It’s hard to miss the tall, orange T. Rex peering from the trees in Plant City, Florida, when traveling Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando. His job is to lure visitors inside a nifty roadside attraction called Dinosaur World, home to more than 150 life-like dinosaurs. And don’t worry. This isn’t like Jurassic Park where dinosaurs have been bred and brought back from extinction to rule the world again.These are detailed sculptures dotting the park.

Visitors will see life-size dinosaur models while walking different paths. Listen carefully. There’s a rustle in the bushes and it’s getting closer. Is that a dinosaur? Rest assured, although realistic looking, these dinos don’t move but they certainly look as though they could. Dinosaurs representing land, water and air can be found along with some replica skeletons in the Skeleton Garden.

Kiddos will squeal with delight when seeing the large beasts and they’ll really get a kick out of the Fossil Dig as they sift for authentic fossils they can take home! Over at the Boneyard, kids (and parents) and tap their inner paleontologist and uncover a life-size dinosaur skeleton. Mammoth Garden, Prehistoric Museum and the Caves are fun, too. Of course, can’t forget the gift shop for a dinosaur souvenir ranging from fossils to small boxes shaped as T-Rex heads.

Food is not available onsite but there are plenty of tables to enjoy a picnic you packed among the dinosaurs.

When vacationing in Central Florida, take a break from the big theme parks to enjoy something a little more low-key. Dinosaur World fits the bill. Opening in Fall 2011 is a new museum which promises to bring more excitement.

Dinosaur World has been named a Florida Top 10 Unique Experience, an Iconic American Treasure by Disney’s Family.com and earned Nickelodeon 2009 Parent’s Pick for Top Tampa Attraction.

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road
Plant City, Fla.
Exit 17 off I-4
www.dinosaurworld.com

FTC Disclosure: Dinosaur World provided admission to this blogger however all opinions are her own.

If planning a driving vacation to Key West after mid-February, you’ll want to pay attention. Florida’s Turnpike between Exit 1 and Exit 47, known as the Homestead Extension and primary route to the Florida Keys, plans to collect tolls electronically from travelers beginning Feb. 19, 2011. The good news is no more fishing for quarters or waiting in the sometimes long change given line.

Instead, tolls will be collected with the SunPass, Florida’s prepaid toll program, or by a system that photographs each vehicle’s license plate and mails a monthly bill to the vehicle’s registration owner for tolls in addition to a $2.50 administrative fee. This is called TOLL-BY-PLATE.

Beginning at the Miami-Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale line at mile marker 47 and heading south to marker 0 in Florida City, the new system impacts four toll plazas. Drivers no longer need to stop at these specific plazas but drive through each at a safe speed to either have their SunPass scanned or license plate photographed.

If driving down to the Keys along this route, order a mini-SunPass sticker prior to your Florida Keys vacation for $4.99 and receive the cost back in toll credits. Many Florida retailers and Turnpike service plazas also sell the pass which can be used on all Florida toll roads and many bridges. According to Florida Turnpike officials, SunPass users usually get a 25 cent discount at most plazas which can really add up in savings. Visit www.sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352 on how to purchase a SunPass sticker.

For those renting a car during your Florida vacation, most major rental car companies have it figured out by allowing renters to utilize the TOLL-BY-PLATE system. Tolls plus service fees are charged to the renter’s credit card. If planning on renting a car during a Florida Keys vacation and driving the Florida Turnpike, check out www.sunpass.com/rentalcar for specifics on how it works.

Happy travels!

Cheers! Foodies and those who just enjoy good food and wine will be traveling to Key West the weekend of Jan. 27 – 30, 2011 for the Key West Wine & Food Festival. The four-day festival is packed with food and wine tastings, a wine market, culinary seminars, a food and travel writing workshop, and glorious parties.

Festivities begin Thursday, Jan. 27 where everyone is invited to kick off their flip-flops for a sunset beach party with island flavors ranging from the food to music. Later that night, hop a trolley and take it to Old Town to stroll through some Key West neighborhoods with real personality. Sample food and wine from select restaurants.

A memorable evening is planned at the historic Truman Little White House on Jan. 28 with Bess & Harry’s Grand Tasting. Six U.S. Presidents have enjoyed this Winter White House of President Harry S. Truman when they have visited Key West. Key West Symphony musicians set the backdrop as patrons will sip in fine wines and spirits from across the globe.

The can’t-miss party is “Duval UNCORKED” on Jan. 29. Taking place on Key West’s famous Duval Street will be a mile-long tantalizing party for the taste buds as food samplings, wine tasting and shopping converge for an exciting evening.

VIP packages are available which includes access to some of the hottest events. Or, you can pick and choose which events and seminars you wish to attend. Visit the Key West Food and Wine Festival website for a complete schedule and ticket information and when planning for your Key West vacation, be sure to check with Resort Rentals International for affordable lodging options.