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Media Contact: Gentry Baumline
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
386-677-7000 / gentry@hayworthcreative.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Culinary Travelers Find It’s “Time to be a Foodie"
in Florida’s Gulf Islands
BRADENTON, Fla. (May 5, 2008) – Beginning May 2008, visitors to Florida’s Gulf Islands will be able to choose from an expanded menu of culinary events, demonstrations, and in-restaurant tastings that showcase and celebrate the popular beach destination’s fresh, flavorful local cuisine. Area growers, restaurateurs, fishermen, chefs, gourmet and farmer’s markets, hoteliers and specialty shops have all come together to create a one-of-a-kind culinary travel experience throughout Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Dubbed “Time to be a Florida Foodie," the destination-wide focus on food and fun is being served in three hearty courses: May 1 through mid-June, September/October 2008, and January 2009. To explore the tastier side of island life and book specialized vacation packages during these times, visitors can visit the destination’s new web site – www.TimetobeaFoodie.com.
“Everyone enjoys the thrill of discovering a great new restaurant, local specialty, or ‘secret’ hangout while they’re here on vacation," said Susan Estler of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve taken the best of our local culinary treasures to create a travel experience unlike any other, giving visitors a foodie-friendly look into our local industry – from inception to delivery, preparation, presentation and atmosphere."
At the TimetobeaFoodie.com web site, visitors can choose from a variety of budget-friendly vacation packages, including the Romantically Delicious B&B package, which gives couples a two-night stay at the Londoner Bed & Breakfast with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner for two at Mattison’s Riverside restaurant. The site also allows visitors to print favorite recipes, peruse chef bios, build meal-by-meal dining itineraries, and view experiential videos that capture the essence of this Old Florida destination.
The site also includes detailed event listings for cooking demonstrations and culinary events, such as Forks & Corks, June 5-8. Hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, Florida’s first chapter of the Council of Independent Restaurants of America, Forks & Corks will showcase deliciously diverse cuisine, and challenges visitors to raise a fork, pop a cork during four days of winemaker dinners, tastings, restaurant dinners and special events.
Florida’s Gulf Islands consists of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, and is marketed by the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. Visit www.floridasgulfislands.com for more information.
-Florida’s Gulf Islands-
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