Free Rides in Giant Inflatable Select 55 Beer Balloon

By Marisa Cutaia, Fri., May 13 2011 at 12:19 PM

Categories: Happening

​Sure, the commercials are catchy... partiers exercising off their beer before they've finished slugging it down. But Select 55 is betting that's not enough to win your loyalty, especially from a low-cal beer.

To get your attention, a 168-foot hot air Select Bottle is floating over Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. That's the size of the Statue of Liberty or the ego of "The Situation."

"It's serene up here, and that's a word I would never use to describe the Hard Rock," says Boca Raton resident Tana Velen while hanging precariously from the bottle, 50 feet up.

The 15-story bottle of beer floats over the sprawling off-white compound this weekend as part of a nationwide tour of 55 cities. But a balloon, really?

Hey, baby, nice ride.

​"Anheuser-Busch did a full release last year of the lightest beer in the world," Budweiser rep Dan Vint said. "And what's lighter than hot air?"

This bottle is more than just hot air; it has been traveling the U.S. of A. for three months. If you are brave enough to try it, tethered rides are available. The balloon is weighted to solid ground by an SUV and a sedan.

"We brought this idea to the Hard Rock to celebrate their seventh anniversary, and they jumped at it," he said. "Wherever people are out having fun, that's where we are."

Sure, because what makes sense after losing your money and getting hammered? A balloon ride!

Tethered rides are available for ages 21 and up tonight and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the main parking lot, winds permitting. Visit facebook.com/Select55 for tour schedule.

What Not To Do in Key West

The swaying palms and cawing gulls sound serene in the background. Islands can be so romantic and Florida boasts some of the best beaches in the world. When planning your trip to Key West, remember, do NOT go to the Conch Republic expecting to lounge in the sand and frolic in the waves.

Reason 1: The Sand
Key West has some of the roughest, sharpest, rockiest sand in the state. It will cut a toe off if you aren’t careful. Bring some sandals you intend to wear right to the shore line if you are brave enough to go barefoot.

Reason 2: The Coast Line
The coast of Key West includes some of the best diving you will find with very close reefs and oodles of ship wrecks to explore. Snorkeling and diving boats leave regularly and are the best way to visit the marine life surrounding the island.

Reason 3: The Culture on Land
There is so much to see and do on the 7.4 square miles of land. Visit the silly t-shirt shops, take a trip on the Conch Trolley and by all means visit the nightly Ghost Tour to learn the history of the strange island. Duval Street is an entertainment destination day or night. Then, just before sunset, head west to Mallory Square and take part in the festival of the sunset. Wire walkers, fire breathers, artisans and chefs all come out to entertain locals and tourists. With so much to do on dry land, you won’t want to miss a minute of it.

Reason 4: The Inhabitants
Should you ignore this blog and make your way to a stretch of sand for an afternoon of sun-soaked fun, you may find your perfect beach spot is currently occupied by one of the many drifters that call Key West home. Due to the mild weather and laid-back lifestyle that comes with the island, it has become a Mecca to those who are between homes, looking for a change, or just yearn for somewhere warm. Although the man outside the ice cream shop just outside of Mallory Square will tell you a hysterical dirty joke for $1. Another man residing outside a church on Duval holds a sign, “I won’t lie, I need a beer.” You have to love the honesty that’s only acceptable this far south.

All in all, there are so many beautiful pools and fun attractions, why bother with the beach in Key West. If you are looking for a sun and sand destination, aim north for Siesta Key, you won’t be sorry.

Tanger vs. Town Center: The Fort Myers Shopping War

Why oh why does Fort Myers get two shopping destinations within 30 minutes of each other?

Tanger Outlets boasts more than 43 name brand outlet shops in a yellow, open air mall set up that’s perfect for the balmy 80 degree weather of the west coast. The brand manufacturers cut out the middle man offering new items for up to 70% less than retail prices. Crocs and Coach, Nike and Polo; come to one center to make purchases for the whole family. Parking can be difficult, so come in early for prime positions.

Gulf Coast Town Center may not include “outlet” in the title but the mark downs are everywhere. With 103 current retailers included in one plaza, you can get groceries, pick up new shoes, grab lunch with a friend and get a manicure without leaving the compound. Bays include stores like Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross, and Rue 21. Eateries offering foods sure to please even the pickiest and there is even a movie theater included in the plaza. The only drawback to Gulf Coast is the giant stores make for a lot of walking. The plaza has plenty of parking throughout but you will have to move your car on more than one occasion.

Bottom line, if you are shopping for name brand attire, shoes or luggage, visit Tanger Outlets. To get your toiletries, visit a shop or two and catch a movie before grabbing milk on your way home, Gulf Coast Town Center might be more your style. Get more information at www.tangeroutlet.com/fortmyers or www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com for more.

Sweet nectar of the gods

I don’t know how people get through the day without coffee. I adore it. I need it. It’s my addiction. There is nothing more appealing than getting up on a Saturday morning with nothing to do but sit with my daily cup of Joe, and I use the term cup loosely, and watch tv or check emails. Some people are stoners, or into the harder drugs, or they drink themselves into oblivion. Not me, I’ve always been a caffeiner.

In my younger days, it was Mountain Dew for breakfast followed by a constant flow of tea. Later I discovered coffee and espresso shots. Oh, the extra shot, how I adore thee! More recently there was a bout with hybrid sodas. That was intense.

A long time friend once told me that it’s easier for her to get out of bed when she knows the coffee is already there, brewed and ready to go. No filters to fuss with or grounds to spill in a slumbering stupor. Perpetually oversleeping, and always late, she spent a few months setting her pot up before bed, hoping the promising aroma of java would ease her into the day.

To her surprise, the experiment proved very successful. She enjoyed her morning primping ritual because, with said coffee in her system, she felt she could rip herself from her oversized pillow top on time. She was more put together, (closer to) on time, and of course more awake. Leaving for work wasn’t the flustered throwing together of things like B.C. (Before Coffee). Truly, this was a magical and inspired plan.

I’m much the same way. Different coffees, flavored creams, yum! I’ve grown to be somewhat of a connoisseur. Kona, Arabica, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Café Britt, I’ve sampled them all. So delicious. I’ve even learned about coffee. How and where the beans grow, what makes the different flavors and the difference in roasts.

Without my morning cup, the world has no color, the traffic seems tighter and I rarely remember getting dressed in the morning. Once at work, with my good friend caffeine, I notice things. Important things. Like I have black shoes on with my brown pants or I left my cell phone unplugged on my couch at home and the all important, “where are my keys?”

So the coffee gives pep, that’s for sure, but what happens when the pep isn’t enough. My cup-a-day habit grew. It grew like the hulk. There was a time when I was having several larger cups of coffee a day, but it was nothing compared to my Vault addiction that I intensified to. No one, and I mean no one should ever drink anything that glows like it’s radioactive with ultra neon colors.

My java proved no match for the hybrid soda and energy drink. Sure, it’s harmless enough, until you can’t get through a meeting without it. It’s amazing. Sleep is a thing of the past. Think of what I can accomplish while those other schmucks waste their time snoring. You snooze you loose!

Then…. came…the…. crash…Zzzzzz.

Those sleeps were the best ones ever. My bed could have collapsed under me, a hurricane could have hit only my bedroom, and a helicopter possibly landed on my roof. Nothing woke me. Alarm clocks were no match. It was like a drug-induced coma, or so I would imagine.

I loved my fusion drinks but I never got into the hard stuff. No Red Bull here. Not for crazy Petey. As a college kid, underage but still the life of the party, his drink of choice at social gatherings was Amp. We would know it was going to be a long night when he showed up with a four pack. He was not satisfied until he was twitching and tweaking, but oh man, once he hit that level, look out!

One time after several Amps he ran and climbed the wall of us house to sit on the roof. At another, he dressed in a full gorilla suit he found in one of the tenant’s closets. Amp makes you crazy. Why? Who knows, but it sure makes for some interesting party pictures and stories.

I guess everyone has his or her addiction and we all use caffeine in our own special way. Crazy Petey was great because while he was trembling from the delightful caffeine and sugar concoction, he was also completely sober. Many nights he was chauffeuring those who had too much to drink home safely. Many nights I’m sure he was up to see the sunrise.

Oh, and my friend…. yeah, she fell off the wagon. It seems that frantic dressing and speed driving is the way to go for her.

You need to read this blog - My Awesome Friday

In the name of spontaneity, Anthony, Jessica, Eitan and I ran away for a day of fun on Friday. We all called in sick/personal/braindead and went to Orlando to hit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It was no normal day though, we saw the Ellen DeGeneres Show being filmed.

I, being a huge Ellen fan, couldn't wait:

Anth decided (foolishly) to go along with the 3 hour drive there and back all on Friday.

I brought the idea of going to Jess and Eitan, they were thrilled:

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Ellen rocked and they sold shirts, of which I did not get, that said "I danced with Ellen, Orlando 2007"

Yup, that's as close as we got. Oh well, we did see Lynard Skynard perform.

They still rock, even if all the original band members are dead/incarcerated/quit. haha.

The Ellen show we were on is scheduled to air Monday at 4 (Broward), on NBC. We were in the middle of the crowd that Lynard Skynard performed in front of. Luckily Jess wore a bright salmon shirt, and Eitan a blue hat, so look for us!

Better yet, we renewed our annual passes as Easter gifts to each other. Yay! Anyone up for a day trip - let us know!

Cracking Bats this Break

With the kids out of school on Spring Break, it’s safe to assume you could use an afternoon out. Enjoy a sun-drenched day at the ballpark and still stay within your budget. Start the season early by catching our hometown Marlins or visiting Cardinals at their Spring Training Camp this week for a fun-filled spring break day of Americana.

Avoid the Miami traffic and aim north to Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Tickets are economical, even for large groups, starting at just $8 a piece. The prices are low enough to leave change for ice cream in a tiny, upside down helmet. The games are daily through the end of March. Roger Dean Stadium is at 4751 Main Street in Jupiter. Call 561-775-1818 or visit www.rogerdeanstadium.com for more.

Spring Break is here

Feel that twinge of warm in the air? That's right, spring is around the corner. More importantly, Spring Break is coming and Trapeze is celebrating. This month we are hosting the wildest masquerade this side of the Bayou. Both Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale will be transformed into the French Quarter. We ordered beads by the truckload, but ladies, we're making you work for them (flashes). We have some other crazy tricks up our sleeves you won't want to miss. Costumes are encouraged and the colors of the night are purple, green and gold. Or check out our Spring Break themed parties below.

Kick off with our monthly VIP Party on March 11. Sign up here for Atlanta or Fort Lauderdale. Make sure you list your city in the subject line.

Sat., March 12 Spend Saturday as a sexy scout honoring Girl Scout Day. You know, there may be some badges that you ladies didn't receive as a scout.

Sat., March 12 SDC encourages you to do it like the Romans did, orgy style. It's Animal House but sexier. Togas are encouraged.

Sun., March 13 Meet Little Allen on the beach for a day of sun-soaked fun. Then hit the showers for a trip to Trapeze.

Sun., March 13 Since it's still a bit cool out, let's heat up the night in the club. Have a splash in our pool or soak in the Jacuzzis. Bathing suits optional.

Wed., March 16 String is good, Brazilian is better. Dig your bathing suit out of hibernation in the closet. We want to see those pasty abs out for play. We promise burgers, dogs and all other manner of charred deliciousness. It's time to put something tasty in your mouth. Atlanta | Fort Lauderdale

Thurs., March 17 Is it luck that made St. Patrick's Day fall during Spring Break? We will serve up corned beef and cabbage and a lot of green sides. Make sure you wear the color of the Emerald Isle or you could be stuck with a lot of pinches throughout the evening. Atlanta | Fort Lauderdale

Sat., March 19 Whether you were the nerd or the jock, pep rallies were the bane of your existence in school. Now the a/v squad has the chance to bed the head cheerleader. Kasidie hosts Fort Lauderdale and Swinging Atlanta hosts Atlanta.

Wed., March 23 Show off your newly acquired tan lines in the most naked party around. And remember, flashing is encouraged.