Florida trip

[kwakster]

Are there any members from Florida here ?

Me and my girlfriend are going to visit Florida from 11th of December 2008 until the 11th of January 2009, and we've arranged for a flight to Miami where we will pick up an SUV with navigation from Hertz.
The plan is do to a tour around Florida, maybe even venture outside this state, but that's not sure yet.

Can you guys give me some tips on do's and don'ts while we are there ?
For instance what kind of knives are allowed to carry, as i was thinking of bringing at least my Military S30V SE with me, maybe also a fixed blade.
Any pointers for special places to visit are also more than welcome. :)

[Piercieve]

If you do not go through Miami, the Everglades, and down to the Florida Keys, you are wasting your time. The Keys are just about my favorite place in the world. There is some incredible snorkling off Marathon Key, and Key West is a very quirky city with incredible food. If you go to the main boardwalk where everyone watches the sunset and walk back about 100 yards, there is the best Cuban/hispanic restaurant I have ever been to.
St Georges Island is also a cool place. I haven't been there in years, so it's probably not how I remember it; but it used to be so quiet and friendly.

If you do go through the keys, which I highly reccomend you do... There is a marina called Robbie's on mile marker 77.5 that lets you feed fish off their dock. While this doesn't sound exciting, the fish are like 8 feet long. Be prepared to see the biggest tarpon you've ever seen. There are hundreds of them, and when you throw the feeder fish in they air, froth the water in a struggle to get there first. It's jaw dropping... Lots of pelicans hang out there too, and try to steal fish out of your hands. It's hilarious.

Forget Orlando and Disney World unless you want to sit through tollbooth after tollbooth after tollbooth, etc.

Anyways, yea. Don't stand too close to the water in the everglades. Alligators are way faster than you think. I almost got jacked up one time, but I managed to scramble up a stone wall.

Rant complete.

[EarthDog]

Hi Kwakster,

I hope you and your GF have a great time in the Sunshine State. I'm a Florida native and love it here. Even though it's not what it used to be, I can't live anywhere else.

I can't argue with the recommendation to visit the Florida Keys. Have some conch fritters, and take in the sunset at Mallory Square in Key West. And, btw, real Key Lime pie (FANTASTIC) has meringue on top, not whipped cream.

Miami? I'm sure it has charms for some, but it's not my fave.

Even though I'm from central Florida, I've never been to see the "mouse." But, if you like theme parks, I hear it's the thing.

I'm more into natural Florida. So, I can recommend the 'glades, keys, beaches, swamps, lakes, rivers, and springs.

As to knife carry, I have read that Florida law allows us to carry a "common pocket knife," but that term does not seem to be clearly defined. I'm not clear that a Millie or FB would meet the definition. There is a lot of discussion of this topic on the web; so I'd recommend reading up some. (Welcome to the inquiry.)

It's a big state. Have a great visit.

[kwakster]

Thanks for the replies guys, they will be printed out and taken along when we go.
We'll surely visit the Keys and the restaurants there :D

Couple more questions;

Is Miami still reasonably safe to drive around in a rental these days ?
What about towns like Napels and Fort Myers, are they worth visiting ?
Any good & friendly knife shops that i could visit while we're there ?

[EarthDog]

Thanks for the replies guys, they will be printed out and taken along when we go.
We'll surely visit the Keys and the restaurants there :D

Couple more questions;

Is Miami still reasonably safe to drive around in a rental these days ?

Good question. FWIW, I regard Miami/Dade as a potentially hostile environment. I do go there on business, and when I do, I exercise an abundance of caution. You might check out tips for safe driving, tips for tourists, etc. before you go.

[/QUOTE]What about towns like Napels and Fort Myers, are they worth visiting ?[/QUOTE]

I like visiting Fort Myers very much. If you have an interest in Thomas Edison, his Florida estate is open as a museum. (http://www.efwefla.org/)

If you do visit Fort Myers, you might also consider visiting Sanibel and Captiva Islands. (http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/)


[/QUOTE]Any good & friendly knife shops that i could visit while we're there ?[/QUOTE]

We used to have a GREAT shop here in central Florida, but it closed last year. There is a small local chain that has a modest selection of knives, and they usually have some :spyder: with collector numbers.

[Jurphaas]

Hi Kwakster - Gaby & I visit Fl every year. Come and see me at the DKE on November 29 and I can tell you more. Don't worry about Miami in concern of driving a rental. In all those years I have not made any bad experiences.
See you soon!
Jurphaas :)

Note: Don't you want to stay until after the SHOT show?

[kwakster]

Hi Kwakster - Gaby & I visit Fl every year. Come and see me at the DKE on November 29 and I can tell you more. Don't worry about Miami in concern of driving a rental. In all those years I have not made any bad experiences.
See you soon!
Jurphaas :)

Note: Don't you want to stay until after the SHOT show?

Hi Jur,

Thanks for the offer, and will talk to you at the DKE ofcourse.
Staying in Florida until after the Shot show isn't possible for me, we need to be back in Holland before that show even starts.:(

Greetz,

Robert