July 2009 News And Events

WWW.FLORIDA-BACKROADS-TRAVEL.COM UPDATES

We have added lists of 1,300 Florida Heritage Sites.These places that memorialize our Florida heritage include museums, archeological sites, historic buildings, forts, churches and historic neighborhoods. There are even railroad locomotives and railroad passenger cars on the list, along the with African Queen, the boat used in the making of the movie of that name starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

These heritage sites are fun to visit. They are arranged by county, and 66 of our 67 counties have at least one. Most counties have dozens of the sites. For more information go to Florida Heritage Sites.

We have also added more information about Florida authors, including Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey. For more information go to Florida Authors.

JULY 2009 FEATURED FLORIDA EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

At any given time there are thousands of Florida events and festivals in Florida's 8 geographical regions. July is slower than most months because of the hot weather.

Almost every community in Florida celebrates Independence Day on July 4. Check your local paper for locations of your fireworks display.

Here are some interesting events around Florida for July 2009.

CLERMONT/ORLANDO AREA

Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series. Live Music, Food, Wine. Free Admission. July 4, 11, 18, 25 (1:00pm-4:00pm). More info at Lakeridge Winery.

MOUNT DORA

The Mount Dora Art Stroll. A festive evening of art, music and hors d'oeuvres designed to showcase regional art at several walkable venues through out Downtown Mount Dora. Free admission. July 11. More info at Mount Dora Art Stroll.

MIAMI AND CORAL GABLES

International Mango Festival. Fairchild Gardens. July 11 and 12. More info at Fairchild Gardens.

TALLAHASSEE

31st Annual Swamp Stomp Music Festival. Tallahassee Museum, July 11, 4-9 p.m. More info at Tallahassee Museum.

WEST PALM BEACH

The Fountainside Clematis By Night Concert Series. Centennial Square, 100 Clematis St. Food and arts and crafts show. July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. More info at Clematis By Night.

Go here for Additional Florida Events.

ETHNIC RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

I love eating at good ethnic restaurants. This month I want to tell you about a great Miami area Lebanese restaurant that I like, Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant. It is located at 223 Valencia Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Telephone for Reservations: 305-476-9800.

This cozy place with comfortable ambiance and middle eastern decor is great for lunch or dinner is owned by Samir al Barq. He was educated as a computer scientist, but gave it up many years ago to open this restaurant. It has been a very successful operation from the beginning.

The food at Maroosh is great, with all of my Lebanese favorites like baba ghannouj, falafel, anoush, kefta kabob, grape leaves, hummus, chicken wings and fried or baked kibbe. They also have lots of good soups and salads, including Tabouleh.

Prices are reasonable, the wine list is good, and I like the belly dancers that entertain on Friday and Saturday nights. Samir has a great memory, and after your first visit will remember you and what you like to eat and drink. Visit the website at Maroosh.

Thanks for subscribing. We will see you next month with more updates and event information.

Regards, Mike Miller
Chief Backroads Traveler
www.Florida-Backroads-Travel.com