Orlando Guide - CAT OTHER FLORIDA
West Coast Beaches From Cleartwater Beach Heading South
From Clearwater Beach in the north to Pas de Grille beach 28 miles south , you have 26 miles of un batted gorgeous beaches to enjoy situated on the lovely warm waters of the gulf of Mexico
I have already left a topic on Clearwater beach so will not duplicate the item.
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Clearwater Beach Florida
Situated on the west coast of Florida , Clearwater Beach has under gone a vast change in the last 4 years
Located approx a 90 min easy drive west from my villa I would thoroughly recommend a day trip or even a stop over for a night . An over night stay could be coupled with a visit t...
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Fort Island Gulf Beach - A hidden gem.
If you find yourself in the Crystal River area with time on your hands then I can strongly recommend a trip to Fort Island Gulf Beach. Situated where the mouth of the Crystal River meets the Gulf of Mexico this a wonderfully secluded beach, perfect for whiling away a few hours and topping up your ta...
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The Key West Express and Paradise Porters Part 1
Having visited Key West some years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it we thought a return trip would be nice, but the thought of the drive was a bit off putting. It' s a long way, some 8-9 hours not including stops and the journey until you leave the main land is pretty unexciting. It wouldn' t have put ...
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The Key West Express part 2: The Journey
As soon as you board you can take your luggage to the back of the boat where it will be stowed until the end of the journey, so remember to remove anything you might require en route.
The first deck is home to the cocktail bar and snack bar, seating is lounge club style and the seati...
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The Key West Express Part 3: Paradise porters.
So here we are, right in the heart fabulous Key West with so much to see and do and it' s only lunch time, the majority of people cannot check in to their accommodation until 3 or 4 pm so what do you do with your bags? Do you waste time taking a trip to your accommodation to leave your bags, only ha...
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Florida Keys part1
Florida Keys part 1
Few places in the world have the scenery, history or the romance to match that of the Florida Keys. It is a chain of islands that spread from the Florida mainland to Key West, the most southern point of America. If you drive from Miami this can take approximately 4...
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Florida Keys part2
Florida Keys part 2
If you enjoy a Jet ski you can hire individually or join a group with a guide who shows you for example part of the Naval base, where the Navy seals train occasionally.
The Jet Ski guide will also take you to an old submarine storage base, dating ba...
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Heritage Village.
In a previous article, we chatted about the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. Well, now I would like to tell you about the wonderful Heritage Village which is right next door. This park covers 21 acres and has an impressive amount of historical buildings all in a natural setting.
It is be...
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Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida
Whilst staying in a villa at New Port Richey, on the Gulf Coast in Florida, we went out driving to explore the local area. We stumbled across Honeymoon Island State Park, paid $8 to enter and were so pleased we did!
Located at the end of th...
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Boating off the Cape Haze Peninsular
Boating off the Cape Haze Peninsular.
The barrier islands and warm waters of the Cape Haze peninsular offer a safe environment for even the novice boater and offer a magical half or full day of relaxation and an opportunity to see the barrier islands from the water. Discover hidden bays ...
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Our Stay at Treasure Island Part 4
If you walk to your right on the beach from the Thunderbird you get to St John’s Pass however there is also a nice walk if you turn left. As there is a public car park close by the beach gets busy with families ( although still loads of space) and then you tend to have quite a quite strip with just ...
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A Day in Miami
You may have flown into Miami or are en route to other parts of Florida and have a day to stay in Miami and enjoy it.
If you want to just relax and enjoy the sun there are several beaches where you can do this.
Virginia Key Beach is located right off the Rickenbacker Causeway...
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Miami (9)
MIAMI
Miami is a great place to add on to a holiday in Orlando. The drive from Orlando to Miami is about 4 hrs if you go the direct route, but if you choose the coastal route there are lots of places to stop and explore on the way. It is easy to arrange flights so that you fly to Orlando ...
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Rolling Oaks Common
Rolling Oaks Common
Rolling oaks common is proving to be a great little area, wether it be to dine, shop or just get to Disney. or Winter garden. Located on Hew 192 next to the toll road of Hwy 429.
The 429 toll road is a back way to get into Disney avoiding the main traffic on Hy...
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Tampa- Facts
As we travel to the Gulf Coast I never fail to marvel at Tampa’s large buildings that you can see from the Motorway and look as though they are made of cardboard
Tampa is situated on Florida' s west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. If you visit here you can enjoy the fantastic views of th...
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Fascinating Florida – Part 2
We have been visiting Florida for many years, and each time we go we learn more and more about the Sunshine State. Florida has many fascinating natural features, including lakes, rivers, springs, and of course, the Everglades, that wonderful national park.
Here are some facts about the g...
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Fascinating Florida – Part 3
We love visiting our beautiful villa in Orlando, but we have also managed to see a little of the rest of Florida, and one of our favourite trips was down to Miami and then on to the Keys, crossing the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Key West, right at the southernmost tip of Florida, has the highest avera...
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Motorsports at Daytona Beach (2)
The Daytona Beach area is a must visit for all motorsport enthusiasts. There are plenty of race parks and speedways including the world famous Daytona International Speedway
which covers 480-acres and is open 10 a. m. - 4 p. m. daily. This is the home to the biggest and richest stock car race, ...
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Fort Myers (2)
We love the gulf Coast and have spent many days at the beaches there sometimes just traveling there for a day trip or even staying one or two nights at a motel as these are relatively cheap. Check the room contents out first because if you are a family of 2 adults and 2 children you will probably on...
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Fun for all the Family at Daytona
If you visit the Daytona Beach area and do not want to sunbathe, do water or motor sports there is still plenty to do for all the family.
Everyone will enjoy a visit to Angelo and Phelps Chocolate Factory in Beach Street. In this factory they make handmade chocolates freshly every day. T...
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Suwannee River Hubs
The Suwannee River in northern Florida provides the state with a wonderful natural resource. On its meandering 200-mile course, from the Georgia state line through to its discharge point into the Gulf of Mexico, the river showcases some areas of outstanding natural beauty. It can boast imposing lime...
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Lake County Lakes
You might have wondered how Lake County got its name, well don’t be surprised to learn that it is because of number of lakes it has, in fact it has over one thousand lakes and rivers, both small and large, long and short.
Apart from if you are staying on the coast you will be able to enj...
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Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and Fort Myers
If you are visiting around the area of Fort Myers, take some time out to go to the Edison Ford Museum if you can. This is the winter residence of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two elegant houses set side by side in beautiful gardens on the shores of the ocean. The pair became great friends duri...
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Visiting the Everglades
Visiting the Everglades is something you can do if you are touring around Florida. Heading onto HIghway 41 - The Tamiami Trail - you need to go East from Naples skirting along the northern edge of the Park which provides the only land excess to Everglades City and Shark Vally park entrances, and to ...
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The Everglades
If you are not in Florida for the theme parks then you could do a lot worse than travel down towards Miami and spend a day in the Everglades. This natural unspoilt part of Florida is as it was all over before residential housing and Walt Disney World came along. Walt Disney only came to Florida when...
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Cassadaga Spiritual Retreat
If you want something different on your Florida holiday away from the theme parks and the hustle and bustle of Orlando why not visit Cassadaga Psychic Village which is located at
Exit 114 on I4 - but don’t be disappointed if the residents of this spiritual retreat are not expecting you! It di...
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Cruises at St Johns Pass
If you decide to have a break from the magical world of Walt Disney in Orlando try heading towards the St Petersburg or Clearwater areas on the Gulf Coast. These are less than a two hour drive from Orlando but seem a world away with their laid back atmosphere and miles of golden beaches.
Whi...
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Tin City Naples
Some holidays on our way to our villa in Orlando we stop off at Naples on the Gulf Coast for a couple of nights. We do this by flying into Miami and then going to the Gulf Coast along Alligator Alley. Much as we look we have yet to see an alligator along here!
Naples is really a historic tow...
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An Introduction to the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys conjure up visions of an island paradise with swaying palm trees and dazzling sunsets, far removed from the strains and stresses of every day living. Here, you would be correct in assuming, is a jewel of a place set in just about the perfect location amidst the blue coral waters of ...
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A brief visit to Anna Maria Island – Part 1
We had decided to visit Anna Maria Island on the recommendation of some friends, but had broken our trip down from Orange Tree with a visit to the South Florida Museum & Planetarium (see separate articles for details). After a late lunch at the Java Jazz café, just a block away from the museum, ...
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A brief visit to Anna Maria Island – Part 2
After spending an hour or so enjoying the sunshine and a beer on the City Pier my wife and I decided to have a walk along the beach to see what the other pier had to offer, and maybe later return to the City pier for a meal in the restaurant.
We strolled along looking for unusual shells and ...
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Activities on the Suwannee River
Just about anywhere along the length of the Suwannee River the outdoor enthusiast is certain to come across opportunities for canoeing or kayaking, either for a few hours or longer multi-day expeditions.
However, it is not only the water that attracts visitors to the area, but also the chang...
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Cocoa Beach Pier.
We have spent many happy hours on Cocoa Beach pier and I thought I would tell you a little about it to whet your appetite. Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando.
The pier was originally constructed in 1962 and in those days you could drive your car right onto the pier.
21 years...
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A History of Tarpon Springs
We first visited Tarpon Springs about 12 years and the charm of this historic dock town has never palled.
The history of Tarpon Springs starts in the 1970s when a women called Mary Ormond named the town. However, what she thought were Tarpon playing in the bay were actually Mullet! Mullet Ba...
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Floridas Beaches
Florida is blessed with many excellent beaches and visiting one can be inexpensive and make a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. The sun kissed sands are an excellent place to top up your tan or just recharge your batteries!
Listed below are some of the most popul...
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Floridas Gulf Coast
If you would like to try something different from theme parks while you are in Florida, why not try a day at the Gulf coast. There are many areas to choose from and all about one and a half hours drive from Orlando. As someone once said, “There is more to Florida than just Disney World”.
Tra...
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Sunset Cruise – Key West
On recent trips to Central Florida we have found ourselves flying into Miami rather than the usual Orlando or Tampa. Rather than driving up to the Orlando area immediately we have used the first few days of our vacation to visit Key West.
Key West is the most southerly island amongst a numbe...
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Olde Englewood Village - part two
Olde Englewood Village – part 2
Following on from the early arrivals in Englewood the year of 1923 was extremely important. This was the year that started the building of the Tampa to Miami (Tamiami) Trail and all locations wanted to be on the Trail, Englewood was at the time promised to be p...
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Key West, Florida
If you like lively holidays, or vacations, Key West, Florida is just such an energetic place to visit. It has a fantastic atmosphere unlike any of the other Keys in the chain of islands that outstretch from the mainland, south of Miami, reaching out just 90 miles from Cuba. In fact Key West is close...
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Visit The Beautiful Floridian Keys
I’ve always wanted to visit The Florida Keys – I’d heard so much about Key West and these islands that stretch out towards Cuba, often with views of the sea from both sides of your vehicle.
To break up our journey we flew into Miami and stayed a night there as our flight arrived in the eveni...
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Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is situated at 801 Old Water Street in Tampa Florida 33602 and has a spectacular waterside position in the Channelside district. This museum covers 60000 square feet so comfortable footware is a must.
This would be a very reasonable drive from the Orlando area as...
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Lake County Parks
With nearly 100 parks in the area Lake County is fortunate with many open spaces for enjoyment.
Some of the larger parks include national forests, state forests, state preserves and state parks. Most of these parks offer trails (footpaths) for both walkers and horseback riders. Some also all...
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Deep Sea Fishing
If you ever find yourself at or near Madeira Beach on the Gulf Coast and you and/or your family would like to do some deep sea fishing go to Hubbard’s Marina at Madeira Beach. Viewed 6617 times
Deep Sea Fishing Trips take place as follows:
Spring and Summer:
7 days a week – 2 trips a day
The Gulf Coast
If you would like to try something different from theme parks while you are in Florida, why not try a day at the Gulf coast. There are many areas to choose from and all about one and a half hours drive from Orlando. As someone once said, “There is more to Florida than just Disney World”.
Tra...
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Madeira Beach
If you would like a day at the beach within a reasonable driving distance from Orlando why not go to Madeira Beach. This beach is on Florida’s Gulf Coast which is our families’ favourite coast.
The journey there will take just under two hours. You travel on the I4 towards Tampa then from the...
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Olde Englewood Village
Olde Englewood Village
Guests who choose to spend part of their vacation in or around the Gulf Coast, particularly the villas of Rotonda, will at some stage come across Olde Englewood Village.
The small town of Englewood is unusual in that it crosses County lines. The majority of the...
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Wildlife in Florida - A Short Guide
Florida’s wildlife covers a huge spectrum, from birds and butterflies to panthers and alligators.
The most common birds include snowy egrets and ibis, which can often be seen wandering across your lawn in Florida, long necked herons and spoonbills. Frequently seen passing our own vil...
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Old fashioned airboat Rides
Old Fashioned Airboat Rides
We phoned Captain John to book an airboat ride on the St John’s river as it seemed better value for money compared to Boggy Creek airboat rides which we did a few years ago. We were attracted by their advert and testimonials by others who had taken the ride, $45 pe...
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Central Florida
The State of Florida has many contrasts, but never more so than in the Central Region. There you can find cane fields, beautiful citrus groves with the smell of the oranges in the warm Florida sunshine, cartoon characters – plenty of them in the varied Theme Parks in this area – cowmen – Shopping Ma...
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Wekiwa Springs State Park - Part I
I had remembered reading an article that advised a visit to Wekiwa Springs for anybody visiting the Orlando area who wished to see a piece of unspoilt Florida.
So on one of our recent visits my wife and I decided to do just that.
We found the entrance to the park, which is perhaps un...
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Wekiwa Springs State Park - Part II
After our lunch, having finally convinced my wife that a canoe trip would really enhance our day out, we headed down to the canoe ‘dock’ to view the types of canoe on offer and some assistance from the attendant as to which type of boat would be better for us as novices – canoe or kayak. We opted fo...
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Historic Pensacola Village
Although, comparatively speaking, the United States is not particularly old it does take great pride in its history and this can be evidenced in many towns and cities by their willingness to support restoration projects and develop historic districts for the benefit of both residents and visitors. P...
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Miami Beach
When most people refer to Miami, they are in all probability actually talking about Miami Beach. Downtown Miami is on the west bank of Biscayne Bay while Miami Beach sits on a long spit of land bordered to the west by the bay and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
While Miami Beach and Miami...
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Time out in Tallahassee
How about a visit to Tallahassee?
This state capital city’s Indian name means ‘old town’. It is situated 30 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, midway between Pensacola and Jacksonville. Tallahassee was a flourishing Apalachee Indian settlement in 1539 when De Soto arrived. The site of the fo...
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Enjoying a walk at Key West
If you wish to have an interesting morning or afternoon, explore parts of Key West on foot, you actually get to see parts of Key West that are unusual, and many of the guided tours around the eare do not include visits or stops at these interesting places.
Start outside the 1891 Florida Bank...
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Natural Habitats in Florida
The East Coast of Florida is protected from the Atlantic by a string of barrier islands. These taper off like giant stepping stones into the gentle curve of the Florida Keys, to Key West which is just 90 miles from Cuba. The southern tip of the peninsula holds the Everglades, a vast swampland region...
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Ybor City and The Florida Aquarium
If you are looking for a day out around an hour from the Parks area then consider a trip to one of the smaller Florida Historical State Parks and one that is unlike any other.
Found in Ybor City only a few miles from Downtown Tampa -the park consists of Ybor City Museum which is housed in t...
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The State Parks of Northern Florida
Mention ‘parks’ and ‘America’ to the average traveller and their first instinct will probably be to think of either the well known US National Parks, such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite or the famous Theme Parks – Disney, Universal, and maybe Six Flags, etc. And while Florida has some le...
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Gulf Coast beaches in the Rotonda area
To access the closest beaches from the Rotonda area drive up Hw 776 towards Englewood. Take a left at the lights at Beach Rd. Cross over the bridge and continue up to the roundabout. You now have a choice of four beautiful beaches.
Go left at the roundabout and follow the road to Stump Pass ...
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Dearborn Street – Englewood, South Gulf Coast
Old Englewood Town maintains its charm and “Real Florida” appeal on Dearborn Street. From Venice side turn right into Dearborn from North Indianna Avenue Hw776.
Half way down the street is a collection of small shops and bars. There you will find Craft shops, Art galleries, Antique stores, E...
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TROY SPRINGS
Troy Springs State Park is situated on N. E. Springs Rd in Branford off C. R. 625.
This park contains the underwater remains of The Madison. The Madison was a steam boat that was completed in the mid 1840' s for a Captain M Tucker and he named it for his birth place.
The boat was use...
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Swim with the manatees
For a change from the park attractions, why not try something different. An experience not to be missed is a visit to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay. This has the largest collection of manatees in the world. The Wildlife Refuge is not far from the Orlando area as it is located...
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Miami
There is a possibility that your travel to Florida’s coastline or to exciting central Florida may be via Miami should your travel plans include flying into Miami International airport. Many travellers will jump straight into a hire car and head for their chosen vacation destination.
However,...
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Harry P Leu Gardens....A History.
The Harry P Leu gardens are in Forest Avenue in Orlando.
The history of the house and gardens start in 1885 when John Thomas Mizell built a farmhouse on the site. Later in 1902 one Duncan Pell bought more land that now makes the majority of the current acreage.
Next owner of the hous...
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Florida after the Parks
You may ask, what is there to do in Florida after you have done the parks to death, some people may think that there is nothing else to do but, they would be missing out on a wealth of other activities whether they be sporting or relaxing.
For the golfer, Florida is full of golf courses from...
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Myakka River State Park
Just southeast of Sarasota is this wild and scenic state park. Myakka River State Park is one of Florida' s oldest and largest state parks Myakka’s vast expanse of native flora and fauna, hiking and biking trails, waterways, and, of course, alligators make for an afternoon adventure.
As ...
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CRUISING – SHORE EXCURSIONS - Organized Tour or Hiring a Car?
As you will have read in my shore excursion article, you will be offered a wide range of excursions at each of the ports you visit. They are usually excellent, but if you have a family to cater for it may be quite expensive. They don’t always offer exactly what you want, either, so you may pay for a...
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Fred H Howard Park at Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is affectionately known as the sponge capital of the world. It is here that many years ago Greek immigrants risked their lives diving for sponges. Today the Greek influence remains with several restaurants, lively bars, shops, museums and an aquarium. Harvesting the sponges is no long...
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Pensacola Beach
Pensacola is hidden away in the extreme west of the Florida Panhandle, very close to the state line with Alabama and is much closer to New Orleans and Atlanta than it is to Orlando. But Pensacola is certainly big on Florida hospitality and boasts some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere on th...
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Wekiva...A History
Wekiwa (or Wekiva) State Park is less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of the Theme Parks but a million miles away in its ' Old Florida' beauty.
It is located in Apopka (exit 94 off Interstate 4) in Seminole County.
Just like many of the State Parks this area was once ...
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Crowley Museum and Nature Centre, Sarasota
The Crowley Pioneer centre and Nature Trails is only 15 minutes drive west of the I-75 (Exit 210 Sarasota) adjacent to the Myakka River. Set in 190 acres the trails and history area show the visitor how the fist pioneers to Florida used to live.
The land was originally bought by the John Cro...
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Key West Lighthouse Museum
Located across the street from the Hemingway house is the Key West Lighthouse Museum.
Climb the 88-step circular iron stairway leading to the top of the lighthouse and you can view a 360 panoramic view of historic Key West and the nearby ocean. Numerous key buildings and points of interest a...
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Fort Myers Area
This famous Florida city carries the name of General Abraham Charles Myers, a distinguished officer in the United States Army. The city was developed in the later years of the 19th Century, and is now a popular destination in South West Florida. Famed for safe, beautiful white beaches (' world&#...
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Making Wine at Lakeridge Vineyard and Winery
If you enjoy the odd glass of wine (or maybe the odd bottle or two) then you should try to fit in a visit to the Lakeridge Vineyard and Winery, just north of Clermont on Highway 27. Although Florida does not have the best climate for grape growing, this vineyard has flourished, and now produces awar...
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Stephen Turner Foster Cultural Center: A History.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center is situated in White Springs on the U. S. 41
The man who gave this State Park its name was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1826. He was a prolific songwriter with a catalogue of some 200 tunes and was considered to be the first professional composer in Am...
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Olustee and Stephen Foster History to 1950
These 2 parks are close together and can be visited in the same day.
The Battle of Olustee took place in 1864 and was considered to be the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
The Union troops, led by General Truman A Seymour began their offensive at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Thir o...
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Visiting Stephen Foster Folk Centre
The Stepehen Foster Folk Centre State Park is situated in White Springs on the U. S. 41
This is a park rich in intersesting things to see and do that makes a great day out for all the family. You can also rent a cabin here to stay overnight for $90. Do not expect the 5 star accommodation you ...
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CRACKER MUSEUM
Cracker Country Museum is a fully outdoor museum that is located in the Rainey Building at Florida State Fairgrounds. It is devoted to re creating the life and culture of the pioneers of the late 19th century.
This museum provided an authentic Cracker town and is formed of 13 buildings. Thes...
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CRACKER HOMES AND THEIR PEOPLE
When you visit Florida, you are sure to hear Cracker homes and the people mentioned.
Well, what are they?
Cracker people were true pioneers, self reliant and resourceful. They spoke in a patois of Old English, some local vernacular and some invented words of their own. These people r...
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Florida Botanical Gardens
There’s a side to Florida that many visitors miss and it is a side that is full of fragrant foliage and beautiful bursts of natural colour showcasing Mother Nature’s unique textures.
The Florida Botanical Gardens is located just ten minutes west of Tampa and is a relaxing, educat...
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Harry P Leu Gardens
With 3 miles of lovely scenic pathways set in almost 50 acres of southern styled charm, the Harry P Leu Gardens are a welcome haven of peace and tranquility and a wonderful place to get back to basics. Just five minutes from Downtown Orlando and on the shores of Lake Rowena, this botanical wonder in...
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Blue Springs River Trip
After a peaceful morning spent admiring the beauty of Blue Springs, and entranced by the slow moving and gentle manatees, it is time to board our flat bottomed boat, the MV Native II, a custom built covered tour boat. Built in 1993, this 50ft by 12ft boat transports 49 people in comfort along the be...
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San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve
San Pedro Under Water Archaeological Preserve State Park is situated one and a quarter miles south from Indian Key and is under 18 feet of water.
This is a museum at sea and was first opened to the public in 1989, so people have been enjoying this spectacular wreck for 20 years.
This...
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RAINBOW SPRINGS
Rainbow Springs is definitely one of our family favourites. It is located about two and a half miles from Dunellan.
The springs that bring us so much enjoyment today have actually been used by humans for 15000 years. There are only 3 springs larger than this in the whole of Florida.
...
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Casa Feliz
A day out in Winter Park is always rewarding but you could easily miss this little gem so I want to encourage you to take a couple of hours to tour this interesting house.
Cas Feliz (Happy House) was the brainchild of James Gamble Rogers the second. It was built for Robert Barbour whose main...
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LOWRY PARK ZOO
Lowry Park Zoo is situated in Tampa and they are proud to say that they were recently named the number one zoo by Child magazine.
This zoo is divided into several distinct areas; first we have to name that gentle sea cow the manatee. You can get close up to these lovely creatures from two un...
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Christmas in Rotonda West.
Fancy a change from Christmas in the UK? Want to escape from crowded stores, grey skies and the cold? Why not spend a relaxing Christmas in Rotonda West close to the Gulf Coast? Your holiday starts as you arrive to a spotlessly clean house, beds all made-up and perhaps even a tree organised by the v...
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Islamorada and Key Largo
Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sporting fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here more than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic coast the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters car...
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Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the largest city on the gold coast and has a lot of culture and some superb beaches to visit. It has a very nice downtown district and one of the features of this district is the Venice of America. This is a network of canals and islands which has some beautiful waterfront propert...
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Christmas at the Ford Edison Winter Estate, Fort Myers.
Built on a breathtaking setting on McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers are the winter homes of Thomas Edison and his great friend Henry Ford. Edison, one of America’s most prolific inventors, collapsed from exhaustion and was advised by his Doctor to find somewhere warm to live and work. After visiting F...
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THE AMERICAN BULLFROG
The LARGEST frog in Florida !
They can be found - and heard throughout Florida.
By the time it reaches maturity it can measure 6 to 8 inches long and weigh-in on average at a pound.
It has a moist skin of dark olive green - almost black and a mottled –black white underside. <...
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BUTTERFLIES - The Gulf Fritillary
Gulf fritillaries are one of four butterflies found in Florida. It is a very common garden butterfly I have often seen several of these delightful butterflies floating around the garden at my villa their habitat also includes old fields, disturbed sites, roadsides, gardens, parks, pastures.
...
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Oscar Scherer
Oscar Scherer is located in Osprey on the Tamiami Trail.
This is one of the most natural State Parks in Florida. This was once a ranch owned by Oscar Scherer whose main claim to fame was that he devised a way of dyeing leather for the shoe trade. He was born in 1856.
His daughter Els...
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Orman House
Orman House is located in Apalachicola off the U. S. 98. It underwent more renovation in the autumn of 1998. Viewed 6731 times
This home was built in 1838 for one Thomas Orman. Orman was a businessman who traded mainly in cotton. He built this tiny town up in to one of the major cotton exporting port.
HUNSADER FARM
If you are staying in the Bradenton area then you might want to make time to visit Hunsader Farm.
It all started in 1967 when the Hunsander brothers left their home in Wisconsin to seek out sunnier climes. They had run a dairy farm in their native state but here in Florida they started with ...
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Mixons Fruit Farm
Have you ever visited a Mixons Fruit Farm? No? , well if you are staying in the Sarasota area then you can visit the one in Bradenton.
You will be welcomed with a delicious glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or grapefruit if you prefer) all from their own farm, of course.
Then h...
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The South Florida Museum
The South Florida Museum is situated in Bradenton on Floridas Gulf Coast. Alongside the more conventional museum is a planetarium and Manatee refuge.
The planetarium presentation is held in a domed building to the left of the museum. You fully recline your seats to watch this informative dig...
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ONE TANK ADVENTURES....MIAMI
There are 15 State Parks to visit from Miami on the State Parks *One Tank Adventures" programme.
How to choose with limited time? Well, I would plump for the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park" first.
This park is set between the intra coastal waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. It...
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ONE TANK ADVENTURES......ST AUGUSTINE
St Augustine is a beautiful city with many interesting places to visit; however, when you have seen all there is to see, then consider checking the State Parks " One Tank Advenures" for inspiration. This initiative is a Sate Parks scheme to persuade you to visit the parks nearest to you. <...
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TAMPA......ONE TANKFULL ADVENTURES
The State Parks Department are encouraging you to visit their parks on less than a tankfull of petrol. This is in keeping with the new environmental awareness that we are experiencing worldwide.
If you are visiting Tampa then you are within visiting distance of Homossassas, one of my favouri...
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Pirates and Buried Treasure
So is there truth in the myths and legends of pirates and buried treasure on the Cape Haze peninsular, if it is true will you be the lucky one to find it.
Up to the early 1900’s Florida was in the main a wilderness including many parts of the south west coast; it was home to alligators snake...
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THE MARSH RABBIT
Did you know Rabbits could swim ? Cannot say I have given it much thought.
You might be interested to know that there are rabbits in Florida that swim.
The Marsh Rabbit is just a bit smaller than a “regular” rabbit is reddish brown in colour has short broad ears, small feet and a gre...
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ONE TANKFULL ADVENTURE
If you care about the environment at all then you will love The State Parks new idea to do their bit towards the green cause.
They have called this new initiative " The One Tankfull Adventure" and it is a guide to finding a park within a 100 mile radius.
And you are spoiled...
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DAYTONA....ONE TANK ADVENTURES.
If you find yourself staying in Daytona then you will want to investigate the State Parks " One Tankfull Adventures"
There is a long list of parks to visit within the departments 100 mile limit and one of the most fascinating is the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Here ...
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Getting the Shuttle to the Launch Pad
Ever wondered how NASA got those tall, thin, towering rockets or the infamous space shuttle up on the launch pad? It’s not quite done like Thunderbirds! There are no sliding floors or vehicles being raised up level with the ground to lift off. NASA always assemble their Saturn V rockets used in the ...
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Visit Mount Dora
If you have time to spare, away from all the excitement of the parks, and want to experience a relaxing and leisurely day out, then why not visit Mount Dora? This small town, with a population of just 10, 000 is an historic little settlement, which boasts a rich variety of antique shops, restaurants...
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Merritt Island
When you are all out of hustle and bustle of the theme parks, why not see a little of what the real Florida can offer there is so much more if you just look past the theme parks
Just a one hour’s drive from Orlando along the Beeline (528) to the east is a wonderful peaceful area that takes y...
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Merritt Island, Brevard County
If you haven’t visited Kennedy Space Centre you may not realise it is actually a wildlife refuge with over 15, 000 plants and animals – give or take a little disruption every now and again for a Shuttle lifting off.
Since 1963 manatees have grazed quietly whilst endangered sea turtles lay eg...
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The Showcase of Citrus
Many times we have journeyed along highway US27 just north of the US192 and noticed the Showcase of Citrus. On first impressions it looks nothing more than a roadside stall selling a variety of citrus fruits to passing motorists. But, on closer inspection it becomes apparent there is a lot more to t...
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South of Kissimee - Part 1
Well you have had your days out at the theme parks now you would like to see a little more of what Florida has to offer. A few years ago we decided to do a tour down the east coast of Florida from Kissimee and back up the west coast.
Our first stop was Cocoa beach. Having booked into what i ...
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Visiting Fort Lauderdale
Honeycombed by rivers, bays, inlets and canals, Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, where the boat rivals the car as a mode of transportation. Once tenth of the city surface is water, 85 miles of navigable waters provide either home or temporary port for boats of all different sizes. The Intracoas...
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A Day in Tarpon Springs
No trip to Florida is complete without a trip to Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs became an important centre for sponge fishing when Greek divers came to the area in the early 1900s. Although the industry has now diminished, the Greek influence is still very evident in the remaining sponge boats and i...
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Posner Park
After waiting several years for the new development at Posner Park, located off the I-4, junction 57, or off Hwy 27, it was with great excitement when I set off for my first visit. It was extremely easy to find and looked so very new. The trees are newly planted and when they have grown, they will l...
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Florida Wildlife
One of the intriguing things about visiting Florida is spotting the wildlife it its natural habitat! There are some wonderful examples – animals, birds and even reptiles that for most Brits are a thrill to see! Most people will only ever see some of these in a zoo!
Alligators are probably th...
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A trip to the Everglades
In March 2008 my wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. Having had a pretty spectacular 25th anniversary with a 10 day tour of California taking in San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and Death Valley, we knew we had a hard act to follow. This time we decided to have a mo...
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Boggy Creek Airboat Rides - A Wild Ride
Do you need a rest from Disney if only for a couple of hours? If the answer is yes and you have a couple of hours to spare then head off to the Boggy Creek Airboats Rides.
Located at the bottom of Poinciana Boulevard this is a great way to see natural Florida in all it’s glory.
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MADEIRA BEACH & JOHNS PASS
We discovered Madeira Beach in 1988 on our first trip to Florida back in 1988.
We stayed in a cheap motel right on the beach and it was lovely to walk out of our room, around the pool and straight onto the white sandy beach. Madeira Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico between Clearwate...
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Florida Botanical Gardens
Just a few miles to the south of Clearwater lies the town of Largo (not to be mistaken for its better known namesake – Key Largo! ). This where the Florida Botanical Gardens are to be found, and if you are looking for somewhere to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through some of Florida’s most ...
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A Taste of Winter Park
Whilst we were driving up to the new Best Buy store at Winter Garden Village recently, my wife was browsing through a book on Florida when she chanced upon an article about Winter Park, and as we were half way there by the time we had reached Best Buy we decided to carry on and see what this suburb ...
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‘Venice of America’ – Winter Park
I had read a small article about Winter Park; ‘The Venice of America’, and so while out on a shopping trip decided to press on to this small hamlet which is to be found on SR 426 just 5 miles north of downtown Orlando.
Arriving at Park Avenue, the main street in this suburb, we found that pa...
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Siesta Key
During our 3rd visit to Florida in May 2008 since having our daughter, we decided to spend some time at the beach. There are hundreds of beautiful beaches in Florida to choose from. Previously we have visited Blind Pass and Stump Pass near Rotonda, which were idyllic, but this year we decided on Sie...
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Waterfront Park Historic Kissimmee
As you pass under the arch for Historic Kissimmee you leave the tourist world behind and enter a Historic Town which was once a trading post on the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, then known as Allendale. In 1883, 33 citizens voted to call it Kissimmee City. There is still a feel of trading post today. ...
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Key Largo - Glass Bottomed Boat
Whilst staying in Key Largo recently we decided to try out the locally advertised glass bottomed boat trip.
We had intended to take the tour that starts in the John Pennecamp State Park, but on telephoning we found that, although they would ‘hold’ two tickets we nevertheless had to be at the...
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The Delights of Mount Dora
Our intention was to drive for no more than an hour from our base just south of Clermont and find a lakeside retreat where we could enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
After looking through our road maps we plumped for Mount Dora, which is situated in Lake County just north of Apopka.
Our ro...
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Key West – Glass Bottomed Boat Tour
While on a recent visit to the Florida Keys my wife and I took the opportunity to experience two ‘glass bottomed’ boat tours.
The first excursion we booked was in Key West itself and on this occasion we opted for a trip on a twin-hulled boat, advertised as visiting the Coral Reef. Unfortunat...
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Our Everglades Experience – Part I
It was a warm Tuesday morning in early April when we embarked on our mini adventure to the wetlands of Florida. There was a certain amount of apprehension to begin with, as this was our first experience of driving on American roads, but that soon disappeared. In fact, the route from Orange Tree to E...
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Our Everglades Experience – Part II
We knew that our two-night stay would not exactly be five star accommodation (nothing like the beautiful villa we had been staying in whilst in Orlando) but it was comfortable enough and the staff were friendly. If you are thinking of booking accommodation at the Ivey House, then be aware that it is...
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Our Everglades Experience – Part III
We still felt slightly unsure about whether we should be there, or whether The Rod and Gun Club was just for members, but within a few minutes a waitress approached us with some menus and asked if we wanted anything to drink. We gave our order and were then asked whether we wanted soup or salad – th...
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Our Everglades Experience – Part IV
Back at the entrance I located a tri-coloured heron fishing in a ditch and was just in the process of photographing it when I was alerted to the fact that I was being approached from behind by an eight-foot alligator. It had decided to move from one body of water to another, passing by a few feet to...
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Arcadia – deSoto County
Tucked away east of Charlotte County where the majority of Gulf Coast homes are found within the community of Rotonda, Englewood is the county of deSoto.
The county is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando deSoto; Hernando County also takes his name. Arcadia is named after Arcadia Albrit...
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Fort Christmas – a touch of Pioneering Florida
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be a pioneer in the United States then take a visit to Fort Christmas. Way back on Christmas Day (hence the name) in 1837, 2000 US Army Soldiers and Alabama volunteers arrived to build a fort. Only 200 forts were built during the Second Seminole Indian War...
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Marie Selby Botanical Garden
If you are staying in the Sarasota area on the Gulf coast, it is described as number one by Florida Monthly readers and Country Living Gardener Magazine and is also number one in the top ten of ’ Must Do’ s in Sarasota’ by the Sarasota Magazine. If that isn’ t enough to tempt...
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NATURAL BRIDGE BATTLEFIELD
Natural Bridge Battlefield is situated off State Route 363, six miles east of Woodville on Natural Bridge Road. It is in Tallahassee.
This is the site of one of the most heroic civil war battles in Florida. This took place in 1865 in early march. During this bloody battle the confederates lo...
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Englewood Beach
Just minutes from Rotonda, the beaches of Englewood offer the best beaches we have seen during our Florida trips. First time visitors to the west coast meant that we would be spending time relaxing and soaking up some of the warm Florida sun.
Our twins, Joshua and Jake thought it was a fanta...
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The Greek Sponge Diving Town of Tarpon Springs
One interesting day out we had was to Tarpon Springs which is located on the coast about 20 miles north of Tampa. It is a Greek sponge diving town and really does have a Mediterranean flavour about it.
Head for the Sponge Docks, park in any of the car parks (they all charge the same fee) and...
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Mount Dora
The large, beautiful lake which the town overlooks is named after Dora Ann Drawdy (1819-1885). In 1846, Federal Surveyors named the lake " Lake Dora" after her, and in 1883, the small but growing town was named after the lake. Today, Mount Dora is home to around than 10, 000 people and ret...
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Experience a Shuttle Launch!
My secret ambition would have been to be an astronaut … one of my favourite films is Apollo 13. Having grown up as a young child watching Neil Armstrong land on the moon I guess my opportunity has long gone! ! ! But the Shuttle Launch Experience gives everyone a great opportunity to experience a shu...
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NASA Kennedy Space Centre
The NASA Kennedy space centre is located on the east coast of Florida near the World famous Cocoa Beach. The drive the space centre is around 1 hour from the centre of Orlando. Getting there could not be easier as the main freeway takes you directly there.
The area is full of history about s...
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Pick your own citrus and taste the difference!
Imagine waking to another glorious sunny day in Florida, sipping some sweet fresh orange juice on your pool deck, and enjoying some ruby red grapefruit for breakfast that you have picked and chosen yourselves from the trees and groves – what a wonderful way to start your day true Floridian style. Viewed 7042 times
Magical Mount Dora
Theme parks and excitement are what a holiday in Orlando is all about. But for many families, after a few days of the hustle and bustle of rides and parades, it’s time for a break. And where better than the sleepy town of Mount Dora?
Mount Dora is situated just forty miles northwest of Orlan...
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Historic Bok Sanctuary (2)
Tired of the hustle, bustle and noise of the theme parks? Why not try a peaceful half day at Historic Bok Sanctuary, home of the Bok Carillon Tower?
The Sanctuary is off the 27. You turn left a few miles after the turn off for Cypress Gardens and before you get to Lake Wales.
You wil...
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GULF COAST DAY OUT
Many people who visit Orlando never see anything more than the parks. There is so much more to see and our personal favourite is the Gulf Coast.
We start our day by driving to Clearwater and spend the morning on the beach and having a walk along the pier and around the harbour. Its fun just ...
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Tarpon Springs - The Sponge Capital
Over on the Gulf Coast and an hour and a half away, Tarpon Springs is a delightful and historic town comprising new communities and old mansions blending together around waterways and bayous.
The city, named after the tarpon fish which is found in abundance off the coast, was originally deve...
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DeLeon Springs
For some beautiful natural Florida countryside, head out a little to DeLeon Springs - a beautiful state park an hour or so north of Orlando.
One of Florida’s earliest ’resorts’, the springs were opened as a small tourist centre in the 1880’s and the area was hugely po...
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Winter Garden Village
Keen shoppers should take a trip to the new Winter Garden Village, just a short drive from the Orlando tourist area. The journey should take 20 - 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
To get there take the 429 western beltway from Interstate 4. This is a toll road and you will pay 2 s...
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Great Florida Birding Trail.
While holidaying in Florida, you may have heard of the Great Birding Trail; well what is it you ask?
It was inspired by the Texas Birding Trail which was a pioneer in this kind of work. Initially their trails covered just the coastline, but now they traverse the whole country. Florida has ve...
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The Amazing Killfish!
If you saw a fish in a tree, what would be your reaction? Would you think you were going mad? or that you had one too many last night?
Well, if you are in Florida, then show no surprise at all since The mangrove killifish (rivulus marmoratus poey) lives for several months of the year in the ...
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A HISTORY OF INDIAN KEY
We know that the island of Indian Key was occupied for many thousands of years by the Indians until the invasion by the Spanish in the times of Ponce De Leon. After then, very few Indians remained.
De Leon discovered a quick exit route by way of the straits of Florida which proved to be ver...
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Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach State Park is situated in Walton County, mid way between Destin and Panama City Beach. This is yet another of the Gulf Coasts gorgeous white sandy beaches, with the added extra of a lovely lake, rolling sea oat dunes and good walking trails. This beach is part of an area also known as ...
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GEORGE CRADY FISHING PIER
George Crady Bridge fishing pier was named after a state representative of the same name who was a keen supporter of the State Parks department. This park is located in Jacksonville on the Nassau / Ouval border and crosses tha Nassau Sound.
This is considered to be one of the best places to ...
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GASPARILLA ISLAND
Gasparilla Island State Park is in Lee County on Floridas south west (Gulf) coast. It is near Boca Grande and is one of the chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands.
According to Folklore, it was so named after a pirate called Jose Gaspar, who was supposed to have hidden his booty on the island. ...
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Travel Back InTime At Ted Smallwood’s Store - a Preserved Trading Post and Museum, Chokoloskee,
We discovered this treasure by accident and if you are interested in history and how an area evolved then it is a must. We had originally travelled to Everglades City for an airboat ride and afterwards went for a drive to find somewhere to get a drink. We ended up on Chokoloskee Island which is conn...
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HENDERSON BEACH (2)
Henderson Beach State Park is situated east of Destin on the U. S 98 in Floridas Pan Handle. This park is named after the Henderson family, who lived here til 1983 and they were so keen to see this area preseved and protected that they sold it to the State Parks department for just over $13000000. <...
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Pine Island Beach
We have visited many of Florida’s beaches both on the east and west coasts. No beach has been as good as Pine Island. It is only 90 minutes from highway 192 in Orlando.
To get to this beautiful beach you need to head north on highway 27 to Claremont. A left turn on to highway 51 and you ente...
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A Walk On The Wild Side!
Any visitor to Central Florida cannot help noticing how much land remains undeveloped. For us thrills and excitement are not found at the theme parks but in this natural environment. Swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove is amazing but nowhere near as awe inspiring as being in the water with wild...
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Wildlife at Home
You don’t need to travel far to encounter wildlife in Florida. When we first looked at the plot for our villa, there were Sandhill Cranes around. Thankfully they stayed and I spent one of my most memorable times sitting quietly with them by the pond behind us. The two adults and their youngster were...
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
If you would like to take some time away from the theme parks of Orlando, an interesting alternative is Kennedy Space Center.
Situated on Florida’s east coast, Kennedy Space Center is located about fifty minutes from Orlando’s theme parks.
What may not be well known is that the centr...
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San Sebastian Winery – St Augustine
OK… so you’ve had a couple of days to enjoy the stunning architecture of St Augustine, together with its wonderful old buildings and Spanish fortifications. You’ve also had the opportunity to take one of the numerous trolley tours or ghost walks and will no doubt feel like a fully qualified historia...
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An Introduction to the Space Coast
This is not an area that immediately springs to mind when visiting the Orlando area yet it is only 35 miles away on the Atlantic coast. Thousands upon thousands of tourist get within touching distance as they drive out to the Kennedy Space Center attraction but very few sample the delights of what i...
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Crystal River
Crystal River – Visit the Manatees
Looking for something a little different, we decided to take a drive up to Crystal River to see the manatees.
The drive took around 1 hour 40 minutes from the Davenport area and once we reached Crystal River we headed for the Chamber of Commerce offi...
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Lakeridge Vineyard
About 30 miles north of the 192 junction on Highway 27, sits the Lakeridge Vineyard. Supposedly set on the only hill in the region (1) we just happened to stumble upon this delightful little vineyard whilst driving along the highway on the way to Clermont.
You hear a lot about Californian wi...
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Kelly Park (2)
We spent a very pleasant morning at Kelly Park on our recent trip to Florida. Something a little different and a brilliant way to have a good time without spending a fortune.
This 248-acre Orange County park is built around one of the Apopka area’s crystal clear springs. As its name suggests...
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Florida’s Natural History
The Florida I fell in love with in the 1970’s, when I first visited with my parents, was not the one of theme parks or even the expanse of white sandy beaches. It was away from the commercial, sophisticated areas… the waterways of Florida. Many visitors are surprised just how exotic Florida can be a...
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Devil's Millhopper State Geological Site
Although we have visited Florida on several occasions we had never really ventured further than the Orlando Metropolitan area, the Gulf Coast and the Kennedy Space Center. So on our last trip we decided to take a few days out to explore new territory
Our route took us north via Interstate 75 ...
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Springs of Central Florida
For those of you that love swimming and maybe also want a picnic in a secluded shady spot, don’t like sand in everything and find the Water Parks of Orlando too noisy, then a visit to one of Central Florida’s many natural springs may be the ideal alternative for you.
One of the purest of ple...
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Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
If you are looking for something a little more laid back than the usual hustle and bustle of the shopping malls and theme parks of central Florida for your next trip to the Orlando area then you might want to add The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour to your list of places to visit.
Situated at t...
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Key West
We have just visited The Florida Keys and stayed at the furthest point Key West. Fabulous. If you want a really laid back almost Continental atmosphere in the evenings then this is the place you need to visit. The trip to Key West from Davenport, Orlando was an easy run almost a straight drive over ...
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Boggy creek Airboats
To do something really different why not take a trip to Boggy Creek and try the thrills of an airboat ride. It is nearly as good as some of the rides at Disney or Universal studios.
The stunning beauty of the natural Florida Everglades is an exciting a ride as you will ever find and very edu...
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Turkey Lake Park
Turkey Lake Park, or Bill Frederick Park and Pool at Turkey Lake to use its full title, is a hidden gem in Orlando. Minutes from the gates of Universal Studios, this is the City of Orlando’s largest recreational park and offers a host of amenities for visitors.
The park is open all year roun...
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Rural drive to Lake Minneola
A trip to Lake Minneola offers a pleasant drive where you are never more than twelve miles from the hustle and bustle of US192.
There really are “back lanes” in Florida and they do make a welcome change to the three or four lane highways that you usually travel on. These lanes are single car...
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Sarasota and her Islands
Apart from the mainland part of Sarasota on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico the community has several islands.
Lido Key and St. Armands – just over the Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota will take you across Bird Key to Lido Key and St. Armands a shopping area around a circle. Here you w...
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Winter Park-3
Winter Park is one of those places that we intended to visit every time we were in Orlando but it never quite made it to the top of the list – until this year. Having visited a nearby store for furniture for our villa, we decided to drive on to Winter Park to see if we could find some lunch. Viewed 5626 times
The wild side of Florida
One of the nicest things when you visit Florida is being able to see the different wildlife. I know most people just go to see “ The mouse “ but there is much more to Florida than just the theme parks. Here are a few examples of things you might come across on your next trip.
Starting with o...
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located northeast of Naples, Florida. Whilst visiting J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, during our recent tour of Florida, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was recommended to us. As we were heading south towards Naples anyway, and had time to ...
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A brief taster of Cape Canaveral
We first visited the Kennedy Space Center back in 1981, so I guess it was about time we prised ourselves away from Walt Disney World and the other Orlando attractions for a trip east towards to Atlantic coast.
The Kennedy Space Center occupies a strip of land on Merritt Island and is reached...
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Old Town at Kissimmee, Orlando
Old Town at Kissimmee Orlando is a fun place and well worth a visit on your vacation trip, with free parking and free admission too. You will find it off the 192 and it is very distinctive from a long way off by the two towering supports of the ride “Slingshot” which (if you are brave enough to ride...
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Fit in a visit to Celebration
Celebration is a small town situated just off the Highway 192, very close to the junction with the 417 and is well worth a visit. It may be an area that you will pass almost daily as you travel between your holiday villa and the parks.
It is a modern development, but built in the old colonia...
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There's more to Orlando than Disney/Universal
I know for the majority of visitors to Orlando each year the number one attractions are the theme parks. This could either be Disney or Universal that are the first point of call for children and adults alike. However there is more to this diverse and beautiful Area of the Sunshine state.
Af...
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Kennedy Space Centre
On our last visit as we were going with friends we decided to take a look at Kennedy Space Centre. On previous vacations other members of our family had visited and all really enjoyed it but it was not something I was that keen to do it just did not appeal to me. How wrong I was. Its an absolutely f...
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A Brief History of Miami – Part 2
A Brief History of Miami – Part 2
The 20th Century and beyond.
Despite many setbacks, which included the yellow fever epidemic in 1896, Miami continued to grow, and in 1906 the State of Florida embarked on an ambitious programme to drain the Everglades, and provide fertile new agricu...
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A Brief History of Miami - Part 3
A Brief History of Miami - Part 3
Miami Today
From its humble beginnings, Miami has developed into a great city with a fine University, and many cultural and educational institutions. Glistening skyscrapers have appeared, and many more are being constructed. In fact Miami has the most...
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A Brief History of Miami - Part 1
A Brief History of Miami – Part 1 – The Early Days
The word ‘Miami’ comes from the Seminole Indian for ‘big water’ and probably refers to the Miami River. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and a vibrant and colourful place to visit. Half the population of Miami is Hispanic, which means y...
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Historic Bok Sanctuary and Spook Hill - Lake Wales
This is Florida’s hidden gem. If you want a couple of hours relaxation in a perfectly tranquil and calm place this is it – only don’t tell the tourists! !
Just South of Haines City, you need to follow the signs for Lake Wales and the Bok Sanctuary, set amidst orange groves, it is incredibly ...
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FORT COOPER
Fort Cooper is situated in Old Floral City, 2 miles south of Inverness. It has 710 acres that blends a historical site with a beautiful lake and natural trails. I would say that it is reasonably disabled friendly with some good walkways.
During the Seminole wars a Major Mark Anthony Cooper w...
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West Coast - Treasure Island & Johns Pass
If you fancy having time out from the theme parks or maybe you just fancy a couple of hours on the beach, why not take a trip to the west coast and enjoy the Gulf of Mexico.
It only takes around 1 ½ hour drive from Orlando straight down the I4 (west of- course) where you will join onto the 2...
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DUNNS CREEK
Dunns Creek is situated in Pomona Park on the St John River, on the U. S. 17. south, 4 miles from Satsuma and about 15 miles from Palatta.
This area has been the site for farming, logging and turpentine in the twentith century and also in the twenties the steam boats stopped here to load up ...
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DON PEDRO ISLAND
Don Pedro island is situated in Boca Grande on Floridas south west (Gulf) coast in Charlotte County. This is mid way between Fort Myers and Sarasota.
The joy of this little gem is that it is only accesible by boat or ferry. Ferries run only friday, saturday or sunday at the time of writing (...
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DE LEON SPRINGS
De Leon Springs is situated in Ponce De Leon Boulevard in De Leon Springs off the U. S Highway 17.
There is evidence of human occupation in this area going back 6000 years. They can tell this by the middens (rubbish tips) and also, more recently, a canoe has been found in the spring wh...
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The Showcase of Citrus - U Pick
It was a gloriously sunny day in March this year when we drove up to Clermont on one of our regular trips to the shops there. We always enjoy the journey from our villa on Highway 27 to Clermont, as it passes through beautiful Florida countryside, with orange groves and many lakes. We have often not...
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Charlotte Harbour on the Cape Haze Peninsular.
Charlotte County is home to two freshwater rivers, the Myakka River and Peace River both of which flow into Charlotte Harbour and Lemon Bay and on into the ocean.
Charlotte Harbour’s bay is located at the bottom of the Cape Haze peninsular and is second in size to Tampa Bay. It is an importa...
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Water and Wildlife – A Boat Trip on St. Johns River
As a break from the normal hustle and bustle of the theme parks and Central Florida’s other major attractions, a group of us decided to rent a pontoon boat on Florida’s historic St. Johns River. A google search turned up a number of possible rental outlets. We chose Hontoon Landing Marina which offe...
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Pine Island
Pine Island is deceptively named, it is not a true island but a peninsula which forms part of Ruck Island Bay. Pine Island is located on the West coast of Florida above Tampa. It is reached by an easy two hour drive from Kissimme, up the 27 North and then West on the Highway 50, through Tarrytown an...
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10 GOOD REASON TO VISIT THE SOUTH WEST
MARCO ISLAND is the largest of the Gulf Coast islands measuring in at 4x6 square miles nestling in mangrove swamp.
Wonderful beaches and 40 golf courses make this a haven for exhausted holidaymakers.
To the north is Rookey Bay Natural Estuarine Reserve and to the ...
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Overnight at St Augustine
St Augustine is quaint with a capital Q. If you like picturesque and pretty plus bucket loads of history, charm and great architecture, then it’s the ideal place to visit. Founded in 1565, it’s America’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement.
A good start especially if time is lim...
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Caledisi Island
Magical Caledisi Island has been voted the second best beach in the whole of America (and there is some stiff competition believe me! ). You can reach this island from Honeymoon Island by ferry or boat (details at the end of the article) or from Clearwater by walking across paying very special atten...
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KELLY PARK
Situated in Rock Springs, this beautifully maintained park has an unusual natural attraction, tubing or floating down the natural spring rivers The park covers 248 stunning acres and could not be made any better
Crystal clear springs gush into a wonderful swimming area and then into fast runn...
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GLORIOUS SANIBEL ISLAND (and Captiva)
We enjoyed a really relaxing holiday on Sanibel a few years ago and since then, whenever we are in the area, we always ensure taht we make time to revisit this magical island
Sanibel is home to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Reserve which covers roughly a third of the island; at the other...
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DARLING DING DARLING NATURE REFUGE
If you are a nature lover, PARTICULARLY if you are a bird lover, you must put this wonderful sanctuary on your list!
The Ding Darling nature Refuge takes up roughly a third of Sanibel Island. We owe this refuge to a political cartoonist called Jay Norwood Ding Darling who blocked the sale of...
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NAPLES ZOO and BOTANICAL GARDENS
If you are ever in the Naples area, do not miss a visit to this wonderful zoo; awonderful opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat and glorious historic gardens
There are several good shows during the day. I recommend that you sit down with the schedule when you arrive and plan you...
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Clearwater Beach
No visit to the Orlando area is complete without a visit to one of the gorgeous beaches in this lovely part of the world. Our particular favourites are on the Gulf Coast and if you want a quick fix the nearest is at Clearwater Beach. It’s roughly about 2 hours travel time –so it’s not one of the clo...
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De Leon Springs
In July 2006, we decided to visit some of the places that the locals visit for a day out in the Orlando area and first on the list was De Leon Springs, one of the State Parks north of Orlando. We had read that there was a swimming area and a picnic area, so the jeep was loaded up with swimming gear ...
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Winter Park (2)
We first visited Winter Park about 6 years ago in 2001 when we wanted something a little different away from the parks. This lovely location is situated off the I4 north at Fairbanks Road and then travel upwards towards Park Ave. Here you can park your car and then wander around the tree lined avenu...
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Historic Mount Dora
Nestled alongside the shores of the Lake Dora is the little sleepy town of Mount Dora. I say sleepy with tongue in cheek as this quaint little community where no McDonalds has set foot is really a hive of activity. At various times throughout its busy calendar it plays host to ‘bike week’, the Mt Do...
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Bok Tower Gardens
For a quiet day out away from the hustle and bustle of the Parks you can do no better than visit Bok Tower Gardens – situated at the highest point in Florida, just under 92 metres. It is situated at Lake Wales, on highway 27. From the 192 you travel south for about 30 miles, then at the second set o...
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Fishing on the Gulf Coast
Being a villa owner and having been to Florida a considerable number of times, we are always looking for different things to do. We would agree that its very exiting going to all the theme parks but as many regular Florida visitors will tell you, there are plenty of other things to do and places to ...
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Mardi Gras
This really is a superb time to visit Universal Studios; it’s fun, fun, fun all the way which it usually is anyway, one of mine and my families favourite parks and more so at this time of year, Easter.
Apart from all of the fantastic daytime rides and general excitement, night time becomes a...
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Clearwater - no Sand Key
Well, this time in Florida we decided we would try something a bit different and go further a field from our home in Davenport. We decided to take a trip to Busch Gardens but instead of making it a day trip we decided to make a few days of it and stay in Clearwater.
Well, we thought we we...
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Our trip to Boggy Creek
We have been to Boggy Creek a couple of times now as it is such a relaxing experience.
We awoke early and had a swim followed by a lovely breakfast of pancakes and fruit to set us up for the day. Had our showers, packed up the car and headed out on our way. We arrived after a ¾ hour drive on...
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A different day out
On our last trip we decided that we would like to spend a day doing something other then the Theme Parks. Don't get me wrong, all the parks in Orlando are truly amazing, but on this particular day we fancied something different.
So with plenty of things to choose from we settled on the follow...
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The Cape Haze Peninsula
This small peninsular is often referred too as Florida's best kept secret.
To quote the locals:
“Just another day in paradise”
A sentiment I heartily agree with; it is located between Sarasota to the north & Fort Myer's to the south; it is an area of outstanding beauty and...
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A Rocket launch
One of the most thrilling experiences you will ever see in your entire life (in my opinion )is a rocket launch and one of the best places to see one is Orlando Florida. The kennedy space centre is only an hours drive from the main Orlando tourist area , a straight drive, not complicated and certainl...
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Days Out - Lakeridge Winery
Not commonly associated with wine production, Florida does have several wineries. In Clermont, Central Florida, Lakeridge Winery has been growing grapes on the rolling hills with grape varieties specifically adapted to the Florida climate and soil.
Lakeridge Wineries provides complimentary to...
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Naples
Just under four hours drive South of Orlando, on the Gulf of Mexico coast is the beautiful and cosmopolitan town of Naples. Famous for its shopping, restaurants, golf courses and gorgeous miles of white sandy beaches, Naples is definitely worth a visit.
The shops on Third Street are regarded ...
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See wild manatees up close!
Manatees are fascinating creatures, like a gentle, warm water version of a walrus without the fierce tusks. Only about 3,000 West Indian manatees live in Florida, but unlike many rare animals, you have a good chance of seeing manatees in the wild if you go to the right place at the right time. Viewed 6432 times
Gatorland (9)
For a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the major parks, why not take an afternoon trip to Gatorland. Situated on the Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) Gatorland is a theme park dedicated to the most famous of wildlife that comes out of Florida. Alligators.
On arriving you will be greeted by v...
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Mount Dora
If you ever want to go and see another part of Florida historic Mount Dora is certainly worth a look.
It is 20 minutes North of Orlando an easy drive away from the hassle and bustle of buy Orlando and the most wonderful little place you could imagine.
If you want to stay there for a co...
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Sanibel Island, Florida
Traffic and tourists are relatively recent additions to the island, as the causeway linking the island to the mainland was not constructed until 1963. Before that time, a ferry transported visitors to the island. Among the more notable passengers on the ferry were Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who, ...
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Ponce de Leon Inlet
When the family needs a break from the theme parks, the cooling sea breeze of the Atlantic Coast makes a refreshing change.
The most popular destination is Daytona Beach, approximately 1 hours drive from Orlando. During the summer months, especially at weekends, the beach can be a little crow...
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Gulf Beaches
Theme parks are great but fancy something different? Take a trip to one (or more) of the Gulf Coast beaches. Allow yourself a whole day and expect to be lured back for more.
Head south on Interstate 4 and give yourself a real treat by taking the Sunshine Skyway (Intersate 275 South) instead ...
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St Augustine - The city and history
With its old world charm and unique attractions it easy to see why ‘The Nation’s Oldest City’ is one of Florida’s top holiday destinations.
Founded in 1565, St Augustine is Americas oldest permanently settled Euopean city.
Whether you want to explore old life styles and long-ago wars,...
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St Augustine - places to visit
You will have read the history of St Augustine now it’s time to visit those places of interest and make the history come to life - and it does.
To undertake the walking tour of the old city can take 1 - 2 hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to visit the listed sites...or ...
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Monkey Jungle
Want to experience something different on your next Florida holiday? Well, get in your car and take yourselves off to Monkey Jungle where humans are caged and the monkeys run free! This unique park is home to nearly 400 primates, most running free on a 30 acre reserve. This reserve is a protected ha...
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A day out with a difference
Why not have a relaxing day out away from the theme parks:
Mount Dora
Located approximately 25 miles northwest of Orlando, the City retains the atmosphere of a small town but it is quite hilly, there are several lakes, large canopy oak trees and historic buildings.
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Manatees of Florida
The first European to report seeing a manatee was Christopher Columbus and to sailors who had been at sea for a long time, manatees were reminiscent of Mermaids.
Sometimes called the sea cow and with a face only a mother could love these gentle giants are found primarily along the coast of F...
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Big Cat Rescue - Tampa
We recently visited Big Cat Rescue, which is located north of Tampa and an easy drive from the Orlando area, and I can thoroughly recommend it to you for a half-day visit.
Big Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats, which have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing...
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve
Being approximately only a fifty-minute drive from central Orlando, Merritt Island wildlife reserve is an easy drive away and a fabulous place to visit. Located on the space coast on a 140,000 acre overlay of the John F Kennedy space centre, Merritt Island is home to over 500 species of wildlife ...
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St Augustine Light Station
St Augustine light station is the tallest light station in Florida and the second tallest in the United States. The light station is known as a light station and not a light house because it is situated amongst a collection of other buildings which was the keeper’s quarters and various other buildin...
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St Augustine Beaches
St Augustine Beaches are located approximately a 2 hour drive north of Orlando and just a few miles further north than Daytona Beach.
We drove there on a Thursday and arrived at the beach around lunchtime and it was so quite and peaceful it was just great! We parked in the public parking area...
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Everglades National Park
We combined the Everglades National Park with a visit to Naples and Miami, in a round-trip, as it is definitely too far to do in a day from Orlando.
Take Route 41 south from Naples (also known as the Tamiami Trail) to Everglades City. If you go direct the journey is about 25 miles but we div...
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J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Sanibel Island just a short drive across the causeway from Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida. It is in the top ten most visited refuges in the United States and second only to the beaches as Sanibel’s top attraction with almost a ...
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FLORIDIAN SKIES
Our first glimpse of Florida was actually the view out of the airport doors, as they opened wide in front of us, to reveal the dark velvety sky of Miami.
We could hardly contain our excitement as we gazed up at the tall palm trees outlined against the night sky, and the feel of the hot, moist...
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The Parrot Jungle Experience
Are you thinking of spending a few days sight-seeing elsewhere in Florida, maybe Miami? Apart from the excellent Miami beaches, which are a must, why not take yourselves and the children to the magical Parrot Jungle Island. Parrot Jungle has over 3, 000 exotic animals set in a beautiful tropical gar...
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Mount Dora - A Great Day Out
When we are in Orlando we like to visit down town Mount Dora. It is around 44 miles from Orlando and gives yet another insight into Florida not to mention its quaint little shopping experience. There are some lovely old style shops that have gifts, antiques, clothes, jewellery and arts and crafts. D...
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Florida Wildlife - A Short Guide
Florida is home to a large variety of wildlife due to its tropical climate. Most people have heard about the alligators, but not many think about the other wildlife in Florida.
If you like wildlife you will usually be able to find it, whether that is at some of the great parks like Se...
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Eco- Safaris at Forever Florida
Ever wanted to try something different from the usual Theme Parks? Are you into eco-friendly? Then why not try an Eco - Safari at “Forever Florida “. Come and be a cowboy for a day, and bring the whole family there is plenty to occupy everyone.
Founded by Dr. Brousard and wife Margaret, the “...
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Showcase of Citrus
Everyone knows that Florida is famous for its cowboys and cattle ranching. But, as well as cowboys, Florida is known for it's great oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes - you'll have seen Florida orange juice in most supermarkets but you can now see them on the trees and even pick them for yoursel...
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West Orange Nurseries
Florida has much more than theme parks. For those who are interested in gardening and plants it is worth spending a few hours at West Orange Nurseries on Avalon Road. Heading west on 192 Avalon Road is on the right near to US27. Passing many interesting homes and countryside it is different to the n...
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City of Sanford
For most people,Sanford is just the place they fly into when they are on a charter flight.However,Sanford is well worth a visit in its own right
Sanford is in Seminole County and is situated on the south shore of Lake Monroe at the head of navigation on the historic and beautiful St. John...
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Ernest Hemmingway's House and Museum, Key West
If you have time to visit Key West you will find that there are many attractions to see. One of our favourites is Ernest Hemmingway’s house and museum, which provides a fascinating insight into how the man lived.
Hemmingway was already a well-known Nobel prize-winning author when he came to ...
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The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Tampa is just a short distance from our villa so we often spend a day there – it is near enough to drive down and back in one day, and not only has some lovely malls, but one of our favourite attractions is the Florida Aquarium.
We like to get up early in order to spend as much time as we can...
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Old Town
Probably the brightest place on the US192, Old Town at night is lit with the most wonderful display of coloured lights and fluorescent lights. The Sling Shot can be seems from miles around with its brightly coloured fluorescent lights making it easy to find.
Old Town as more than 70 shops and...
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Gatorland (11)
In my opinion Gatorland is one of Orlando’s best half-day attractions. It is an ideal place to visit on your last day, if you have a late flight home, and need a gap filler. Located on Orange Blossom Trail, its easy to get to and not far from Orlando Airport.
The parks main attraction...
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Space coast
If you are looking for a great day out why not take a visit to the Kennedy space Centre. The area which is now known as the ‘SPACE COAST’ lies on the east coat of Florida, around 1 hour from Orlando. Driving there could not be easier with most of the roads leading straight there.
Obviously th...
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Florida Eco Safaris
Come on now, how many of you would like to ride western style just like a cowboy for the day? Well at Florida Eco Safaris you can. You can do everything from an hours ride to a full city slickers weekend. Whether you’re an experienced rider or not, there will be a ride to suit every ones abilities....
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Florida’s Space Coast
Florida’s Space Coast, comprises primarily of such cities as Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Palm Bay. Located just 35 miles east of the Orlando theme park attractions, you'll find 72 miles of pristine sandy Atlantic beaches known as Florida's Space Coast.
Recognized as one of the mos...
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Lake Kissimmee park
Lake Kissimmee State Park was once used by Native Americans because of the abundance of fish and game in the area, making it an ideal place to live for thousands of years.
The park is named for Lake Kissimmee, the third largest lake in the state. The 5,930 acres of Lake Kissimmee State Par...
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Vans Skate Park
Being the mother of 2 skater dudes I ( and the boys ) was very happy to come across the Vans Skate Park when I was on a shopping trip with the family.
The Skate Park is located in the Festival Bay indoor shopping Mall at the top of International Drive, just across the road from the Beltz Outl...
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Kennedy Space Centre - Some Details
In addition to the theme parks, shopping, golf, restaurants and other attractions in the Orlando and Kissimmee area, there is much more to see outside of the main attractions area.
One attraction that we have visited a couple of times (and will no doubt do so again) is the Kennedy Spa...
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Coconuts on the beach at Cocoa
When we feel like a break from the parks and just want to relax, we head for Cocoa beach and in about an hour we are on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach, absolutely lovely. We normally spend the day relaxing totally winding down and nearly always visit Coconuts on the beach for our lunch...
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Silver Springs
If you fancy visiting a different sort of attraction, away form the hustle and bustle of the theme parks - why not try Silver Springs, a natural park covering many acres around the Silver River. This makes for an excellent day out and will be an experience quite different from anything else you will...
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Key Largo
If you are planning a Florida trip to Orlando and would like that extra few days to recover from the various parks and other activities that you have undertaken in your busy schedule, then why not take look at Key Largo.
Key Largo has much to offer in the way of accommodation, relaxation and ...
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Airboat rides in Florida
When you have planned your trip to Orlando and you have you itinerary organized you might want to do something different other than visiting the theme parks, shopping or relaxing by the pool.
Why not take a trip across one of the many lakes in Florida on an Airboat. These boats are propelled ...
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The Town of Celebration (9)
When holidaying in Orlando most people will naturally think of visiting the theme parks or Kennedy Space Centre, they will take in a show or maybe do some shopping.
However if you have a few hours spare amidst all the hubbub, then we would strongly recommend that you use that time to visit th...
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Donald Duck isn't the only bird to watch in Orlando!
Not everyone who visits the Orlando area likes to go to the Theme Parks…. some are interested in looking for a much more relaxing way to spend their valuable holiday time. The area around Orlando, with all its lakes and acres of forest, offers an abundance of wildlife and the feathered variety are p...
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Wekiva Springs & Wekiva River
No matter how much everyone loves the non-stop action and thrills and spills of the theme parks, sometimes these can seem relentless and it is nice to take time out and catch breath.
Those seeking something a little bit different can combine peace and tranquillity with an element of adve...
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Fort Lauderdale – Home of the Swimming Hall of Fame
We had a purpose in travelling away from Orlando in 2004, my daughter is a keen swimmer (though no Michael Phelps), and had read about the Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale. As she was keen to go, and we were keen to do something a little different, we decided we would fly into Orlando (MC...
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Take a walk on the wild side?
OK, so perhaps you've been to Florida before, done the theme parks, so what else is there? A surprising amount that you probably never even heard of before!
If you like wildlife, there's a whole heap of it in Florida. Probably some of it is right outside your vacation home backyard that you h...
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Horse World Riding Stables, Kissimmee
This is our 6th year on a ‘trot’ visiting Orlando and we thought we would like to try some alternative days out. We have never been horse trekking before and the stables website - made it look interesting – none of us are really horse riders ( apart from the odd donkey ride on Blackpool beach!)<...
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Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Of Course, Florida is the place to go for theme parks and high tech attractions but sometimes it’s nice to see what else Florida has to offer. With this in mind we took the trip out to Southern Kissimmee to Boggy Creek Airboat rides, located on Southport Road. There is also another location on Boggy...
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Marco Island
Ever thought about a trip to Marco Island? We often split our time when we head to Florida and spend some of our time there. Depending on the length of time we are in Florida, we will stay 1 or 2 weeks in the Orlando area and the balance on Marco Island.
After the hectic week(s) of visitin...
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Fort Lauderdale & The Jungle Queen Riverboat
Is there really more to Florida than Orlando?
Of course there is. We had a week in Fort Lauderdale and this is what we got up to.
First of all it’s important to say that this is several hours from Orlando, so it’s not really day trip material. We had just had a week in Naples on the...
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Clearwater & Beyond
Spend a day at the beach. It’s well within reach.
Just a short hop down the I4 from Orlando, about 1.5 hours drive, is the most amazing stretch of sugar white beaches along the sensational Gulf Coast.
Our favourite of them all is Clearwater Beach, which is about the easiest Gulf...
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Sarasota and the Gulf Coast
We recently spent a day exploring Sarasota and the Gulf coast. This is a rough itinerary of our day and should give you an idea of what''s around.
Sarasota, situated on the West Coast of Florida, is about a two hour drive from Orlando. Take the I-4 West to the junction with the I-75. Take ...
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Disney Cruise Line - Wonderful or simply Magical?
What could be a more perfect way to spend a holiday than combining the magic that is Disney with the luxury of a Caribbean cruise?
My family and I have been extremely fortunate in that we have experienced the Disney cruise experience on more than one occasion.
Our most recent cruise...
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The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
As a lover of anything Art Nouveau and in particular Tiffany Glass whenever I’m in Central Florida always high on my must do list is a visit to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The museum, usually known simply as the Morse Museum, is situated on Park Avenue in the centre of Winte...
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Miami
Since our first trip to South Beach, we have visited Miami 3 times and actually spent a fortnight there 2 years ago so we had the chance to explore it in more depth. We decided to book into one of the chains at the bottom end of South Beach rather than the Art Deco hotel we stayed in on our firs...
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Webb’s Citrus Candy Factory
During our last visit to central Florida, we discovered the cutest candy store and factory that sells local products, which are all hand-made with local ingredients. The shop itself is lovely just to walk through and look at all the products available. Their assortment varies from citrus candy t...
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Naples – Beautiful Escape On The Gulf Of Mexico
Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico coastline edge of Collier County, Florida, lying on the south west side of the sunshine state. There are 10 miles of gorgeous, white sandy beaches, which are amongst the best in the United States. Naples is one of the wealthiest areas in the United States a...
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The Florida Everglades
Although the numerous parks are a must-see for the first time visitor, there is much more to see in "The other Florida". The Everglades National Park is well worth a visit if you can tear yourself away from the Kissimmee area for 2 or preferably 3 days. A day trip is out of the question...
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Cruises
Combining a cruise with a stay in a privately owned Orlando villa is both easy and cost effective. For visitors staying in Orlando or Gulf Coast, you have the option of flying into Miami (often a cheaper choice) then returning from Tampa or Orlando (or vice versus). Most of the cruise lines de...
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Florida Adventure Tour
If you want a day away from the parks and do not mind an early start then try the Florida Adventure Tour.
This all day adventure will allow you to see manatees in the river and the opportunity to snorkel with them PLUS a visit to an animal preserve - The Homosassa Springs Stat...
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