While Orlando’s theme parks get most of the attention, you’ll find plenty of family fun just a short drive away at Silver Springs near Ocala, FL. The park is filled with nature, animals, rides and attractions, while offering a glimpse into what life was like in central Florida more than 10,000 years ago.

The landmark springs pump 550 million gallons of sparkling clear water each and every day. And the park’s unique glass bottom boats off an amazing view of underwater life in the clean, 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. One spring, Fish Reception Hall, is home to dozens of species of fish plus alligators, clams, crawfish, shrimp, snails and turtles, all amidst the backdrop of tiny fossilized shells from 70 million years ago. 

Now you can also enjoy music from the park’s 2012 Concert Series. Shows begin at 3 pm and are included in park admission, $31.99 general, $24.99 ages 3-10. Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional $10.

Jan. 28          REO Speedwagon

Feb. 11         Thompson Square

Feb. 18         James Otto and Lee Brice

Feb. 25         Travis Tritt

Mar. 3           Steel Magnolia

Mar. 10         Styx

Mar. 24         Glen Campbell

Mar. 31         Eddie Money

For additional information, visit http://www.silversprings.com/. Or for discount Orlando family vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Beatlemania Now, a tribute to the music of the Beatles, brings its renowned show to the popular Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach this summer.

In this high energy performance, 30 Beatles’ classics are performed against the backdrop of images from the 1960s, such as street protests, the Vietnam War and Martin Luther King Jr. The show brings guests along on a memorable ride that shadows the Fab Four’s career and seemingly never-ending stream of number one hits.

The show features hits ranging from “All You Need is Love” to  Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane.”

Beatlemania Now kicks off its run in Myrtle Beach on June 15. Show times are Wednesdays through Sundays at 5 p.m. through Sept. 14. For additional show information, visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com/Beatlemania or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for details on discount Myrtle Beach vacation packages.

The Carolina Opry and Good Vibrations shows also continue throughout the summer at the same venue, with weekly matinee performances at 2 p.m. and nightly performances at 8 p.m.

There are still horses involved, but Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show location in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is set to reopen this week with a brand new pirate theme.

Now called Pirate Voyage, the new dinner show brings an exciting and up-tempo pirate adventure to the South Carolina beach town. The Dixie Stampede building underwent a massive $11 million renovation and now includes a 15-foot, 750,000 gallon indoor pool. At either end of the pool you’ll find 30-foot pirate galleons while a third sunken pirate ship sits in the middle of the set.

Dolly Parton wrote the musical score for the new show which features pirates, mermaids and sea lions in addition to the horses.

The original Dixie Stampede show continues to operate at two locations, Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee near Parton’s Dollywood theme park.

For discount tickets and accommodations in Myrtle Beach, Branson or Gatlinburg, please visit www.westgatereservations.com.

With more than 60 miles of pristine sand beach, the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area offers plenty of opportunity walk, play and enjoy the extraordinary ocean views.

But Myrtle Beach visitors looking for a new walking adventure might consider a leisurely stroll along the city’s beautiful Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade.

The $7 million Boardwalk took nine months to build. The walkway consists of nearly 800,000 feet of lumber, 300,000 nails, 555,000 screws and 10,000 bolts. More importantly, you’ll also find a variety of shops and restaurants along the 1.2 mile-long Boardwalk & Promenade that also offers exceptional oceanfront views.

The Boardwalk consists of three distinct sections. The northern leg runs from the 14^th Avenue Pier to Plyler Park. A middle section runs from the park to what used to be the Pavilion Amusement Park at 8^th Avenue North. This carnival-like section is a high energy atmosphere with a number of restaurants and businesses.

The third and southernmost section, offers visitors a meandering oceanfront park leading up to the 2^nd Avenue Pier.

The centerpiece of the Boardwalk is the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, a giant

oceanfront attraction that stands 18 stories high (196 feet) and includes 42 glass enclosed, temperature controlled gondolas that can hold up to six people.

Opening in June, the SkyWheel plans also call for a full service restaurant called, Jimmy Buffet’s Landshark Bar and Grill, an observation deck overlooking the ocean, a gift shop and ongoing evening light shows.

The Boardwalk will be filled with festivals and events all summer long, such as Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights at Plyler Park. Monday nights will feature a Kids’ Carnival complete with inflatables, bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists, and stilt walkers. Tuesdays and Saturdays will bring live concerts to the park. Wednesdays will offer up fireworks. Thursdays will feature a strolling bagpiper while Fridays will include a strolling Dixieland band. Sunday nights include jugglers, acrobats, a fire show, stilt walkers, human statues and more.

Learn more about discount Myrtle Beach vacation packages for the entire family at www.westgatereservations.com.

When it comes to fabulous beach vacations, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is still the place to go. Need proof? Just check out two recent “Traveler’s Choice” polls released by Trip Advisor.

Myrtle Beach was the top destination in the 2011 Traveler’s Choice voting for the Top 25 Beaches in the United States. It was the second consecutive year Myrtle Beach led the way, beating out Cape May, NJ; Panama City Beach, FL; Miami Beach, FL; Sanibel Island Beach, FL; as well as other beaches from Florida and Hawaii that rounded out the top 10.

The poll gave Myrtle Beach high marks for its panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm waters and white sand. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, Myrtle Beach was also rated high for a large number of family attractions that make it perfect for beach-loving families.

Myrtle Beach was also listed by Trip Advisor in its poll highlighting the Top 25 Beaches in the World, coming in at number 6. Myrtle Beach trailed only Tulum, Mexico; Negril, Jamaica; Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba; Boracay, Philippines and Providenciales in Turks and Caicos in the world rankings.

For additional information on discount Myrtle Beach vacation packages and resort accommodations including Westgate Myrtle Beach Resort, please visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ today.