This week we catch up on what's opening soon and talk about the ever-evolving Covid situation as we start to inch back to normal. Also, Shannon checks out a trendy Tampa restaurant, and Andy has a close encounter with a manatee. In this Episode: Brunch at the Oxford Exchange Manatee encounter from the kayak 2021 midyear update Amazon Purchase of the Week: Kwikset Emergency Keys Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us! We want to hear yo...
May 20, 2021•56 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast We're back after an unplanned hiatus! This week we tell you where we've been, and talk about our trip to the Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg to see the "Van Gogh Alive" exhibit. In this Episode: Our 4-week unplanned hiatus caused by home renovation chaos A trip to the Dali Museum to see the "Van Gogh Alive" exhibit https://thedali.org/exhibit/van-gogh-alive/ https://youtu.be/nCWsPY2nHJY Amazon Purchase of the Week: MOCOLY Women's Cargo Hiking Pants Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron h...
May 04, 2021•53 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast We talk about our week off for Spring Break where we visited Silver Springs State Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Pass-a-Grille Beach, and went out for a deep-sea fishing trip on a party boat out of Clearwater Beach. In this Episode: New DisneyWorld Florida license plate to be released Drive-in movie theater coming to St. Petersburg https://stpeterising.com/home/2021/3/8/drive-in-movie-theater-is-coming-soon-to-st-pete Spring Break discussion Deep-Sea Party Boat fishing https://queenfleet.com Amazon Purc...
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast Florida continues to grow, and this winter will probably send even more people to the Sunshine State. This week we take a look at, and react to US News & World Report's list of the best Florida cities to move to in 2021. In this Episode: Happiest Florida Cities https://www.winknews.com/2021/03/08/study-says-cape-coral-is-happiest-city-in-florida/ Best Florida cities to move to in 2021 https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live-in-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: The So...
Mar 10, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast This week we went to Spring Hill for a kayaking trip on the Weeki Wachee River and review the experience on this river famous for its crystal clear water and frequent manatee sightings. Also, a new theme park is on the way, live music returns to Busch Gardens, and a visit to Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park. In this Episode: Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/cockroach-bay-preserve-state-park Live music returns to Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festi...
Mar 02, 2021•55 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast This week we checked out the Second Saturday Art Walk in downtown St. Petersburg, a fun monthly event where you can grab a local beer, check out some local art, meet the artists, all while in an easy-going setting. There are lots of Art Walks all around Florida for you to check too. In this Episode: 2021 Hurricane names Walt Disney World is turning 50 this year. St. Petersburg Art Walk Discussion https://stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk List of other Florida Art Walks Amazon Purchase of the Week: ...
Feb 23, 2021•49 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast Hey, our hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers just won the Super Bowl! We'll talk about that for a few minutes before getting back to our normal Florida discussion. This week we talk about some little-known gems we've never talked about or even heard of, before. In this Episode: A few Super Bowl thoughts Little known Florida gems we've never talked about before. https://thefloridatravelgirl.com/things-to-do-in-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix How to support the show Become a...
Feb 10, 2021•55 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast Tampa is hosting the Super Bowl in just a couple of weeks, and the hometown Buccaneers are the first team to ever play in the big game on their home turf. If you're coming to town, a local, or just somebody who might visit one day, we have a big list of outdoor, Covid friendly, things to do around town. In this Episode: Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the Super Bowl. List of outdoor things around the Tampa Bay area to do. https://tampabaydatenightguide.com/outdoor-activities-in-tampa-bay-before-summ...
Jan 26, 2021•1 hr•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast This week we take a look at the year ahead and all the best new Florida attractions we except (and hope) to open in 2021. In this Episode: 2021 Florida Attractions Preview https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/space-220/ Amazon Purchase of the Week: 2021 Pooping Pooches Calendar How to support the show Become a Sunshine State of Mind Patron http://www.SunshineStateShirts.com Shop at Amazon Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestat...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast Happy New Year! This week we got 2021 started by taking our new kayak on it's maiden voyage through the mangrove forests of Weedon Island Preserve. A great little nature preserves along the shores of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg. In this Episode: Our kayaking trip at Weedon Island Preserve near St. Petersburg. http://www.weedonislandpreserve.org The Top Ten Kayak trips in Florida https://floridakayaker.com/best-kayaking-florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: eBook: Revolutionary Mothers Contact Us!...
Jan 05, 2021•40 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast By listener request, today we complete our Trilogy of Florida Wonders. This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Theme Park Wonders of Florida. In this Episode: The Seven Theme Park Wonders of Florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Giant Inflatable Unicorn Pool Float Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com...
Dec 30, 2020•53 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast Last week we discussed Floridas Natural Wonders, and now it's time for the sequel. This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Manmade Wonders of Florida. In this Episode: The Seven Manmade Wonders of Florida Amazon Purchase of the Week: Midwest Bolster Pet Bed Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Blog: http://www.SunshineStateInsider.com How t...
Dec 16, 2020•50 min•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast Florida is a state with a lot of natural beauty and natural wonders. This week we list, discuss, and debate our Seven Natural Wonders of Florida. In this Episode: The Seven Natural Wonders of Florida http://sunshinestateinsider.com/natural-wonders-of-florida/ Amazon Purchase of the Week: NCAA College Facecover Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridapodcast Bl...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast We are back after a bit of a break to tell you about some of the fun stuff we've been up to, and review some of the places we've gone over the last few weekends. Jet Skiing at John's Pass, a Florida Christmas Tree Farm, and a visit to the NEW St. Pete Pier. In this Episode: Snowcat Ridge opens in Dade City https://snowcatridge.com We visit and review the new St. Pete Pier https://stpetepier.org Withlacoochee River Park https://www.pascocountyfl.net/303/Withlacoochee-River-Park Visting a Florida ...
Dec 01, 2020•50 min•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast This week Shannon took a trip to Cassadaga, the "Psychic Capital of the World", where she visited the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, took a walk on the Fairy Trail, and even had a session with a psychic medium! We had a really interesting discussion about this unique experience in this unique town. Also, Sea World offers a great deal for teachers, and Scream-a-geddon returns for Halloween 2020 In this Episode: SeaWorld offering free season pass for Florida teachers. Scream-a-geddon, Florida's larg...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast An invasion of rotten mollusks! Classic mini golf courses! And a promising study that just shows beer is even better that we already knew. This week we get caught up with a few different stories and happenings from around Florida. In this Episode: The Florida Historic Mini Golf Trail http://floridahistoricgolftrail.com Mote Marine Lab teams up with Darwin Brewing to find a cure for red tide. https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/08/31/could-beer-help-florida-raise-a-glass-to-the-end-of-...
Sep 01, 2020•54 min•Ep 126•Transcript available on Metacast After months of unprecedented closures Walt Disney World has reopened, but with a lot of changes. We spent a day at Animal Kingdom and this week we talk all about what we thought of the new rules and the current Disney experience. Also: A kayaking trip to a Florida State Park and a getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this Episode: Cheap Kayaking at Colt Creek State Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park A quick trip to North Georgia We discuss our recen...
Aug 18, 2020•45 min•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast Is there something in Florida that you love, that others dont? Maybe something you think is overrated, and don't get the hype? This week we share some of our own Unpopular Florida Opinions. In this Episode: Our Fourth of July weekend at Siesta Key Palms Resort https://www.siestakeypalmshotel.com We discuss some of ours and some listeners unpopular Florida opinions. Listener Purchase of the Week: Altec Lansing Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida t...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast The current situation has put the breaks on some highly anticipated new Florida attractions. This week we take a look at where we are now, and when we might expect to see all these new projects finally open. In this Episode: 2020 Florida attractions status & discussion; Busch Gardens, Sea World, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios Island's of Adventure "Velocicoaster" virtual ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ba8m8HRSTU Listener Purchase of the Week: HURR-PRO Universal Hurricane Window ...
Jun 30, 2020•45 min•Ep 123•Transcript available on Metacast This weekend we visited Repticon, the Reptile Convention at the Florida State Fairgrounds and even brought home a new family member! Then we headed over to Tarpon Springs to check out a local brewery. In this Episode: We visit Repticon and bring home a new family member. https://repticon.com/ Five Branches Brewery in Tarpon Springs Listener Purchase of the Week: Batman Cuff Links! Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitt...
Jun 17, 2020•33 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast We are back from a little bit of a hiatus, and just spent a weeklong getaway in what may be one of our new favorite places in Florida; Anna Maria Island. This week we share what we did and what we ate on this underrated little gem of a place on Florida's Gulf Coast. In this Episode: Our week on Anna Maria Island Links to the places we ate Hurricane Hanks Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery Poppo’s Taqueria Ginnies & Jane E’s The Donut Experiment Two Scoops Dips Island Scoops Listener Purchase of the W...
Jun 09, 2020•38 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast Another week of lockdown has us looking forward to the days when things start returning to "normal". This week we run down and talk about some of the things we can't wait to do again once this is all over. In this Episode: We list and discuss some Florida things we can't wait to do again. Listener Purchase of the Week: Six Deck Automatic Card Shuffler Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: ...
Apr 28, 2020•39 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast We've been binge-watching Netflix just like the rest of the world these days and finally got around to watching Tiger King. This week we give our reaction to this wild ride that puts a big focus on one popular Florida animal attraction; Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. We also watched The Big Show Show, a family-friendly sitcom about a retired wrestler and his family life in Florida. In this Episode: We react to our locked down binge watching of Tiger King. We review The Big Show Show, also on Netflix. ...
Apr 14, 2020•54 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast Yeah, everything is still closed and will be for the foreseeable future. So this week we put together a list of good news from around Florida and a few things to look forward to once the world goes back to normal. In this Episode: Video: Some Good News with John Krasinksi Listener Purchase of the Week: Fender Deluxe Blues Harmonica Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook...
Mar 31, 2020•35 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast Everything is shut down, and we're all stuck inside while our favorite Florida places are shut down. It's a bummer. So let's take a virtual visit around Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom to play some trivia while learning a few cool things about the iconic theme park. In this Episode: Magic Kingdom Trivia Listener Purchase of the Week: DJI Osmo Pocket Handheld Gimbal w/ 4K Camera Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitte...
Mar 25, 2020•55 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast A lot has happened in the world since last week, and not much of it has been good news. The coronavirus pandemic has all but brought activity in Florida, and around the world, to a halt. This week we talk about the impact COVID-19 has had on Florida tourism since so many of the things we love in this state have been temporarily shut down. In this Episode: Coronavirus brings Florida theme parks, attractions, and events to a complete standstill. Florida attractions that are closed, what's still op...
Mar 17, 2020•47 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast Spring is around the corner, and beach season will soon be here. But which coast has the better beaches? Is the West Coast the best coast? Or is the Atlantic Ocean the place to be? This week we put the Gulf Coast up against the Atlantic Coast in six key categories. In this Episode: Only one Florida city ranks as one of the best cities to celebrate St. Patricks Day https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-st-patricks-day-celebrations/19603/ Busch Gardens puts finishing touches on Iron Gwaz...
Mar 10, 2020•55 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast This weekend we had a great time at "Up Up & Away", Florida's largest hot air balloon festival in Lakeland. Also, one new ride is opening at Disney World while one classic attraction is getting ready to close. In this Episode: Mickey & Minnies Runaway Railway opens this week at Hollywood Studios. Spaceship Earth at Epcot is closing for a multi-year reimagining. Trip Advisor lists their best beaches in the world, and some Florida beaches made the cut. We talk about and review our day at "Up Up & ...
Mar 03, 2020•53 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast This week we mix up the format a bit and talk about some of our favorite Florida Man headlines of the past year. Also a little bit Walt Disney World talk. In this Episode: Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom is getting a facelift. We discuss some of our favorite Florida Man stories of the past year. Listener Purchase of the Week: Purina Pro Plan Cat Food Contact Us! We want to hear your own reviews and Florida trip reports! Email: Contact@sunshinestatepodcast.com Twitter: @FloridaPodcast Facebo...
Feb 18, 2020•47 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast It's still early in the year 2020 and at the start of a new decade. This week we put on our prognosticator caps to predict and discuss which current Florida theme park attractions we think won't survive to see the next decade. Also, some "Monster" news emerges on what's coming to Universal's Epic Universe. In this Episode: New details emerge on one more land at Epic Universe USA Today lists 3 new Florida attractions among their best new attractions of the year https://www.10best.com/awards/trave...
Feb 11, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast 
