Dayaway Travel Club
Presents Travel by Design
“Dayaways” and “Mini Vacations”
“If you’ve got a hobby, we’ve got a tour”
| Dayaway Travel Club Presents Travel by Design “Dayaways” and “Mini Vacations” “If you’ve got a hobby, we’ve got a tour” Announcing the Wind Down Year! Florida Greeters has been in business with the same Travel Agency code since 1977. The Travel Agency will continue to serve clients traveling and cruising throughout the World. The Dayaway Minibus Tours are winding down over the next year so if you have any past credits now is the time to use them. Large escorted Motorcoach trips will still be offered on a quarterly basis. Pre-Formed Groups for Clubs and Organizations can still charter our tour services. The Wind down year includes the Pre-Formed last time will be offering the multi day tours to the Smokies, the Keys, and Louisiana and New Orleans and possibly Branson to members and the General Public. This is a revised work in progress with constant additions!!! The Next Travel Club Meeting is Wednesday, October 5 @ 10 am in the Satellite Beach Pelican Park Clubhouse Located at 1495 A1A. Travel Club Meetings now feature information about past and future trips Travel Club benefit: Free door to door transportation with individual non-group vacations or cruises of 7 days or longer Dayaway Travel Club booked through the club! Some of the Vacation Suppliers that we provide individual and group reservations and door to door transportation include Trafalgar, Globus, Gate 1, Insight, Intrepid, Cosmos, Cost Saver, Collette, Tauck, Brendan, CIE, and many more. Cruise Lines include Crystal, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Costa, NCL, Regent Seven Seas, AMA, American River Cruises, Uniworld, Viking River Line, Scenic, Emerald, and many more… (Groups usually choose one location for transfers) Free travel consulting by CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) And Cruise, Tour and Vacation Discounts available to club members! Groups of 10 to 13 can order their own pick-up spot or even their own Mini-bus tour departure. “And as we travel along scenic country roads, you can be sure that you’ll see plenty of picturesque sights along the way. The journey is often just as spectacular as the destination!” The mini-coach is equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning and large windows for enjoying the view. With the flexibility to go anywhere a car can, we’re able to take the scenic route – winding through beautiful countryside to the heart of tiny villages and coastal towns. “ www.dayawaytravel.com http://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaGreetersl www.youtube.com/dayawaytravel Blog: http://travelinmanandmadhatter.blogspot.com For Reservations and Availability-https://www.meetup.com/Dayaway-and-Cruiseaway-Travel-Club/ ______________________________________________________________________________ Autumn in the Smokies Show Tour September 25-30, 2022 6 days 5 Nights Day 1 Travel to Georgia with overnight accommodations at Atlanta Best Western Marietta Ballpark Hotel 1-678-903-8316 Day 2- Continental Breakfast at Best Western Atlanta Mid-Morning Tour of the Amazing Spiritual Rock Garden on route. Afternoon Travel to Pigeon Forge Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains, 3 Nights’ Accommodations at Best Western Pigeon Forge and Comedy Barn Show at 6:30pm.
Day 3- Continental Breakfast at Best Western Day at Dollywood Park followed by Dinner Show at Hatfield’s and McCoy’s (4:30pm) Day 4 Continental Breakfast at Best Western Tour Leonardo Da Vinci at the Biltmore Estate Asheville, North Carolina Day 5 Continental Breakfast at Best Western Morning Check out for tour through the Smoky Mountain National Park including the Welcome Center Movie and Newfound Gap ending up at the Cherokee Indian Reservation with browsing and shopping time here before a fabulous meal at The Dillard House Restaurant Day 6- Continental Breakfast enroute back to Florida with a stop at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins plus We’re Nuts known for chocolate covered Pecans and other Georgia Specialties and Carroll’s Sausage and Country Store. Members $1350 Guests $1360 per person double occupancy. $300 Single Occupancy per person Balance Deposit $200 per person Balance Due July 23. No refunds without a substitution after July 23. _____________________________________________________________________
Homosassa Springs and Monkey Island October 8
3 Spider Monkeys and two Squirrel Monkeys play and frolic on their own Island. The Restaurant feeds them twice a day and this has been going on for over a generation. Lunch is on your own at the Riverside Café overlooking Monkey Island known for Blue Crab and Seafoods but with Burgers, Salads and Chicken also. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/21227 Link to Monkey Island Story Homosassa Springs State Park is like a visit to a jungle full of birds, Hippos, Reptiles, Florida Black Bear, Whooping Cranes, Florida Panthers, Wolves, Exotic animals and a raised Boardwalk through the woods to view them. The star of the show here is the Manatees and you see them year-round while you are enclosed in an observatory called the Fishbowl while they are free to swim around you. At designated times the park ranger volunteers will conduct a talk about the Manatees during a vegetarian feeding. They seek out the warm waters of the headsprings which are a constant 72 to 74 degrees year-round. They also conduct a Wildlife briefing and showing. This is the headquarters for the Florida State Park System. A 20 minute boat ride is included providing transportation from the parking area to the Springs area passing through the attractive bird wildlife on Pepper Creek. An abandoned Sugar Mill is a picture stop on route along with some Country Roads and the avenue of the Oaks. $70 includes transportation, entrances, boat ride, guide and tour. If time permits, we will make a stop at a Russell Stovers Outlet shop which is the size of a large grocery store on route. Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Return 7 to 7:30pm.
Sunday, October 16, 2022 Halloween Season in Cassadaga Spiritual Community Link to Slides- Cassadaga Halloween Season in Cassadaga Spiritual Community Mount Dora Craft Fair & Lakeridge Winery Saturday, October 22, 2022 ### Ranked the #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE Classic/Contemporary Craft Festival in America by Sunshine Artist Magazine-2021 Come see why . Members $70 per person Guests $75 includes Transportation, Tour, Festival and Wine Tasting Leave Suntree Red Ginger @8:30am and return 6:30 to 7pm Wednesday October 26 “The most entertaining wildlife tour you’ve ever been on!” St John’s River Eco Tours operates the newest and most ecofriendly sightseeing cruise on the St. John’s River. We operate from the Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort in DeBary, Florida. We offer daily tours exploring the river, observing the wildlife and experiencing a section of the St. Johns that is unchanged from the days of the early explorers. There are several cruise tours on the St. Johns River but this one always seemed the most Jungle like to the more remote areas. It may be more built up now but based on its description, not so much History is alive at DeBary Hall Historic Site, a magnificent 19th century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, Florida. The site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes DeBary Hall, the oldest intact building in southwest Volusia County. Built in 1871, DeBary Hall was the winter retreat of a European-born wine merchant who chose the St. Johns River country for his hunting estate. Frederick Debary tried his hand at orange growing and commercial steamboating, but his Florida estate became a center of sport hunting and hospitality. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of the country’s wealthiest people visited DeBary Hall to spend winters hunting, fishing and swimming in the cool springs nearby, then relaxing in the shade of the veranda enjoying a cool drink and the news of the day. DeBary reportedly entertained Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland; the Astors, Goulds and Vanderbilts; and the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII. Today’s historic site covers 10 acres and includes the 8,000-square-foot hunting lodge, stables and other structures. We invite you to explore history at DeBary Hall Historic Site. You’ll find remarkable buildings, a treasure trove of historical images, and many good stories. Once the retreat of millionaires, this public site now offers a window on St. Johns River stories’ Lunch is overlooking the St. Johns River at the Swamp House Grill in Debary! Amp Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Return 5:30pm Members $80 Guests $85 includes Transportation, Tour, Boat Cruise and Entrance to Debary Hall. Lunch on own ______________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, November 4 Seminoles American Indian Arts Celebration
Folks may expect fry bread and alligator wrestling, but when they journey into the Everglades for the Seminoles American Indian Arts Celebration Nov. 4 2022, they’re also going to see dancers, hear native musicians and meet some wildlife. The Seminole’s annual cultural festival unfolds on the Big Cypress reservation, halfway between Naples and Fort Lauderdale off Alligator Alley, at the exceptional Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Even without the festival, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is worth a visit. It opens with a dramatic multi-screen media presentation and its well-designed dioramas and exhibits explain Seminole history and traditions. About Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum opened in 1997 and is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space. Exhibits feature rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century. In 2009, the Museum became the first tribally governed museum to be accredited by the American Association of Museums If you plan to walk the Museum’s Boardwalk Trail then dress appropriately for a hike. The Museum displays are indoors but the festival activities and the Boardwalk Trail are outdoors. Leave Suntree Red Ginger 7:30am and Palm Bay Road Walmart Murphy’s Gas Station 7:55am with an apx. 9:30pm return. Members $80 Guests $85 Sunday, November 6, 2022 Barberville Pioneer Settlement Annual Fall Country Jamboree The Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts the area’s most unique cultural events. On the first weekend of November, Florida History and Folk Culture come ALIVE with the presentation of the Annual Fall Country Jamboree. Presenting one of the area’s most unique cultural events! Celebrating our 44th Annual Fall Country Jamboree, The Annual Fall Country Jamboree is one of the longest running events in Volusia County. This event features examples of pioneer living that included blacksmithing, cane grinding and a boil, spinning, weaving, wood working, and many more historical demonstrations. The music line up is one that you will have to search far and wide to match. Featuring both well-known established artists as well as the best of the up and coming. Every year we fill all 6 stages and time slots, that’s over 170 performances, and unfortunately have to turn performers away. But that doesn’t stop them from just showing up with their instruments and joining in a jam or workshop. With two workshop tents and two jam tents music is abundant! We would like to thank all of the talented teachers who volunteer their time to run these tents. The old-time barn dance in the school house is a foot stompin’ good time and good clean fun for the whole family. Live callers and bands make it a dance to remember. The very popular “Lil’ Abner Fiddle Hunt”, our painted rocks and a visit to our farm are favorites for kids of all ages. Storytellers tell their tales all day both days at the storyteller tent. Don’t forget about our Silent Auction. You’ll be sure to find something special there. Items include Antiques and collectibles, work of local artists and crafters, products from local businesses and donations from supporters. ## Lunch overlooking the St. Johns River www.renegadesontheriver.com/ Saturday November 12 – The Dinosaur Exhibit and Planetarium in the Miami Science Museum plus admission to the Wynwood Walls Art of Miami Wynwood Walls was established in 2009 by the legendary Tony Goldman of Goldman Properties, as an outdoor museum of international street art. Since the first year’s program-featuring Kenny Scharf, Futura, Os Gemeos, Swoon, Shepard Fairey, and other renowned innovators in street art, Wynwood Walls has become a phenomenon, spurring the creation of murals throughout the Wynwood district. It is now one of the best venues in the world to see the work of leading street artists. Each subsequent year, a selection of both national and international artists-that range from old school graffiti artists to up and coming talents-have created artwork for the Wynwood Walls. In 2012, Wynwood Walls celebrated Art Basel with a series of events dedicated to the vision of Tony Goldman who passed that September. Since that time, the project has been curated by Tony’s daughter, Goldman Properties CEO Jessica Goldman Srebnick. Encompassing more than 50 dazzling, cutting-edge murals created by respected street artists from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States, the Wynwood Walls attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world each year. An all-in-one-ticket that includes museum exhibitions, aquarium, live science demonstrations and one Frost Planetarium show. We ride past Bayside, a collection of shops and cafes along scenic Biscayne Bay. This is the home of the Hard Rock Cafe and boutiques in a beautiful setting designed by the Rouse Company. Members $90 Guests $95 (Deduct $25 if you have an entrance card given out at the Sherlock Holmes exhibit). Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am and Walmart Palm Bay Murphy’s Gas Station 8:30am with a return around 9pm. November 18 Gainesville, University of Florida and Museum of Natural History Fantastic Fossils and Butterfly Release
Lunch not included at Spurier’s
Science Up Close, a dynamic exhibition series, showcases the Florida Museum of Natural History’s research and collections in a whole new way. Take a unique look behind the scenes, interact with scientists while they work and explore some of the Museum’s coolest specimens to discover why they are relevant for people today. In the first themed installment, Fantastic Fossils, come face-to-face with giant dinosaur skeletons, beautiful botanical fossils and ancient microscopic life. Engage one-on-one with researchers and watch them prepare real fossil specimens from the field. See hundreds of unusual fossils from Florida and around the world. Live programming, streaming from the field, touchable objects and interactive technology offer engaging experiences for all ages. Learn more about the process of paleontology and uncover the secrets of past life on Earth! Tour includes- Driving Tour of Gainesville, Admissions to Fossil Exhibit and Butterfly Release, Tour Guide and Transportation Members $75 Guests $80 Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Return around 8PM ________________________________________________________________ Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Mission Inn Resort and tour of the Villages Limited Availability! Always a quick sellout. Link to How to Create a Decadent Dessert- Members $140 Guests $145 ________________________________________________________________________________ The Florida Greeters Dayaway Travel Club Presents “The Florida Keys and Key West” Dec. 10 to 13, 2022 Last Time Tour to Key West by Mini-Bus A Fully Escorted 4 day & 3 Night Tour limited to 10 passengers Day 1: Depart 8: am from Group’s location (Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center, Walmart Viera and Walmart Palm Bay with three short shopping stops along the way or way back including the Sawgrass Mills, Robert is here is the name of a major large fruit stand in the Nursery area of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. We will drive directly through the River of Grass known as the Everglades with its’ fierce Melaleucas along the way. Drive along the Overseas Highway with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Here you will learn about the history and importance of the Ecosystem, and every island over 42 bridges. Make sure you bring your camera for the scenic picture stop at Channel # 5 overlooking the bridge. Coral Castle attraction is the three-acre National Historic Site which features an amazing coral castle created by Latvian Ed Leedskalnins using nothing but homemade tools that he created from cast off parts, over the 20 years that it took to complete, not one witness has been found that saw construction in progress. Begun in 1920, the amazing structure, comprised of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, features a 9-ton gate and one-of-a-kind sundial. The story of the castle, seen by millions on television, is related for visitors at the site. (Either on route or on return) or Pigeon Key Museum on the original but restored 7 mile bridge. Dinner on route overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This evening we check into the 3 Diamond Best Western Hibiscus one block from Duval Street. Our dinners in the Keys include the great dining at the Half Shell Raw Bar known for outstanding Crab Cakes. The ambiance here includes the Historic Seaport with all of the sailboats including the booze cruise, America’s Cup vessels, Fast Cat and the tall Schooner Masts. Day 2: Today enjoy a fully narrated trolley ride including all of Key West’s major sights with a choice of a guided tour of Hemingway House or the new Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or Truman House or Audubon House and Gardens or Mel Fishers Treasure Museum. Browsing time will be allotted on Duval Street. The trolley picks up near the Hotel. Or an optional tour to Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas by Fast Cat Catamaran. Day 3: After Breakfast we will visit and do a driving and walking tour of Hemingway hang outs including Bahama Village. A visit to the Key west Gardens and an artist’s studio. There will be an optional Lunch trip to Sunset Island for lunch.
Located in Sunset Key Cottages, Latitudes Sunset Key in Key West offers outdoor dining and modern American cuisine. Named the “#1 Best Overall Restaurant in Key West” by OpenTable in 2016 and one of the “100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America in 2017”, its impressive resume speaks for itself. Dine on fresh, flavorful cuisine and capture breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views, as the ever-changing menu and Ernest Hemingway Room filled with photos of famous authors make this restaurant a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury on a romantic date, here you can dig your toes in the sand and escape to your own private island from the ferry to Latitudes. To arrive to Sunset Key & Latitudes, you take the ferry from Key West to Sunset Key. After an afternoon at leisure at the hotel’s tropical pool and bar we will view the famous sunset at Mallory Square. Day 4: After breakfast a visit to the Dolphin Research Center located on Grassy Key in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys. Meet our family of dolphins and sea lions, all of whom live in natural, seawater lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a couple of hours or all day, experiencing their personalities in fun-filled, narrated behavior sessions. In between, watch educational presentations, visit the tropical birds, play in the Sprayground or simply enjoy the beautiful, outdoor Florida Keys setting. On the route home a stop at a Marina will be made for an interactive experience feeding the largest Tarpons you will ever see. Early Dinner at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo known for award winning conch chowder, fish in tequila sauce and a Key Lime freeze or the Cauley Square Tea Room depending on time of the day. Members $975 per person double occupancy guests $985 Single Occ. Plus $350 Deposits $200 per person, Balance due October 13, 2022 Cancellations: $200 per person non-refundable with Reservations and no refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admission, Trolley Tour and taxes, 3 breakfasts, Farewell Dinner, and gratuities. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions. _______________________________________________________________
December 22- Spectacular Patriotic Traditional Feel-Good Musical at Show Palace Dinner Theater Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Brooksville, Hudson and Tarpon Springs Recapture the holiday magic with WHITE CHRISTMAS this holiday season! A gentlemen song and dance duo join a sister act to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into the boys’ World War II commander whose quaint country inn is failing. What’s the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle? This smash Broadway musical based on the timeless film features 17 Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the perennial title song. WHITE CHRISTMAS is sure to make your holidays merry and bright. Stop in Brooksville for OLD-FASHIONED FLORIDANA GIFT SHOP Here is where you can find a little souvenir that you can take back home that will remind you of your trip – the kind of souvenir that shows you went someplace other than Disneyworld – something like a flamingo or a sand dollar or some orange blossom honey. Get yourself the “real stuff,” like shell creations, shark teeth, t-shirts, jellies and jams, sauces and coconut patties that you know you want. You never know what you’ll find at the Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction Gift Shop because the merchandise changes often. Old fashioned candies, citrus items, toy dinosaurs, colorful kitsch and more…The Bonus is the beauty of the Rural roads and even hills from Brooksville to Hudson. Return trip Includes Short Tour of Tarpon Springs. Members $110 and Guests $115 includes Full Dinner Buffet, Show, Tour, Guide and Transportation. Leave Suntree 8:30am SB 8:45am with a return 9pm. Tickets are non-refundable unless a substitution is made One Time Only Opportunity- Tuesday December 27 Biscayne National Park Boat Ride in the Nation’s only underwater National Park *Long Ride Long Day*
Join us as we journey across Biscayne Bay and back through time to tell you the stories of the people whose influence shaped Biscayne National Park and its surrounding Miami and Florida Keys areas into what they are today. This 3.5-hour experience will motor across Biscayne Bay and along the whose northernmost islands of the Florida Keys with a stop at either Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or Adams Key. (The key stops are based on the conditions of the day; the inside of Boca Chita Lighthouse is not open to the public at this time.) While you listen to the stories of Biscayne’s past, you will have the opportunity see some of the extraordinary wildlife that inhabit the protected Mangroves and Seagrass meadows as you cruise along. This activity is great for all ages and there is no snorkeling or paddling during this experience. There is a small beach at Boca Chita. We recommend you wear clothes that could potentially get wet from water splashing onto the boat. This is not a glass bottom boat tour although you will be able to see the bottom of the bay in the clear waters of Biscayne from the side of the boat. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. If you require an ADA accessible ramp for the boat, please call (786) 465-4058 when booking to be sure appropriate accommodations are possible. No Refunds once we purchase these tickets for non-refundable cruise Leave Suntree Red Ginger 7:am Walmart Murphy’s Palm Bay Road 7:30am Return Apx. 10:30pm Members $145 Guests $150 ________________________________________________________________________ New Orleans, Jazz Festival, Movie Sites, Boat Rides and Plantation Homes on the Bayou! 8 Days 7 Nights April 25 to May 2, 2023 Day 1 4/25: Board our air-conditioned deluxe Mini Bus at the rear of the Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center for travel through Florida to the Panhandle. The Mini Bus makes a rest or snack stop approximately every two hours. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Panhandle area at the charming Victorian Defuniak Springs. Dinner tonight will be aboard an old fashioned Paddlewheeler for a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River and “All That Dixieland Jazz” Boarding at 7pm and returning at 10pm Day 5 April 29- A Day at The New Orleans Jazz Festival including general admission ticket! Day 6 April 30 River Road Plantation Tour Houmas House Plantation and Gardens Known as the Crown Jewel of the River Road, tour and experience the Southern splendor of “The Sugar Palace” with 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. The home itself is a masterpiece, but the gardens surrounding the home are something to behold! The original owners of the property were the Houmas Indians who sold it to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the 1700s. The original French Provincial house that Latil erected on the property, later used as living quarters for the staff that served the great house, is situated directly behind the Mansion, adjoined by a carriageway to the grand home. The Mansion was completed in 1828. Daily tours are available. Known as the Grande Dame of the River Road, this plantation is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Oak Alley remains a testimony to a bygone era. The most awe-inspiring feature of this plantation is the alley of 300-year-old Live Oak trees which stretch from the River Road of the Mississippi River to the home itself, and behind the home as well. It is one of the most photographed places in Louisiana. Tours are conducted daily. Day 7 May 1: Breakfast on route. Today we will visit famed Bellingrath Gardens. After departing Biloxi, we head toward the “Cradle of the Confederacy”, the heart of Dixie, Alabama. This is an 800-acre estate of natural woodland and 65 acres of planted gardens. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Tallahassee area. Day 8 May 2 Home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat. The historic lodge is an elegant remnant of old Florida, and the ancient cypress swamps made the perfect backdrop for old Hollywood movies. Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps and wildlife when they decided to film Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) here. Today, visitors can swim where mastodons once roamed and take guided boat tours where dugout canoes once glided across the cool waters. Alligators, manatees and an abundance of bird life can all be seen. Visitors can also marvel at a 1930s Spanish style lodge with its period furniture, original elevators and colorful painted ceilings that depict wildlife and Old Florida scenes. Wakulla Springs Boat Ride–World-class wildlife viewing event takes visitors on a 2-mile loop downstream and back among majestic bald cypress trees, elegant wading birds and toothy alligators. Manatees are often sighted, but their presence is not dependable. Bring a camera to capture candid images of the river’s fauna. The ranger-led tour not only highlights the wildlife but also may include stories of human interactions with the spring. Stories sometimes feature the lives of indigenous peoples, movies filmed during the Edward Ball years, and/or the more recent adventures of explorations within the caves that bring water to the spring. 3 Boat Rides including Mississippi Jazz Cruise Dinner 7 Breakfasts 1 Lunch and 1Dinner 2 Plantation Homes 7 Night Accommodations Big Decision- Stop at Drayton’s or Acme for Oysters? Stop at Central Grocery (since 1910) for Muffuletta $1400 per person Double Occupancy $2000 Single Occupancy Deposit $200 per person Balance Due February 15 All Itineraries are subject to change based upon availability and All times are approximate! ______________________________________________________________________
RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321)259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravelclub.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com https://www.meetup.com/Dayaway-and-Cruiseaway-Travel-Club/
– Morikami Japanese Gardens Sado Tea Ceremony in Delray and Chocolate Factory _____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Ginnie Springs-June 4
Ginnie Springs Float-A-Thon & the Great Outdoors Restaurant An RSVP without payment does not confirm your space Saturday, June 4, All Day Florida Greeters / Dayaway Travel Club presents Ginnie Springs Float-A-Thon & the Great Outdoors Restaurant “The most refreshing cool fun activity you can do in Florida in the summer, bar none!” – Lee Rosenkranz, CTC Most popular freshwater dive site in the world, privately owned, tubing, swimming & snorkeling in a pristine environment! ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED! “The most popular freshwater dive site in the world can be found at Ginnie Springs on the banks of the Santa Fe River” called Visibility Forever by Jacques Cousteau. Great Outdoors voted best Restaurant in Florida is located in a former 1800’s Opera House converted into a 2-story restaurant reflecting High Springs’ outdoor activities for which it is named & located in. High Springs is a nostalgic look at old Florida known for Quaint & colorful shops, cafes, Southern décor & Oak Trees with Spanish Moss! Members $80, Guests $85 Rate includes transportation & park entrance! Tube rentals & lunch are extra! Bring Sun Screen, Snorkel, Towel, Swim wear & change of clothes. Mini Bus for 14 passengers Saturday, June 4, Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station 7:45am, Returns around 9pm_________________________________________________________________________________ June 11-Gatorland, Monument of States and Drive past Deseret Morman Ranch & Lake Tohopekaliga and Shingle Creek Pioneer Village Payment is required with Reservations!
PETTING FARM – Open 11:00AM to 4:30PM daily. AVIARY – The Aviary is open, Please check at the aviary for schedule. Pioneer Village-The Pioneer Village is comprised of a permanent collection of authentic structures which once stood in different areas of Osceola County. They were carefully relocated to our present location and gently preserved to demonstrate how life was once lived before our modern times. The village includes a general store and post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, homesteads from Osceola settlers, Seminole settlement, a cow camp and working structures such as a blacksmith shop, citrus packing plant, cane grinder, and barn. Members $75 Guests $80 Includes transportation plus admissions to both Gatorland and Shingle Creek Pioneer Village Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8:30am Saturday, July 2, 2:30 pm to midnight Road Trip to the Daytona Beach Bandshell TWO Tribute Acts: Simon & Garfunkle and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! Post-Concert Fireworks!
On route, we will make a bonus garden stop & Sugar Mill Ruins combo or chocolate factory based on the time and interest. Payment is required with Reservation! Leave 2:30 PM from the World Of Beer Viera, 2290 Town Center Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32940 (I-95 Exit 191 west to traffic circle, then right / north to second traffic light at Town Center Avenue. Right turn into parking lot, left at end of lane. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Iand mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321) 259-6300 www.dayawaytravel.com ___________________________________________________________________ Lake Placid Caladium Festival and the Town of Murals Saturday, July 30, 2022 Link to Slides We make stops at fruit markets and fudge places and sights along the route and the return. Lake Placid Florida Includes a tour of the Caladium Growing Fields, Farms and Life size Murals. Virtually all of the World’s Caladiums are grown here in Lake Placid, Florida. If you travel to Tulip time in Amsterdam or the Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Caladiums will still be from Lake Placid. The Mural Society contributes to the beauty of our town and helps preserve our colorful history. 40 murals grace the sides of buildings around town and even the trash containers have color and style. $80 members $85 guests Leave 8am Suntree, 8:15am Satellite Beach Schechter Center Return around 7:30 p.m. Lake Placid Florida has so much to offer; it’s no wonder more and more people are calling it home! Just ask Reader’s Digest who voted Lake Placid Florida America’s Most Interesting Town!! We transfer to larger Busses to tour the fields with a third-generation member of a family of growers as the guide! Tickets for this side tour are included and prepaid.Known as the Caladium Capital of the World, Lake Placid has 27 freshwater lakes, beautiful Murals around town depicting our history, Toby’s Clown School, and the historical Happiness Tower which rises 270 feet above the ground. Indoor attractions include a movie about the making of the murals and framed renditions of all of the town’s now 40 something murals and the Caladium coop arts and crafts shop made up of several of the local artisans crafts, antiques and small gift items available for purchase. They have added Vintage and special cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors gather to participate in this increasingly popular car show.Where is the Lake Wales Ridge, and how did it form? __________________________________________________________________ Rainbow River Tubing August 6- Saturday Rainbow Springs Tubing Trip Last year sold out quickly! However, payment is due with a reservation to secure tube rental which is included. A four-hour tube ride on the pristine Rainbow River ___________________________________________________________________________________ August 13-South Beach Highlights including the Wolfsonian Art Deco Museum and Lunch at the Versace Mansion Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station 7:30 am Leave Palm Bay Walmart Murphy’s Gas Station 7:50 am with an approximate 9pm return! Micanopy Paynes Prarie and the University of Florida Museum of Natural History and Tubing Ichetucknee Springs August 20-21 Micanopy (pronounced “mick-an-O-pee “), named after a famous Seminole chief, was established in 1821 as a trading post. The oldest inland town in Florida, it uniquely retains the ambiance of its illustrious history and bygone era. The Historical Society Museum, in a weathered 1890 wood freight station warehouse tells the story of the multicultural past of the town – encompassing Spanish explorers, Native Americans, the Civil War and the Seminole War. Though Micanopy maintains its rural appeal, it has been “rediscovered” by artists and antiques merchants who continue to revitalize the community with shops and galleries along Cholokka Blvd. Tasty treats at local cafes and bistros, and the Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn, add interesting options for visitors. The town’s unique character attracts many visitors each year and has been captured in several movies, including “Doc Hollywood,” “Cross Creek” and “Miracle Child.” Micanopy has been described as a lovely small town with everything close by. Cafes, antique shops, and bed and breakfasts are all within walking distance and convenient for us to explore. Bypassed by progress Micanopy began to revive in the1970’s as an antiques mecca. Paynes Prarie Preserve- Midwesterners homesick for the prairie stretching across the great plains can find consolation across many acres in pool table flat Florida, especially in the vastness of Paynes Prarie, a few miles south of Gainesville. A 12,000-acre fresh water marsh surrounded by additional acres of preserve and named for Seminole Indian Chief King Payne, “it is encircled with high sloping hills covered with waving forests and fragrant Orange Groves, rising from an exuberantly fertile soil. The towering Magnolia, grandiflora and transcendent palms stand conspicuous amongst them.” Wrote Naturalist William Bartram. A short hike is made to see the observation lookout for Wildlife and occasionally Bison! The Florida Museum has limited-time-only special exhibits, eight permanent exhibits including the Butterfly Rainforest and several outside areas to discover including the Florida Wildflower Garden! General admission is FREE, although donations are gladly accepted. There is a cover charge for special exhibits and the Butterfly Rainforest. We also offer quality traveling exhibitions for lease to other institutions. There is also an original Monet at the Harn Art Museum for additional free viewing while at the Cultural area of the Campus. Lunch and Butterfly Rainforest and special events are extra. Dinner in Gainesville at Steve Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill Sports Bar is not included in the price. August 20 and 21 2022. $195 per person double occupancy. $295 Single Occ. Includes stops at Micanopy and the Museum of Florida History at the University of Florida in Gainesville with optional Butterfly Release Early Morning Motel Departure 8:30am- Satellite Beach Schechter Community Center with Parking Pass Autumn in the Smokies Show Tour September 25-30, 2022 6 days 5 Nights Day 1 Travel to Georgia with overnight accommodations at Atlanta Best Western Southlake Inn 1-770-961-6300 Day 2- Continental Breakfast at Best Western Mid-Morning Tour of Margaret Mitchell House Atlanta (Author of Gone with the Wind) Afternoon Travel to Pigeon Forge Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains Accommodations at Best Western Pigeon Forge Dinner Show at Hatfield’s and McCoy’s Day 3- Continental Breakfast at Best Western Day at Dollywood Park followed by Comedy Barn Show Day 4 Continental Breakfast at Best Western Tour Chihuly at the Biltmore Estate Asheville, North Carolina Day 5 Continental Breakfast at Best Western Morning Check out for tour through the Smoky Mountain National Park including the Welcome Center Movie and Newfound Gap ending up at the Cherokee Indian Reservation with browsing and shopping time here before a fabulous meal at The Dillard House Restaurant Day 6- Continental Breakfast enroute back to Florida with a stop at We’re Nuts known for chocolate covered Pecans and other Georgia Specialties plus Carroll’s Sausage and Country Store Members $1350 Guests $1360 per person double occupancy. $300 Single Occupancy per person Balance Deposit $200 per person Balance Due July 23. No refunds without a substitution after July 23.
Homosassa Springs and Monkey Island October 8 3 Spider Monkees and two Squirel Monkees play and frolic on their own Island. The Restaurant feeds them twice a day and this has been going on for over a generation. Lunch is on your own at the Riverside Café overlooking Monkey Island known for Blue Crab and Seafoods but with Burgers, Salads and Chicken also. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/21227 Link to Monkey Island Story Homosassa Springs State Park is like a visit to a jungle full of birds, Hippos, Reptiles, Florida Black Bear, Whooping Cranes, Florida Panthers, Wolves, Exotic animals and a raised Boardwalk through the woods to view them. The star of the show here is the Manatees and you see them year round while you are enclosed in an observatory called the Fishbowl while they are free to swim around you. At designated times the park ranger volunteers will conduct a talk about the Manatees during a vegetarian feeding. They seek out the warm waters of the headsprings which are a constant 72 to 74 degrees year round. They also conduct a Wildlife briefing and showing. This is the headquarters for the Florida State Park System. A 20 minute boat ride is included providing transportation from the parking area to the Springs area passing through the attractive bird wildlife on Pepper Creek. An abandoned Sugar Mill is a picture stop on route along with some Country Roads and the avenue of the Oaks. $70 includes transportation, entrances, boat ride, guide and tour. If time permits we will make a stop at a Russell Stovers Outlet shop which is the size of a large grocery store on route. Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Return 7 to 7:30pm.
The Florida Greeters Dayaway Travel Club Presents “The Florida Keys and Key West” Dec. 10 t o 13, 2022 A Fully Escorted 4 day & 3 Night Tour limited to 10 passengers Day 1: Depart 8: am from Group’s location (Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center, Walmart Viera and Walmart Palm Bay with three short shopping stops along the way or way back including the Sawgrass Mills, Robert is here is the name of a major large fruit stand in the Nursery area of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. We will drive directly through the River of Grass known as the Everglades with its’ fierce Melaleucas along the way. Drive along the Overseas Highway with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Here you will learn about the history and importance of the Ecosystem, and every island over 42 bridges. Make sure you bring your camera for the scenic picture stop at Channel # 5 overlooking the bridge. Coral Castle attraction is the three-acre National Historic Site which features an amazing coral castle created by Latvian Ed Leedskalnins using nothing but homemade tools that he created from cast off parts, over the 20 years that it took to complete, not one witness has been found that saw construction in progress. Begun in 1920, the amazing structure, comprised of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, features a 9-ton gate and one-of-a-kind sundial. The story of the castle, seen by millions on television, is related for visitors at the site. (Either on route or on return) or Pigeon Key Museum on the original but restored 7 mile bridge. Dinner on route overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This evening we check into the 3 Diamond Best Western Hibiscus one block from Duval Street. Our dinners in the Keys include the great dining at the Half Shell Raw Bar known for outstanding Crab Cakes. The ambiance here includes the Historic Seaport with all of the sailboats including the booze cruise, America’s Cup vessels, Fast Cat and the tall Schooner Masts. Day 2: Today enjoy a fully narrated trolley ride including all of Key West’s major sights with a choice of a guided tour of Hemingway House or the new Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or Truman House or Audubon House and Gardens or Mel Fishers Treasure Museum. Browsing time will be allotted on Duval Street. The trolley picks up near the Hotel. Or an optional tour to Fort Jefferson on the Dry Tortugas by Fast Cat Catamaran. Day 3: After Breakfast we will visit and do a driving and walking tour of Hemingway hang outs including Bahama Village. A visit to the Key west Gardens and an artist’s studio. There will be an optional Lunch trip to Sunset Island for lunch.
Located in Sunset Key Cottages, Latitudes Sunset Key in Key West offers outdoor dining and modern American cuisine. Named the “#1 Best Overall Restaurant in Key West” by OpenTable in 2016 and one of the “100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America in 2017”, its impressive resume speaks for itself. Dine on fresh, flavorful cuisine and capture breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views, as the ever-changing menu and Ernest Hemingway Room filled with photos of famous authors make this restaurant a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury on a romantic date, here you can dig your toes in the sand and escape to your own private island from the ferry to Latitudes. To arrive to Sunset Key & Latitudes, you take the ferry from Key West to Sunset Key. After an afternoon at leisure at the hotel’s tropical pool and bar we will view the famous sunset at Mallory Square. Day 4: After breakfast a visit to the Dolphin Research Center located on Grassy Key in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys. We’re a little more than two hours from Miami and about an hour and twenty minutes from Key West. Meet our family of dolphins and sea lions, all of whom live in natural, seawater lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a couple of hours or all day, experiencing their personalities in fun-filled, narrated behavior sessions. In between, watch educational presentations, visit the tropical birds, play in the Sprayground or simply enjoy the beautiful, outdoor Florida Keys setting. The heart of our mission is the welfare of every animal in our family. Whether they are born here, or come from rescue/rehabilitation centers or other facilities, each receives the finest possible care and a safe, healthy, enriching home for life. Dolphins and sea lions choose to participate in sessions, including interactive programs from the docks or in the water. None are ever forced. Therefore, on any given day, program availability and times may vary based on the needs of the animals. 2 separate Options to swim with the Dolphins and still see the show apx. $210 per person and reservations must be made in advance! www. https://dolphins.org/programs On the route home a stop at a Marina will be made for an interactive experience feeding the largest Tarpons you will ever see. Early Dinner at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo known for award winning conch chowder, fish in tequila sauce and a Key Lime freeze or the Cauley Square Tea Room depending on time of the day. Members $975 per person double occupancy guests $985 Single Occ. Plus $350 Deposits $200 per person, Balance due October 13, 2022 Cancellations: $200 per person non-refundable with Reservations and no refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admission, Trolley Tour and taxes, 3 breakfasts, Farewell Dinner, and gratuities. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions. __________________________________________________________________ December 22- Spectacular Patriotic Traditional Feel Good Musical Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Brooksville, Hudson and Tarpon Springs Recapture the holiday magic with WHITE CHRISTMAS this holiday season! A gentlemen song and dance duo join a sister act to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into the boys’ World War II commander who’s quaint country inn is failing. What’s the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle? This smash Broadway musical based on the timeless film features 17 Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” and the perennial title song. WHITE CHRISTMAS is sure to make your holidays merry and bright. Stop in Brooksville for OLD-FASHIONED FLORIDANA GIFT SHOP Here is where you can find a little souvenir that you can take back home that will remind you of your trip – the kind of souvenir that shows you went someplace other than Disneyworld – something like a flamingo or a sand dollar or some orange blossom honey. Get yourself the “real stuff,” like shell creations, shark teeth, t-shirts, jellies and jams, sauces and coconut patties that you know you want. You never know what you’ll find at the Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction Gift Shop because the merchandise changes often. Old fashioned candies, citrus items, toy dinosaurs, colorful kitsch and more…The Bonus is the beauty of the Rural roads and even hills from Brooksville to Hudson. Return trip Includes Short Tour of Tarpon Springs. Members $110 and Guests $115. Leave Suntree 8:30am SB 8:45am with a return 9pm. Tickets are non refundleunless a substitution is made_______________________________________________________________________
RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321)259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravelclub.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com https://www.meetup.com/Dayaway-and-Cruiseaway-Travel-Club/
This is a revised work in progress with constant additions!!! The Next Travel Club Meeting is Wednesday, December 2, 2020 @ 10 am in the Satellite Beach Pelican Park Clubhouse Located at 1495 A1A. Travel Club Meetings now feature information about past and future destinations. Optional After Meeting Lunch at Fiesta Jalisco, (The Chicken Soup was amazing and very filling but there are many other choices). Travel Club benefit: Free door to door transportation with individual non-group vacations or cruises of 7 days or longer booked through the club! (Groups usually choose one location for transfers) Free travel consulting by CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) And Cruise, Tour and Vacation Discounts available to club members! Groups of 8 to 12 can order their own pick up spot or even their own Van tour departure. Handicapped and Impaired Travelers are welcome aboard! Congratulations! Today is your day. www.dayawaytravel.com http://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters |
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Wild Florida (We did this one recently but it sold out so we’re looking for a second date) Ready for your wildest road trip yet?
Buckle up and take a road trip through our Drive-thru Safari Park where you can see more than 150 exotic and native animals roaming freely. In addition to exploring our drive thru safari, there are also a variety of animal encounters and experiences you will enjoy. From feeding to painting with the tallest living animals on Earth, this adventure will definitely reach new heights. To make your adventure truly one to remember, admission to our Gator Park is included in all of our Drive-thru Safari Park experiences. Meaning… you can truly walk on the wild side during your visit.
Members $65 Guests $70 includes Transportation, Safari and Gator Park
Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8:45am Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center 9:05am Cocoa Beach Country Club 9:30am with an afternoon return.
Saturday, Anna Maria Island Saturday November 14 Sold Out!
The Beach House Restaurant has a selection of fresh seafood and farm to fork features on the Waterfront. The Rod and Reel Pier has a view of Passage Key and Egmont Key and the Gulf Beyond. We will visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. This Island just west of Bradenton is known for its’ great little eateries and views of the Gulf of Mexico. We will also tour around Bradenton. The Island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s only 7 1/2 miles long and less than a mile wide and, for starters, boasts not a single towering condo. (No building over three stories is allowed.) Chain restaurants? Very few of them. The restaurants are delightfully local and extremely good. In other words, you’ve stepped into the Florida of decades ago, with one major difference: Village of the Arts-One day I took a little side trip off the island to Bradenton to explore Village of the Arts. This artists’ colony covers several 1920s Crayola-colored cottages, each featuring a variety of artsy offerings, most open Friday and Saturday. My favorite was Dancing Crane Gallery, with its sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics. I especially loved the gem shop inside, where an artist designs your own piece of jewelry on the spot. I also enjoyed Village Voices & Eclectic Art Emporium, with its Florida author-written books, an art gallery, and local woodwork. “Let’s Not Shout About IT” Having worked in the travel industry all of my life I have visited quite a few places. This beach at the North End of Anna Maria is in my humble opinion among the best in the world. It is so quiet and unspoiled Stroll Anna Maria Green Point Village Members $60 Guests $65 includes Tours, Guide, Transportation and Museum Leave Suntree 7:45am SB 8am and CB 8:30am with an 8pm return.
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Pre-Holiday Shopping Trip with Lavender and Lace Restaurant and Tea House
Saturday, November 21, 2020
link to slides (https://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters/lake-alfred)
Pre-Holiday Shopping Trip and an option to lunch at the quaint and scenic Lavender and Lace Tea House
Crafts, Unique Gifts, Trader Joes and an Orlando Outlet Mall on the Return-For unique stuff in a great setting and two more gift and craft shops at the luncheon tea room
The Barn Antiques In 1969, Ednamay Wales’ dream of opening an antique shop became a reality in the form of a small, tin roofed building located on the edge of a horse pasture in rural Polk County, Florida. Today, The Barn Antiques has expanded into much larger quarters and involves all of the Wales family. Frequent trips abroad and extensive local buying allow us to personally examine and select each beautiful antique we offer at The Barn. Now in our fifth decade, we have grown into one of Florida’s most popular destinations for quality antiques: armoires, sideboards, tables, chairs, beds, dressers, and more – pine, primitives, stained glass, cut glass, and art pottery. We are very proud of our vibrant family business and warmly invite you to come out and share in The Barn Experience. The Stable in the Stable, every nook and cranny is always filled with a lovely array of designer wreaths, flower arrangements, swags, and baskets. Avid shoppers are pleasantly overwhelmed by our wide range of items both quaint and sophisticated, including brass, prints, lamps, potpourri, and many other lovely accessories for your home. The Stable’s “SEASONS” building changes with the holidays, FALL, HALLOWEEN, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, SPRING, and EASTER. All are celebrated with many special and unique decorations and themed items.
The Back-Yard Garden Shop- The Back Yard offers a wide selection of garden and lawn accessories in the latest styles, ranging from stepping stones all the way up to twelve-foot trellises and handsome lawn furniture. Come to shop or just to relax under our lush canopies of Confederate Jasmine, as the sound of trickling water mixes with the light tinkle of wind chimes to sweep your stresses away. From topiaries to sprinklers, from fountains to garden architecture, the Back Yard is sure to either help you find just the right improvement for your lawn or garden, or to inspire you to start on one of your own. As you walk from shop to shop, be sure to swing by the dock to feed the Blue Gills, Sunshine Bass, and Shellcrackers in Florida’s picturesque Green Swamp.
The Tea House has a full luncheon including a light Chicken Curry dish and many other superb choices with two gift shops of their own
Members $50 Guests $55 includes Transportation Leave Suntree 8:30am SB 8:45a and CB 9:15am with a return around 7pm.
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Tuesday, November 24
The Ringling Complex is like a trip to Europe without leaving Florida
Ca d Zan House of John
Tour the three-part Ringling Museum. The Ringling’s, John and Mabel were in love with all things Venetian. Their Mansion was modeled after the Doge’s Palace and christened with a name from the Venetian vernacular, Ca’d’Zan, the house of John. Their bedrooms had eighteenth century Venetian furnishings; their game room Venetian Carnival figures painted on the ceilings. Venetian colored glass was installed in the windows and Mabel had her own private gondola moored by a waterfront structure reminiscent of something on the Grand Canal. This is a 30-room mansion directly on beautiful Sarasota Bay. The Art Museum resembles a fifteenth century Florentine villa and the 20 galleries are filled with over 500 pieces: El Greco, Rembrandt, Veronese and Velasquez, Frans Hals and Tintoretto and finest collection of Rubens and Baroque art in the country. Next visit the museum of the circus featuring handbills, posters, photographs, miniatures, calliopes and costumes and a full scale capturing of the spirit of the backyard of the Circus. This will be preceded by a visit to Sarasota’s Amish Section where we will dine at one of wonderful buffet Restaurants and Amish gift shops. Shoefly pie is not the only choice here where the freshness is legendary. The Restaurant at the complex can be substituted for the Amish Restaurant if preferred.
$85 including the self-guided tour of the Mansion’s First Floor The Art Museum, Gardens and Circus Museum
Rate includes transportation and guided tour of Sarasota
Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station at 8am and return around 8pm
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*Sold Out Waitlist * Thursday, November 26th Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Mission Inn Resort and tour of the Villages Complex Members $110 Guests $115 includes Transportation, Taxes, Gratuities and Tour of the Villages and Buffet featuring 7 Stations of the most creative culinary treats in a setting reminiscent of a Spanish Mission. “The dishes are prepared by an-award winning culinary team that reflects their experience from the finest kitchens around the world. On site Herb and Vegetable gardens bring a distinctive homegrown appeal and flavors earning us the reputation as a great spot for celebrating holiday events.”
The new section at the Villages is “Brownwood Paddock Square” based on our Florida Cracker History. The Villages has been for a few years the fastest growing city in the Country. They have also doubled since 2010. The Polo Grounds are modeled after the scene in My Fair Lady at the Ascot Races. This trip has scenery, history and Amazing food with no dishes to clean up. Leave Suntree 9am, SB 9:15am and CB 9:45am __________________________________________________________
LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA NOVEMBER 28
We’ll start the day in quaint Mount Dora visiting the Lakeside Inn of the 1880’s with its famous rocking chairs overlooking Lake Dora. Mount Dora is more known for its resemblance to a New England town than the South. The town features shops, lighthouse, yacht club, restaurants, nostalgia, antiques, Amish ice cream, miniature doll houses, a Sears Mail Order house, and a gallery collection of Thomas Kinkaid, the painter of light. The Donnelly House is a striking piece of Victorian Gothic architecture located directly across the street from Donnelly Park. Yalaha German Bakery looks like an Alpine Scene out of Hansel and Gretel in the Black Forest. Speaking of the Black Forest have you tried their cake at the Yalaha Bakery? The Bakery exports Breads including the 7 Grain Wheat bread all over the US. Try the Liverwurst Sandwich from the Deli or the Chicken Raspberry Salad sandwich. It’s all good.
Yalaha Bakery
I Love Mount Dora
Then Mount Dora has one of the most Spectacular light displays anywhere at sunset! Rate $65 members $70 Guests including tours, guide and transportation
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8:30am Suntree Red Ginger, 8:50am Satellite Beach Recreation Center and CB 9:15am Return around 8:30pm
Return to the Most Magical Place on Earth with the Florida Resident Disney Magic Flex Ticket
Dates are tentative based on opening and closing times when Disney Calendars are finalized.
EPCOT – Food and Wine Festival November 30 10am departure Suntree Red Ginger 10:30am Cocoa Beach with an apx. 10:30pm return
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Thursday December 3 Holiday Decor at Magic Kingdom 8:30am departure Suntree Red Ginger 9am Cocoa Beach
Animal Kingdom with Avatar
Monday, December 7
Leave Suntree 8:30am and Coca Beach Beach 9:am
Members $45 Guests $50 includes Transportation, Tolls and Parking
Tickets are currently apx. $125 per day for the theme park entrances or $62 per day plus tax for a three-day pass Florida Residency pass includes the International Food Festival at Epcot and Avatar at Animal Kingdom.
So, a three-day pass at 164 plus $11 tax is $175 is $186 /3 days =$62 per day plus $45 for transportation, tolls and parking= $107 per person per day
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Florida Residents can get a 2-day Florida Resident Disney Magic Flex Ticket for just $130 plus tax (that’s just $65 per day plus tax).
St. Augustine at Holiday Time
Saturday, December 5 St. Augustine Holiday Time
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.” Saint Augustine (354-386)
After our late morning arrival in the center of Historic Saint Augustine, our nation’s oldest city, we will stop at the welcome center which unravels the progression of Florida’s history with a timeline of the city and here you can pick up a map of the town to follow along with during the tour. Next, we will visit Flagler’s White Marble Crypt at the church he built in a year housing high ceiling as in European Cathedrals and the largest pipe organ in the Southeast. After lunch, Step inside and step back in time! A tour of the Old Town and the Tiffany Windows and the Lightner Museum will help us to re-live the history of this beautiful city. The Lightner Museum is called the collection of collections. See shrunken heads, Victorian furniture, a Mummy, Marble Carvings and a fabulous Music Room. Our driving city tour also includes a visit and samples from the Saint Sebastian Winery optional stop for those interested in it or extra shopping time. We will have time to stroll the Downtown area with its’ more than 80 shops along cobbled lanes shaded by moss-draped oaks. Scattered throughout blocks of historic landmarks, you may discover eclectic offerings from specialty gifts such as handmade candles, woven goods and wood crafts, to clothing and more. Includes: Transportation aboard Van, taxes, admissions, Florida Greeters tour director, Lightner Museum entrance fees & sightseeing tour! Tour includes: Transportation, Guided Sightseeing Tour, Winery, Flagler’s Church and Museums. All prices and itinerary are subject to change based upon availability! Members $70 Guests $75 Leave Walmart Viera 8:30am and Cocoa 9am and return around 10pm
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Plaid Tidings Dinner Theater Show and Tarpon Springs taste of Greece TBA
A “heaven-sent” holiday treat! Don’t miss the sequel to one of the most popular shows in the history of Show Palace Dinner Theatre, Forever Plaid. Laugh and celebrate with the “Plaid” boys as they continue their supernatural saga, returning from the afterlife – again – to play their very own hilarious Christmas special featuring a host of holiday songs. This high-spirited and hilarious holiday hit is sure to please any and all audiences – perfect for your holiday group outing.
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Pompeii Traveling Exhibit
Pompeii, the Immortal City plus Little Vietnam and Winter Park
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
8520 N. Wickham Road · Viera, FL
How to find us
White Mini-Bus with Orange Dayaway Travel Club signs on the sides near the Murphy’s Gas Station toward the Northwest corner of the parking lot!
Details
The site was lost for centuries and remained almost entirely untouched until 1748. Today, the most advanced scientific research brings to light the extraordinary achievements of Pompeii and the Roman world.
Plunge into the heart of the drama and ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii. Spectacular immersive moments allow you to experience the destruction of the city and to identify with the inhabitants of that time, immobilized by the volcano’s ashes.
Through artwork, interactive mechanical devices, and multimedia experiences, you will embark on a journey through time into the daily life of a first-century Roman town.
Find yourself in the center of events as you hear and feel the roar of the volcano erupting before your eyes. Discover how the excavation of Pompeii in the 18th century influenced the development of archaeology as a scientific study. Play the role of archaeologists through the use of digital interactives and replicas of artifacts from Pompeii.
Although this exhibition is appropriate for people of all ages, some of the art features era-specific depictions of men and women without clothing.
We will be having Lunch in the Little Vietnam area with a plethora of great Pho soup and Vietnamese specialty luncheon spots plus Asian markets and a bargain Asian Import shop.
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/orlando/little-saigon-vietnamese-restaurants-shops.html
The Last stop will include the lights and decorations of upscale Winter Park!
Members $70 Guests $75
Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s at 8:30am returning at apx. 8:30pm.
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The Florida Greeters Dayaway Travel Club
Presents “The Everglades, Florida Keys and Key West” Dec. 13 to 16, 2020
A Fully Escorted 4 day & 3 Night Tour limited to 9 passengers
Day 1: Depart 8: am from Groups location (Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center, Walmart Viera and Walmart Palm Bay with three short shopping stops along the way or way back including the Sawgrass Mills (world’s largest outlet mall) the Rain Barrel Artisans colony, Key’s Souvenirs and Shell shop. We will make a stop in the Everglades National Park Visitors Center to learn more about the importance of this unique Ecosystem. Robert is here is the name of a major large fruit stand in the Nursery area of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. We will drive directly through the River of Grass known as the Everglades with its’ fierce Melaleucas along the way. Drive along the Overseas Highway with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Here you will learn about the history and importance of the Ecosystem, and every island over 42 bridges. Make sure you bring your camera for the scenic picture stop at Channel # 5 overlooking the bridge. Early Dinner on route for the outstanding Sunset at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This evening we check into the 3 Diamond Best Western Hibiscus one block from Duval Street. Our dinners in the Keys include the great dining at the Half Shell Raw Bar known for outstanding Crab Cakes. The ambiance here includes the Historic Seaport with all of the sailboats including the booze cruise, America’s Cup vessels, Fast Cat and the tall Schooner Masts.
Day 2: Today enjoy a fully narrated trolley ride including all of Key West’s major sights with a choice of guided tours of Hemingway House or the new Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or Key West Aquarium for those who have already seen Hemingways… Browsing time will be allotted on Duval Street. An optional spectacular sunset cruise following or preceding dinner depending on the time of year will be made available. The trolley picks up near the Hotel.
Day 3: After Breakfast we will visit Truman’s little White House and do a driving and walking tour of Hemingway hang outs including Bahama Village. If you have already visited the little White House then you may wish to substitute the equally interesting Audubon House. We will also visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville restaurant and shop on Mallory Square. After an afternoon at leisure at the hotel’s tropical pool and bar we will view the famous sunset at Mallory Square.
Day 4: After breakfast on route home a stop at a Marina will be made for an interactive experience feeding the largest Tarpons you will ever see. Early DinnerMrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo known for award winning conch chowder, fish in tequila sauce and a Key Lime freeze or the Cauley Square Tea Room depending on time of the day. The final attraction is the three-acre National Historic Site which features an amazing coral castle created by Latvian Ed Leedskalnins using nothing but homemade tools that he created from cast off parts, over the 20 years that it took to complete, not one witness has been found that saw construction in progress. Begun in 1920, the amazing structure, comprised of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, features a 9-ton gate and one-of-a-kind sundial. The story of the castle, seen by millions on television, is related for visitors at the site.
Members $900 per person double occupancy guests $910 Single Occ. Plus $300
Deposits $150 per person, Balance due October 13, 2020 Cancellations: $150 per person non-refundable with Reservations and no refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and gratuities. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions.
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Myakka Elephant Ranch and Arcadia plus the City of Murals (TBA)
Experience these majestic creatures up close and personal.
Learn everything about Elephants in an hour long educational seminar. You will also be learning about the struggles Elephants are facing and what conservationists are doing to protect these amazing creatures. Arcadia is a Western Town in Florida on route through Florida’s Heartland. The Town of Murals is award winning and Nationally recognized for its’ public display of over Forty Large Murals throughout the town.
Our Mission
From Tusk to Tail, African to Asian, elephant conservation is our primary purpose.
Intimate elephant encounters guided by professional caregivers that will enlighten, educate, and provide for an unforgettable experience.
Knowledge and understanding are the gateway to global conservation and restoration of these majestic mammals.
Our passion, dedication, and collective efforts from the public ensure continued success in this vitally important endeavor.
Leave Viera Walmart Murphys Gas 8am and Palm Bay Road Walmart Murphy’s Gas Station 8:25am with 7 to 7:30pm return.
Members $80 Guests $85
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Learn everything about and what conservationists are doing to protect these amazing December 19 -*Long Ride Long Day-Amelia Island *Sold Out
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is known for its spectacular Architecture including some beautiful Victorian style Restaurants and Homes. The town has an extensive list of buildings on the National Registry. The chamber of commerce building was a former train station downtown, After lunch. we will take either the boat ride or if inclement weather than we will do the museum. The Amelia Island Museum is an informative place to learn the History of the town which has flown under 8 flags. This afternoon boat tour is a nice blend of history and nature, including a trip up Beach Creek with a beautiful view of the salt marshes and bird life of Cumberland Island. It offers a close-up view of the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion and takes you literally inside Cumberland Island. The return ride includes Amelia Island Plantation Resort, The Petrified Forest, A ferry boat ride and a scenic ride along the shore passing three attractive state parks and then the St. Johns River to Mayport Naval Air Station.
Members $80 Guests $85 includes tour, transportation, and boat ride.
Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Satellite Beach 8:20am and Cocoa Beach 8:45am returning around 9 pm.
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Deland Art History and Nature December 23
John and Yoko
The town of Deland is loaded with interesting stops including an art in public places program with Sculptures, Poetry and Murals throughout the quaint and colorful town. The town sometimes referred to as the “Athens of Florida” has the best art collection of Florida throughout the years featuring Nature, World War 2 Submarines, Native American, Spanish and British largescale paintings prominently displayed in a striking History Courthouse with large Roman-Greco Columns and a Southern Copper Top. The driving part of the tour includes the Boston Coffee Shop, the African American Museum, the Gemology Museum, the Stetson Mansion and Stetson University.
We will tour the Art Museum-
This diverse selection of permanent collection pieces explores the broad-reaching subjects of places and faces. From landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, to photography and portraiture spanning Primitive, Cubist, and Abstract Expressionist movements, our Places and Faces exhibition is an exhilarating adventure in the richness and variety of the world we live in.
Highlights include: Elsie Freund’s spontaneous watercolor landscapes, Harold Garde’s Iconoclass panel, and a Jack Mitchell photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono – from the final comprehensive photo session of Lennon’s life, taken one month before his death.
Don’t miss this beautiful and transportive showcase right here in our DeLand gallery.
Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8:30am Satellite Beach 8:50am and Cocoa Beach 9am returning around 7 pm.
Members $55 Guests $60 includes sightseeing tour, museum admission, guide, and transportation
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December 25th Bok Tower and Christmas Décor at the Pinewood Estate
Today we will take the guided tour of the grounds to learn about the gardening! “Only an innate pessimist could go out in the vicinity of Lake Wales, see the beautiful scenery, groves, lakes and not acknowledge that Lake Wales is the best, a good place to live in and a good place to go to heaven from” Anyone who has made a pilgrimage to the soaring symmetry of Bok Tower does not doubt the accuracy of that statement. Named for its’ builder, Ladies Home Journal editor and Pulitzer Prize winner Edward W. Bok, the tower is 205 feet of coquina stone and pink Georgia marble, a Gothic-inspired spire with a frieze of Florida wildlife crowned by corner finials of eagles and pinnacles of herons, with a massive yellow brass repousse door depicting the story of creation from Genesis. Inside are carved the words of Bok’s Dutch grandmother, “Make you the world a bit better and beautiful because you have lived in it.” Bok’s creation personifies that philosophy. He transformed a 300-foot mini-mountain (highest point of land in peninsula Florida) into a 130-acre sanctuary, utilizing the genius of the dean of American Landscape Architects Fredrick Law Olmstead, whose other credits along with his Father include the White House, Central Park and the Biltmore estate. For his Florida miracle, he imported tons of soil as base for a thousand imported oaks, 20,000 ferns, and azaleas, 300 magnolias and a hundred palms, two of which were planted by President Coolidge at the dedication in 1929. Everywhere there are exotic plants, orchids and jasmine and bauhinia, framing quiet corners for relaxation and meditation, for comprehending the words of naturalist John Burroughs prominently posted near the entrance: “I come here to find myself. It’s so easy to get lost in the world.” Explore Pinewood Estate’s beautiful gardens and 20 room Mediterranean-style mansion built in the early 1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is considered one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture in Florida.
Members $55 Guests $60 Entrances to Bok Tower and the Pinewood Estate, Guide and Transportation Leave Suntree 8am SB 8:15am and CB 8:45am returning in the late afternoon.
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Christmas at Gaylord Palms and Cirque Dreams December 27
This amazing display replaces the Ice Exhibit this year so you will be warm and cozy and not in 9-degree Weather. The beautifully designed Gaylord Palms Resort known for its huge glass enclosed replica of three Florida Ecosystems. Key West, St. Augustine and the Everglades are effectively replicated. You are inside but feel outside. The magnificent decorations boost your holiday spirits. The Biblical Stained-Glass Windows re tell the stories of the Bible from the beginning onward in a Majestic setting along with a detailed Nativity Scene.
I Love Christmas Movies™
An Immersive Pop-Up Experience
- Interact and capture moments with the characters, sets and moments you know-and-love.
- Over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more.
- Featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.
- Travel with Buddy the Elf from Santa’s North Pole workshop to New York City; take photos in front of the Griswold’s house adorned with thousands of Christmas lights; and more
Members $75 Guests $80 including transportation, shows and displays plus an awarding winning lights display at Celebration FL and a neighborhood display that won National Recognition. Leave Suntree Red Ginger @ 8:30am and Satellite Beach Recreation Center @ 8:50am with an 8pm return
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March 7-André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra
– (waitlist) a musical phenomenon and one of the biggest solo male touring artists in the world! People cross States and even Countries to attend these events which are also known for watching Audience participants Waltz in the aisles. Our Center Seats are in Section 110 Row 9 which is about 10 rows lower than when we went in 2017. Members $175 per person Guests $180 Leave Suntree Red Ginger 3:45pm Satellite Beach Schechter Center 4pm and Cocoa Beach Country Club 4:30pm return 11 to 11:30pm. Dinner on own at Millennia Mall has a choice of Brio Tuscan, PF Chang, California Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory or a well assorted group of choices in the food court.
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Biloxi, New Orleans and Southern Plantations Fully Escorted aboard Deluxe Modern Minibus 6 days 5 nights March 21-26, 2021
Day 1: Board our air-conditioned deluxe Mini Bus for travel through Florida to the Panhandle. The Mini Bus makes a rest or snack stop approximately every two hours. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Panhandle area at the charming Victorian Defuniak Springs.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the Pensacola Naval Air Museum this morning. The air collection here is the best in the country including the Smithsonian. We continue west toward Biloxi via Alabama passing the USS Alabama Battleship. Our location in Biloxi is the Imperial Palace Hotel & casino with 32 floors, stores, movies, rooftop lounge, restaurants & 24-hour gaming.
Day 3- Louisiana Swamp Boat Tour-The Honey Island Swamp is a rich habitat full of wildlife. See the wildlife up close and personal as you explore narrow slews that only our 22-passenger boats are built to navigate. Get the chance to see alligators, raccoons, wild boar, exotic birds, turtles, and many more animals that call the swamp home. Hear all about the Louisiana bayou as your captain tells you all about the different types of flora and fauna that surround you. Afterward a visit through Slidell Main Street and the Antiques section.
Day 4: After Breakfast at the Hotel we leave for New Orleans via the scenic route along the coast passing Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Our destination is the World War II Memorial Museum in New Orleans. The morning will be spent touring the museum. Then we will have lunch at Dragos followed by a visit to the World-Famous New Orleans Mardi Gras Museum. Dragos is famous for Oysters and Lobsters but there are several other choices. Dragos Charbroiled Oysters are legendary. It all started back in 1993, when Tommy Cvitanovich, our second-generation restaurant manager, decided to experiment with a sauce of garlic, butter and herbs. He brushed it on a fresh batch of oysters, then dusted them with a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese and cooked them in their shell on a hot grill. The results were incredibly delicious—and a legend was born!
Since then, these special oysters have become a favorite among Drago’s patrons and restaurant critics alike. On a busy day, our grills turn out more than 900 dozen Charbroiled Oysters a day.
Since 1947, our artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions for each Mardi Gras season, with over 500 floats built and decorated each year. After the tour we will stop at Cafe Du Monde which is world famous for Chicory Coffee and Beignets in the French Market.
Return to IP hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast. Today we will visit famed Bellingrath Gardens. After departing Biloxi, we head toward the “Cradle of the Confederacy”, the heart of Dixie, Alabama. This is an 800-acre estate of natural woodland and 65 acres of planted gardens. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Tallahassee area.
Day 6: Breakfast at the motel. This morning we will visit the Pebble Hill Plantation. Here you can just imagine the dignitaries who have dined in the exquisite dining room. From the home you can see the Equestrian quarters and sprawling gardens which surround the Plantation. This is a throwback to another era of Southern Opulence as if a movie of the Civil War Era is unfolding before your very eyes. Homeward Bound.
RATE: Members $995 Double Occupancy per person $270 Single Supplement 2 dinners and 5 breakfasts
Deposits $100 per person, Balance due, 2021 Cancellations: No refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and guide. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions. We Highly Recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance to avoid penalties!
RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321) 259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravel.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com
Name or Names: _____________________ Phone: ________________
e-mail address: ____________________ Pick up point: ___________
Rates Includes: Transportation aboard Mini Bus according to group size, port taxes, admissions, tour guide, &gratuities. Cancellations: Full refund until one month prior to departure. $10 charge up until two weeks prior to departure. No refund for unused portions or cancellations received within two weeks prior to departure unless a substitution is made. Separate Conditions apply to Multi Day Trips according to trip flyer or brochure. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability.
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Travel Terms and Conditions
- People want to Travel
- They will want to Travel in small groups
- Less Populated Areas or Open-Air Boat Rides and Places
- Simple and easy does it Booking Process
- Flexibility in Planning and Touring
- They want to be updated on the safety/cleanliness policies
Hand Sanitizer and wipes are available upon entrances and exits
Temperature Checks & Leave one seat between passengers either empty or for shopping bags or personal items
Masks are required for travel in the Mini Bus and any attractions that require them And of course, Do not Travel yet if you have a cold or immunity issues.
| This is a revised work in progress with constant additions!!! The Next Travel Club Meeting is Wednesday, October 7, 2020 @ 10 am in the Satellite Beach Pelican Park Clubhouse Located at 1495 A1A. Travel Club Meetings now feature information about past and future destinations. Optional After Meeting Lunch 11:45am Travel Club benefit: Free door to door transportation with individual non-group vacations or cruises of 7 days or longer booked through the club! (Groups usually choose one location for transfers) Free travel consulting by CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) And Cruise, Tour and Vacation Discounts available to club members! Groups of 8 to 12 can order their own pick up spot or even their own Van tour departure. Handicapped and Impaired Travelers are welcome aboard! Congratulations! Today is your day. www.dayawaytravel.com http://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters |
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The Dora Canal Tour! August 15
This boat ride is as good as any offered Worldwide such as in Thailand, Costa Rica or the Amazon. Depart Suntree Red Ginger 7:45a Satellite Beach 8am Cocoa Beach 8:30am return apx. 6pm Welcome aboard for a narrated tour! In the 1930’s, Grantlant Rice, a leading sports writer, called the Dora Canal “the most beautiful mile of water in the world” and you may also embrace these thoughts after seeing the beauty of the Dora Canal. As part of the Oklawaha River system, the Dora Canal is a natural stream connecting Lake Eustis to Lake Dora. Surveyors named Lake Dora in honor of a young woman who allowed them to camp on her homestead and gave them meals. The canal, originally known as ‘Elfin River’, was eventually changed to Dora Canal. In the late 1800’s the waterway became the mainstay of commerce for the area bringing supplies and mail to the region. Sightseeing steamers also plied the waters bringing visitors from Palatka and Orlando. One visitor was quoted as saying, “Floating down the Elfin River on a moonlit night is like a trip into an enchanted fairyland…the beauty of the stream is unexcelled.” The preservation of the canal was assured when, in 1938, the Wilson Cypress Company was logging the area and were eventually persuaded to leave the cypress along the canal alone and deed a small strip of land surrounding the canal to the county. In 1957, additional land was given by several ecology-minded forefathers with the stipulation that it be preserved and maintained in its natural state. The Dora Canal is part of the history of Lake County. The ancient cypress trees with their lofty osprey nests, turtles sunning themselves on logs, egrets and the occasional alligator or two, lend themselves naturally to the incomparable beauty of the Dora Canal. Experience for yourself this treasure of Lake County. Lunch, Shopping and browsing time at the quaint & colorful village type shops of Mount Dora and a stop at Trader Joes on the return. $75 Member’s $80 guests
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Dade City Pioneer Museum, Brooksville Groves and Country Roads Saturday September 12, 2020
This pioneer museum has a railroad station and train cars plus an old fashioned moonshine still, schoolhouse, church, crafts and art room, plus a hilly field. It’s a highly nostalgic spot with some good history and architecture. The road between Dade City and Brooksville is countryfied with hills in Florida but it doesn’t look like Florida. Leave Red Ginger 8am, Satellite Beach 8:20am and Cocoa Beach Country Club 8:45am with a 7:30pm return. Tour includes admissions, tour, guide and attractions! Members $50 Guests $55
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Saturday, September 19
Ca d Zan House of John
The Ringling Complex is like a trip to Europe without leaving Florida
Tour the three-part Ringling Museum. The Ringling’s, John and Mabel were in love with all things Venetian. Their Mansion was modeled after the Doge’s Palace and christened with a name from the Venetian vernacular, Ca’d’Zan, the house of John. Their bedrooms had eighteenth century Venetian furnishings; their game room Venetian Carnival figures painted on the ceilings. Venetian colored glass was installed in the windows and Mabel had her own private gondola moored by a waterfront structure reminiscent of something on the Grand Canal. This is a 30 room mansion directly on beautiful Sarasota Bay. The Art Museum resembles a fifteenth century Florentine villa and the 20 galleries are filled with over 500 pieces: El Greco, Rembrandt, Veronese and Velasquez, Frans Hals and Tintoretto and finest collection of Rubens and Baroque art in the country. Next visit the museum of the circus featuring handbills, posters, photographs, miniatures, calliopes and costumes and a full scale capturing of the spirit of the backyard of the Circus. This will be preceded by a visit to Sarasota’s Amish Section where we will dine at one of wonderful buffet Restaurants and Amish gift shops. Shoefly pie is not the only choice here where the freshness is legendary. The Restaurant at the complex can be substituted for the Amish Restaurant if preferred.
$85 including the self-guided tour of the Mansion’s First Floor
The Art Museum, Gardens and Circus Museum
Rate includes transportation and guided tour of Sarasota
Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station at 8am and return around 8pm
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The Dali Museum St. Pete
October 3-The Dali Museum and Mazzaro’s Deli Market Restaurant
Surrealistic Art from Salvador Dali at the World’s Largest Collection of his Art
An opportunity to witness the works of one of the World’s most offbeat talented Artists of his time. Dali, the symbolic artist with his large-scale paintings within a painting and the incredible Persistence of Time. What a luxury it is that we have the World’s largest collection of Salvador Dali. The Dali has doubled its’ size. We visit Haslam’s Book Store which is the oldest and largest in the State.
WELCOME TO MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET
From fresh roasted coffee to delicious deli selections, gourmet baked goods to handmade pastas and specialty cheeses, Mazzaro’s is more than a one-of-a-kind Italian gourmet market – it’s one of Tampa Bay’s favorite culinary destinations.
Voted #1 of 703 Restaurants in St. Petersburg
Leave Suntree 7:45am Satellite Beach 8:05am Cocoa Beach 8:30am returning around 8:30pm. Members $75 Guests $80 includes tour guide, transportation, sightseeing, the State’s largest Book Store and Exhibit Entrances. Lunch at Mazzaro’s is not included
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Saturday, TBA
Anna Maria Island Saturday, October • This trip sold out fast a few times The Beach House Restaurant has a selection of fresh seafood and farm to fork features on the Waterfront. The Rod and Reel Pier has a view of Passage Key and Egmont Key and the Gulf Beyond. We will visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. This Island just west of Bradenton is known for its’ great little eateries and views of the Gulf of Mexico. We will also tour around Bradenton. The Island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s only 7 1/2 miles long and less than a mile wide and, for starters, boasts not a single towering condo. (No building over three stories is allowed.) Chain restaurants? Very few of them. The restaurants are delightfully local and extremely good. In other words, you’ve stepped into the Florida of decades ago, with one major difference: New amenities enhance the old charm for a winning combination. Village of the Arts-One day I took a little side trip off the island to Bradenton to explore Village of the Arts. This artists’ colony covers several 1920s Crayola-colored cottages, each featuring a variety of artsy offerings, most open Friday and Saturday. My favorite was Dancing Crane Gallery, with its sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics. I especially loved the gem shop inside, where an artist designs your own piece of jewelry on the spot. I also enjoyed Village Voices & Eclectic Art Emporium, with its Florida author-written books, an art gallery, and local woodwork. “Let’s Not Shout About IT” Having worked in the travel industry all of my life I have visited quite a few places. This beach at the North End of Anna Maria is in my humble opinion among the best in the world. It is so quiet and unspoiled Stroll Anna Maria Green Point Village Members $60 Guests $65 includes Tours, Guide, Transportation and Museum Leave Suntree 7:45am SB 8am and CB 8:30am with about an 8pm return.
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Saturday October 10-*Long Ride Long Day-Amelia Island
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is known for its spectacular Architecture including some beautiful Victorian style Restaurants and Homes. The town has an extensive list of buildings on the National Registry. The chamber of commerce building was a former train station downtown, After lunch. we will take either the boat ride or if inclement weather than we will do the museum. The Amelia Island Museum is an informative place to learn the History of the town which has flown under 8 flags. This afternoon boat tour is a nice blend of history and nature, including a trip up Beach Creek with a beautiful view of the salt marshes and bird life of Cumberland Island. It offers a close-up view of the ruins of the Dungeoness Mansion and takes you literally inside Cumberland Island. The return ride includes Amelia Island Plantation Resort, The Petrified Forest, A ferry boat ride and a scenic ride along the shore passing three attractive state parks and then the St. Johns River to Mayport Naval Air Station.
Members $80 Guests $85 includes tour, transportation, and boat ride.
Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Satellite Beach 8:20am and Cocoa Beach 8:45am returning around 9 pm.
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Cassadaga Spiritual Tour
Link to Slides-
https://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters/halloween-in-cassadega
Cassadaga Halloween Season in Cassadaga Spiritual Community October 18
The Spiritualist camp known as Cassadaga was founded over 100 years ago and has been designated a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The Architecture is a mix of New England Cobblestone Village and Southern Magnolia Outback. The sights of Lake Helen and Cassadaga include: The Cassadaga Hotel re-built in 1928, Englewood Victorian Plantation Home, Colby Memorial Temple (built 1920), 100 wooden homes, the New Age Cassadaga Camp Bookstore and Lake Colby Park. On Sundays, a church service is open to the public with lovely traditional hymns and an enlightening service. Also, on Sunday an open reading session is viewable at no charge where spiritualists and those studying the art will choose participants in the audience to communicate with and relay messages and feelings from those no longer with us in the flesh. The Bookstores are well stocked with new age and meditative items and books. The choices for lunch are Sinatra’s Ristorante in the Cassadaga Hotel or a quicker option is the homemade food offered before the audience readings in the Colby Memorial Temple for donations. If you are interested in a private reading the names and numbers of the readers are posted in several places including the Hotel and the Bookstore.
Nearby Lake Helen Picture stops include the eyebrow house, The Victorian Ann Stevens House and the Cabin on the Lake. Cassadaga Picture Stops include Lake Colby, the Church, The Cassadaga Hotel, and some architecturally interesting homes and decorations. The return trip includes a ride along a Street in Sanford with some Southern Porches, White Wrought Iron, Overhanging Oaks and a small-town southern feel to the homes on cobblestone streets. Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station at 8:15am and return around 5pm. 10-10:30 am Healing by touch 10-11:30 am Church Service with very good singing and fellowship 12:30-1:30 Open Messaging Service (like watching the John Edwards TV show in person) Members $50 Guests $55 – includes transportation, Public Readings, Services, Healings and Guide. * It is a good idea to bring some singles which can be used as donation tips during the Reiki Healing, Church Service and Public Readings.
8520 N. Wickham Road · Viera, FL
How to find us
White Mini-Bus with Orange Dayaway Travel Club sign on the sides! near Murphy’s Gas Station
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Return to the Most Magical Place on Earth with the Florida Resident Disney Magic Flex Ticket
Leave Suntree 9am and Satellite Beach 9:15am
Members $45 Guests $50 includes Transportation, Tolls and Parking
Tickets are currently apx. $100 per day for the theme park entrances or $65 per day plus tax for a two day pass or $58 per day with a three day Florida Residency pass includes the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and this summer the new Star Wars area at Disney Studios.
So a two day pass at 130 is $65 per day plus $45 for transportation, tolls and parking= $110 per person per day plus tax
Florida Residents can get a 2-day Florida Resident Disney Magic Flex Ticket for just $130 plus tax (that’s just $65 per day plus tax). Or, enjoy more magic with a 3-day or 4-day specially priced ticket.
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Thursday, November 26th
Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Mission Inn Resort and tour of the Villages Complex
Members $110 Guests $115 includes Transportation, Taxes, Gratuities and Tour of the Villages and Buffet featuring 7 Stations of the most creative culinary treats in a setting reminiscent of a Spanish Mission. “The dishes are prepared by an-award winning culinary team that reflects their experience from the finest kitchens around the world. On site Herb and Vegetable gardens bring a distinctive homegrown appeal and flavors earning us the reputation as a great spot for celebrating holiday events.”
The new section at the Villages is “Brownwood Paddock Square” based on our Florida Cracker History. The Villages has been for a few years the fastest growing city in the Country. They have also doubled since 2010. The Polo Grounds are modeled after the scene in My Fair Lady at the Ascot Races. This trip has scenery, history and Amazing food with no dishes to clean up. Leave Suntree 9am, SB 9:15am and CB 9:45am _________________________________________________________________________
The Florida Greeters Dayaway Travel Club
Presents “The Everglades, Florida Keys and Key West” Dec. 13 to 16, 2020
A Fully Escorted 4 day & 3 Night Tour limited to 9 passengers
Day 1: Depart 8: am from Groups location (Satellite Beach Schechter Recreation Center, Walmart Viera and Walmart Palm Bay with three short shopping stops along the way or way back including the Sawgrass Mills (world’s largest outlet mall) the Rain Barrel Artisans colony, Key’s Souvenirs and Shell shop. We will make a stop in the Everglades National Park Visitors Center to learn more about the importance of this unique Ecosystem. Robert is here is the name of a major large fruit stand in the Nursery area of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. We will drive directly through the River of Grass known as the Everglades with its’ fierce Melaleucas along the way. Drive along the Overseas Highway with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Here you will learn about the history and importance of the Ecosystem, and every island over 42 bridges. Make sure you bring your camera for the scenic picture stop at Channel # 5 overlooking the bridge. Early Dinner on route for the outstanding Sunset at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This evening we check into the 3 Diamond Best Western Hibiscus one block from Duval Street. Our dinners in the Keys include the great dining at the Half Shell Raw Bar known for outstanding Crab Cakes. The ambiance here includes the Historic Seaport with all of the sailboats including the booze cruise, America’s Cup vessels, Fast Cat and the tall Schooner Masts.
Day 2: Today enjoy a fully narrated trolley ride including all of Key West’s major sights with a choice of guided tours of Hemingway House or the new Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or Key West Aquarium for those who have already seen Hemingways… Browsing time will be allotted on Duval Street. An optional spectacular sunset cruise following or preceding dinner depending on the time of year will be made available. The trolley picks up near the Hotel.
Day 3: After Breakfast we will visit Truman’s little White House and do a driving and walking tour of Hemingway hang outs including Bahama Village. If you have already visited the little White House then you may wish to substitute the equally interesting Audubon House. We will also visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville restaurant and shop on Mallory Square. After an afternoon at leisure at the hotel’s tropical pool and bar we will view the famous sunset at Mallory Square.
Day 4: After breakfast on route home a stop at a Marina will be made for an interactive experience feeding the largest Tarpons you will ever see. Early DinnerMrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo known for award winning conch chowder, fish in tequila sauce and a Key Lime freeze or the Cauley Square Tea Room depending on time of the day. The final attraction is the three-acre National Historic Site which features an amazing coral castle created by Latvian Ed Leedskalnins using nothing but homemade tools that he created from cast off parts, over the 20 years that it took to complete, not one witness has been found that saw construction in progress. Begun in 1920, the amazing structure, comprised of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, features a 9-ton gate and one-of-a-kind sundial. The story of the castle, seen by millions on television, is related for visitors at the site.
Members $900 per person double occupancy guests $910 Single Occ. Plus $300
Deposits $150 per person, Balance due October 13, 2020 Cancellations: $150 per person non-refundable with Reservations and no refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and gratuities. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions.
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Biloxi, New Orleans and Southern Plantations Fully Escorted aboard Deluxe Modern Minibus 6 days 5 nights March 21 to 26, 2021
Day 1: Board our air conditioned deluxe Mini Bus for travel through Florida to the Panhandle. The Mini Bus makes a rest or snack stop approximately every two hours. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Panhandle area at the charming Victorian Defuniak Springs.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the Pensacola Naval Air Museum this morning. The air collection here is the best in the country including the Smithsonian. We continue west toward Biloxi via Alabama passing the USS Alabama Battleship. Our location in Biloxi is the Imperial Palace Hotel & casino with 32 floors, stores, movies, rooftop lounge, restaurants & 24-hour gaming.
Day 3- Louisiana Swamp Boat Tour-The Honey Island Swamp is a rich habitat full of wildlife. See the wildlife up close and personal as you explore narrow slews that only our 22-passenger boats are built to navigate. Get the chance to see alligators, raccoons, wild boar, exotic birds, turtles, and many more animals that call the swamp home. Hear all about the Louisiana bayou as your captain tells you all about the different types of flora and fauna that surround you. Afterward a visit through Slidell Main Street and the Antiques section.
Day 4: After Breakfast at the Hotel we leave for New Orleans via the scenic route along the coast passing Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Our destination is the World War II Memorial Museum in New Orleans. The morning will be spent touring the museum. Then we will have lunch at Dragos followed by a visit to the World-Famous New Orleans Mardi Gras Museum. Dragos is famous for Oysters and Lobsters but there are several other choices. Dragos Charbroiled Oysters are legendary. It all started back in 1993, when Tommy Cvitanovich, our second-generation restaurant manager, decided to experiment with a sauce of garlic, butter and herbs. He brushed it on a fresh batch of oysters, then dusted them with a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese and cooked them in their shell on a hot grill. The results were incredibly delicious—and a legend was born!
Since then, these special oysters have become a favorite among Drago’s patrons and restaurant critics alike. On a busy day, our grills turn out more than 900 dozen Charbroiled Oysters a day.
Since 1947, our artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions for each Mardi Gras season, with over 500 floats built and decorated each year. After the tour we will stop at Cafe Du Monde which is world famous for Chicory Coffee and Beignets in the French Market.
Return to IP hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast. Today we will visit famed Bellingrath Gardens. After departing Biloxi, we head toward the “Cradle of the Confederacy”, the heart of Dixie, Alabama. This is an 800-acre estate of natural woodland and 65 acres of planted gardens. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Tallahassee area.
Day 6: Breakfast at the motel. This morning we will visit the Pebble Hill Plantation. Here you can just imagine the dignitaries who have dined in the exquisite dining room. From the home you can see the Equestrian quarters and sprawling gardens which surround the Plantation. This is a throwback to another era of Southern Opulence as if a movie of the Civil War Era is unfolding before your very eyes. Homeward Bound.
RATE: Members $995 Double Occupancy per person $270 Single Supplement 2 dinners and 5 breakfasts
Deposits $100 per person, Balance due August 6, 2020 Cancellations: No refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and guide. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions. We Highly Recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance to avoid penalties!
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RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321) 259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravel.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com
Name or Names: _____________________ Phone: ________________
e-mail address: ____________________ Pick up point: ___________
Rates Includes: Transportation aboard Mini Bus according to group size, port taxes, admissions, tour guide, &gratuities. Cancellations: Full refund until one month prior to departure. $10 charge up until two weeks prior to departure. No refund for unused portions or cancellations received within two weeks prior to departure unless a substitution is made. Separate Conditions apply to Multi Day Trips according to trip flyer or brochure. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability.
Travel Guidelines-
- People want to Travel
- They will want to Travel in small groups
- Less Populated Areas or Open-Air Boat Rides and Places
- Simple and easy does it Booking Process
- Flexibility in Planning and Touring
- 14 Day Cancellation on Day Trips
- They want to be updated on the safety/cleanliness policies
Hand Sanitizer and wipes are available upon entrances and exits
Temperature Checks & Leave one seat between passengers either empty or for shopping bags or personal items
Masks are required for travel in the Mini Bus and any attractions that require them And of course, Do not Travel yet if you have a cold or immunity issues.
Dayaway Travel Club
Presents Travel by Design
“Dayaways” and “Mini Vacations”
“If you’ve got a hobby we’ve got a tour”
| This is a revised work in progress with constant additions!!! The Next Travel Club Meeting is Wednesday, August 5, 2020 @ 10 am in the Satellite Beach Pelican Park Clubhouse Located at 1495 A1A. Travel Club Meetings now feature information about past and future destinations. Travel Club benefit: Free door to door transportation with individual non-group vacations or cruises of 7 days or longer booked through the club! (Groups usually choose one location for transfers) Free travel consulting by CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) And Cruise, Tour and Vacation Discounts available to club members! Groups of 8 to 12 can order their own pick up spot or even their own Van tour departure. Handicapped and Impaired Travelers are welcome aboard! Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! By Dr. Seuss http://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters |
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June 23 *Sold Out* Scenic Drive of Juno, Jupiter Island and the Turtle Loggerhead Marinelife Center
This will be an easygoing freeflowing trip to ease into the return of touring. We will explore some scenic Drive areas and lunch overlooking the River in Jupiter. We will stop at the Sea Turtle Hospital which does wonderful rehab work with injured Turtles from as far away as the Galapagos Islands. We will go where the road goes through covered Banyon Trees forming a canopy over the road toward some of the most equisite Mansions in the World on Jupiter Island. Members $50 and Guests $55 includes transportation, guided sightseeing and the admission to the Turtle Museum. Leave Suntree 9am and Satellite Beach 9:20am
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The Dora Canal Tour! July 11
This boat ride is as good as any offered Worldwide such as in Thailand, Costa Rica, or the Amazon. Depart Suntree Red Ginger 7:45a Satellite Beach 8 am Cocoa Beach 8:30 am return apx.
6 pm Welcome aboard for a narrated tour! In the 1930s, Grantlant Rice, a leading sportswriter, called the Dora Canal “the most beautiful mile of water in the world” and you may also embrace these thoughts after seeing the beauty of the Dora Canal. As part of the Oklawaha River system, the Dora Canal is a natural stream connecting Lake Eustis to Lake Dora. Surveyors named Lake Dora in honor of a young woman who allowed them to camp on her homestead and gave them meals. The canal, originally known as ‘Elfin River’, was eventually changed to Dora Canal. In the late 1800s the waterway became the mainstay of commerce for the area bringing supplies and mail to the region. Sightseeing steamers also plied the waters bringing visitors from Palatka and Orlando. One visitor was quoted as saying, “Floating down the Elfin River on a moonlit night is like a trip into an enchanted fairyland…the beauty of the stream is unexcelled.” The preservation of the canal was assured when, in 1938, the Wilson Cypress Company was logging the area and were eventually persuaded to leave the cypress along the canal alone and deed a small strip of land surrounding the canal to the county. In 1957, additional land was given by several ecology-minded forefathers with the stipulation that it be preserved and maintained in its natural state. The Dora Canal is part of the history of Lake County. The ancient cypress trees with their lofty osprey nests, turtles sunning themselves on logs, egrets, and the occasional alligator or two, lend themselves naturally to the incomparable beauty of the Dora Canal. Experience for yourself this treasure of Lake County. Lunch, Lunch, Shopping and browsing time at the quaint & colorful village-type- shops of Mount Dora and a stop at Trader Joes on the return. $75 Member’s $80 guests
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July 25 Lake Placid Caladiums and the Town of Murals
We make stops at fruit markets and welcome centers and fudge places and sights along the route and the return. Lake Placid Florida Includes a tour of the Caladium Growing Fields, Farms and Life size Murals. Virtually all of the World’s Caladiums are grown here in Lake Placid, Florida. If you travel to Tulip time in Amsterdam or the Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Caladiums will still be from Lake Placid. The Mural Society contributes to the beauty of our town and helps preserve our colorful history. 36 murals grace the sides of buildings around town and even the trash containers have color and style. $70 members $75 guests Leave 7am Suntree, 7:15am SB and 7:45am CB Return around 7p.m. Lunch on own at Chicanes located in the atmosphere of the Inn on the Lake in Sebring Lake Placid Florida has so much to offer; it’s no wonder more and more people are calling it home! Just ask Reader’s Digest who voted Lake Placid Florida America’s Most Interesting Town!! Known as the Caladium Capital of the World, Lake Placid has 27 freshwater lakes, beautiful Murals around town depicting our history, Toby’s Clown School and the historical Happiness Tower which rises 270 feet above ground. (Sorry, Tower tours are not available at this time) Enjoy a historically good time at the Depot Museum which is the home of the red caboose and local history artifacts displayed by the Lake Placid Historical Society. Indoor attractions include a movie about the making of the murals and framed renditions of all of the town’s now 40 something murals and the Caladium coop arts and crafts shop made up of several of the local artisans crafts, antiques and small gift items available for purchase. They have added a Vintage and special cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors gather to participate in this increasingly popular car show. Where is the Lake Wales Ridge, and how did it form?
- The Ridge is about 110 miles long, running from south of Lake Placid to north of Clermont; and averages about 15 miles in width.
- US 27 runs on top of the Ridge.
- The Lake Wales Ridge is the largest, highest, and the oldest of the ridges of Central Florida. Other nearby ridges include the Winter Haven Ridge, Bombing Range Ridge, and the Mount Dora Ridge.
- The average height of the Lake Wales Ridge is about 100 feet above sea level; however, some sections are much higher: the hill at Bok Tower near Lake Wales is 295 feet above sea level.
- The ridges were formed as coastal ridges when the seas were higher, and the Lake Wales Ridge is at least a million years old. The ridges are sometimes collectively called “Florida’s Ancient Islands”.
Why so special?
- As the ridges were once isolated islands, they developed unique habitats and ecosystems that survive … and thrive when conserved … to this day.
- Thanks to these unique ecosystems, the local area is a hotspot for endemics (species that are found only in one location). Highlands and Polk counties are #10 and #11 on the list for rare species in the whole country!
- The Florida Scrub Jay is an example of an endangered endemic.
- Two habitats that are found only here are “Ancient Scrub” (primarily low scrub oak with lots of open sand) and “Sandhill” (Pine and Turkey Oak on rolling sand hills). Many conservation areas on the Ridge have one or both of these habitats.
Why care? We get most of our water from rainfall recharging the aquifers underneath where we live. The natural lands provide the water … naturally and free. _______________________________________________________________________
The Rainbow Springs and Rainbow River Singing Boat Ride! Aug 1
A stop has been added at the Nationally famous Yalaha German Bakery for a snack stop on route because lunch at the Blue Gator will not be till 2pm. Singing River Tours specializes in eco-tours on a comfortable, covered 40′ pontoon boat with the addition of original music! The tours offer education about the local area and its history, as well as the environment and wildlife along the beautiful waters of the crystal clear spring-fed Rainbow River and the dark, swamp-fed Withlacoochee River, in west central Florida. Your tour guide, Jon Semmes, is a professional boat captain and musician. Jon shares his knowledge of Florida’s ecology and history through story and song. What sets Singing River Tours apart from other river cruises is Jon’s talent with guitar and voice. As a professional musician and entertainer, Jon has spent many years sharing music and stories with audiences large and small. Singing River Tours offers a standard eco-tour lasting about an hour and forty minutes. All tours are handicap-accessible Rainbow Springs is arguably the most beautiful park in Florida for Natural Scenery. This is one of the few spots in Florida with Waterfalls. The waters are clean and clear and the foiliage is lush and colorful. Return stop at Russell Stover Outlet Shop. The Luncheon Restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating overlooking the Riverfront! Members $75 Guests $80 including admissions, transportation and guided sightseeing Leave Suntree 8:15am Satellite Beach 8:30am __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Floatathon 2020 Ginnie Springs August 8
Ginnie Springs is a privately-owned park with tubing, swimming & snorkeling in a pristine environment! ALCOHOL PERMITTED! “The most popular freshwater dive site in the world can be found at Ginnie Springs on the banks of the Santa Fe River” called Visibility Forever by Jacques Cousteau. Great Outdoors voted best new Restaurant in Florida is located in a former 1800’s Opera House converted into a 2-story restaurant reflecting High Springs’ outdoor activities for which it is named & located in. High Springs is a nostalgic look at old Florida known for Quaint & colorful shops, cafes, Southern décor & Oak Trees with Spanish Moss! Members $75, Guests $80 Rate includes transportation & park entrance! Tube rentals & lunch are extra! Bring Sun Screen, Snorkel, Towel, Swim wear & change of clothes. Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station 7:45am, Returns around 9pm
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Saturday, TBA Mount Dora, Yalaha German Bakery and the Annual Harvest Grape Stomp Festival at the Lakeridge Winery!
We’ll start the day in quaint Mount Dora visiting the Lakeside Inn of the 1880’s with its famous rocking chairs overlooking Lake Dora. Mount Dora is more known for its resemblance to a New England town than the South. The town features shops, lighthouse, yacht club, restaurants, nostalgia, antiques, Amish ice cream, miniature doll houses, and a Sears Mail Order house which now houses a collection of Thomas Kinkaid, the painter of light. The Donnelly House is a striking piece of Victorian Gothic architecture located directly across the street from Donnelly Park. Yalaha German Bakery looks like an Alpine Scene out of Hansel and Gretel in the Black Forest. Speaking of the Black Forest have you tried their cake at the Yalaha Bakery? The Bakery Exports Breads including the 7 Grain Wheat bread all over the US. Rate $59 members $65 guests Leave Suntree Red Ginger 8am Satellite Beach Schechter Center 8:15am and Cocoa Beach 8:45am Rate includes transportation, tour guide, entrance fee, and taxes, lunch cost is not included but many choices are available. Lakeridge Winery’s flagship festival has the ever-popular annual stomping of the grapes and loads of fun for the entire family, all ages welcomes to participate. Incredible live Music can be enjoyed during the entire weekend. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with complimentary Winery tours and tastings. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321)259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravelclub.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com
Name or Names: _____________________ Phone: ________________
Tour Name _________ e-mail address: ______________Pick up point: ______
Rates Includes: Transportation aboard Mini Bus according to group size, port taxes, admissions, tour guide, &gratuities. Cancellations: Full refund until one month prior to departure. $10 charge up until two weeks prior to departure. No refund for unused portions or cancellations received within two weeks prior to departure unless a substitution is made. Separate Conditions apply to Multi Day Trips according to trip flyer or brochure. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. _______________________________________________________________
Cassadaga Details
Link to Slides-
https://www.slideshare.net/Floridagreeters/halloween-in-cassadega
Cassadaga Halloween Season in Cassadaga Spiritual Community October 18
The Spiritualist camp known as Cassadaga was founded over 100 years ago and has been designated a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The Architecture is a mix of New England Cobblestone Village and Southern Magnolia Outback. The sights of Lake Helen and Cassadaga include: The Cassadaga Hotel re-built in 1928, Englewood Victorian Plantation Home, Colby Memorial Temple (built 1920), 100 wooden homes, the New Age Cassadaga Camp Bookstore and Lake Colby Park. On Sundays, a church service is open to the public with lovely traditional hymns and an enlightening service. Also, on Sunday an open reading session is viewable at no charge where spiritualists and those studying the art will choose participants in the audience to communicate with and relay messages and feelings from those no longer with us in the flesh. The Bookstores are well stocked with new age and meditative items and books. The choices for lunch are Sinatra’s Ristorante in the Cassadaga Hotel or a quicker option is the homemade food offered before the audience readings in the Colby Memorial Temple for donations. If you are interested in a private reading the names and numbers of the readers are posted in several places including the Hotel and the Bookstore.
Nearby Lake Helen Picture stops include the eyebrow house, The Victorian Ann Stevens House and the Cabin on the Lake. Cassadaga Picture Stops include Lake Colby, the Church, The Cassadaga Hotel, and some architecturally interesting homes and decorations. The return trip includes a ride along a Street in Sanford with some Southern Porches, White Wrought Iron, Overhanging Oaks and a small town southern feel to the homes on cobblestone streets. Leave Walmart Viera Murphy’s Gas Station at 8:15am and return around 5pm. 10-10:30 am Healing by touch 10-11:30 am Church Service with very good singing and fellowship 12:30-1:30 Open Messaging Service (like watching the John Edwards TV show in person) Members $50 Guests $55 – includes transportation, Public Readings, Services, Healings and Guide. * It is a good idea to bring some singles which can be used as donation tips during the Reiki Healing, Church Service and Public Readings.
8520 N. Wickham Road · Viera, FL
How to find us
White Mini-Bus with Orange Dayaway Travel Club sign on the sides! near Murphy’s Gas Station
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Biloxi, New Orleans and Southern Plantations Fully Escorted aboard Deluxe Modern Minibus
6 days 5 nights October 25 to 30, 2020
Day 1:Board our air conditioned deluxe Mini Bus for travel through Florida to the Panhandle. The Mini Bus makes a rest or snack stop approximately every two hours. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Panhandle area at the charming Victorian Defuniak Springs.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the Pensacola Naval Air Museum this morning. The air collection here is the best in the country including the Smithsonian. We continue west toward Biloxi via Alabama passing the USS Alabama Battleship. Our location in Biloxi is the Imperial Palace Hotel & casino with 32 floors, stores, movies, rooftop lounge, restaurants & 24-hour gaming.
Day 3- Louisiana Swamp Boat Tour-The Honey Island Swamp is a rich habitat full of wildlife. See the wildlife up close and personal as you explore narrow slews that only our 22-passenger boats are built to navigate. Get the chance to see alligators, raccoons, wild boar, exotic birds, turtles, and many more animals that call the swamp home. Hear all about the Louisiana bayou as your captain tells you all about the different types of flora and fauna that surround you. Afterward a visit through Slidell Main Street and the Antiques section.
Day 4: After Breakfast at the Hotel we leave for New Orleans via the scenic route along the coast passing Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Our destination is the World War II Memorial Museum in New Orleans. The morning will be spent touring the museum. Then we will have lunch at Dragos followed by a visit to the World Famous New Orleans Mardi Gras Museum. Dragos is famous for Oysters and Lobsters but there are several other choices. Dragos Charbroiled Oysters are legendary. It all started back in 1993, when Tommy Cvitanovich, our second generation restaurant manager, decided to experiment with a sauce of garlic, butter and herbs. He brushed it on a fresh batch of oysters, then dusted them with a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese and cooked them in their shell on a hot grill. The results were incredibly delicious—and a legend was born!
Since then, these special oysters have become a favorite among Drago’s patrons and restaurant critics alike. On a busy day, our grills turn out more than 900 dozen Charbroiled Oysters a day.
Since 1947, our artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions for each Mardi Gras season, with over 500 floats built and decorated each year. After the tour we will stop at Cafe Du Monde which is world famous for Chickory Coffee and Beignets in the French Market.
Return to IP hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast. Today we will visit famed Bellingrath Gardens. After departing Biloxi we head toward the “Cradle of the Confederacy”, the heart of Dixie, Alabama. This is an 800 acre estate of natural woodland and 65 acres of planted gardens. Tonight’s accommodations are in the Tallahassee area.
Day 6: Breakfast at the motel. This morning we will visit the Pebble Hill Plantation. Here you can just imagine the dignitaries who have dined in the exquisite dining room. From the home you can see the Equestrian quarters and sprawling gardens which surround the Plantation. This is a throwback to another era of Southern Opulence as if a movie of the Civil War Era is unfolding before your very eyes. Homeward Bound.
RATE: Members $995 Double Occupancy per person $270 Single Supplement 2 dinners and 5 breakfasts
Deposits $100 per person, Balance due July 6, 2020 Cancellations: No refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and guide. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions. We Highly Recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance to avoid penalties!
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The Florida Greeters Dayaway Travel Club
Presents “The Everglades, Florida Keys and Key West” Dec. 13 to 16, 2020
A Fully Escorted 4 day & 3 Night Tour limited to 9 passengers
Day 1: Depart 8: am from Groups location (Satellite Beach Schector Recreation Center, Walmart Viera and Walmart Palm Bay with three short shopping stops along the way or way back including the Sawgrass Mills (world’s largest outlet mall) the Rain Barrel Artisans colony, Key’s Souvenirs and Shell shop. We will make a stop in the Everglades National Park Visitors Center to learn more about the importance of this unique Ecosystem. Robert is here is the name of a major large fruit stand in the Nursery area of Homestead, Redland and Florida City. We will drive directly through the River of Grass known as the Everglades with its’ fierce Melelucas along the way. Drive along the Overseas Highway with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Here you will learn about the history and importance of the Ecosystem, and every island over 42 bridges. Make sure you bring your camera for the scenic picture stop at Channel # 5 overlooking the bridge. Early Dinner on route for the outstanding Sunset at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This evening we check into the 3 Diamond Best Western Hibiscus one block from Duval Street. Our dinners in the Keys include the great dining at the Half Shell Raw Bar known for outstanding Crab Cakes. The ambiance here includes the Historic Seaport with all of the sailboats including the booze cruise, America’s Cup vessels, Fast Cat and the tall Schooner Masts.
Day 2: Today enjoy a fully narrated trolley ride including all of Key West’s major sights with a choice of guided tours of Hemingway House or the new Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or Key West Aquarium for those who have already seen Hemingways… Browsing time will be allotted on Duval Street. An optional spectacular sunset cruise following or preceding dinner depending on the time of year will be made available. The trolley picks up near the Hotel.
Day 3: After Breakfast we will visit Truman’s little White House and do a driving and walking tour of Hemingway hang outs including Bahama Village. If you have already visited the little White House then you may wish to substitute the equally interesting Audubon House. We will also visit Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritville restaurant and shop on Mallory Square. After an afternoon at leisure at the hotel’s tropical pool and bar we will view the famous sunset at Mallory Square.
Day 4: After breakfast on route home a stop at a Marina will be made for an interactive experience feeding the largest Tarpons you will ever see. Early DinnerMrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo known for award winning conch chowder, fish in tequila sauce and a Key Lime freeze or the Cauley Square Tea Room depending on time of the day. The final attraction is the three-acre National Historic Site which features an amazing coral castle created by Latvian Ed Leedskalnins using nothing but homemade tools that he created from cast off parts, over the 20 years that it took to complete, not one witness has been found that saw construction in progress. Begun in 1920, the amazing structure, comprised of over 1,100 tons of coral rock, features a 9 ton gate and one-of-a-kind sundial. The story of the castle, seen by millions on television, is related for visitors at the site.
Members $900 per person double occupancy guests $910 Single Occ. Plus $300
Deposits $150 per person, Balance due October 13, 2020 Cancellations: $150 per person non-refundable with Reservations and no refunds within two months prior to departure unless a substitution is found. The tour includes: accommodations, transportation, attraction admissions, taxes, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and gratuities. All prices and itineraries are subject to change based upon availability. All times are approximate and there are no refunds for unused portions.
RESERVATION FORM: Reservations are on a request basis until payment is received. Please place your reservations and make checks payable to Florida Greeters, Inc. and mail to: 6300 North Wickham Road, # 130-222 Melbourne, FL 32940 or credit card by Phone (321) 259-6300 Internet: www.dayawaytravel.com E-mail: dayawaytravel@aol.com
Name or Names: _____________________ Phone: ________________
e-mail address: _________________ Pick up point: ___________
Travel Guidelines for the first few tours—-
- People want to Travel
- They will want to Travel in small groups
- Less Populated Areas or Open Air Boat Rides and Places
- Simple and easy does it Booking Process
- Flexibility in Planning and Touring
- 14 Day Cancellation on Day Trips
- They want to be updated on the safety/cleaniness policies
Hand Sanitizer and wipes are available upon entrances and exits
Temperature Checks
Leave one seat between passengers either empty or for shopping bags or personal items
Masks are required for travel in the Mini Bus and any attractions that require them
And of course, Do not Travel yet if you have a cold or immunity issues.