SIX REASONS TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS THIS WINTER 
(NEW ORLEANS) – December 9, 2015 – New Orleans is a city known for its celebrations, and winter is no exception. From unique holiday traditions and special deals on hotels, cocktails and cuisine, to playing host to citywide celebrations, New Orleans is sure to delight guests of all ages. Below are six reasons to experience New Orleans this winter.

1.    Holiday Traditions
New Orleans is known for remaining true to its courtesies and traditions. This year, the city encourages visitors to start a new tradition of their own by inviting them to “Follow Your Joy.”

From Caroling in Jackson Square, to the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi on Christmas Eve to light the way for “Papa Noel,” visitors are sure to experience the holidays in a way they never have before in New Orleans.

Indulge in a 19th century Creole tradition, the Reveillon Dinner. Historically, families would have a large meal, called Reveillon (French for “awakening”), after coming home from Midnight Mass in the wee hours of Christmas morning. While these feasts often began around 2 a.m., today’s Reveillon Dinners are a special holiday prix fixe available in local restaurants throughout December. Roughly 50 restaurants participate each year.
After dinner, take the red streetcar down Canal Street to City Park where the centuries-old oak trees shine bright with twinkling lights as part of the park’s annual Celebration in the Oaks, through Jan.

2.    New Year, New NOLA
There’s no better place to ring in the New Year than in the Big Easy! Don’t miss New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, where spectators watch a giant fleur de lis drop from its perch on top of Jax Brewery, followed by a magnificent fireworks show on the mighty Mississippi River. Then, start the party all over again as the city plays host to the Allstate Sugar Bowl where Ole Miss and Oklahoma State University will compete on New Year’s Day. And don’t miss the free and fun performances leading up to the big game at Fan Fest, December 30 – 31.

While in town, break the mold and try something new in New Orleans. From fresh food markets like St. Roch Market and Dryades Public Market, featuring up and coming chefs; to South Market District, home to Willa Jean, a contemporary bakery by John Besh; and other New Orleans mainstays like Company Burger and Magasin, guests are sure to experience the latest and greatest the city has to offer through their eyes and stomachs. While in the area, walk or take a short cab ride to The National WWII Museum to view their newest exhibit, Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries, open December 12.

3.    Throw Me Somethin’ Mister
Don’t miss out on America’s greatest party! Fat Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras Day) falls on February 9, but the celebration starts more than four weeks out. Choose from a variety of parades in the French Quarter or Uptown, starting as early as January 6.

Take in the sights as a number of krewes, a term for Carnival organizations in New Orleans, amaze in beautifully decorated floats through the streets of Uptown and by foot in the Vieux Carré. Don’t miss the all-female Krewes of Muses and Nyx, known for throwing beautifully decorated shoes and ornamented purses, respectively. For the entire parade schedule, click here.

Marked by merrymaking and indulgence, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular foods during Mardi Gras is the king cake. Consumed by the carload and traditionally sold in bakeries, grocery stores and delis from All King’s Day (January 6) to Ash Wednesday, locals and visitors alike eat king cake for breakfast, coffee break and dessert. In fact, almost any excuse to grab a slice will do. So, dig in!

4.    Romantic Getaway
Elegant hotels, gas lamp-lit streets and intimate restaurants make New Orleans a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day. With history and charm around every corner, it won’t be difficult to find a place to steal a kiss from a Valentine, but just in case, here are some suggestions on 10 great places to kiss in New Orleans. After dinner, enjoy some of the best music around.

For those who are single and ready to mingle, New Orleans is still the place to be. Famous for spell-binding love potions and ventures in Voodoo, the famed Marie Laveau's hometown will help love-seekers attract their future companions.

For a list of some of the city’s most romantic restaurants, cocktail bars, accommodations and attractions, click here.

5.    Mild Climate to Enjoy The Great Outdoors
Recently voted in the top three best cities for outdoor enthusiasts, the Crescent City is home to the country’s largest urban wildlife refuge, Bayou Savage and one of the nation’s oldest urban parks, City Park. Plus, the mild winter weather in New Orleans makes outdoor fun enjoyable year-round.

For those looking to experience the real wild side of New Orleans, make a date with Canoe & Trail Adventures for an up close and personal look at the many surrounding swamps and bayous…and yes, real alligators!

Looking to explore the city in a different way? Known for its walkability, another mode of transportation that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike are the bike tours. Choose a tour based on neighborhoods, such as City Park, Mid-City, the Garden District and Vieux Carre, courtesy of Free Wheelin' Bike Tours.

6.    Budget Friendly
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit New Orleans, especially for travelers seeking value and fewer crowds. Each year, more than 50 hotels throughout the city offer rates up to 25 percent off through January, referred to as Papa Noel rates, named after the Cajun Santa Claus. So pack a bag and take advantage of the special rates while they last. A little secret, the best deals are usually found early to mid-week, Sunday through Thursday.

And no trip to New Orleans is complete without hopping on one of the city’s famous streetcars, decked out for the holiday season, of course! Catch the Canal Street, Riverfront or St. Charles Avenue lines, which will connect explorers to a number of the city’s beloved restaurants, neighborhoods, attractions and events for just $1.25 each way.

For trip-planning assistance, from hotel reservations to restaurant recommendations, as well as a list of upcoming events, visitwww.neworleanscvb.com. 

​Vienna new restaurants, new exhibitions & a new UNESCO world heritage

 Viennese restaurants: new chefs, new concepts 
Jewish-Mediterranean street food, an Asian Heuriger wine tavern, casual fine dining and a bar-cum-deli: a quartet of new arrivals add some interesting flavors to the capital’s thriving restaurant scene. 
more
    
  Contemporary exhibitions in Vienna in 2016 
It’s not all Baroque opulence in the Austrian capital – the city also has a flourishing contemporary art scene. Austrian and international artists have always prized Vienna as a fertile breeding ground for their work. A chronological overview of the city’s main contemporary art exhibitions in 2016. more
    
  Spanish Riding School inscribed on Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 
The classical horsemanship practised at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the start of December 2015. more
    
  Food, made in Vienna 
Sustainable mushrooms, fruity yogurts and mature cheeses: Vienna is an El Dorado for food producers. 
more
    
  The Rhythm of Vienna: Vienna Tourist Board short film competition 
The Vienna Tourist Board and the VIS Vienna Independent Shorts festival have launched a new short film competition, with the three winning submissions set to be premiered at a special screening in Vienna in mid-September. more

EURAIL OFFERS MORE EUROPE FOR FREE: GET UP TO FIVE EXTRA TRAVEL DAYS WITH PURCHASE OF EURAIL PASS BY APRIL 30
 
NEW YORK, NY, February 3, 2016 – See more of Europe by train for free this year. Eurail is rewarding travelers who plan ahead with its Extra Days Promotion, offering up to five additional complimentary travel days on most Eurail Passes purchased now through April 30, 2016.
 
New this year, Eurail has extended its Eurail Pass purchase period from six to 11 months before departure, allowing customers plan their rail itineraries at the same time as their transatlantic air – and reap advance savings. Coupled with other Eurail options like the children travel free program, the Extra Days Promotion makes a Europe vacation with Eurail even more budget-friendly.
 
"We look to encourage our customers to discover all that Europe has to offer,” said Silvia Görlach, Eurail Group’s sales and marketing manager. “While grand capital cities are perpetually popular, one of the benefits of having free extra days is that it allows visitors time to add smaller off-the-beaten track towns to itineraries and live like a local, experiencing Europe beyond the usual hotspots.”
 
Travelers who take advantage of the Extra Days Promotion get up to five additional travel days on their Eurail Global Pass while all Eurail Select and One Country Passes* include one extra free travel day.
 
Eurail Global Passes can be used to travel in 28 European countries and offer travelers the flexibility to create their own unique rail itinerary across Europe. The Eurail Select and One Country Passes provide extensive options for travelers wanting to experience one to four Eurail participating countries.
 
Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized General Sales Agents. For more information visit: www.eurailgroup.org/eurail-vendors. 
 
* Extra Days Promotion does not apply to the Greek Island One Country Pass. 
 
About Eurail G.I.E.
Established in 2001, Eurail Group G.I.E. is the organisation dedicated to the management of Eurail and Interrail products, for both non-European and European residents respectively. Owned by over 35 railway and shipping companies, Eurail Group G.I.E. partners with hotels, transport companies and attractions to offer additional special benefits to all Eurail Pass holders. Visit www.eurailgroup.org for further information.

DELRAY BEACH OPEN - February 12-21, 2016


When: ATP Champions Tour Event: Friday, Feb. 12 - Sunday, Feb. 14
            Starts @ 6:00 pm Friday, 12:30 pm Saturday, 12:30 pm Sunday 
            ATP World Tour Qualifying: Saturday, Feb. 13 - Sunday, Feb. 14
            Starts @ 11:00 am Saturday, 11:00 am Sunday 
            ATP World Tour Event: Monday, Feb. 15 - Sunday, Feb. 21
            Starts @ 11:00 am Monday - Friday, 1:00 pm Saturday (semifinals)
            Sunday Finals @ 1:00 pm (doubles) & 3:00 pm (singles)

Where: The Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center, 201 W. Atlantic Avenue. I-95 exit 52 (Atlantic Ave), Florida Turnpike: Exit 81 (Atlantic Ave). Head east using either exit and look for the tournament signs.


Who: The ATP World Tour field is led by a pair of Top 20 players in 2012 champion Kevin Anderson (No. 14) and Bernard Tomic (No. 20), plus former world No. 4 and 2011 Delray Beach champion Juan Martin del Potro, defending champion Ivo Karlovic (No. 26), Grigor Dimitrov (No. 28) and the defending champions Bryan Brothers doubles team. The ATP Champions Tour field includes six "legends of the game" in a USA vs International format. The USA team includes Mardy Fish, James Blake  & Aaron Krickstein vs the International trio of Sebastien Grosjean, Wayne Ferreira and Emilio Sanchez.  
 
TV Coverage: The ATP World Tour event will be televised domestically on Tennis Channel and internationally in more than 110 countries. The broadcasts start Monday, Feb. 15 and runs through the finals on Sunday, Feb. 21. 
   
Admission: Ticket prices range from $29 to $85 for individual seats. Tournament packages, Weekender packages, on-court Best Seats in the House and covered Stadium Veranda seating are also available. Sky Suites seating eight (8) patrons are available for some sessions. Tickets can be purchased by phone (561-330-6000), on YellowTennisBall.com, or at the on-site box office. 
 
Special Admission Offers:
Military, Law Enforcement and Firefighters/Emergency Personnel - two (2) free tickets per session with official department ID   
Seniors Day BOGO - offer available on reserved and box seats for Saturday (Feb. 13), Monday (Feb. 15) and Wednesday (Feb. 17) day sessions
Food Drive, presented by Champion Porsche - (Tuesday, Feb. 16), donate eight (8) canned non-perishable items and receive free tickets for the day session.
 
Gates: Open an hour before play, with the exception of those holding passes or tickets for on-site special events. 
 
Parking: $5 in South County Courthouse Parking Garage (Atlantic & SW 2nd Ave) or Old School Square Parking Garage (Entrance on NE 1st Ave), Valet Parking $20. $10 discounted valet parking available for Porsche drivers. 
   
Downtown Roundabout Trolley:  Service runs between the Delray Beach Tri-Rail station and the tournament weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 6:00 am to 11:15 pm and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 8:00 am to 11 pm. The trolley stops near the tournament entrance on W. Atlantic Ave.


Traffic: Fans can use the toll-free 511 Traveler Information Service, visit FL511.com or check the free Florida 511 mobile app to get traffic updates when heading to the tournament.


Security/Items Disallowed: The general public may be subject to bag searches. No backpacks, coolers or outside food or drink permitted on the premises.

Umbrellas: Umbrellas are permitted on-site, but the use of umbrellas is NOT permitted in the stadium or in outside court seating areas.  
    
Information: Visit www.YellowTennisBall.com or call 561-330-6000.

About The Delray Beach Open: The only tournament in the world featuring an ATP Champions Tour event and an ATP World Tour event in the same week at the same venue is held in Delray Beach, Florida February 12-21 at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. The ATP World Tour's first North American hard court event of the outdoor season is one of just 10 ATP World Tour events in the United States. In 2016 it will be celebrating its 24th year overall and 18th in Delray Beach.  The ATP Champions Tour event is in its 7th year and was the first-ever event played on US soil. Each year the Delray Beach Open brings world-class tennis players and thousands of visitors to Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.  In 2010, the tournament received the Discover The Palm Beaches Florida's annual Providencia Award for its extraordinary contribution to tourism. The City of Delray Beach was also a finalist for the USTA's "Best Tennis Town" Award and in 2003, the tournament was the recipient of an "ATP Award of Excellence." 

​For more information please visit www.YellowTennisBall.com.  

About ATP: The ATP is the governing body of the men's professional tennis circuits - the ATP World Tour, the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP Champions Tour. With 62 tournaments in 31 countries, the ATP World Tour showcases the finest male athletes competing in the world's most exciting venues. From Australia to Europe and the Americas to Asia, the stars of the 2015 ATP World Tour battle for prestigious titles and Emirates ATP Ranking Points at ATP World Tour events (including Master Series 1000, 500 and 250 events), as well as Grand Slams (non ATP events). The ATP Champions Tour brings together many of the greatest tennis players in history for nostalgic, competitive and entertaining tournaments around the world. Players are either formerly ranked No. 1 in the world in singles, a Grand Slam singles champion or finalist, or a singles player on a winning Davis Cup team. Players must be retired from ATP World Tour competition and each event can invite wild card entrants of its choice.
About The City of Delray Beach: In the southeast corner of Palm Beach County on the Atlantic seashore, a Village by the Sea that began as an agricultural community in 1895 has become one of Florida's most popular destinations for visitors, new families and seasonal residents. The City of Delray Beach encompasses slightly over 16 square miles with a permanent population of nearly 65,000 and growing. Renewal and re-development efforts have resulted in recognition as the All-America City in 1993 and 2001, the Blue Wave designation for clean and beautiful beaches, and hailed by city planners around the nation as a model for growth management. In 2012 during the nationally televised "Best of the Road" special, Delray Beach was chosen by Rand McNally, USA Today and the Travel Channel as the "Most Fun Small Town" in America. In 2014, USA Today also named it as one of the "Best Atlantic Beaches in Florida." 

PREDATORS AND PREY - A ROMAN MOSAIC FROM LOD, ISRAEL VISITS MIAMI

─ Archaeological Treasure’s World Tour Continues at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU, February 10 through May 15  ─
─ Seen at Major Museums: The Louvre in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia  ─

The Miami presentation of the Lod Mosaic is generously underwritten by Patricia & Phillip Frost

Visitors to Miami this winter travel season have a chance to meet a true “Roman Rock Star” up close in the magnificent Lod Mosaic, a 3rd-century CE Roman Mosaic from the Eastern Roman Empire in modern-day Israel. 

The mosaic continues its transcontinental tour at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU, the Smithsonian affiliate in Miami. Presented in association with the Israel Antiquities Authority, the mosaic has attracted crowds at the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Hermitage Museum in Russia.

The exhibition in Miami (opens February 10, closes May 15) has been generously underwritten by the museum’s patrons Patricia and Phillip Frost and provides a rare opportunity to to see one of the world’s finest, largest and most well-preserved ancient mosaics up close.
The Israel Antiquities Authority is shipping to Miami an additional never-before-seen portion of the mosaic  from the excavation that has not traveled outside of Israel. The Miami version of this world tour will be the first time this additional panel has been exhibited. Photos available upon request. 
This spectacular discovery is lauded for its remarkable state of preservation.Because Miami’s peak tourism season coincides with the exhibition, travelers from all over the world who flock to the sunshine capital during the winter will also be able to witness the 1,700-year-old masterpiece.  
Critics and reviewers have heralded the artist who created this masterwork as one of the world’s greatest mosaic artists ever, and have called this mosaic superstar “The Roman Rock Star.”

The Opening Reception will take place Wednesday, February 10, 5-8 p.m. (free and open to the public, but due to crowd capacity RSVP is recommended in advance to[email protected]). The exhibition will remain on view through May 15. The museum is located on the campus of Florida International University, located at 10975 S.W. 17 Street, Miami, FL 33199 (directions). 

A Spectacular Example of Preserving World Cultural Heritage Sites:
With Far-Reaching Importance Today

Especially during today’s troubled times with heritage sites in danger in war-torn areas, the Lod Mosaic provides a spectacular example of rescue archaeology and conservation. 
The Israel Antiquities Authority saved the Lod Mosaic after it was discovered by a construction crew during a 1996 excavation to widen a roadway. 

The Lod Mosaic dates back to the 3rd century CE when the town of Lod was a part of the Roman Empire. The exquisitely detailed mosaic is believed to be the floor of a large audience room, in a grand villa owned by a wealthy Roman merchant whose trade route crossed between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean. 

The exhibition’s title, “Predators and Prey,” references the marvelous menagerie of exotic animals portrayed. The mosaic is of no religious affiliation, residents at the time were mostly Pagans, Christians and Jews.

The Lod Mosaic is one of the most-viewed Israeli touring exhibitions in history.When the Israel Antiquities Authority originally excavated the mosaic and opened it to the public for only one weekend, more than 30,000 people traveled to Lod to see the ancient marvel during the two-day period.

“We are absolutely delighted and honored to have been afforded this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to exhibit a significant work from Roman antiquity at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum” says Dr. Jordana Pomeroy, the museum’s director. “The Lod Mosaic’s excellent state of preservation and the IAA’s superior conservation allow us to appreciate how the finest mosaic work can bring alive the ancient world. The mosaic captured the interest of Patricia and Phillip Frost who wanted to share their enthusiasm with the Miami community through this exhibition.”

Historical Background

The Israeli town of Lod stands on the site of the ancient city of Lydda, which developed in a fertile plain on an important trade route, the Via Maris, from Egypt to Syria and Mesopotamia. A center of culture and craft production, after being destroyed by the Romans in 66 CE during the first Jewish-Roman War, the city was rebuilt with the name Diospolis, the “city of Zeus.”

Around 200 CE, Septimius Severus made it a Roman colony. Archaeologists have calculated that more than two million tesserae (ancient tiles) were used to create the 1,700-year-old masterwork.

Three central panels were chosen from the excavation for the traveling exhibition, two rectangular end panels surrounding a large square central medallion. Featured are indigenous animals coexisting with ferocious wild creatures such as lions and tigers, an elephant and a giraffe, and Asian water buffalo, plus marine life, a sea monster and merchant ships.

The mosaic holds unresolved mysteries, adding to its allure. Why are there no deities or human beings portrayed, something highly unusual for such a grand floor mosaic from this time period? 

Mosaic pavements were integral to ancient architecture, and the traveling exhibition is uniquely displayed on the floor as it was meant to be seen.  

The Past Has a Future

Flash-forward 1,700 years and the current municipality of Lod and the Israel Antiquities Authority have recognized this opportunity to create a tourism center focusing on its newly-recovered ancient mosaics. After its exhibition in Miami at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU, the mosaic will return to Lod where the Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Center is currently under construction.  

The Lod Mosaic is on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Center.

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU, the Smithsonian Affiliate in Miami, opened its current 46,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building in November 2008. Admission to the Museum is always free. The Frost is an American Alliance of Museums accredited museum, and is located at 10975 SW 17  Street, across from the Blue Garage and adjacent to the Wertheim Performing Arts Center. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and most legal holidays.
305-348-2890 thefrost.fiu.edu

LUXE, LOVELY, LAID BACK B&B ACCOMMODATIONS
New Smyrna Beach and Environs are ideal for a Romantic Getaway
 
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (January, 2016) -- No lodging facility beats the cozy, romantic feel of a Bed & Breakfast or historic Victorian Inn.  In and around quaint New Smyrna Beach, (the second oldest city in Florida, after St. Augustine), visitors have a number of B&Bs and historic inns from which to choose.  How romantic are they?  Many are regularly booked for destination weddings, you just can't get a better testimonial than that.
 
Here are a few examples (impressive images of each, and the destination, are available):
 
BLACK DOLPHIN INN
Opened in 2013, the Black Dolphin Inn is the recipient of the iLoveinns.com Top 10 Romantic Inns in the US, 2014 and 2015 AAA Four Diamond Award, 2014 and 2015 BedandBreakfast.com Top 10 Beach B&B's worldwide, 2014 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award as one of Top 10 Inns in the US, the Fodor's Choice Award and the Guardian's Top 10 B&B's and Guest Houses in Florida.
 
The 14-room inn gets its name from the plentiful dolphin, which gracefully patrol the waters off its dock on the Intracoastal Waterway. Accommodations include beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with balconies and outdoor terraces, elegant Euro-style bedding, refrigerators, and spa-inspired bathrooms with jetted tubs. Furnishings vary in each room with original artwork and antiques tastefully integrated with modern sensibilities and décor. Guests share the modern and expansive Great Room on the first floor level, which includes a Lobby Lounge Bar, open-air exhibition kitchen, sitting area and breakfast room. A complimentary cook-to-order breakfast is served daily with a full Southern-style breakfast on weekends. Guests are within walking distance of restaurants and shops in New Smyrna Beach's Canal Street historic downtown and a short distance from the seaside community's sprawling beaches, surf shops, and Flagler Avenue's beachside galleries and eateries. 916 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 386-410-4868. www.blackdolphininn.com.
 
 
INN ON THE AVENUE
This “old French country-style” cottage, containing six charming rooms, is a wonderful choice for visitors that want to stay near the beach, ocean, shopping, nightly entertainment, fine dining, fishing and more. The Inn offers guests the extremely comfortable accommodations with all of the modern amenities. Homemade breakfast is served daily in a dining room at tables equipped with built-in griddles for guests who prefer to flip their own pancakes!
 
The historic oak tree at the Inn On The Avenue is the perfect location to enjoy a morning coffee or take an afternoon stroll and enjoy the cooling shade that this towering treasure provides. The Inn On The Avenue is a 2015 recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.  309 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 386-693-4808.www.innontheave.com.
 
 
NIGHT SWAN INTRACOASTAL BED & BREAKFAST
Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, this B&B is a little slice of heaven. Breathtaking views from the large front porch greet you as you arrive, but it is the relaxing atmosphere and friendly service that will make you fall in love with the Night Swan. With two historic homes and a guest cottage, the Night Swan makes its own cozy little compound with 16 guest rooms. The Cygnet House rooms offer king sized beds, oversized whirlpool bathtubs, and some stunning views of the waterway. The owners do allow small pets in some of the rooms in Cygnet House. The Main House has the charm of a home built in the early 1900s, but with the modern comforts of today. The Guest Cottage is great for those who just can’t leave their furry friends behind (Pet Friendly). The downstairs of the Guest Cottage (The Mainsail Suite) is also ADA compliant room. 512 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL. 386-423-4940. www.nightswan.com.
 
THE RIVERVIEW HOTEL & SPA
This coastal Victorian boutique hotel, established in 1885, is a beloved landmark featuring 18 luxurious rooms and suites that exude history, charm and an “Old Florida” atmosphere, while delivering modern services and amenities. Riverview is the only hotel in New Smyrna Beach with its own world class spa, waterfront restaurant, marina and gift shop. 
 
Perfect for a small wedding weekend, the Riverview Hotel & Spa offers a variety of breathtaking settings for saying “I do,” including the breezy Key West Deck at the Grille overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. From luxurious, individually decorated rooms and suites to couples spa services and daily breakfast in bed, everything about the historic Riverview Hotel & Spa inspires romance.103 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL. 386-428-5858. www.riverviewhotel.com.
For more lodging options of B&Bs, hotels and condominiums please visit: http://nsbfla.com/wheretostay.cfm

When couples tear themselves away from their rooms, there’s a bounty of outdoor activity to enjoy:Besides swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, dune buggying, shell seeking and sandcastle building along the beach, there's the Indian River/Intracoastal Waterway and tributaries for kayaking, canoeing, SUP, enjoying a sail or educational cruise to view manatees, dolphins and other Florida wildlife. Plus great dining, shopping and a calendar of special events.
 
About New Smyrna Beach:
Quaint New Smyrna Beach possesses a hometown quality reflected in its architecture, 13 miles of pristine beach, recreational inland waterways, eclectic restaurant scene, and friendly community of residents. Accommodations here range from charming bed and breakfast inns, to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Named one of "America's Top Small Cities for The Arts," frequent arts shows featuring visual and performing arts take place throughout the year, as do Wine Walks, Antique Car Rallies, Seasonal Family Festivals, and Food Truck Caravans. Flagler Avenue and Canal Street feature quaint shops and sidewalk cafes. Many historical and cultural sites also make New Smyrna Beach -- established in 1768 -- noteworthy. From the Turnbull and Sugar Mill Ruins, to the Eldora State House and the Ponce Inlet lighthouse, the area is rich in history. It should be no surprise that the second oldest city in Florida is also home to many antique shopping pavilions. New Smyrna Beach Voted BEST BEACH in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 by readers of Orlando Sentinel! For more info call (386) 428-1600 or visit www.nsbfla.com.