Food, Drink and Shopping

Food and drink  

America's cuisine has travelled the globe, but it's still worth sampling well-known favourites in the state where they originated. Florida is known for its 'homey', hearty cooking with fresh fish and seafood a particular favourite. U-Peel Shrimp is a good choice, fresh shrimps cooked in a spicy broth then served with some crusty bread. Conch Chowder, a creamy sea-snail soup, is another seafood based speciality.

Moving onto meat, no trip would be complete without sampling a true Southern breakfast of bacon, biscuits, eggs and grits (a white, buttery corn porridge). Likewise, fritters (anything fried in batter, be it shrimp, beef, or indeed alligator!) and BBQ ribs are popular specialities.

Seared tuna and Chicken Tropicana (chicken in a fruit sauce made with coconut and cashew nuts) make good meal choices in Florida. For dessert, try rice pudding or Key Lime pie (similar to Lemon Meringue pie, but with a biscuit base and made with Florida's famous key limes).

Shopping 

Florida has no shortage of shops and is renowned for its huge selection of designer boutiques, discount stores, souvenir shops and specialist outlets. The resorts are all equipped with their own selection of retail outlets, but if you want to shop like a true Floridian then head to the massive out of town shopping centres. Here you'll find everything your heart desires and can make the most of lower taxes on many every-day products such as CD's, clothes, electrical equipment and shoes. Just don't forget to leave space in your suitcase to take it all home in!

Malls to visit include the Florida Mall in Orlando, the Dolphin Mall in Miami, Sarasota Square Mall in Sarasota and Beltz Mall in International Drive.

Beaches

Florida may be synonymous with themeparks but the state's other main attraction is without doubt its beaches. The great weather of the "sunshine state" is another huge bonus - and a golden opportunity to top up that tan.

Along Florida's Gulf Coast, Naples Beach, Saint Petersburg, Madeira and Clearwater are all ideal for a spot of relaxation. Clearwater does offers watersports, but Cocoa Beach is the best place to head if you are looking for a bit of action on the sea - it's the windsurfing magnet of Florida.

Bradenton and Sarasota also have a selection of nice beaches, which are well worth exploring, while Lido beach at Lido Key is a quiet spot to take some time out.

At the southern end of Florida's Gulf Coast you'll find Marco Island which makes an excellent getaway thanks to the long sweeping sands and unspoilt countryside, home to over 200 species of birds. Relaxing on the three and a half miles of coastline here is just pure pleasure.

Finally, for a less secluded atmosphere, head to Miami's South beach where the sand stretches for miles and you can sit back and do some serious people watching.

Nightlife

Nightlife is easy to tap into all over Florida, but the big resorts and cities are obviously the liveliest. International Drive has a good selection of bars, restaurants, clubs and discos that get going after dark. Downtown Orlando is another lively spot at night where you can find everything you need for a great evening's entertainment.

If you're staying at or near the Walt Disney World Resort then Disney's BoardWalk and Downtown Disney are the places to go after dark. Here you can extend the Disney experience well into the night at one of the restaurants, clubs, discos or bars.

South Beach has a great choice of discos in Miami, and Razzles at Daytona Beach is recommended.

Supper Clubs, which provide a meal and a band, are an alternative idea, as are dinner shows where you get great entertainment and a meal all for one price.