Description

Florida, which means flowery season, is situated in the southeastern United States. The state enjoys a warm and moist subtropical climate. Florida depends mainly on tourism for economical support. Progressing mountains and elevations add to the beauty of the place. Though nicknamed as the “Sunshine Village”, harsh climate can be expected. Warm weather and miles of beach attract thousands of holidaymakers from all over the world. Walt Disney World Resort, consisting of four theme parks, over twenty hotels, water parks and shopping malls is an important tourist attraction and also helps to build the economy.

Shopping

Most shopping spots in Florida are found in and around Islamorada. Travelers looking for household articles, antiques and souvenirs should visit the Banyan Tree. Authentic gifts and keepsakes can be bought at Down to Earth. Gallery at Kona Kai displays and sells splendid wall-hangings and great paintings by renowned artists. Guaranteed sport amenities can be purchased at the World Wide Sportsman. “Island Silver and Spice” deal with genuine jewelry, fancy clothing and other accessories.

Restaurants

Magical hands of young chefs transform plain culinary into a fabulous dining experience in Florida. Restaurants at Florida deal with both local and international delicacies. Travelers should not miss tasting lobster and crab stone dishes in Florida. Best contemporary cuisines are served in 95 Cordova. Fresh sea food should not be missed at 7 Mile Grill where the food is moderately priced and maintains the quantity. Other suggested restaurants include Adobo Grill, for Mexican delights, Anokha, for delicious Indian dishes and Amimoto Japanese Restaurant for Japanese cuisine. Florida also offers great experiences which would want the tourist to take home a memory, like the Garden of Eden bar and the B.E.D. restaurant where food is served on trays as guests relax in their beds against fluffy pillows. After sunbathing at the rooftop Garden of Eden, the only clothing-optional bar, a tourist can head around the corner for your midday meal at the clothing-optional restaurant Naked Lunch Café. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s ‘Lunch with an Astronaut program’ is a popular dining treat for both children and parents. The members of NASA’s space exploration team answer questions like how does one use the bathroom in space.

Night Life

Florida offers vibrant nightlife to the party animals. Most night time venues are found along Duval Street and the Bourbon Street. Almost all night spots entertain its guests from early noon hours to early morning hours. It is best suggested to start off the nightlife from Truman Avenue and head-up to Duval to experience nightlife. Nightspots range from clubs with VIP rooms and DJs blaring techno music, to more laid-back bars and live entertainment in Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach.

Activities

Adventure Island offers entertainment both for kids and adults. This water park houses great heart thumping thrill rides. Igloo Ice and Incline Sports Complex presents fantastic ice oriented activities from which travelers cannot keep away. Myakka River State Park is the largest state park where tourists can enjoy boat trips and see alligators, eagles, deer, wild turkey, bobcats etc. Day trips can also be held to places of attractions like Caladesi Island State Park, Orange Tree Golf Club, Avila Golf and Country Club etc.

Communications

The international access code for USA is +1. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code. Plenty of pay phones are available throughout the country. Cingular and T-Mobile are the largest mobile operators and cover the entire nation. Internet is widely available.

Contacts

Consulate in UK: United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000
Consulate in Canada: United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335
Consulate in Australia: United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600
Consulate in South Africa: United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 1048
UK Embassy or Consulate: British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500
Canadian Consulate: Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740
Australian Consulate: Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000
South African Consulate: South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400

Currency

USD

Attractions

There are many places in Florida that are worth a visit. Walt Disney World must be visited by travelers of all age groups to get enthralled by both water and off-water pursuits. Universal Studios, which includes two amusement parks and eateries, is the main source of attraction in Florida. Harry S. Truman’s Little While House, is a historical site and was the vacation house of President Harry Truman. The museum displays articles and souvenirs of yesteryears, which belonged to the President. Green Meadows Petting Farm must be visited to witness alien wildlife and to know more about them. Museum of Florida History should be visited to know about the fascinating history of Florida. Other places of attractions include sawgrass mills, Florida Aquarium, Ringling Circus Museum, Peanut Island and much more.

Language

English

Language Description

English is the official language of the country. Spanish is taught as the second language in most schools. French, German and Italian speaking population are also widely present.

Tipping

15% tip is expected by most services, including waiters, driver and bartenders. In the more expensive hotels a 15% charge is added onto the bill, so there is no need to tip extra. Tipping is not necessary in self catering restaurants and fact food joints.