Polo and Kid-Centric Activities on the Treasure Coast

This Friday, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast discusses chukkers, mallets, ponies and a sport that dates back to the 4th and 5th century BC. The “Game of Kings” coming to Martin County? No, not coming…it is already here!

Join hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors as they meet with Sean Clem, the marketing director of the Sunlight Polo & Saddle Club, to learn about this new and exciting recreational opportunity for area residents and visitors.

“Horsing around” is big business, attracting participants and polo fans from around the world. What used to be a 6,000-acre working ranch has been transformed into a world class equestrian facility. In addition to its polo fields and related amenities, Sunlight Saddle and Polo Club encompasses the needs for all equestrian enthusiasts. Learn more about the club's popular "Friday Nights Under the Lights." Bring on the champagne, strawberries and caviar!

A subject that Talkin' Tourism has not yet specifically touched on is what kid-centric activities can be found on the Treasure Coast. Two of this week's guests will give listeners a run down. Meet Tammy Calabria, the executive director of the Children’s Museum, which is located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, and Christina Wagner, the director of education and exhibits at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island. Not only will Tammy and Christina enlighten and inform listeners about the fun opportunities for children at their respective facilities, they will provide our listeners with the broader view of the “pixie dust” that is available right here on the Treasure Coast for kids. From feeding the stingrays at the Coastal Center, interactive Car Care Exhibit at the Children’s Museum, to fishing clinics and youth sailing instruction at the U.S. Sailing Center in Jensen Beach, the Treasure Coast offers a lot of activities for the younger ones.

Later in the show the discussion will turn to PediCabs and other fun activities you don’t want to miss.

Tune in Friday at 10 a.m. (WPSL 1590 AM or http://www.wpsl.com/) and have fun with another great show as 'Radio Man' and 'History Lady' talk tourism.

A Commissioner's Perspective and Surfin' Florida USA

After last week's live remote from Costa d'Este, which Gary had fun hyping to Robin since she missed out on the experience, both were ensconced back at Harborage Yacht Club & Marina and were back on track.  Before tourism talk could resume, both shared highpoints from the past two weeks. First, Robin shared that the Historical Society received an Addy from the Treasure Coast Ad Federation and Gary shared he'd been appointed to a national marina legislation committee and served on a LEADERSHIP Martin County economic panel, representing the marine and tourism industries. Congratulations to both!

Martin County Commission Board Chairman Doug Smith was first up this week and shared with listeners his thoughts on a variety of local, regional and state industry issues. Commissioner Smith also shared his opinon on offshore oil drilling in Florida. Other topics discussed included collaboration among tourism stakeholders and whether a convention center was in the future.

Next up were Justin Beard, the director of communications for the United Way of Martin County and Jordan Schwartz, owner of Ohana Surf Shop on Hutchinson Island. Both got the Talkin' Tourism hosts in the groove for the upcoming Stuart Single Fin Showdown surf contest, an event purposely designed to be a great seaside family event. And, whether you are a surf dude or dudette, or even a spectator, a fun day should be enjoyed by all. Jordan promises the surf gods are predicting a good swell for the event. History Lady had a hand in this year’s event and is hosting the Palm Beach County Surfing History Project at the Elliott Museum. Cowabunga! Robin!!

Next, the show took a side trip to old Cape Cod. "Moonlight and sand dunes and salty air, quaint little villages here and there," thanks for the memories Patti Page.

Last, lyrical tourism? Will someone eventually write and record the Treasure Coast anthem? Where are you Mr. Buffett?

If you missed the show, this week's audio can be downloaded HERE. Enjoy your weekend! See you next Friday.

Surf Boards, Commission Boards, and Old Cape Cod

This week Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast is back in the Captain’s Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina. What’s up this week? The surf! Guest Justin Beard, the communications and marketing director at the United Way of Martin County, joins History Lady and Radio Man to promote and chat about the 2010 Stuart Single Fin Showdown surf contest slated for March 20 to benefit the United Way. Based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s contest should be terrific.

Learn how many contest participants are expected from out of town, the profile of the average participant and their families, what professional surfers are expected to make appearances, and how the Elliott Museum ties into the event. Will Radio Man agree to serve as a judge this year? Tune in to learn the answer to this question and more.

Current Martin County Board of County Commissioners Chairman and representative to the Martin County Tourist Development Council (TDC) Doug Smith will also be joining the show this week. Martin County's support and recognition of the importance of tourism industry in the county is vital to the industy's ultimate success.

Topics up for discussion with Commissioner Smith include whether the opportunity for collaboration with tourism officials in St. Lucie and Indian River counties exists, his thoughts on the prospect of offshore oil drilling, his vision of the future for tourism in Martin County, and whatever else Gary or Robin may throw his way.

Next up, Cape Cod. This week, one of the best-selling female artists in traditional pop music from the 1950's—Patti Page—was honored on the Cape. Why? And how does it have anything to do with tourism?  Listen ito this Friday's show and you'll know why.

Last, we'll touch upon songs like Girl From Ipanema, April in Paris, I Left My heart in San Francisco, Kokomo, and Margaritaville. All certainly promote destinations and cities, real or imagined. Do song lyrics promote tourism? Gary and Robin we'll give you their thoughts on Friday.

This Friday at 10 a.m., tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your computer to http://www.wpsl.com/ to enjoy the next live show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast with your hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors.

Vero Beach--A Quaint Seaside Destination with Exceptional Standards!

Doing a radio program from the top floor penthouse suite of one of the top 10 celebrity owned hotels in the world is not tough duty. Thanks to the generous hospitality of Monica Smiley, director of sales for the Costa d’Este Beach Resort in beautiful Vero Beach, Florida, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast reached new heights…literally.

Host Gary Guertin and special guest co-host Ed Griffith, the general manager of the Courtyard Marriott Hutchinson Island, had the pleasure of spending a great and informative hour with Monica, Indian River County tourism director Susan Hunt and photographer Susie Canino.

The range of topics covered was broad. Monica shared with listeners the top of the line amenities, features and exceptional service philosophy that makes Costa d'Este Beach Resort one of the best. Susan Hunt described in great detail many of the attractions, activities and events that have continued to attract valued seasonal residents and visitors alike to this quaint seaside town. One thing we learned in today's show is that Vero Beach and Indian River County likes to eat and party! If you ever wondered how much seafood is consumed during the famous Grant Seafood Festival by 50,000 attendees, this show answers that question. If you are not a seafood fan, you could have gone Italian! The Italian American Civic Association in Vero produces an annual Italian fest that's in its 25th year.

Photographer Susie Canino has carved out a niche for her photography business—PS Photography—and partner’s with Costa d’ Este Beach Resort. Bubbling with enthusiasm , she's passionate about her work!  Listen in and discover what exactly her niche is. Here's a hint---it entails a brides wedding gift for her new husband.

Destinations with no boundaries, exceptional service standards, Vero Beach fun facts, and more are all a part of  the show. We didn't have a chance to discuss “Vero Man." We'll do that on a future show when the focus is on Archeological Tourism.

You can download the February 26 show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast HERE. And, below is a photo album from this week's live remote. Enjoy!