New Smyrna Beach, the eclectic beach town on Florida’s Atlantic coast, just an hour from Orlando, is known for its colorful streets, white sand beach, vibrant arts and laid-back coastal vibe. The relaxed pace of life and small-town feel is New Smyrna Beach’s main attraction, and big developments are rare, but there’s always a busy calendar of local events, new dining options and something new to discover.   Dining updates New Smyrna Beach’s two distinct downtown districts, Flagler Avenue and Canal Street, as well as the hub of East 3rd Avenue and the route to Canaveral National Seashore, are home to many independent restaurants, seafood joints, bakeries, quirky cafés, buzzy breweries and local distilleries. Still, there are a host of new and upcoming options to sample: The Yardery - Following a successful launch in Sanford, FL, The Yardery is set to open a second location on Canal Street in 2025. The Yardery will offer laid-back outdoor dining and outdoor games that are perfect for entertaining guests of all ages. The venue will feature a large turf lawn, fun games like cornhole and foosball, a pet-friendly vibe and a bar serving local craft beers and cocktails.   LUMA NSB  - In July 2024 it opened its doors on Flagler Avenue, offering a family-oriented, predominantly outdoor space, with a laid-back and bohemian charm. The restaurant offers casual dining, coffees, juices, wine, beer, cocktails and charcuterie boards.   Bar Leona - New for 2025, Bar Leona has opened close to Canal Street, in the historic arts and business district. The sister-venue to family-owned Prima, Bar Leona continues the tradition of serving fresh fish, tender meats, pasta creations and vegetarian dishes. Each sauce is crafted in-house daily. Bar Leona also has a focus on sourced wines and artisan spirits from local distilleries.   Shebeen Suspiciously Sweet - This new eatery has a 1920’s speakeasy vibe, harking back to the US’s prohibition era. Opened in late December 2024, Shebeen Suspiciously Sweet is the hot new place offering the coolest sweet treats - ice cream, coffee, artisan chocolates, plus waffles, baked goods and sandwiches.   Events worth travelling for The New Smyrna Beach area has a packed calendar of events, from daily live music at bars and restaurants, to monthly rituals like the sip-&-stroll, wine walk and vintage car show. The local community is always dreaming up ways to gather a crowd, whether that’s for a festival, cook-off, beach run or cultural event.   Atlantic Center for the Arts: Residency with Dani Ferreira Amaro The Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) continues to shape the global arts landscape with its innovative residency programs. ACA Soundscape Field Station, in partnership with Canaveral National Seashore, welcomes transdisciplinary sound artist Dani Ferreira Amaro as the 2025 artist-in-residence. This residency coincides with the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service’s designation of Canaveral National Seashore as a protected area. Amaro will spend her residency at ACA creating a site-specific tactile sound sculpture made from Sargassum seaweed and cultural materials representing Florida’s heritage. The public is invited to view Amaro’s sound sculpture from 17 – 30 March 2025, at Canaveral National Seashore, where entry is free with park admission.   NSB Coastal Catch Restaurant Month Launched in 2024 and set to return for 2025, New Smyrna Beach welcomes back the NSB Coastal Catch Restaurant Month. From 1 – 31 October 2025, visitors and locals can experience culinary delights in celebrating NSB’s coastal heritage and diverse dining offerings. Restaurants across NSB will curate special prix-fixe menus, priced at $39 and $59 for three-courses, highlighting their signature dishes. Participating restaurant details to be announced, but with exciting chef collaborations and special tasting menus in the works.   The latest NSB Trails Discovering the area has never been easier thanks to the  ‘NSB Trails’, 25 online guides that offer visitors different ways to explore the destination. Some trails can be completed in a day, whilst others should be split over a few days. Tailored to a variety of themes and activities, travelers can discover the great outdoors, journey into the past, plunge into watersports, or sample local culinary delights and craft beers. One of the newest Trails added to the collection include the ‘NSB Keep it Like New Trail, which includes attractions, accommodations, restaurants and businesses that are committed to developing sustainable tourism. The ‘Retreat to Romance Trail’ takes visitors on a journey that includes tranquil garden strolls, intimate dining venues, relaxing spa sessions and beachside chill, perfect for couples seeking quality time together. For more information on New Smyrna Beach, visit www.visitnsbfl.com

Valentine's Day has gone but you can continue celebrating everything sweet and indulgent on Florida's Historic Coast.  Chocolate was first tasted in North America by the residents of St. Augustine, where newly discovered treats from Central and South America were first found. In fact, the first written record of the word chocolate in North American history was on a cargo list from a ship porting in St. Augustine in 1641. “Sweet Beginnings: Unwrapping St. Augustine's Chocolate Legacy,” will be on display at the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum through March 31, 2025. This engaging exhibit is funded by a Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant. Through an ArcGIS story map and a virtual tour, visitors can trace the roots of chocolate in the Nation's Oldest City. Since 1967, the Whetstone family has been crafting chocolates savored by residents and visitors to Florida's Historic Coast. What began as a young couple's kitchen pastime has become Whetstone Chocolates, a multi-generational business. Its factory, located in downtown St. Augustine, still creates confectionaries from the finest cacao beans, offering daily tours where patrons can see the chocolate-making process, enjoy samples, and purchase treats. For a full chocolate experience, visit Claude's Chocolates, which specializes in small-batch bonbons and truffles made with Belgian chocolate; Peterbrooke Chocolatier, which uses Old World European techniques to craft classically American treats; and Crème de la Cocoa, with chocolates, French macarons, cakes, and more. For a guided tour, take St. Augustine Experiences' Not Just a Chocolate Tour, which features candy shops, bakeries, coffee, and history. For those with a more grown-up palate, try sweetness with an adult bite with hand-crafted bourbon and rum tastings at the St. Augustine Distillery. Take the behind-the-scenes tour or sign up for an in-depth tasting course. Wines vinted by the San Sebastian Winery are uniquely made with muscadine grapes, known for their juicy flavor. At the end of the free tour, sample their wines, sherry, and port. Enjoy local brews at Ancient City Brewing's Taproom on the Plaza where guests enjoy Matanzas River Red Ale, Ponce's Pale Ale, Anastasia Island Style IPA, and other signature brews. Go with a pro and explore the town's sweetest bites and sips with a luxury foodie tour from The Tasting Tours. A Historic Coast trip gets even better when booking a sweet package at one of the destination's charming Inns, or at a luxury oceanfront resort. Use the new and improved Trip Planner to create a tantalizing itinerary. It's packed with useful information and an interactive mapping feature. Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

  Peebles Barbeque, a beloved Florida institution, has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 1947. Founded by Erica Strawbridge’s grandfather, the restaurant began as a backyard operation and has grown into a popular destination for both locals and visitors worldwide. Open Thursday through Saturday, Peebles thrives during its busy weekend rush, especially on Saturdays. With original smokers still in use, the restaurant focuses on delivering a unique dining experience, allowing customers to watch their food being cooked. Erica recommends the sampler dinner for newcomers, while her personal favorite is the mouthwatering ribs.  

  Erica Smith from Bok Tower Gardens shares insights into the historic Florida attraction, dedicated in 1929. Known for its iconic Singing Tower, the gardens also offer a rich blend of wildlife, native bird species, and lush landscapes. Erica highlights the gardens as a serene space for visitors to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Upcoming preservation projects include restoring the moat and reviving original Water Gardens. Open 363 days a year, the gardens welcome visitors to explore, reflect, and enjoy the tranquility. Entry fees are affordable, with details available on the Bok Tower Gardens website.  

Next year’s Florida Huddle and Encounter trade event will be hosted in Orlando. It will take place February 2-4, 2026, at Hilton Orlando. Florida Huddle is the Sunshine State’s Official Travel Trade Show, showcasing the best of Florida to international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers and media. It facilitates one-on-one-appointments, and hosts educational sessions and networking. Florida supplier partners that typically attend are CVBs, hotels, resorts, attractions and theme parks. Florida Encounter, one of the longest-running appointment trade shows in the MICE industry, will take place in conjunction with Florida Huddle 2026. Encounter features appointments between fully hosted, qualified planners with proven business for Florida and Florida suppliers. VISIT FLORIDA Chief Marketing Officer Brett Laiken said: “Florida Huddle and Encounter provide invaluable opportunities to unlock business potential for the Sunshine State’s destinations, hotels, resorts and attractions. Next year, we are thrilled to showcase the diverse offerings of the Orlando area to key travel professionals from around the globe.” Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej said, “As the No. 1 travel and meetings destination in the U.S., Orlando is excited to host Florida Huddle and Encounter once again. “This trade show brings together top travel professionals and Florida destinations, creating valuable connections that drive business and boost the economy.”

Florida set a new  tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors. It marks the most travelers in the state’s history. There were over 30 million visitors in the fourth quarter of 2024, with almost three million foreign travelers. Of these, 742,000 were Canadians. Overall, the state welcomed a total of 8.9 million overseas visitors in 2024. “That is a pretty good increase over 2023 and the highest on record,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “And we know a lot of that is here in South Florida. We’re really excited that our tourism industry is booming.” Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly added: “Tourism in Florida continued to break records, recovering from a challenging hurricane season, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life for Florida’s communities and families.” Air arrivals were slightly up by 3.1% in 2024, with the biggest air passenger growth seen at secondary airports like Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola. Room nights sold at Florida hotels increased by 1.6% in 2024.

The MICHELIN Guide is expanding its selection in Florida with three new destinations being added in 2025. In addition to Miami, Orlando and Tampa, the 2025 selection will include restaurants in Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater. Beginning in 2026, the selection will grow further to become a state-wide selection covering all of Florida. “Florida continues to raise the bar with its emerging culinary talent and the passion of its local restaurant communities,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen the Florida selection grow and strengthen. We look forward to exploring these new destinations.” The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for restaurants to feature. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed at a later date during the annual MICHELIN Guide ceremony for Florida. "The MICHELIN Guide's expansion into three additional Florida destinations in 2025 and statewide in 2026 further cements the state as a premier culinary destination," said Dana Young, President and CEO of Visit Florida. The upcoming restaurant selection will follow Michelin’s historical methodology, based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu. Each restaurant is inspected several times a year. Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in many cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C, California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019), and Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida.

Dining in Florida’s Space Coast is an experience to savor that will suit every conceivable taste. The Coast offers unique dining choices to tempt the palette from oceanfront dining to locally owned restaurants For visitors looking for a multicultural experience with freshly-prepared dishes, Third Culture Kitchen in Titusville is the place to go. The restaurant combines curiosity and authenticity in dishes such as Asian chicken wings, Pad See Ew, a brisket burrito and creamy coconut shrimp bowl. It is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. The Space Coast is renowned for its seafood. Savor fresh mahi, cobia, tuna and wahoo from the Atlantic to the blue crabs, stone crabs, and shrimp fresh from the Indian River Lagoo The Fat Snook in Cocoa Beach is seafood-centric with a Caribbean vibe and known for its whimsical atmosphere and boutique-style craft beers and wines. A combination of seafood and Southern hospitality can be found at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville. Every meal here is served with the famed corn fritters and dishes range from sandwiches to high-end seafood meals, including the speciality rock shrimp which has the flavor and texture of a lobster. Travelers often partake in brunches to fit around their daily activities. The region offers build-your-own-pancake bars, such as Backwater in Melbourne where guests make their own pancakes at eight griddle stations. Melbourne offers a quaint yet vibrant downtown area and Crush XI is at the centre of it all, serving brunch on Sundays. Highlights here include the brunch burger and crab cake Benedict. The Space Coast is home to some of the best brewmasters creating new and unique flavors that incorporate the laid-back Florida style with their one-of-a-kind brews. The region offers seven different craft breweries, including the Playalinda Brewing Company, so popular that it now has two locations in Titusville. Check out the Intracoastal Brewing Company in the heart of the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne and the Carib Brewing Co offering Caribbean island vibes in Cape Canaveral. Alongside Belgian Strong Ale, Skateboarders Pale Ale and Florida Reef beer enthusiasts are inspired by options such as Caramel Macchiato, Octoberfestivus and Brewschetta. Culinary experiences will always form an intrinsic part of any stay on Florida´s Space Coast. In addition to the beaches, this 72-mile stretch of Atlantic Coast is the backdrop of the space industry where 93 rockets launched in 2024 and this year already looks promising for another record launch year.

Dana Young has shared plans to step down as President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. She announced her retirement after six years leading the state’s official tourism marketing organization. Young is the longest-serving agency head in the Ron DeSantis Administration, but will remain in the role until a new President and CEO is appointed and onboarded. Despite some headwinds due to severe hurricanes and political issues, Florida’s tourism has reached new heights, with 140.6 million visitors in 2023 driving a $127.7 billion economic impact. Visitation rose 7.3% during her tenure, and economic impact grew 32.4%. “Dana Young’s leadership at VISIT FLORIDA has been transformative, ensuring Florida remains the top destination for travelers. Her tireless dedication has created record-breaking and lasting success for Florida’s economy and tourism industry,” said  J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce “During Dana Young’s tenure, Florida’s tourism industry has consistently set records and exceeded all expectations. She has done more for our state and industry than we could ever measure,: added John Lai, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors Young said: “I am so grateful to Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to lead VISIT FLORIDA for the past six years. I am very proud of the work we have done (and will continue to do) at VISIT FLORIDA, maximizing return on investment for Florida taxpayers.” Under Young’s leadership, VISIT FLORIDA expanded its membership to include every destination in the state, secured record funding, and elevated Florida to the #1 overseas destination surpassing New York for the first time since 2001. Florida’s recovery from the pandemic significantly outpaced that of the US as a whole, beating projections by two years. Before joining VISIT FLORIDA, Young served eight years in the Florida Legislature, representing the City of Tampa and parts of Hillsborough County.

  Dana Young, CEO of Visit Florida, shares insights into the state's evolving tourism strategy at WTM 2024. While Florida is known for its theme parks and beaches, Young emphasizes efforts to highlight lesser-known attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center and unique rural communities. She also discusses the impact of Brightline's new route extension, making smaller coastal cities more accessible. With over 140 million visitors annually, Visit Florida continues to focus on encouraging repeat visits by offering fresh experiences and discovering hidden gems across the state, aiming for sustained growth in the coming years.  

The Sunshine State just recorded its best ever second quarter tourism numbers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a highest-ever 34.2 million visitors for Q2. It was a small 1.7% increase over the Q2 2023 but is a new all-time high for the quarter. “Florida continues to be the top destination for tourists. These remarkable numbers are a testament to our commitment to public safety and sensible leadership,” Gov. DeSantis said. Breaking down the numbers, it welcomed 31.5 million domestic visitors and two million overseas travelers. Canada was the top overseas source market with about 739,000. “Florida continues to be the destination of choice for millions of domestic and international travelers,” said Dana Young, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “We will continue to leverage our strengths to ensure that Florida remains the top destination for travelers worldwide.”  

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St. Pete/Clearwater is home to a jubilant, loud and proud LGBTQ+ population. They come together throughout the month of June to celebrate the area’s queer history. St Pete Pride is the largest festival of its kind in the state, and one of the biggest in the US, with over 300,000 attendees at the street parade alone last year. Nicole Berman, Executive Director of St Pete Pride explains: “"As we gear up for St Pete Pride 2024, I'm filled with immense pride and excitement for what lies ahead. St Pete Pride isn't just an event; it's a beacon of hope, representation, and celebration “. “In 2024, we're setting the bar even higher, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.   St Pete Pride Parade, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - 22 June, Downtown St. Pete The 2024 parade is set to be the biggest yet. Starting at 2pm in North and South Straub Parks, the St Pete Pride Parade Day Festival, presented by CAN Community Health, features local vendors, food trucks, community partners, two entertainment stages, family area, and more.   Events all month 2024 St. Pete Pride Friday Night Concert with Sasha Colby – 21 June 2024, Jannus Live Officially opening Pride festival weekend, Jannus Live is the party of all parties. An event brimming with top LGBTQIA+ talent, dance floor tunes, and cocktails with special guest, Sasha Colby. Winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15, Sasha is a world-renowned performer, trans activist, actress and dance.   Pride Kick-Off, presented by COCKtail – 1 June 2024, Grand Central District, Downtown St. Pete Grand Central District, in downtown St. Pete, is host to the ‘Pride Kick Off Party’ setting off the month-long festival. Expect DJ’s, live entertainment, craft beer, cocktails and more.   Youth and Family Day – 8 June 2024, North Straub Park, St. Pete All members of the family are encouraged to get involved in Pride. A dedicated LGBTQ+ ‘Youth & Family Day’ on Saturday 8 June has been specially crafted for young queer individuals to feel accepted and learn more about the community they are a part of. Queer visibility for all ages is a cornerstone of St. Pete Pride.   Transtastic Celebration, presented by Love The Golden Rule, Inc. - June 28, The Museum of Fine Arts Pride is about more than just partying in St. Pete, with evenings such as the ‘Transtastic Celebration’ dedicated to hosting an intimate space to hear and amplify the voices of St. Pete’s trans and non-binary community. This event is an important pillar of Pride month that goes hand in hand with the Trans March that leads the St. Pete Pride Parade on 22 June 2024.   Shades of Pride, presented by Metro Inclusive Health – LGBTQIA+ Juneteenth Art & Music Festival – 14-15 June 2024 This two-day celebration where a ballroom ‘Honours Ball’ meets slam poetry is a stand-out. Throughout you can expect the ‘Pride Power and Passion Party’, and full introduction to ballroom culture with the legendary Kevin Prodigy! Followed by ‘Shade Vs Pride Slam Poetry’ hosted by Novacane, this is a full immersion into a key facet of LGBTQ+ culture.   Where to eat and drink LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and nightclubs can all be found in the local area, from the renowned pop-up lesbian bar series ‘LickHer’ by Rachel Covello, to the uber-up beat ‘COCKtail’ at the Mari Jean, both great spots before partying at ‘WetSpot’. Also a must is ‘The Saint’, a Catholic style bar where you can confess your sins for a cocktail.   Where to stay Stays for Pride can be amped up at the ever-popular adults-only Mari Jean, where party-going LGBTQ+ travellers can stay and enjoy evening parties around the pool before the onsite nightclub. Alternatively, for a more relaxing beach-experience, The Saint Hotel is only moments from St. Pete Beach.   Where to beach After a day of celebrating in downtown St. Pete, kick back and relax on Sunset Beach and Pass-A-Grille. Friendly and welcoming, these beaches are known for their laid-back atmosphere and beach bars that open up onto the waterfront, providing a relaxing yet fun atmosphere perfect for watching the sunset.   For more about St. Pete Pride, visit: www.stpetepride.org  

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