The best place to cool off during the Central Florida heat this summer is at the ICEBAR, Orlando’s hottest nightlight attraction. Don’t worry about bringing your own parka or gloves, they’re included in the cover into the U.S.’s first permanent ice bar on International Drive where the walls, tables, bar etc., are made of ice. Enjoy a vodka drink the really “neat” way, in a glass made of ice.

There are more cool things happening in Florida this summer.  Jay Clarke with the Miami Herald has a grasp on the Florida attraction pulse and has gathered all that’s new and wonderful in the Sunshine State in his April 19 article titled, “Zip Through the Treetops, Visit the Stars.” Clarke gives a roundup of new and refreshed Florida attractions like the Zipline Safari at Forever Florida (which we mentioned last month), the reopened  with their timeless Southern belles and information about the new airport terminal in Key West making it easier to vacation in the Conch Republic. Go check it out and when finished, book your Florida vacation. Take your pick from our faves as Orlando, Daytona Beach and Key West.

April 25, 2009, is Florida Lighthouse Day and a fabulous opportunity to check out some of the Sunshine State’s historic seaside structures. Need some guidance? Here are three suggestions on which ones to visit.

Stay in Daytona Beach and venture 10 miles south for the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. The only Florida lighthouse listed as a National Historic Landmark this active lighthouse and was built in 1887 and is the state’s tallest. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Florida Lighthouse Day, engage in family-friendly activities revolving around Florida’s historic lighthouses and learn about Coast Guard programs.

Head to the Keys for the Key West Lighthouse and climb the 98 steps for a birds-eye-view of Old Town. Built in 1847 this lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. Nearby is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, take a guided tour to meet descendants of Papa Hemingway’s famous polydactyl cats (6-toed felines).

And if you’ll be in Key West, catch a boat out to Dry Tortugas National Park for a tour of Fort Jefferson and see the Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse. This 82-foot structure constructed from iron and wood was built in 1886 and is still active. A trip out to Dry Tortugas is a full-day trip and parts of Fort Jefferson are closed due to renovations, check with the National Park Service before visiting.

Check out the site of the Florida Lighthouse Association for additional information about Florida Lighthouse Day and locate a lighthouse.

Cities around the world are gearing up for one of the busiest, yet coldest, times of year. Daytona Beach is not an exception…unless you consider a balmy 70 degrees cold! With average highs above 65F throughout the winter, the US offers few better places than Daytona to enjoy holiday festivities!

Holiday travelers can enjoy the Halifax River Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade on Dec 13th. New Year’s festivities range from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Celebration to the ‘Happy New Year Daytona Beach’ party where 8 blocks of Main Street are blocked off for non-stop excitement!

No trip to Daytona is complete without attending one of the fascinating races at the Daytona International Speedway! There is no better time than the ‘Daytona SpeedWeeks’ from January 24th through February 15th. A series of six events, culminating with the world-famous Daytona 500, keep the track a hot-spot for endless action!

Finally, Daytona’s infamous ‘Daytona Beach Bike Week’ is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country. Hosting over 500,000 bikers and enthusiasts throughout the 10 day event. The event includes motorcycle races, shows, concerts, parties and all-out street festivals. In its 68th year, Bike Week 2009 is a must see in Daytona this season.