Seminole Inn - One of the many flavors of the Treasure Coast

VisitFlorida Insider Hilda Mitrani recently featured the Seminole Inn and Indiantown in her "Off the Beaten Path" blog. 

Even if you live on the Treasure Coast, you can be a tourist in your own backyard. Bass fishing, photo safaris, wine tastings, Sunday brunch, and more to explore and enjoy.

Check it out, and thanks Hilda!

Recipes: Janet Hutchinson's Christmas Eve Punch

As mentioned in the Christmas Eve show, here's Janet Hutchinson's punch recipe served for year's at the Elliott Museum on Christmas Eve. Thanks to Radio Lady for handing over the recipe!

1/3 cup cointreau
2 cups brandy
3 cups rum
1 2-liter bottle ginger ale
2 bottles white champagne (not pink!)

Enjoy in moderation!

2010: A Year of New and Old Friends and Plenty of Tourism Adventures

Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke in the BVI,
 throws one heck of an Old Year's Night party!
(Or anytime of the year.)

2010 is now pretty much in the rearview mirror and everyone in the industry is looking forward to what 2011 will bring. The Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond) team is no exception. We are blessed to have had a great year visiting great venues, seeing old friends and making new ones. And, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring you, our listeners, so many varied topics, insights and examples of why tourism is important to local, regional and even international economies and the quality of life. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for the show.

This week, hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will reflect on the most interesting shows from their perspective as host and co-host. Will their Top Ten be your Top Ten? And, since the New Year is celebrated across the globe, Radio Man and History Lady will take a look at some of the more unique traditions and ways in which the new year is celebrated and welcomed. Rather than celebrate “New Year’s Eve," why not celebrate “Old Year’s Night?" Radio Man was surprised to learn about this unique perspective when living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are sure that some of the celebrations and customs may amaze (and amuse) you.

Also, as we close out the old year, we will give you the latest details on the last tournament of the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship Series, New Year’s Eve activities in the Treasure Coast, Florida area and more.

So pop the bubbly a little early and join Radio Man and History Lady for the last show of 2010. If you listen carefully, you just may hear corks popping during the show! Coming to you tomorrow from a 'secret' place on the Treasure Coast. Tune in to WPSL 1590 AM (or www.wpsl.com/tv) at 10:05 a.m. to find out where we are.

Christmas Eve, High Above the Atlantic

One of the great things about producing a tourism centric radio show is the good fortune to see so many different places that help make a destination unique and special. Last Friday, Talkin’ Tourism took advantage of the opportunity to broadcast the Christmas Eve show from a Treasure Coast hotel, which is one of the best beach front hotels on the Treasure Coast---the Courtyard Marriott Jensen Beach!! Thanks to the Courtyard's general manager, who is also one of the show's special guest host's, Ed Griffith, the Talkin' Tourism studio was on the top floor in a deluxe ocean view room. Spectacular views!! While we had given guests the day off to celebrate and finish their last minute Christmas shopping, Ed, who showed up to make sure everything went off without a hitch, decided to stay and chat on-air with the crew. That’s the kind of service you can expect at the Courtyard Marriott!

Radio Man and Robin delivered all the preshow planned topics, including the Christmas Wish List for Treasure Coast tourism organizations, when the tourist season really starts, and a Bahamas update. And, just for kicks and grins, Gary threw in a fun session of Christmas Trivia. Unplanned but unveiled was Governor-Elect Scott’s plan to boost tourism in Florida. You will want to hear what appears to be good news for the industry. We will definitely be following that story closely.

And last, Robin shared the recipe of Janet Hutchinson's famous punch served every Christmas open house at the Elliott Museum. Exacty what we need right now to stay warm!

If you missed last week's show and want to be "in the know" on the tourism scene, here's the link to the show's audio file for your listening pleasure! See you this Friday, New Year's Eve, from another fun location on the Treasure Coast!

Enjoy our beachside Christmas views!

Wishing you an Iggy Christmas

Instead of a partridge in a pear tree, we prefer
an iguana in a Christmas tree!

Since this Friday’s show falls on Christmas Eve, hosts Radio Man and History Lady have given guests a day off. With Radio Man traveling all over the islands and Treasure Coast the last couple of months and Robin’s hectic professional commitments over the same timeframe, there will be lots for us catch up on. This week’s show will be brought to you from high above the Treasure Coast at the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island. Our host, the property's general manager and a Talkin’ Tourism special guest co-host Ed Griffith has promised Gary Guertin and Robin-Hicks Connors a “studio with a view." Thanks Ed!

Some of this week’s topics will include conversation about the “crunch” of the Christmas/New Year’s Week, the age-old question of when does tourist season actually begin, and what's on Talkin’ Tourism’s Holiday Wish List for the various Treasure Coast Tourism promotion organizations (Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and St. Lucie County Tourism Development Council and more) in a perfect world? Gary and Robin will also let you know who's been naughty and who's been nice. (Who'll make the lists?)

For our new fans and listeners who may be getting more familiar with the Treasure Coast/ Islands of the Bahamas connection, Gary and Robin will talk about the history of Boxing Day, which is celebrated throughout the British Commonwealth.

Folks, these are just the highlights. Our regular show features, including upcoming events and arts and cultural happenings, will all be a part of the special Christmas Eve Day show.

And don’t forget  to listen in for our weekly Stuart Boat Show ticket give-away! Could be a great stocking stuffer for you or your favorite elf.

So if your shopping is done (or not), presents wrapped (or not), cookies cooked (or not) and the rum punch in chilling (or needs refilling), kick-start your Christmas Holiday by tuning into Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond).

And in case you haven't seen it yet, we've posted our video Holiday Card below. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Shopping, Santa, Special Deals and the 'Season's' Best Special Events

Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin with special guest host
Lisa Gilrane, from Ocean Properties, Ltd., and
Roberta Murray, local leasing manager for
Treasure Coast Square

There is a first time for everything and this week was no exception.  Last Friday’s edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) was indeed broadcast from a regional shopping mall, the Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach, Florida.  Typically a free-flowing and unscripted affair, this week’s show was even more so.

Agreeing to serve as a special guest host for her first time, Lisa Gilrane of Ocean Properties, Ltd. did an outstanding job. Loving to talk and loving the tourism industry made Lisa the perfect special guest co-host.  She was very excited to have the opportunity to talk about Ocean Properties, hotels on the Treasure Coast and specifically the Port St. Lucie Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott-Hutchinson Island.  

The main event was guest Roberta Murray, the local leasing manager for  Treasure Coast Square.  Yes folks, Treasure Coast visitors and valued seasonal residents certainly do positively impact our local economy when it comes to the retail industry and Roberta shared exactly how important it is to our retail economy.  In addition to providing information about trends in the retail tourism industry, Roberta listed a host of special holiday deals mall merchants are offering. If you missed last week's show, listen to it now so that you too can take advantage of these pre-Christmas offers. 

What else was covered?  Bahamas updates, New Year’s Eve boat parades (on Bimini) and pool parties, guided beach walks, boat shows, Cape Eleuthera wahoo tournaments, and more.  You will only get the full scoop by downloading the show. Don't forget to grab some cookies and eggnog when you listen to the show, and close your eyes. Santa will be sitting right next to you, as he was with us at the mall. Enjoy! See you next Friday.

Twas Two Fridays Before Christmas....

It would not be the holiday’s without a trip to the closest mall, right? So, this is exactly what Talkin’ Tourism is going to do this Friday. The Treasure Coast Square is the perfect setting for "two shows before Christmas" and our 100th show! The studio will be no more than 20-feet from the bearded guy who wears a red suit trimmed in white fur!

So what will we be talking about besides eggnog, the best cookie recipes, and what's the latest rage on Christmas lists? How about one of the things that rate high on tourists lists? If you guessed shopping, you're absolutely right! We all know that valued-seasonal-residents and visitors contribute to our local economy in many ways. The retail segment of the hospitality industry is as important as any other. Speaking to this issue will be Roberta Murray, the local leasing representative for the Treasure Coast Square Mall. Roberta has a long history with the Treasure Coast retail industry and will be a wealth of knowledge as to how the retail industry is impacted by tourism. She is also on the board of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, so she's "in the know" when it comes to tourism.

Roberta  has lined up few mall retailers to chime in, as well as Mrs. Field’s Cookies, (did someone say "milk and cookies?"), Treasure Coast Fishing Center , and Echo Gifts. I guess we will see who has been naughty and who has been nice. With Santa just feet away, perhaps we can slip him our Treasure Coast Christmas Wish List for the tourism industry!

Also with us tomorrow will be Lisa Gilrane, the area sales manager for Ocean Properties, LLC. Her company operates lodging facilities and affiliates in the northeast, southeast and southwest of the U.S., as well as Canada and the Caribbean. Treasure Coast properties include the Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa;  Courtyard Marriott Hutchinson Island; Holiday Inn, Port St. Lucie; Holiday Inn, Vero Beach; Hampton Inn, Vero Beach; and the Courtyard Inn and Suites, Vero Beach. Lisa should have some great information about the current trends in the industry and what’s in store for the Treasure Coast this visitor season.

So join us TOMORROW morning at 10:05 a.m. on WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsltv.com/ for another great edition of Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!). By the way, don't forget there could be some celebration in the air since this the 100th edition of the show!

Treasure Coast Traditions--Holiday and More!

All that was missing at the Elliott Museum studio Friday morning was the rum-laced eggnog. Poinsettias, Christmas ornaments, Christmas carols and a 12-foot Christmas tree reminded us (especially those of us who still haven't started our shopping) that Christmas is only 15-days away! 

After a one-month hiatus, History Lady and Radio Man had lots of catching up to do. The show kicked-off with Historical Society of Martin County communications director Amy Christensen launching into the details of the Society’s classic car show, which is held in the spring and now moving to the airport because it has grown so large! If you have a classic automobile that you would like to show off, there is still time to register. Last week's show's audio (download here) will give you all the details you need.

Here on the Treasure Coast, boats and everything related to boating, is a BIG deal. That said, Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and producer of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show, gave listeners the rundown on this annual Stuart tradition. Some of the topics covered included whether a boat show a good place to purchase a boat and how to figure out what type of boating lifestyle appeals to you and your family? Rick had the answers and this year’s show will have something for everyone, including the kids. Have you ever thought about joining the cruiser boating lifestyle? If so, you'll want to check out what Rick had to say about Cruiser Expo, which is part of the Stuart Boat Show. This annual event will draw vendors and attendee’s from near and far. For the latest announcements on the show, become a friend of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page. And, while you're at it, if you aren't already one of our Facebook fans, don't forget to become a fan of the Talkin' Tourism Facebook page!

Rounding out the show, we took a look at some of the programs and activities available at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island and we covered what's happening in the Islands of the Bahamas. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? Want to party at the End of the World? Talkin’ Tourism has the scoop on a great Bimini Big Game Club event that you don't want to miss! Learn more when you listen to the show, or if you can't wait, follow this link.

Always fun and always entertaining, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is the show to listen in on to keep you up to date on things to do, places to go and people to meet!

See you on Friday! Stay warm. If you need help, try the eggnog recipe posted above!

And here's a gift for all you procrastinators. How many shopping days do you have left? The snowman knows! Good luck!


Myspace Countdown Clocks

Holiday Wishes

The cast and crew of Talkin' Tourism send holiday wishes to all our listeners, sponsors, and past show guests, as well as wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year!

A Treasure Coast Tradition---The Stuart Boat Show (and Cruiser Expo)

The Stuart Boat Show and Cruiser Expo cruise into
Stuart January 14-16, 2011.

With unsurpassed waterways, 22 miles of coastline, an inlet leading to the Gulf Stream and a position at the east end of the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County is the definitely a boating, fishing and outdoorsman’s paradise.

With the Treasure Coast sailfish tournament season now in full swing, it is only a matter of weeks until the largest boat show south of Annapolis, Maryland sails in to Stuart, Florida. Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions, the producer of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast owned show, is this week’s featured guest. Rick will share with Radio Man and History Lady what makes this 37th year of the Stuart Boat Show so special. With over $100 million in products on display and over 500 boats of every shape and size, this show is one not to miss.

A relatively new feature of the Stuart Boat Show is Cruiser Expo. Based upon the popularity of the cruising lifestyle, Cruiser Expo is the place to be to learn, mix and mingle with others who enjoy the art of cruising. During the course of the three-day weekend, informative seminars and information sharing will cover subjects for both the novice and seasoned skipper. We'll cover all the topics and details on the show. And, if you want more updates on the show, become a fan of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page.

It has been one month since History Lady and Radio Man have shared the studio microphones, which means a whole lot of catching up is guaranteed. Robin has big news on the Elliott Museum's Annual Classic Car Show and other great museum exhibits, which you won't want to miss.

As always, there will be Bahamas updates, Treasure Coast happening’s and lots of infotainment.

Join us this Friday at 10:05 a.m.. You can find us on your radio at WPSL 1590 AM or on the Internet at http://www.wpsltv.com.

Old Bahama Bay and Sustainable Tourism

According to Wikipedia, Sustainable Tourism is an industry committed to making a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings a positive experience for the local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves. This week’s show, hosted by the luxury boutique and marina of Old Bahama Bay and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, was a prime example of sustainable tourism and how the Blue Flag Programme plays a role to ensure the sustainability of Bahamian ocean and coastal environments and how participating destinations are making a positive impact on local communities.

Sustainable Tourism General Manager Earlston McPhee explained the essential elements of the program, citing Old Bahama Bay’s commitment to the environment by being the first marina in the Bahamas to achieve the certification. Most importantly, Old Bahama Bay has retained its certification every year since being first certified.

Old Bahama Bay General Manager Jackie Carroll gave listeners all of the key points that make Old Bahama Bay a boaters paradise. Are you looking for a great get-away that is not “too far away?" Then check out the great packages Jackie described for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays. And after the holidays, consider an air-inclusive Grand Bahama Island package. You can find details here. And, here is a Talkin’ Tourism “Insiders’ Tip," the food is wonderful and the guest rooms are absolutely fabulous!
Special guest co-host Harold Rolle, a lifelong West Ender, shared interesting personal perspectives on Old Bahama Bay’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism and its positive impact on the residents of West End, Grand Bahama. Very proud of the fact that West End is called the “Home of Hospitality," Harold explained his passion for the tourism industry and the benefits to the island and the country.

And, last but not least, Raul Miranda, the tournament coordinator of the Bahamas Wahoo Championship, gave a brief rundown on the first leg of the championship, which was occuring at the time of our radio show.

Special thanks to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Tourism Office, Discovery Cruise Line, Old Bahama Bay and M&K Car Rentals for being special sponsors of the show. Also, special thanks to Old Bahama Bay Operations Manager Nathan Moody for ensuring all the technology was in place (and working) to accommodate the live remote!

If you missed the show, you can download the audio file HERE. And to see photos from the show, from around Grand Bahama, and aboard the Discovery Sun, check out the slide show below.

Last, a link to an actual video of the show, will be posted in a day or two for your viewing and listening pleasure, so be sure to check back soon!