Month: August 2014
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Sarasota Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is located in Sarasota Florida, just south of the Skyway Bridge from us here in Pinellas County. While we have our own Clearwater Marine Aquarium with Winter the dolphin of the movie Dolphin 
Tales, Mote Marine is unique.
Mote Marine Laboratory began teaming with various institutes and universities back in 1955 to study our planet’s oceans and eco-systems. Innovative research is being conducted jointly with the University of South Florida and the 
University of the West Indies in fields the fields of marine immunology, shark biology, fisheries habitat and numerous other areas.
At Mote Marine the family can not only enjoy an educational day viewing everything from sharks, dolphins, manatee, jelly fish, coral and other sea life but also take a tour of Sarasota Bay. Whether you opt for the Eco-Boat Tour which takes you on a pontoon boat or a guided kayak trip, Mote Marine is a great destination. On the Eco-Boat Tour, nets are put down and marine life is brought onto the boat to be identified by staff. Kids love seeing what actually lives in Sarasota Bay. The guided kayak tour offers sunrise, early morning and full moon evening tours of the mangroves. Indeed, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota Florida is a destination the entire family can enjoy!
Ozona Blue Grilling – Waterfront Dining – Ozona Florida
Ozona Blue Grilling is one of my favorite places for waterfront dining and it is located in quaint Ozona Florida. Whether taking the family out for dinner or meeting colleagues for lunch, this is the place. Located at 125 Orange Street, just off Alternate 19 in Palm Harbor Florida, you want to be sure to check this great restaurant out.
At Ozona Blue Grilling you (and the kids) can come in your bathing suits and sit pool-side or under the cabana while you enjoy your meal and/or drinks. Naturally, there is also dining inside or on the terrace near the outside Tiki bar. Weekends normally offer live bands playing outside and you can dance the night away! Call to see which band is playing (727-789-4540) or to make reservations.
Ozona Blue Grilling has been around since 2006 and is one of the most popular local restaurants. Everything is excellent, from the Ahi Tuna to the Grouper dinner or the Mediterranean Flatbread! I have never had a meal there that I did not enjoy. Come live the Florida lifestyle, enjoy live entertainment and great food at Ozona Blue Grilling.
Leafy Greens Cafe – A St Petersburg Florida Treat!
Leafy Greens Cafe, located at 1626 Central Avenue in St Petersburg Florida is indeed a treat! This wonderful little cafe is not only vegan, raw, organic and gluten free, it is wonderful! I love eating healthy but often find that ‘healthy’ restaurants don’t taste as good. Guess I am used to the overly sweet and salty foods we all have gotten used to.
Leafy Greens Cafe is a delight! The first time I was there, I had their Tacos which is served on two large romaine leaves. The tasty combination of cashew hummus, guacamole, raw walnut ‘meat’, red & green cabbage, grape tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onions and a fantastic chipotle cashew dressing made me an instant fan of this little cafe! 
Yes, I did say ‘little’ cafe, so I suggest reservations! Call 727-289-7087 to make sure you have a table waiting for your arrival at Leafy Greens Cafe. They get seriously crowded during lunch time since their food is out of this world! Be sure to go the extra mile and try the gluten free chocolate pie! The crust is made of date paste and crushed nuts with a chocolate that is as smooth as silk and absolutely delicious.