Got the Summertime Blues? Time to Head South to Florida's Finest Beaches

Wow, what a topic: Florida Beaches! I loved the beach where I grew up in Ft Lauderdale. I live in North Atlanta now and really miss Florida beaches. But the great thing about this assignment is I get to spend time thinking and re-living my past experiences, vacations and honeymoon that have been spent on Florida beaches.

Ponte Vedre Beach, Fl.

I went to Ponte Vedre Beach as a kid in high school and still go back as frequently as I can afford too. Ponte Vedre Beach is located east of Jacksonville, Florida. A Florida beach with all the amenities needed for that fun in the sun relaxing vacation you have always dreamed about. Ponte Vedre Beach has everything golf, tennis, swimming, dancing and of course all the spa delights you could ever want in a resort.

Great beaches, superb food and first class accommodations are what Ponte Vedre resorts specialize in. Relatively close to Jacksonville for a night at The Landings on the St. John's River were the seafood, dancing and nightlife is right at your fingertips in a beautiful waterfront urban setting.

The Ponte Vedre Inn & Club or The Lodge & Club are two great resorts that are 1.5 miles apart and sport a great array of amenities for the casual guest or the corporate group. Whatever your occasion these folks have world- class service and accommodations for everyone. Rates range from $149-$299 per night double occupancy.

Daytona Beach Fl.

Right down old US 1 south about an hour is the world's most famous beach Daytona. You can see NASCAR events, stroll in old downtown or go to the local motorcycle bars. It's the only beach in Florida you can still drive on and there is 23 miles of it. A great place to vacation or for a business trip. Complete with wall-to-wall entertainment and excellent seafood restaurants. Ask about the Inn on the Beach a great oceanfront resort at $79-$159 per night double occupancy is a bargain.

Playa Linda Beach, Fl.

Now lets stroll on down another hour south to Titusville and Playa Linda Beach. This beach is federal property owing to the fact that Kennedy Space Center is located there. This is the only non-commercial beach in Florida and you will need to take food, drink and suntan oil with you as there are no businesses. It is a great place to fish, surf or spend time relaxing. If you like to skinny dip the north end (remote and away from main beach)is reserved for the those who like to shed their swim trunks, but remember it is against federal law to be nude on this beach even though everyone does it. Stay at the Holiday Inn in Titusville and eat at Dixie Crossroads a great seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp. It is probably my favorite seafood place in the world.

Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

Now for a hike we go 4 hours south to Ft Lauderdale Beach were the boys are at spring break. Actually they don't allow breakers there any more but the most famous bar in the state The Elbo Room is still serving but only for cash no credit cards so show them the money. Meet some of the locals, as well as other visitors and have a grand time looking out over the beach. You can still hear Sandra Dee sing that song.

Clearwater Beach, Fl.

Last but not least is Clearwater Beach on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico were reggae music plays year round. The sand is very fine and very white. A great place to stay is the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites right at the end of US 60 on the right where it dead-ends into Gulf to Bay. Room's gulf-side at $169 per night double occupancy. Nightly entertainment on the deck overlooking the Gulf and the pool is absolutely the bomb for relaxation. Then we can take a taxi to Molly Goodhead's in Crystal Beach and get some great grouper and more terrific atmosphere.

I don't know about you but I'm ready for the Florida beaches. I can't wait to taste the seafood and smell the salt air not to mention wearing my swim trunks everywhere I go. Get online to day and make those reservations and maybe we will meet-up on a Florida beach this summer.