PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — (April 19, 2018) Recently named One of the Best Places to Catch the Sunset in Punta Gorda by Sunseeker Magazine, the Wyvern Hotel knows how to celebrate with good food, fun and Southwest Florida’s famous sunset.

Each and every day from 5 pm to 6:30 p.m., guests at the hotel’s iconic Perch 360® Up On The Roof open-air dining venue or indoor lobby-level 88 Key Florida restaurant can enjoy a three-course Sunset Special dinner for just $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  First-course selections include PEI Mussels, Hummus & Pita, and Pot Stickers.  Second-course entrees feature Grilled Sirloin, Chicken Juliet, Scottish Salmon, Vegan Pad Thai and Shrimp Vermicelli.  Third-course desserts are Gluten Free Chocolate Torte, Upside Down Pineapple Cake, and Gelato. Reservations preferred.

“Everyone loves coming to our rooftop restaurant for the best sunset views so we decided to celebrate that even more with a very special three-course menu to savor and enjoy exclusively during the hours of sunset,” said Wyvern Hotel Executive Chef Josh Booze.  “For those wanting to stay out of the sun and enjoy our iconic piano bar, we offer our new sunset menu simultaneously at 88 Key.”

The 63-room Wyvern Hotel is a Condé Nast Johansens property located in the beautifully restored historic downtown district of Punta Gorda.  The hotel features the 88 Keys Contemporary American Cuisine Restaurant and Art Deco Piano Bar with capacity for 130 people, the rooftop Perch 360 Restaurant and Bar for up to 130 people, offering live entertainment and the best view of Punta Gorda’s bustling avenues and majestic yachts of Charlotte Harbor, and the River Room private function space for up to 50.

Within walking distance and short drives from The Wyvern Hotel are waterside shopping, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, The Harborwalk, a 98-slip marina and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor. Punta Gorda, easily reached by I-75 along Florida’s South-Central Gulf Coast, just North of Fort Myers and South of Sarasota, is known for its royal palm lined streets, old Florida-era tin-roofed homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, biking and more.  For more information and to make restaurant reservations, call (941) 639-7700 or go to www.thewyvernhotel.com.

ORLANDO, Florida (August 7, 2018)  –  Having fun in Orlando is not complete without a visit to Gatorland®, soon to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.

“People have no idea how much there is to see, to do and to learn once they enter our park,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland.  “We have lots of alligators and crocodiles, of course.  We also have adventure rides, our signature shows, educational exhibits, exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, plus other reptiles and other amazing animals.”

Visitors will want to make sure they have in their back pocket the following Top 10 List of Great Ways to Experience Gatorland all year round.

Gatorland Top 10 List:

1)    Ride the Stompin’ GatorOff-Road Adventure

2)    Fly Above Alligators on the Screamin’ GatorZip Line

3)    Come Face to Face with the Rare White Alligators.  Gatorland has 6 of these rare animals.

4)    Feed giant alligators at Adventure Hour

5)    Watch the world-famous Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters shows.

6)    Touch and feed three of the Largest Tortoise Species in The World

7)    Meet giant crocodiles in Jungle Crocs of the World.

8)    Photograph exotic wild birds nesting and raising their young in the Alligator Breeding Marsh.

9)    Beat the Heat with the after-hours Gator Night Shine experience to see the glowing eyes and hear the bellows of the Gatorland alligators at dusk. During the day, beat the heat at the Gator Gully Splash Park.

10) Don’t leave without taking your picture inside the historic Gatorland Gator Mouth entrance.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment.  The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road adventure.

For more Gatorland information, visit us online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland, on Twitter https://twitter.com/gatorlandon Instagram: gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/.

ORLANDO, Florida (May 21, 2018)  –  May 23 is World Turtle Day and Gatorland®, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is inviting the public to come and get to know their three resident tortoises, which are among the largest tortoise species in the world.   Dean is a 102-year-old Aldabra Tortoise weighing 500 pounds.  Kendrick is a 57-year-old Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise, weighing in at 200 pounds and Lucy, is a 29-year-old Galapagos Tortoise that weights 300 pounds.
The American Tortoise Rescue organization established World Turtle Day in 2000 to raise global awareness about the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle.  For more information, go to www.worldturtleday.org.

Gatorland has a long history with giant tortoises that began in 1959 when park founder, Owen Godwin, acquired a 400-pound giant tortoise named Albertwho lived into the late 70s, to be over 100 years old.  Then came Albert II, who Owen’s son, Frank Godwin, purchased from a private owner in Ft. Myers.  Albert II survived the big freeze of 1984 when the family brought him inside their house to keep warm.  Albert II passed away in 2006.

“Our giant tortoises are an important part of our history and ongoing animal education here at Gatorland,” said Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s President  & CEO.  “People rarely have a chance to see them in the wild, and we are proud to provide guests with a unique opportunity to meet them and learn about them.”  Gatorland offers guests an opportunity to feed the giant tortoises for just $5.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment.  The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Offroad adventure.

For more Gatorland information, visit us online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.  Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland, on Twitter https://twitter.com/gatorlandon Instagram: gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/.

Central Florida’s Most Trusted Authority On Alligator Safety and Education

ORLANDO, Florida –  With the start of the busy summer vacation season now upon us, Gatorland® reminds its park guests and the traveling public that any body of water in the state of Florida can be home to alligators.  Here are some important things to keep in mind from Central Florida’s Most Trusted Authority on Alligator Safety and Education:

• Take note that we are in alligator breeding season right now. Alligators can be very territorial and many are on the move looking for mates.
• When there is a drought and water levels are low, this also puts alligators on the move
• Use extra caution in the morning or evening hours in shallow water, as alligators may think the splashing is an animal at the waters’ edge or is in distress
• Stay away from alligators you see in the wild and do not feed them
• Remember, it is against the law in the State of Florida to feed an alligator
• Report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through http://myfwc.com/.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment.  The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, and Up-close Encounters and one of a kind adventure experiences like the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

For more Gatorland information, visit us online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.  Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland, on Twitter https://twitter.com/gatorlandand on Instagram: gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family
fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with an observation tower. Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure rides, educational wildlife programs, popular Gator Jumparoo and Gator Wrestlin’ shows, and more.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – (June 20, 2018) The Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda, Fla., has partnered with the new Nickel Ride innovative transportation service changing the way visitors and community members experience the city.  The hotel’s guests and other visitors in the destination just download the Nickel Ride app on their phone, and request picks up and drop off anywhere within the Punta Gorda city limits. The service is totally free, with just a tip for the driver.

The Nickel Ride in Punta Gorda currently showcases The Wyvern Hotel and its Perch 360 and 88 Keys restaurants as featured advertising.  For more information on The Nickel Ride, go to www.thenickelride.co.

The 63-room Wyvern Hotel is a Condé Nast Johansens property located in the beautifully restored historic downtown district of Punta Gorda.  The hotel features the 88 Keys Contemporary American Cuisine Restaurant and Art Deco Piano Bar with capacity for 130 people, the rooftop Perch 360 Restaurant and Bar for up to 130 people, offering live entertainment and the best view of Punta Gorda’s bustling avenues and majestic yachts of Charlotte Harbor, and the River Room private function space for up to 50.

Within walking distance and short drives from The Wyvern Hotel are waterside shopping, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, The Harborwalk, a 98-slip marina and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor. Punta Gorda, easily reached by I-75 along Florida’s South-Central Gulf Coast, just North of Fort Myers and South of Sarasota, is known for its royal palm lined streets, old Florida-era tin-roofed homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, biking and more.  For more information, go to www.thewyvernhotel.com.

ORLANDO, Florida (May 21, 2018)  –  May 23 is World Turtle Day and Gatorland®, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is inviting the public to come and get to know their three resident tortoises, which are among the largest tortoise species in the world.   Dean is a 102-year-old Aldabra Tortoise weighing 500 pounds.  Kendrick is a 57-year-old Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise, weighing in at 200 pounds and Lucy is a 29-year-old Galapagos Tortoise that weights 300 pounds.

The American Tortoise Rescue organization established World Turtle Day in 2000 to raise global awareness about the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle.  For more information, go to www.worldturtleday.org.

Gatorland has a long history with giant tortoises that began in 1959 when park founder, Owen Godwin, acquired a 400-pound giant tortoise named Albert who lived into the late 70s, to be over 100 years old.  Then came Albert II, who Owen’s son, Frank Godwin, purchased from a private owner in Ft. Myers.  Albert survived the big freeze of 1984 when the family brought him into their house to keep warm.  Albert passed away in 2006.

“Our giant tortoises are an important part of our history and ongoing animal education here at Gatorland,” said Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s President  & CEO.  “People rarely have a chance to see them in the wild, and we are proud to provide guests with a unique opportunity to meet them and learn about them.”  Gatorland offers guests an opportunity to feed the giant tortoises for just $5.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment.  The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Offroad adventure.

For more Gatorland information, visit us online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.  Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland, on Twitter https://twitter.com/gatorlandon Instagram: gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — (May 4, 2018) The Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda, Fla., announces its first Passport to Wine Grand Tasting Series, offering a tour of more than 30 different exclusive and rare wines from different regions and countries, including the U.S., France, Italy, South, America, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. The wine tour program features six tasting stations, region-specific hors d’oeuvres which complement each event’s wines, and a Bubbles Station, traveling through the hotel’s 88 Keys Restaurant, Lobby, and River Room.

The Wine Tour series begins on May 31, 2018, continues the last Thursday of every month and ends on August 23, 2018.  Cost per tasting is $70 per person, $130 a couple and $60 per person for passport holders. Passport access for all six events is $360 per person. Each guest purchasing a ticket receives a passport.  Those who attend all six events, receive a stamp in their passport to receive a surprise gift.
A special room rate the evening of each Wine Tour Event is $99++ per night double occupancy, based on availability, for those purchasing tickets to the events.  For reservations to the Passport to Wine Grand Tasting events, call 941-347-7061 or email: NN@EdgewaterGRPLLLC.com.  For room reservations, call (941) 639-7700

The 63-room Wyvern Hotel is a Condé Nast Johansens property located in the beautifully restored historic downtown district of Punta Gorda.  The hotel features the 88 Keys Contemporary American Cuisine Restaurant and Art Deco Piano Bar with capacity for 130 people, the rooftop Perch 360 Restaurant and Bar for up to 130 people, offering live entertainment and the best view of Punta Gorda’s bustling avenues and majestic yachts of Charlotte Harbor, and the River Room private function space for up to 50.

Within walking distance and short drives from The Wyvern Hotel are waterside shopping, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, The Harborwalk, a 98-slip marina and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor. Punta Gorda, easily reached by I-75 along Florida’s South-Central Gulf Coast, just North of Fort Myers and South of Sarasota, is known for its royal palm lined streets, old Florida-era tin-roofed homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, biking and more.  For more information, go to www.thewyvernhotel.com.

PUNTA GORDA, Florida  –  (Feb. 26, 2018)  It’s a very exciting time to be a chef.  This is especially true if you’re working with a fellow chef you’ve known for many years and with whom you now work in a luxury lifestyle hotel known for its breathtaking rooftop view of Punta Gorda, Fla. and Charlotte Harbor, and if you shop 100 percent organic for the restaurants every week at the nearby 85-acre Worden Farm, a certified organic family farm in Punta Gorda that has been featured by PBS, NBC Nightly News, America’s Heartland, USA Today and Bon Appetit.

Welcome to the world of Wyvern Hotel Executive Chef Josh Booze and Sous Chef Brandon Hause, Punta Gorda’s dynamic duo taking the Farm To Fork concept to a new level of passion and enjoyment for hotel guests and locals who dine at the Wyvern’s 88 Keys Restaurant and Art Deco Piano Bar, the rooftop Perch 360 Restaurant and Bar and room service.
“We pride ourselves in the seemingly lost tradition of buying only fresh products and preparing all of our featured dishes from scratch,” explained Chef Josh.  “We talk to our guests. We ask them what they like and what they haven’t tried yet. Our job is to please the palate and educate the guest.”

Popular Farm to Fork entrees on the menu at The Wyvern Hotel include: Grilled Salmon Salad with mustard greens, red leaf and toasted pecans; Naughty Gnocchi Tapas, a roasted garlic infused gnocchi sautéed with Neuske’s bacon, scallions, sundried tomatoes, tossed with “moody blue” crème topped with crispy leeks; Maryland Style Crab Cakes with mustard greens and Winter Harvest Soup with red leaf, green leaf, kale, gorgonzola, crumbled Neuske’s bacon and caramel apple vinaigrette.

Chef Josh, who previously served as Chef de Cuisine at Fin’s Restaurant in Venice, Fla., enjoys sharing his famous tapas and seafood made from all fresh ingredients, plus his specialty in American Fusion and wine pairing.  At Worden Farm, he buys Mizuna red leaf lettuce for the restaurants’ salads and other unique vegetables he uses on the menu daily, such as red and yellow cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, Romanesco, purple baby bok choy, kohlrabi cabbage turnips and purple cauliflower.

Chef Brandon, his friend from Easton, Maryland, gets very excited when serving up his jicama salad, which he calls the healthier alternative to potato salad.  “We go through 15 quarts of it in 2 days,” he exclaimed.  “It’s great to teach guests to try new things and gain maximum nutrition value.”  He does the same when using mushrooms 50 different ways and soups with coconut milk, roasted pepper, and Romanesco.
For four years, Chef Brandon worked as Sous Chef with the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm, Fla., helping people help themselves through a vegan/organic diet.  Paired up with Chef Brandon now at The Wyvern, he is thrilled to add his healthy, creative culinary skills to the equation.  Together, the two chefs are making sure it is also a very exciting time to be a hotel and restaurant guest at The Wyvern, too.

The 63-room Wyvern Hotel is a Condé Nast Johansens property located in the beautifully restored historic downtown district of Punta Gorda.  The hotel features the 88 Keys Contemporary American Cuisine Restaurant and Art Deco Piano Bar with capacity for 130 people, the rooftop Perch 360 Restaurant and Bar for up to 130 people, offering live entertainment and the best view of Punta Gorda’s bustling avenues and majestic yachts of Charlotte Harbor, and the River Room private function space for up to 50.
Within walking distance and short drives from The Wyvern Hotel are waterside shopping, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, The Harborwalk, a 98-slip marina and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor. Punta Gorda, easily reached by I-75 along Florida’s South-Central Gulf Coast, just North of Fort Myers and South of Sarasota, is known for its royal palm lined streets, old Florida-era tin-roofed homes wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, biking and more.  For more information and to make restaurant reservations, call (941) 639-7700 or go to www.thewyvernhotel.com.