Since World War II, tourists have flocked to Florida's northwest Gulf Coast and sun and fun spots at Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola Beach. Every year those visitors number in the millions. For those who long to recall how the vacationland appeared thirty, forty, or even fifty years ago, Tim Hollis has written Florida's Miracle Strip: From Redneck Riviera to Emerald Coast. In a style that informs and entertains, Hollis describes the rise of early developments, such as Long Beach Resort, and major tourist attractions, such as the Gulfarium and the Miracle Strip Amusement Park. With heartfelt nostalgia and a dose of tongue-in-cheek, he reminisces on the motels and tourist cottages; the restaurants, such as Captain Anderson's and Staff's; the elaborate miniature golf courses, such as Goofy Golf and its many imitators. He takes a special delight in recovering the memories of those quirky businesses that now exist only in faded photographs and aging postcards, such wacky tourist traps as Castle Dracula, Petticoat Junction, Tombstone Territory, and the Snake-A-Torium. In the book, Hollis examines how this area became known as the "Miracle Strip," and how the local chambers of commerce got so tired of that image that the name gradually fell into disuse. The book is illustrated with a profusion of vintage photos and advertisements, most of which have not been seen in print since their original appearances. For the nostalgia lover, the snowbird, the tourist seeking yesteryear, Florida's Miracle Strip: From Redneck Riviera to Emerald Coast will be a welcome traveling companion.

Providing the most accurate and up-to-date information, "Fodor's Florida 2009" features options for a variety of budgets, interests, and tastes, so visitors can experience Florida like a local.

Provides complete travel information on the cities, small towns, and resorts of Florida with advice on transportation, dining, sightseeing, accommodations, sports, shopping, and other attractions

This guide covers all of North Florida and the Panhandle south through Gainesville, including Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine. Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot on the Gulf Coast, a wild river to paddle, a dramatic waterfall, or a historic homestead to visit, seasoned travel writers Friend and Wolf show you the best of everything in the region. Coverage includes Gainesville, Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, with hundreds of authoritative and dependable lodging and dining recommendations for the entire area.

Whether you're kayaking through mangroves, bodysurfing with manta rays, or sunbathing with a piña colada in hand, soak up the Sunshine State with Moon Florida Gulf Coast. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries from a weeklong family vacation to a 10-day road trip covering all 700 miles of the Florida Gulf Coast, designed for beach-goers, wildlife enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and more The best spots for outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, biking, bird-watching, and fishing and the best beaches for swimming, sunsets, and seclusion Top activities and unique experiences: Discover the vibrant performing arts scene in Sarasota or stroll through quaint riverfront towns and secluded island enclaves. Unwind on shell-scattered beaches, collect fresh scallops in spring-fed waters, explore winding mazes of mangroves, or spot gators in the swampy Everglades. Ride the coasters at Busch Gardens, browse art galleries in Naples, or check out a local swamp buggy race. Sail through the canals of Tampa, kick back at a beachfront oyster bar, and sip a local brew as the sun sets over the ocean Expert advice from Florida native Jason Ferguson on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around by car, bus, or boat Photos and detailed maps throughout Background information on the Gulf Coast's landscape, wildlife, history, and culture Handy tips for international visitors, families with kids, LGBTQ travelers, and travelers with disabilities With Moon Florida Gulf Coast's practical advice and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way. For more of the Sunshine State, try Moon Florida Keys. Hitting the road? Check out Moon South Florida & the Keys Road Trip.

Provides complete travel information on the cities, small towns, and resorts of Florida with advice on transportation, dining, sightseeing, accommodations, sports, shopping, and other attractions