Although no official statement was made, the promoters of the popular Bud & BBQ event held weekends in February quietly changed the name from Bud & BBQ to an even catchier name... Bands, Brew & BBQ. While I really like the new name, it should be noted that the name change was probably out of necessity. When Anheuser Busch owned both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens the use of their popular beer brand, "Bud" made sense, but since the $52-billion takeover in the middle of 2008 by Belgium-based InBev... well, maybe not so much. Anheuser-Busch InBev (as it is now called) has made no secret that it would prefer to get out of the theme park business. So, it makes sense to no longer "brand" the popular event that is held weekends in February at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The name change aside, the lineup for Bands, Brew & BBQ has been announced and guests can look forward to four sizzling weekends of live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists. Add to that the smokin' hot flabor of blazing barbecue, ice-cold beer and all of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay thrilling attractions, rides and shows and you've got the recipe for a great family getaway!

• What: Bands, Brew & BBQ
• When: February 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 and 27 & 28
• Where: Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando and Sundays at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

^{Photo of SeaWorld's "Groove Chefs" © SeaWorld Orlando}

Three times a year they come — some by car and still others by the busloads — because the word is out... in the world of antiques, Renninger's rocks!

You can shop Renninger's Twin Markets any weekend to find antiques and flea market bargains, but three times a year over 1400 antique and collectible dealers come together for the three-day Renninger's Antique Extravaganza. You'll have to get there early to catch the 8:00 a.m. auction, but by 10:00 all the dealers — 400 inside and over 1,000 outside — are open for business. Some even save never-before-offered merchandise just for these extravaganzas, so you'll always find something new. Mark your calendar now and don't miss it!

• What: Renninger's Antique Extravaganza

• Where: Renninger's Twin Markets - Mt. Dora
• When: January 15, 16 & 17, 2010

Renninger's Twin Markets are located in picturesque Mount Dora, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando on U.S. Highway 441, and Mount Dora is a lovely place to spend a day or a few days just about any time of the year.

• Mount Dora, FL
• Mount Dora Photo Tour
• Inland Lakes Railway Tours

^{Photo © Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com}

Some say that the best things in life are free. You'll know that's true when you take a look at all the Florida vacation planning tools that I've found that won't cost you a single penny... only a few minutes of your time. Some are e-books that can be read online as your turn page after page, just like a real book. Others are printable; but, if you prefer a carry-along version, some travel guides can be ordered and mailed directly to your home. So, don't delay... start planning that well-deserved vacation today!

Over the last decade, Florida's travel industry has endured as many ups and downs as the coasters at our popular attractions. Travel has become a different experience than in the last decade as security concerns mandated restrictions. New technologies emerged that have changed the way we sight-see and how we experience theme park rides, and trends have been shaped by the economy, ecological concerns and how we travel or whether we choose to stay home. None of these changes could have been predicted 10 years ago, but all have had an affect on our travel in the Sunshine State. Read more: A Decade of Florida Travel.

Note: It is hard to believe, but thanks to the support of readers like you, About.com's Florida Travel (formerly Florida for Visitors) has now been around almost a decade too — it went live on America's Flag Day, June 14, 2000. I feel privileged to be able to continue bringing to you the latest travel news, views and information on Florida's attractions, beaches and destinations. Happy New Year! And, may all your travel dreams come true! ~Dawn