[[{“value”:” You can’t go to Disney and not experiment with the food! Let’s break down some of the top places to get a bite to eat, and what food & drink you should be looking for on the menu during your next Florida Vacation and Disney trip. Disney Springs The place where food and drink is plentiful. First and foremost, if you’ve never had cookies at Gideon’s, get ready to have your life changed. The cookies & cream are my favorite. Here’s a tip for you, though: Order ahead. Not just a few hours in ahead, at least 24 hours in advance. If you know anything about my last name, you know it’s Irish. If you’re like me and love Irish pubs, Irish food, and history then checkout Ragland Road. Get a beer flight, sip slow on a glass of whiskey, or grab a Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime cider from Sweden. For an appetizer, get the Whiskey BBQ Lollipop Chicken. It’s covered with roasted corn and bacon crumble. Plates of fish & chips whirred past my table, and boy did they look good. But the hottest menu around our dinner table was the Worth the Wait Beef Sandwich. The beef had been braised for 12 hours and was served with sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, garlic aioli and smoked cheddar on ciabatta. I ate the Serious Steak, but I can’t recommend that to anyone. The sirloin was average, the mashed potatoes tasted like instant potatoes, and my wife took one bite... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Florida is one of the most popular destinations for beach lovers and so we created one of the most accurate guides for the best beaches in Florida.  With countless miles of white sandy beaches there are many to choose from and we want to help you know where to find the best Florida beaches. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and a good book because the Sunshine State does not disappoint when it comes to having a relaxing time on the beach.  How did we come up with this list of Best Florida Beaches? We sourced this list from locals, tourists, and our own experience being Florida travel experts.  1. Siesta Key Siesta Key was rated the #1 best beach in Florida by Trip advisor in 2015 and 2017 and rated #5 on the best beaches in the world. This beach boasts some of the whitest and finest sand you will ever see in the world. The sand is described as some to seem like flour and this sand stays cool on your feet, even in the summer months.  Along with great sand is also a great shoreline. There is plenty of room for everyone and the water stays shallow longer, making this a one of the best beaches in Florida for kids.  Siesta Key Beach. Credit: Visit Sarasota County 2. Clearwater Beach This fun family friendly beach is consistently in the top when talking about the best beach in Florida. The fishing pier, the aquarium, and frequent entertainers... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Vanessa Caceres If you’re staying in a vacation rental in the Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, or Siesta Key area, don’t forget to add Myakka River State Park to your vacation to-do list. This massive park is home to literally thousands of alligators, all waiting for their close up—from a safe distance, of course. Myakka River State Park is 58 square miles large and combines prairies with wetlands and pinelands. Running through the park is the Myakka River, perfect for boating, kayaking and fishing. Myakka River State Park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was one of eight state parks in Florida developed by the CCC. Previously, the land for the park was owned by Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman from Chicago who pursued cattle and pig ranching on the land. Fast forward to today, and one major draw for Myakka River State Park is the many, many alligators that call it home. When the weather is warm, you can see alligators swimming along in the river or sometimes sunning themselves not far from shore. Keep your distance, of course, and use the closeup function on your camera phone or a telephoto lens on a nice camera to snap some nice shots. During Sarasota’s busiest season, it’s not uncommon to find tourists speaking several different languages stopped in clumps to gaze at gators and snap pics to share with others.  Another great way to learn about the park is with its boat and tram rides. The... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Vanessa Caceres St. Petersburg, Florida, has plenty of sunny beaches to enjoy, but did you know that the city also is home to several unique museums? If you stay in a vacation rental in St. Pete, make sure to check out a few of the city’s famed museums. Here’s the skinny on St. Petersburg’s museums: The Dalí  The Salvador Dalí Museum is home to more than 2,400 artworks, including 96 oil paintings, 200 watercolors and drawings, and other items. Fans of this Spanish avant-garde artist will marvel both in the art and the building itself, which has a modern look that reflects Dalí’s unique style. The Dalí Museum is located very close to St. Pete’s waterfront, so you’re in a prime spot to explore other parts of the city. The museum frequently has travel exhibits from other well-known artists, such as Pablo Picasso. The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art You may be staying in Florida on the U.S. East Coast, but you can feel like you’re out west when visiting The James. That’s because this 26,000-square-foot gallery features the personal collection of American Western art from Tom and Mary James. Much of the art focuses on American Western history and American Indian cultures, but you also will find some interesting wildlife photography. Museum of Fine Arts Art lovers, take note. You’ll find your muse at St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts. The museum’s collection covers 5,000 years of art history and has more than 20,000 works. It... Read More

Little Big Town Hosts Holiday Special At The Grand Ole Opry Sheryl Crow was one of many artists who participated in the Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas special this year (2024). Opry members Little Big Town hosted and performed during the program, dubbed Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry. Other performers included Kelsea Ballerini, Josh […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Cody Johnson closed his year of touring with two sold-out shows in Las Vegas, during which he led the crowd in a show of unity. Country Music Nation  Read More

Blake Shelton Discusses The Joys And Responsibilities Of Being A Stepdad Although Blake Shelton does not have any biological kids, after he married Gwen Stefani, he became the stepdad to three boys. Stefani’s three sons are named Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. Stefani and Shelton were married in 2021 but have been dating since 2015. Shelton […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson Sing a Waylon & Willie Classic Lainey Wilson surprised the crowd during Cody Johnson’s final show of the year. Over the weekend, Cody Johnson wrapped up his year of touring with two sold-out shows in Las Vegas. He took the stage at the MGM Garden Arena during the second weekend […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Blake Shelton Feels Inspired To Create More Music Blake Shelton recently confirmed the news his fans have been waiting years to hear…he’s working on a new album! The singer and former Voice coach was inspired to start creating more music after working with Post Malone on his song “Pour Me a Drink.” Shelton told PEOPLE: […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

20 Years Later, Carrie Underwood Is Back On American Idol  Carrie Underwood shared an emotional video showcasing her walking into American Idol for the first time as a contestant and then as a judge. Her full circle moment was filled with grateful tears. Underwood won American Idol in 2005 and has had an illustrious career […] More Country Music Nation  Read More