What's new for Florida visitors? Here's 60 things this spring
Red Planet.
16. McKee Botanical Gardens has recently completed the first phase of construction of the subtropical garden in Vero Beach. The $6.5 million garden renovation included all utilities, waterway and pond construction, pathways, parking and initial landscaping. It also includes the building of new visitor facilities – the educational/lecture building, garden café, gift and bookshop, restrooms, library and interim administration space. The garden will open to the public in April under partial completion. Official dedication and gala opening festivities are scheduled for Nov. 16-18, 2001.
Central Florida
17. The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne has opened the upscale Louis’ Downtown restaurant in the refurbished Dr. Phillips House. The restaurant recently scored 29 out of 30 possible rating points in the Zagat Survey and won the top spot for décor in Orlando.
18. Cypress Gardens, near Winter Haven, is celebrating its 65th anniversary. New highlights include the FloraDome, a covered horticultural exhibit that changes seasonally; 2001 Ski Odyssey show; Gator Gulch alligator habitat; Moscow on Ice presents Skate the States ice show; and the Wacky Water Park. Cypress Gardens also highlights a concert series throughout the year.
19. International Drive Resort Area has launched a Web site that promotes more than 30,000 accommodations and attractions located within the Orlando area including entertainment complexes, shopping, restaurants and transportation. To view the site, go to www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.
20. A new franchise program provided by La Quinta Inns Inc. will allow the chain to increase its distribution throughout the country, including Florida. The new La Quinta Inn & Suites prototypes will be built in residential style featuring the latest décor, designs and amenities. The new prototype also features all-interior corridors, as well as continental breakfast facilities, meeting spaces, exercise facilities and a complete business center.
21. Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau has updated its Loop Tours brochure, which includes 10 self-guided driving tours throughout the county to highlight its historic communities, unique attractions and picturesque countryside. The driving tours range in length from 1.5 miles to 29 miles.
22. The streets of Orlando are crawling with a new breed of visitor…lizards! LizArt, Orlando’s most exotic art exhibit is a public art extravaganza created by the City of Orlando to promote the Downtown Arts District. The lizards are displayed at outdoor locations throughout downtown Orlando, CityWalk at Universal Studios, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando International Airport and Loch Haven Park.
23. Marriott Village at Little Lake Bryan in Orlando
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