March 20 show "All About the Food" ready for listening or download!

Here's the LINK to listen to the March 20 show, which featured Katy Lynch, editor and publisher of Dine Magazine, Paul Daly, owner operator of The Flagler Grill in Downtown Stuart and co-owner of the Pelican Café, and Harborage Yacht Club’s Chef extraordinaire Mark Muller. Enjoy!

March 27 Show Link

Friday, March 27 "Hobe Sound and Callahoo Soup" show ready for listening and download from WPSL HERE.  Enjoy!

March 27 Talkin' Tourism: A focus on Hobe Sound

This week’s show was as promised, a great mix of topics, “chit chat and chatter” and no one “spilled all dar’ beans.”

Guest Jennifer Ferrari, executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, did an excellent job of describing how all five Martin County Chambers of Commerce work together in their respective areas to insure that their tourism related member business are on the forefront of the effort to promote the county and the Treasure Coast as a great destination.

Factoids: 95% of Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce members have 5 or less employees; Polo has arrived in Hobe Sound and the first polo match was played yesterday…look out Wellington!

Jennifer brought to the show one of her Chamber members, Ms. Susan Hanson. Ms. Hanson is an artist who owns a gallery in Hobe Sound called Pluto in Leo. Susan started painting “Full Moons” from Hobe Sound Beach. Learn what is known as a Blue Moon! Ms. Hanson is also a psychic and conducts Tarot Card readings.

Jennifer stayed on the air during the second half of the show and added more 'spice' to the callaloo.

Host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors touched on all the “Pre-Show Blog” topics and more. So, sit back, relax and enjoy another episode of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. (Audio file to be posted soon!)

Talkin' Tourism March 27 Show Preview

This week’s show will be a real callaloo…a great mix of topics season with “chit chat and chatter.” Here's what to expect:

• • Jennifer Ferrari, executive director of the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and vice-chair of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau, will share with listeners the role of Treasure Coast Chambers of Commerce in promoting our Treasure Coast destination, she will also give listeners a run down of great events and activities slated for the Hobe Sound area.
  
  • Host Gary Guertin conducted a pre-show interview with Bobbi Spencer, coordinator of the Stuart and Ft. Pierce Green Markets, and will discuss why green markets are so popular with locals and visitors.
  
  • The traditional west coast/east coast summer boat migration is now threatened by the proposed closing of the Moore Haven Lock for nearly 3 month in prime season.
  
  • An update on why the Treasure Coast is so attractive as a Spring-break mecca as a affordable family-friendly, eco-lovers dream come true.
  
  • What’s happening to hotel rates and occupancy in major areas such as Miami-Dade and why the Treasure Coast can benefit.
  
  • Air Azul, based in St. Petersburg will be offering twice weekly flights beginning June 10 from Melborne International Airport with introductory fares of $79.00. Learn more on Friday.
  
  • Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina Great Guana Cay, Abaco now part of the Flahama-TM network with great dockage discounts.
  
  And much more. On Friday, March 27, tune your radio dial to 1590 AM at 10 a.m. to hear Talkin' Tourism airing live from the Captain's Lounge of Stuart's Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.

March 20 Talkin' Tourism Recap

Today’s show hosted by Gary Guertin, with co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, was “all about the food.” Katy Lynch, editor and publisher of Dine Magazine, Paul Daly, owner operator of The Flagler Grill in Downtown Stuart, and Harborage Yacht Club’s Chef extraordinaire Mark Muller talked at length about the importance of “food and beverage” in creating and enhancing visitor destinations. Any listener who didn't walk away hungry from this show, just doesn't like food!

Katy discussed in detail the expansion of her magazine into the Treasure Coast area, her experience as a participant in a Dinner In the Sky adventure (http://www.dinnerintheskyevents.com/), and the importance of advertising, marketing and special events to a restaurant’s success.

Paul Daly, shares his involvement with the funky and cool Pelican Café, which is pet friendly” and the evolution of the Stuart Downtown area into a dining mecca that currently has 14 great restaurants to chose from.

Last in the line up but certainly not least, Harborage Yacht Club’s own Chef Mark Muller describes for the listening audience that awesome features and menu mainstays at the Harbor Grille.

Mark also reminds listeners about two great events happening in the next couple of weeks:

(1) The Taste of Martin County on March 31 (benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Martin County)

(2) The International Wine Tasting at Harbour Bay Plaza on Sewall's Point on April 4

The link to this weeks show will be posted as soon as it is available.

On a forward note, the March 27 show will welcome Hobe Sound Chamber executive Jennifer Ferrari to hype Appraisal Fest 2009, slated for March 28, starring "The Appraisal Guys," Tim Luke and Greg Strahm. A few more guests to be mentioned later this week.

March 20: Traveling to Eat!

This week Talkin' Tourism explores the phenomena of Food Tourism.

USA Today reported on a study that indicated of the 160 million U.S. residents who travel for leisure, about 1 in 6 have taken a food tour, enrolled in a cooking class, toured a winery or otherwise participated in culinary activities as part of a vacation. Nearly half took a trip or chose a destination because of the food and wine activities they would find there.

According to the TIA study, New York state is one of the most popular destinations for food travel, outdone only by California and Florida.

The Treasure Coast has some great dining options. This week's show will give listeners an insider's look into how food, wine and eating have a role in tourism.

Guests this week include:

Paul Daley, the owner/operator of The Flagler Grill and co-owner of the Pelican Cafe.

Katherine Lynch, editor and publisher of Dine Magazine, an upscale dining, luxury lifestyle publication covering the best of South Florida. You can also find Katy blogging on The South Florida Traveler (http://www.thesouthfloridatraveler.com/) and Dine Magazine (http://www.dinemag.net/), or planning events for Dine Magazine's Wine and Dine Club.


Chef Mark Muller, executive chef of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina's Harborage Grille. Chef Muller has maintained a standard of excellence in the Treasure Coast area since 1986, having worked with many of the area’s five-star chefs, including Howard Felch at Sailfish Point, Michael Polonieck at No Anchovies, Keith Crandall at Café La Ronde, and Mark Walton at Loblolly Pines.

Prior to Harbor Grille, Chef Muller and his wife, Melissa, owned and operated The Limelight, in Fort Pierce. His mouth-watering recipes and cutting-edge presentation earned a loyal following among Treasure Coast diners, while winning four-star ratings and numerous People’s Choice awards from local newspapers. Chef Muller gained expert knowledge in creating private in-house events, such as wine tastings and jazz dinners that he will share with Harbor Grille.

Aside from years in the kitchen, Chef Muller received a stellar education, earning his Professional Chef’s Degree at the Florida Culinary Institute, and after graduating from Martin County High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy.

Like grocery shopping, don't listen to the show hungry! Tune in on WPSL 1590 AM this Friday at 10 a.m. to hear the show broadcast live from the Captain's Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina.

March 13 Show all about Destination Weddings and Florida's Cool State Parks

The March 13th show was a real eye opener. Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Conners were surprised to learn that one of only 42 Master Bridal Consultants in the world, AnnaMarie Wintercorn , lives right here on the Treasure Coast! AnnaMarie shared with the listening audience how important destination weddings are to the tourism industry. Wedding guests come from all compass points to share in the celebrated event.

While attending the wedding, often arriving several days before and staying several days after, many of these guests are seeing the area for the first time and will certainly return on their own vacation. Hear how everyone WINS by promoting the Treasure Coast as a wedding destination.

Martin Morse, park services specialist opened up the fascinating world of the Florida State Park System. Listen and learn about Martin’s “top picks” for the most unique Florida State Parks, from the coral reefs of John Pennekamp State Park to the Waukulla State Park with the largest and deepest fresh water springs in the world to the fascinating stalagmites and stalactites of Florida Caverns State Park.

Last but certainly not least during the top of the show, Gary Guertin recapped the excitement of Bahama Night with the Consul General Mrs. Gladys Johnson-Sands in attendance, along with many Flahama partners in attendance featuring Mango “the best one man calypso band” in the Bahamas providing toe-tapping entertainment.

March 13--How Weddings Influence Tourism and State Parks on the Treasure Coast

Photo credit © smoothdude on Flickr.com


This week's guests on Talkin' Tourism are AnnaMarie Wintercorn and Martin Morse.

AnnaMarie is a certified wedding consultant. And, according to here, there are 4,500certified Wedding consultants worldwide. She is one of 45. Yes, that is 45 in the world, who have reached her level of certification. AnnaMarie will share informaton on the trends of the wedding market, give listeners insight as to how weddings impact tourism, and she'll share the diversity of venues on the Treasure Coast and Northern Palm Beach area to host the perfect wedding affair.

Martin Morse is a parks services specialist at Jonathan Dickenson State Park. He'll focus on the strength of our state parks as tourism attractions, narrow it down to the Treasure Coast, and finally to our own Jonathan Dickenson State Park.

Tune in to this week's Talkin' Tourism on WPSL 1590 AM from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., broadcasting live from the Captain's Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.

March 6 Show Wrap-up: Domestic & International Baseball and Florida Oceanographic

This week Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin shared the microphone with a new guest co-host, Ed Griffith, who came dressed for the occasion in a tropical shirt, sunglasses and a cap from the Italian Baseball Team that stayed at his property (Courtyard Marriott by Marriott Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach)for four days.

Those who tuned in for golf-talk may have been confused; unfortunately our scheduled golf expert had a scheduling conflict, but guests Paul Taglieri, general manager of the St. Lucie Mets, and Joseph Patton, director of development for the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, filled the hour with lots of great information

Listeners (and viewers who tuned in for the live video-stream) learned the following:

BASEBALL

• Impact of major league spring training at Tradition Field. Many businesses in the area benefit when the Mets are in town, including retail, restaurants and hotels. Once spring training ends, the minor league season begins and runs through September, so it's a full summer of baseball here on the Treasure Coast. Additionally, the fact that the Mets are here, plays to the New York market with regards to advertising and marketing this area of Florida as a tourism destination.

• Baseball entertainment is real family fun, especially in these challenging economic times.

• The World Baseball League was created to promote the sport of baseball globally.

• Many high schools from places as far away as Toms River (NJ), Germantown (PA), St. Albans (Washington D.C.) have been coming to St. Lucie County for Spring training for nearly 26 years. The estimated impact of these "regulars" on the area exceeds 5 million dollars!

FLORIDA OCEANOGRAPHIC

• The Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS), which was founded in 1964, is a membership not-for-profit with the expressed mission “to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education and research”. This is accomplished through a multitude of educational programs conducted on the site of the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center as will as outreach speakers programs.

• A key endeavor of FOS at this time is to reduce and hopefully eliminate the discharge of water from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee River and to restore the natural flow into the Everglades.

• The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is the culmination of the vision of Mark Perry Executive Director and early founding directors. The 57 acres that comprise the campus of the Coastal Center has many unique attractions, including the Sting Ray Feeding Tank (the barbs have been removed from the rays…no danger), an incredible experience for children! The Francis Langford Visitors Center (a gift from Ms. Langford in the ‘80s) has many interactive exhibits and also displays the Francis and Ralph Evinrude collection of fish mounts. The Coastal Center also has two walking trails that pass through mangrove forests leading out to the Indian River Lagoon. Host Gary shared some thoughts on the “early years” when some of the directors including Jordan Fields, Glenn Massnick, Gary Guertin and others were carving out the trails with cutlasses. Working out of a trailer, the vision was never lost.

• A relatively new feature of the Coastal Center is the Game Fish Lagoon which has many species of native fish including snook, tarpon, and snapper. One unique resident of the lagoon is a 10 pound mullet, one of the largest mullet ever seen. The Game fish Lagoon effort was spearheaded by none other than Karl Wickstrom, owner/publisher of Florida Sportsman Magazine.

• The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a major Martin County attraction. Each year approximately 50,000 visitors learn about coastal environments at the center.

• The Florida Oceanographic Center is a prime example of utilizing the Treasure Coast’s natural assets to promote eco-tourism and nature-based tourism. The center also fosters the protection and preservation of our ocean and coastal resources, which from a tourism economic point of view are priceless and irreplaceable.

Last, host Gary Guertin plugged the Big 'O' (Okeechobee) birding event and provided an “Bahamas Up Date:"

• 5th Annual Bahamas Music and Heritage Festival, March 12-14, 2009; George Town, Exuma
• Art on the Island/Seafood Fest, May 22-24,2009: Bimini
• Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour, Inaugural Wahoo Championship April 2-4, 2009

To view or download the show, click HERE.

Friday, March 6: Spring Training, Golf and Environmental Tourism

This week Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin has planned a show that focuses on Spring Training and 'Green' tourism. This week's co-host is Ed Griffith, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach (who'll share some exciting news about the Italian Baseball team).

Our lineup includes Paul Taglieri, director of operations of the New York Mets; Joseph Patton, the new development director of the Florida Oceanographic Society; and possibly Bob Baldassari, general manager for PGA Village.

LAST...if the technology gods smile upon us, this week's show will be live-video-streamed from the Captain's Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina on www.wpsl.com!! Tune in on the web or to WPSL 1590 AM on your radio dial at 10 a.m.

As always, expect a few last minute surprises!

"Picture City" and Sailfish Lead to Tourism

On February 27, Talkin' Tourism welcomed Gary Scott and Ed Killer to the show.

Gary Scott is the head of production at New Vision Productions, Inc., which is based in Stuart. He talked about film and television production and the enormous potential that exists for the industry here on the Treasure Coast. Gary's first introduction to the area came through work on an Outboard Marine Corporation commercial. Gary shared that productions brings dollars. A wide array of services are needed, including accommodations, catering, talent, support staff, and more. In addition, the industry can help showcase an area.

Listeners learned film and television production is not new to the area. In 1913, the original Robinson Crusoe was filmed along the banks of the St. Lucie River. Other productions filmed in the area include Gentle Giant, filmed in the 1960's mostly in Port Salerno starring Vera Miles and Dennis Weaver; MoonRaker; BL Stryker, a television series starring Burt Reynolds; Empire of the Ants, released in 1977, filmed largely on Hutchinson Island and in the Everglades and starring Joan Collins, Robert Lansing, John David Carson, and Pamela Shoop.

Show co-host Robin Hicks-Connors also provided some history about a proposed 1900's development planed for the Hobe Sound area called 'Picture City.' The intent was to have a city built for the production of film, movies and the like. Unfortunately the Florida Land Boom turned into the Florida Land Bust and the project never really got off the ground. The gas street lamps on Dixie Highway in the Hobe Sound area are testament to that early effort.

Ed Killer, outdoors writer for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, reflected on the history of the Stuart Sailfish Club, and more specifically the history of sportfishing as a tourism generator on the Treasure Coast. In the early days, local folks realized the opportunity to take visitors out for a day of fishing. The fish sought were primarily meat fish—cobia, kingfish, grouper, and more. Toly Englebretsen was recognized as one of the earliest charter boat captains, taking guest out for $15 per day.

Sailfish became a sought after species in the winter months and the billfish were caught in large numbers with very unsophisticated tackle. Ernie Lyons, working for the then Stuart Messenger, would send telegrams to sports and outdoors writer across the nation when the “bite was on” and would invite them (early FAM trip) to come fishing with captains like Curt Whitaker, who at 98 is now writing his memoirs. Of course the journalist from New York, Chicago, St. Louis and other major cities would later write about it and 'tourists' would flock to the area to fish.

The Stuart Sailfish Club was formed in 1935 and incorporated in 1941. The club initiated the conservation effort of catch and release to “protect” the species. In 1938, a reporter from the Miami Herald told Ernie Lyons the area should be named the Sailfish Capital of the World. The rest is history!

Ed also reflected on the importance of all of the fishing tournaments that occur in the area, which bring anglers to the area from all over the country, who spend money on hotels, marinas, food, bait tackle and much more.

Learn more by listening to the show. Download it HERE.