Things to Do in Lake Magdalene

When crafters step into Pottery Bears 'n Beads' vast studio, shelves brimming with more than 1,000 paintable ceramic pieces and finished works by other artists dash away inhibition and flood minds with inspiration. Picassos and fledgling artists create side-by-side, forming a social community buttressed by friendly staff members who lend guidance and break down creative barriers with templates and design suggestions. Whether painting pottery with a floral pattern or painting canvas with a portrait of a family pet, crafters draw from a rainbow of paints and a full arsenal of supplies. Artisans of all ages can also hand-stuff a bear, leopard, frog, dog, or other animal, outfitting finished friends with birth certificates, sounds, or outfits to ready them for a tea party or NATO convention.

While letting their creative sides flourish, patrons can munch on BYO snacks, order in from several nearby restaurants, or enjoy complimentary adult beverages on Friday ladies' nights. To document the good times and give clients a solid alibi, Pottery Bears 'n Beads gifts a free photo of the festivities. Also, to encourage good grades in its younger crafters, it waives the studio fee for students who present a report card with an A.

Andres Kerllenevich began flying helicopters as a hobby while making a living as a lawyer. As time passed, he earned his license and left to fly tours over Alaska and New York City. He eventually settled in St. Augustine, the historical city where his wife fondly remembered vacationing as a child. Now, five other FAA-certified pilots join him in leading tours over the coastal castles, historic lighthouses and colleges, and vibrant downtown areas of St. Augustine and Tampa.

At the helm of Robinson R44 helicopters, the pilots soar at heights of up to 1,500 feet past Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Porpoise Point, and the towering red cross at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. They also guide tours above Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and the Florida Aquarium, while granting passengers glimpses of coastline populated by bottlenose dolphins. Pilots have also orchestrated aerial marriage proposals, during which the groom-to-be points out his question written on the beach or on a rooftop sign. The tours grant a bird's-eye view for photography and videography sessions.