Florida

[Bob's Orange]

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.

[pumbaa]

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.

[Nomoreheroes]

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

Get it right mate  

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

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

NMH

[jayohaitchenn]

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.

[RobertT]

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.

[juddie]

it's in Orlando...

[juddie]

http://www.pgashow.com/

[tans]

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

[magicroundabout]

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

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.

[jayohaitchenn]

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.

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

[pumbaa]

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.

[Simon Pieman]

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

[flammableBen]

woooot

[pumbaa]

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

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

[RobertT]

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.