State of the week: Florida

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Where are we? The Sunshine State. America's favorite vacation spot, Florida has it all. From world-class golf and beaches to theme parks and cruise ships, this state won't let you suffer boredom. An easy drive from many places on the East Coast, Florida is packed with visitors year round. When will you be making your trip?

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The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is one of the remaining symbols of Spanish rule in Florida's history.

Florida history: Though Florida brags the oldest city in America -- St. Augustine -- and was settled by Europeans very early on in exploration history, it was inhabited long before that by several indigenous tribes -- the largest groups being the Ais, the Apalachee, the Calusa, the Timucua and the Tocobago. Florida earned its name when Spanish Conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon claimed the land for his country when he discovered it in April of 1513 -- a date that fell during "Pascua Florida," otherwise known as Easter. The Spanish went on to settle most of the region, but eventually the English and French settlements took over control of the area in a struggle for power that led to the English burning the city of St. Augustine to the ground. In 1875, Florida joined the Union as the 27th state but then seceded prior to the start of the Civil War in 1861. Three years after the war ended, Florida rejoined the Union. Today, with a population of over 18 million, the Sunshine State is the fourth most populous in America.

Florida on the course: Florida is the home of the PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS. Early in the season, the TOUR spends a month in the state making stops at famous courses such as Arnold Palmer's home of Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami. But the biggest TOUR stop in Florida comes in May at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship. One of the most important events of the year, this tournament boasts big name champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Davis Love III, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and this year's winner Sergio Garcia. Resort guests at the Sawgrass Marriott can play the private TPC Sawgrass courses (the other course is the Valley Course) year round.

Florida off the course: It's tough to pick one great thing to do in Florida, so let's try to narrow it down to your interests. You like thrills and fun that take you back to your childhood? Head to Orlando -- the Mecca of theme parks. You want Jimmy Buffett-style relaxation? Head to Key West, or any of the Keys, really. You want to go star spotting? Head to Miami, the playground of the Hollywood A-listers. You want to go for-real star spotting? Head to Port Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center. Want me to keep going? Basically, whatever you want, you can find in Florida (except cold weather).

Florida resort: The Casa Marina Resort in Key West is a four-star, Mediterranean-style hotel on a private beach just two miles from Duval Street. You can experience the best of Key West at Casa Marina -- the peaceful downtime and the rowdy nightlife. There are also two pools at the hotel in case you're an easy dipper rather than a sandy footer. The high season for Key West is late fall through late spring, but if you can stand the heat, then the best time to go is in the middle of the summer when you'll get an awesome rate.

Florida eats: Depending on where you are in Florida, there are two most common dishes. If you take a trip to the Miami area, then you'll be overwhelmed by the Cuban restaurants -- and you absolutely have to try them. Anywhere else in Florida (and in Miami, too), seafood is the dish du jour. From big, fresh, ocean catches like mahi mahi and grouper to a virtual shellfish buffet, you can eat your fill of seafood in this state -- after all, it is practically an island.

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Tiger with his 14th major trophy

Florida culture: Remember earlier when I told you the British burned down the city of St. Augustine in a power struggle over the land of Florida? Well, the people of St. Augustine hid behind the walls of the fort -- Castillo de San Marcos (above in picture) -- as they watched their city turn to ashes. The fort still stands strong today overlooking the water as a symbol of the bastion of old. It's a national monument and is open for tours every day from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Day. It's worth a visit.

Florida golfer: Many golfers make their home in Florida, so it's pretty hard to pick just one as the hallmark golfer of the state. However, if there's one to pick, you know who it is, right? Tiger Woods. The relocated California-born superstar currently lives -- and has done for a while -- just outside of Orlando, where he's a member at Isleworth Golf and Country Club. As a member of Isleworth, the 65-time TOUR winner (including 14 majors, see the 2008 U.S. Open for all the ages) competes in the annual Tavistock Cup against rival golf club, Lake Nona. What else can be said about Tiger that you don't already know? He makes his adopted state of Florida proud.