One option for our FL is to fly via Southwest...they're having a flight sale right now and we can fly from Chicago to West Palm Beach, but it has a layover in Tampa (which makes the total travel duration 6+ hrs instead of closer to 3ish). One idea is that we could fly into Tampa, rent a car and drive (3hrs?) to West Palm Beach, stay there for the wedding and then drive back to Tamp and spend maybe 2 or 3 days/nights there and flight back to Chicago.
Any idea what average hotel rates are in Tampa? Is it diverse enough from PB that it's worth spending time in both cities and worth spending 6hrs total in the car? (I should note that a 3hr drive is "comfortable" for us since we probably do it every 6-8wks to go to our hometown)
Re: *Brookie-boo*
Hmmmm...well, I've lived in FL my whole life and I've only ever been to WPB once. Of course I know much more about Tampa and am partial to it. From my limited experience, I do think it's diverse enough that it's worth spending time in both cities if you have the option. I will tell you that the drive is closer to 4 hours than 3 if that makes a difference. I don't know how "up" to a 4 hour drive you will be after the wedding , but if you are planning on spending at least 2 days then I think it would be worth it.
I am not sure about hotel rates though. You will be able to find a good variety depending on which side of town you stay on. It's probably going to be cheaper than WPB though. There's a lot to do while you stay:
The Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, Busch Gardens (my fav), Adventure Island (water park), Ybor City (great clubs/night life), Hard Rock Casino, of course the beaches...
Oh, and ME!!!
est. 10/10/10
Blog Sale
<a href="http://s582.photobucket.com/albums/ss262/hzswanson/?action=view