Author Casey Wohl is New Feature Contributor on GoGirlfriend.com

I am thrilled to annouce that I am now a Feature Contributor on the new women's travel website GoGirlfriend.com. GoGirlfriend.com is a travel-based opinion site for women going places. Their goal is to inspire, connect and inform women travelers.
Be sure to visit my section (link below) and read the article about my Girls Getaway to Key West. More articles will be posted each week.
http://www.gogirlfriend.com/contributors/casey-wohl

Author Casey Wohl Provides Getaway Tips on Better TV

On Dec. 24, Author Casey Wohl's interview with Better TV aired. Casey provided wonderful tips on planning a girls getaway. Now that the holidays are over, it is time to focus on some R&R. What better way to do that than by going on a girls getaway?

Be sure and visit the link below to see the interview and gain valuable planning tips.
http://better.tv/bettertv/?cid=507869917&lid=435027957&tid=1342099712&ordersrc=rafbettertv

Photo: Casey gets ready for interview at the Better TV studio in New York City.

Girls Night Out in Orlando

What a wonderful surprise to host my mom's college roommate, Donna (pictured far right), in Orlando the day after Christmas. Donna lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia and had not been to Orlando in years. She was delighted to see how Downtown Orlando has grown and developed into such a wonderful city.

Joining us was my mom and Donna's niece, Kerrie (picture far left), who recently moved to Orlando. We started the night with martinis at the Grand Bohemian and ate a superb dinner at Kres Chophouse.

We enjoyed a great Girls Night Out!

12 days til Christmas BONUS DAY WINNER

The Girls Getaway Guide's "12 Days 'til Christmas" was such a success that a BONUS GIFT was awarded on Dec. 24.

Congratulations to Lori Laye-Wolfe who won the Onyx necklace and earring set, along with a signed copy of the Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando: Leave Your Baggage at Home and the brand new Leave Your Baggage at Home tank top.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas Winners!

Congratulations to Anne Crate, winner of the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas Holiday Promotion. Anne won a $620 Girls Getaway Package to the Omni Resort at Championsgate in Orlando. The prize includes VIP escort at the Mall at Millenia, breakfast at Trevi's and much more!

Other winners of fabulous Girls Getaway prizes include:

Dec. 20 - Angela Bruce, Brunch for 2 at The Boheme at the Grand Bohemian Hotel
Dec. 19 - Kelly Lister, UGOH Lady V-tote ($100 value)
Dec. 18 - Pat Stoer, Blue Martini VIP pass ($300 value)
Dec. 17 - Molly Rowe, 1-night stay at the Orlando Marriott Downtown
Dec. 14 - Charlie Hofer, 1-night stay at the Orlando Marriott Downtown

Congratulations to all the winners, and happy holidays to everyone.

Whiskey Park Soho Christmas Party

Christmas was in the air at the Dec. 20 Whiskey Park Soho Christmas Party in Tampa. Given that it was Ladies Night, we had a great time.

This was the last scheduled Book Signing for 2007, but be sure to check the website www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net for future appearance dates in 2008!

Happy Holidays!

Frozen Getaway Girl at Gaylord Palms ICE!

The Getaway Girl was frozen after spending the day at the Gaylord Palm's ICE! event on Saturday. Despite the low temperatures, the event was fantastic. If you have not seen ICE!, it is an incredible display of ice sculptures crafted into giant trains, nativity scenes, slides and much more.

Who says there is no snow in Florida? The Gaylord proves them wrong with all of their Christmas events, including an outdoor ice skating rink.

Many visitors were excited to sign up for the Girls Getaway Guide's "12 Days 'til Chrismas" Holiday promotion, which is coming to an end. If you have not yet registered, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net today!

Whiskey Park North - The Getaway Girl Goes to Tampa

The Whiskey Park North event was a blast! In addition to my book signing, the Hillsborough Co. Firefighters were there to sign their 2008 calendar. The WP staff was great, and we all had a good time visiting with friends and dancing.

If you missed the event last week, be sure to visit us on Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Whiskey Park Soho in Tampa (720 Howard Ave) from 7-10 p.m.

For more details, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net or www.WhiskeySoho.com.

The Getaway Girl Attends Orlando Vintage Holiday Party

I was thrilled to be invited to the Orlando Vintage Clothing Company's Holiday Party last week. I love this store and could spend hours looking at all the great vintage clothing. Owner Lisa Marie Smith is a wonderful hostess and has a terrific staff.

Be sure to visit this store, located in Winter Park at 2117 W. Fairbanks Avenue, and you may spot future Getaway Girl Nevaeh (pictured) while you are there.

More "12 Days 'til Christmas" Winners!

Congratulations to the following winners of the "12 Days 'til Christmas" Holiday Promotion:

• Dec. 10 - Ricky Telg..............The Spa at Thornton Park (50 min treatment)
• Dec. 11 - Heather Nedley.....Shou'ture Chocolate Pedicure
• Dec. 12 - Merideth Kiler.......$50 Redhead Lounge Boutique gift certificate
• Dec. 13 - Teresa Wheeler.....Dinner for two at Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Six more winners will be announced with the winner of the Grand Prize ($600 Girls Getaway Gift Package donated by the Omni Championsgate Resort) to be announced on Friday, Dec. 21.

Happy Holidays!!

Martini Madness at the Blue Martini!

The Blue Martini book signing was so much fun! It was a great holiday party with spectacular food and drinks, as well as a great social atompshere.

Many thanks to the BM staff for their gracious hospitality and my best Orlando girlfriend Brandi (pictured) for her wonderful friendship.

I hope to see everyone tomorrow night at Orlando Vintage located on Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park.

Girls Getaway to NYC!

My friend Cathy and I had a great time during our recent Girls Getaway weekend in New York City. We had a terrific trip and, despite our short time there, managed to:

• Sport the new Girls Getaway "Leave Your Baggage at Home" tank tops in Times Square (pictured)
• Get the inside scoop on the Heisman Awards
• Visit Lucky Cheng's (my favorite drag queen bar)
• Walk more than 70 blocks in one day through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Greenwich Village
• Do some great Christmas shopping in fantastic boutiques, stores and even in Grand Central Station
• Eat at wonderful places, such as Hamburger Heaven, Jack's, Grand Central Station's Oyster Bar, Empire Diner, Hard Rock in Times Square and Bravo Pizza

What a wonderful time. I cannot wait to go back!

Congrats to more "12 Days 'til Christmas" winners!

Congratulations to the following winners of the "12 Days 'til Christmas" holiday promotion:

Dec. 10 - Ricky Telg...............The Spa at Thornton Park gift certificate
Dec. 11 - Heather Nedley........Chocolate Pedicure donated by Shou'ture

Many thanks to these two fabulous stores for donating such wonderful gifts!

Congratulations to Jenn Reed!

Congratulations to Jenn Reed, winner of the Zou Zou Boutique gift certificate and logo tank!

No prizes will be given away over the weekend. Be sure to visit the Girls Getaway Guide website www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net on Monday for the next winner!

Congrats to first "12 Days 'til Christmas" winner!

Congratulations to Meghan McElhinney who is the very first winner of the Girls Getaway Guide's "12 Days 'til Christmas" Holiday Promotion. Meghan won tickets for four to ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

If you have not yet entered, be sure to visit http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/ to register for fabulous prizes!

Featured in Orlando Woman News!

Check out the latest edition of Orlando Woman News. I am honored to be featured in this bi-monthly publication, which addresses issues important to women in the Central Florida area. Be sure to pick up your copy for Tips on Planning a Girls Getaway. For locations on where you can pick up a complimentary copy, call (321) 206-3334.

Orlando Sentinel Blog by Sara Clarke "A relaxed shopper is a happy shopper"

Dear all Girl Getaway Guide Readers,

Please see the blog below posted by Sara Clarke with the Orlando Sentinel.

All the best,
Casey


http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_business_blog/2007/11/a-relaxed-shopp.html

Urban Think! Bookstore Holiday Book Fair

This week I was honored to be asked by Urban Think! Bookstore to appear in person at their Holiday Book Fair. It was a wonderful event! They provided a great selection of books, gifts and lots of holiday cheer, including live Christmas music.

Many thanks to the Urban Think! staff for all of their hard work to make this event such a huge success.

Don't forget to register at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net for the "12 Days 'til Christmas" Holiday Promotion. We have lots of great prizes from places such as the Omni Resort at Championsgate, the Gaylord Palms, Zou Zou Boutique, Shou'ture, The Spa at Thornton Park and much more!

Junior League Holiday Bazaar

The Girls Getaway Guide made a splash at the Junior League Holiday Bazaar this week.

The books make a great Christmas gift, so be sure to get yours today! Visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

12 Days 'til Christmas Website Promo - Enter to Win!

The Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando: Leave Your Baggage at Home is pleased to announce The Getaway Girl’s “12 Days ‘til Christmas” holiday promotion. In an effort to help all girls beat the holiday madness, the Girls Getaway Guide will host a countdown to the big day.

Women everywhere can visit the Girls Getaway Guide online at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net to sign up for fabulous giveaways, which are sure to provide welcome holiday cheer during this stressful time of year. The promotion will begin on Dec. 6 and run through Dec. 21. On each of the 12 business days leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway Guide prize will be awarded to a lucky winner.

Be sure to register now at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net!!

Le Peep!

My friend Heather was in Orlando today so we grabbed lunch at Le Peep. It is a wonderful, cozy restaurant (4666 Kirkman Road/Universal area) serving breakfast and lunch. We each had a pressed sandwich, even though we could have indulged in one of their amazing breakfast options. Choices such as Breakfast Banana Split, Pancake Sandwich, Spinach Bacon Omelete and Stuffed French Toast all sounded fabulous.

The staff here was great as well. They were all very friendly and helpful and told us had MUST come back for breakfast. Yes....we will!

Goodbye Key West!

We had a blast in Key West, but it is time to say goodbye. We stopped to take our photo at Mile Marker 0 on US 1.

It was a great trip, and I look forward to going back soon!

Be sure to visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net for more photos.

Key West Girls Getaway - Blue Heaven

The fun in Key West continues with a late lunch at Blue Heaven. If you haven't visited this place, it is one of a kind and a must visit during your trip to Key West. We ate on a bright blue picnic table with yellow painted sunflowers. Live chickens pecked at any food that may have missed the table. You can dine indoors or out; live music is provided in the evenings on the weekends. Providing local island fare, the Black Bean Soup is excellent and they make their own bread here, which is superb. Don't forget dessert....the Banana Heaven is amazing!

Key West Will Never Be The Same!

We have arrived.....in Key West. My cousins Kelly and Nikki have joined me in Key West for a girls getaway trip.
We are staying at the Casa Marina. They are finishing up their remodeling but have a great pool and beach area. You can even get oceanside massages and rent scooter and bikes on site. They also have a terrific staff.
We are pictured here with Capt. Tony of Capt. Tony's Saloon. This bar was the original Sloppy Joe's. Capt. Tony is 91 years old and every bit the ladies man.
Stay tuned for more!

Redhead Lounge Boutique Book Signing

We had a fabulous time yesterday at the Redhead Lounge Boutique's Sunday Brunch. In addition to the Book Signing, Raw Materials held a trunk show and "The Spa" provided free chair massages. It was a wonderful day...I didn't want to leave.
It was a great event, but was made even more rewarding for me by visiting with several women who shared their Girls Getaway trip stories with me, as well as women who were going through a difficult time and were excited that the Girls Getaway Guide could help them "get back out there." Many women had friends who could use the book, and they were so excited to give it to them as a gift. Stories like these make me feel so good. I am thrilled to hear positive stories of women getting "back on their feet" after going through a difficult time in life, and I hope the Girls Getaway Guide can be a part of their recovery and renewal process.
If you haven't stopped by the Redhead Lounge Boutique, be sure to do so. Erin is a remarkable person with a really cool boutique. Be sure to check it out at www.redheadlounge.com.

Wonderful Tea Shop in Baldwin Park - Orlando

I just had a delighful Tea Luncheon today at Trish's Teas, which is a Victorian-Style tea store in Baldwin Park Village in Orlando. Trish's offers gourmet loose leaf teas, gourmet teabags, teaware, tea accessories and delicious edibles, such as scones and tea sandwiches, to accompany the teas. I highly recommend the Lemon Chiffon Tea...delicious!!!

They refer to themselves as "a tea, trinket & treasure boutique" and offer more than 150 premium loose leaf teas and all the wonderful accompaniments that make "teatime" a truly elegant experience. The store is complete with unique food gift items and great teaware. Be sure to vist them at www.trishsteas.com, as this is a great venue for a Girls Getaway afternoon!

EPCOT Int'l Food & Wine Festival

This weekend we went to EPCOT for the Annual International Food & Wine Festival. It was so much fun! We had lunch in England (traditional Bangers & Mash), snacked in Morrocco and Poland, dinner in Germany and dessert in France.

It is a lot of fun to go to EPCOT because you can "travel" to all of these wonderful foreign countries for the day and experience traditional food, customs and festivities native to each location....all while still in Orlando!

If you have not experienced EPCOT, I would recommend it, especially the Food & Wine Festival.

2nd Row at Maroon 5 Concert!!

To help me celebrate my birthday, my friend Erin and I went to the Maroon 5 concert. We had a great night. We had dinner at HUE (Erin had never been there), and then went to the concert. We were excited when we arrived in our seats in the 2oth row.

The concert started and, just as we started dancing, a guy asked us if we wanted to move up to the 2nd row. Suddenly, the 20th row sounded so far away. We jumped out of our seats and moved to the 2nd row.

We had a fantastic time!!! I am so glad to share these great memories with one of my very best girlfriends.

Girls Getaway Guide Radio Interview

Radio Personality Andrea Oliver recently
interviewed Girls Getaway Guide Author
Casey Wohl in the studio.

The 15-minute radio interview aired on
several Lakeland-based radio stations.

Be sure and visit the website
www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net to listen to the
interview.

Girls Getaway Guide Helps Raise Funds For Cancer Research

On Friday, Oct. 20 the 3rd Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon and Fundraiser took place in Downtown Orlando. The event is co-sponsored by WESH-TV, Florida Cancer Centers and Carrabba's. This year, more than $20,000 was raised for cancer research.

Author Casey Wohl teamed up with the Gaylord Palms to donate a great Girls Getaway Auction Pakage. Many thanks to Michelle Smith at the Gaylord Palms, Rhonda Von Klock with WESH-TV, and Julie Byczek with Susan G Komen Foundation.

Ode to My Lakeland Bunk-Hos

I'd like to first thank everyone who attended the Lakeland Book Signing at Le Bri Boutique. We had a great time and lots of cute clothes to try on! If you have not visited Le Bri, be sure to check it out at the Lakeside Village.

Many thanks to my Lakeland girls group the "Bunk-Hos" as we call ourselves. Several of us are featured in the photo attached to this blog. I cannot wait for our Halloween Party this week. My "Hos" are such a great group of girls and always so supportive. I love you all very much!

Be sure to visit the website http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/ and my myspace at www.myspace.com/girlsgetwayguide for more information and photos from the event.

Book Signings Update

The Sebring Book Signing last week was fantastic! There was an amazing turnout and everyone had a great time at the Highlands Art League. Many thanks to the League for hosting the event. While there, I met Cady Bronson (a future getaway girl; in photo), as well as my high school English teach Tammy Pollard. It was a wonderful evening.

Tomorrow, the Getaway Girl will be in Lakeland at Le Bri Boutique in the Lakeside Village from 6-8 pm. Not only will the event feature the book signing, wine tasting and giveaways, but Le Bri is also offering a 20% discount during the event.

Photos from both events will be posted on my website, http://www.caseywohl.com/ and myspace www.myspace.com/girlsgetawayguide soon.

Author Casey Wohl Featured in FPRA's E-facts

Girls Getaway Guide Author Casey Wohl is featured in the October 2007 issue of E-facts, an electronic publication for the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA).

Be sure to visit E-facts at http://www.fpra.org/email_blast/%7b9CC99D39-3639-4678-91A1-9A49E60A4A9F%7d_Oct2007eFacts.pdf

The Getaway Girl...in France!

It's official...I have been dubbed "The Getaway Girl."

I was sharing some of my travel stories and made me reminisce about my summer travels to the south of France, Switzerland and the Florida Keys.

In fact, I am already planning a girls trip back to Key West in November. Let me know if you want to join us!

Casey Wohl's Urban Think! Book Signing A Huge Success

WOW! The Thursday Book Signing at Urban Think! was a huge success! Many thanks to everyone who attended. There was a terrific turnout despite the weather, and the book was a huge hit.

If you were not able to stop by, Urban Think! has Girl Getaway Guide books on sale. It is a terrifc bookstore and a wonderful place to hang out.

Casey Wohl at Bosendorfer Lounge

We recently celebrated Leslie's birthday at the Bosendorfer Lounge with a girls night out in Downtown Orlando.

I have been friends with Leslie since 6th grade and wish her a very happy 32nd birthday!

Casey Wohl at Urban Think! Thursday

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Urban Think! this Thursday from 7-9 PM for the very first Book Launch Party. Be sure to come join us for drinks, snacks and some great giveaways. See you there!

Girls Brunch and Spa Day

To help Heather celebrate her second "baby shower", we decided to do a girls day in Orlando instead of a formal shower.

We started the day with the Disco Brunch at HUE and then went across the street to spend the afternoon at The Spa at Thornton Park for some pampering, relaxation, food, drinks and fun.

It turned out to be a great day and a wonderful way to help Heather celebrate the pending arrival of Baby #2.

Dan Marino in Orlando

NFL Legend Dan Marino recently opened a new restaurant in Orlando and my friend Blythe (in photo on left) was there to help him celebrate.

For anyone interested in checking out this new restaurant near I-drive, the address is below:

Dan Marino's Tavern on the Lake
6996 Grande Avenue Ste 200

Join Casey Wohl at the Girls Getaway Guide Book Launch Parties!

Come “wine” down the day at the following Book Launch Parties:

September 20
Urban Think!
625 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 650-8185
7:00 – 9:00 PM

October 4
Highlands Art League, Inc.
351 W. Center Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 385-5312
5:30 – 7:30 PM

October 11
Le Bri Boutique
1437 Town Center Drive
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 682-8700
6:00 – 8:00 PM

Too much fun in Orlando!!

I must admit that I am having too much fun in Orlando. A few weeks ago, we visited the awesome Wine/Pet Store called Bullfish (located on Park Avenue in Winter Park). The store owners were having a Wine Tasting/Fundraiser for the Greyhound Association. It was a blast! The store was packed with people, dogs, wine and food. My dog, Zoe, even got to go (her first wine tasting) and particpated in the doggie modeling. After the tasting, we grabbed dinner at Bosphorous, a Turkish restaurant also on Park Avenue. Despite the bad weather, we had a great meal and a wonderful Friday night.

I've also managed to find time to check out Urban Flat's Wine Down Wednesday with my friend Brandi. It is a great way to relax mid-week and catch up on some social time. Not to mention some great food and wine.

Fifi's Patisserie is another one of my new favorite spots I have visited recently. Fifi’s cuisine is best characterized as Mediterranean, influenced by the cuisines of France, Israel, and Greece. The Steak Salad is wonderful...and their sweets are sinful!!

Brandi and I also went out on the town one Saturday night. We started with dinner at Kres Chop House and joined up with the rest of the partygoers on Church Street for the 70's Fundraiser Party (lots of wigs, short shorts, high socks and even a guy on rollerskates). We ended the night at The Oak Room.

This past weekend, we hit the Ivanhoe Row for some "antiquing" one afternoon. Although we did not find any antiques we could not live without, we did find a great new boutique called the Redhead Lounge Boutique. Owner Erin Joi Skalde recently opend the store, which is located at 1600 N. Orange Avenue, Suite E (inside the Washburn Imports Building). Erin showcases a great collection of trendy and unique clothing items and also makes her own accessories on-site. We had a great visit with her, and I did find a dress I could not live without.

Like I said....too much fun in Orlando!!

Hyatt Grand Cypress - Girls Day!

I just had a fabulous "Girls Day" at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (listed in the book) with my good friend, Erin. We were there for a conference Saturday morning, then enjoyed lunch by the pool. After lunch, we visited the salon for manicures and pedicures with Mo and Kat. We laughed the whole time. Not only did they do a great job, but they were so much fun!

We then took a stroll around the property and visted the entire pool area (complete with a bridge, water slides, pool volleyball, various hot tubs, grotto area), the lake beach, spa, outdoor rock climbing wall and gym. If you have not visited the Hyatt Grand Cypress, it truly is a wonderful resort. We didn't even feel like we were in Orlando anymore, but at a tropical island resort. The lush landscaping is incredible and the rooms are impeccable. The activities are endless, from golf to boating to horseback riding; it would be very difficult for anyone to feel bored here.

After more poolside relaxation and a Pina Colada, we went got dressed for the evening. We started with drinks at the White Horse Restaurant & Bar, then finished with dinner at Hemingway's (the crabcakes here are excellent).

A wonderful way to spend a great day with my girlfriend!

New To Blogging!

WOW! How exciting...my very first blog post. I am so happy I finally jumped into the world of blogging. Also exciting, is my very first book, which will be printed later this month titled "Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando: Leave Your Baggage At Home". I decided to write this book after traveling from city to city with my girlfriends without any guide to tell us where to stay, where to eat, where to find a great martini or a fantastic spa. I knew if I wanted this sort of guide, that maybe other girls did too.

I'm looking forward to getting to know more fun-loving girls out there who love to travel and spend time with their girlfriends like I do!