If you’re going to skip town on your family for Thanksgiving, you might as well go somewhere warm. Heading down to the Florida Keys is a good bet for nice weather and beach time, and the relaxed atmosphere doesn't allow for Black Friday insanity.

For dinner, head to Pepe's on Caroline Street. This is one of the oldest restaurants in Key West, and the place serves up a Thanksgiving-style meal every Thursday.

Then, instead of watching the parade on TV, head out to the water where kiteboarders are planning to congregate during the holiday weekend to put on a show for anyone watching. If the winds are blowing the right way on Saturday, a group plans to ride about 80 miles through the water from Islamarada to Key West.

Related Stories:
· Pepe's Cafe [Yelp]
· Thanksgiving in the Florida Keys? [Kiteboarding Magazine]
· Thanksgiving coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Stig Nygaard]]]> kjb 2008-11-21T13:03:36-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/6/4/8288/79060

If you want to speed along the water this summer, but aren't too keen chartering a gas-guzzling boat then harness the power of wind with a kiteboard. Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, is just what it sounds like: The kite pulls you along the water and waves and even lets you get airborne. If you're gonna give it a try, do it with the pros at the Kitehouse.

A tour company and outfitter founded by a competitive kitesurfer, Kitehouse gives one-on-one instruction and even has "assisted kiteboarding," so no matter how awful you are, you'll have a good time.

Kitehouse has locations in the Caribbean and Costa Rica, but it appears that the best action is at the original in Key West. Packages vary with experience level, but all feature equipment, a support boat and a goodie bag with snacks and drinks. A five-day, 20-hour package starts at $1,095, without lodging or transportation. At least there's no charge if the wind isn't blowing when you're out on the water.

Related Stories:
· The Kitehouse [Official Site]
· More than Just a Vacation: Learn Kitesurfing in Morocco [Jaunted]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Colby Otero!]]]> kjb 2008-06-04T13:00:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/10/22/205811/12

When it comes to active travel, we've checked out some pretty crazy stuff. But when HotelChatter tipped us off to kiteboarding, we had to investigate. The adventure sport puts riders on a small surfboard that's a bit like the more-popular wakeboard--and then hands them the reins to a big kite. Riders strap their feet into bindings before letting loose.

The sport is still in its infancy, but there are plenty of places to check it out. Our suggestion? Kiteboarding PR. The one-day Kite Control Class helps beginners master kiteboarding techniques, everything from kite setup to takeoffs and landings. Advanced lessons and custom camps are also available for those anxious to ride the waves like a true pro.

Our number one tip for the newbies? Well, it came from the experts:

The best way to feel like you're not at your local Costco meat section is to be sure all the boys wear board shorts over their wetsuits.

Related Stories:
· Kiteboarding PR [Official Site]
· Why Take Lessons [Kiteboarding Magazine]
· Kiteboarding and Sand-Biking are Big at La Zebra [Hotel Chatter]

[Photo: BlogKite]
]]> jnaw 2007-10-23T09:30:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/