steakhouses as well - do a hibachi table if you get a chance. Pricey ($25-$30), but good fun if you are with a group.

If you need a hotel, try Embassy Suites. Part of the Hilton chain, have nice rooms (two room suites normally) and most if not all do a happy hour with free booze from 5 to 7 in the evening.

Let me know if you need more recommendations.

My work colleague's going to Florida. I've told her to buy the TEF a stuffed toy manatee.

woooot

Why the fuck didn't you ask, I'd have picked one up last week.....

I quite liked Pacino's on route 192 between Orlando and Kissimee.  Did a very nice Fillet Steak in there.

Clearwater has some nice seafood places I believe.

About 20-30 miles West of Orlando you go through what must have been and old Indian reserve because there is a Town on the I4 that just seems to be an excuse for strip clubs and casino's.

ah well, it's irrelevant now anyway, I'm staying on in my current job after all - no golf for me. There was no new money involved and so I'm still manchester uniteding for the forseeable...

oh well.

Orlando will have to wait!

Yeah, I flew into Fort Walton and it was about an hour and a half drive. It is nicknamed the Redneck Riviera and there are some right cack areas but some nice beaches and good fishing there.