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2021 Travel Guide To Florida
2021 Travel Guide To Florida
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2021 TRAVEL GUIDE TO
FLORIDA www.floridatravelguide.travel
The 2021 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA is published by Globelite Travel
Marketing Inc., a leading lifestyle media company and publisher of
The Travel Guides to Canada, The Travel Guide to California, and
Dreamscapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine.
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Susan B. Barnes | Vanessa Caceres | Kara Franker
Kevin Fritz | Janet Groene | Jen Karetnick | Chelle Koster Walton
Melody Pittman | Edward Schmidt Jr. | Donna S. Vieira
Richard Westlund | Sally White | Steve Winston
FLORIDA OFFICE:
401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 130-446,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Tel: 1-888-700-4464
Fax: 416-497-0871
email: tigc@rogers.com
www.floridatravelguide.travel
CANADIAN OFFICE:
Globelite Travel Marketing Inc.
3 Bluffwood Drive
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3L4
Tel: 416-497-5353, 1-888-700-4464
Fax: 416-497-0871
email: tigc@rogers.com
www.floridatravelguide.travel
lla R.
MITCHELL
G E N E VA 84
BALDWIN COVINGTON MILLER LANIER
HOUSTON WARE BRANTLEY
COOK CAMDEN
D E C AT U R
95
31 i JACKSON SEMINOLE 319 BROOKS
Graceville CLINCH
Cumberland Island NS
ESCAMBIA THOMAS
CHARLETON
L. Seminole
A T L A N T I C
OKALOOSA HOLMES GRADY 441 St M
331 Marianna 27 arys
S A N TA R O S A 90 84 R.
29
Milton
WA LT O N
LOWNDES ECHOLS
i Fernandina O C E A N
10 WASHINGTON
1 NASSAU Beach
LEON 19 41
i 10 221 iJasper 17
Fort Walton GADSDEN
Pensacola
Beach
231 i 90 Madison H A M I LT O N 301 D U VA L
Warrington JEFFERSON
White Springs
A R.
Destin
98
B AY Tallahassee MADISON
Jacksonville
L
CALHOUN
Jacksonville Beach
HICO
SUWANNEE COLUMBIA
Panama WAKULLA 10
City Beach 129 90
NORTHEAST
AC
BAKER
LIBERTY 98
APAL
Panama City Perry 27 Lake City
41
NORTHWEST 95
TAY L O R
Mexico UNION
Beach 319 1
ST JOSEPH BAY GULF
FRANKLIN
19
L A FAY E T T E BRADFORD Starke C L AY S T. J O H N S
St. Augustine
98
Apalachee Bay High Springs Alachua
Cross City
ALACHUA
27
Apalachicola GILCHRIST
Gainesville Palatka
NORTH
Fanning Springs
PUTNAM
Palm Coast
e R.
DIXIE FLAGLER
Flagler Beach
CENTRAL
anne
27A Williston
Suw
LEVY 17
MARION
L. George Ormond Beach
Ocala
41 Daytona Beach
Inglis 92
New Smyrna Beach
Waccasassa Bay De Land
Citrus Springs 75 VOLUSIA
LAKE Deltona
Leesburg
CITRUS 441
Winter Garden
Sanford
95
CENTRAL
SUMTER SEMINOLE
98 Winter Park
19 301
27 Titusville
Brooksville
HERNANDO Orlando
ORANGE
Cocoa
Kissimmee
New Port Richey PA S C O
Polk City
17
Cocoa Beach
Land O Lakes
WEST
Tarpon Springs
Plant City
4
Haines City
OSCEOLA
St J 192
ohn
Melbourne
CENTRAL
EAST
sR
Clearwater
CENTRAL
Winter . 1
98 B R E VA R D
PINELLAS
275 Haven
Largo 92 Tampa
Bartow POLK
Sebastian
St. Petersburg
HILLSBOROUGH
Apollo Beach
Frostproof INDIAN RIVER
Vero Beach
TAMPA 41 17
301 Avon Park
BAY
Wauchula
441
Anna Maria Island M A N AT E E Sebring OKEECHOBEE 95
Bradenton HARDEE 98
27
S T. L U C I E
Fort Pierce
Sarasota 75
Port St. Lucie
Sarasota Springs Jensen Beach
Okeechobee
S A R A S O TA HIGHLANDS Stuart
98 MARTIN 1
Venice DE SOTO
G U L F 41 GLADES
Lake
Indiantown Hobe Sound
O F Englewood Port Charlotte Okeechobee Jupiter
M E X I C O
CHARLOTTE
Gasparilla Island North Palm Beach
LaBelle 27
Charlotte Harbor
Clewiston
West Palm Beach
Fort Myers HENDRY
Belle GladeP A L M BEACH
Cape Coral LEE
Lake Worth
Delray
Sanibel
Immokalee 441 Beach
Boca Raton
95
Pompano Beach
Golden Gate
Naples Ft Lauderdale
SOUTHWEST Marco Island
COLLIER
75
BROWARD
Hollywood
Big Cypress
41 National Preserve
Miami
Hialeah
Beach
Miami
MONROE
Kendall
DADE
Homestead
1
Everglades National Park
STATE OF
Key Largo
SOUTHEAST
FLORIDA BAY
FLORIDA
Big Pine Key 1 Marathon
Key West
Information, dates and websites were correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
ATLASPIX/SHUTTERSTOCK
52
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
20
23
THEME PARKS: Just for the Thrill of It!
GETTING AROUND
Florida is easy to explore by vehicle.
Bring your own or, if you’re at least
25, rent one. Visitors ages 16 and up
holding licenses from other states
or countries may drive in Florida.
Cash is no longer accepted on some
Florida toll roads. Purchase a
SunPass Mini Transponder at one of
the more than 3,100 retail locations
for US$4.99 plus tax. A minimum
opening balance of US$10 is
required. Most rental cars come
with a SunPass. SNORKELING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS • VISIT FLORIDA/PETER W. CROSS & PATRICK FARRELL
Drivers and front-seat passen-
T
gers must wear seat belts. All
he Sunshine State has attracted A LAND IN BLOOM
children under 18 are required to
visitors to its sandy shores for the The state flower is orange blossom, which is
wear seat belts, regardless of where
past 500 years. Written records about considered an exotic, albeit one that became
they are sitting. Children, three and
life in Florida began with the arrival of the extremely important to the region’s economy.
younger, must be secured in a
Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce Native to Southeast Asia, the orange tree is an
federally approved separate or
de León in 1513, marking the beginning of the evergreen shrub brought to the colony of
integrated car seat in the back seat;
American Frontier. He named what he saw St. Augustine in 1565. The orange and its
children, ages four and five, also
“La Florida,” or “place of flowers,” because of aromatic blossom, which connotes fertility
must be in the back seat and
the lush landscape. Indeed, Florida has 300 and good fortune, quickly became represen-
secured by a booster seat or a full
or integrated car seat. native plants, ranging from the thorny sweet tative of the area. Many towns such as Davie
Florida has strict drunk driving acacia to the wild azalea. have Orange Blossom Festivals. Today, Florida
laws and texting while driving is The state lists an additional 1,300-plus is the largest producer of oranges in the U.S.
illegal. Pedestrians always have the introduced exotics, many of them considered As well, it is the third largest producer of
right of way at crosswalks. And invasive. Others are housed in botanical honey which is made by the bees that sip
remember, hot pavement acts like gardens, such as the renowned Fairchild pollen from the fragrant blossoms.
ice when rain first hits it, so be Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables and In fact, Florida depends on export crops as
cautious driving during rain showers. the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical diverse as sugar cane and tomatoes to
Gardens in Sanford. survive, while still leaving plenty of sweet
FLOWING WATERS
Florida is made up of 1,200 miles of
coastline, of which 663 are foot-friendly
beaches. It isn’t all salty water and fruity
cocktail culture, however. The interior of
the state is far different than many expect,
with nearly 8,000 lakes and almost 1,700
rivers and streams. Lake Okeechobee—in
the center of the state—is Florida’s largest.
It not only provides drinking water for many
surrounding and southern counties, but it
is also an agricultural resource for the state’s
abundant produce. It offers some of the best
largemouth bass fishing in Florida. The
protective dike that encircles the lake is part
of the National Scenic Trail, a 110-mile
route, popular with hikers, naturalists,
cyclists and horseback riders.
In addition, the state has some 30 first-
magnitude freshwater springs—more than
BOK TOWER GARDENS, LAKE WALES • VISIT FLORIDA/CHRIS JOY
any other state. Most of these watering holes,
$$ SAVINGS $$ including Wakulla Springs—one of the
deepest, and Silver Springs—one of the
Head to South Florida in the heat of summer for good deals. Winter yields great largest, are clustered in Central West and
rates in northern Florida. Orlando has its own seasons, which coincide with school North Central Florida.
breaks; the Visit Orlando website offers discounts on attractions, restaurants and Finally, Florida claims quite a river
culture, notwithstanding the famed River of
shopping by visiting VisitOrlando.com/en/discounts-and-tickets. Reputable online
Grass, a.k.a. the Everglades, where native
ticket brokers include Mousesavers.com, Ticketmomma.com, UndercoverTourist.com
and non-native wildlife is the most diverse.
and OfficialTicketCenter.com.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the elusive and
The Entertainment Book (shop.entertainment.com) is a local favorite and you don’t endangered Florida panther, the only big cat
have to be a local to buy it. Also try groupon.com or livingsocial.com for discounts at living in the wild in this state.
hotels, attractions and restaurants. Four of South Florida’s top attractions—Lion From airboat rides and alligator spotting
Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery & Science and Zoo Miami— in the swamps to kayaking along the
offer unlimited visits for 100-plus days at summersavingspass.com. immortal Suwannee River, framed by cool,
green woodlands, and crabbing in the
In the Tampa Bay area, CityPASS offers savings of 50 percent or more on admission
tributaries of the Apalachicola River,
to the top five Tampa Bay attractions: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida
waterway adventures are endless. Here is
Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium or the Chihuly
also where you’ll find wild boar, which
Collection and the Museum of Science & Industry or the Tropics Boat Tours. Since the acclimated after the Spanish brought over
pass is good for 30 consecutive days starting with the first day of use, you’ll have their native pigs 500 years ago.
plenty of time to take in all of the sites. Plan your visit at citypass.com/tampa. Beyond the rivers and lakes, bodies of
water on either shore of the Florida
WEATHER
ADVISORY
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone,
especially young children and the elderly.
Symptoms include mild muscle cramps to
dehydration. If you feel faint, head for air
conditioning and start drinking fluids.
Also keep in mind that Florida is the
lightning capital of the United States.
Afternoon storms start and stop quickly
and often without much warning.
However, most parks and some other
public places are equipped with lightning
detectors. Heed the saying, “If thunder
roars, go indoors.”
Hurricane season runs June 1–November
30, but there is no need to worry as your
hotel (and the local news) will keep you well
informed. If you plan a trip during hurricane
season, it is wise to buy travel insurance.
A FASCINATING PAST
BY RICHARD WESTLUND
several lighthouses were erected in this
region in the 1800s. For a fascinating
glimpse into Florida’s past, tour the Garden
Key Lighthouse at Fort Jefferson and nearby
Loggerhead Key Lighthouse (both in Dry
Tortugas National Park); the Cape Florida
Lighthouse on Key Biscayne near Miami; and
the 160-year-old Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and
Museum in The Palm Beaches.
Built in 1891, the Museum of Art & History
at the Custom House in Key West houses
exhibitions exposing visitors to a Florida
they may have never known. Clinton Square
Market, now a bi-level shopping mall, is
housed in an 1800s building that was once a
U.S. Navy coal depot. Historic Key West also
offers the Harry S. Truman Little White
House presidential museum and the Ernest
Hemingway Home & Museum.
Miami’s historic Lyric Theater was a major
entertainment center for African Americans
in the state’s segregated society. A few blocks
to the south, Little Havana reflects Miami’s
Cuban heritage, with restaurants, clubs and
shops.
Pioneer homes and historical hotels are
found in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West
Palm Beach. Two examples are Stranahan
House Museum on the New River in Fort
Lauderdale and the Bonnet House Museum &
Gardens near the Intracoastal Waterway. In The
ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME & MUSEUM, KEY WEST • FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ROB O'NEAL Palm Beaches, the Boca Raton Resort and Club,
the Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club in Delray
F
rom swashbuckling tales of Spanish people who lived near the mouth of the Beach and the world-famous Breakers Hotel in
adventurers to Civil War battles and Miami River. The Miami Circle is an archae- Palm Beach are examples of Florida architec-
U.S. astronauts’ first ventures into ological site in downtown Miami believed to ture from the 1920s.
space, Florida’s history is an intriguing one. have been a structure built by these people.
Visit coastal forts and lighthouses, Other Native American cultures survived SOUTHWEST
museums, mansions and vintage hotels. the incursion of northern settlers in the Inventor Thomas Edison and his friend
Explore a variety of Native American, 1800s by moving into the Everglades, where Henry Ford built their Florida homes in Fort
African American and Hispanic cultural they gradually rebuilt their societies. Now, Myers. The compound is known today as the
sites that bring Florida’s past to life. A myriad visitors can learn about the Seminole and Edison & Ford Winter Estates and features a
of historic treasures are waiting to be Miccosukee Peoples, sample native cuisine, museum, laboratory and gardens.
rediscovered throughout the state. take a ride on an airboat or watch alligator To the north, not far from the historic
wrestling at attractions along U.S. 41 (Tamiami Boca Grande Lighthouse in Gasparilla Island
SOUTHEAST Trail) and I-75 (Alligator Alley). Clewiston’s State Park, the Gasparilla Inn & Club has
Thousands of years before the first European Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is a living village of attracted visitors since 1913.
explorers arrived, Florida was populated by early Seminole culture. Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero was
Native Americans such as the Tequesta To help mariners avoid rocks and reefs, the scene of one of the most unusual
THE JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART, SARASOTA • VISIT FLORIDA/MAURICE RIVENBARK
U.S. rule, and today is known as the “city of NORTH CENTRAL Southwest of Tallahassee, visitors can
five flags.” At its heart, Historic Pensacola During the early 1800s, Florida’s population tour the unspoiled fishing community of
Village includes 27 buildings and museums was concentrated in North Florida, where Apalachicola, the center of the state’s oyster
operated by the University of West Florida. Tallahassee became the territorial capital. industry for many decades. Nearby is the
In the late 1500s, the Spanish first One of the city’s highlights from that era is St. Marks Lighthouse in St. Marks National
inhabited the region to protect their settle- the Call-Collins House at The Grove Wildlife Refuge.
ments and galleons carrying gold from Museum, an historic mansion finished in
Mexico. Storms, battles and other accidents the 1840s by Richard Keith Call, an aide and NORTHEAST
resulted in numerous sinkings, and divers advisor to General Andrew Jackson. Back in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de
today can explore 20 wrecks along the When the Civil War broke out in 1861, León set foot on Florida’s sandy shores and
Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail between Florida joined the Confederacy—the christened the new land “La Florida.” Four
Pensacola and Port St. Joe. Visitors can also smallest state to secede from the U.S. During decades later, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
tour historical lighthouses in the region, the war, Union troops fought the Confeder- founded St. Augustine, the oldest continu-
such as the Pensacola Lighthouse and ates in several clashes in the North Central ously inhabited European-established city in
Maritime Museum, built in 1859. area, including the Battle of Natural Bridge the U.S. Featuring an historical district
In the 1700s, the British took control of in 1865—one of the last Confederate victories containing some 30 colonial-era buildings,
the region, building Fort Barrancas and Fort in the war. To the south near Lake City, St. Augustine provides a unique glimpse into
George. Then, a Spanish army with U.S. “soldiers” in Civil War uniforms annually re- Spanish colonial life. Highlights include
volunteers ousted the British forces during a enact the Battle of Olustee. The state also Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry
1781 battle—a little-known victory of the publishes the Florida Civil War Heritage Trail, fortification in the continental U.S., and the
American Revolution. a guidebook to Florida battle sites. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
In 1738, in an attempt to destabilize the
PONCE DE LEON INLET LIGHTHOUSE, DAYTONA BEACH • VISIT FLORIDA plantation economy of the British colonies
by creating a free black community to attract
slaves seeking escape and refuge, the Spanish
established the fort and town of Gracia Real
de Santa Teresa de Mosé as the first free black
community in North America.
To the north, Jacksonville traces its roots
to the French who landed at the mouth of
the St. Johns River in 1562 and founded Fort
Caroline two years later. However, a
Spanish force soon captured the fort, and
the French became a distant memory.
Through the years, the Spanish maintained
control of the region, establishing forts,
farms and missions, including Fort
Caroline and the Kingsley Plantation House
(c. 1798), both of which are located in the
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve—
one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands
on the Atlantic coast.
One of Florida’s hidden treasures is
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, north of
Jacksonville. Many buildings in its 50-block
historical district are on the National
Register of Historic Places. Visitors can also
tour the Amelia Island Lighthouse property.
Built during the Territorial Period in 1838, it
is the state’s oldest lighthouse. Scout out Fort
Clinch for a glimpse into the nation’s past
during the Civil War.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
BY SALLY WHITE
SNORKELING, FORT JEFFERSON, DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK • VISIT FLORIDA/PATRICK FARRELL
K
nown for glistening sugar-sand Eleven thousand miles of waterways, the Tortugas Biosphere Reserve. This 100-
beaches and sparkling turquoise warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the square-mile reserve encompasses seven
waters, Florida draws visitors from cooler Atlantic, entice paddlers to investigate islands and the tail end of a reef that
around the world. With more than 80 the wilds and anglers to cast their lines in hopes stretches from Miami to this national park,
different ecosystems and a vast array of of snagging a bass or prize-winning cobia. 70 miles from Key West. The remote location
natural resources, this sun-kissed state, With an extensive variety of natural has minimized human impact on the reef,
known for balmy winters and sultry resources available, it can be difficult for making it one of the best underwater snor-
summers, offers something for everyone. travelers to choose how to spend their time. keling and diving locations in America. The
The glittering depths of Williston’s These top 10 Florida ecotours not only aid Dry Tortugas can be reached via daily ferry
subterranean underwater caverns of Devil’s the state’s ecotourism through public from Key West. The Yankee Freedom III is the
Den and the saltier explorations around the education, but also give back to their official national park ferry and departs from
shipwrecks from Pensacola to Port St. Joe, community to help maintain these diverse 100 Grinnell Street, Key West, Florida 33040.
serving as artificial reefs to the local marine native assets for future generations to enjoy 1-800-634-0939. drytortugas.com
life on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck while allowing visitors unique opportunities
Trail, beckon avid scuba divers. Hiking
enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the
to experience wild Florida.
2 WALK THROUGH A WILDLIFE
HAVEN AT CORKSCREW
challenges of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail,
the state’s National Scenic Trail stretching
from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach.
1 SNORKEL LIVING REEFS AT
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL
PARK, FLORIDA KEYS
SWAMP SANCTUARY & BLAIR
AUDUBON CENTER, NAPLES
A pristine wilderness, dating back more than
Others prefer to drink in the vista views from Vibrant tropical fish dart past, ducking to 500 years, greets visitors at this 13,000-acre
the canopy walkway of Myakka River State hide in the depths of the colorful living coral swamp. It is home to the largest old-growth
Park or climb the limestone bluffs above the and sponges at Dry Tortugas National Park, bald cypress forest in the world, as well as
whitewater rapids at Big Shoals State Park. situated within the Everglades & Dry the largest nesting colony of wood storks in
the U.S. It also provides an important habitat Lagoon in Merritt Island National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge, Florida 32782. 1-321-268-2655.
for numerous endangered species including Refuge. Every swish of the paddle and adayawaykayaktours.com
the Florida panther and rare plants such as movement in the water spawns swirls of
the ghost orchid. A 2.25-mile boardwalk
meanders through wet prairie, marshlands
and pine flatwoods where around 200
glowing electric green color through the
water. This glow-in-the-dark phenomenon,
caused by a combination of single-celled
4 SWIM WITH THE MANATEES,
NATURE COAST
Crystal River, a winter playground to the West
species of birds reside, such as the snowy microorganisms called dinoflagellates, warm Indian manatee, attracts between 400 and
egret, barred owl, limpkin and sandhill temperatures and water salinity levels, occurs 800 of these gentle giant sea cows when water
crane. 375 Sanctuary Road, Naples, Florida June through early October. Come November temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico begin to
34120. 1-239-348-9151. corkscrew.audubon.org through May, bioluminescent jelly combs, a drop. Manatees like to frolic in the warmer
creature similar to a jelly fish but without the waters of the spring systems around Kings
3 EXPERIENCE
BIOLUMINESCENCE IN A
KAYAK, INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
sting, congregate in the waters of the Indian
River Lagoon to illuminate the cooler nights.
A Day Away Kayak Tours offers guided tours
Bay and are often spotted in the Three Sisters
Springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife
Refuge. Though no longer on the endangered
In the darkness of the night, kayaks glide year-round. The tour launch point is at list, they remain a “threatened” species. River
across the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Haulover Canal, Merritt Island National Ventures has been taking guests to swim and
snorkel with the manatees since 2010.
CANYONS ZIP LINE & CANOPY TOURS, OCALA • VISIT FLORIDA Manatee season is from November to March,
but they can be spotted around Crystal River
year-round. Tours leave from 498 SE Kings
Bay Drive, Crystal River, Florida 34429.
1-877-581-8401. riverventures.com
9 DESCEND INTO
THE LABYRINTHINE
UNDERGROUND AT FLORIDA
CAVERNS, MARIANNA
The only dry-air cave tour in a Florida state
park can be found at Florida Caverns State
Park in North Florida. Visitors take a 45-
minute guided tour with a park ranger
winding their way through narrow passages
and around unique limestone formations
like dripping stalactites, mounding stalag-
mites, flowstones and draperies. Blind
crayfish, cave salamanders and colonies of
bat species can also be found in this unusual
65ºF year-round Florida habitat.
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Florida 32446.
1-850-482-1228. floridastateparks.org/parks-
and-trails/Florida-Caverns-state-park
DOLPHIN LAGOON, DISCOVERY COVE, ORLANDO • SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT INC.
F
or theme parks and family fun, Located next to Shamu Stadium, visit unforgettable swim. The awe-inspiring
there’s no place like Florida where a Sesame Street Land. Walk around this six- shark swim allows guests to enjoy closer-
never-ending array of thrilling rides acre neighborhood and visit Big Bird’s Nest, than-ever encounters with several species of
and major attractions promise fun-packed Hooper’s Store and all the famous charac- these legendary predators.
excitement and adventures for all ages. ters. Rides include Big Bird’s Twirl ‘N’ Whirl The shark program teaches kids how
and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, among shark finning and overfishing threaten
SEAWORLD ORLANDO others. many shark species. SeaWorld Orlando
Introduced in 2018, SeaWorld Orlando’s The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour gives donates five percent of the proceeds from
Infinity Falls is a twisting and turning river guests the opportunity to learn about the this attraction to the Guy Harvey Ocean
rapid ride that showcases a lush South park’s majestic killer whales in brand new Foundation (GHOF) in support of shark
American jungle environment and native ways. And the popular Dolphin Nursery is conservation and research. This experience
animals that call this habitat home. Wind interactive and includes large windows, is available to guests 10 years and older.
your way around soaking fountains and giving guests the chance to see mothers and Discovery Cove also features a Ray
waterfalls as you pass the remains of an young dolphins up close. Throughout the Feeding experience, which gives guests the
ancient civilization. The four-minute animal-themed exhibits at SeaWorld Orlando, chance to feed various species of stingrays
adventure features a vertical elevator that you’ll learn about the park’s ongoing work in as well as thousands of tropical fish before
lifts rafts in preparation for a 40-foot drop the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured embarking on a private, guided swim of the
into churning and exhilarating waters. The and orphaned wildlife—over 37,000 animals Grand Reef.
Infinity Falls adventure ends at Harmony spanning a duration of more than 50 years. Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando’s Water Park,
Village where you’ll find interactive Nearby, Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive features high-speed water slides, exhila-
experiences educating and inspiring day resort with a list of interactive animal rating wave pools, and 80,000 feet of
guests about conserving freshwater adventures, welcomes guests to swim with sparkling white, sandy, artificial beaches to
ecosystems. After braving Infinity Falls, both dolphins and sharks. The Signature the delight of all ages. This one-of-a-kind
enjoy other SeaWorld Orlando adventures, Dolphin Experience offers the opportunity water park is also home to Ihu’s Breakaway
shows and animal encounters. to interact with a dolphin including an Falls, a multi-drop tower slide. Dare to try
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HAGRID'S MAGICAL CREATURES MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE • UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Charting new territory is the Borne Stuntac-
ular, which debuted last summer at
Universal Studios Orlando. Traveling to
three continents as Jason Bourne is pursued
by sinister characters, this not-to-be-missed
stunt show combines modern technology
and live action.
Harry Potter fans will want to experience
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike
Adventure. Board magical motorbikes to fly
far into the dark forest past Hogwarts castle,
towering trees and magical creatures, while
dodging fierce beasts. At 50 mph, it will
TIP
Located at 8102 International Drive in the
heart of Orlando’s tourism district, Visit
Orlando, the only official visitor center,
offers deals and unbiased expert advice
to visitors seeking information.
A WORLD OF SPORTS
BY EDWARD SCHMIDT JR.
I
f you love watching the NFL, NBA, NHL
and MLS professional sports teams,
Florida has a plethora of teams playing
in phenomenal stadiums and arenas. For
those who want to participate in the action,
the opportunities are equally impressive
with a variety of biking and hiking trails in
urban and wilderness areas, numerous
marinas with deep-sea fishing and yacht
charters, dozens of top-notch scuba diving
sites just offshore and a spectacular
inventory of golf courses and tennis courts.
FIELDS OF DREAMS
Baseball fans flock to Florida during the
month of March when 15 teams train and
play exhibition games prior to the season.
It’s a great way to see your favorite players
when they’re more accessible for autographs
and you can be closer to the action. The
engaging venues include George M.
Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, where the
Yankees train and which has a massive
PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA, PALM BEACH GARDENS • DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
Yankees memorabilia store, and JetBlue Park
in Fort Myers, a Boston Red Sox training The PGA Tour utilizes Florida every year LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin
venue featuring a replica of Fenway Park’s as sites for some of its most prestigious Durant play against the Florida teams. The
Green Monster. tournaments. You can stroll among the lush Magic play their games at the Amway Center
From April to October, enjoy regular fairways and palm trees and watch some in downtown Orlando and the Heat play at
season Major League Baseball in Miami with of golf’s greatest stars. The tournament the AmericanAirlines Arena.
the Miami Marlins, a National League team lineup includes The Honda Classic at PGA For major college basketball, the impres-
co-owned by famous baseball player Derek National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach sive menu is led by the Florida Gators, from
Jeter, and with the Tampa Bay Rays, an Gardens in March; Valspar Championship Gainesville’s University of Florida. The
American League team that competes at at Innisbrook’s Copperhead course, a University of Miami and Tallahassee’s
St. Petersburg’s domed Tropicana Field. Salamander Golf & Spa Resort in Palm Florida State University annually field strong
Harbor in late April; Arnold Palmer Invita- teams.
TEEING UP tional at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando
You’ll have little difficulty teeing it up in in early March; and THE PLAYERS Cham- FOOTBALL FRENZY
Florida, which boasts some 1,300 golf pionship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Gridiron icons like Don Shula, Dan Marino
courses and over 50 resorts where golf is the Beach in March. and Tim Tebow are synonymous with
main amenity. Many of Florida’s golf resorts football in the Sunshine State. Pro and
are world-renowned and home to iconic HOOPS HEAVEN college football dominate the sports scene in
courses like THE PLAYERS Stadium Course You can follow the bouncing ball in Florida Florida in fall and early winter.
at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, the from December to May with the NBA’s Home to the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay
Blue Monster at Trump National Doral in Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Both teams Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida
Miami and Copperhead at Innisbrook, a play in the hotly contested Southeast gives fans the chance to watch NFL football
Salamander Golf & Spa Resort near Tampa. Division, which also includes the Atlanta games in warm, sunny weather even in
In addition, there are superb daily fee Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Washington October and November.
courses to play with designer tags like Jack Wizards. Check schedules because it’s a great College football passions run deep in
Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones. chance to see the NBA’s brightest stars like Florida with highly successful programs like
RACING TO WIN
It doesn’t get any bigger and better than the
DAYTONA 500 in Daytona Beach, occurring
in February. It’s NASCAR’s speedy answer to
the NFL’s Super Bowl.
Sebring, in Central Florida, hosts the popular
MOBIL 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
Just south of Miami in Homestead, the
Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the Dixie
Vodka 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race held
in late February.
FAB FISHING
You’ll be reeled in by all of Florida’s phenom-
enal fishing possibilities. Amazingly, Florida
DAYTONA 500, DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY • VISIT FLORIDA
has over 8,000 miles of shoreline if you
Gainesville’s University of Florida Gators, Freedom Park, is completed. include inlets, bays and capes. Better still,
Tallahassee’s Florida State Seminoles and Fortunately, there are plenty of opportu- the weather is warm year-round so you can
Miami University’s Hurricanes. The Gators nities to see the sport in Florida. The fish any day of the year.
have won three national championships, the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Marinas for deep-sea charters are located
Seminoles have won three and the Soccer League is led by superstar Alex in all parts of the state. Two of the most noted
Hurricanes have captured five. Other Morgan. And, the Boca Raton FC is a are Islamorada in the Keys, which is known
colleges with top-flight Division 1 programs National Premier Soccer League team as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,”
where you can experience the game with all founded in 2015. and Destin in the Panhandle that’s been
of the colorful pageantry are the University dubbed “The World’s Luckiest Fishing
of Central Florida in Orlando, University of OWN THE ICE Village.” There are also numerous piers, docks
South Florida in Tampa and Florida Atlantic With two NHL teams in the state, Florida and bridges where you can drop a line and
University in Boca Raton. offers fans superb opportunities to see first- make a big saltwater catch as well as reefs and
At the end of each season in December rate hockey on their visit. Playing their games wrecks offshore where fish congregate.
and early January, Florida hosts several at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa, the For freshwater enthusiasts, Lake Okeechobee
major college football bowl games, Tampa Bay Lightning have qualified for the and rivers in the Everglades are great spots to
including the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Stanley Cup playoffs 12 times in 28 seasons fish for largemouth bass, bluegills and sunfish.
Bowl and Outback Bowl at Raymond James and won the cherished trophy twice, once in Throughout the state, a network of lakes, canals
Stadium in Tampa; Cheribundi Tart Cherry 2004 and again in 2020. Farther south, in the and channels provides excellent places to fish
Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium in Boca Miami metropolitan area, the Florida Panthers for largemouth bass, catfish and crappie.
Raton; Capital One Orange Bowl at the Hard skate at the BB&T Center in Sunrise. The
Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens; Cheez-it Panthers are the southernmost team in the EXPLORE THE SEA
Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Cure Bowl and Camping NHL and have qualified for post-season action One of the appealing aspects of snorkeling
World Bowl are all played at Camping World five times since their debut in 1993. in Florida is the wide variety of “shore dives”
Stadium in Orlando; and TaxSlayer Gator possible. You don’t have to swim far to see
Bowl at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville TERRIFIC TENNIS amazing marine life.
The fuzzy ball set loves to play and watch The Florida Keys has dozens of intriguing
SOCCER IN THE SUN tennis in Florida. Resorts like Boca Raton spots such as Cannon Beach at John
Florida has quietly become a haven for great Resort & Club, Saddlebrook Resort near Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you
professional soccer. Orlando City SC of the Tampa and Omni Amelia Island Plantation can see placed remnants of an early Spanish
MLS, founded in 2010, plays to record-breaking Resort north of Jacksonville have expansive, shipwreck about 100 feet off the beach, and
crowds at Exploria Stadium in downtown world-class tennis complexes. Spectators Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and
Orlando. The team has a loyal fan base as well enjoy the Miami Open presented by Itaú, Beach off Key West, where you can view
as fun tailgating parties before the games. which dates back to 1985 and has featured tropical fish and live coral. Other prime
The Inter Miami CF, a newly-established major stars such as Martina Navratilova, snorkeling havens all around the state
MLS team co-owned by David Beckham, will Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafael include Red Reef Park in Boca Raton, Phil
play at the Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Nadal. It is staged in late March at the Hard Foster Snorkel Trail in Riviera Beach and
Lauderdale until their new stadium, Miami Rock Stadium in the city of Miami Gardens. Blowing Rocks in Jupiter.
IMMERSION
up through The Palm Beaches,
Florida’s Southeast coast offers an
abundance of entertainment.
BY KARA FRANKER
SOUTHEAST
FLORIDA
YOUR
SOUTHEAST
FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Discover The Palm Beaches: ThePalmBeaches.com
Downtown Development Authority of Delray Beach:
downtowndelraybeach.com/dda
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau: sunny.org
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau: miamiandbeaches.com
Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency: floridashollywood.org
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Chamber of Commerce: lbts.com
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council: fla-keys.com
Sunny Isles Beach Tourism & Marketing Council: sunnyislesmiami.com
ATTRACTIONS
Southeast Florida offers an abundance
of family-friendly attractions, many
showcasing the Sunshine State’s unique
ecosystem and wildlife.
In the Florida Keys, the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum in Key West displays
gold, silver and treasures recovered from
sunken wrecks, while Dolphin Research
Center and The Turtle Hospital in Marathon
invite the whole family to get up close and
personal with sea life. Florida Keys
Aquarium Encounters, a conservation center
also located in Marathon, conducts guided
park tours as well as tarpon and stingray
feedings. At the Florida Keys History &
Discovery Center in Islamorada, enjoy an
FORT LAUDERDALE • VISIT FLORIDA
interactive historical experience through a
permanent model of Indian Key, once the sprawling tropical oasis, Fairchild Tropical Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort
Florida Keys’ second largest community Botanic Garden hosts special events like the Lauderdale is a 36-acre estate preserving a
outside of Key West only accessible by International Mango Festival and Interna- piece of Old Florida charm. While in Fort
private boat or kayak. tional Orchid Festival. Lauderdale, hop on board the Jungle Queen
The Florida Everglades is where natural- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of for a sightseeing cruise. Then, check out more
ists and adventurers can spot alligators on Science is located in Downtown Miami’s than 20,000 butterflies from around the globe
airboat tours and learn about the Miccosukee Maurice A. Ferré Park. The 250,000-square- at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, one of
Native American Tribe’s unique way of life at foot facility includes a planetarium, the world’s largest butterfly parks.
the Miccosukee Village. aquarium and science museum. Visit the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee
For more exciting animal encounters, Head to ArtsPark at Young Circle in National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach
visit Zoo Miami just north of Homestead, downtown Hollywood to enjoy a 10-acre for guided marsh tours, bird walks, canoe
Monkey Jungle south of the zoo, Jungle interactive park complete with a children’s trips and more. Become part of the herd at
Island in downtown Miami and the Miami play area. Flamingo Gardens Botanical Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, a drive-
Seaquarium in Key Biscayne. At the Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary through adventure where you can check out
Seaquarium, visitors enjoy the Penguin Isle, offers 60 acres of diverse native plants and more than 1,000 animals including giraffes,
a habitat for African penguins, which can be trees, a Bird of Prey Center with a free-flight lions, zebras and monkeys. Nearby, the
viewed above and below water in a 9,000- aviary, and the chance to view alligators, South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
gallon pool. Boasting an impressive collec- flamingos, bobcats and Florida panthers. For includes a planetarium, a one-of-a-kind 18-
tion of rare plants and flowers, as well as a a mix of ecology, history and architecture, the hole Conservation Miniature Golf Course,
a quarter-mile science trail and the recently-
added open-air amphitheater which
5
features daily live science shows, trivia
MUST-SEE sessions and concerts, along with many
ATTRACTIONS
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens,
Fort Lauderdale
bonnethouse.org
Butterfly World, Coconut Creek
butterflyworld.com
Jungle Island, Miami
jungleisland.com
Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee
lioncountrysafari.com
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach
marinelife.org
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS
melfisher.org
Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne
miamiseaquarium.com
Miccosukee Indian Village, Everglades
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: broward.org/airport/pages/default.aspx
village.miccosukee.com
Key West International Airport: eyw.com Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Miami International Airport: miami-airport.com palmbeachzoo.org
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum
Palm Beach International Airport: pbia.org of Science, Miami
Port Everglades: porteverglades.net frostscience.org
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium,
PortMiami: miamidade.gov/portmiami
West Palm Beach
Port of Palm Beach: portofpalmbeach.com sfsciencecenter.org
FEATURED LINKS
BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS
Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton
floridahikes.com/daggerwing-nature-center
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
jupiterlighthouse.org
ENTERTAINMENT
Miami Design District
miamidesigndistrict.net
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood
seminolehardrockhollywood.com
ROAD TRIPS
Brightline
gobrightline.com
Overseas Highway
fla-keys.com/the-highway-that-goes-to-sea/
BOCA BEACH CLUB, BOCA RATON • DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
SHOPPING
Aventura Mall, Miami
aventuramall.com BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS the water’s edge. Or fish on the seawall of
Bayside Marketplace, Miami
A trip to Florida isn’t complete without some Biscayne Bay where you can spot the
baysidemarketplace.com
Brickell City Centre, Miami
much-needed beach time. remnants of Stiltsville, a collection of histor-
brickellcitycentre.com Spend the day swimming, kayaking and ical structures on stilts hovering over the
Dolphin Mall, Miami snorkeling in crystal-clear water at Bahia water that dates back to the Prohibition-era
shopdolphinmall.com Honda State Park, located between the rumrunner days.
Festival Marketplace, Pompano Beach historic Seven Mile Bridge and Big Pine Key Of course, in Miami, you’ll not want to
shopfestival.com
in the lower Florida Keys. This stretch of miss the sparkling sands of South Beach.
The Galleria Mall, Fort Lauderdale
galleriamall-fl.com sand has been listed many times among the Families love the kid-friendly facilities and
The Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens: best beaches in the USA. mini splash and play area at the South Pointe
thegardensmall.com Home to two sprawling beach parks, Key Park beach, while those who want to be in
Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Biscayne is perfect for oceanfront family the “scene” head to the beach along Ocean
lasolasboulevard.com picnics. Visit either Crandon Park at the Drive. Farther north, the beach in Surfside is
Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise
entrance to the island, or Bill Baggs Cape a favorite among locals because of its laid-
simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills
Worth Avenue, Palm Beach Florida State Park at the island’s end. At Bill back vibe and access to a waterfront walking
worth-avenue.com Baggs, climb the steps of the historic Cape path. Or check out the Oleta River State Park
Florida Lighthouse (c. 1825) or kayak along beach, ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
ENTERTAINMENT
For hot days and sultry nights, these
neighborhoods and hot spots will keep
you entertained around the clock, seven
days a week.
Fans of fine beers, ales, rums and more
can enjoy local libations throughout the
Keys. For the ultimate bar-hopping
adventure, complete with plenty of local
music, Duval Street is party central in Key
West. At the end of the stretch, Mallory
Square is the perfect place to sip a tropical
cocktail and watch street performers during
the nightly sunset celebration. Tour the Key
West First Legal Rum Distillery, located in a
former Coca-Cola bottling plant and on the
site of a former pre-Prohibition-era bar
named Jack’s Saloon, and sample free rum.
The Jolly II Rover Land and Sea Combo Tour
blends food, libations, strolling and sailing.
The pirate-themed tour introduces visitors
to the history as well as the present-day NEW YEAR’S EVE RED SHOE DROP, KEY WEST • FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ANDY NEWMAN
beauty and charm of Key West. It features a
variety of food and rum tastings on land as cultural elite to hobnob over sophisticated like high-stakes poker, jackpot games and
well as two hours on board an 80-foot pirate cocktails, luxurious shopping and bingo hall. Catch year-round horse racing at
ship replica. celebrity-helmed restaurants. Joining Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, home
Miami has so many popular entertain- other trendy neighborhoods, there’s a of the Curlin Florida Derby. Check out the
ment districts you could spend weeks here resurgence of the MiMo Biscayne Vegas-style slot machines, poker tables,
and still not hit every hot spot. Two of the Boulevard Historic District, where you’ll restaurants, open air mall, bowling alley
most famous areas are Ocean Drive and find hip restored hotels and bars from the and art galleries. Also, in Hallandale Beach,
Lincoln Road on South Beach. Home of 1950s. MiMo, short for Miami Modern, the Big Easy Casino features slots, virtual
the Art Deco Historic District, renowned describes a design aesthetic unique to table games, poker and casual dining
nightlife, luxurious hotels and tons of local Miami that was influenced by American venues. For more round-the-clock casino
eateries, both locations offer the ultimate fascination with futurism, jets and space action and nightlife, head to the Seminole
South Beach experience. The Time Out exploration. Lush and tropical Coconut Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in nearby
Market on Drexel Avenue just off Lincoln Grove is experiencing a resurgence with Hollywood. The new expansion boasts the
Road in Miami Beach features a curated new restaurants and boutiques opening up iconic Guitar Hotel, a state-of-the-art
mix of 17 kitchens, three bars, a video on a regular basis. And, in Little Havana, entertainment venue and a pool resort
installation wall and a demonstra- stroll down Calle Ocho to savor a taste of featuring a man-made lake with paddle-
tion kitchen. Clubs like LIV at the nostalgic Cuban culture where eateries boarding and a lazy river. Check out the
Fontainebleau and Hyde Beach at SLS serve authentic pastelitos and Cuban Casino @ Dania Beach which, for over 60
South Beach draw the hottest DJs and late- coffee that packs an impressive punch. Not years, has been the site of Dania Jai Alai. Or
night revelers. Back on Miami’s mainland, to be overlooked, CityPlace Doral near the challenge Lady Luck at the nearby Isle
the Mary Brickell Village near downtown is Miami International Airport is a recent Casino Racing Pompano Park, featuring
a popular spot for locals to live, work and development with dining options, slots, poker tables, restaurants, harness
play, thanks to a bevy of skyscraper shopping venues and residences. racing and entertainment.
residences, rooftop bars and posh eateries. For casino fun, head west toward the In Southeast Florida, dining and
Both the Wynwood Arts District and Miami Everglades and the Miccosukee Resort & entertainment collide on a variety of popular
Design District have been drawing the Gaming, which includes non-stop thrills main drags.
Paradise on Earth
BY STEVE WINSTON
AERIAL VIEW OF KEY WEST • FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ANDY NEWMAN
A
s you cross the bridge from Discover beachwear, handcrafted shoes and
mainland Florida to Key Largo, you custom clothing boutiques operated by
can feel your cares melt away. In passionate entrepreneurs.
this world of tropical islands, bordered by Stop by Sloppy Joe’s Bar, one of Ernest
the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf Hemingway’s hangouts when he lived here.
of Mexico on the other, you gently ease Or visit his residence at the Ernest
yourself into a world of emerald waters, Hemingway Home and Museum. Other
swaying palm trees, unique experiences and interesting venues worth touring are John
funky villages. James Audubon’s home, the Harry S.
PADDLEBOARDING • MONROE COUNTY TOURIST Truman Little White House, and the Mel
SEE AND DO DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum where
Key Largo promises excellent diving sites islands, The Florida Keys wouldn’t exist, so treasures from the deep are displayed.
where the waters are so clear that the there is nothing more important than
underwater flora and fauna seem to burst conserving the precious resources. Several For the latest protocols on health &
into kaleidoscopic colors. groups are engaged in preserving these reefs safety in The Florida Keys, please visit
Islamorada, to the south, is renowned and the accompanying wildlife from north fla-keys.com.
for sport fishing and draws celebrities from of Miami to Key West.
around the world. And if you charter a boat, The peaceful and scenic Lower Keys are
you’ll likely bring home your dinner. filled with interesting wildlife and great sites to
FEATURED LINKS
Composed of three main islands, the visit, including two national wildlife refuges, a
Monroe County Tourist Development
community of Marathon is a favourite state park and a national marine sanctuary.
Council: fla-keys.com
among families. Without the spectacular
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens:
coral reefs that surround these magical DINE AND PLAY audubonhouse.org
Key West offers wonderful restaurants, with
Dry Tortugas National Park: nps.gov/drto
INSIDER’S TIP
menu items ranging from Continental to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum:
Caribbean cuisine. hemingwayhome.com
Charm exudes in small shops filled with Harry S. Truman Little White House:
Situated 70 miles west of Key West and only
accessible by seaplane or high-speed ferry, a wide selection of distinctive goods such trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
Dry Tortugas National Park features a Civil as Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe and Key West Mel Fisher Maritime Museum:
War fortress called Fort Jefferson. Island Books which features tomes on Keys melfisher.org
history and novels by Florida authors.
DARING WILDERNESS,
DAZZLING ARTS
Southwest Florida goes to extremes when it
comes to welcoming and engaging visitors. It
balances wildlife-rich Everglades backcountry
with the art of masters, beach abandon with
sophisticated museums, hometowns with home
runs. Six major-league baseball teams have
spring training here. Already its sporting
reputation for golf, fishing, boating, paddling
and pickleball spreads wide. Throw in superb
shopping, dining, and theater and you indeed
knock it out of the ballpark. Stretching from the
Everglades in the south to Sarasota–Bradenton
in the north and from the Gulf of Mexico in the
west to the shores of Lake Okeechobee
eastward, the region covers all the bases.
BY CHELLE KOSTER WALTON
SOUTHWEST
FLORIDA
YOUR
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
EXPERTS
The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel:
fortmyers-sanibel.com
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:
bradentongulfislands.com
Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce: bocagrandechamber.com
City of Palmetto: palmettofl.org
DeSoto County Florida Tourism Development Council: visitdesoto.com
Discover Hendry County: DiscoverHendryCounty.com
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau:
paradisecoast.com
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau:
pureflorida.com
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce: siestakeychamber.com
Visit Sarasota County: visitsarasota.com
5
shows at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall,
SEPTEMBER
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest,
Fort Myers Beach and Captiva Island
OCTOBER
Naples International Film Festival
Stone Crab Festival, Naples
NOVEMBER
American Sand Sculpting Championship,
Fort Myers Beach
Florida Panther Festival, Naples
DECEMBER
Bradenton Blues Festival
“Ding” Darling Day, Sanibel Island
recreations. The aquarium is a second-stage beaches to the raw wilderness of the Refuge protect the seas and wetlands of the
rehab center for rescue manatees before they Everglades ecosystem. so-called River of Grass.
are released into the wild. Around Naples and Everglades City, a Beach glamour begins in Marco Island
Stroll along Bradenton Riverwalk for number of state and federal parks and and Naples with award-winning strands that
views, play areas, and easy-to-absorb preserves safeguard fragile Everglade cover the gamut from the municipal beach
learning experiences. habitats—home to a host of birds and fish, and historic fishing pier in Naples to the
Bradenton’s Cortez community retains its deer, Florida panthers, bobcats, manatees, wild Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
feel of an Old Florida fishing village with a alligators, crocodiles, turtles and river otters. What do travelers, and particularly
working waterfront and maritime museum. A Big Cypress National Preserve, the most families, find so endearing about local
number of charter boats depart from the docks massive of the public lands, provides beaches? The soft, white sand, gently sloping
to take you deep-sea or back-bay fishing. inimitable opportunities for recreation sea bottom and tot-friendly waves win raves.
Head east of town for a little extreme among wildlife. Everglades National Park Certain beach destinations, furthermore, have
adventure at TreeUmph!, an aerial obstacle and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife reputations for distinctive characteristics,
course with zip lines.
INTERNATIONAL
GATEWAYS
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport:
srq-airport.com
Southwest Florida International Airport,
Fort Myers: flylcpa.com
We've moved! Our new larger location features updated and expanded exhibits.
Self-guided and special tours are available. For more information on Museum hours,
exhibits and programs, please visit www.HMCEC.org.
Please note that the Museum observes standard COVID-19 precautions to help keep
our Visitors, Volunteers and Staff safe. We encourage the pre-purchase of timed-entry
tickets for priority admittance, as capacity limits have changed due to COVID mandates.
We hope you and your families are well, and look forward to your visit
when your travel conditions permit. Stay safe!
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
ATTRACTIONS
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
bishopscience.org
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
cmon.org
Manatee Park, Fort Myers
leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota
selby.org
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota
mote.org
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
napleszoo.org
ENTERTAINMENT
Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton
SWAMP BUGGY RACES, NAPLES • NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB manateeperformingartscenter.com
Mercato, Naples
nightlife is of a higher brow ilk, with a all of the coastal islands promise glimpses of mercatoshops.com
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
reputation for fine theater, symphony and sea and local color. The drive through Bonita
seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
opera. Downtown Sarasota sparkles at night Beach, Lovers Key and Fort Myers Beach and
with sophisticated clubs, and Siesta Key has another from Lido Key through Anna Maria ROAD TRIPS
a beachy party atmosphere in the village. Island in Sarasota and Bradenton are particu- Big Cypress National Preserve
Don’t miss the beach clubs of Bradenton larly representative of island life. nps.gov/bicy
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Beach for more laid-back entertainment From Fort Myers, head east along Route
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/
options. Bradenton’s Manatee Performing 80 to visit the small towns of riverside Alva fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park
Arts Center infuses energy into downtown, and Labelle, and lakeside Clewiston.
as does its dynamic Riverwalk. Glimpse the region’s rural, agricultural SHOPPING
personality along the way. Or plan a trip to Fifth Avenue South, Naples
fifthavenuesouth.com
ROAD TRIPS Pine Island to the northwest. Its four
The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota
Head east of Naples along Tamiami Trail communities are known for exotic fruit mallatutc.com
(Highway 41) to immerse yourself in the farming, ancient Calusa shell mounds, an Miromar Outlet Malls, Estero
region’s wild side and Old Florida culture. artists’ village and fishing. miromaroutlets.com
For glimpses of wildlife, try Janes In the Port Charlotte area, a road trip to The Promenade at Bonita Bay
promenadeshops.com
Memorial Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island scores for
St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Strand Preserve State Park or Loop Road in historical intrigue and lovely beaches. To its starmandscircleassoc.com
Big Cypress National Preserve. Backroad north, Sarasota lays claim to a number of Sanibel Outlets, Fort Myers
Route 92 takes you from 41 to the time- small organic and other farms you can visit. sanibeloutlets.com
stilled fishing community and seafood Cross the Manatee River from Bradenton to Third Street South, Naples
thirdstreetsouth.com
restaurants of Goodland. reach the attractions of Palmetto, a
Village of the Arts, Bradenton
Views along the Sanibel Causeway and riverside beauty also known for its agricul- villageofthearts.com
Captiva Drive star in many commercials, but tural heritage.
SHOPPING boutiques. Hit the Shell Factory & Nature delightful shops and restaurants on and
If you’re looking for unique buys, there’s Park in North Fort Myers, where wildlife around Main Street.
plenty of that in Southwest Florida. viewing and family amusements enhance For genuine local souvenirs, head to the
In the Everglades territory, visit the Big shopping for shells, jewelry and other region’s artist villages—Matlacha on Pine
Cypress Gallery in Ochopee, home to Clyde Florida trinkets. The Fun Park activities Island off Fort Myers, Towles Court in Sarasota,
Butcher whose large-format art photog- include a zip line, paddle and bumper boats, and Village of the Arts in Bradenton. Watch for
raphy captures the Everglades and other playground and climbing wall. news of art walk events in downtown Fort
natural treasures. In Punta Gorda, downtown and Myers, Punta Gorda and Sarasota.
In Naples, art galleries fill the downtown Fishermen’s Village present small, intimate Bargain-seekers head to the factory outlet
Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South shopping experiences. Hit Boca Grande on malls: Miromar Outlets in Estero, Sanibel
districts. At the latter, buy your designer Gasparilla Island for a charming historical Outlets in Fort Myers and Ellenton Premium
labels at Marissa Collections. Other popular twist to your shopping. Outlets near Bradenton. Or check out the flea
outdoor shopping venues include The St. Armands Circle is Sarasota’s most markets: Flamingo Island Flea Market in
Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Waterside well-known address for upscale shopping. Bonita Springs, Fleamasters Fleamarket in
Shops and Mercato. Farther to the east, the community of Fort Myers, Sun Flea Market in Port Charlotte
To the north in Bonita Springs, visit Lakewood Ranch is known for its and Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton.
DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant in
the Promenade at Bonita Bay. It is an
excellent place to dine and shop for food.
Coconut Point lays out a huge spread of big
box stores and fashion boutiques.
Sanibel Island is known for its shell
shops, nature art galleries and resort wear
INSIDER’S
TIP
You can’t leave Southwest Florida without
getting out on the water, whether it’s a
paddleboard or kayak excursion, a shelling
or sightseeing tour, or a fishing charter.
CALLING
ALL EXPLORERS
Florida’s Central East region is a grab bag of amazement ranging from space
travel to mangroves, and nearly 200 miles of stunning beaches in between.
Parts of Central East Florida are referred to as The Treasure Coast due to their
historic shipwrecks and the bounties that have washed up on these shores.
Locals know this region is a treasure because parts of it are still uncrowded,
affordable and family friendly. Fall in love with the seaside towns and hidden
gems in Central East Florida.
BY MELODY PITTMAN
A DAY IN...
DAYTONA BEACH MARTIN COUNTY OKEECHOBEE COUNTY ST. LUCIE
Unwind along 23 miles of hard- Sit in splendor as the sun rises Rise early to hook up with your Relax on miles of uncrowded
packed beaches. Enjoy a casual over the Atlantic Ocean. Next hired guide and find out why 730- beaches or ride the beach on
shopping spree at the Riverfront take a trip on the Loxahatchee square-mile Lake Okeechobee horseback. Kayak on the famous
Shops of Daytona Beach. River, Florida’s first federally offers one of the world’s most Indian River Lagoon, floating
Schedule tee time at a tropically designated wild and scenic amazing freshwater game fishing through tunnels of mangrove
lush golf course. Sample local river at Jonathan Dickinson experiences. Other top tourist trees. Pack your clubs and
brews along the Daytona Beach State Park. Tour the last draws in this area center around choose from numerous golf
Ale Trail. Tour Daytona Interna- remaining House of Refuge; hunting and shooting sports. courses, including the famous
tional Speedway and meander touch a stingray at the Florida Back in Okeechobee, enjoy good PGA Village in Port St. Lucie,
through the local galleries, Oceanographic Coastal Center; old-fashioned home cooking at a offering 54 holes of cham-
museums and historical sites. cross the street to the Elliott local restaurant or lunch at your pionship golf. Immerse yourself
Dine al fresco along the Halifax Museum to be amazed at the favorite national chain. Grab your in “Old Florida” culture in
River while watching for antique car collection. Visit camera and hike or cycle along downtown Fort Pierce, one of
dolphins. Take in an electrifying Jensen Beach, both downtown the prettiest part of Lake the most historic and idyllic
performance at The Peabody and the beach. End the day in Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Later, main streets in the USA, where
Auditorium. Finish with a Stuart, known as the “Sailfish drive to Kissimmee Prairie Spanish period architecture is
leisurely stroll and watch the Capital of the World.” Preserve Park and spend a plentiful and local seafood is
stars come out over Ponce Inlet. romantic night stargazing. the main staple.
CENTRAL EAST
FLORIDA
YOUR
CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: daytonabeach.com
Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism: VisitSpaceCoast.com
Indian River County Tourism Development: visitindianrivercounty.com
Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing: discovermartin.com
New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau: nsbfla.com
Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council: visitokeechobeecounty.com
Visit St. Lucie – Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie & Hutchinson Island: visitstlucie.com
Volusia County: volusia.org/visitors
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority: visitwestvolusia.com
5
community of DeLand holds onto its past as
it moves into modern times. DeLand is a
MUST-SEE
ATTRACTIONS
thriving community full of pride and
passion that is apparent by its numerous art
murals, friendly patrons, shops and
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY:
galleries. The Athens Theatre is a master- 1 daytonainternationalspeedway.com
piece of Italian Renaissance architecture,
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX, MERRITT ISLAND:
offering classic movies, independent films 2 kennedyspacecenter.com
and live entertainment.
The Hub on Canal, in New Smyrna Beach MEL FISHER’S TREASURES, MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP, SEBASTIAN:
3 melfisher.com/Sebastian/Sebastian_Museum.asp
(NSB), is unsurpassed for its individuality
and original artworks. More than 50 artists NATIONAL NAVY UDT-SEAL MUSEUM, FORT PIERCE:
4 navysealmuseum.org
convene in this contemporary exhibit hall,
which doubles as a workspace where visitors
5 STETSON MANSION, DELAND:
stetsonmansion.com
can observe artists at work and buy directly
from them. This is only one venue within
JANUARY
Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
Port Salerno Seafood Festival
ROLEX 24 at DAYTONA
Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival,
Titusville
FEBRUARY
Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts
DAYTONA 500
Downtown Stuart Art Festival
Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest, Vero Beach
Merritt Island Pioneer Day
NASA Day of Remembrance,
RIVERWALK, STUART • MARTIN COUNTY Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
FEBRUARY–MARCH
ATTRACTIONS The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s New York Mets Spring Training Games,
Fort Pierce’s Downtown Farmers’ Market is a tallest, is located in the town of Ponce Inlet, Port St. Lucie
big draw on Saturday mornings from 8 AM to slightly south of Daytona Beach. It’s a great
place to watch the sun set or catch a moonrise.
MARCH
noon, rain or shine, with local foods, crafts Bike Week Motorcycle Rally, Daytona Beach
and artwork for sale. Feel the need for speed? Whether you are Grant Seafood Festival
Nature Lovers can choose from two a devoted NASCAR fan or have no idea what Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival
Pelican Island Wildlife Festival, Sebastian
botanical gardens in St. Lucie County. all of the hype is about, the world’s first and
Under the Oaks Art Show, Vero Beach
Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce only motorsports stadium, the Daytona
showcases the country’s largest public International Speedway, will blow you away. APRIL
Fort Pierce Oyster Festival
display of tropical bonsai trees while the Port This is a state-of-the-art facility with
Ormond Beach Celtic Festival
St. Lucie Botanical Gardens features a variety premium amenities and unparalleled
of tropical habitats. conveniences including luxury trackside JUNE
For family activities in Melbourne, visit suites with patios and more than 7,000 solar Cocoa Beach Uncorked
Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival
the Brevard Zoo or Andretti Thrill Park. The panels. There are tons of things to see and
zoo houses monkeys, jaguars, meerkats and do. Book a tour. NASCAR fans should sign up AUGUST
a Komodo dragon. The Andretti Thrill Park for the Richard Petty Driving Experience— Coke Zero Sugar 400, Daytona Beach
includes batting cages, amusement rides, a drive on the track or be a passenger for laps
SEPTEMBER
large arcade and indoor laser tag. Best of all, with a professional driver. The Daytona New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival
there are several go-cart tracks, one of which International Speedway attracts millions of Space Coast Pride Festival, Melbourne
is restricted to fans at least 16 years of age visitors annually.
OCTOBER
who wish to travel 40 miles per hour on a Looking for quirky hidden gems in the Biketoberfest Motorcycle Rally, Daytona Beach
European-style course. Daytona Beach area? Visit Sugar Mill Indiantown Rodeo
One of Florida’s most famous attractions Botanical Gardens where dinosaur statues Volusia Pride, New Smyrna Beach
is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor left over from a 1940s tourist attraction can NOVEMBER
Complex. Discover what it means to be a be found. Or how about the wonderful, DeLand Original Music Festival
hero through the stories of NASA’s Space family-friendly, Marine Science Center in Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Festival of the Trees, Vero Beach
Pioneers at Heroes and Legends, featuring Ponce Inlet where you can touch stingrays, Halifax Art Festival, Daytona Beach
the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Get a close- observe the sea turtle hospital and learn Jensen Beach Pineapple Art & Music Festival
up view of Atlantis, the only space shuttle about Florida’s marine environment. The Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music
Festival, Fort Pierce
displayed in flight. The Fly with an Daytona Lagoon and Family Entertainment
Sebastian Clambake
Astronaut Experience allows guests, Center, steps from the beach, includes a Stuart Air Show
accompanied by a retired NASA astronaut, to water park as well as laser tag, go-carts, Turkey Creek 5K Trail Run, Palm Bay
take a guided tour of Kennedy Space Center, miniature golf, rock climbing and an
DECEMBER
tour Space Shuttle Atlantis and then step arcade—making this a favorite family draw. St. Johns River Christmas Boat Parade, DeLand
aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience to In De Leon Springs State Park, you can Stuart Christmas Boat Parade
find out what it feels like to blast-off into make your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Surfing Santas, Cocoa Beach
Top of the Lake Christmas Festival,
space. Be sure to check the center’s website Sugar Mill, take an eco/heritage boat tour, Okeechobee
for rocket launches. hike nature trails and swim in the springs.
BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS becomes a reality on the beaches of highway for trade and commerce, this river
South of Stuart, the Jonathan Dickinson Hutchinson Island during the cooler has been designated an American Heritage
State Park offers awesome biking and hiking months, and is just one of many gems to be River. It is home to Florida native wildlife
trails, ranging from normal to rugged enjoyed in St. Lucie County. and tropical plants, making it perfect for
terrain, mangroves and river swamps. Sebastian Inlet State Park, situated photo ops.
Primitive campgrounds and water stations directly between Indian River County to the The seaside community of New Smyrna
are available throughout the park. Outdoor south and Brevard County to the north, is an Beach evokes an atmosphere of Old Florida
enthusiasts enjoy kayaking and boating excellent choice for family camping. The in its sidewalk cafés, boutiques and
experiences during the winter months. park is part of the Great Florida Birding and charming B&Bs and boasts one of the finest
Have you ever dreamed of riding Wildlife Trail and offers many activities beaches on the Atlantic coast. NSB provides
horseback on the beach? Your dream including swimming, surfing, geocaching a perfect venue for surfing, world-class
and scuba diving. fishing, boating and kayaking. And like
Merritt Island is one of only a dozen or so Daytona Beach, cars are permitted on 13
INTERNATIONAL places in the world where you can see miles of hard-packed white-sand beaches
Daytona Beach International Airport: Indian rivers and get close to nature. ENTERTAINMENT
flydaytonafirst.com
Dinoflagellates and comb jellies glow in the Every March, the three-day Taste of Little
Orlando Melbourne International Airport:
dark river waters. Think neon and maybe a Italy, a cultural journey filled with authentic
mlbair.com
hint of Avatar. This could be a once-in-a- Italian food and entertainment, takes place
Port Canaveral Cruise Port:
lifetime adventure. in the charming neighborhood of Tradition
portcanaveral.com/cruise
Treasure Coast International Airport: Outside of Deltona, the St. Johns River in Port St. Lucie.
stlucieco.gov/departments-services/ Eco Tours invites passengers to tour the Florida is a hot spot for gambling and
a-z/administration/airport St. Johns River by boat. Once a main Casino Fort Pierce will please those seeking
INSIDER’S
TIP
Major League Baseball teams have been
spring training in Florida for more than 100
years. Traditionally, spring training takes place
from late February through March. The New
York Mets practice and play at Clover Park in
Port St. Lucie. For ticket information call:
772-871-2115. For schedule information, visit:
Florida Grapefruit League:
floridagrapefruitleague.com
New York Mets, Port St. Lucie:
newyork.mets.mlb.com
HERON & SPOONBILLS, MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE • VISIT FLORIDA/PETER W. CROSS
FLORIDA AT
ITS BEST
There’s good reason why so many families love to spend
their vacation time in Central Florida. World-class theme
parks provide awe-inspiring fun for the entire family,
while nature provides a backdrop for activities found
only in this region of the Sunshine State. Revel in the
mix of culture, attractions and outdoor gems as you
embark on your family’s vacation of a lifetime.
BY KEVIN FRITZ
SLINKY DOG DASH, TOY STORY LAND, DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, ORLANDO • DISNEY
CENTRAL FLORIDA
A DAY IN...
KISSIMMEE ORLANDO POLK COUNTY SEBRING
Getting up before dawn is well Begin with a beverage from Stop and smell the orange Start with a sunrise cycle or walk
worth it when you take in the Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. on Park blossoms as you begin a day of along the Cypress Trail boardwalk
sights of the theme parks and Avenue in picturesque Winter citrus delight. Polk County at Highlands Hammock State
landscape from a hot-air balloon Park. Take a Winter Park Scenic (VisitCentralFlorida.org) offers Park. Golf the Citrus Golf Trail
as the sun rises. Then continue Boat Tour through lush canals delicious options, October featuring Florida’s most afford-
your morning exploring the and peaceful lakes. Visit the through May, as one of the top able courses. Stroll in charming
natural beauty of “Old Florida” Charles Hosmer Morse Museum citrus-producing counties in Lake Placid with 47 beautiful
as you paddle through the of American Art to view the Florida. Watch citrus candy outdoor murals and small-town
headwaters of the Florida world’s most comprehensive being made at Davidson of shops. In historic downtown
Everglades at The Paddling collection of works by Louis Dundee and pick up some citrus Sebring, browse through “City on
Center at Shingle Creek. Historic Comfort Tiffany. Enjoy lunch at souvenirs in the gift shop. Have a Circle” boutiques and artist
Downtown Kissimmee is the the East End Market in trendy lunch at Lang’s Taste of Florida galleries. Sample creative treats at
perfect place for lunch as quaint Audubon Park. Explore a Café—don’t miss the award- the Sebring Soda & Ice Cream
Kissimmee Main Street offers botanical oasis at Harry P. Leu winning grapefruit pie. Works. Finish with dinner
great dining options, antique Gardens. Have a cocktail at The Complete your day with an at trendy Eighteen East . . . a
shopping and even ice cream Woods in downtown Orlando. authentic Florida experience, restaurant and bar! and a perfor-
made using liquid nitrogen. End with dinner at the French picking fresh oranges from trees mance at the South Florida
Ride the 85-foot custom-made brasserie DoveCote and a perfor- at Ridge Island Groves. State College Performing Arts
ferris wheel at Old Town. mance at the Dr. Phillips Center Wildstein Center.
for the Performing Arts.
CENTRAL
FLORIDA
YOUR
CENTRAL FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau: VisitCentralFlorida.org
City of Lake Wales: lakewalesfl.gov
City of Winter Park: cityofwinterpark.org
Experience Kissimmee: ExperienceKissimmee.com
Visit Lake County: VisitLakeFL.com
Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau: ocalamarion.com
Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism: doorlandonorth.com
Visit Orlando: VisitOrlando.com
Visit Sebring: VisitSebring.com
and Greek Zorba and belly dancing at NBC Sports Grill & Brew while grubbing out JULY
Taverna Opa to the Southern comfort food of on hearty dishes. Caladium Festival, Lake Placid
B.B King’s Blues Club. Nightly entertainment Disney Springs is an entertainment- Red Hot and Boom, Altamonte Springs
includes the Improv Comedy Theatre and shopping-dining complex at Walt Disney AUGUST
Restaurant as well as Main Event Entertain- World Resort. There are four distinct Harvest Grape Stomp, Clermont
ment. neighborhoods to explore here: The
Within close proximity to Orlando’s Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town
AUGUST–NOVEMBER
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
world-famous theme parks, “Restaurant Center—built around bubbling springs.
SEPTEMBER
MICKEY & MINNIE, MAGIC KINGDOM PARK, ORLANDO • DISNEY Tour of Sebring Cycling
SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER
Halloween Horror Nights at
Universal Studios
OCTOBER
Plantation Redfish Classic, Crystal River
NOVEMBER
Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, Tavares
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Taste of Epcot International Festival
of the Holidays
NOVEMBER–JANUARY
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
ROAD TRIPS
Take a break from the parking lots and
embark on a scenic drive to experience some
of Old Florida at its finest.
The Ridge Scenic Highway travels more
than 38 miles along the Lake Wales Ridge,
through the historical communities of
Sebring, Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee and
Haines City. While in Lake Wales, be sure to
visit Spook Hill, a natural phenomenon that
gives the illusion that cars are coasting uphill.
A drive west of Orlando to Clermont
brings you to the Florida Citrus Tower built
in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida’s
ridge section. An elevator ride to the top
gives way to panoramic views of eight
counties in Central Florida.
In Sumter County, explore the Dade
Battlefield Historic State Park where, on
December 28, 1835, a Native American
ambush started the Second Seminole War.
Look for the Green Mountain Scenic
Byway near Lake Apopka that shows off the
region’s little-known rolling hills. Among
the rural towns and villages, you’ll pass by
the historic moss-covered Sadler Oaks in the
community of Tildenville.
Ocala, in Marion County, is the center of
VOLCANO BAY, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT the thoroughbred horse industry in Florida
For a unique evening, board the Rivership Monroe and the St. Johns River. and beautiful rolling farmlands. Hop on the
Barbara-Lee in Sanford, an authentic stern- And while there is little casino action in Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, which
wheeler, for a three-hour tour along Lake Central Florida, Ocala Gainesville Poker in travels through the heart of Central Florida
51
MUST-SEE
ATTRACTIONS
HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK STATE PARK:
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/
highlands-hammock-state-park
2 LEGOLAND: legoland.com/florida
SEAWORLD ORLANDO:
3 seaworld.com/orlando
ATTRACTIONS
Drive Resort Area, Orlando
internationaldriveorlando.com
PARK AVENUE, WINTER PARK • VISIT ORLANDO
iFLY Orlando
iflyworld.com/orlando
to the Ocala National Forest. Look for shops, ranging from Anthropologie to the Safari Wilderness, Lakeland
springs, kayaking and fishing spots. LEGO Store and the Art of Disney. safariwilderness.com
SEA LIFE Aquarium, Orlando
Want big? The Florida Mall in Orlando offers
visitsealife.com/orlando
SHOPPING more than 250 stores to shop ‘til you drop. WonderWorks, Orlando
If you are looking for a taste of Florida, there The Mall at Millenia in Orlando has wonderworksonline.com
are several outdoor markets selling fresh, become a favorite of locals and visitors. This
local produce, preserves and products, shopping mecca features some of the most BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS
including the Lakeland Downtown Farmers stylish shops in all of Central Florida: Tiffany Orlando Watersports Complex
Curb Market and Main Street Bartow Farmers & Co., Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to name a orlandowatersports.com
Market. For mall shopping, hit the Lakeland few. The Orlando International Premium
Square Mall with over 90 shops. Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium ENTERTAINMENT
The Loop in Kissimmee is a popular Outlets offer discounts in hundreds of Hard Rock Cafe, Orlando
outdoor mall offering retail outlets brand-name stores. hardrock.com/location/orlando
House of Blues, Orlando
including Sunglass Hut and Old Navy. Park Avenue in Winter Park is the
houseofblues.com/orlando
Disney Springs is home to around 100 quintessential place to shop in Central
Pirates Dinner Adventure, Orlando
Florida. Wander in and out of shops, such as piratesdinneradventure.com
THE MALL AT MILLENIA • VISIT ORLANDO
Tuni, Siegel’s and Ten Thousand Villages Planet Hollywood, Orlando
as you walk the brick-lined street. Nearby planethollywoodintl.com/restaurants/orlando
Winter Park Village features upscale Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
shopping and dining. westgateriverresorts.com/hotels/florida/
river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort
North of Orlando, Renninger’s Antique
Center & Farmer’s & Flea Market in Mount
Dora is worth the trip. The family-owned SHOPPING
Disney Springs
business features hundreds of vendors.
disneysprings.com
Nearby, Lake Square Mall in Leesburg Florida Mall, Orlando
features some 50 stores, while Paddock Mall simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall
in Ocala has more than 90, anchored by The Mall at Millenia, Orlando
Macy’s, Belk and JC Penney. mallatmillenia.com
Explore the shops and boutiques on First Orlando Premium Outlets
International Drive
Street in historic Sanford, once a major
premiumoutlets.com/outlet/
Central Florida hub. The town is also home orlando-international
to Seminole Towne Center with four anchor Park Avenue, Winter Park
stores including Burlington Coat Factory and winterpark.org/park-avenue
Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The surprises
of Central Florida
BY STEVE WINSTON
“C
entral Florida” can mean a 205-foot “singing tower,” with chimes
different things to different weighing up to several tons each. For
people. But the Polk County another exceptional experience, visit the 13
part of Central Florida means one thing for stunning buildings designed by Frank Lloyd
sure—tons of family fun and unique experi- Wright at Florida Southern College.
ences, amidst lush natural beauty. In early spring, you can thrill to the
Polk County offers a winning combina- second-largest aerial event of its kind in the
tion: a world-class theme park, historical world, at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo at
and cultural treasures, enjoyable experi- Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The aerial
ences unique to this region, and an array of acrobatics of the renowned U.S. Air Force
family-friendly surprises. And it’s all only 45 Thunderbirds will take your breath away,
minutes from Tampa International Airport and is a memory the kids will never forget.
HARBORSIDE RESTAURANT, WINTER HAVEN •
and the Orlando parks, and an hour from VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA Central Florida offers lodgings for every
some of the best beaches on earth. taste and budget. Experience the luxury
Here, you’ll run out of time long before Central Florida is blessed with 554 lakes accommodations, dining and amenities of
you run out of exciting things to experience. and over 400 miles of pristine nature trails. resorts like the legendary Streamsong Resort
LEGOLAND Florida Resort, for example, You can visit the jungle at Safari Wilderness, & Spa, with three of the top golf courses in
brings out the inner child in all of us . . . and named by Forbes.com as one of the “10 Best North America. Or “go Western” at the
brings joyful smiles to the faces of your Safaris in the U.S.” And you can tour that authentic Westgate River Ranch Resort, the
children. With over 50 rides and attractions, jungle by land (safari vehicle), water (kayak), largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi.
the park is a colorful swirl of happy sounds or atop the back of a camel! Also, the Central Florida also values the health of
and sensory experiences like LEGO Movie Circle B Bar Reserve was listed among USA its visitors. As you’ll see on the website,
World, a new section that immerses guests Today’s “Top 50 Places to See Wildlife” . . . sanitary protocols for the safety of visitors
into the world seen in the famous LEGO Movie. and people from all over the world come are carefully observed.
The park recently added a third lodging here to see it.
option to the LEGOLAND Hotel and Polk County is also rich with one-of-a-
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat properties: Pirate kind experiences. For example, Bok Tower
FEATURED LINKS
Island Hotel. And, like its sister properties, Gardens is a unique attraction built by a
Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau:
Pirate Island is filled with technicolored Dutch emigrant in 1929, with lush visitcentralflorida.org
fantasies and fun. landscapes, hiking trails, a boardwalk, and
A CORNUCOPIA OF
ENDLESS DELIGHTS
WEST CENTRAL
FLORIDA
YOUR
WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Citrus County Visitors Bureau: discovercrystalriverfl.com
City of Dunedin: dunedingov.com
Experience Florida’s Sports Coast: flsportscoast.com
Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau: floridasadventurecoast.com
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater: visitstpeteclearwater.com
Visit Tampa Bay: visittampabay.com
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce: ybor.org
INSIDER’S
TIP
LINCOLN, SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM, ST. PETERSBURG • VISIT FLORIDA
and relax while a volunteer organist the area in early January, head over to the
With growing interest in travel to Cuba, it serenades you on the Mighty Wurlitzer Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival,
may come as a surprise that you can visit a Organ before the curtain rises. which showcases more than 100 of the
part of Cuba right in Tampa’s Ybor City. Within walking distance of each other in nation’s most talented artists and a broad
Cuban-born poet, journalist, essayist and downtown St. Petersburg are the Museum of spectrum of media including sculptures,
revolutionary José Martí frequently visited Fine Arts, with thousands of objects glass, paintings, jewelry and ceramics.
Ybor City in the late 1800s. During this time spanning 4,500 years, from antiquity to the Admission is free. Every spring, world-class
he did a large part of his planning and present, and the Dalí Museum with the Scottish athletes descend upon Dunedin for
fundraising, and wound up calling Ybor City world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s the annual Highland Games & Festival that
work outside of Spain. The structure housing include a traditional Scottish gathering with
his “faithful little town” because of the
the Dalí Museum is in itself a surreal piece music and dance, a parade and a full day of
support he received there. Today, the small,
of art. The Chihuly Collection, on the events and competitions.
0.14-acre José Martí Park stands in tribute
Morean Arts Center campus in St. Pete’s For a peek into the history of the area,
to the revolutionary, but what makes the
Central Arts District, features amazing works check out the annual Fort Cooper Days event
park perhaps even more interesting is that
of glass art by the master himself. in Inverness, where re-enactments of the
it has been owned by the Cuban govern- To the north of Tampa, Dunedin is filled Second Seminole War are held twice a day in
ment since 1956. with galleries and regularly hosts arts and mid-March along with living history
craft shows throughout the year. If you’re in demonstrations.
BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS its three mile nature trail. Honeymoon Florida to watch spectacular sunsets over the
West Central Florida’s stretches of sugar- Island State Park, once a popular Gulf of Mexico.
white, powder-soft sandy beaches, found honeymoon destination in the 1940s When water temperatures dip below 72ºF
along the Gulf of Mexico, are perfect and 1950s, is now a favorite among in Florida, West Central Florida’s natural
playgrounds for all ages. birdwatchers. springs are terrific spots to see manatees,
For a quiet, more natural beach day Not only Floridians think the beaches thought to be mermaids by sailors too long
without high-rises towering behind you, here are fantastic. Two local beaches made at sea. Popular manatee viewing spots
consider Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Pete it onto TripAdvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice include Weeki Wachee Springs State Park,
Beach, or Anclote Key Preserve State Park list of “Top 25 Beaches in the U.S.”— Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park,
to the north. Caladesi Island State Park is Clearwater Beach (No. 5) and St. Pete Beach Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River and the
a perfect destination not only for beaches, (No. 2). And at the end of the day, there’s no TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo
but also for its four-mile kayaking trail and better place than a beach in West Central Beach, just south of Tampa.
5 1
MUST-SEE
ATTRACTIONS
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM:
seewinter.com
ANNUAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
Outback Bowl, Tampa
FEBRUARY
Brooksville Native American Festival
Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival
Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade and Festival
FEBRUARY–APRIL
Food and Wine Festival, Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay, weekends
MARCH
Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City
Fort Cooper Days, Inverness
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa
APRIL
Bern’s Winefest, Tampa
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa
Mainsail Arts Festival, St. Petersburg
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach
Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races
APRIL–MAY
Riverfest, Tampa Riverwalk
MAY
Gasparilla Distance Classic
Krewe of Sant’ Yago Illuminated Knight
Parade, Tampa
Tampa Pride
MAY–SEPTEMBER
Summer Nights, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
JUNE
St. Pete Pride Festival and Parade BUCCANEER BAY, WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK • VISIT FLORIDA/MAURICE RIVENBARK
Discover
the wonder of it all
BY DONNA S. VIEIRA
SWIM WITH THESE GENTLE GIANTS IN THE MANATEE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD • DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER FLORIDA/CAROL GRANT/OCEANGRANT IMAGES
S
ituated 65 miles north of Tampa on More water-based activities and adven-
Florida’s Nature Coast overlooking tures abound throughout the county. Paddle
the Gulf of Mexico, Citrus County is a kayak along the Chassahowitzka River in
a delightful combination of charming, Homosassa. Relax on Fort Island Gulf Beach
small towns in natural settings, spring-fed in Crystal River. The inland chain of pristine
rivers and bays, wilderness trails and lakes in Inverness is ideal for waterskiing
entertainment. and fishing excursions. Head south toward
Floral City for an exhilarating airboat tour
A NATURAL HAVEN on the Withlacoochee River.
The warm spring-fed rivers and bays Scallop season runs from July 1 to
around Crystal River and Homosassa are a September 24 and there are plenty of
natural playground for visitors and opportunities to hop on board a charter out
manatees alike. In fact, Crystal River is of Homosassa—one of Florida’s oldest
known as The Manatee Capital of the World fishing villages—to locate the best spots to
and is the only place in Florida where scallop and fish.
visitors can legally swim with the gentle Explore the 46-mile-long Withlacoochee
giants. While many manatees are year- State Trail, the longest paved, multi-use
round residents, hundreds more make their trail in Florida and one of the best Rails
way to the warmer waters during the winter to Trails conversions in the USA. Cycle
months, January through March. For those through ancient forests to visit the
who prefer to stay dry, visitors can also view charming city centers of Inverness and
these docile creatures from the boardwalk Floral City.
at Three Sisters Springs or rent a kayak for Golfers are welcome to enjoy Citrus
up-close encounters in Kings Bay. County’s warm climate and natural beauty
FEATURED LINKS
Discover Crystal River, Florida:
DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com SCALLOPING IS LIKE AN EASTER EGG HUNT: FLORIDA-STYLE. COME DIVE FOR YOUR DINNER •
DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER FLORIDA/RAMONA ROBBINS/RAMONA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPHY
NORTHWEST
FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office: getrelaxing.com
Santa Rosa Island Authority: visitpensacolabeach.com
Seaside Visitors Bureau: seasidefl.com
Visit Panama City Beach: visitpanamacitybeach.com
Visit Pensacola: visitpensacola.com
Visit South Walton: visitsouthwalton.com
Washington County Tourist Development Council: visitwcfla.com
5
head to St. Joe Beach and Beacon Hill. Here,
MUST-SEE a shoreline leading to the horizon offers
be haunted by—who else?—the Ghost of and the Destin Harbor are the most romantic ENTERTAINMENT
Bellamy Bridge. Visitors in this area enjoy strolling spots in town, with great shopping Pensacola Little Theatre
pensacolalittletheatre.com
paddling, birdwatching, hiking, horseback and cool boutiques, galleries, family restau-
Seville Quarter, Pensacola
riding, and some of the best bass fishing in the rants and attractions, bars and clubs, pub sevillequarter.com
state. For an incredible cave-diving experi- crawls, live music, and dancing amid those
ence, check out Cave Adventurers to book dive harbor lights and lapping waters.
ROAD TRIPS
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
lessons or trips at Merritt’s Mill Pond. In Pensacola, nightlife often revolves fws.gov/refuge/st_vincent
Falling Waters State Park in Chipley has around performing arts companies like the South Third Street Historic District, Chipley
visitwcfla.com
the tallest waterfall in the state, at 73 feet, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Underwater Museum of Art
and an observation platform from which to Opera, Pensacola Ballet and the Pensacola umafl.org
enjoy the falls and the surrounding forest. Little Theatre, the oldest continuously
SHOPPING
And Ponce de Leon State Park in Marianna operating community theater in the Destin Commons
has a wonderfully-scenic recreation spot in southeastern U.S. The Seville Quarter is a destincommons.com
The Little Village, Panama City
Merritt’s Mill Pond. huge venue offering seven rooms of littlevillagepc.com
nighttime entertainment, with pool tables, The Market Shops, South Walton
ENTERTAINMENT dance club, restaurants, live music and visitsouthwalton.com/listing/the-market-shops
Silver Sands Premium Outlets,
If you’re talkin’ Northwest Florida cookin’, dueling pianos. And downtown’s Palafox Miramar Beach
you’re talkin’ fresh seafood. One of the best Street is an exciting strip lined with restau- premiumoutlets.com/outlet/silver-sands
places to find it is in the town of Eastpoint, rants, bars and clubs.
ROAD TRIPS
The town of Mexico Beach boasts some of the
best side trips in Northwest Florida. The Dead
Lakes State Recreation Area, 23 miles away,
offers perhaps the best freshwater fishing in
the state, along with unusual scenery due to
the stumps and dead tree trunks sticking out
of the water. Another “natural” day trip from
Mexico Beach is St. Vincent National Wildlife
Refuge, accessible only by water. Here, you’ll
see an incredible variety of wildlife, among
them many species of birds, Sambar deer
PENSACOLA PEDAL TROLLEY • VISIT PENSACOLA
and the endangered red wolf. A good
starting point is Indian Pass, an historic Greatest Places” and 11 more sculptures were offbeat collection of outdoor shops. At The
trading post and, supposedly, the site of selected for permanent exhibition in 2019, Little Mustard Seed, find a mix of furniture,
Spanish buried treasure. and another 7 in 2020. handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, and a
The Washington County town of The Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery is a thousand items that have been revived,
Chipley has its fair share of interesting nice day trip from the Gulf beaches. You can renewed and restored. Historic Downtown
historical buildings in the South Third tour the winery and learn the ABCs of grape- Panama City is home to the Elegant
Street Historic District. And you can take growing, pruning, harvesting, crushing and Endeavors Antique Emporium and Main
an extraordinary look at early life here at bottling. You’ll be able to taste some of the Street Antiques, which have been featured
the Five Oaks Museum. wines that have earned Chautauqua over 140 on different shows. Every Saturday, head
South Walton has 16 beach neighbor- awards, from dry wines and southern over to the St. Andrews Farmers’ Market.
hoods that make for a beautiful drive along favorites to sweet muscadine and blueberry. Across the water in Panama City Beach,
the coast. You’ll drive along Scenic 30A Pier Park is an outdoor shopping and
through a variety of distinct neighborhood SHOPPING lifestyle center with a wide variety of items
styles—so distinct, in fact, that you’ll know In the Jackson County town of Marianna sits to buy, eat or ogle.
when you’re going from one town into a local treasure called Southern Craft The Market Shops, at South Walton, offer
another. The area’s upscale aura is evidenced Creamery. They feature innovative ice cream outdoor shopping accompanied by
by its many artists and galleries, funky treats such as Vanilla & Satsuma Jam and musicians and artists. In Rosemary Beach, a
local boutiques, and farm-to-table dining Tupelo Honey. planned town built in the mid-90s on the
philosophy. This route also offers numerous Reid Avenue in Port St. Joe is a half-mile- principle of “New Urbanism,” the French
opportunities to kayak on coastal dune lakes, long stroll back into the Old South. Outdoor Quarter, with its balconies and vividly
play golf at a PGA-quality course, and bike gear? Books? Jewelry? Local pottery or artwork? colored buildings and curling wrought-iron
along the 18-mile Timpoochee Trail. Luxury spa treatment? It’s all here, along with railings, is a delightful place to spend an
For something truly unique, check out the restaurants running the gamut from Italian afternoon shopping and dining.
first Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in the and Southern to Chinese and Mexican. In Destin, HarborWalk Village has a vibrant
U.S. off Grayton Beach State Park, where a As you drive through the charming little atmosphere, with vendors, artists and street
collection of seven underwater sculptures town of Mexico Beach, you’ll come to Frost performers outside, and stunning views of
were installed in the summer of 2018 as artifi- Pottery Garden, with imported pottery, the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay.
cial reefs to provide anchor points for marine fountains, bird baths, wind chimes, jewelry On The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, you’ll
life to inhabit. This ecotourism attraction was and candles. find several restaurants and shops. Nearby
named one of TIME magazine’s “World’s 100 The Little Village in Panama City has an Fort Walton Beach is filled with boutiques,
restaurants and galleries—even a brewery.
Hunt for bargains at Silver Sands Premium
SPRINGS AND
SECRET EDENS
Travelers treasure rural, remote North Central Florida
for its natural gifts including the celebrated Suwannee
River, clearwater springs and such a diverse display of
wild places, flora and fauna that naturalist John Muir
walked 1,000 miles to see them. Bracketed by two
high-spirited university cities are miles of “blue”
byways that stitch together
hometown hamlets where
time stands still.
BY JANET GROENE
A DAY IN...
LAKE CITY/ GAINESVILLE TALLAHASSEE WAKULLA COUNTY
COLUMBIA COUNTY Kick off your day with a Take a guided tour of the 1845 Begin your day wildlife
Rise and shine as you greet the refreshing dive into one of the Historic Capitol, now a museum, watching at St. Marks National
morning at Alligator Lake Park, area’s natural freshwater and Museum of Florida History. Wildlife Refuge. Then head over
known for its extensive hiking springs. After working up an Breeze through Florida State to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs
and biking trails teeming with appetite, grab lunch at the University and Florida A&M State Park where you can board
birdwatching and nature award-winning Great Outdoors University campuses and a Jungle Cruise from Wakulla
encounters. Afterward, it’s time Restaurant in High Springs. Cascades Park. Enjoy lunch Springs up the river. Lunch is
for a stroll through downtown Discover the past at the Florida before exploring Mission San the perfect time to slip into the
Lake City, filled with eclectic Museum, a natural history Luis, the only re-constructed Edward Ball Dining Room and
shops, local art and an historic museum at the University of 17th-century Spanish mission in stop at the Soda Fountain for a
museum. After lunch at the Florida, before heading out into the southeast. Zip through root beer float at the world’s
Marion Street Bistro & Brew nature at Paynes Prairie Preserve treetops and over cypress longest marble soda fountain.
House, dive into Florida’s cool State Park or down a 120-foot swamps, tour pioneer buildings Round out the day with a kayak
and refreshing spring waters at sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper and observe native wildlife at the trip to explore more of the
the world-famous Ichetucknee Geological State Park. As the sun Tallahassee Museum. Dine at endless natural resources in the
Springs. Relax a bit before sets, head into lively downtown an award-winning restaurant area. End your day at Posey’s Up
heading back to downtown Lake Gainesville for dining options followed by a nightcap at the the Creek Steam Room & Oyster
City for cocktails and dinner. like Dragonfly Sushi or The Top. Bradfordville Blues Club. Bar in Panacea to savor some of
the best seafood in Florida.
NORTH CENTRAL
FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Visit Suwannee: visitsuwannee.com
Visit Tallahassee: visittallahassee.com
Visit Wakulla: visitwakulla.com
5
Tubing the area’s unique springs provides
MUST-SEE an intimate look at a tangled wilderness.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Hippodrome, Gainesville
thehipp.org
University of Florida Performing Arts
performingarts.ufl.edu
ROAD TRIPS
Forest Capital Museum State Park, Perry
floridastateparks.org/park/forest-capital
Suwannee River State Park
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/
suwannee-river-state-park
SHOPPING
Bradley’s Country Store, Felkel
bradleyscountrystore.com
Celebration Pointe, Gainesville
celebrationpointe.com
Town of Micanopy
micanopytown.com
SHOPPING
The cities have popular shopping malls,
anchored by familiar national chain stores,
but the area’s most offbeat shopping is in
MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY • VISIT TALLAHASSEE
communities where former main-street
Here, nightlife venues range from ear- take U.S. 90 westward, stopping at Live Oak mercantiles have evolved into boutiques
shattering clubs favored by students to for fried chicken at the Dixie Grill and a visit selling antiques, handmade items of all
more sedate places for political to the museum in the old railroad depot. kinds, specialty foods and baked goods.
dealmaking. A must-see is the Bradfordville Continue west to Suwannee River State Within a stroll of two or three blocks you can
Blues Club, the only Florida club on the Park on the site of a vanished community have lunch and shop for one-of-a-kind
Mississippi Blues Trail. called Columbus. Hiking trails take you past souvenirs.
Known for drinks, late nights, high energy Civil War-era fortifications, sawmill remains Micanopy (Mick-can-OH-pea) is a tiny
and live music are Bullwinkle’s Saloon and and an old cemetery. The highway then leads hideaway on the site of a pre-Colombian
The Moon. Level 8 Lounge in the elegant you through Madison with its stately settlement that was platted by a New York
Hotel Duval is popular for both after-work courthouse and antebellum homes. The developer in the early 1800s. Mansions,
and after-dinner drinks, tapas and live music. small downtown grid has antique shops and homes and merchants took root, only
a few restaurants.
ROAD TRIPS West of Madison off U.S. 90, the Hixtown
The belly of this region is so sparsely Swamp Conservation Area is a major
populated that almost any paved road is a wintering spot for wading birds. Public
good place for a jog, two-wheel journey or a access allows wildlife viewing, fishing,
leisurely drive. The way is rimmed with picnics and hiking. Like Madison and Live
wildflowers and passes by farm fields and Oak, Monticello is the county seat, centered
pastures of grazing cattle, horses or goats. by a grand courthouse. Drive around the
The main east-west route I-10 roughly small historical district, enjoy a meal and
follows ancient paths used since pre- buy a bag of treats at Tupelo’s Bakery & Café.
Colombian times. Old roads that parallel the There’s also a museum in the old jail that’s
interstate pass through charming communi- worth checking out.
ties where the clock stopped once the U.S. 27, the original highway from Miami
interstate opened. Starting at Lake City, to the Midwest, provides an interesting
perhaps with a loop up to White Springs, north-south road trip through this region.
INTERNATIONAL
GATEWAYS
Gainesville Regional Airport: flygainesville.com
Jacksonville International Airport: flyjacksonville.com
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: iflybeaches.com
Tallahassee International Airport: talgov.com/airport/airporthome.aspx
MARCH JULY
Bradford County Strawberry Festival, Starke 4th of July fireworks, region wide
Red Hills International Horse Trials,
Tallahassee SEPTEMBER
Spring Festival, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival, Perry
Gainesville
Suwannee Spring Reunion, Live Oak OCTOBER
Florida Bat Festival, Gainesville
APRIL Florida Forest Festival, Perry
Cedar Key Fine Arts Festival Pioneer Day Festival, Mayo
Down Home Days Festival Parade & Rodeo, Stone Crab Festival, St. Marks
Madison
Florida State Bluegrass Festival, Perry NOVEMBER
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, Gainesville Bradleys Country Store Old Fashioned Fun Day,
LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival, Tallahassee
Tallahassee Cane Boil and Fiddle Fest, Gainesville
Sante Fe College Spring Arts Festival, Downtown Festival & Art Show, Gainesville
Gainesville Florida Tap Invitational, Tallahassee
Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival
Tallahassee Jazz and Blues Festival
Word of South Festival, Tallahassee DECEMBER
Christmas on the Square, Live Oak
MAY Festival of Lights, Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Florida Folk Festival, White Springs Center State Park
Springtime Tallahassee Maclay Gardens Camellia Christmas, Tallahassee
Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak Market Days, Tallahassee
NORTHEAST
FLORIDA
YOUR
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
EXPERTS
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council: ameliaisland.com
City of Fernandina Beach: fbfl.us
City of Green Cove Springs: greencovesprings.com
Clay County Tourist Development Council:
claycountygov.com/business/hospitality-and-tourism
Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches: visitflagler.com
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce: putnamcountychamber.com
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors
and Convention Bureau: floridashistoriccoast.com
Visit Jacksonville and the Beaches: visitjacksonville.com
tion in 1672. The structure is considered the animals without ever leaving Florida. For a
FEBRUARY–MAY
oldest masonry fort in the country. different view of Jacksonville, use the
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
Over at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of St. Johns River Taxi in the downtown area.
Youth Archaeological Park, you can drink The taxi service also offers tours. MARCH
water from its “fountain”—but you may A popular attraction in Fernandina Beach Gate River Run National 15K Championships,
come away with great memories more is Fort Clinch State Park, where history and Jacksonville
than ageless qualities. It’s located on the nature meet. Explore one of the best- THE PLAYERS Championship,
Ponte Vedra Beach
actual site of the first settlement in preserved 19th-century forts in the country,
St. Augustine and was founded 42 years then hike or bike on the park’s trails, APRIL
before Jamestown and 55 years before featuring maritime hammocks, massive live Springing the Blues Festival, Jacksonville
Plymouth Rock. Check out the cosmos in oak trees and wildlife.
MAY
BEACH DINING, PONTE VEDRA • FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival,
Fernandina Beach
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
JUNE
Drake’s Raid Re-enactment, St. Augustine
SEPTEMBER
Florida Heritage Book Festival Writers
Conference, St. Augustine
St. Augustine Founding Celebrations
OCTOBER
Creekside Music & Arts Festival, Palm Coast
Spooktacular, Jacksonville Zoo
NOVEMBER
Duuuval’s Bold City Bash, Florida-Georgia
football game, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Kids Free November, Jacksonville
Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic,
Flagler Beach
NOVEMBER–JANUARY
Nights of Lights, St. Augustine
DECEMBER
Dickens on Centre, Amelia Island
5
beaches. If you’re visiting this area, consider
ATTRACTIONS
Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville beaches
and easily explore all of the beachy neighbor-
hoods and attractions.
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS, ST. AUGUSTINE: For more picturesque adventures on the
1 nps.gov/casa water, Amelia Island offers Amelia River
FORT CLINCH STATE PARK, AMELIA ISLAND: Cruises and Charters or a privately chartered
2 floridastateparks.org/fortclinch sunset cruise with Windward Sailing. If
JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS: you’re looking to reel in fish, Amelia Boat
3 jacksonvillezoo.org Club & Rentals provides rentals for fishing,
cruising or sightseeing.
RIVERSIDE & AVONDALE NEIGHBORHOODS, JACKSONVILLE:
4 visitjacksonville.com/neighborhoods/riverside-avondale
ENTERTAINMENT
ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORIC DISTRICT:
5 floridashistoriccoast.com In the mood for family fun? Foodie finds?
History? Northeast Florida has something for
everyone. For instance, you can dine at
ROAD TRIPS
Log Cabin Farm, Vineyard & Winery,
Putnam County
logcabinfarmwinery.com
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society,
Jacksonville
mandarinmuseum.net
SHOPPING
Riverside Arts Market, Jacksonville
riversideavondale.org/ram-home
St. Augustine Outlets
staugoutlets.com
St. Augustine Premium Outlets
premiumoutlets.com/outlet/st-augustine
St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville
simon.com/mall/st-johns-town-center
INTERNATIONAL
GATEWAYS
Jacksonville International Airport:
flyjax.com
Jacksonville Port Authority:
jaxport.com/cruise
Rediscover Florida’s
Historic Coast
BY VANESSA CACERES
L
ook no further than Northeast on moonlight tours. It features a Maritime
Florida’s Historic Coast for family
fun and culinary adventure in
Archaeology & Education Center along with
a conservation lab, research library, and INSIDER’S TIP
America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. After X-ray room, all of which provide a more Love photography? There’s a Wading Bird
all, the St. Augustine and the Ponte Vedra interactive experience of local history. Rookery at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Beach area has been welcoming visitors for The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoo-
Zoological Park where you can take
hundreds of years. There’s something for logical Park gets you up close, but not too
amazing pictures of alligators and native
everyone, including 42 miles of Atlantic personal, with alligators, crocodiles, snakes
Florida birds. Nesting season, from March
beaches, historical charm and renowned and birds. The park now has its Oasis on the
to June, is a great time to get those winning
golf courses. Nile feeding shows, with two-level
crocodile viewing and exhibits of Egyptian snaps. Two other ideal places for shots
SEE AND DO artifacts. There’s also the new Hoffman’s around town are the Bridge of Lions and
Talk about a view from the top. The Two-Toed Sloth Exhibit featuring Teddy and the pier at St. Augustine Beach. Try early-
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Grizzly. Feed your new sloth pals a piece of morning photography for super lighting
Museum offers breathtaking views from the fruit or vegetables while you discover more without crowds.
top, which you can experience day or night about sloth conservation.
Ready for some oddities? Then don’t miss DINE AND PLAY
the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. A Recently Named No. 1 Foodie Town in
collection of the bizarre and mysterious, the the South by Southern Living magazine,
Odditorium’s newest addition is the Jungle St. Augustine visitors are making food
Room, where guests can play hands-on adventures a growing part of their stay.
games or create their own jungle apparel Restaurants include influences from Spain,
while dancing to jungle sounds and tones. France, Italy and Greece, reflecting the area’s
Ripley’s also has Red Train tours, ghost train history. Add spice to your life with the locally
tours and mini golf. grown datil pepper, found in many local
Get behind the scenes—or, actually, restaurants’ prepared dishes. It’s hot stuff!
behind the seas—with the Behind the Seas The St. Augustine Distillery uses Florida-
Park Pass at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, grown ingredients to make small-batch
which is now part of Dolphin Discovery. whiskey, rum, vodka and other drinks. Tours
Behind the Seas allows guests to go “below and free samples are available. Newer wine
the decks” through the history of Marineland rooms around town include the Carrera
and see hundreds of exotic species. Wine Cellar (featuring themed wine
Each year, from late November to the end classes), Casa de Vino 57, and the St. George
of January, St. Augustine shows off its beauty Inn wine bar, Bin 39. Craft beer tap rooms in
in Nights of Lights, during which millions town include Dog Rose Brewing Co., Ancient
of lights adorn the city’s buildings, homes City Brewing, Old Coast Ales, and Bog
and parks. The lights are over the Bridge of Brewing Company.
Lions, and cover St. Augustine’s Spanish For drinks with a view, the Tini Martini Bar
Colonial architecture, sidewalks, rooftops, on the front veranda of the Casablanca Inn has
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM •
hotels and public spaces, for a 20-block light a full martini and bar selection and provides a FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
show. Nights of Lights continues to remain scenic view of the Matanzas River and the
at the top of the list of Best Holiday Lights Bridge of Lions. Nearby, Prohibition Kitchen
on many national publications like USA on St. George Street features flapper dresses,
FEATURED LINKS
Today, Travel + Leisure and many more. speakeasies, moonshine and swing.
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches:
FloridasHistoricCoast.com
SHOPPING ON AVILES STREET • FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM Castillo de San Marcos: nps.gov/casa
Colonial Quarter: colonialquarter.com
Dolphin Discovery:
dolphindiscovery.com/florida-st-augustine
Flagler College Legacy Tour:
legacy.flagler.edu
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park:
fountainofyouthflorida.com
Nights of Lights:
floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium:
ripleys.com/staugustine
St. Augustine Alligator Farm and
Zoological Park: alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Distillery:
staugustinedistillery.com
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime
Museum: staugustinelighthouse.org
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum:
thepiratemuseum.com
San Sebastian Winery:
sansebastianwinery.com
The Tasting Tours: thetastingtours.com
Villa Zorayda: villazorayda.com
Whetstone Chocolate Factory:
whetstonechocolates.com
World Golf Hall of Fame:
worldgolfhalloffame.org