Lobsterfest 2008

We had another great mini season hunting lobsters in the Florida Keys. These spiny lobsters are also known as "bugs" and are aggressively hunted by the general public the last Wednesday and Thursday each July. Florida lobster don't have claws like other lobster, but they taste just as good. It is allowed to get 6 "bugs" per person, so we caught our 66 and headed home after waking up at 4 a.m.
PHOTO: Casey and Liz show off the "bugs."

Girls Getaway to Key West

Once again, I had a fabulous girls getaway to Key West. Carly, Jeri, Ann and I had a great day in this colorful island town. We hung out at Blue Heaven, Bagatelle, the Key West Art Bar, Cowboy Bill's Reloaded and Peppers of Key West. The fun and cocktails lasted all day and only ended because we had to wake up early to catch lobsters. I cannot wait to go back.

Night Out with "the Heathers"

I enjoyed a night out with two of my very best girlfriends "the Heathers" when we went to see Jerry Seinfeld perform in Orlando. We had a blast with dinner before the show at Harvey's Bistro. It was great to see you both!

Last Day to Register for a Girls Getaway!

Today is the last day to register for a fabulous Girls Getaway to Orlando. I visited Emeril's, The Mall at Millenia and Orlando Premium Outlets yesterday and can tell you they have some fantastic things lined up for us. It is going to be a wonderful weekend.

If you haven't registered, today is the last day. Be sure to visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net to register today! Even if you live in the Orlando area, you can join us for the day. See you soon!

Need a Girls Getaway? Stay and Play or Join Us For the Day! (Register by July 25)

In today’s fast-paced world, spending quality time with friends is more important than ever. And taking a trip with those friends can be a great way to bond and have fun. However, high fuel prices and a lagging economy have caused some women to re-consider their girl getaway plans this summer.

Author and girls getaway expert Casey Wohl, better known as The Getaway Girl™, has the answer for women who want to spend time with their girlfriends without the high cost associated with travel today. She is encouraging women to bring as much luggage as they’d like with no extra charge, but “leave the baggage at home™.”

Wohl is hosting the National Friendship Day Girls Getaway to Orlando August 1-3 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. She has created the ultimate in girl getaway indulgence, from shopping to spa treatments to dining and cooking demonstrations, there is something for everyone during this amazing weekend. Best of all, Florida residents don’t need to absorb the high costs of airfare and tanks and tanks of gas. All this while enjoying the diverse Florida-inspired ambiance provided by the Gaylord Resort, which features areas that pay tribute to Florida’s own St. Augustine, Key West, South Beach and the Everglades. Vacation in the best of Florida all in one stop!

In addition to the convenient pre-planning, Wohl knows that budget-conscious travelers are looking for the best deals while still wanting to experience exclusive vacation opportunities.

Highlights included with the weekend registration are:
· Exclusive Shopping at Mall at Millenia: Enjoy the exclusive VIP shopping experiences at the Mall at Millenia, including the following complimentary perks: 11% savings passport at Macy’s, valet parking, gift bag/tote, cocktail at Blue Martini, appetizer at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro or Brio Tuscan Grill, only available with The Getaway Girl™. Plus, a special surprise at Jimmy Choo!
· VIP Platinum Level Shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets: With your own Orlando Premium Outlets tote bag and two coupon books featuring hundreds of dollars in savings, guests of The Getaway Girl™ will celebrate shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets complete with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
· Spa Discounts: Indulge in fantastic treatment discounts of 20% at the Canyon Ranch Spa, where you can enjoy massages, manicures, pedicures, body wraps and the ultimate in relaxation.
· Complimentary Wine Reception: Special “Wine Down with The Getaway Girl™” evening welcome reception, free for all guests of The Getaway Girl™.
· Free Continental Breakfast: Feast on a free continental breakfast with The Getaway Girl™ on Saturday morning. Get fully-fueled for a fabulous day of shopping, spa indulgence and poolside lounging.
· Exclusive Cooking/Dining at Emeril’s: Enjoy a private cooking and dining experience at Emeril’s Orlando, including a VIP cooking demonstration with guest involvement and a delicious, three-course dinner, as well as complimentary transportation. Dinner alone is valued at $100.
· Inspiring Sunday Gospel Brunch: Get inspired and celebrate at this live gospel music show with all-you-can-eat Southern food at the world-renowned House of Blues. Great for body and soul! Retail value is $35.
· Special Hotel Room Rate: For the girls who want to stay and play, enjoy the limited Gaylord Palms hotel room rate of $159/night, only available to guests of The Getaway Girl™. (Hotel reservations must be made in addition to the weekend registration. This special rate can be obtained by registering through the Girls Getaway Guide website.)

Registrations for the weekend and hotel reservations must be made by July 25. Registration for the weekend is $300; hotel room rates are $159/night. Local women who do not need hotel arrangements are welcome and can participate on a per day basis (contact us for more details). For more information about the weekend and to register, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net or call (863) 224-6326.

Red Carpet Monday at Blue Martini

A typical Girls Night Out (GNO) usually doesn't occur on a Monday night. However, it does when it is a Red Carpet Monday event. Ali and I went to the Blue Martini for a fabulous GNO and an evening of networking with some of Orlando's top business people and entrepreneurs.

We loved our Cantaloupe Martinis, and many thanks to Ryan Totka with Red Carpet Monday for the invitation to attend. For more information, visit www.redcarpetmonday.com.

PHOTO: Ali, Blue Martini Event Coordinator Stephanie, and Casey Wohl at Red Carpet Monday.

The Getaway Girl Visits Cheyenne Saloon

During a recent Girls Night Out (GNO), Ali and I met Randy, the general manager of the Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House, located on Church Street in Downtown Orlando. The saloon first opened in the 1980s as part of Bob Snow's Church Street Station complex. It re-opened in February 2008.

Randy gave us the grand tour of the tri-level complex that hosts poker tournaments, live concerts and even features a restaurant.

The seats in the restaurant are from real, antique church pews and all of the wood inside is tounge-and-groove, so there are no nails anywhere. The place is beautiful! I only had one question for Randy, "Where's the mechanical bull?"

Photo: Ali, Randy & Casey at Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House

Casey Wohl Discusses Girls Getaways with CBS

Today, I attended the FPRA/PRSA Media Roundtable Event and met so many wonderful people. I was also able to re-connect with some old friends, including CBS News Radio Correspondent Peter King. Peter and I worked together on several news stories during my time with the Florida citrus industry. Today, we chatted about girls getaways, travel trends and current events.

Casey Wohl Quoted in "Luxurious Hot Spots" Article

Check out the July 10 article (link below), Luxurious Hot Spots To Live Like A Queen, a Money News Story, that quotes Girls Getaway Guide Author Casey Wohl on where to go on a girls getaway with an unlimited budget. The story ran on 75 sites across the U.S.

http://www.ketv.com/money/16834107/detail.html?taf=oma

Project Runway Season 5 Premieres Tonight!

Don't forget to tune in to Bravo for Season 5 of Project Runway. Cannot wait for the next walk-off. "It will be fierce!"

79% of Consumers Say Rising Prices Will Impact Their Travel Decisions

With the summer travel season kicking into high gear, Prospectiv polled consumers on how they prefer to conduct their travel planning and research. Prospectiv, a lead generation company, also polled consumers about rising prices and whether or not current economic conditions are influencing their travel plans this summer. Prospectiv's Consumer Preference Index (CPI) poll findings indicate the following:
*79% say rising prices (fuel, food, lodging, consumer goods) will affect travel planning decisions
*72% are seeking relief through online resources and say they use the Internet as their primary resource for researching travel information and special offers, followed by family and friends as a second resource (17 percent) and only 4 percent relying on travel agencies/agents
Regarding their preferences for receiving travel promotions information, Prospectiv's poll revealed the following:
*60% polled prefer to learn about travel offers through online resources they select or sign up for, including enewsletters, electronic vouchers/coupons and promotional Web sites
*38% expressed a preference for postal mail, and 2 percent chose the telephone

Source: Travel Industry Wire

GNO at The Wine Room

Grab a plastic TWR card and a glass are you are ready to experience Winter Park's The Wine Room, where wine enthusiasts can enjoy sampling more than 150 wines all at the touch of a button. Simply put funds on your card and taste away. Heather and Barda joined me for a fabulous girls night out. After more than four hours at The Wine Room, we tried just about every wine there.

Cannot wait until next time!

Listen to 97.5FM WPCV on Sunday, July 13!

Tune in to radio station 97.5 (FM) WPCV on Sunday, July 13 at 8:30 AM for Casey Wohl’s interview on Polk County Today with Andrea Oliver.
The two chat about girls getaways and the upcoming Girls Getaway to Orlando to celebrate National Friendship Day August 1st – 3rd.
For more details about the weekend, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Orlando Premium Outlets to Provide VIP Tour & Reception for Girls Getaway to Orlando

Many thanks to Leigh Jones at Orlando Premium Outlets for their spectacular offer to guests of The Getaway Girl(TM) during the National Friendship Day Girls Getaway to Orlando. Here's what we will enjoy on Saturday, Aug. 2nd!

VIP Tour of Orlando Premium Outlets: You will receive an Orlando Premium Outlets VIP Tote Bag, VIP Coupon Book, VIP Platinum Passport and additional discounts from stores featuring hundreds of dollars in additional savings. Guests of The Getaway Girl(TM) will be invited to a VIP shopping reception at Orlando Premium Outlets complete with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and expert shopping tips.

Orlando Premium Outlets features 110 stores such as Banana Republic Factory Store, Barneys New York Outlet, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Diesel, Dior, Dooney & Bourke, Fendi, Gap Outlet, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Nautica, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Tod’s, Tommy Hilfiger, and much, much more, with savings at 25% to 65% off everyday.

To register for this fabulous opportunity, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Ode to "Sisters"

I recently received the following email from my Aunt Penny, and I just had to share it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. 'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

Remember that "sisters" means ALL the women - your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her mother.

She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, sisters are the mainstays of her life.

THIS SAYS IT ALL: Time passes, life happens, distance separates, children grow up, jobs come and go, love waxes and wanes, men don't do what they're supposed to do, hearts break, parents die, colleagues forget favors, careers end. BUT, sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Shou'Ture Featured on Travel Channel

Winter Park's awesome shoe boutique, Shou'Ture, will be featured on the television show Passports to Great Weekends with Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel this Thursday (July 10th) at 10:00 p.m. Be sure to watch the program and check out this great store.

For more details, visit http://www.shouture.com.

Celebrate National Friendship Day with a Girls Getaway to Orlando

In today’s fast-paced world, spending quality time with friends is more important than ever. And taking a trip with those friends can be a great way to bond and have fun. In 1935, the U.S. Congress created National Friendship Day to honor the special meaning of friendship.

Recognized on the first Sunday in August each year, this national holiday has been observed for more than 70 years. Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in U.S., several other countries have adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the world including India.

What better way for women to celebrate this national holiday on Aug. 3 than with girlfriends? For women, girlfriends come from all aspects of our lives, from mothers, daughters, sisters, childhood and college friends to work colleagues and neighbors, we cherish all of the wonderful women in our lives who we share a special bond.

Author and girls getaway expert Casey Wohl, better known as The Getaway Girl™, has the answer for women who want to celebrate this great holiday and spend time with their girlfriends. Wohl is hosting the National Friendship Day Girls Getaway to Orlando August 1-3 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Wohl has created the ultimate in girl getaway indulgence, from shopping and spa treatments to dining and cooking demonstrations, there is something for everyone during this amazing weekend.

Highlights include:
· Exclusive VIP shopping experiences at the Mall at Millenia and Orlando Premium Outlets, only available with The Getaway Girl™
· Amazing discounts at the Canyon Ranch Spa, winner of the Mobil Four Star award. Revive the body and the soul with therapeutic massages, invigorating body wraps, rejuvenating facials and more all in a private, tranquil atmosphere.
· Special “Wine Down with The Getaway Girl™” evening welcome reception
· Private cooking and dining experience at Emeril’s Orlando
· Sunday Gospel Brunch at the world-renowned House of Blues
· Limited Gaylord Palms hotel room rate only available to guests of The Getaway Girl™
***All the above (except hotel room) is included in the $300 weekend registration fee.

Registrations for the weekend and hotel reservations must be made by July 25. For more information about the weekend and to register, visit http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/ or call (863) 224-6326.

Girls Getaway Cruise to Cozumel

Thank you Sally Herrington for submitting this photo of her recent Girls Getaway!

She writes, "We left Tampa and cruised to Cozumel for a long weekend. It was great and we did not want to leave the ship!!"

Photo: Sally, Kelli and Kim on a Girls Getaway Cruise to Cozumel.

To submit photos of your Girls Getaway, email the photo and information about the photo/trip to info@GirlsGetawayGuide.net.