50th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL

This past weekend the kids and I ventured out to the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL. We waited until Sunday to go because McKinley had her first dance recital on Saturday {more on that later} and it had been raining for days and days prior. Sunday's forecast promised sunny skies. Yay!!!

It had been years since the last time I went to the Shrimp Fest...I was dying to get down there and people watch and antique window shop. The food, of course, was a deciding factor in our going. Who doesn't love some fresh, fried shrimp and hushpuppies?? Did someone say Fresh Squeezed Lemonade?? Funnel Cakes? Bring it on!! It can all be found at the Shrimp Fest!

{look at all of those hands...like vultures, I tell ya!}

The sights are beautiful at the Festival! There are, of course, shrimp boats.

{that's our Jonah up front there...growing up so fast!}

{my favorite shot of the day!}

{Jonah and Jett spotted a shark!!}

You are sure to see a pirate, or five, while enjoying your day!

{we found these fellas waiting by the restrooms. the kids thought it was so funny. pirates have to potty too!}

{be sure to catch the "How To Be A Pirate" show if you do take the kiddos. my littles thoroughly enjoyed every moment!}

What else is there to do other than eat, shop, take in the scenery and watch for pirates?? Make memories with the kiddos, of course! But, don't forget your wallet!!

{before we even got there McKinley was asking to have her face painted like a kitten. wish granted, baby girl!}
{{a little tip // see that ice cream in her hand? if you make your way all the way to the little Marina Shop on the water you will find ice cream treats for less than $2.00 each. that's a significant savings to what you'll pay the vendors inside the festival!}}

{pony rides!! McKinley's day was made right under this tent!}

{there was a tiny horse, that was no bigger than a goat, that you could feed!}

{out of nowhere this really HOT police officer comes over and started feeding the ponies with us!! my day was made!! #itwasHubs}

{Jett braved the rock-climbing wall.}

{and made it all the way to the top! proud momma moment!}

Lots of people bring their dogs to the festival too.

Meet Espy. McKinley fell in love with Espy and didn't want to leave his side.

Espy is a Bouvier Des Flandres, a real life *dog with a blog*! {you may only know that reference if you have children who watch the actual TV show, Dog With A Blog.}


Have you ever been to the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL?? What is your favorite memory of going?

This is an oldie, but a goodie post. The Shrimp Festival is in its 55th year this year. We'll be going on Saturday, will I see you there?

Wild Florida Celebrates Seven Years -- Press Release

Wild Florida Celebrates Seven Years of Airboat Tours, Gator Hugs, Buggy Rides and Slothies by offering FREE admission to its Gator and Wildlife Park

This June marks Wild Florida’s seventh anniversary of providing visitors from all over the globe a world of adventure in the Middle of Nowhere.

Celebrate with more than just airboat hair. Beginning this June, Wild Florida will offer everyone free admission to its Gator and Wildlife Park through the end of 2017. Get an up close and personal look at more than 200 animals ranging from native Florida species to more exotic animals like sloths, lemurs, zebras and more. Explore and interact with these amazing creatures and learn about their heritage, habits and what it’s like to care for these animals. That’s right, hug a “Fluffy” gator or snap a “Slothie” (sloth selfie) or two.

Since the opening, the mission at Wild Florida has always been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.  

“Over the past seven years we’ve shown hundreds of thousands of guests what real, wild Florida is all about. We have built a world-class attraction in the ‘Middle of Nowhere’ and we couldn’t be happier!” says Sam Haught, co-owner and co-founder of Wild Florida. “The best part about Wild Florida is the WILD part. Wild rides, wild animals, wild memories with your family. We’re much more than a roadside attraction with gators. Wild Florida’s a destination where guests can experience both rescued gators at our park and wild gators in the Everglades.”

Wild Florida has grown from day and night airboat tours to a ½ day experience including the expansion of the Gator and Wildlife Park, dining and event space and ranch buggy tours through some of Central Florida’s working cattle ranches. That’s not all. This year, Wild Florida welcomed several species of Crocodiles and some other fun animals to check out on your next visit.  For additional information, visit www.wildfloridairboats.com.

Disney On Ice Worlds of Enchantment - Coming to Jacksonville, FL

This post sponsored by Liz Morgan PR and Feld Entertainment.

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT ON SALE FEBRUARY 7 IN JACKSONVILLE 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (January 24, 2017) Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories when Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment comes to Jacksonville!  This one-of-a-kind production visits Jacksonville from April 13 to April 16 for six performances at Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets go on sale February 7, 2017 and are available at www.disneyonice.com.

 

Get ready to enter a dazzling world of Disney magic, live on ice where Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney Pixar’s Cars perform high-speed stunts and race across the ice like you’ve never seen before!  Be amazed and join Ariel as she dives into the underwater kingdom of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.  Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and other favorites from the Toy Story gang as they try and escape from Sunnyside Daycare in one of their most daring adventure ever from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 – proving that the toys are back in town! Plus, enter the wintery world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa from the BAFTA and Academy Award® winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen. Join Anna as she embarks on an epic journey with the hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff to find her sister, the magical Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.  

 

From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, see some of your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.

 

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment start at $15.  Ticket prices may fluctuate based off market demand, Lock in your seats early!

 

Tickets are available at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office located at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at  www.ticketmaster.com. For Feld Direct Group Sales information please call 866-248-8740. For SMG GROUP information please call 904-630-3969

To learn more about Disney On Ice, produced by Feld Entertainment, visit www.disneyonice.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.
                                                                        

About Feld Entertainment 

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year.  Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live.

WIN a Family 4-Pack of Tickets!

Leave a comment below telling me your most favorite Disney memory. Never been to Disney? Tell me who you would take to The Happiest Place on Earth. 

I'll draw a winner April 14, 9:00am EST.

Buy your tickets, by clicking HERE today! Save $5.00 on tickets using promo code LZPR17.

Discount code not valid on opening night (all general tickets are priced at $15 flat plus fees.), not valid on Sat 3:30pm show, not valid on premium seating, no double discounts.

Baby Bonnets and Swimming Pools

From the archives...of drafts. This post was started last year, about this time exactly, and never posted. So, I give you a post that has never seen the light of day, but isn't half bad. It's filled with photos of a beautiful baby, after all. 

Last week was my kid's Spring Break. We had no plans. Heck, because of having no plans, it completely snuck up on us! Come Monday morning of said Spring Break I was wondering what we would do all week to get the sillies out and not drive each other crazy {read not drive momma crazy}. 

We are blessed to have family that have a condo in Amelia Island Plantation and that allow us to visit and take over the pool. I totally said take over, because when a family with five kids comes to the pool, we kinda take over. Add to that, my sister-in-law and the cousins and Ganny {my husband's mom}, we are a force to be reckoned with! But, we have a really great time and a LOT of energy is burned off!

[Love Mabry's bonnet? It's from Urban Baby Bonnets on etsy. Click here to find one like it.
This post is in no way sponsored by the seller. I've been buying her bonnets since McKinley was a baby. I genuinely LOVE them!]

We are currently one day into Spring Break 2016, let's see if we can get a repeat of this gorgeousness!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is Coming to Jacksonville, FL [WIN Tickets, Too!]

As a kid, my mom took me to the circus almost every year. I loved seeing the clowns {I know that seems weird...most kids are afraid of clowns.} and the tight rope act. I was always fascinated with the elephants. I loved to see them sit on their hiney and balance the colorful ball on their head. Remember the guys who rode the motorbikes in the big cage ball? How in the world did they never crash? The bright lights. The contagious excitement. The talented performers. My little eyes were trying to keep up with everything that was happening in each of the three rings under the Big Top. The circus is definitely a favorite pastime of mine. 

Once I had kids of my own, my mom continued the tradition of taking all of us to the circus. My kids all love the circus, from the 13 year old to the 2 year old, they LOVE it.  If I asked them their favorite act, they'd all have a different one. {Okay, maybe not the 2-year-old, but her eyes light up when she steps foot in the arena!}

Now, I take my kids to the circus each year, and I still love it as much as I did as a kid.

Want to know what my most favorite part of the circus is? The All Access Pre-Show! The Greatest Show on Earth is building up the excitement one hour before the show begins, at the All Access Pre-Show where children of all ages are invited to join our performers on the show floor! It's your chance to be right in the middle of the circus action. Clown around with the world-renowned Ringling Bros. Clown Alley, learn circus skills and get autographs from extraordinary circus stars, try on an iconic Ringmaster jacket and be part of our sensational Ringling Bros. dance party! Be mesmerized by one of our talented Asian elephants as they step into the center ring to show off their artistic aptitude and then enter for a chance to take home an exclusive piece of pachyderm art!

Great news, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming back to Jacksonville, FL!

BELIEVE IN THE UNBELIEVABLE! 

TICKETS FOR 

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY^® PRESENTS LEGENDS ^SM

ON SALE NOW FOR JACKSONVILLE SHOW JANUARY 21-24, 2016

Jacksonville, FL (January 2016) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents LEGENDS^SM unveils the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages. Legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena from January 21-24, 2016.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on a quest to discover real, living legends from around the world. Audiences will experience Alexander Lacey and his enduring bond with his lions, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats, come together to amaze by attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth^®. The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders will thrill as they thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. Experience and learn about the special relationship between trainers and treasured Ringling Bros.^® Asian Elephants as each trainer shows off individual elephant’s natural skills and abilities.

Last year, I had the honor to go to a Pachyderm Picnic with the Ringling Elephants. Should something like this be available to the public again this year, I will be the first to tell you about it.

Show times in Jacksonville, Florida for January 21-24 are as follows:

• Thursday, January 21 - 7:30 pm
• Friday, January 22 - 7:30 pm
• Saturday, January 23 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, January 24 -  1:00 pm, 5:00 pm

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presemts LEGENDS start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by visiting www.ringling.com or calling 800-745-3000.  For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The backstage experience includes an insider look at props and wardrobe, an up close and personal encounter with the animals and a chance to meet stars from the show. Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures and learn educational fun facts.  To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.

Want to WIN tickets? I have TWO Family 4-Packs of Tickets to giveaway to two of YOU! Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. [Tickets are ONLY valid on Opening Night, January 21st, for the 7:30 performance.]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have any questions about this giveaway please email me at jonahbonahinjax at gmail dot com. 

I was given tickets for my family to attend the circus in exchange for this post. No monies were exchanged. All opinions are my own. Tickets provided by Liz Morgan PR and Feld Entertainment. Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE!  More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.FeldEntertainment.com.

The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach , FL {a Room Tour}

Are you headed to Daytona Beach, Florida in the near future? Looking for a place to stay that is both beautiful and comfortable? Have I got the place for you...I present to you The Shores Resort and Spa.

As soon as I found out that my stay in Daytona Beach would be at The Shores Resort and Spa I turned to the internet to show me photos. It didn't disappoint. The Shores is the ONLY resort in Daytona Beach that has a AAA Diamond rating, and it isn't hard to see why.

{photo credit: The Shores Resort and Spa}

The Shores Resort and Spa is home to Azure, the only fine-dining oceanfront restaurant in Daytona Beach Shores. My first night at The Shores I experienced Azure's delicious menu. I started with an Azure-tini, a beautiful cocktail in the most beautiful shade of blue. Next, my table shared a multitude of appetizers. We had Crispy Calamari, Warm Goat Cheese Dip, Lump Crab Cocktail, and more. Each dish was so beautifully plated, and were absolutely delicious.

Upon check-in, Florida residents that book the Florida Resident Package are given tickets for S'Mores kits. That's right, there are fire pits out back that are lit when the sun goes down. Sit back, listen to the waves crash and enjoy an ooey-gooey graham cracker, {burnt} marshmallow, and chocolate concoction for your taste buds. Don't worry, if you aren't a Florida resident, you can purchase S'Mores kits that feed 4-5 people at the front desk for $10.

{photo credit: The Shores Resort and Spa}

Now, let's take a look inside the room. My room was spacious, with a king sized canopy bed and seating area perfect for watching the waves crash outside. 

{This cute little love seat opens up to create additional sleeping space.}

The bathroom was large enough to wriggle out of a wet swimsuit and get showered after a big day at the beach.

Would you like to see more of the inside of the room at The Shores Resort and Spa? Watch my video below. 

Have you been to The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach, FL? I'd love to hear all about your stay! What was your favorite attraction outside of the resort? Tell me about it in the comments below.

I received complimentary accommodations in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

10 Things To Do in Daytona Beach, FL

I was given complimentary accommodations, meals, and entry tickets to the following locations in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

As a native Floridian, I have always felt like I have a pretty good handle on all-things-beach. I mean, I grew up and now live about 30 minutes from 5-6 beaches. I could go to the beach at the drop of a hat on any day. But, I don't. Maybe it's because the novelty has worn off? I mean, growing up I went to the beach every weekend with my mom. As a teenager I spent a lot of weekends at the beach with my friends. When our kids were little we took them to the beach every now and again. These days we rarely go. Sad, huh? You guys who have to drive HOURS to the nearest beach probably think I'm nuts for not going as often as I possibly could. I just feel like there's nothing new to see. Until now. That is, until I went on a short trip to Daytona Beach, FL a couple of weeks ago. I was able to truly spend the weekend at the beach like a true tourist would. And I enjoyed EVERY MINUTE.

I'm here today to share with you 10 Things To Do in Daytona Beach, FL. These are just a handful of the activities we were able to take part in and enjoy to the fullest. So, here we go, in no particular order. At the end, tell me which are your favorites, or which you will surely go to on your next trip to Daytona Beach.

1. Go shelling on the beach. The ocean is FILLED with beautiful treasures that will wash up on shore. Put on a hat, lather on some sunscreen, grab your sand bucket, and go walk along the shoreline. You never know what beautiful sea shells or beach treasures you may find!

2. Are you a NASCAR fan? I'll be honest, I'm not. Or, I wasn't. BUT, after visiting Daytona International Speedway, and seeing the race track and hearing cars woosh by with such speed, I LOVED the atmosphere! When you take a guided tour you are told stories and history about many racing legends like, Dale Earnhart, Richard Petty and Jett Gordan. The Daytona International Speedway truly is a Daytona Beach must-see!

3. Visit a museum or two. Daytona Beach has quite a few museums. This museum pictured is the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Cici and Hyatt started their collection of fine art back in 1997 with two 19th century watercolors of the old St. Augustine gate. Over time, their love for fine art grew and grew...and grew into what is now a collection of more than 2800 works of art. That tidbit of information sheds light on why they had a need to build their own museum. While not every piece is on display at one time, you can view an exquisite collection of Florida art and more. So, while in Daytona Beach, go to a museum!

4. Wake up early enough to catch the sunrise. I know, I know, you're on vacation, you don't want to get up early. But, trust me, Florida sunrises are the best. You'll want to watch the sun rise over the ocean. If you're staying at beach front property, simply open the window and curl back up in bed. Or, if you aren't able to see the ocean from your bedroom window, take a blanket and go down to the shore. Either way, you'll be glad you woke up early. 

5. Be a kid again! Ride the roller coaster and play in the arcade at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. There's so much to do at the boardwalk and pier. Ride go-carts, grab some World's Most Famous saltwater taffy from Zeno's Boardwalk Sweet Shop, have a slice of pizza at Pizza King, or dine at Joe's Crab Shack. You can also get paddle board lessons from the folks at Oceanside Paddle Sports. You can truly spend an entire day at Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier.

6. Check the calendar for a list of festivals going on during your stay. Listen to local musicians, buy local art or handmade goods, and spend the day with the locals. Festivals are a great way to take a break from beach activities and still enjoy the day with your family.

7. Drive to nearby DeLand to shop along historic and beautiful Woodland Boulevard or New Smyrna Beach’s fun and beachy Canal St. and Flagler Avenue. There are so many quaint shops and eateries in DeLand. Stop into Pat and Toni's Sweet Things for a slice of pecan pie. Oh my yum, it is so delicious. There's also a super hip art gallery, The Hub on Canal, that you won't want to miss. Local artist set-up their easels {or whatever their medium is} and create works of art right there where you can watch them. It's a real treat to see an artist at work. New Smyrna Beach is a short drive from Daytona Beach, you won't want to miss it. 

8. Tickle your tastebuds. There are SO MANY amazing restaurants and eateries in Daytona Beach. Visit DaytonaBeach.com to look up nearby restaurants that feature cuisine you're craving. May I recommend Aunt Catfish's on the River for more seafood choices than you can catch with even your largest shrimping net or Racing's North Turn for, not only good food and great service, but racing history from right where racing got its start! 

9. Need to add a little fun competition to your days? Are you going to Daytona Beach with your children? Well, you could even do this with an all adult crowd. Create a scavenger hunt for you ALL to participate in. Go on a hunt for the beach, a sea turtles nest {remember not to disturb it, it's against the law}, sea shells, a crab, a sand dollar, a seagull, the pier, bits of sea glass, and anything else one might find at the beach. You could even make a more detailed list with things like, "a girl in a polka dot bikini" or "a man wearing jeans on the beach." Let the prize be a trip to get ice cream cones together or. {we didn't do this on our last trip, but doesn't it sound like tons of fun??? I think I'll suggest it for the next time!}

10. After you've had quite possibly the best day ever, but before you hit the sack, watch the sunset. And then, dream of all of the fun you'll have tomorrow. 

Daytona Beach is such a beautiful destination in Florida. There's SO MUCH to see and do. Have you ever been? Did you do any of the activities I mentioned? Is there a place that I've not mentioned that should be visited? Let us know about it in the comments.