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

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.

Get the 'inside scoop' on the Stuart Boat Show, 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo and 100 Years of Cars

Another great event attracting visitors from around the State of Florida and locals alike, is the site of this week’s remote broadcast of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. That’s right, it's boat show time and the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo rolls into town this week. Show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will be live at the show broadcasting from the FLAHAMA/Harborage Yacht Club and Marina booth.

With the weather finally warming up, the great show put together by All Sports Productions is bound to entertain the avid boating enthusiast and everyone who is looking for a great day on the waterfront. In addition to talking with show vendors, attendees and “other special guests,” Gary and Robin will chat with Tony Parkinson, organizer of this year’s “100 Year’s of Cars” car show to benefit The Pine School. This show draws collectors from all over the country. What types of vehicles will be there? Talkin' Tourism has an insiders tip...a 1941 Packard, The Blue Hornet and cars from numerous private collections rarely seen by the public.

To get the inside scoop on the largest boat show between Stuart and Annapolis, Maryland, join Talkin' Tourism tomorrow, Friday, January 15, at 10 a.m., live from the FLAHAMA/Harborage booth. Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your computer browser to http://www.wpsl.com/. And, if you're in the area, stop on by the booth and say hello!

Next two shows of Talkin' Tourism “On the Road!”

An exciting couple of weeks are in store for Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast listeners as Gary and Robin take the show “on the road” and “out to sea,"

Friday January 15, the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo is the place to be as Talkin' Tourism broadcasts live from the FLAHAMA/Harborage Yacht Club and Marina booth. Gary and Robin with be chatting with attendees, show exhibitors and lots of special guests including members of the Bahamas Tourist Office and representatives from Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour, and Bimini Bay Resort and Marina.

Bimini Bound January 22—Many Treasure Coast residents and boaters alike are no strangers to the island of Bimini. In pursuit of taking Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast to every island in the Bahamas, Radio Man and History Lady make Bimini their first island of 2010. Literally a “short hop” (58 miles east of Miami…a 20 minute plane ride), the island of Bimini (actually two islands, North and South Bimini), is loaded with fascinating history, legendary big game fishing, as in Ernest Hemingway’s favorite fishing grounds, a location of the much sought after Fountain of Youth, fantastic diving and much more.

Bimini Factoid—The island's name “Bimini” is derived from the Taino words “Bibi” (mother) and “Mini” (waters), meaning Mother of Many Waters. Taini is a Native American language of the Caribbean Islands.

Special thanks to the staff and management of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina for making this adventure possible.

Show listeners and blog readers, stay tuned. More details to unfold!

Marine Industries and Art ready to take center-stage on the Treasure Coast

How much information can you pack into a one hour show? Apparently quite a bit if you took in Friday's show!

Kicking off the first show of the year, Mark Amaral of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) and Rachel LaMarre, co-coordinator of the International Marina and Boatyard Conference, called in from AMI headquarters in frigid Warren, Rhode Island. Mark and Rachel provided listeners with great information about the upcoming International Marina and Boatyard Conference slated for January 27-29 in Tampa, Florida. Over 600 persons are expected to attend from around the country and from around the world! Some as far away as Australia, the United Kingdom, Dubai and Spain. Florida is still an international tourism destination! 

Ft. Lauderdale is the location for the 2011 Conference. Could Martin County be the site of the 2012 conference?

Moving from conferences to fine arts and crafts, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce volunteer Carla Stiles talked up the 4th Annual Jensen Beach Fine Arts and Crafts Show coming up January 16-17, which kicks off the 2010 Cultural Arts Season.

Next up was Capt.’s Chris and Alyse Caldwell pumping up the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and the 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo. Nearly 50 boats will be staying at Harborage Yacht Club and Marina. The boating community is certainly doing its part to boost marine tourism!

The sailfish bite in the 30th Annual Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational, which ended the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship for this season, was phenomenal! As of Wednesday, just after two days of fishing the 29 boats competing were zeroing in on the all time record of 386 releases set in 2004. The amazing thing is that in  2004, 53 boats were competing compared to 29 this year. Speaking of records, Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors shared the date of what year over 1,000 sailfish were caught in one week!

Thanks for tuning in. The next Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast will broadcast live from the Stuart Boat Show. Stop by the Flahama booth between 10 a.m. and 11 a..m. on Friday (January 15) to meet show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors, and perhaps to say a few words on the air.

If you missed this week's show, you can download or listen to it here.

Boat Shows, Cruiser Expos, Tournament News, and Arts 'Season' is Upon Us

Happy 2010 to all our loyal listeners and fans from Martin County, the Treasure Coast, around the State, the Islands of the Bahamas and around the world!

As the show did in 2009, “Radio Man” (aka Gary Guertin) and “History Lady” (aka Robin Hicks-Connors) promise to bring you the best in tourism infomation, news, trends, events and sometimes even provocative topics.

So, we off and running with our first show of the new year, batteries charged, mike levels set and a great lineup of guests. Joining us this week is Captain’s Chris and Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Service, coordinators of the 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo, which is an integral part of the 36 Annual Stuart Boat Show that begins next Friday, January 15. This husband-wife team will describe what’s new and exciting this year, and give their predictions for attendance numbers, as well as their read on the current state of the boating industry.

This week, the Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational Tournament wraps up sailfish tournament season and the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship. Expect an update on standings.

The arts and craft show season starts in earnest this month. Guest Carla Siles will tell us what's happening and where.

Last, but not least, Rachel Lamarra and Mark Amaral of the Association of Marina Industries will be calling in to talk about the International Marina and Boatyard Conference being held in Tampa, January 27th through the 29th, 2010.

As you have come to expect, History Lady will have her “This Week in Martin County History” and "What’s Happening in Martin County," and maybe even a few surprises.

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, January 8) at 10 a.m., either on your radio dial--WPSL 1590 AM--or on your computer--www.wpsl.com. And as always, if you miss the live show, the audio will be posted here on the blog in a day or two.