Travel Guide To Florida 2015

Y O U R
A W A R D - W I N N I N G
G U I D E
T O
UNIQUE
REGIONS
To explore and experience
T H E
S U N S H I N E
S T A T E
Whats your pleasure?
BEACHES
THEME PARKS
ECOTOURISM
SPORTS
MORE THAN
1,500
VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS
FOR ALL AGES
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Naturally connected.
Theres no better place to feel a connection with nature than
at our parks. Where fun and laughter are as common as the
stunning sights at SeaWorld. Where thrilling roller coasters
soar through the exotic lands of Busch Gardens. And where
underwater adventures give way to wonder and excitement
at Aquatica. Explore the world around you by making
memorable connections at all of our parks.
For the best deals on tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com
or BuschGardensTampaBay.com.
2015 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
How much is this worth

in sand dollars?
Those priceless memories are easier to create than

you might think with the help of Royal Shell. Our
customized service approach makes vacation planning
seem like childs play. Call today to explore our
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VA C AT I O N & S E A S O N A L R E N TA L S
Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, Sanibel and Captiva Islands
KEY W
EST
BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS
HO
A R AT
RG
LA
KE
The Florida Keys is known for warm water, endless sunshine and a laid
back attitude. But with everything from world-class shing and diving,
a thriving art and music scene and an incredible variety of bars and
restaurants, youll have to learn to pace yourself.
DA
RA
a-keys.com 1.800.a.keys
MO
A
SL
Take a
step back.
GOVER N O RS M ESSAGE
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
October 2014
Dear Friends:
As Governor of the Sunshine State, I invite you to explore the many great
opportunities available to enjoy Floridas beautiful beaches, world-class fishing and golf,
award-winning state parks, and cultural wonders and attractions. The people of Florida
look forward to showcasing the hospitality that makes our state the number one travel
destination in the world.
There are many wonderful reasons to visit Florida, and Floridians enjoy hosting
millions of guests year round. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, I am
confident our great weather and friendly businesses will provide you an enjoyable and
memorable experience.
As you enjoy our numerous attractions and scenic beauty, I invite you to also learn
more about what we are doing to make Florida the best place for businesses to succeed. As
a lifelong entrepreneur, I understand what it takes to grow a business and that Floridas
prosperity is linked to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our residents.
A thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and we are working to draw
both domestic and international visitors, as well as increase direct international air service
to Florida. Every 85 visitors to Florida equals one job in our state and that is why we are
working every day to continue to attract even more visitors and grow more jobs for Florida
families.
Enjoy your visit to Florida, and I invite you to visit Florida often.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
Governor
2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA
SOCIAL
There is only one word to describe Downtown Delray Beach, Florida SOCIAL!
Whether you are casual, urban, sophisticated or chic, the heart of our historic Village by the Sea will never disappoint
the social side of you. Our thriving community of artists, culture and entertainment, along with our eclectic shops and
mouth-watering cuisine, will have you spreading the word about Downtown Delray Beach far and wide.
Take your family and friends for a warm dip in the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic along two miles of pristine beach.
Come and explore SOCIAL Downtown Delray Beach!
DelrayBeachDDA.com I 561.243.1077
#DowntownDelray
E DI TORS M E SSAG E
good old-fashioned road trip is the best way to discover and experience
all Florida has to offer. I strongly recommend abandoning the freeways
in favor of backroads and oceanside drives, stopping whenever you
please to explore small towns and communities along the way. This is where the true essence of
Florida shines brightest, oozing with southern hospitality and charmand delightful surprises.
Over the years, my annual road trip of discovery has become a ritual as I search for new experiences to report and recommend to our readers. What Ive come to appreciate is there is so much
more to Florida beyond the bright city lights and theme parks.
This year, my husband and I rented a self-catering unit at the reasonably priced Tropical Breeze
Resort on Siesta Key. Situated immediately across the road from an award-winning beach regularly
recognized as No. 1 in Florida by Dr. Beach and a quick walk to wonderful restaurants and boutiques in the quaint Siesta Key Village, it was a perfect choice. While in the Sarasota area, check
out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the on-site Christy Payne Mansion and Carriagehouse
Tea Shop, performances at the Asolo Theatre, the MOTE Marine Laboratory and the wildly acclaimed Circus Sarasota.
From there, tour Labelle and Lake Okeechobee in Hendry County, the second-largest freshwater lake in the USA, and stay at the apparently haunted Clewiston Historic Inn. This area is
a haven for bass fishing, birding, stargazing and RV camping. While there, visit the museum in
Clewiston to view dinosaur bones, a prehistoric horse and ancient manatees called dugongs.
Just 20 miles south of Clewiston, birders should make their way to STA 5 to see the protected
caracara bird.
In nearby Moore Haven in Glades County, Gatorama is one of the last roadside attractions and
home to Goliath, a 50-foot alligator. Owners Patty and Allan Register also operate Fisheating
Creek Outpost, a 52-mile canoeing trail through 18,000 pristine acres.
Situated on scenic A1A just south of St. Augustine, Marineland Dolphin Adventurehome to
Nellie, the oldest dolphin in captivity (born in 1943)operates as a research institute and is the
first responder for stranded animals in the area. Marineland Dolphin Adventure schedules fieldtrip classes, and in partnership with the University of Floridas Whitney Marine Laboratory for
Bioscience, runs summer camp programs for ages seven to 12 and 13 to 17, in which participants
rescue dolphins and learn about the local ecosystem. And, by the way, Marineland also hosts
unique wedding and corporate events.
Visiting Orlando? Take a break and spend a day in Lake Wales visiting Bok Tower Gardens.
The singing tower, built using coquina, four million pounds of Georgia marble and ceramic tiles,
is something to beholdand hear. A brass door to the Founders Room depicts the story of creation and 60 bellsweighing a total of 60 tonsserenade visitors every day.
Catering to youngsters, two to 12, LEGOLAND in nearby Winter Haven covers 150 acres where
a 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel is scheduled to open in 2015. In addition to games and rides, children are taught to drive at the Ford Driving School, learn about fire safety at the Big Tent and
much more.
In neighboring Lakeland, Safari Wilderness Ranch is a permanent 260-acre working game
ranch for animals that were born in captivity, for exotic pets whose owners cannot care for them
and for animals from zoos that no longer operate. Animal habitats are as natural as can be for
each species, and animals breed naturally.
Its all here waiting for you to discover. Just let curiosity be your guide.
Donna S. Vieira
Editor
Experience
E
Ex
Exp
xxpperi
xper
errie
rieien
enc
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Lake Jackson Sunset by Kevin Main
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2 0 15 T R AV E L G U I D E T O
FLORIDA
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The 2015 Travel Guide to Florida is published by Globelite Travel

Marketing Inc., a leading lifestyle media company and publisher
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10
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CONECUH
BAKER
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ESCAMBIA
31
Graceville
ESCAMBIA
OKALOOSA
HOLMES
331
90
S A N TA R O S A
84
MILLER
HOUSTON
COOK
BROOKS
CHARLETON
441
GRADY
27
LEON
arys
R.
Panama City
OLA
CALHOUN
APAL
ACH
IC
B AY
41
19
90
JEFFERSON
Tallahassee
iJasper
Madison
17
White Springs
WAKULLA
Perry
D U VA L
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach
COLUMBIA
10
129
98
Fernandina
Beach
NASSAU
301
H A M I LT O N
MADISON
SUWANNEE
LIBERTY
90
NORTHEAST
BAKER
27
41
TAY L O R
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UNION
319
ST JOSEPH BAY
GULF
L A FAY E T T E
FRANKLIN
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High Springs
Cross City
R.
Suw
annee
Palatka
Gainesville
Fanning Springs
DIXIE
St. Augustine
ALACHUA
GILCHRIST
NORTH
CENTRAL
S T. J O H N S
Alachua
27
Apalachicola
C L AY
Starke
BRADFORD
19
Apalachee Bay
A T L A N T I C
O C E A N
R.
ECHOLS
221
GADSDEN
231
98
Destin
Cumberland Island NS
St M
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10
Pensacola
NORTHWEST
CAMDEN
CLINCH
THOMAS
WASHINGTON
Fort Walton
Beach
Warrington
BRANTLEY
WARE
17
G LY N N
95
319
L. Seminole
Marianna
LOWNDES
WA LT O N
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LANIER
D E C AT U R
SEMINOLE
JACKSON
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Milton
WAY N E
AT K I N S O N
COLQUITT
MITCHELL
G E N E VA
COVINGTON
BALDWIN
PIERCE
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82
BERRIEN
75
R.
Satilla R.
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PUTNAM
Palm Coast
FLAGLER
Flagler Beach
Williston
27A
LEVY
17
MARION
Ormond Beach
L. George
Ocala
Daytona Beach
41
92
Inglis
Waccasassa Bay
New Smyrna Beach
De Land
VOLUSIA
75
Citrus Springs
Deltona
LAKE
Leesburg
SUMTER
98
19
Sanford
Winter Park
301
27
Brooksville
SEMINOLE
Titusville
Orlando
HERNANDO
ORANGE
New Port Richey
CENTRAL
WEST
Largo
St. Petersburg
275
98
Tampa
92
St J 192
ohn
sR
B R E VA R D
Sebastian
HILLSBOROUGH
Apollo Beach
41
TAMPA
BAY
INDIAN RIVER
Frostproof
Vero Beach
17
301
Avon Park
Wauchula
Anna Maria Island

Bradenton
Sarasota
OKEECHOBEE
M A N AT E E
441
98
HARDEE
95
S T. L U C I E
Fort Pierce
27
75
Port St. Lucie
Sarasota Springs
Jensen Beach
Stuart
Okeechobee
HIGHLANDS
S A R A S O TA
G U L F
O F
M E X I C O
CENTRAL
EAST
Melbourne
OSCEOLA
Haines City
Winter
Haven
Bartow
POLK
Plant City
PINELLAS
Cocoa Beach
17
Land O Lakes
Clearwater
Cocoa
Kissimmee
Polk City
PA S C O
Tarpon Springs
CENTRAL
95
441
Winter Garden
CITRUS
MARTIN
98
DE SOTO
Venice
41
GLADES
Indiantown
Lake
Okeechobee
Port Charlotte
Englewood
Jupiter
CHARLOTTE
Gasparilla Island
Charlotte Harbor
West Palm Beach

Belle Glade
HENDRY
PA L M B E A C H
Lake Worth
Delray
Beach
Boca Raton
LEE
Immokalee
Sanibel
SOUTH
WEST
North Palm Beach
27
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
441
Pompano Beach
Ft Lauderdale
Golden Gate
Naples
95
75
COLLIER
Marco Island
41
BROWARD
Hollywood
Big Cypress
National Preserve
Miami
Beach
Miami
Kendall
Hialeah
MONROE
DADE
Homestead
Everglades National Park
1
Key Largo
FLORIDA BAY
Big Pine Key
Marathon
Key West
MAP OF FLORIDA
12
SOUTH
EAST
Escape to Mexico Beachs Unforgettable Coast, where friendly

locals, unique shops and restaurants, and miles of quiet,
uncrowded white-sand beach await you. Its the authentic
Old Florida that you remember from your childhood and an
experience your children will remember their entire lives.
To plan your unforgettable escape, visit mexicobeach.com or
call 888-723-2546 for a free Mexico Beach Visitors Guide.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
52
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
AND INFORMATION
18
WELCOME TO FLORIDA:
Whats Your Guilty Pleasure?
22
HISTORY: A Rich and Diverse Past
26
INSIDER TIPS: Sound Travel Advice
29
TRIVIA: Whats in a Name?
30
STATE GEMS: Surprising Little Delights
FLORIDA VACATION THEMES
38
16
34
THEME PARKS: Worlds of Fantasy
38
GOLF: Start Your Golf Carts
42
GAMBLING: Non-stop Gaming Action
46
SPORTS: Get into the Action
50
WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS:

Simply Add Champagne
52
VACATION HOMES: Buying into Floridas Lifestyle
57
PETS: Pet-loving Havens
60
ECOTOURISM: Embrace the Wild
FLORIDA REGIONS, COUNTIES AND CITIES

66
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA: A Study in Contrasts
75
Florida Keys: Only in the Keys
76
Delray Beach: Your Perfect Vacation Haven
78
Fort Lauderdale: Delight Your Senses
82
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: A Natural Choice
98
CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA:

Timeless Beauty, New Adventures
108
West Volusia: Endless Recreation and Charm
110
New Smyrna Beach: Steeped in History and Fun
112
CENTRAL FLORIDA: The Epicenter of Fun
124
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA:

Incredible Beyond Compare
134
Citrus County: At the Heart of the Nature Coast
138
Pasco County: Relish the Great Outdoors
140
NORTHEAST FLORIDA: Celebrate 450 Years of Heritage
150
Jacksonville: Natural, Cultural, and Oh So Hip
152
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA:

Choose Your Southern-style Adventure
160
Wakulla County: The Natural Place to Be
164
Gainesville: College-town Charm
166
NORTHWEST FLORIDA: Southern Hospitality by the Sea
FLORIDA RESOURCE DIRECTORY

176
Florida Time Zones
176
Annual Florida Festivals
177
Average Monthly Temperatures and Precipitation
178
Florida Associations and Travel Groups
178
Floridas Public Holidays
178
Florida Cruise Ports
179
Florida State Parks & Regional Recreation Spaces
181
Florida State Forests
182
National Parks, Memorials, Monuments and Preserves
182
Car Rental Companies
182
RV Rental Companies
182
Tourism Information Sources in Florida
183
Mileage Chart Between Key Florida Cities
184
Major International Airports
184
Airline Service to Florida from Canada and the USA
184
Bus Tour Operators
COVER: Reading at the beach. (iStock.com/cdwheatley)
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134
17
WELCOM E TO F LO R IDA!
WHATS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?
Soar through the skies at Coldwater Creek near Milton.
18
A family strolls on Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach.
lorida often makes the news in both traditional outlets and social media pages,
with plenty of strange headlines. They
range from natural occurrences (Shark Pulls
Kayaker Eight Miles Up Coast) to human
goofiness (Naked Thieves Take Burgers from
Southwest Florida Eatery). The truth is,
Florida is a colorful state with a tremendous
amount of diversity, and those who live and
visit here wouldnt have it any other way.
Its also a big, long state, made up largely of
coastline1,200 miles of it, of which 663 are
foot-friendly sand. When visitors think of
Florida, many picture the standard: tropical
weather, beaches and umbrellas.
Salt and strange goings-on arent entirely
accurate, however. The interior of the state is
far different than many expect, with freshwater resources, agricultural plains, equine
culture and plenty of wildlife.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: SANTA ROSA CO. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL; VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER; CELSO DINIZ/SHUTTERSTOCK; JOE DETRICK/WWW.VISITCITRUS.COM;
MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL; AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
BY JEN KARETNICK
FLORIDA_2015_Layout 1 2014-11-04 3:01 PM Page 19
Take in beautiful scenery and wildlife at the Merritt

Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville.
For instance, Floridas interior waterways acquaint travelers to a different side of the state.
Lake Okeechobeein the center of the state
is the second-largest freshwater lake in the
contiguous United States. It not only provides
drinking water for many surrounding and
southern counties, but its also an agricultural
resource for the states abundant produce. It offers some of the best largemouth bass fishing in
Florida, and the protective dike that encircles
the lake is part of the National Scenic Trail, a
110-mile route, which is popular with hikers,
naturalists, cyclists and horseback riders. (Horse
enthusiasts should also head to Ocala and the
Davie/Plantation region, where there are horse
farms, schools, trails and competitions galore.)
In addition, Florida has more than 30 firstmagnitude freshwater springsthe most of any
state or nation in the world. Most of these watering holes, including Wakulla Springs, one of
the deepest, and Silver Springs, one of the
largest, are clustered in Central West and North
Central Florida.
Finally, Florida also claims quite a river culture, notwithstanding the famed River of Grass,
a.k.a. the Everglades, where the native and nonnative wildlife is the most diverse. If youre lucky,
on a jaunt through the Everglades, youll spot the
elusive and endangered Florida panther, the only
big cat that lives in the wild in the state.
From airboat rides and alligator spotting in
the swamps to kayaking along the immortal
Suwannee River, framed by cool, green wood-
lands, to crabbing in the tributaries of the

Apalachicola River, waterway adventures are
endless. Here is also where youll find plenty of
wild boar, which acclimated after the Spanish
brought over their native pigs 500 years ago.
Beyond the rivers and lakes, there are bodies
of water on either side of the Florida peninsula,
which offer deep-sea fishing and diving opportunities galore.
If youre especially protective of Floridas
natural culture, you can also participate in
what is perhaps the most bizarre hunting
competition in the nation: the Florida
Python Challenge. This recently established
event challenges participants to bag as many
as they can of non-native Burmese python,
mostly released pets and their progeny, the
numbers and fierceness of which are unbalancing the ecosystem in the Everglades. Prizes
include cash for the most and the biggest
pythons caught.
A BOUNTIFUL LAND
Snorkel with the manatees in Citrus County.
Florida, which means land of flowers, is virtually covered in blooms, ranging from its state
flower, the orange blossom, to exotic
bougainvillea and birds of paradise.
In fact, Florida is largely agricultural and depends on export crops as diverse as sugar cane
and tomatoes to survive, while still leaving
plenty available for passersby to purchase. Its
biggest trade is in sweet corn and green beans,
and visitors are often amazed to find farm
The Florida Keys are perfect for paddleboarding.
Tour the downtown district

of Fernandina Beach.
19
WELCOM E TO F LO R IDA!
Explore outer space at the Kennedy Space

Center Visitor Complex.
EverBank Field is a football stadium in downtown Jacksonville.
BREAK OUT THE SUNSCREEN

Blessed with climates that range from subtropical in the northern areas to tropical in the
coastal and southern regions, Florida is
known as the Sunshine State. Temperatures
average a balmy 70 F daily, with highs usually
peaking in the low 90s in July and August.
And while the lowest temperature ever
recorded in the winter of 1899 was 2 F in
Tallahassee, the normal lows, which only last
a couple of days, hover around the 40s or 50s
during January or February. All in all, although Florida has its share of inclement
20
SPORTS GALORE
When it comes to professional sports, Florida
is again in the running for best in the
country and has a plethora of stadium and
bowl games for sports fans to enjoy yearround. That doesnt include, of course, the
famous baseball spring-training facilities. Nor
does it take into account the myriad golf and
tennis tournaments and facilities in Orlando,
Daytona, Naples, Miami and other cities.
Of special note, Marlins Park in Miami,
the home of the Miami Marlins, which
opened for the 2012 baseball season, is truly
user-friendly. And while Miami Heat fans are
mourning the loss of LeBron James, theyll
still be mobbing American Airlines Arena
because, after all, its Wade Countyso get

tickets early if you can. In addition, racing
fans never get enough of the heats in
Daytona, Homestead and other speedways
throughout the state.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Resorts and attractions, such as SeaWorld
Orlando, Walt Disney World, Universal
Orlando Resort, Miami Seaquarium, Busch
Gardens in Tampa and LEGOLAND Florida,
are an inescapable part of Floridas identity
and destinations in their own right. Water
parks, such as Shipwreck Island Waterpark in
Panama City Beach, Adventure Island in
Tampa and Adventure Landing in
Jacksonville, offer thrilling experiences for the
whole family, and are especially refreshing in
the summertime when the air can be quite
humid. Popular smaller parks include Lion
Country Safari and Rapids Water Park, both
in Palm Beach County, and Butterfly World in
Broward County.
Or head farther south to Biscayne National
Park, where all the aforementioned outdoor
activities are available together with snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat tours. In
fact, most of the 173,000 acres of the park are
underwater and only accessible by boat! Its
certainly worth renting one to search the islands for evidence of native tribe inhabitants,
to explore shipwrecks and to drift above the
coral reef system, where more than 200 species
of fish thrive.
With more than 4,300 square miles of total
water area and 54,252 land miles waiting to be
discovered, Florida never disappoints. FL
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM; VISIT FLORIDA
stands and U-pick farms offering everything

from boiled peanuts and blueberries in
Gainesville to mangoes and lychees in the
deep south areas of Redland and Homestead.
Throughout the year, festivals, such as Plant
Citys Florida Strawberry Festival in late
winter and the mid-summer International
Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic
Garden in Coral Gables, are hugely enjoyable,
multi-day attractions.
If you prefer bottled fruit, wineries are popping up everywhere, with many offering both
grape varietals as well as tropical fruit vintages.
weather, its renowned for being the warmest

state in the US mainland.
A couple of Floridas cities, including
Panama City Beach on the northwest coast
and Daytona Beach on the east coast, are famous for their Spring Break popularity, which
usually lasts a couple of weeks in March. The
rest of the year these cities are family-friendly
and attract boaters and fishermen, as well as
water sports enthusiasts to some of the most
gorgeous beaches, both natural and groomed,
in the country.
The currents of Key Biscayne and the coastal
areas around Fort Myers, particularly Sanibel
and Captiva islands, are perfect for learning the
rudiments of paddleboarding, ocean kayaking
and other water sports. If youre shell hunters,
the Gulf coast, from Fort Myers to Sarasota, is
where to go. And if youre lucky, you may find
thousand-year-old sharks teeth.
H I S TORY
A RICH AND DIVERSE PAST

BY RICHARD WESTLUND
W
Learn about Seminole heritage
in the Everglades.
ith ancient Native American artifacts, sunken Spanish galleons,

Civil War battles, black and
Hispanic cultural sites and Americas first
spaceport, Florida has an exciting and diverse
history. Today, visitors can explore historic
forts, lighthouses, homes, museums, parks and
other attractions that provide a fascinating
glimpse into the states unique past. Here are
some of the many historic treasures that can be
found throughout the state.
SOUTHEAST
Thousands of years before the first European
explorers arrived, Florida was populated by
Native Americans such as the Tequesta people,
who lived near the mouth of the Miami River.
After a recent excavation uncovered the remains of a village, the state Division of
Historical Resources has preserved the site as
the Miami Circle Park.
Other Native American tribes survived the
incursion of northern settlers in the 1800s by
22
moving into the Everglades, where they gradually rebuilt their society. Now, visitors can
learn about the Seminole and Miccosukee
tribes, sample native cuisine, take a ride on an
airboat or watch alligator wrestling at Billie
Swamp Safari and other attractions along US
41 (Tamiami Trail) and I-75 (Alligator Alley).
Clewistons Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum (which
means a place to learn) is a living village of
early Seminole culture and well worth a visit.
To help mariners avoid rocks and reefs, the US
established several lighthouses in the region in the
1800s that can now be toured by visitors. For example, the Cape Florida Lighthouse on Key
Biscayne near Miami, as well as Garden Key
Harbor Lighthouse at Fort Jefferson National
Monument and nearby Loggerhead Key
Lighthouse (both in Dry Tortugas National Park),
all offer fascinating glimpses into Floridas past.
Historic Key West offers the Harry S. Truman
Little White House, a favorite vacation spot for
the president in the late 1940s and early 50s, and
the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT FLORIDA; VISIT FLORIDA; JORG HACKEMANN/SHUTTERSTOCK
The historic Ca dZan mansion, the Ringling winter home, overlooks Sarasota Bay.
The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center features authentic rockets from past space explorations.
Other cultural sites in the region include

Miamis Historic Lyric Theater, which opened in
1913 and became a major entertainment center
for African Americans in the states segregated
society. A few blocks to the south, the Little
Havana neighborhood reflects Miamis Cuban
heritage, with restaurants, clubs and shops where
you can buy hand-rolled cigars.
Pioneer homes and historic hotels are found
in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm
Beach. Two examples are Stranahan House on
the New River in Fort Lauderdale and the
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens near the
Intracoastal Waterway.
In Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Resort
and Club, the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club in
Delray Beach, and the world-famous Breakers
Hotel in Palm Beach are examples of Florida architecture from the 1920s. The Breakers actually
dates back to the late 1890s when railroad magnate Henry Flagler began bringing northern
visitors to Florida, but after the hotels second disastrous fire, it was rebuilt in 1926.
SOUTHWEST
In Fort Myers, inventor Thomas Edison and his
friend Henry Ford built Florida homes, known
today as the Edison & Ford Winter Estates with
a museum, botanical gardens and laboratory. To
the north, not far from another historic landmark, the Boca Grande Lighthouse in Gasparilla
Island State Park, is the Gasparilla Inn & Club,
which has attracted visitors since 1913.
In Bradenton, the Gamble Plantation is the
only remaining antebellum plantation house in
southern Florida. Nearby, the historic town of
Palmetto boasts its own historical park for a
peek back in time, as well as an ancient Native
American location, the Madira Bickel Mound
State Archaeological Site.
Farther north in Sarasota, the Ringling
Estate is a standing legacy to the rich history of
the American circus and houses a wealth of
circus artifacts, including the worlds largest
miniature circus. Surrounding gardens feature
an extensive variety of native and exotic trees,
as well as the oldest rose garden in Florida,
founded by Mable Ringling. Next door, the historic Asolo Repertory Theatre is an active
performance space, presenting the best in theater, music, dance and film.
CENTRAL EAST
In 1949, Cape Canaveral was chosen as a test
site for the US missile program. A decade later,
the Cocoa Beach-Titusville area was the heart
of the nations space program, including Apollo
11, the 1969 mission that carried astronauts
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon.
Now, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex allows guests to experience the glory
years of the US space program.
Located on the US Air Force Base is historic
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse; be sure to check
tour information before planning your trip. To
the north, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse &
Museum, Floridas tallest, guards the waterway
at the southern end of the Daytona Beach area.
CENTRAL
For a survey of Central Floridas intriguing past,
visit the Orange County Regional History
Center in Orlando, where you can see exhibits
such as a cracker cabin, a typical pioneer
home from the 1800s.
One of Floridas leading African Americans
was Zora Neale Hurston, a leading 20th-century
author whose works influenced writers such as
Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison. An annual
festival in Eatonville near Orlando celebrates her
life and recognizes her contributions to literature.
FEATURED LINKS
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
ahtahthiki.com
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council

ameliaisland.com
Amelia Island Museum of History

ameliamuseum.org
Apalachicola
cityofapalachicola.com
Asolo Repertory Theatre

asolorep.org
Battle of Olustee Festival and Battle Re-enactment

olusteefestival.com
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

floridastateparks.org/capeflorida
Billie Swamp Safari

billieswamp.com
Boca Raton Resort & Club

bocaresort.com
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

bonnethouse.org
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

canaverallight.org
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

nps.gov/casa
City of Palmetto
palmettofl.org
Colony Hotel & Cabana Club

colonyflorida.com
Dry Tortugas National Park

nps.gov/drto
Edison & Ford Winter Estates

edisonfordwinterestates.org
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

hemingwayhome.com
23
H I S TORY
CENTRAL WEST
The lighthouse on St. George Island near Apalachicola.
Located in Tampas Channelside District, the

Tampa Bay History Center houses 60,000 square
feet of exhibits that link the regions modern culture with sports legends, railroad tycoons, cattle
drives, pioneers, Spanish conquistadors and
Floridas first native inhabitants. From the museum, its a short drive to Ybor City, known as
Tampas Latin Quarter for more than a century.
Visitors can enjoy Cuban coffee and cigars and
dance to the rhythms of Latin music.
To the west in St. Petersburg Beach is Loews
Don CeSar Hotel, an historic hotel known as
Floridas Pink Castle since it opened in 1928.
Another Florida treasure is located a few miles
north in Tarpon Springs, where visitors can
tour the historic sponge diving docks and
sample Greek food at numerous restaurants.
NORTHEAST
Back in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de
Len set foot on a sandy Atlantic beach near
todays St. Augustine and christened the new
land La Florida, probably because of the
abundance of spring flowers. Four decades
later, Pedro Menndez de Avils founded St.
Augustine, now the oldest continually inhab-
24
ited city in North America. With an historic

district containing more than 30 colonial-era
buildings, St. Augustine provides a unique
glimpse into Spanish colonial life. The highlights include Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest
masonry fortification in the continental US,
and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum.
In 1738, in an attempt to destabilize the
plantation economy of the British colonies
by creating a free black community to attract
slaves seeking escape and refuge, the Spanish
established the fort and town of Gracia Real
de Santa Terese de Mos as the first free
black community in North America. For an
in-depth history of Floridas African
Americans and their contributions, request
a copy of the Florida Black Heritage Trail
from VISIT FLORIDA.
To the north, Jacksonville traces its roots to
the French who landed at the mouth of the St.
Johns River in 1562 and founded Fort Caroline
two years later. However, a Spanish force soon
captured the fort, and the French became a distant memory. Through the years, the Spanish
maintained control of the region, establishing
forts, farms and missions, including the
Kingsley Plantation House, dating back to 1798.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: JORG HACKEMANN/SHUTTERSTOCK; JEFF KINSEY/SHUTTERSTOCK; THOMAS BARRATT/SHUTTERSTOCK
The Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg Beach is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the 1820s, when Florida was a US territory, the plantation was the home of Zephaniah
Kingsley, a slave-owner who spoke out for civil
rights, and his free African wife Anna.
One of Floridas hidden historic treasures is
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island north of
Jacksonville. Many buildings in its 50-block
historic district are on the National Register,
and the Amelia Island Museum of History
showcases the regions fascinating past. Visitors
can also tour the Amelia Island Lighthouse
property on Saturdays between 11 AM and 2
PM. Built during the Territorial Period in 1838,
it is the states oldest lighthouse. While in the
area, scout out the historic Fort Clinch and
Visitor Center for a vivid glimpse into the nations past during the Civil War.
NORTH CENTRAL
During the early 1800s, Floridas population
was concentrated in North Florida, where
Tallahassee became the territorial capital. One
of the citys highlights from that era is The
Grove, an historic mansion finished in the
1830s by Richard Keith Call, an aide and advisor to General Andrew Jackson.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861,
Florida joined the Confederacy, the smallest
state to secede from the US. During the war,
Union troops fought the Confederates in several battles in the North Central area, including
the Battle of Natural Bridge in 1865, one of the
last Confederate victories in the war. To the
south near Lake City, soldiers in Civil War
uniforms annually re-enact the Battle of

Olustee. The state also publishes the Florida
Civil War Heritage Trail, a guidebook to Florida
battle sites.
Southwest of Tallahassee, visitors can tour the
unspoiled fishing community of Apalachicola,
the center of the states oyster industry for many
decades. Nearby is the St. Marks Lighthouse in
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
NORTHWEST
One of the nations oldest cities on the Gulf
Coast, Pensacola has flourished under Spanish,
French, British, Confederate and US rule, and
today is known as the city of five flags. In the
heart of the city is Historic Pensacola Village,
which includes 27 buildings and museums operated by the University of West Florida.
In the late 1500s, the Spanish first settled in
the region to protect their settlements and
galleons carrying gold from Mexico. Storms,
battles and other accidents resulted in numerous sinkings, and divers today can explore
12 wrecks along the Florida Panhandle
Shipwreck Trail between Pensacola and Port St.
Joe. Visitors can also tour historic lighthouses
in the region, such as the Pensacola Lighthouse
and Museum, built in 1859.
In the 1700s, the British took control
of the region, building Fort Barrancas and
Fort George. Then, a Spanish army with US
volunteers ousted the British forces during a
1781 battlea little-known victory of the
American Revolution. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Florida Black Heritage Trail
flheritage.com/preservation/trails/
blackheritage/index.cfm
Florida Civil War Heritage Trail

flheritage.com/preservation/trails/civilwar
Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail

floridapanhandledivetrail.com
Fort Clinch State Park

floridastateparks.org/fortclinch
Fort George
exploresouthernhistory.com/fortgeorge
Fort Mose Historic State Park

floridastateparks.org/fortmose
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park

floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation
Gasparilla Island State Park

floridastateparks.org/gasparillaisland
Gulf Islands National Seashore

nps.gov/guis
Harry S. Truman Little White House

trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
Historic Pensacola Village

historicpensacola.org
Historic Stranahan House Museum

stranahanhouse.org
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

kennedyspacecenter.com
Loews Don CeSar Hotel

loewshotels.com/don-cesar
Loggerhead Key Lighthouse

vivaflorida.org/Explore/Maritime-Heritage/
Loggerhead-Key-Lighthouse
Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site

floridastateparks.org/madirabickelmound
Miami Circle
flheritage.com/archaeology/projects/miamicircle
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park

floridastateparks.org/naturalbridge
Old City, St. Augustine

oldcity.com
Orange County Regional History Center

thehistorycenter.org
Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum

pensacolalighthouse.org
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

ponceinlet.org
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

staugustinelighthouse.org
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

fws.gov/refuge/st_marks
Tampa Bay History Center

tampabayhistorycenter.org
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

spongedocks.net
The Breakers
thebreakers.com
The Gasparilla Inn & Club

the-gasparilla-inn.com
The Grove
flheritage.com/grove
The Ringling
ringling.org
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

nps.gov/timu
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce

ybor.org
Zora Neale Hurston Festival

zoranealehurstonfestival.com
Fort Clinch on Amelia Island is one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in America.
25
INSIDER TIPS
SOUND TRAVEL ADVICE

BY JILL MARTIN
Great white heron at the Florida Keys

Wild Bird Center in Tavernier.
ets be honest, it feels good to save money.

Scoring big savings (like 50 percent off at
hotels) can make you feel downright
giddy. And while paying less is a good thing,
what can make you feel even more confident
about visiting your destination is solid, insider
advice. So get out a highlighter and get ready for
great money-saving tips and travel advice thats
specific to the Sunshine State.
First up, how to rake in the savings:
KNOW YOUR SEASONS

Seasons vary greatly from south to north in
Florida. In January, the average high temperature in Key West is 74 F, but in Panama City
Beach it is only 62 F. Winter yields great rates
in northern Florida and, in the heat of summer,
head to southern Florida.
Orlando has its own seasons, which coincide with school calendars. Meaning, if you
have to travel during spring, summer or winter
breaks, prices are higher. Visit Orlando recommends visiting during deal season, August
26
15September 30. In addition, you can get a

free Orlando Magic Card and take advantage
of savings on attractions, restaurants and shopping. Get yours at VisitOrlando.com/magiccard
or at the Orlando Visitors Center.
THEME PARK DISCOUNTS

Locals have a saying, If youre buying tickets at the
gate, youve already been taken on a ride. Plan
ahead to visit any of Floridas theme parks, such as
Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal
Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. There are
many online ticket brokersMousesavers.com,
Ticketmomma.com, UndercoverTourist.com and
OfficialTicketCenter.comall of which are reputable. Brokers also have good rates for dinner
theater shows, such as Medieval Times and Pirates
Dinner Adventure, as well as events and exhibits.
COUPONS WORTH CLIPPING

The Entertainment Book is a local favorite and
you dont have to be a local to buy it. Go to
entertainmentbook.com and enter a city or
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: BOB KRIST/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU; CRISTINAMURACA/SHUTTERSTOCK; HARRY B. LAMB/SHUTTERSTOCK; JOHN PANELLA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Florida is easy to explore by vehicle.
A variety of lodgings is available throughout the Sunshine State, including houseboat rentals.
zip/postal code. Buy it, then pack it because it

will pay for itself in just one day. Also try
Groupon.com or Dealsaver.com. Enter the city
youre visiting and scroll through such bargains
as 35 to 70 percent off at hotels, attractions and
restaurants. Whats more, five of South Floridas
top attractionsLion Country Safari,
Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery
& Science, Jungle Island and Zoo Miami
offer a summer pass, which provides unlimited
visits for 100-plus days. Get yours at
SummerSavingsPass.com.
EXPLORE LODGING OPTIONS

You dont have to sit through a two-hour vacation
ownership presentation to take advantage of spacious, condominium-style accommodation with
multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. You just
have to know where to make your reservation.
Thousands of timeshare owners post units
they are unable to use at RedWeek.com and you
can reap the roomy benefits. You can also visit
the websites of vacation ownership resorts directly. Even if you cant stay the entire week (as
timeshare units are normally leased in weekly
increments), the savings are still worth it, especially in the off-season. Favorite websites include
flcondoalliance.com; LegacyVacationResorts.com;
WestgateResor ts.com; VRBO.com; and
MyResortNetwork.com.
Stay well informed on weather conditions.
MEMBERSHIP RATES
Joining a local club and/or organization, such
as the American Automobile Association
(AAA) or a wholesale shopping club like Sams
or BJs, can score you discounts on car rentals,
cruises, hotel rooms and travel packages.
KIDS CLUBS EQUAL MORE

WE TIME
Many resorts offer kids programs as part of
their amenity packages, providing supervised
childcare during certain hours of the dayor
nightand are a far cry from being a babysitting service; they provide educational and
non-stop entertainment! While your children
are singing karaoke, dancing the conga or
studying marine life, you and your spouse can
enjoy a little we time.
Some resorts offer these programs complimentary or theyre included with the daily
resort fee, as they are at the Harbor Beach
Marriott in Fort Lauderdale or Club Med

Sandpiper Resort in Port St. Lucie. Other
worthy mentions include Splashs Kids Club at
the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach and
Ritz-Carlton hotels.
FLIGHT DEALS
Helpful websites such as Hipmunk.com,
TripAdvisor.com and Airfarewatchdog.com let
you register for alerts. Youll be sent an email
when fares on routes youre interested in drop,
and when they do, jump on it.
Florida also has a few airports that might
not be on your radar. In 2011, Northwest
Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
was the first international airport to be built in
the US in more than a decade. Northwest
Florida Regional Airport (VPS) offers easy ac-
cess to Fort Walton Beach and Destin; Tampa

International Airport (TPA) is only 90 minutes
from Orlando and minutes from Clearwaters
top-rated beaches; Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW) welcomes nonstop international service from Canada and
Germany as well as US domestic carriers. And
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport (FLL) was voted one of the best airports to fly into.
SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY SAVINGS

Love it or hate it, there are benefits to social
networking. Resorts, hotels and attractions
offer discounts on their Facebook pages. Like
them and you could get a special discount.
Companies also love to tweet their deals in 140
characters or less.
27
INSIDER TIPS
Alligators have right of way in Florida.
rants or bars that serve food. Many public

areas, such as parks, have also banned smoking.
Drivers and front-seat passengers must wear
seat belts. All children under 18 are required to
wear seat belts, regardless of where they are sitting. Children, three and younger, must be
secured in a federally approved child-restraint
seat in the back seat; children, ages four and
five, also must be in the back seat and secured
by a child-restraint seat or a safety belt.
Florida has strict drunk driving laws and
texting while driving is illegal. Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks. And
remember, hot pavement acts like ice when
rain first hits it, so be cautious driving during
rain showers.
TAXES AND FEES
Many beaches, parks and festivals dont charge

an entrance fee, or if they do, its only a few dollars. Off-the-beaten-path attractions, such as
the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier
(Florida Keys), offer free admission. Stroll the
boardwalk to the bay, past resident owls and
hawks. Sanibels J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife
Refuge has a welcome center filled with free,
hands-on, educational fun.
Next up, here are some insider tips to keep
in mind as you plan your travel:
ACCOMMODATION
Booking a place to stay sight unseen can be
nerve-wracking. Contact the local convention
and visitors bureau in the city or county youll
be visiting for free assistance.
BANKS
Most banks are open Monday through Friday
from 9 AM to 4 PM, however, TD Bank has locations open every day. ATMs (automated
teller machines) can be found everywhere from
convenience stores to festivals. Many stores
allow debit card users to obtain cash back
above their purchase without a transaction fee.
DRIVING
Florida is easy to explore by vehicle. Bring your
own, or if youre at least 25, you can rent one.
28
Visitors ages 16 and up holding licenses from

other states or countries may drive in Florida.
Cash is no longer accepted on some Florida
toll roads. Its a good idea to purchase a SunPass
Mini transponder at one of the more than 2,000
retail locations for US$5. A minimum opening
balance of US$10 is required. Most rentals cars
come with a SunPass.
HEAT
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone, especially
young children and the elderly. Symptoms include mild muscle cramps to dehydration. If
you or someone you are with feels faint, head
for air conditioning and starting drinking fluids.
HOLIDAYS
Banks and government offices, including the
post office, are closed on major US holidays.
Most attractions remain open year-round.
Holidays are listed in the back of this guide.
GATORS
The American alligator is found in all of the
states 67 counties. Do not feed alligatorsits
dangerous and illegal. Dont allow pets near waters that may contain alligators. Alligators are
most active between dusk and dawn.
OUT AND ABOUT

Smoking is not permitted inside Florida restau-
Floridas base sales tax on purchases is six percent, with some counties adding discretionary
taxes. Most hotels charge a bed tax and some
will add a resort or amenities tax and even
parking fees.
TIPPING
In America, tips are expected for good service.
Its how many in the service industry make
their living. Add 15 to 20 percent for wait staff
and bartenders; US$2 per person for shuttle
drivers, valets and bellhops; US$2 per night for
maid service; US$2 to $10 per person for tour
guides, depending on length and enjoyment;
and 10 to 15 percent for fishing guides.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
While you cant plan for bad weather, you can
ensure your vacation does not leave you high
and dry. If weather does significantly affect
your trip, travel insurance policies reimburse
you for your expenses if you submit your receipts as supporting documentation.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the
summer. They usually start and end quickly.
Hurricane season runs June 1November 30, but
there is no need to worry as your hotel (and the
local news) will keep you well informed. Keep in
mind Florida is the lightning capital of the United
States. If thunder roars, go indoors. FL
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TONY CAMPBELL/SHUTTERSTOCK; TOM SHELBY/BRADENTON AREA CVB
WATCH FOR FREEBIES
T R I VI A
WHATS IN A NAME?
BY DONNA S. VIEIRA
Writing a message in the sand on Anna Maria Island in Southwest Florida.
ot surprisingly, many Florida cities

carry the names of military officers
or prominent citizens while others
were named after the flora that covered the
area. Some, however, are downright intriguing. How did these names come about?
What is the history behind them? A little research sheds some light.
Anna Maria Island was supposedly named
for the queen of King Charles II, the sponsor
of Ponce de Lens expedition. While some
pronounce it Anna Mar-EE-a, old timers
prefer Anna Mar-EYE-a.
Boca Raton comes from the Spanish Boca de
Ratones, which means rats mouth, a term
used by seamen to describe a hidden rock
against which a ships cable might rub.
Clearwater was first called Clear Water
Harbor because of a spring of water that bubbles up close to shore in the Gulf of Mexico,
making water in the vicinity clear.
Frostproof was named by cowboys who
brought cattle to the region during the winter
months to avoid frost.
Hialeah, which means pretty prairie, is of
Muskogee origin: haiyakpo (prairie) and
hili (pretty).
Islamorada is Spanish for purple island.
Some insist the correct pronunciation is
EEsla mo rada, however locals insist on
EYE la mor rada.
Key West was originally called Cayo Hueso
(Bone Island) by early Spanish explorers because it was littered with remains of prior
native inhabitants, who used the isle as a communal graveyard.
Miami comes from Mayaimi (a lake, now called
Lake Okeechobee), which means very large.
Miccosukee means chiefs of the hog clan

and originates from Hitchiti words miki
(chief) and suki (hogs).
Ocala literally means heavily clouded, perhaps beyond discovery.
Okeechobee means big lake and comes from the
Hitchiti words oki (water) and chobi (big).
Panama City was named so by George West,
the original developer of the town, because it
is in a direct line between Chicago and
Panama City, Panama.
Pensacola is likely a derivative of Pansfalaya,
an Indian tribe. The Choctaw called them the
long-haired people.
Punta Gorda are Spanish words for wide
point or fat point referring to the nearby
arm of land that juts into Charlotte Bay.
Sanibel is thought to be a combination of
health and beauty.
Sarasota comes from the Calusa Indian language, meaning not known. However some
say it could also mean point of rocks.
Stephen Foster, whose song, Old Folks at

Home (also known as Swanee River), became
the state anthem. While many believe he was
a Floridian, the truth is he was born in
Pennsylvania and never even visited Florida.
Suwannee is either Cherokee sawani, meaning
echo river or a corruption of Spanish San Juan.
Tallahassee is derived from a Muskogee word
meaning old town.
Valparaiso was taken from the city in Indiana,
which in turn was named for the famous
Chilean port. The word is Spanish for valley
of paradise.
Venice was named so by Franklin Higel, an
early settler, because the blue waters of the
bays, rivers and ocean reminded him of the famous Italian city.
Wakulla is probably Timucuan for spring
of water.
Weeki Wachee Springs means little spring
and comes from the Muskogee words
wekiwa (spring) and chee (little).
Seminole may be derived from the Spanish

word Cimarron, meaning wild or runaway.
Zephyrhills calls attention to the cooling

breezes that blow over the hills in this slice
of Florida. FL
The Stephen Foster State Folk Culture

Center State Park was dedicated to composer
Source: Florida Department of State, Division

of Historical Resources
29
STATE G E M S
SURPRISING LITTLE DELIGHTS
BY DEBI LANDER
hether its an off-the-beaten-path

attraction or a breakfast spot frequented only by locals, Florida is
dotted with surprising little delights that yield
big memories. Here are some of the states notto-miss experiences.
SOUTHEAST
Its called the No Name Pub, and this quirky
eatery might also be the hardest to find it lies
off US Highway 1 at mile marker 30.5 bayside,
down the winding road in a settlement known
as No Name Key. However, its out-of-the-way
location doesnt keep people from discovering
the local landmarks world-class pizza and ramshackle decor.
At mile marker 50.5 bayside, Crane Point
Museum and Nature Center features the
Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys,
the Marathon Wild Bird Center and the historic
Adderley House. Take time to wander along in-
30
terpretive nature trails and seek out endangered

native foliage, unusual geologic features, exotic
vegetation and ancient ocean fossils.
Unexpected discoveries await you in Key
West, too. Among them is the historic, neverused Civil War-era fort called West Martello
Tower, overlooking the Atlantic. Its now headquarters for the Key West Garden Club, where
beautiful indigenous plants and rare palm trees
bloom against the weathered brick fort.
From caf Cubano to Peruvian ceviche and
authentic Italian gelato, Miami Culinary Tours
are about tasting delicious and authentic cuisine around this citys historic neighborhoods.
Tasting tours include the South Beach Food
Tour, Little Havana Food Tour and Wynwood
Food Tour.
Water taxi tickets let you hop on and off all
day along Fort Lauderdales world-famous waterways, for which the city is nicknamed The
Venice of America.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: KAMIRA/SHUTTERSTOCK; DANIEL KORZENIEWSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK; VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY
A typical Cuban restaurant in Little Havana, Miami.
The famous No Name Pub on Big Pine Key is a landmark in the Florida Keys.
SOUTHWEST
Sanibel Island is known worldwide for its
shelling with more than 400 varieties found on
the beaches, particularly after an especially
high or low tide. The Bailey-Matthews National
Shell Museum showcases rare shell specimens
from around the world. Sanibel also offers great
biking excursions along a 25-mile path, most
separated from roadway by vegetation, making
it a safe trail for families.
The main attraction on Captiva Island:
none. That is the attraction! The natural beauty
of the island attracted Anne Morrow
Lindbergh who wrote her best-selling book Gift
from the Sea here. Capture photo-worthy sunsets at the Mucky Duck on the north end, a
popular hangout that is never short on cold
beer and fresh seafood.
Gasparilla Island is home to the sophisticated little beach town of Boca Grande where
you can browse and dine in historic venues,
such as a railroad depot and movie theater.
Then spend the night in the grande dame
Gasparilla Inn & Club, circa 1913, a member of
the Historic Hotels of America.
Just north of Fort Myers, Cabbage Key is a
100-acre island, reminiscent of days gone by.
Accessible only by boat, the Cabbage Key Inn
and Restaurant, built by playwright and author
Mary Roberts Rinehart in 1938, sits on an
Indian shell mound 38 feet above sea level. The
restaurant features cheeseburgers and the
dollar bill bar where walls, beams and ceilings

are plastered with dollar bills. The tradition
began in 1941, when a fisherman signed and
taped his last dollar to the wall so he would
have money to buy a beer when he returned.
Have you ever wanted to experience the
thrill of the flying trapeze? Tito Gaonas Flying
Trapeze Academy & Flying Fantasy Circus in
Venice offers classes for adults and children.
Similarly, Circus Sarasota delivers incredible
family entertainment with year-round performances while its Sailor Circus Academy,
dubbed The Greatest Little Show on Earth,
features scheduled events in which fourth to
12th-grade students exhibit their talents to soldout audiences.
Sarasotas Myakka River State Park offers
unmatched opportunities to watch and photograph wildlife habitats ranging from prairie and
pinelands to wetlands. Visitors enjoy hiking,
fishing, camping and kayaking through dense
mangroves.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents a
stunning tropical conservatory where unusual
flora can be viewed year-round. The gardens
are dedicated to research and collections of epiphytes, especially orchids and bromeliads.
Few realize the John and Mable Ringling
Museum of Art is the state art museum, located
in Sarasota. The institution offers 31 galleries
featuring the works of old masters and modern
visionaries. The Ringling property (including
FEATURED LINKS
Amelia Island Museum of History
ameliamuseum.org
Asolo Rep Theatre

asolorep.org
Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce

bocagrandechamber.com
Bok Tower Gardens

boktowergardens.org
Budweiser Brewery Tours

budweisertours.com
Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant

cabbagekey.com
Circus Sarasota
circusarts.org
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center

cranepoint.net
Don CeSar Hotel

Daytona Beach
daytonabeach.com
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

elizabethpointelodge.com

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

jacksonvillezoo.com

KennedySpaceCenter.com
Key West Garden Club

keywestgardenclub.com
Lake Istokpoga Park

visithighlandscounty.com/destinations/
lake-istokpoga-park
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

selby.org
Marineland Dolphin Adventure

marineland.net
Miami Culinary Tours

miamiculinarytours.com
Museum of Arts & Sciences

moas.org
Myakka River State Park

floridastateparks.org/myakkariver
National Naval Aviation Museum

navalaviationmuseum.org
No Name Pub
nonamepub.com
Northeast Florida Scottish Highland

Games & Festival
neflgames.com
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

omnihotels.com
Operation Migration
operationmigration.org
Plantation on Crystal River

plantationoncrystalriver.com
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

ponceinlet.org
Safari Wilderness
safariwilderness.com
Seacrest Wolf Preserve

seacrestwolfpreserve.org
Smyrna Dunes Park

floridahikes.com/smyrna-dunes-park
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is dedicated to collections of epiphytes.
31
STATE G E M S
CENTRAL EAST
The sights, sounds and ground-shaking vibrations havent retired with the space shuttle. The
excitement is as palpable as ever during rocket
launches at the Kennedy Space Center, where
NASA science missions and government satellites as well as commercial space endeavors are
carried out regularly.
Dont miss Floridas prehistoric giant ground
sloth at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS)
in Daytona Beach. The museum offers the finest
collection of American Art in the southeast, the
most important compilation of Cuban art outside of Cuba and a significant Chinese art
collection. Also on display is Coca-Cola entrepreneur Chapman Roots lifetime collection of
Americana, including two private rail cars.
Smyrna Dunes Park rises above a wide expanse of dunes with two miles of elevated
boardwalk. While in New Smyrna Beach, get a
permit, gather some wood and enjoy the ambiance of a beach campfire. Bonfires are
permitted from November 1 to April 30 when
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is open daily.
Ride a camel at the Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland.

32
turtles are not making nests. During the

summer months, lights on the beach are
banned to avoid disorienting females that are
laying eggs or confusing hatchlings making
their way to the ocean.
On the Daytona side of the jetty, find the
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum,
which is open daily. Driving on the beach is still
allowed on clearly marked areas of both New
Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach. Pay a toll
as you enter from a beach ramp.
CENTRAL
Get away from Orlandos hustle and bustle at
Polk Countys Bok Tower Gardens featuring a
60-bell carillon Singing Tower where you can
enjoy concerts daily at 1 and 3 PM. This tranquil retreat is surrounded by water and historic
landscaped gardens, perfect for picnicking, geocaching and taking in sunsets from one of the
states highest elevations at 298 feet. Every Easter
Sunday the site is home to a beautiful sunrise
service. Also visit the 1930s Mediterraneanstyle mansion, Pinewood Estate, especially
attractive during the Christmas tours.
Who would have guessed you can ride a
camel while viewing game animals on the
plains of Florida? Safari Wilderness Ranch in
Lakeland also offers safari truck tours for closeup encounters with eland, water buffalo,
springbok, Grants zebra, blackbuck antelope
and more endangered species in large herds.
The Castle Hotel, part of Marriotts
Autograph Collection in Orlando, immerses
guests in art, music, cuisine and culture within
its Bavarian-inspired exterior, elegant accommodation, and one of the best rooftop views of
Disney Worlds and Universals nightly fireworks displays.
Ocala is horse country and the 22nd Annual
Southeastern Pro Rodeo returns on March 27
and 28, 2015. Get ready for jam-packed performances filled with saddle and bareback
bronco riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling,
barrel racing and, the always popular and most
dangerous eight seconds in rodeo, bull riding.
Lake Istokpoga in the Sebring area of
Highlands County is one of the biggest trophy
bass fishing lakes in Florida and the United
States. Largemouth bass are the fish of choice
here, but youll also find black crappie and
bluegill. Best time to catch largemouth bass is
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISITCENTRALFL; DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB; AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
gardens, which are free to the public) also

boasts a circus museum and Ca dZan, the restored Ringlings mansion.
Adjacent to the Ringling, the Asolo Rep
Theatre, originally constructed in Asolo, Italy,
in 1798, was brought to Sarasota in the early
1950s and painstakingly restored.
during the spring and early summer. Meanwhile,

birdwatchers come to spy on osprey, snowy
egret, bald eagles and many wild ducks.
CENTRAL WEST
Consider lodging at St. Petersburgs icon,
known as the Pink Palace or Loews Don CeSar
Hotel, which oozes the glamor of bygone days.
Former guests included F. Scott Fitzgerald,
Al Capone, Clarence Darrow, Franklin
D. Roosevelt and department store tycoons,
Bloomingdale and Gimbel.
Thousands of kites fill the sky each January at
the Treasure Island Kite Fest, Floridas largest
kite-flying event where some kites are as big as a
school bus. Competitors here vie for a spot in the
Grand Nationals, so just watching is exciting.
Guides from the Adventure Center at
Plantation on Crystal River take visitors out
scalloping during the summer. The chef at West
82 Grill will then cook your catch. In the
winter, the Crystal River is the ideal spot to
swim with manatees.
NORTHEAST
Marineland Dolphin Adventure just south of
St. Augustine, the worlds first oceanarium, offers a trainer-for-the-day program including all
the activities that fill a marine mammal specialists day, such as preparing meals, feeding
animals, attending an animal-training lecture,
observing and tracking behaviors, and most
importantly, encountering dolphins.
The Scottish Highland Games & Festival in
Green Cove Springs brings a wee bit o
Scotland to Northeast Florida with Scottish
athletics, music and food. In 2015, the games
will take place on February 28 at the Clay
County Fairgrounds.
Smell the excitement at the Spice & Tea
Exchange in St. Augustines historic district.
Following the framework of an 18th-century
trading post, displays of teas and spices evoke
a sense of stepping back in time. St.
Augustine Distillery offers free tours of its
handcrafted operations.
Walters Reef Caf, run by First Coast
Technical Colleges award-winning School of
Culinary Arts, is one of St. Augustines hidden
culinary gems. The caf prepares students for
careers as culinary professionals, while providing a dining experience for the public.
Amelia Island is rich in championship golf courses.
Located on the campus, the caf is open to all

for lunch, TuesdayThursday, 11 AM to 1 PM,
when school is in session.
The World Golf Hall of Fame in St.
Augustine, the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts, presents fun interactive exhibits and
historic golf artifacts.
Amelia Island is rich in history and worldclass spas, championship golf and exclusive
dining, and features a collection of charming
bed-and-breakfast inns. Stop into the Elizabeth
Pointe Lodge, which is now open to the public
for breakfast and lunch. The Amelia Island
Museum of History offers a cell phone tour enabling guests to receive historic tidbits during
a self-guided walking tour of the downtown
historic district of Fernandina Beach.
In Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens added the Land of the Tiger exhibit to
its vast array of collections. Admission to the
Museum of Contemporary Art and Cummer
Museum of Art is free on Tuesday evenings.
Beer lovers will appreciate a behind-the-scenes
tour of Budweisers brewing process complete
with samplings directly from the finishing tank.
NORTH CENTRAL
opportunity to experience wolves up close

and personal. Saturday afternoon walking tours
take visitors through large natural habitats
that are home to gray, Arctic and British
Columbian wolves.
Pensacola is home to the world-famous Blue
Angels. Watch them practicing over the National
Naval Aviation Museum most Tuesday and
Wednesday mornings from March to November.
Practices typically begin at 11:30 AM (Central
Time) and last about an hour. Admission to the
practice is free. The Blue Angels X4D Experience,
a 3D movie with interactive seats, allows you to
feel like youre in the air show. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Southeastern Pro Rodeo
ocalarodeo.com
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

shellmuseum.org
The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

fortmyers-sanibel.com
The Castle Hotel

castlehotelorlando.com

gasparillainn.com
The Mucky Duck

muckyduck.com
Witness Operation Migration in Wakulla

County in December when you can catch sight
of whooping cranes following an ultralight
plane as they make their southward journey
along a route that begins in Wisconsin and
ends in Florida.
And while youre in the area, drop by Poseys
Steam Room & Oyster Bar Restaurant in
Panacea for some of the best seafood in the state.
The Ringling
NORTHWEST
World Golf Hall of Fame
ringling.org
The Spice & Tea Exchange

spiceandtea.com
Tito Gaonas Flying Trapeze Academy

& Flying Fantasy Circus
titogaona.com
Treasure Island Sport Kite Championships

easternleague.net/TISKC
Walters Reef Caf

fctc.edu/caf
Water Taxi
watertaxi.com
Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley offers a rare
worldgolfhalloffame.org
33
THEME PA R K S
WORLDS OF FANTASY
BY JENNIFER WYLIE FAUSER
SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld
Orlando, where the aquatic world comes alive
like no place else. Climb aboard and ride the
mighty Manta, a face down, headfirst roller
coaster. Experience the power and grace of
killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu
show, One Ocean. Share an epic voyage with
sea turtles on the 3D 360 TurtleTrek. An ocean
of fun is waiting to be explored at one of the
worlds most popular marine-life parks. Jump
in and dive deep.
34
And, theres nothing cooler than the allnew thrilling, chilling adventure, Antarctica:
Empire of the Penguin. Experience the mystery and wonder of Antarctic life on the ice
through the eyes of a penguin, sensing the
beauty and drama of their sometimes dangerous habitat. Antarctica: Empire of the
Penguin is a family ride that combines upclose animal connections with state-of-the-art
interactive ride technologies for adventures
that are different each time. Explore a massive
penguin colony of more than 250 penguins in
an expanse that envelops you in cool extremes,
both above and below the penguins icy world.
Its a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park
experienced only at SeaWorld Orlando.
Tip: SeaWorld offers amazing special events
throughout the year. Consider planning your
vacation during one of these festivities. Unlike
other theme parks, all of SeaWorld events are

included with park admission.
Just across the street youll find Aquatica,
SeaWorlds Waterpark. This extraordinary
water park is home to some of the worlds
most thrilling water rides, featuring 42 slides,
rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of
sparkling white, sandy beaches.
Brave a watery free fall on the all-new Ihus
Breakaway Falls, Orlandos tallest, steepest and
only multi-drop tower slide of its kind. At
nearly 80 feet tall, Ihus Breakaway Falls is
where youll face your fears and each other.
Offering four unique slide paths, youll step
into one of three breakaway boxes and watch
each other fall one-by-one, or test your
bravery on a fourth open slide for a different
but just as thrilling experience. Youll never
know whos going to break away firstand the
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SEAWORLD ORLANDO; BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA; WALT DISNEY/MATT STROSHANE
owhere in the world do you find

mass acreage dedicated to thrills,
fun and fantasy like you do in
Florida. Old or young; family or friends. . .
Floridas major theme parks promise unreal
fun for every type of adventurer.
Visit Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando.
Falcons Fury is the centerpiece to Busch Gardens

Tampas newest reimagined land, Pantopia.
anticipation of who drops next is part of the

wild ride. Aquatica Orlandos exclusive attractions promise unlimited fun, sending guests on
amazing undersea adventures and through
breathtaking animal exhibits.
For the second consecutive year, Discovery
Cove was voted the No. 1 amusement park in
the world in the 2014 TripAdvisor Travelers
Choice Awards. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where guests enjoy a unique
opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel
among rays and tropical fish and hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. Freshwater
Oasis features wading adventures and face-toface encounters with playful otters and curious
marmosets. A day at Discovery Cove includes
a freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, snacks
and beverages throughout the day, plus firstclass amenitiesswim vest or wetsuit, towels
and swim gear, including a souvenir snorkel
and eco-friendly sunscreen. An added bonus is
that Discovery Cove includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica,
SeaWorlds Waterpark, during your vacation or
weekend getaway.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA

Head west to Busch Gardens Tampa where
youll spend the day discovering wildlife in a
way you cant anywhere else. Hidden gems
abound at Busch Gardens Tampa, taking upclose animal encounters to an entirely new
level. Stalk over to Jungala and go nose-to-nose
with Bengal tigers. Find the viewing area where
guests literally pop up (behind plexi-glass) in
the middle of the white tiger habitat. The
Animal Care Center, home to popular television series The Wildlife Docs, invites guests of
all ages to observe live veterinarian procedures
and hear from animal experts, enhancing the
companys long-standing efforts to educate
guests about animal conservation.
The animals arent the only things roaring
and soaring at this theme park. Take top speed
on Floridas first triple-launch coaster, Cheetah
Hunt, and dangle upside down 200 feet from
the ground on SheiKra before plunging straight
down at speeds of 70 mph. Then, feel the fury
on this years newest attraction, Falcons Fury,
the tallest freestanding drop tower in North
America, standing 335 feet high and sending
riders plummeting face down. The amazing

thrill ride is located in Busch Gardens newest
reimagined land Pantopia. Chug, chug through
the Serengeti on the railway and then head over
to Jungala and fly 50 feet above the park on
Jungle Flyers before going to meet a few, lessthan-fearsome, furry friends at Sesame Street
Safari of Fun.
WALT DISNEY WORLD

Disneys done it again. The new Mine Train in
the Magic Kingdom befriends mild and wild
just as Snow White befriended the Dwarfs.
Interactive queue lines keep little miners patient before boarding what might possibly be
described as the smoothest coaster youve yet
to experience.
The parks recent introduction of FastPass+
allows guests to select rides either before entering
the park via the new My Disney Experience app
or upon entering the park at one of the many

FastPass+ kiosks. Be sure to grab lunch at the Be
Our Guest quick-service restaurant in the newly
remodeled Fantasyland, nestled at the foot of
Beasts castle, where you can finally enter the forbidden West Wing ... just dont touch the rose.
No more waiting for hours to ride Dumbo
this year. Guests receive a pager and are invited
to let the kiddies play in the circus-themed
playground until buzzed, alerting your party
that its time to ride the famed flying elephant.
Your Disney day isnt completely magical until
youve experienced the classics: Haunted
Mansion, Hall of Presidents and, of course,
Space Mountain.
The all-new, daily Disney Festival of Fantasy
Parade features friends from Disneys Frozen and
Disney-Pixars Brave and spectacular floats. Top
off the day with Tinkerbells magical flight from
the spires of Cinderellas Castle marking the explosion of the nightly fireworks extravaganza.
Check out the Environmental Prototype
Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) for culture, innovation and educational fun.
Experience extreme forces on Mission Space,
soak in the splendor of the world above in
Soarin and immerse your kids in interactive attractions highlighting fire safety, financial
planning and sustainability at Innoventions.
Be a world traveler while never leaving
Orlando as you traverse the 11 countries represented in Epcots World Showcase. Cultural
highlights such as the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats
in China will leave you awe-struck, and you could
The new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the crown jewel of New Fantasyland at Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom.
35
THEME PA R K S
The Games Zone at LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven.
More film friends can be found at Universal

Studios. Grus minions are going crazy at
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and, of course,
Bart and Homer are up to their old antics at
The Simpsons Ride. Prepare for the greatest
battle youll ever ride on the brand new
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D. Your universe
wouldnt be complete if you didnt visit family
favorites such as ET Adventure, the Blues
Brothers Show, and attempt to save the world
from aliens on the MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack.
practically eat your weight in divine fare in every

country. Be sure to grab a delectable pastry in
France and the fabulous authentic cuisine in
Japan. Shake hands with Jasmine and Aladdin in
Morocco and say au revoir to Aurora in France.
The future calls; you simply need to walk the
streets of Epcot to discover what it has to say.
Terror, rock n roll and every bit of Disney
magic sweeps the streets of Disneys Hollywood
Studios. Begin to see clearly at Muppet Vision
3D, take a gander at Dorothys dazzling shoes
on the Great Movie Ride, and set your sights on
Toy Story Midway Mania, the parks 4D
shooting game. Youll drop with fear on the
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and skyrocket
to radio heaven on the Rock n Roller Coaster
Starring Aerosmith. Say Arrr to some scurvy
scoundrels at the new Legend of Captain Jack
Sparrow experience and take the pirates oath
during this adventure that promises to whet the
appetite of every mate in your crew.
From bugs to dinosaurs, every little and big
creature in your pack will enjoy Disneys
Animal Kingdom. Explorers will trek through
six attention-grabbing lands to spy beastsreal
and fictionalwaiting to delight guests.
Take a bite out of time on the DINOSAUR
thrill ride. Make a furry friend at the Affections
Section petting zoo where guests can pet, brush
and feed cuddly creatures. And remember that
its kind of a pain in the keester to be a bug in
Its Tough to Be a Bug. Warning, watch your
rump near the end of this 3D show. Hop
aboard the open-air vehicle at Kilimanjaro
36
Safaris to tour the lush Harambe Wildlife

Reserve, home to lions, elephants and crocodiles. Expedition EverestThe Legend of the
Forbidden Mountain zooms you forward and
then zips you backward as you narrowly escape
the clutches of the mythic Abominable
Snowman. Be sure to yell if you see a Yeti.
Glimpse real animals in their natural habitats during an 18-minute expedition into the
Harambe Wildlife Adventure.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Harry-fanatics will be in Hogwart Heaven this
year at Universals Islands of Adventure. Explore
more of the wizarding world than ever before at
The Wizarding World of Harry PotterDiagon
Alley. A new multi-dimensional thrill ride is
nothing short of magical as you find yourself
navigating the perils of the Gringotts vaults with
Harry, Ron and Hermione. Grab some grub at
the Leaky Cauldron and be sure to wrap your
hands around your own magic wand at
Ollivanders wand shop. Hogsmeade invites
wanna-be wizards to explore the classrooms and
corridors of Hogwarts castle.
Theres more marvelous mayhem and magic
throughout the park. After departing Harry,
exhibit your fearlessness by braving the
Incredible Hulk coaster, the Amazing
Adventures of Spider-mannow in highdefinition 3Dand Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw
Falls. Tiny travelers will love the wonkiness of
Dr. Seusss creations as they ride the CaroSeuss-el and meet Horton the Elephant.
Be sure to build in time for a journey to

LEGOLAND Florida. Give the kiddos a turn
behind the wheel at Driving School; pretend to
be a giant while marveling at Miniland USA
entire cities built from LEGOs; and romp
around in the new DUPLO Valley farmthemed attraction geared toward toddlers, ages
two to five, complete with air-conditioned indoor play and outdoor water play areas.
LEGOLAND offers more than 50 rides, attractions and shows dedicated to children, ages
two to 12. A new six-foot LEGO Globe invites
guests into an interactive experience where
they can affect its rate of rotation with solar
panels, highlighting the importance of renewable energy.
LEGOLAND hosts 11 themed zones. A
junior-coaster-type theme park includes a recently opened LEGO World of Chima, presented
by the Cartoon Network, and provides immersive
fun for everyone from novice to master builder.
Take a break from the blocks and head over
to LEGOLANDs attached water park (separate
admission required) complete with wave pool,
slides and splish-splashy water playground. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Aquatica Orlando
AquaticaOrlando.com
Busch Gardens Tampa

buschgardenstampa.com
Discovery Cove
DiscoveryCove.com
LEGOLAND Florida
legolandflorida.com
SeaWorld Orlando
seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando
Universal Orlando Resort

universalorlando.com
Walt Disney World

disneyworld.disney.go.com
PHOTO: 2013 LEGOLAND FLORIDA/MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP, CHIP LITHERLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
LEGOLAND FLORIDA
GO LF
START YOUR GOLF CARTS

BY EDWARD SCHMIDT JR.
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

features two Greg Norman-designed courses.
38
iles of lush green fairways, tee

times available 365 days a year,
courses designed by big-name architects and world-class golf academies are just
a few of many reasons to tee up in Florida.
The golf course lineup in the Sunshine
State features nearly 1,500 courses, including
more than 50 amenity-laden resorts where
golf is king.
When its time to chase the white dimpled
ball, theres no place better than a scenic and
challenging golf course in Florida.
SOUTHEAST
Gentlemen and ladies, start your golf carts.
Whether its Miami, Palm Beach, Fort
Lauderdale or another beach community,
youre never far from a golf course.
The Trump National Doral Miami Resort,
with its five championship golf courses, has
undergone a property-wide US$200-million
refurbishment in the past two years. The
resorts famous Blue Monster course has been
completely redesigned to be even more monstrous. Be sure to check out the 2015 Cadillac
Championship taking place from March 410.
In Aventura, 18 miles north of Miami,
Turnberry Isle Miami has two palm- and lakedotted courses with high-impact water features.
The property showcases a Mediterraneandesigned resort hotel, voted one of the worlds
best by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm
Beach Gardens is home to The Champion, site
of the PGA Tours annual Honda Classic, and
four other impressive layoutsplus the PGA
National Golf Academy.
SOUTHWEST
Encompassing golf-happy communities such as
Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota, this region of
the state is extremely welcoming to the whitedimple ball set.
The upscale, family-owned Naples Beach
Hotel & Golf Club has been entertaining
golfers since the late 1920s. Redesigned, refurbished and enhanced several times, the course
often receives accolades as one of the top
women-friendly golf courses in the nation.
For fans of legendary Scottish designer
Donald Ross, the venerable Bobby Jones Golf
Club in Sarasota has two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole executive course
ideal for players of all skill levels.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT ORLANDO; DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB; ; NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB; VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER; DISCOVER THE PALM BEACHES
Daytona Beach is home to the highly rated

Rees Jones Champions Course.
Golf is a popular year-round activity in Southwest Florida.
CENTRAL EAST
Daytona Beach is home to the Ladies
Professional Golf Association (LPGA), which
is headquartered at LPGA International, an
upscale resort/residential complex with two
highly rated layouts: the Arthur Hillsdesigned Legends Course and the Rees Jones
Champions Course.
To fully immerse you in the golf experience,
the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, owned and operated by the PGA of America, has 54 holes
designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye and a stateof-the-art 35-acre learning and performance
center for instruction and game improvement.
For those who love Scottish and links-style

golf, the Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando is
home to Jack Nicklaus New Course, which incorporates replicas of St. Andrews stone
bridges and walls, deep pot bunkers and seven
double greens. Nicklaus also designed 27 other
holes at the resort.
Less than a 10-minute drive from Walt
Disney World, Reunion, a Wyndham Grand
Golf & Spa Resort, features three 18-hole layouts designed separately by Jack Nicklaus, Tom
Watson and Arnold Palmer, as well as the
ANNIKA Academy, a golf school and teaching
facility headed by golf great Annika Sorenstam.
CENTRAL
CENTRAL WEST
Home to celebrity golfers such as Bubba Watson,

Annika Sorenstam and Arnold Palmer, Orlando,
which has more than 125 courses within a 45mile radius, is a fantastic golf destination.
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
is one of the states most comprehensive golf resorts with two championship courses designed
by Greg Norman, a lighted nine-hole, par 3
layout, and the world headquarters for the David
Leadbetter Golf Academy. The resort was recognized as one of theTop 125 Golf Resortsin the
World by Cond Nast Traveler.
There are an estimated 100 public-access courses

in the Tampa metropolitan area with an excellent
selection of resort and daily fee layouts.
Two Arnold Palmer-designed courses await
you at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel
near Tampa. A wonderland of cypress, pines,
palms, undulating fairways and well-maintained greens, the courses are the quintessential
high-quality Florida resort experience.
If you want to play where the pros tee up, the
900-acre Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa
Resort in Palm Harbor, offers 72 holes of golf
Tee up at the Signature hole

at the Innisbrook Resort and Spa.
PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens is home to The Champion course and the annual Honda Classic.
39
GO LF
Amelia Island offers 117 holes of championship-caliber golf.
NORTHEAST
This golf aplenty area is brimming with highprofile courses and resorts.
In Ponte Vedra Beach, headquarters for the
PGA Tour, the Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa is
home to 99 holes of golf featuring THE
PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass,
where the famous No. 17 island hole awaits you.
Near St. Augustine, the sprawling 6,300-acre
World Golf Village resort/residential development draws golf enthusiasts with World Golf
Hall of Fame, and the King & Bear and the
Slammer & Squire courses.
Two other area resorts on golfers must-play
lists are Hammock Beach, a Salamander Golf &
Spa Resort in Palm Coast with 36 holes of exceptional golf, and Omni Amelia Island Plantation,
30 miles north of Jacksonville, which has three
picturesque and challenging courses certified by
the Audubon International Certified Sanctuaries.
NORTH CENTRAL
Away from the theme parks and attractions,
this region of the state offers a slower pace and
superb golf options.
40
Southwood Golf Club in Tallahassee, a design by PGA Tour star Fred Couples, is set on
lush former pastureland accented by rolling
hills, giant oaks dripping with Spanish moss
and impressive native grass areas.
In Gainesville, the Mark Bostick Golf
Course, situated on the northwest corner of the
University of Florida campus, is a legendary
Florida course, designed by Scotsman Donald
Ross in the 1920s and later renovated and modernized by architect Bobby Weed in 2001.
FEATURED LINKS
Bay Point Wyndham Resort
baypointwyndham.com
Doral Golf Resort & Spa

trumphotelcollection.com/Miami
Hammock Beach
hammockbeach.com
Innisbrook
innisbrookgolfresort.com
LPGA International
lpgainternational.com
Mark Bostick Golf Course

ufgolfcourse.com
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

omnihotels.com
NORTHWEST
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Known for its outstanding deep-sea fishing, the

town of Destin is also home to Sandestin Golf and
Beach Resort, a 2,400-acre resort development offering play on four championship golf courses.
Highlighting the impressive lineup is the Raven
Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that
weaves through marshes and pine trees, and the
Rees Jones-designed Burnt Pine Golf Club, with its
phenomenal views along the Choctawhatchee Bay.
In Panama City Beach, Bay Point Wyndham
Resort has two layouts that provide a comprehensive test of your golf skills. The resorts
high-profile Nicklaus course has spectacular
panoramic views of St. Andrews Bay and the
Grand Lagoon.
The Pensacola area entices golfers with up
to 15 courses, including the Perdido Bay Golf
Club, a venerable championship layout that
was the former site of the Pensacola Open for
10 years. FL
Perdido Bay Golf Club
omnihotels.com
perdidobaygolf.com
PGA National Resort & Spa

pgaresort.com
PGA Village
pgavillage.com
Reunion
reunionresort.com
Saddlebrook Resort
saddlebrook.com
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

sandestin.com
Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa

sawgrassmarriott.com
Southwood Golf Club

southwoodgolf.com
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

naplesbeachhotel.com
TPC Tampa Bay

tpctampabay.com
Turnberry Isle Miami

turnberryislemiami.com
Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando

grandcypress.com

World Golf Village

worldgolfvillage.com
PHOTO: AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
including the spectacular Copperhead Course,

which hosts the PGA Tour each March for the
Tampa Bay Championship.
Highly rated TPC Tampa Bay, a co-design by
Bobby Weed and Chi Chi Rodriguez, is a great
challenge in a natural setting thats been designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
D I S C O V E R
E X P L O R E
R E L A X
EXP E RI E NC E AN UN PA R A L L E L E D VA C AT I ON
World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum
Championship Golf Courses
First-Class Accommodations
State-of-the-Art Instruction
8 6 6 . 3 3 1 . 9 0 4 3 | S T. A U G U S T I N E , F L | W O R L D G O L F V I L L A G E . C O M
GA M B L I N G
NON-STOP GAMING ACTION
BY RICHARD WESTLUND
oday, many Florida gambling venues

offer a winning combination of
gaming activities. You could watch
the dogs at a nearby track while placing a bet
on a simulcast thoroughbred race in
Maryland and dropping a few quarters into a
slot machine. Many larger facilities also have
hotels, retail shops and restaurants, with live
music, concerts and other special events.
The state of Florida features three forms of
casino gambling: casino boats, Indian casinos
and gaming machines at pari-mutuels in a
couple of southern counties.
Casino boats cruise offshore into the Gulf
of Mexico on the west coast and into the
Atlantic Ocean on the east coast where casino
gambling is legal. Most offer blackjack, craps,
roulette, slots and video poker while others
also offer mini-baccarat, poker, pai gow poker,
three-card poker, Caribbean stud poker, let it
ride, big 6 wheel, bingo and sports book.
There are eight Indian gaming locations;
the Seminole tribe owns seven and the
Miccosukee tribe has one. The Seminoles feature traditional Class III gaming machines
and are also allowed to offer blackjack, bac-
42
carat, mini-baccarat, three card poker, let it

ride and pai gow poker. However, the
Miccosukee tribe can only offer Class II
gaming machines, which look like slot machines but are actually bingo games. The
spinning reels are for entertainment purposes only. Other games allowed in all Indian
casinos include high-stakes bingo, video pulltabs and poker.
Broward and Miami-Dade allow slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities within their
counties where poker is also offered.
Heres a closer look at some of the states
leading gambling venues.
SOUTHEAST
Southeast Florida has the widest collection of
gaming venues with everything from largescale casinos featuring table games, poker and
slot machines, to horse racing, dog tracks, jaialai and offshore gambling cruises.
Resorts World Bimini offers Bimini
SuperFast, a cruise ship, which sails to Resorts
World Bimini Casino in the Bahamas on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Port
Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, and Friday,
Saturday and Sunday from PortMiami. Once

in international waters, passengers can play
roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack, slots and
make sports bets at the on-board casinos.
In Bimini, passengers can continue their
gambling spree at the Resorts World
Bimini Casino.
A new option for gamblers is Balearia
Bahamas Express, which carries guests on daily
trips from Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades to
Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. You can
play on-board slot machines and spend the rest
of the day in Freeports casinos.
An exciting option is the Island Breeze
Casino Palm Beach, a 500-passenger gaming
ship sailing twice daily from the Port of Palm
Beach. This offshore gaming venue features
traditional casino games, poker tables and
slots, as well as dining and live entertainment.
Back on terra firma, Magic City Casino in
Miami features Las Vegas-style games, including roulette wheels, craps tables and 800
slot machines. Theres also a poker room, live
greyhound racing and simulcast wagering.
Casino Miami offers 1,000 slots, a poker
room, dominoes and live entertainment, as
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO; GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CVB; RESORTS WORLD BIMINI
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.
well as live jai-alai. To the west off US 41

(Tamiami Trail), the Miccosukee Casino offers
24-hour gambling, including 1,900 gaming machines, poker tables and high-stakes bingo.
Calder Casino & Race Course in Miami
Gardens offers 1,200 slot machines, thoroughbred horse racing and year-round simulcast
action, as well as plenty of dining options, all
on one smoke-free floor. Hialeah Park Racing
& Casinoknown as The Worlds Most
Beautiful Race Coursehas slot machines and
poker in addition to live horse racing from late
December to early March.
Considered one of the most important
venues for horse racing in America since 1939,
Gulfstream Racing and Casino Park in
Hallandale Beach features the worlds top thoroughbred contenders. In addition to its
traditional January through April season,
Gulfstream recently added summer thoroughbred racing. Gulfstream also features 850 slots,
electronic table games and high-stakes poker.
Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach
opened its doors in 1934 as the Hollywood
Kennel Club. Today, this landmark property of-
fers 1,100 slot machines, the Big Easy Poker

Room, and simulcast greyhound, harness and
thoroughbred races. Mardi Gras Casino is
home to four stakes racesthe Hollywood
Futurity, Hollywood World Classic, Joe Ryan Jr.
Memorial and the Hollywoodian.
Frequented by celebrities, musicians and
fans from around the world, the AAA Four
Diamond-awarded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino in Hollywood is South Floridas ultimate destination for fun and entertainment.
Beyond its 500 stylish and spacious guest
rooms, play at more than 90 table games and
more than 2,200 of the most popular slots, as
well as top tournament poker action in the
award-winning Poker Room. Additionally, the
thrills of blackjack, baccarat and more deliver
an amplified, multi-sensory player experience
in the new High Limit Tables room.
Nearby, the Seminole Classic Casino in
Hollywood boasts more than 1,000 slot machines, 10 poker tables, and high stakes and
lightning bingo action. To the north,
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek features more
than 2,300 Vegas-style and bingo-style slot ma-
chines, along with 65 live tables including

blackjack and baccarat. To the west, Seminole
Casino Big Cypress offers a no frills casino
experience at Billie Swamp Safari off I-75
(Alligator Alley).
Dania Casino & Jai Alai may close for several months to complete a major renovation to
its two-story facility, which has 550 slot machines, a poker room, simulcast wagering and
live jai-alai games. If that occurs, the casino will
reopen in late 2015.
The Isle Casino Racing in Pompano Beach
features 1,500 slots, 38 live-action poker tables,
six restaurants, live harness racing and live
entertainment seven days a weekall in a
smoke-free environment. The Isle features new
gaming technology where you can play games
such as roulette, craps and Sic-bo with a real
wheel and real dice, but no dealer. The Isle also
offers simulcast wagering and hosts four major
poker tournaments throughout the year.
In West Palm Beach, theres never a dull moment at the Palm Beach Kennel Club, a
non-smoking venue, which features live greyhound racing and simulcast horse, harness and
jai-alai on more than 600 color screens, as well
as a plush, newly expanded 64-table poker
room (one of the largest in Florida), many special events and plenty of free parking. The Club
also offers a wide range of dining options, including the Paddock Room, the Terrace
Restaurant, the Trophy Room, the Deli and numerous concession stands.
SOUTHWEST
Enjoy live world-class thoroughbred racing January through April at the Gulfstream Racing and Casino Park in Hallandale Beach.
A long-time regional landmark, Naples Fort

Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker in Bonita
Springs operates year-round with greyhound
racing, simulcast dog and horse racing and a
casino-style poker room.
In western Collier County, the recently-renovated Seminole Casino Immokalee, open 24/7,
features blackjack, slots and live-action poker.
Step aboard the Big M Casino, Southwest
Floridas only luxurious gambling ship, to
enjoy your favorite casino table games,
roulette, as well as the newest and loosest slots.
Departing from Moss Marine, just over the Sky
Bridge on Fort Myers Beach, the ship sails
year-round and offers a superb all you can
eat buffet. Check its website regularly for specials, such as ladies night.
The Bimini SuperFast cruise ship sails for the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale or Miami ports.
43
GA M B L I N G
The Palm Beach Kennel Club features live greyhound racing, a poker room and numerous other options.
FEATURED LINKS
Balearia Bahamas Express
ferryexpress.com
bestbet
bestbetjax.com
Big M Casino
bigmcasino.com
Calder Casino & Race Course

calderracecourse.com
Casino Miami Jai-Alai

casinomiamijaialai.com
Dania Jai-Alai
dania-jai-alai.com
Daytona Beach Kennel Club & Poker Room

daytonagreyhound.com
Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room

goebro.com
Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker

jaialai.net
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino

gulfstreampark.com
Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
CENTRAL EAST
Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker has live and simulcast gaming action along with poker tables and
tournaments.
To the north, Melbourne Greyhound Park
and Club 52 hosts poker action, live greyhound
racing and simulcast wagering.
Sailing twice daily from Port Canaveral,
Victory Casino Cruises offers offshore gambling activity including slots, poker, sports
betting and more than 30 table games.
Since 1948, Daytona Beach Kennel Club
and Poker Room has been a mainstay in the
areas entertainment landscape. Located near
Daytona International Speedway, the club offers live greyhound racing, as well as simulcast
greyhound, thoroughbred, harness and jai-alai
wagering with a large poker room.
CENTRAL
Orlando Jai-Alai in Fern Park has live jai-alai
action and simulcast wagering. Ocala Poker
and Jai-Alai in Reddick (midway between
Ocala and Gainesville) is a non-smoking facility, which hosts poker tournaments and live
games, as well as simulcast wagering.
CENTRAL WEST
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa
is one of the worlds largest casinos with more
than 5,000 slot machines and 90 table games,
44
which include blackjack, baccarat and poker

for non-stop gaming action. Its also home to
a smoke-free poker room, with 50 live-action
tables. A recent addition is the Asian gaming
room Jubao Palace, which features minibaccarat, pai gow poker, pai gow tiles, Asia poker
and blackjack with an adjoining noodle bar.
Welcoming visitors since 1926, Tampa Bay
Downs is the only thoroughbred racetrack on
the Gulf coast. It offers live and simulcast
racing action, poker games and even has a
practice golf facility where guests can tee off
while watching the races. Another gaming
venue is Luckys Card Room, which has simulcast wagering and a large poker room.
hialeahparkcasino.com
Island Breeze Casino Palm Beach

ibreezecasino.com
Isle Casino & Racing Pompano Park

pompano-park.isleofcapricasinos.com
Luckys Card Room

luckyscards.com
Magic City Casino

magiccitycasino.com
Mardi Gras Casino

playmardigras.com
Melbourne Greyhound Park and Club 52

mgpark.com
Miccosukee Casino
miccosukee.com/gaming
Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker

naplesfortmyersdogs.com
Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai

ocalapoker.com
Orlando Jai-Alai
orlandojaialai.com
NORTHEAST
Palm Beach Kennel Club
With two locations in Jacksonville and Orange

Park, bestbet makes it convenient for visitors
to enjoy poker, greyhound racing and simulcast wagering.
In addition, visitors can also sail from
JAXPORT (the citys port) on Victory Casino
Cruises, whose offshore gambling activities include slots, poker, sports betting and table games.
The ship sails twice daily, seven days a week.
Resorts World Bimini SuperFast Cruise Ship
pbkennelclub.com
rwbimini.com/superfast-cruise-ship
Sarasota Kennel Club

sarasotakennelclub.com
Seminole Casino Big Cypress

seminolebigcypresscasino.com
Seminole Casino Brighton

seminolebrightoncasino.com
Seminole Classic Casino

seminoleclassiccasino.com
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com
Seminole Casino Immokalee
NORTHWEST
Since 1955, Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker
Room has brought exciting racing action to
Northwest Florida. Located northwest of
Panama City Beach, Ebro has live racing, a
popular poker room and simulcast wagering,
along with trackside dining. FL
seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

seminolehardrocktampa.com
Tampa Bay Downs

tampabaydowns.com
Victory Casino Cruises

victorycasinocruises.com
PHOTO: PALM BEACH KENNEL CLUB
To the north, Sarasota Kennel offers a similar combination of gaming attractions.
WHERE ROCK ROYALTY
1 S e m i n o l e W a y, H o l l y w o o d , F L
SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com
SP O RT S
BY JEFF OSTROWSKI
GET INTO THE ACTION
The DAYTONA 500 is popular with families.
hether your passion is fishing,

diving, running or cycling, there's
no shortage of options on water
and land in Florida. And if you prefer being a
spectator, Florida offers sports fans a bit of
everything, from laid-back spring training
games to frenzied football action. Theres auto
racing, tennis, golf, hockey, and even more
exotic options like polo and jai-alai.
THE GREAT AMERICAN RACE

In Floridas auto-racing world, no event looms
larger than the DAYTONA 500. NASCARs
biggest race is scheduled for February 22, 2015, at
Daytona International Speedway, which is home
to other events throughout the year. For fans who
prefer to know what it feels like to ride shotgun or
to sit behind the wheel, the Richard Petty Driving
Experience lets you ride in and even drive a stock
car on the famous 2.5-mile oval.
The Homestead-Miami Speedway also hosts
a NASCAR race and other events. Like
46
Daytona, this track also gives fans a chance to

drive. Its Mario Andretti Racing Experience
sells training sessions that include either a ridealong or solo drives for five or eight racing
minutes in an open cockpit, full-size Indy car.
A NATIONAL PASTIME
Baseball is a big deal in Florida, where the
Major League Baseball season starts early.
Every March, Floridas Grapefruit League is
home to spring training for 15 clubs, including
the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Detroit
Tigers, New York Yankees, New York Mets and
Toronto Blue Jays. The states spring training
stadiums have undergone a major upgrade over
the years. Fans no longer sit on metal bleachers.
Instead, the ballparks have turned into smaller
versions of Major League stadiums, complete
with luxury suites. Roger Dean Stadium in
Jupiter (spring training home to the Miami
Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals) was designed
by the same architectural firm that drew up the
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: GETTY IMAGES; JERRY ZITTERMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK; RICHARD CAVALLERI/SHUTTERSTOCK; PERRY CORRELL/SHUTTERSTOCK
Marlins Park in Miami is home to the Miami Marlins.
The Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne is home to the Sony Open.
well-regarded Camden Yards in Baltimore.

For years, Floridas big-league baseball
ended in April, when the players headed north.
But now Florida is home to two big-league
teams, the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay
Rays. The Marlins, who won the World Series
in 1997 and 2003, play in a striking new stadium in Miami. Because Marlins Park has a
retractable roof, rainouts no longer pose a
problem. Among the new parks quirky features
are an outfield sculpture that twirls when a
Marlin hits a home run and a bobblehead museum. Join the party at the Clevelander at
Marlins Park where up to 250 fans can enjoy
field-level seats, accessibility for the disabled,
table service located beside the visiting team
bullpen and a menu of classic food selections.
The Rays, who reached the World Series in
2008, play in Tropicana Field, an indoor stadium in St. Petersburg.
A rider competes at the Palm Beach County Horsemen's Association event in Wellington.
SLAM-DUNK
Florida has emerged as a basketball powerhouse, too, thanks to LeBron James
high-profile decision to join the Miami Heat in
2010. The Heat reached the NBA Finals in 2011
but lost, then won the NBA championships in
2012 and 2013 before losing again in 2014. The
states other NBA team, the Orlando Magic, has
reached the NBA finals twice.
College hoops are big news, too. The Florida
Gators have won two NCAA championships
and both Florida State and the University of
Miami field strong teams.
TOUCHDOWN!
Florida fans are passionate about all their
sports, but football has the strongest hold. The
state is home to three NFL teamsthe Miami
Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and
Jacksonville Jaguars.
Florida fans love their pro teams, but theyre
even more passionate about their college
teams. Florida, Florida State and Miami all
have produced NCAA championships and
Heisman Trophy winners. The football teams
at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and
the University of South Florida also have
stepped up their games in recent years. UCFs
quarterback last year, Blake Bortles, was the
No. 1 pick in the National Football League
draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If you prefer soccer to American football,

the Orlando Lions begin playing Major League
Soccer (MLS) in 2015. Miami often hosts international friendly matches and also hopes to
field an MLS team in the near future.
GOT STICK?
Hockey doesnt generate the same passion
among Florida fans as other sports, but the
Sunshine State boasts two NHL teams
nonetheless. The Florida Panthers play in
Sunrise, near Fort Lauderdale, and the Tampa
Bay Lightning skate in Tampa. Both teams have
enjoyed occasional success. The Lightning won
the Stanley Cup in 2004, and the Panthers
reached the NHL finals in 1996.
GRAND SLAMS
While hockey isnt exactly synonymous with
Florida, tennis is. The Sony Open in Key
Biscayne offers spectators the chance to see
some of the sports biggest stars. In 2014,

Novak Djokovic won the mens tournament
(his fourth) while Serena Williams captured
the womens trophy (her seventh). The 2015
event is scheduled for March 23April 5. The
annual Delray Beach International Tennis
Championship also draws a big crowd.
POUNDING HOOVES
Florida is home to a dozen high-profile teams
and a number of big-time events, however
there are plenty of highlights thatll never
make SportsCenter. For horsepower on four
legs rather than four wheels, check out the
Palm Beach International Equestrian Club, a
mecca for the horsey set in Wellington, west
of Palm Beach. The 120-acre club hosts the
Winter Equestrian Festival, the nations largest
and richest grand prix jumping event.
Olympic equestrian athletes from around the
world compete.
47
SP O RT S
Wellington is also home to International
Polo Club Palm Beach, which attracts players
from around the world.
THE BIG CATCH
A number of marathons take place throughout Florida.
48
If youd rather participate than watch, Florida

offers no shortage of opportunities. Florida is
most famous for its water sports, and fishing
tops the list.
Anglers can find plenty to like in Florida, a
state that counts more than 2,000 miles of tidal
shoreline, 7,000-plus lakes and more than
10,000 miles of rivers. The state is responsible
for some 700 world-record catches, according
to the Florida Sports Foundation.
Saltwater anglers can cast from the beach or
from one of the states dozens of piers, and they
can reach deeper waters by boat. In the
Atlantic, there are blue marlin, grouper,
amberjack, wahoo, dolphin, snook, redfish,
bluefish and Spanish mackerel, among other
species. Gulf catches can include sea trout,
grouper, pompano, shark, mackerel, snapper,
snook and tarpon.
For freshwater anglers, the primary prize is
the largemouth bass. March and April, when
the bass swim into shallow water for spawning,
are prime time for catching bass. The largemouth bass is the most common type of bass
in the lakes of Central and South Florida. In
North Florida, anglers can catch the smaller
Suwannee bass in the Suwannee River, the

Ochlockonee River and the Santa Fe River.
Even if you dont land a record fish, you can
witness the feats of anglers who have. At the
International Game Fishing Association
Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania
Beach, nearly 200 specimens that broke world
records are on display, including a 2,664-pound
great white shark. The museum includes interactive and educational displays, an outdoor
wetland and a library filled with books and
videos about fishing.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD

If youd like to get up close to Floridas marine
life, the states warm, clear waters are ideal for
snorkeling and diving. Among the most easily
accessible snorkeling destinations are John
Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo and John
MacArthur State Park in Palm Beach Gardens.
The states reefs and shipwrecks are a paradise for divers. The waters off the Florida Keys
are home to numerous shipwrecks that have
turned into reefs, such as the Spiegel Grove, a
510-foot Navy ship, which was sunk near
Miami in 2002 after it was retired. The vessel
sits in 130 feet of water. Now covered with
sponges and corals, it attracts schools of tropical fish. Experienced divers can enter the old
vessel, however dive operators steer beginners
away from swimming inside the Spiegel Grove.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: DANIEL KORZENIEWSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK; STEVENRUSSELLSMITHPHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK; VISIT WAKULLA
A largemouth bass on a fisherman's line.
FEATURED LINKS
Alafia River State Park
floridastateparks.org/alafiariver
Daytona International Speedway

daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Florida Gators
gatorzone.com
Florida Grapefruit League

floridagrapefruitleague.com
Florida Panthers
panthers.nhl.com
Florida Sports Foundation

flasports.com
Florida Trail Association

floridatrail.org
Footprints in the Sand Eco Trail

visitpensacolabeach.com/eco-trail
Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon

a1amarathon.com
Gasparilla Distance Classic

tampabayrun.com
Gate River Run

Florida is riddled with hiking and biking trails.
gate-riverrun.com
Homestead-Miami Speedway
homesteadmiamispeedway.com
International Game Fish Association
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Florida offers some of the best ocean swimming youll find anywhere, so be sure to pack
your goggles.
If youre interested in more than just a casual
swim, consider one of Floridas open-water
swim races. Swim Miami hosts races ranging
from one mile to 10 kilometers in April, and the
Tampa Bay Open Water Swim stages one-mile
and half-mile swims in May. Truly hard-core
endurance athletes can sign up for the 12.5mile Swim Around Key West, held each June.
For athletes who like to bike and run after
they swim, Florida offers a busy schedule of
triathlons. The Miami and Tampa regions host
a number of tris, and Clermont, just west of
Orlando, has emerged as a hub for athletes who
want to go faster. Clermonts National Training
Center includes a 76-yard pool and physiology
lab. Runners looking for warm weather and flat
courses are attracted to Floridas winter races.
Among the big events in 2015 are the Walt
Disney World Half Marathon (January 10) and
Marathon (January 11), the Miami Marathon
and Half Marathon (scheduled for January 25),
the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half
Marathon (February 15), Tampas Gasparilla
Distance Classic 15K (February 21) and
Jacksonvilles Gate River Run 15K (March 14).
If rowing is more your speed, check out
Nathan Benderson Parks world-class rowing
facility in Sarasota. The newly opened parks
500-acre lake includes a 2,200-meter sprint
course and a 1,500-meter practice course. This
facility is the real deal, and its set to host the

2017 World Rowing Championships and the
NCAA Rowing Championships in 2018.
igfa.org
THE BEST WORKOUTS
macarthurbeach.org
If you prefer trails to pavement, Florida offers

hiking and mountain bikinghowever you
might have to search for trails that are firm
amid Floridas sandy soil.
Oleta River State Park in North Miami
Beachhome to a series of trail races and offroad triathlonsis an oasis of calm in the midst
of the bustling city. You can canoe and kayak in
a natural preserve and watch dolphins and
manatees. If you want to break a sweat, try
hiking, mountain biking or trail running on the
parks twisting single-track trails.
Alafia River State Park, east of Tampa, is another hot spot for hiking, mountain biking and
trail running. This park south of Brandon includes 37 miles of trails on gently rolling terrain.
Pensacola Beach in Northwest Florida is establishing itself as a premier eco destination with
the completion of the Footprints in the Sand Eco
Trail in 2013. Along the way, hikers learn the secrets of Pensacola Beachs white sand, discover
the dangerous journeys of sea turtles, identify
mysterious seashells and much more.
Serious hikers love the Florida Trail, a
1,400-mile network of hiking paths through
the middle of the state. Marked with a distinctive bright-orange blaze, the Florida Trail
offers plenty of opportunity to spot alligators
and birds. FL
pennekamppark.com
International Polo Club Palm Beach

internationalpoloclub.com
Jacksonville Jaguars
jaguars.com
John D. MacArthur State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Mario Andretti Racing Experience
andrettiracing.com
Miami Dolphins
miamidolphins.com
Miami Heat
nba.com/heat
Miami Marathon and Half Marathon

ingmiamimarathon.com
Miami Marlins
miami.marlins.mlb.com
Nathan Benderson Park

worldclassrowing.com
National Training Center

usantc.com
Oleta River State Park

floridastateparks.org/oletariver
Orlando Magic
nba.com/magic
Palm Beach International Equestrian Club

equestriansport.com
Richard Petty Driving Experience

drivepetty.com
Roger Dean Stadium

rogerdeanstadium.com
Sony Open Tennis

sonyopentennis.com
Spiegel Grove
spiegelgrove.com
Swim Around Key West

swimaroundkeywest.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

buccaneers.com
Tampa Bay Lightning

lightning.nhl.com
Tampa Bay Open Water Swim

swimacrossamerica.org/TampaBay
Tampa Bay Rays

tampabay.rays.mlb.com
Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Marathon

rundisney.com/Disneyworld-marathon
49
WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
BY ROCHELLE LASH
SIMPLY ADD CHAMPAGNE
Celebrate your marriage on Mexico Beach.
lorida has unbeatable features for distinctive weddings and honeymoons: a

sultry climate, aquamarine waters, fabulous food, spa life and romantic resorts, which
are primed to create memorable occasions.
Party guests can dine and dance in grand hotel
ballrooms, on sun-kissed beachfronts, in tropical gardens, historic mansions or aboard
glamorous cruises.
NEW IN 2014: BE THE FIRST

You will be the first on your block to celebrate
at these fabulous, new-in-2014 resorts.
The superb Florida Keys is prime territory for
romance simply because of the pure sand, calm
waters and stunning sunrises and sunsets. The allnew Marker Waterfront Resort, which opened in
December 2014 in the heart of Key Wests
Historic Seaport district, promises to deliver all
this, plus a deluxe boutique-chic experience with
poolside privacy and gourmet dining. The exclusive, honeymoon-worthy Marker partners with
its sister property, breezy Cheeca Lodge & Spa in
the Upper Keys, so you can add golf, cycling,
fishing, tennis, sailing and lavish spa life.
50
New once again, the sophisticated 1930s

National Hotel Miami Beach in South Beach
has emerged from a major, loving restoration. This treasure of art deco art and
architecture is renowned for its long infinity
pool fringed by palm trees, attentive service
and a unique three-story penthouse where
honeymooners enjoy the pinnacle of luxury
and privacy, high atop the international party
scene of South Beach.
The Waterstone Resort & Marina is a
new Doubletree by Hilton in Boca Raton
with chic, modern decor and indoor and
outdoor dining. Weddings are held in the
fashionable penthouse, which has sweeping
views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the
Atlantic Ocean.
The new Wyndham Grand Jupiter at
Harbourside
Place, overlooking
the
Intracoastal Waterway, offers perks such as a
complimentary wedding-night suite, but also
ask about a free two-night anniversary visit.
Plus, your wedding can have its own signature
cocktailwith your name. Perhaps a Miller
mojito or Jennifers gin fizz?
FROM THE TOP: AMBROSIO PHOTOGRAPHY; MEXICO BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Cheeca Lodge in the Upper Keys partners with sister hotel, the new Marker Resort Key West, for fabulous weddings and honeymoons.
The spectacular new Four Seasons Orlando

at Walt Disney World Resort does it all with
luxury and panachethe bridal suite, the rehearsal, the spa and a fabulous choice of a
fancy, glittering ballroom gala or an elegant,
outdoor lawn party.
Your guests will be wowed and brilliantly fed
at the Epicurean Hotel, an artful new boutique
property in Tampa Bay. Built around gastronomy, the Epicurean curates weddings with
gourmet cuisine, premium wines and spirits,
rare cheeses and pastries from its divine sweet
shop, Chocolate Pi.
THE MODERN FAMILY

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in
Hollywood is big enough to appeal to everyone
in the familygolfers, tennis fans, cruisers,
youngsters and spa-goers. For the modern
family, the Diplomat, as well as the il Lugano in
Fort Lauderdale, have introduced LGBT features, including wedding planners who are
specialists in same-sex marriages.
A dream honeymoon at Jupiter Beach
Resort & Spa in Palm Beach County features
oceanfront terrace dining, sexy tropical cocktails and the ultimate indulgencea couples
massage. If you are blending in kids, they can
let loose with everything from scuba and
surfing to fishing and cycling.
The Waldorf Astoria in Naples, totally renovated in 2014, is the consummate family
getaway, with a kids club, an adults-only pool
and an outstanding beachfront on the sublime
Gulf of Mexico. The Waldorf s spa is an exceptional sanctuary for a bridesmaids party and the
groomsmen can go sporty with paddleboarding,
golf and tennis. For all guests, the Waldorf holds
a champagne evening once a week.
Brides swoon over their wedding photos
that have Floridas remarkable Pink Palace as a
backdrop. The beautifully appointed Loews
Don CeSar Beach Hotel, an icon of historic
grandeur on St. Pete Beach, has held society
weddings since 1928. Today, experienced consultants will create imaginative bouquets, table
decor and dream cakes. And, all the generations will be thrilled: The Don organizes kids
camps and teen fun. Pets are spoiled with toys,
bedding and even massages.
DEFINITELY NOT A BALLROOM

South of Key Largo, Captain Slates Scuba
Adventures holds the Guinness world record
for the largest underwater wedding110
divers. Just bring the ring. Slate supplies the
gear, a Justice of the Pisces and an award-winning videographer to capture all of the
undersea action.
The posh Hawks Cay Resort in the mid-Keys
has aced nature with superb, romantic sunsets
and gorgeous water panoramas. For honeymoon-style tranquility, the resort has an
adults-only pool, a serene spa and luxurious
suites and villas. For family wedding fun, all ages
of guests will be enthralled with Hawk Cays
unique dolphin lagoon for educational underwater encounters, and the hotels marina for
exciting deep-sea fishing, yachting and scuba.
For a true luxury experience, Windridge
Yacht Charters cruises out of Miami, Boca
Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach and
customizes dazzling receptions with gourmet
cuisine and lively entertainment.
In Fort Lauderdale, exciting and unusual
venues abound for wedding parties with
themeslike the Design Center of the
Americas and the Antique Car Museum.
At The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach,
brides and grooms can take the plungeliterally.
The hotels mermaid weddings are underwater
nuptials, held in the rollicking Wreck Bar pool.
Yes, there are make-up and hair touch-ups after
the big dip and before the reception.
Floridas Space Coast has innovative, romantic choices: The Indian River Queen is a
paddle-wheel boat that cruises near Cocoa
Beach with a full wedding party aboard, including a captain to officiate. And for a
heavenly start to your honeymoon, Florida
Biplanes will sweep you and your beloved skyward in an open-cockpit craft from the 1940s.
Cowboys and cowgirls can tie the knot at
the upscale Creek Ranch in Haines City, about
one hour south of Orlando. After the
roundup, its just you, your sweetheart and
your prancing horses.
And on the picturesque Gulf coast, Phoenix
Rising Kayak orchestrates kayak weddings in a
secluded estuary around Charlotte Harbor
south of Tampa. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Captain Slates Scuba Adventures
captainslate.com
Cheeca Lodge & Spa

cheeca.com
Creek Ranch
creekranch.net
Design Center of the Americas

dcota.com
Epicurean Hotel
epicureanhotel.com
Florida Air Tours

floridabiplanes.com
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

antiquecarmuseum.org
Four Seasons Orlando at Walt

Disney World Resort
fourseasons.com/Orlando
Hawks Cay Resort

hawkscay.com
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

jupiterbeachresort.com

loewshotels.com/en/don-cesar
National Hotel Miami Beach

nationalhotel.com
Phoenix Rising Kayak Tours

prkayak.com
The Indian River Queen

indianriverqueen.com
The Marker Waterfront Resort

themarkerresortkeywest.com
Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel

sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com
Waldorf Astoria Naples

waldorfastorianaples.com
Waterstone Resort & Marina

waterstoneboca.com
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa

diplomatresort.com
Windridge Yacht Charters

windridgeyachts.com
Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place

harboursideplace.com/wyndhamgrand
51
VAC AT I O N H O M ES
BUYING INTO FLORIDAS LIFESTYLE

BY RICHARD WESTLUND
Perhaps a pied--terre in a gated golf community is your idea of nirvana.
An upscale condo in Miami Beach puts you

in the middle of the action.
f the Florida vacation lifestyle appeals to

you, perhaps its time to purchase a home
or condominium in the Sunshine State.
The state offers some attractive tax benefits to
those who do decide to buy a property, however
those who arent ready to lock into a purchase
might look into a seasonal or long-term rental
for their next visit.
With elegant luxury penthouses, beachfront
condominiums along the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf
of Mexico and elsewhere, townhouses and estate homes in golf and country club
communities, over-55 adult communities for
retirees, and moderately priced homes and
condos, Florida offers something for everyone.
In addition to all the lifestyle benefits, owning
a Florida property can also be an excellent
long-term investment.
Today, more than nine percent of all Florida
real estate transactions involve a foreign buyer.
52
The two key reasons for their interest are the

states warm-weather location and homes that
offer a good valuea winning combination for
any buyer. Due to its global appeal, Florida has
large second-home communities filled with
Canadian, European, Russian and Latin
American buyers, as well as those from elsewhere in the USA. Whatever your native
language, you can probably make new friends
in Florida!
LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE

When beginning a search for a Florida home,
there are two basic approaches to consider: location and lifestyle. You may already know
where in Florida you want to liveperhaps near
your parents home, close to the grandchildren
or within walking distance of nightlife. If so, you
should familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods, look at typical houses, condos or
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: IVAN CHOLAKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK; CELSO DINIZ/SHUTTERSTOCK; MINTO
townhomes, get a sense of prices, and contact a

real estate professional who knows the local
market and can help you make the right choice.
Another strategy is to focus on your desired
lifestyle, such as living in a private golf community, a high-rise on the beach or a scenic, rural
location. That allows you to compare homes,
prices and amenities in different communities
around the state. For example, a four-bedroom
estate home on the Gulf coast will cost more
than a Central Florida inland location. Again,
a real estate professional can help you.
If youre considering a move to Florida, be
aware there are some differences in home design and construction compared with houses in
cooler climates. For instance, few Florida
homes have a basement, because of the underlying hard limestone rock and high ground
water level. Newer homes may be more spacious and feature modern kitchens, baths,
flooring and fixtures.
Theres a number of leading single-family
homebuilders to consider in Florida. For instance, for more than half a century the Minto
name has represented integrity, financial
strength and enduring value. This familyowned business has since grown into an
integrated real estate development, construction and management company. With 20,000
new Florida homes built in 42 communities
throughout the state, Minto offers a wide
array of award-winning residences and places
to meet every lifestyle. A leader in environmental sustainability, the company builds
energy- and resource-efficient homes and
communities, creating innovative living environments with state-of-the-art design. Such
initiatives have set Minto apart as exceptional
homebuilders and have earned them the No.
1 ranking by Eliant Homebuyers Choice
Awards for percent of sales from referrals, as
well as recognition from LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) and
others. Additional developers include Pulte
Homes, Lennar and Toll Brothers, all of which
have developed residential communities
throughout the state.
Condos and apartment buildings also vary
widely in design and construction, and often
develop distinct personalities. The size of the
building or community can also make a big difference in terms of lifestyle, amenities and
costs. A high-rise condo with 600 units is akin
to a miniature city with many services and

amenities, and a higher monthly maintenance
fee. However, if the purchase price and monthly
fees are a big consideration, you may prefer a
smaller building with a pool, spa or entertainment areaor no amenities at all. Condos have
been a major part of the Florida market since
the 1970s, so the age and condition of a
building can affect its desirability and price. A
recently constructed residence may have a
more appealing design, new appliances, marble
baths and other modern features compared to
an older unit that has never been updated.
However, the older unit may still appeal to
buyers on a tight budget.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

If you love the Florida lifestyle, but arent ready
to buy, consider a seasonal rental. You can enjoy
the beach, boating, golf, shopping and all the at-
tractions for several weeks or months without

making a permanent financial commitment. Its
also a good way to sample different locations
and lifestyles to see where you feel most comfortable if you do decide to purchase in the
future.
Almost any type of home, condo or apartment can be used as a seasonal rental at
locations around the state. For example, the
Condo Alliance of the Floridas Beach handles
vacation resort condo rentals in the St.
Petersburg/Clearwater area.
If youre seeking a rental property in
Southwest Florida, Royal Shell Vacations manages more rental properties than any other
company in the region and has been voted the
Best Vacation Rental company for the past 10
years. For vacation rentals on Northwest
Floridas Gulf coast, Dale E. Peterson Vacations
provides superior service.
Minto has been creating award-winning homes and communities in Florida for nearly 50 years.
53
Minto Florida Communities.

Premier locations. Inspired lifestyles. Unbeatable new home values.
From Floridas last private island to elegant resort communities,

Minto offers an incomparable combination of amenities and new
home values that youll cherish for years to come.
To learn more about our other award-winning

homes and communities, visit mintoa.com.
will be reimbursed up to $500 after the buyer closes on a Minto home. Purchase must
*Members are Responsible for annual golf dues. **Price excludes taxes. Costs of trip including airfare and expenses
for exact expenditures. The reimbursement cost is not to exceed $500. Minto
be made within 90 days of Stay & Play visit. Receipts for airfare and expenses must be submitted in order to be reimbursed
transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission Artists
or
stored
distributed,
altered,
copied,
reproduced,
be
Communities, LLC 2014. All rights reserved. Content may not
Minto, the Minto logo, The Isles of Collier Preserve, The Isles of Collier Preserve logo,
renderings, dimensions, specications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice.
TownPark at Tradition, the TownPark at Tradition logo, Bonita Isles, the Bonita Isles
Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo, Sun City Center, the Sun City Center logo, TwinEagles, the TwinEagles logo,
the Villas By The Sea logo, Festival and the Festival logo are trademarks of Minto
Sea,
The
By
Villas
logo,
Nona
logo, PortoSol, the PortoSol logo, Laureate Park at Lake Nona, the Laureate Park at Lake
Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 2015
Where the Fun Goes on Forever...and the Celebration Never Ends!

Enjoy a private gated neighborhood of resort vacation villas only 5 minutes away
from Disneys Magic Kingdom. Come experience our amazing resort amenities
and beautiful natural Florida woodlands and lakes. Now selling from the mid 200s.
8390 ChampionsGate Boulevard, Suite 310, ChampionsGate, FL 33896
(888) 875-5904
Orlandos Premier Master-Planned Community | New Models Now Open!

Located at Lake Nonas Medical City this all-new neighborhood offers abundant
recreation, natural beauty, great schools and a comforting sense of community
and belonging. Courtyard and Single-Family Homes from the mid $200s.
8238 Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, Orlando FL 32827 | (888) 674-1436
Final 2 Phases-Last Chance to Own in Sun City Center

The final 2 phases of new Minto homes in Sun City Center are now released.
Test drive Sun City Center with the Stay & Play Getaway for only $99!* Elegant
Paired Villas & Single-Family Homes from the $170s to $300s.
105 Commercial Center Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573 | (877) 257-3419
New Waterfront Residences on Floridas Last Private Island

Waterfront resort living with a resort-style pool, cabanas, kayak launch, a
proposed marina and planned clubhouse. Energy efficient, maintenance
included Island Coach Homes designed for carefree coastal living.
Island Coach Homes from the $400s.
12300 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209 | (888) 842-7089
Ideal Location. Inspired Lifestyle. Incredible New Home Values.

An elegant lakefront community only minutes from Coconut Point Mall
featuring the Island Club, a lavish island style amenity center. Single-Family
Homes & Luxury Paired Villas from the mid $200s to over $300s.
9008 Isla Bella Circle, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 | (877) 467-4022
Golf Membership Initiation Fee Included!

Premier golf community featuring amazing amenities including a 47,000 sq.ft.
clubhouse, new fitness center, resort-style pool and the Eagle awarded Best
New Private Course in America by Golf Magazine. Single Family Estate Homes
from the low $500s to over $1 million.
12405 Lockford Lane, Naples, Florida 34120 | (877) 844-5014
Grand Opening! New Single Family, Paired Villa & Coach Home Designs!
Located on 2,400 acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves and natural habitat,
outdoor-inspired amenities complete this new community. Just minutes from
Downtown Naples, and area attractions. Luxury Single Family, Paired Villa and
Coach Homes from the low $400s to the high $700s.
5445 Caribe Avenue, Naples, FL 34113 | (888) 807-7190
Test Drive TownPark with a Stay and Play Getaway!*

TownPark at Tradition is Floridas #1 active adult lifestyle! Enjoy 3 days/2 nights
in a Minto home. Plus, full access to resort recreation, golf for 2 at PGA courses,
and more! Only $99!* Single Family & Estate Homes from the $200s to $300s.
11260 SW Vanderbilt Circle, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34987 | (888) 485-6624
Final Phase of Mintos Gated Resort Community

Enjoy an incredible Royal Palm Beach location and endless fun at the
communitys clubhouse complete with every imaginable resort amenity.
Single Family & Estate Homes from the mid $300s to $400s.
2448 Bellarosa Circle, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 | (866) 415-8028
Final Phase of Oceanfront Residences Opening Soon!

This is your last chance for oceanfront living at Villas by the Sea
ocean side community.
256 East Commercial Boulevard, Lauderdale-by-the Sea, FL 33308
(888) 624-5520
VAC AT I O N H O M ES
Seek advice from financial
and real estate experts.
Ultra-luxury condominiums are popular
Buying a vacation club membership or a

time-share unit is another in-between option.
With a timesharesometimes called interval
ownershipyou can purchase one or two
weeks in a professionally managed community
located in your favorite destination. Many
buyers like the familiarity and peace of mind
that comes from returning to the same Florida
community year after year. Most vacation clubs
and interval-ownership programs allow you to
swap your vacation weeks and spend that
time in other locations. Or you may be able to
put your unit into a rental pool if you will not
be using the time yourself.
REGIONAL APPEALS
While US and international visitors purchase
homes and condos throughout the state, four
regions tend to attract the largest share of
second-home purchases: Southeast, Southwest,
Central and the Panhandle.
56
Southeast Florida has traditionally attracted

buyers from the Northeast US, Canada, Europe
and Latin America. Miami, Fort Lauderdale,
Boca Raton and West Palm Beach have many
waterfront condos and apartments that appeal
to those accustomed to a faster-paced lifestyle,
which includes cultural, shopping, dining and
sports activities.
Southwest Florida historically appeals to
buyers from the Midwest, Canada and Europe.
Golf, boating and white, sandy beaches are
among the major attractions. This is a preferred
destination for empty nesters and retirees who
want a relaxing lifestyle.
Central Florida is prime family vacation territory, attracting buyers from throughout the
US and around the world. The primary appeal:
owning or renting a home near Orlandos theme
parks and just a short drive from the beach.
The Panhandle primarily attracts buyers
from throughout the southeastern US. With its
miles of beaches and small-town communities,
the states northwestern region appeals to families and friends also seeking a weekend
getaway within a few hours drive from home.
and to look for a home or condo thats in

move-in condition.
Since financing a second home is an important consideration, take time to talk with
several lenders about mortgage terms. One
source is the Florida Association of Mortgage
Professionals, which offers an online directory.
Its also a good idea to talk with an attorney
before buying a home. Obtaining legal advice
in advance can help you protect your investment and minimize potential tax liabilities.
The Florida Bar offers an online find a
lawyer service.
While it may take a little time to navigate the
legal and financial issues, purchasing a Florida
home can turn a great short-term visit into an
appealing long-term lifestyle. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Anna Maria Vacations
annamariavacations.com
Condo Alliance of the Floridas Beach

flcondoalliance.com
Dale E. Peterson Vacations

destinresorts.com
Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals

famb.org
CONSULT THE EXPERTS
Florida Realtors
For the past few years, prices for vacation

homes and condos have been rising gradually
in many Florida markets. Be sure to take a
close look at the local community, since
pricing and inventory of residences for sale can
vary dramatically from neighborhood to
neighborhood or from building to building.
For vacation-oriented buyers, its best to avoid
buying a foreclosure or a distressed property
Lennar
floridarealtors.org
lennar.com
Minto
minto.com
Royal Shell Vacations

royalshell.com
The Florida Bar

flabar.org
The Related Group of Florida

relatedgroup.com
Toll Brothers
tollbrothers.com
CLOCKWISE FROM THE CENTER LEFT: FELIX MIZIOZNIKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK; GOODLUZ/SHUTTERSTOCK; NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB; V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES
in Sunny Isles Beach.
PETS
BY JEN KARETNICK
PET-LOVING HAVENS
s more and more travelers consider

pets to be part of their vacation entourage who cant be left at home,
Florida businesses have reacted likewise.
Many venues dont just welcome you and
your companions; they competitively cater to
your four-legged family members.
Kiosks at Aventura Mall between North
Miami Beach and Hollywood sell carriages
for small breeds to rest their paws. However,
while toys and miniatures are usually perfectly acceptable in strollers or when carried
along the main thoroughfare, theyre not always allowed inside stores.
For a unique shopping experience, hit the
Coconut Point Mall in Estero in Southwest
Florida, where there are marked water fountains for dogs as well as clean-up stations.
On the first Thursday of every month, theres
Dogs Nite Out, a gathering of canines and
The pet-friendly beach on Keewaydin Island is accessible only by boat.
Drop by Piglets Pantry Gourmet Dog Bakery in Mount Dora.
their caregivers at Coconut Point Mall in

front of DipidyDawg, a gourmet bakery and
boutique for pooches.
In Fort Myers, the Bell Tower Shops, an
open-air lifestyle center, is one of a handful of
shopping centers in Southwest Florida that allows doggie dining on all of its outdoor
restaurant patios. Merchants are also petfriendly, displaying the pet-friendly logo in
storefront windows. The center also hosts a
monthly Yappy Hour, where you can meet
adoptable dogs, sip on cold refreshments and
enjoy live music with your four-legged friend.
Prefer to eat and drink alongside your
pup? Check out Jacksonville Landing, which
hosts Yappy Hour, complete with giveaways,
treats, and a doggy beauty or lookalike contest from 2 to 5 PM every third Sunday of the
month. (Remember, its B.Y.O.D.bring your
own dog!)
57
PETS
All dressed up for the Key West Dachshund Walk.
Paw Park of Historic Sanford, the oldest offleash dog site in Central Florida, features a
separate play area for small breeds, self-watering bowls, plenty of live oak shade trees and
even showers to cool down your critters on
sweltering days.
Tampa Bay boasts more than a dozen offleash parks, including Mango Dog Park, a
shady, five-acre tract with swim areas and
pavilions; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park
and the freshly renovated Davis Islands Dog
Park, both of which are feted for their water
features; and a few Paw Playgrounds in
Anderson, Boca Ciega and Fort De Soto, which
are fully fenced and even offer showers.
For more water recreation and exercise, as
well as raised bathing tubs and an agility
course, visit Jacksonvilles off-leash, fenced,
multi-acre Dog Wood Park facility.
HOWL-WORTHY EVENTS
Do you travel because of your pet? If not, perhaps you should start! Orlando, for instance,
hosts more than eight annual events, such as
Paws in the Park Pet Walk, which raises
money for the SPCA of Central Florida, and
the Global Pet Expo and the Orlando
Pampered Pet Expo at the Orange County
Convention Center.
Theres also the Annual Doggie Art Festival
in nearby Winter Park and the Posh Pooch
Festival, a multi-tiered contest at neighboring
Celebrations Lakeside Park.
Check out Bark at the Ball Park daysone
at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa
and another at the Bright House Field in
Clearwaterwhere you can take in a game
and pet vendors simultaneously.
If youre into breed-specific destinations,
head to South Beach in Miami in January for
the Dachshund Winterfest.
Holidays such as Halloween are arguably
the most interesting times to travel with animals, if only to participate in events such as
the Pet Masquerade and Parade in Key West,
which, even though the dogs are leashed, can
be quite a howl.
58
CANINE HANGOUTS
For a complete list of dog-friendly parks and
beaches, visit DogFriendly.com, which offers information on 20 cities with coastal access. This
handy list is especially helpful if you want to
know if and where leashes are required. (While
many parks and beaches invite animals to
frolic, some require pets to be regulated on sixfoot leashes.)
One must-stop on the Gulf of Mexico is Dog
Island just south of Carrabelle, which is accessible only by ferry or boat and welcomes
leashed, well-behaved, four-legged sidekicks
everywhere, except in the nature conservatory.
South of Cocoa Beach in Central East
Florida, Canova Beach Dog Park is a popular
leashed-dog hangout. Be sure to enter the
beach through the south crossover to avoid any
fines. A little farther north, pet-friendly Smyrna
Dunes Park rises above a wide expanse of
dunes with two miles of elevated boardwalk.
Prefer off-leash beaches? Consider Lee
Countys Barkingham Park in Fort Myers and
Dog Beach in Bonita Beach; Scott Complex
Dog Park in Pensacola, where facilities include
human and hound water fountains and pooperscooper stations; Happy Tails Canine Park in
Bradenton; and Higgs Beach Dog Park in Key
West, where small and large animals have separate playgrounds.
If you need a spot for your pet to stay while

in Southeast Florida, check it into Camp
Canine, a country club and spa for dogs and
cats. The Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and
Hollywood locations are cage-free, and pets
have the luxury of indulging in plenty of playtime. Grooming and shuttle services can also
be arranged.
Ditto The Lodge at New Tampa. Not only
does this canine hotel provide special accommodation complete with exercise lanais
attached to an air-conditioned suite, you can
make arrangements for your pup to enjoy a
swim, a private ball toss with a staff member, a
HydroSurge massage bath and playtime in the
park. Feline guests are welcome too.
The Happy Paws Pet Resort in Orlando is
virtually viral-free with hospital-grade air-conditioned units, and is double-insulated for
noise reduction so your cat isnt freaked out by
barking dogs. Theres a bone-shaped saltwater
pool for exercise and fun, and the staff offers
concierge grooming services and training.
With more than 80 pet-friendly business listings, Orlando is among the friendliest dog
towns in Florida. The Loews Hotels group welcomes them with the Loews Loves Pets
program, which includes personal notes from
general managers on hotel pet services and local
dog walking routes, gourmet pet food menus,
and even catnip and videos for entertainment.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ANDY NEWMAN/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/HO; FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
CREATURE COMFORTS
Pets are welcome on city walk tours of St. Augustines historic area.
FEATURED LINKS
Aloft Hotels
starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
Aventura Mall
aventuramall.com
Camp Canine
campcanineflorida.com
Canova Beach Park

brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/South/Canova
Coconut Point Mall

simon.com/mall/coconut-point
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park

tampagov.net/parksandrec
Davis Islands Dog Park

tampagov.net/parksandrec
DipidyDawg Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique

dipidydawg.com
Dog Island Park

carrabelle.org
Dog Wood Park

jaxdogs.com
Global Pet Expo

globalpetexpo.org
Happy Tails Canine Park

dogpark.com/happy-tails-canine-park
Hard Rock Hotel

hardrockhotelorlando.com
Jacksonville Landing
The Wyndham Orlando Resort permits

furry guests, as does the Sheraton Lake Buena
Vista Resort. The Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando
lets pups on the premises and gives you a hand
with pet beds, food and leashes. (For other
properties in the Wyndham, Sheraton, and
Hard Rock chains, call ahead to ascertain how
pet-friendly the property is before booking.)
The Alfond Inn, a stylish boutique hotel in
Winter Park, now welcomes four-legged guests
with its VIP (Very Important Pup) Package.
The city is known for its exceptionally dogfriendly shops and more than two dozen
dog-friendly restaurants and sidewalk cafs,
along with Lake Baldwin Park, the 23-acre
green space where dogs can run off leash
during posted hours.
Residence Inn by Marriott in Sebring allows
Rover and friends; for other Residence Inns,
just call and ask.
For a more urban stay, check out the chic
Aloft hotels, in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Doral,
Miami and Orlando, with outlets opening by
the end of 2014 in Tampa and South Beach. At
Aloft, the saying goes: Pets are more than just
funtheyre family, too!
PUPULAR BOULEVARDS
Lincoln Road in Miami Beach is the place to
stroll, especially if youre rooming at the
pupular palace known as the W South Beach,

which provides a special pet bed and dogwalking service.
You can do the same at the W Hotel Fort
Lauderdale, then spend a lovely afternoon in and
out of cafs and art galleries on North Fort
Lauderdale Beach Boulevard or East Las Olas
Boulevard where many proprietors tolerate
purse-carried pups, and nearly every outdoor
caf welcomes a well-behaved canine curled up
under your table. Wild East Asian Bistro even has
a dog-friendly area, so you neednt worry about
sitting near someone who is fearful of pooches.
Or stroll down Duval Street in Key West,
then lope around Mallory Square for two hours
before sunset every evening and take in the ritualistic Key West Sunset Celebration.
jacksonvillelanding.com
Key West Sunset Celebration

sunsetcelebration.org
Lee County Off-Leash Dog Park

leeparks.org
Mango Dog Park

doggoes.com/parks/florida/tampa/mango-dog-park
Pampered Pet Expo

pamperedpetexpo.com
Paw Park of Historic Sanford

pawparksanford.org
Paws Park Jax Beach

pawsparkjaxbeach.com
Paw Playgrounds
pinellascounty.org/park/dog_parks.htm
Piglets Pantry
pigletspantry.com
Posh Pooch Festival

celebration.fl.us/celebration-events/annual
Residence Inn by Marriott

marriott.com
Scott Complex Dog Park

visitpensacola.com/landing/pensacola-pets
Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

sheratonlakebuenavistaresort.com
TAIL-WAGGING FAVORITES
Smyrna Dunes Park
Pet boutiques have sprouted throughout Florida.

Plenty of treats are available at Piglets
Pantry in Mount Dora, which also hosts
Yappy Hour every third Friday of the month.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Winter
Park offers a bounty of treats, and also caters to
your pets grooming needs. There are currently
16 outlets in Florida, with more on the way.
Scout out more dog-friendly spots at Florida
Pet Pages (floridapetpages.com) and pet-friendly
hotels at bringfido.com/lodging/state/florida. FL
The Alfond Inn
nsbfla.com/petfriendly
thealfondinn.com
The Bell Tower Shops

thebelltowershops.com
The Lodge of New Tampa

thelodgefordogs.com
The Loews Hotel Group

loewshotels.com
Wild East Asian Bistro

wildeastbistro.com
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

woofgangbakery.com
Wyndham Orlando Resort

wyndham.com
59
EC OTO U R ISM
BY SANDRA FRIEND
EMBRACE THE WILD
Diving off Key Largo.
ature lovers have an endless list of reasons to explore Floridas wild places.
Start with the hundreds of shimmering freshwater springs, lush tropical forests,
a 2,000-mile coastline, and the worlds only
Everglades. Add in the states location on migratory paths for birds and butterflies, and native
species youll rarely, if ever, see elsewhere: the
American crocodile, the Florida panther, the
West Indian manatee and a colorful spectrum of
native orchids and bromeliads. Eco-friendly accommodation and tour options sensitive to the
native habitats continue to expand. So when in
Florida, embrace the wild: get outdoors.
SOUTHEAST
The Everglades, the watery heart of South
Florida, covers more than 734 square miles of
sawgrass prairies, mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. Experience this wilderness via
its trails, roads and guided tours offered in
60
Everglades National Park, which include the

popular Shark Valley Tram Tours. Paddle
through the wilds of West Palm Beach on a
guided trip at Grassy Waters Preserve, featuring
23 square miles of Everglades habitat, or slosh
through a designated urban wilderness with
wet prairies and islands of tropical trees on the
self-guided Apoxee Wilderness Trail. Watch for
the eerie red gleam of alligators eyes in the
dark of night from your airboat on a Gator
Nights Tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
At the Loggerhead Marinelife Center of
Juno Beach, join a guided walk to watch sea
turtles nesting. Thousands of sea turtles nest on
Floridas shores every summer, particularly on
the Atlantic Coast. Those Atlantic coastal
breezes come in handy for wind generation,
now that wind turbines power the lights at
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, a first for
the Hilton chain. Sustainability Property Tours
are offered to guests.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: BOB CARE/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU; VISIT FLORIDA; VISIT FLORIDA
Safari boardwalk at Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston.
FEATURED LINKS
Aardvarks Florida Kayak Co., Inc.
floridakayakcompany.com
Alexander Springs Recreation Area

floridasprings.org/visit/map/alexander-spring
Amelia River Cruises

ameliarivercruises.com
Anclote Key Preserve State Park

floridastateparks.org/anclotekey
Apalachicola Bay
apalachicolabay.org
Apoxee Wilderness Trail

floridahikes.com/apoxee-wilderness-trail
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

fws.gov/archiecarr
B Resort & Spa

bhotelsandresorts.com/b-walt-disney-world
Barr Hammock Preserve

floridahikes.com/barr-hammock-preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve

nps.gov/bicy
Big O Birding Festival

bigobirdingfestival.com
Camping in Collier County in Southwest Florida.
Blackwater River State Park

floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver
Become a Reef Explorer in the Florida

Keys, where a new program encourages divers
and snorkelers to collect stamps in a passport
journal highlighting the top living coral reefs
in the Keys. Based on Key Largo, the Coral
Restoration Foundation offers volunteer opportunities for divers to help re-establish coral
colonies. Stay at one of the 47 campsites set up
in a tropical forest in John Pennekamp Coral
Reef State Park, and take part in snorkeling and
diving adventures on the offshore coral reefs.
In Key West, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery
Center provides an understanding of the habitats both above and below the water.
Find tropical fruits and retro attractions on
the Historical Redland Tropical Trail just north
of the Keys in Miami-Dades agricultural district. Birding is big along Lake Okeechobee,
where the Big O Birding Festival is held each
March. Year-round, Hendry County Audubon
and the South Florida Water Management
District provide birding tours to STA5, part of
the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Paddle one of Floridas most primordial
waterways during a stay at Fisheating Creek
Outpost in Palmdale. An ancient forest shades
the tent-friendly section of the campground,
which offers hiking trails, rentals and paddling
access to the creek.
SOUTHWEST
Lush cypress strands dense with orchids and
bromeliads await visitors bold enough to explore
the Big Cypress Swamp in the western Everglades.
Blanketing more than a million acres, this watery
wilderness is Americas own Amazon, accessed
through public lands, such as Big Cypress National
Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State
Park. Swamp walks enable visitors to experience
the wild with a guide. For a gentler walk into a cypress strand, follow the boardwalks of Six Mile
Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.
Along the Imperial River, Bonita Nature
Place is a new nature center to delight the kids,
who will also enjoy the indoor field trips at the
Dalton Discovery Center, the central feature of
the 21-acre Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Nature Center in Naples.
Bicycles are big around Charlotte County,
with the Yellow Bike Loaner Programthe first
Florida free bike loan programoffering visitors an eco-friendly way to explore Punta
Gorda. Another first is Florida Tracks & Trails,
a 1,000-acre outdoor recreation facility with
on-site camping and activities ranging from
paintball and Motocross to off-highway vehicle
trails and a recreation lake.
Grab a paddleboard to explore the Neville
Marine Preserve Trail, which winds between Casey
Blue Spring State Park

floridastateparks.org/bluespring
Bok Tower Gardens

boktowergardens.org
Bonita Nature Place

bonitaspringsrecreation.org/natureplace.html
Central Florida Nature Adventures

kayakcentralflorida.com
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

fws.gov/chassahowitzka
Chassahowitzka River Campground

chassahowitzkaflorida.com
Circle B Bar Reserve

floridahikes.com/circlebbar
Cherry Pocket
cherrypocket.com
Conservancy of Southwest Florida

conservancy.org
Disneys Animal Kingdom

disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/
animal-kingdom
East Central Regional Rail Trail

volusia.org/trails
Ellie Rays RV Resort & Lounge

ellieraysrvresort.com

nps.gov/ever
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

floridastateparks.org/fakahatcheestrand
Fisheating Creek Outpost

fisheatingcreekoutpost.com
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html
61
EC OTO U R ISM
Pet a stingray at Brevard Zoo.
campers are also welcome. Under a canopy of

live oaks, Manatee Hammock Campground
south of Titusville is riffled by breezes off the
Indian River Lagoon and has a great view of
rocket launches at the Kennedy Space Center.
Follow in the footsteps of locals to find
Space Coast Hidden Gems, a guide to the
lesser-known getaways along the Space Coast,
featuring places such as 2nd Lightone of the
best surfing spotsand many of the regions
natural areas.
Visit West Volusias springs on the Spring-toSpring Trail, a cyclist/walking path with
segments around Blue Spring State Park and
Gemini Springs Park. Green Springs Park in
Enterprise serves as a trailhead for the East
Central Regional Rail Trail, which will connect
cyclists to the coast; a new segment is now open
in Titusville. With more than 200 acres of natural
habitats conserved in New Smyrna Beach, Indian
River Lagoon Preserve Park offers birding,
fishing and a kayak launch on the waterway.
Watch for the rare and endangered scrub jay in Lake County.
Key and Siesta Key off Sarasota. New to stand-up

paddleboarding? Siesta Key Paddleboards can help
out with lessons and rentals.
CENTRAL EAST
Get to know Floridas marine communities
better at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal
Center, a 57-acre facility in Stuart with touch
tanks and trails through mangrove forest; it also
offers guided after-dark turtle nesting walks on
Hutchinson Island. There are more than 225
acres to explore at Oxbow Eco-Center, where
62
programs for children and adults alike showcase the spectrum of nature found in and
around Port St. Lucie. The new Lagoon
Greenway provides several miles of hiking trails
through mangrove forests along the Indian
River Lagoon in Vero Beach. Protecting more
than 20 miles of oceanfront, Archie Carr
National Wildlife Refuge near Sebastian is a top
nesting site for sea turtles.
Ocean-goers who love the outdoors will delight in the addition of cabins to popular Jetty
Park in Cape Canaveral, where RVs and tent
The B Resort at Walt Disney World raises awareness of Florida wildlife by adopting the gopher
frog, a Florida species in decline, as a stuffed
mascot in every guest room. Take one home and
part of the proceeds benefit the Wildlife
Foundation of Florida. At Disneys Animal
Kingdom, the Wild Africa Trek harnesses you
into a hike above hippos before boarding a
bouncing safari ride that takes you past exotic
animals in the African savannah. Early risers
catch the early birds with a photographers pass
at Gatorland in Orlando. Slip in before the
crowds to capture top-notch images of the many
nesting birds above the alligator ponds.
Wildlife sightings are guaranteed at Circle B
Bar Reserve near Lakeland, renowned among
photographers and birders for the density of its
bird life. Newly opened Holloway Park &
Nature Preserve provides cross-country runners with a place to train in nature, and a new
natural space for birding in Lakeland. Watch the
sun rise over the marshes of Lake Lowery at
Oak Harbor Lodging and RV Park, a 198-site
family-owned campground that feels like a nature park. At Cherry Pocket Fish Camp, rustic
cabins and RV sites provide out-the-door access
to fishing on Lake Pierce; at night, its famed
restaurant draws diners from around the region.
CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER LEFT: LAKE COUNTY CVB; FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM; CITRUSCOUNTY.COM
CENTRAL
Paddle Lake Countys Blueways with

Central Florida Nature Adventures or swirl
down a natural lazy river that flows out of a
cave at Kelly Park near Apopka, which offers
camping near Rock Springs Run. Splash in a
spring in the Ocala National Forest by spending
a night at one of several popular campgrounds;
Alexander Springs has the best swimming,
snorkeling and paddling for all ages.
CENTRAL WEST
There are more places to play at Werner-Boyce
Salt Springs State Park. Enter at the Main Gate
trailhead to enjoy hiking trails and a kayak
launch into its vast coastal marshes. The Nature
Coast is known for its mazy marshes, so hiring a
guide is recommended. Aardvarks Florida Kayak
Co., Inc., offers unique tours of the 23,000-acre
St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as well as
more standard manatee tours, a mainstay of the
Crystal River-Homosassa area. Paddlers love
Chassahowitzka River Campground, the launch
point for adventures in the watery
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.
Fort De Soto Park attracts millions annually to its beaches along Tampa Bay; its trails
lead you into mangrove forests where manatees cruise the shallows. With 238 sites, many
of which look out on Tampa Bay, its campground is on every campers list. But did you
know you can take a tent out to Anclote Key
Preserve State Parkaccessible only by
kayak or private boatand camp on that

quiet island?
For a memorable adventure north of Tampa,
go on safari at Giraffe Ranch, a 47-acre working
game farm and wildlife preserve. Near Dade
City, Withlacoochee River Park offers river access to paddlers, extensive hiking trails,
primitive tent sites ideal for families with kids
on their first camping trip, and RV sites near a
replica 1840s village.
NORTHEAST
Learn where your seafood comes from.
Departing from Fernandina Beach, Amelia
River Cruises puts all hands on deck to work
on its eco-shrimping tours, a perfect match for
a city known for its shrimping heritage.
Discover just how close the coastal wetlands
are to the gleaming skyscrapers of downtown
Jacksonville on a dolphin-watching cruise with
Captain Brooks Mitchell of Jax Water Tours.
You cant get closer to the beach than Huguenot
Memorial Park Campground, which features
71 sites on a spit of sand at the mouth of the St.
Johns River.
Take a guided trip through the estuaries between St. Augustine and Flagler Beach with
Ripple Effect Ecotours by kayak or on board
quiet vegetable oil-powered Eco-Explorer
boats. Now partnering with Marineland
Dolphin Adventure and the University of
Floridas Whitney Lab, Ripple Effect Ecotours
FEATURED LINKS
Florida Keys Reef Explorer
fla-keys.com/diving/reefexplorer
Florida Oceanographic Society

floridaocean.org
Florida Tracks & Trails

floridatracksandtrails.com
Fort De Soto Park

pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
Gainesville Old Florida Birding

and Nature Festival
gainesvillebirdingandnaturefestival.com
Gamble Rogers Memorial State

Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
floridastateparks.org/gamblerogers
Gatorland
gatorland.com
Gemini Springs Park

floridahikes.com/gemini-springs-park
Giraffe Ranch
girafferanch.com
Grassy Waters Preserve

wpb.org/grassywaters
Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail

floridabirdingtrail.com
Green Springs Park

floridahikes.com/green-spring-park
Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc.

gulfspecimen.org
Hendry-Glades Audubon Society

hendrygladesaudubon.org
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

hilton.com
Historical Redland Tropical Trail

redlandtrail.com
Holloway Park & Nature Preserve

hollowaypark.org
Huguenot Memorial Park

visitjacksonville.com/directory/
Huguenot-Memorial-Park
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

cityofnsb.com/766/Beachside-Parks
Jax Water Tours

jaxwatertours.com
Jetty Park at Port Canaveral

jettyparkbeachandcampground.com

floridastateparks.org/pennekamp
Kelly Park Loop Trail

floridahikes.com/kellypark
Lagoon Greenway
indianriverlandtrust.org/cfiles/
projects_lagoongreenway.cfm
Lake County Blueways

paddlelake.com
Loggerhead Marinelife Center

marinelife.org
Cycle the Withlacoochee State Trail in Inverness.
63
EC OTO U R ISM
Dolphins frolic near the shores of the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches area.
FEATURED LINKS
Manatee Hammock Campground
brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/North/
ManateeHammock
Marion County Springs Festival

facebook.com/MarionCountySpringsFest
Neville Marine Preserve Trail

scgov.net/WaterRecreation/Pages/
NevilleMarinePreserve.aspx
Oak Harbor Lodging & RV Park

oakharbor-rv.com
Ocala National Forest

fs.usda.gov/ocala
Ocean Pond Campground

forestcamping.com/dow/southern/osccmp.htm
Off The Map Expeditions, LLC
NORTH CENTRAL
A bounty of springs through this region promises access to the states most beautiful
swimming holes and camping spots. Celebrate
the springs each April at the Marion County
Springs Festival, held at a different spring each
year for more than a decade. Centered on its
own bubbling spring on the Santa Fe River,
Ellie Rays RV Resort & Lounge has cabins and
deeply shaded tent and RV sites.
For an off-the-beaten-path paddling trip,
head to Wacissa Springs, an unspoiled waterway
east of Tallahassee, where Wacissa River Canoe
Rentals will float your boat. Keep Paddle Florida
in your bookmarks. This non-profit sponsors
flotillas of canoes and kayaks on supported trips
along Floridas rivers at varying times of the year.
Gainesville has always been a mecca for
birders, with Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park a
perfect place to spot sandhill cranes and whooping
64
cranes while nearby Barr Hammock Preserve

offers the vast Levy Prairie for birders to scout.
NORTHWEST
South of Tallahassee, St. Marks National Wildlife
Refuge is a popular stop on the Great Florida
Birding & Wildlife Trail, especially in October
during the annual monarch butterfly migration.
See the delicate microfauna of the Gulf of
Mexicoseahorses, jellyfish, crabs, and more
along with sea turtles and stingrays at Gulf
Specimen Marine Laboratories, Inc., in Panacea.
For a hands-on experience with aquaculture,
learn how to tong oysters from the oyster beds
with an oysterman on Apalachicola Bay.
Paddle a massive tupelo-cypress swamp
known as the Dead Lakes with a guided tour
from Off the Map Expeditions, LLC. This watery wilderness is the birthplace of tupelo honey,
processed and shipped from Wewahitchka,
where you can try a sample at Smileys Apiaries.
Howl with the wolves during an overnight campout at Seacrest Wolf Preserve, the largest wolf
preserve in the southeast US; tours are offered
to the public on Saturdays.
For sugar-sand beaches with a salty breeze,
head for T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph
Peninsula State Park, with its camping options
to delight all visitors, including backcountry
tent camping and A-frame cabins above the bay.
Imagine your own private white-sand beach
on a gentle bend of a freshwater river. Campers
at Blackwater River State Park in Santa Rosa
County can sneak away from their gravel sites
in the woods down a nature trail and boardwalk to a quiet getaway; day visitors to the park
have a busier swimming hole upriver. FL
offthemapexpeditions.com
Osceola National Forest

fs.usda.gov/osceola
Oxbow Eco-Center
stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow
Paddle Florida
paddleflorida.org
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie
Ripple Effect Ecotours

rippleeffectecotours.com
Sawgrass Recreation Park

evergladestours.com/special-adventure.aspx
Seacrest Wolf Preserve

seacrestwolfpreserve.org
Shark Valley Tram Tours

sharkvalleytramtours.com
Siesta Key Paddleboards

siestakeypaddleboards.com
Silver Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/silversprings
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

sloughpreserve.org
Smiley Apiaries
smileyhoney.com
Space Coast Hidden Gems

spacecoasthiddengems.com
Spring-to-Spring Trail
volusia.org/trails

fws.gov/refuge/st_marks/
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
floridastateparks.org/stjoseph
Team Punta Gorda

teampuntagorda.org/bicycleloaner.html
Wacissa River Canoe & Kayak Rentals

wacissarivercanoerentals.com
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/wernerboyce
Wild Africa Trek

wildafricatrek.com
Withlacoochee River Park

swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/
withlacoocheeriverpark.html
PHOTO: PALM COAST AND THE FLAGLER BEACHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
leads learning adventures into the southern

portion of Guana Tolomato Matanzas National
Estuarine Research Reserve, with its maze of
estuaries and islands where the waters of
Matanzas Inlet mingle with Pellicer Creek.
Campers at Gamble Rogers Memorial State
Recreation Area in Flagler Beach enjoy a soft
strum of the waves at night and can borrow
bedtime stories from a campground library for
the kids. A nature trail immerses visitors in
coastal habitats under windswept trees.
At Ocean Pond Campground in the Osceola
National Forest, watch the sun set over a twomile-wide cypress-lined lake. Known for its
red-cockaded woodpecker population, the
forest is a favorite among birders.
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SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
A STUDY IN
Vt
BY JEFF OSTROWSKI
rom crystal-blue water to big-city culture, Southeast Florida is a study in

contrasts. Often, the tranquility of the
beach and the bustle of a thrumming metropolitan area are just steps apart. Beyond the beach,
the shopping is top-notch, the restaurants are
world-class and the already-rich array of cultural
amenities keeps getting better. From the quaint
streets of Key West and nightclubs of South
Beach to the restaurants and shops of downtown
Fort Lauderdale and the mansions of Palm
Beach, Southeast Florida offers a stunning variety
of experiences.
WHATS NEW
Visitors to the middle Florida Keys can now enjoy
an immersive experience with reef fish, invertebrates, stingrays and even sharks without entering
the ocean at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters,
a marine life attraction that recently opened in
Marathon. Learn about the importance of marine
conservation and discover the Keys complex underwater habitats. A signature feature is the coral
66
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: VISIT FLORIDA; DDMIRT/SHUTTERSTOCK
A beach in Key West.
reef exhibit and shark habitat housed in a massive 200,000-gallon interconnected saltwater
aquarium. Following an instructional presentation, participants can immerse themselves in
the tank to hover over the artificial coral reef
structure and observe marine species that are
part of the in-tank ecosystem.
Prez Art Museum Miami is the newest
addition to South Floridas cultural scene.
Housed in a US$130-million building overlooking Biscayne Bay, the freshly opened
museum features contemporary art. But the
building itself is the star. Designed by awardwinning architects Herzog & de Meuron, the
structure is a swirl of striking terraces,
canopies and floor-to-ceiling glass. The
200,000-square-foot facility includes a sculpture garden and a restaurant.
If you prefer shopping to art, a new entry to
Floridas shopping scene is Delray Marketplace,
which includes Polaroid Fotobar, Gymboree,
Yankee Candle and other small shops, plus
movies and dining establishments, such as Burt
& Maxs Grille, Cabo Flats Cantina & Tequila
Bar and Shula Burger.
The Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm
Beach serves up the latest addition to Southeast
Floridas consumer culture. The mall, just off
Interstate 95, opened with 100 stores, including
such favorites as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th,
Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole, The PUMA Store,
Nike Factory Store, Under Armour and Banana
Republic Factory Store. The adjacent
Marketplace at the Outlets opened in the fall of
2014, featuring Whole Foods Market and
Sports Authority.
Scheduled to open in summer 2015, the 350room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is
being built on the famous Broadwalk in
Hollywood. It will tower 17 stories over the
Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway and will include multiple food and beverage venues,
recreational areas including multiple pools, beachfront cabanas and entertainment venues, the
15,000-square-foot world-class St. Somewhere
Spa, a beachfront fitness center, 7,000 square feet
of retail space, the Johnson Street Amphitheatre
and ample meeting and convention space.
ARTS AND CULTURE

Visual arts are an integral part of the scene
here, and Prez Art Museum Miami is just one
of the many must-see attractions throughout
Southeast Florida.
If you find yourself in Key West, drop in to
view exhibits at the Mel Fisher Maritime
Museum and learn about pirates and the Fisher
familys unwavering quest for lost sunken treasures. Another popular spot is the Ernest
Hemingway Home & Museum in the heart of
Old Town Key West, where Hemingway lived
and wrote for more than 10 years. After touring
his home, wander through the lush grounds
where 40 to 50 polydactyl (six-toed) cats reside,
some of which are descendants of Hemingways
pet Snowball.
In Homestead, Schnebly Redlands Winery
& Brewery makes wines from exotic fruits.
Nearby, Miami Tropical Bonsai boasts a collection of 10,000 miniature bonsai trees, and R.F.
Orchids ships a wide selection of orchids nearly
anywhere in the world.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Art Deco Weekend, Miami Beach
Key Largo Sailfish Challenge
Las Olas Art Fair Part I, Fort Lauderdale
Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens
JANUARYFEBRUARY
South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach
FEBRUARY
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, Jupiter
Delray Beach Garlic Fest
Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Miami International Boat Show
FEBRUARYMARCH
Honda Classic, Palm Beach Gardens
MARCH
Boca Bacchanal, Boca Raton
Calle Ocho, Miami
Las Olas Art Fair Part II
Major League Baseball Spring Training, Jupiter
Savor the Avenue, Delray Beach
Sony Open Tennis, Key Biscayne
Winter Music Conference, Miami Beach
APRIL
Delray Affair
Lauderdale Air Show
Palm Beach International Film Festival
APRILMAY
Sunfest, West Palm Beach
MAY
Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key Largo
JULY
Hemingway Days, Key West
Miami Swim Week
AUGUST
Brazilian Film Festival of Miami
AUGUSTSEPTEMBER
International Ballet Festival, Miami
SEPTEMBER
Miami International Wine Fair
OCTOBER
Boogie by the Beach, Sunny Isles Beach
Fantasy Fest, Key West
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Italian Film Festival, Miami
Key West Goombay Festival
NOVEMBER
Key West Film Festival
Miami Book Fair International
Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest
DECEMBER
Art Basel Miami Beach
Design Miami
Holiday Boat Parades
Miami Short Film Festival
Explore beauty and peace in the Japanese Gardens at Morikami Park in Delray Beach.
67
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Water taxis are a great way to explore
Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
INSIDERS TIPS
Water Taxi Miami hop-on/hop-off service
connects Miami and Downtown Miami and
the new Marlins Stadium with Miami
Beach/South Beach, Key Biscayne, Coconut
Grove, Fisher Island and Indian Creek.
Water taxis are also an excellent way to
take in the sights along Fort Lauderdales
waterways and provide access to both
Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale beaches,
world-class shopping and dining, and the
many cultural and historical sites in both
citiesall for one low price. A convenient
trolley system also runs in both cities from
beachside to downtown.
Located midway between downtown
Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the city of
Sunny Isles Beach offers free community
shuttle service seven days a week with three
different routes for the convenience of residents and visitors. Shuttle buses are
handicapped accessible and are available
for such use when a reservation is made at
least 24 hours in advance.
Depending on where you plan to visit, a
number of international and regional airports service Southeast Florida besides
Miami International Airport: Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport,
Palm Beach International Airport and Key
West International Airport.
68
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is home

to the Miami City Ballet, the Palm Beach Opera
and the Palm Beach Pops, and presents more
than 350 performances featuring acclaimed
artists every year. Perhaps no individual has had
a greater or more lasting impact on a state than
Henry Flagler has had in Florida. While in the
Palm Beach area, be sure to tour the Henry
Morrison Flagler Museum, housed in his opulent 73-room mansion, Whitehall, for a glimpse
of what life was like for the wealthy during the
Gilded Age in American history.
BEACHES
Beaches are Southeast Floridas original tourist
attraction, and the beach experiences here are
as varied as the region itself.
The beach area at Bahia Honda State Park
in the Lower Florida Keys was named one of
the United States top 25 beaches for 2014 by
TripAdvisor. Bahia Honda features a pristine,
sandy expanse thats part of a 524-acre state
park. Deep near-shore waters are ideal for
swimming and snorkeling, and the park also
offers camping, picnicking, nature trails, the
Sand and Sea Nature Center, a marina and
rental cabins.
South Beach is perhaps Southeast Floridas
most iconic destination. The art deco architecture, wide beach and vibrant nightlife draw
pleasure-seekers from everywhere. For a quieter
experience, try snorkeling at John Pennekamp
State Park in Key Largo or at John D. MacArthur
Beach State Park in North Palm Beach.
The beaches around Southeast Floridas
many piers also are a good bet. Among them:
Newport Fishing Pier in Sunny Isles Beach,
Dania Beach Pier, Anglins Fishing Pier in
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Municipal
Pier, Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier,
Lake Worth Pier and Juno Beach Park Pier.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: VISIT FLORIDA; FLORIDASTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK; JORG HACKEMANN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Learn about the Native American way of life

at the Miccosukee Indian Museum of Natural
and Tribal History in Miami.
To see the most post-modern artwork, hit

the galleries and warehouses in Miamis Design
District and Wynwood Arts District. If youd
rather look than buy, head to the Bass Museum
of Art in Miami Beach or the Museum of
Contemporary Art in North Miami.
Beyond the museums, Miami is an international city that can feel like its more part of
Latin America than the United States. To get a
taste of the Cuban culture that helped transform Miami, head to Calle Ocho to enjoy a caf
con leche or vaca frita at landmark restaurants
Versailles and La Carreta.
In Fort Lauderdale, the Museum of Art hosts
traveling exhibits and features a noteworthy collection of works from Europes CoBrA
movement, while the Museum of Discovery and
Science promises a fascinating day of exploration on two floors of interactive exhibits.
Another unusual collection is on display at The
Wick Theatre & Costume Museum in Boca
Raton. Proprietor Marilynn Wick opened the museum as a place to hold her 1.2 million costumes,
many of them Broadway originals. The Boca
Raton Museum of Art is also well worth a visit.
The award-winning Delray Beach Center
for the Arts at Old School Square successfully
combines historic preservation and the arts.
The campus includes the Cornell Museum of
Art and American Culture, the Crest Theatre,
the Vintage Gymnasium, The Pavilion and the
School of Creative Arts. While in the area, visit
the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens,
the fascinating center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since 1977.
The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm
Beach owns paintings by some noteworthy
Impressionists and the Cultural Council of
Palm Beach County showcases exhibitions by
local artists at its gallery at 601 Lake Avenue.
Also in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F.
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

In the Florida Keys, dining venues run the gamut
from waterfront seafood shacks filled with barefoot patrons to sophisticated fine-dining
establishments that rival New Yorks finest.
Nothing says Florida like Joes Stone Crabs,
a Miami Beach eatery thats famous for its succulent crustaceans. However, Southeast
Floridas dining options encompass much more
than just seafood. Whether you crave fare from
Asia, Brazil, Europe or Cuba, theres an abundance of choices. Should you want to cover
Little Havana or South Beach eateries, book a
guided tour with Miami Culinary Tours or
Miami Open City Tour.
For the best selection in eating and nightlife
options, head to one of Southeast Floridas
many vibrant town centers. For instance,
Hollywoods Broadwalk stretches more than
two miles, with the beach on one side and cafs,
restaurants and boutique hotels on the other.
Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale is another hot spot for dining and parties as is
Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beachs main drag. If
you find yourself in Delray Beach in March,
check out the Savor the Avenue event, a huge
open-air extravaganza featuring a long table set
up along Atlantic Avenue.
Sharing more than 20 years of international
culinary experience at two of the most celebrated and well-known restaurants in the
world, Nobu and Katsuya, Chef Alex Becker

has orchestrated the talented team responsible
for the December 2014 opening of a contemporary new-style Japanese restaurant at
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in
Hollywood. In collaboration with his Executive
Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa of the famed
Morimoto restaurant empire, every fine detailfrom the socially-chic ambiance to the
specialty crafted flavorstakes guests on a
memorable culinary journey. Locally harvested
ingredients in perfect tune with the expertly
curated selection of fresh fish are uniquely designed for a personal dining experience.
If your budget is as expansive as the blue
Florida sky, the high-end restaurants in Palm
Beach are reliably excellent. If youre on a budget,
grab a quick bite at one of the new Trader Joes
grocery stores in Southeast Florida. The organic
grocer is opening a half-dozen locations between
Miami and Palm Beach Gardens.
Gamblers take great delight in the number of
venues available to them in Southeast Florida.
Two casino boats have begun operation.
Resorts World Bimini offers Bimini SuperFast, a
cruise ship, which sails to Resorts World Bimini
Casino in the Bahamas on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday from Port Everglades, Fort
Lauderdale, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday
from PortMiami. The Balearia Bahamas Express
ferry includes slot machines.
FEATURED LINKS
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
ansg.org
Aventura Mall
aventuramall.com
Bahia Honda State Park

bahiahondapark.com
Bal Harbour Shops

balharbourshops.com
Bass Museum of Art

bassmuseum.org
Bimini SuperFast
rwbimini.com/superfast-cruise-ship
Boca Museum of Art

bocamuseum.org
Boca Raton Resort & Club

bocaresort.com
Boca Raton Town Center

simon.com/mall/town-center-at-boca-raton
Boomers!
boomersparks.com
Butterfly World
butterflyworld.com
Calder Casino & Race Course

calderracecourse.com
Clevelander South Beach Hotel and Bar

clevelander.com
Cool de Sac
cool-de-sac.com
Dadeland Mall
simon.com/mall/dadeland-mall
Dave & Busters

daveandbusters.com
Delano South Beach

morganshotelgroup.com/Delano/Delano-south-beach
Delray Beach Center for the Arts

delraycenterforthearts.org
Delray Marketplace
delraymarket.com
Dolphin Mall
shopdolphinmall.com
Dolphin Research Center

dolphins.org
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

hemingwayhome.com
Falls Mall
simon.com/mall/the-falls
Festival Flea Market Mall

festival.com
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

floridakeysaquariumencounters.com
Fontainebleau Miami Beach

fontainebleau.com
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport
broward.org/airport
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach

Resort & Spa
marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllsb-fort-lauderdalemarriott-harbor-beach-resort-and-spa
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park

macarthurbeach.org
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino

gulfstreampark.com
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

gumbolimbo.org
Nightlife on Ocean Drive in Miami.
69
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Visitors at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
Casino Miami offers 1,000 slot machines, a

poker room, dominoes and live shows, while
Miccosukee Resort & Gaming serves up slots,
poker and a hotel. A bit north, Gulfstream Park
Racing & Casino in Hallandale now features
year-round thoroughbred racing as well as
shops, dining establishments and a casino.
Other popular options include the Calder
Casino and Race Course in Miami Gardens,
Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale and the Isle
Casino & Racing in Pompano Park.
If a baseball game at Marlins Park in Miami
is on your schedule, theres no better place to
take it all in than at The Clevelander, an exciting nightspot where you can watch the game
from the poolside bars and take a dip.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDY NEWMAN/FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU; ALBERT BARR/SHUTTERSTOCK
If you find yourself in the Florida Keys, dont

pass up the opportunity to visit the Dolphin
Research Center on Grassy Key and the Turtle
Hospital on Marathon Key. Residents at both
facilities will surely win your heart.
Just north of Homestead, Zoo Miami boasts
more than 2,000 animals available for viewing
in a cage-free setting. Another family favorite,
Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne is home to
dolphins, manatees, crocodiles and a 7,000pound killer whale. To get really close to the
animals, visit its Dolphin Encounter, where you
can pay extra to swim with dolphins.
NEED MORE INFO?

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
palmbeachculture.com
Discover Palm Beach County

palmbeachfl.com
Downtown Development Authority of Delray Beach

DelrayBeachDDA.com
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention

& Visitors Bureau
sunny.org
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

miamiandbeaches.com
Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency

gohollywoodfla.com
Sunny Isles Beach Tourism and Marketing Council

sunnyislesbeachmiami.com
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council

fla-keys.com
The Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale.

70
If your kids are more interested in primates,

visit Monkey Jungle south of Miami, which offers a Rainforest Adventure tour through a
habitat filled with South American monkeys.
Jungle Island is another fascinating place to
view tropical creatures up close. Just off the
mainland, on the way to South Beach and conveniently across from the interactive Miami
Childrens Museum, Jungle Island is renowned
for its wonderful bird and wildlife shows.
For a quieter outdoor experience, try Oleta
River State Park in North Miami. Its an oasis of
calm in the midst of the bustling city where you
can picnic, canoe and kayak in a natural preserve and watch dolphins and manatees. Try
hiking, mountain biking or trail running on the
parks twisting single-track trails. There are
even cabins for rent.
Auto buffs ought to tour the Miami Auto
Museum at the Dezer Collection, which boasts
a stash of more than 1,000 cars divided into sections such as Hollywood Cars of the Stars,
European Classics and American Classics.
Cool de Sac is a restaurant and play center
at Gulfstream Park Village in Hallandale Beach
where you can relax at the full-service restaurant, while your kids play and draw. Another
array of indoor gaming is on tap at Dave &
Busters in Hollywood.
For an educational excursion, try Davies
Young at Art Museum. This hands-on facility lets
FEATURED LINKS
One of Americas Great House Museums
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

flaglermuseum.us
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

hilton.com
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six

hyattregencypiersixty-six.com
IMAX
imax.com
Joes Stone Crab

joesstonecrab.com

pennekamppark.com
Jungle Island
jungleisland.com
Key West International Airport

keywestinternationalairport.com
Lago Mar Resort and Club

lagomar.com
Las Olas Boulevard

lasolasboulevard.com
Lincoln Road
lincolnroad.org
Loggerhead Marinelife Center

marinelife.org
Mardi Gras Casino

mardigrascasinofl.com
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com
Marlins Park
An absolute must-see - National Geographic Traveler

When it was completed in 1902, Whitehall, Henry Flaglers Gilded Age estate in Palm
Beach, was hailed by the New York Herald as more wonderful than any palace in
(XURSHJUDQGHUDQGPRUHPDJQLFHQWWKDQDQ\RWKHUSULYDWHGZHOOLQJLQWKHZRUOG
Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark open to the public as the Flagler
Museum featuring guided tours, self-guide brochures and audio tours in English,
6SDQLVK)UHQFKDQG*HUPDQDQGDVPDUWGHYLFHDSSVisit the Flagler Museum to
learn more about Floridas greatest benefactor, Henry Morrison Flagler.
h e n r y
m o r r i s o n
FLAGLER MUSEUM
palm beach, florida
A National Historic Landmark

One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach
Call (561) 655-2833 or visit www.FlaglerMuseum.us
marlins.com
Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection

dezercollection.com
Miami Childrens Museum

miamichildrensmuseum.org
Miami Culinary Tours

miamiculinarytours.com
Miami Design District

miamidesigndistrict.net
Miami International Airport

miami-airport.com
Miami Seaquarium
miamiseaquarium.com
Miami Spa Month

miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthlydeals/miami-spa-month
Miami Tropical Bonsai

miamitropicalbonsai.com
Mizner Park
miznerpark.com
Monkey Jungle
monkeyjungle.com
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

morikami.org
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale

moafl.org
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami

mocanomi.org
Museum of Discovery and Science

mods.org
Norton Museum of Art

norton.org
71
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
The legendary Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
hospital. Both Gumbo Limbo and the

Marinelife Center serve as animal hospitals
where injured and sick turtles are nursed back
to health by marine biologists. Once the turtles
are healthy, workers and volunteers cart them
by stretcher to the beach, where theyre released
into the ocean. While the turtles recover, you
and the kids can get a close look at thembabies, juveniles and adults are divided among
various tanks.
For movie lovers, theres no shortage of
IMAX screens in South Floridathe partial list
includes Sunset Place in South Miami, Lincoln
Road in Miami Beach, Dolphin Mall in Miami,
Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise and the Museum of
Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale.
In December, kick off the holiday season at
one of many holiday boat parades throughout
the region. The spectacular Seminole Hard
Rock Winterfest Boat Parade showcases
brightly lighted boats promenading along the
Intracoastal Waterway through Fort
Travel canopy-covered roads on Jupiter Island.

72
Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano

Beach. Another is the Boca Raton Holiday
Boat Parade.
ROAD TRIPS
An all-time favorite is the drive from Miami to
Key West on the single-lane Overseas Highway,
which crosses the Seven Mile Bridge. Flanked by
water on both sides, you might imagine youre
floating through Islamorada, Key Largo,
Marathon Key and Big Pine Key. Dawn and dusk
are prime times for birdwatching. If youre lucky,
youll spot great blue herons, white cranes and
bald eagles. Check FloridaRambler.coms milemarker guide to know where to stop and when.
For a stunning short drive, head east from
downtown Miami. If you choose the
Rickenbacker Causeway, youll spot ships at
the Port of Miami and the downtown skyline,
and youll quickly be transported to the OldFlorida feel of Key Biscayne. Take the
MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach to view
the ships from a different angle, and youll be
headed straight for the new Florida vibe in
South Beach.
Another classic drive takes you along State
Road A1A from Deerfield Beach north to
Palm Beach. Youll pass some of the worlds
priciest oceanfront mansions as youre treated
to views of the Atlantic Ocean and the
Intracoastal Waterway.
For wildlife sightings, head west on
Tamiami Trail from Miami, where youll spot
alligators and turtles. To see more gators, head
to Shark Valley, a paved trail off Tamiami Trail
thats perfect for biking and walking.
If bass fishing is your thing, take State Road
80 west from West Palm Beach. Once you leave
the urban area, youll be surrounded by sugarcane fields all the way to the small town of Belle
Glade, which borders Lake Okeechobee.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT FLORIDA/PETER W. CROSS; FOTOLUMINATE LLC/SHUTTERSTOCK; AVENTURA MALL
kids ride a subway, visit a cave, build sand sculptures and puppets, and learn about other cultures.
If arcade-style fun is your speed, try the
Boomers locations in Dania Beach and Boca
Raton. Attractions include laser tag, batting
cages, mini golf, climbing walls and go karts.
Displaying some 150 species and more than
20,000 butterflies in its aviaries and gardens,
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek promotes itself as the largest butterfly facility on the planet.
The place abounds with passionflowers and
other nectar-rich plants. Butterfly World is also
home to hummingbirds and The Bug Zoo
houses scorpions, spiders and, if youre not
feeling too squeamish, giant Asian cockroaches.
If sea creatures are more your kids speed,
visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca
Raton. See sharks in the centers saltwater
tanks, and view sea turtles that are recuperating
before being released into the ocean.
In West Palm Beach, the South Florida
Science Center and Aquarium recently unveiled a US$5-million renovation. Upgrades
include an 8,000-gallon aquarium and expanded exhibition space.
If you prefer to get outside, Rapids Water
Park in Riviera Beach north of West Palm
Beach boasts dozens of waterslides, a wave pool
and a lazy river. Just one of the highlights: Big
Thunder serves up a 45-degree drop and
speeds of 20 mph.
The Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno
Beach also includes aquariums and a sea turtle
SHOPPING
Dadeland Mall, Miamis original and most iconic shopping center, features more than 185 retail stores and restaurants while The Falls mall,
one of the largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment centers
in the US, showcases more than 100 stores, restaurants and cafs. West
of Miami, Dolphin Mall boasts restaurants and some 240 stores.
Another popular destination is Bayside Marketplace, situated along the
water in the heart of downtown Miami. Shops include Express, GUESS,
Victorias Secret and Wet Seal.
Bal Harbour Shops, in a ritzy enclave north of Miami, is one of the
regions trendy shopping areas, which counts Chanel, Herms, Gucci,
Thomas Pink and Jimmy Choo among its tenants.
Aventura Mall is Miami's premier fashion destination.
About seven miles away on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami,

Aventura Mall is home to six department store anchors, including
Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Macys, more than 300 specialty stores,
such as Louis Vuitton and H&M, 10 full-service restaurants, and a 24screen AMC movie theater. Available to domestic and international
travelers, Aventura Mall Rewards provides access to fabulous savings
and special offers at many of the malls premier stores. Cardholders also
receive a free gift with eligible purchases of US$500 or more, as well as
special benefits with purchases from select retailers. Obtain a rewards
card through your travel agent before leaving home or simply show a
passport or drivers license at the MasterCard Concierge Center at
Aventura Mall.
Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale is anchored by Dillards, Macys and
Neiman Marcus and offers an array of shops, including Apple, Sephora,
Michael Kors and Williams-Sonoma.
The Town Center at Boca Raton is another high-end shopping destination anchored by Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue
and Bloomingdales while the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens
lists just about every retailer you can think of, from A to Z.
Outlet malls are big draws in Florida. Sawgrass Mills, a huge outlet
mall in Sunrise, is said to be the No. 2 tourist attraction in Florida, after
only Walt Disney World. Theres no shortage of luxe retailers, such as
Burberry, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus
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Best Resorts in Fort Lauderdale.
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lagomar.com | 844.268.5162
73
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
SPAS
If youre keen to pamper yourself, South Florida
offers no shortage of options. Many full-service
hotels feature an array of facials, massages and
nail treatments.
The Biltmore in Coral Gables, Fontainebleau
in Miami and Trump International Beach
Resort in Sunny Isles Beach are but a few that
provide spa services in Miami-Dade County.
In Broward County, the Westin Diplomat
Resort & Spa in Hollywood, the Fort
Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort &
Spa, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort,
the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort
Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale Marriott
Pompano Beach Resort & Spa are among the
partial list of hotels with full spas. In Palm
Beach County, there are spas at Boca Raton
Resort and Club, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
in Manalapan and PGA National Resort & Spa
in Palm Beach Gardens.
If youre in Florida during the months of
April or October, watch for Spa Week specials.
74
FEATURED LINKS
Overseas Highway
fla-keys.com/highway.cfm
PGA National Resort & Spa

pgaresort.com
Palm Beach International Airport

pbia.org
Palm Beach Outlets

palmbeachoutlets.com
Prez Art Museum Miami

pamm.org
R.F. Orchids, Inc.

rforchids.com
Rapids Water Park
This bi-annual event features wellness locations

across the Sunshine State that provide two to
three full-service spa treatments for just US$50
each. Check the official website for a full list of
participating locations.
Similarly, Miami Spa Month lasts 60 days,
from July 1 to August 31, and offers discounted
packages designed to rub you the right way.
While smaller day spas also participate in this
seasonal offer, some of the largest luxury hotel
spas are also available at the same price. Some
even feature reduced rates on valet parking and
unrestricted access to the hotels pool deck.
Reservations for all appointments are required
and most treatment menus are posted on the
official website in the spring.
UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY

The historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
may not be on the ocean, but the hotel pool is
so massive you might not miss the beach.
The Delano South Beach epitomizes Miami
Beach hotelsbeautiful and uber-hip, relaxing
and full of attitude. Gauzy white sheets hang in
the lobby. Pool furniture upholstered in elegant
white adorns the pool deck. South Beachs art
deco architecture means just about any hotel
here is unique.
North of the Art Deco District sits the
freshly renovated Fontainebleau Hotel Miami
Beach, a legendary beachfront inn built in the
heydays of the 1950s.
In Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Resort
and Club and The Breakers are the grandes dames
of oceanfront hotels. Both inns deliver
elegant, old-world architecture that make them
favorites for conferences and weddings. FL
rapidswaterpark.com
Savor the Avenue

downtowndelraybeach.com/savor-and-tastemakers
Sawgrass Mills
simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills
South Beach Miami

visitsouthbeachonline.com
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

sfsciencecenter.org
Spa Week
spaweek.com/spas/Florida
Superior Small Lodging

superiorsmalllodging.com
Swap Shop
floridaswapshop.com
The Biltmore Hotel

biltmorehotel.com
The Breakers
thebreakers.com
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

galleriamall-fl.com
The Gardens Mall

thegardensmall.com
The Las Olas Sunday Market

tgmmc.com
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

melfisher.org
The Raymond F. Kravis Center

for the Performing Arts
kravis.org
The Turtle Hospital

turtlehospital.org
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa

diplomatresort.com
Trump International Beach Resort

trumpmiami.com
Water Taxi
watertaxi.com
Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

thewick.org
Worth Avenue Palm Beach

worth-avenue.com
Wynwood Arts District

wynwoodmiami.com
Young at Art Museum

youngatartmuseum.org
Zoo Miami
zoomiami.org
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO; COURTESY OF THE MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
and Saks. To the north, Palm Beach Outlets,

which opened in February 2014, aims to siphon
off some of those shoppers. Sawgrass Mills has
responded with billboards on Interstate 95
listing the stores it has.
If malls arent your style, consider Southeast
Floridas more authentic environments. Lincoln
Road in Miami Beach is an outdoor strip of galleries and boutiques where the street is closed
to traffic. In Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas
Boulevard is lined with boutiques and art galleries and, on Sundays, check out the Outdoor
Green Market for local and organic produce as
well as pottery, jewelry and more. Another outdoor shopping complex is Mizner Park in Boca
Raton, with its mix of upscale bistros and retailers, such as Lord & Taylor. For a more
relaxed vibe, Atlantic Avenue in downtown
Delray Beach features a variety of specialty
shops. Vying for the title of ritziest shopping
area in Southeast Florida, Worth Avenue in
Palm Beach attracts socialites shopping for
wares at such retailers as Tiffany and Co.,
Gucci, Cartier and Chanel.
Flea market fans flock to Swap Shop locations
in Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth while the
Festival Flea Market Mall in Pompano Beach
boasts more than 500 shops and restaurants.
Relax poolside at the Seminole

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.
FLO R I DA K E YS
ONLY IN THE^x
BY MARY BURNHAM
rom the big island of Key Largo

to the southernmost city of Key
West, the 100-mile barrier island
chain is truly unlike any other place on earth.
Indulge in tantalizing nightlife, world-class
diving, fishing, history and wildlife, all with the
backdrop of sparkling Caribbean blue water.
MUST SEE...MUST DO
To see why Key Largo is known as the Dive
Capital of the World, take a dive or snorkel trip
from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
out to the living coral reef. Youll see shipwrecks
and the underwater Christ of the Abyss statue.
Backcountry sport fishing and saltwater flyfishing were pioneered in Islamorada. Take a
charter fishing trip from the Sport Fishing
Capital of the World.
With numerous marinas, family-friendly resorts, the world-famous Turtle Hospital and
Dolphin Research Center, Marathon is the
Keys premier boating and family destination.
Wildlife is the theme in the Lower Keys.
Seek out the tiny, protected Key Deer in the
National Key Deer Refuge or take an ecotour
to view stunning birdlife in the Great White
Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
From pirates and wreckers to Cuban and
Bahamian influences, the island of Key West is
Enjoy an array of outstanding dining establishments in the Florida Keys.
a treasure of rich and varied history, culture

and architecture. One of the best ways to take
it all in is on the Conch Tour Train, a narrated
overview of the southernmost city in the
Continental US.
LIVE IT UP
Key West boasts more than 350 bars and
restaurants, ranging from sophisticated fine
dining at Pisces to the clothing-optional
rooftop Garden of Eden.
In the quieter, low-key Lower Keys, stop in
to watch live music or sports on the big screen
at Boondocks tiki bar or the quirky No Name
Pub on No Name Key. Toast the sunset over the
famous Seven Mile Bridge, and take a moonlight dip in the saltwater pool at the Sunset
Grille in Marathon.
In Islamorada you can find live music any night
of the week at places such as the Green Turtle,
Morada Bay or the legendary beachside Lorelei.
Only in the Keys can you enjoy a beer or
wine with your popcorn while watching a firstrun feature film at B&B Tavernier Cinema.
or Largo Cargo. Stroll Key Wests Duval Street

for everything from T-shirts, cigars and novelties to high-end jewelry and clothing. Even
if youre not into fishing, the World Wide
Sportsman Bass Pro Shop in Islamorada offers
two stories of outdoor fun, complete with an
aquarium, an historic fishing boat and the
Zane Grey Lounge.
INSIDERS TIP
At the southern end of Marathon, park at the
beginning of the Seven Mile Bridge and walk,
jog or bike two miles on Old Seven, the former
railroad bridge, to historic Pigeon Key. FL
FEATURED LINKS
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council
fla-keys.com
Conch Tour Train

conchtourtrain.com
John Pennekamp State Park

National Key Deer Refuge

fws.gov/nationalkeydeer
RETAIL THERAPY
Take home some freshly roasted treasures
from Babys Coffee on Sugarloaf Key. Shop for
novelty souvenirs in Key Largo at Shell World
Pigeon Key
pigeonkey.net
Turtle Hospital
turtlehospital.org
75
DE LRAY B E AC H
YOUR PERFECT
VACATION
[tx
BY DARIEN ARDEN
oasting a mesh of activities,

restaurants and shopping,
Delray Beach is a year-round
hot spot with an identity all its own. This oncesleepy beachside town offers visitors a complete
package of vibrant attractions and social retreats, with a laid-back vibe should you find the
sunny, welcoming beach too irresistible.
Welcome to Delray Beach, where the front
door is always open.
MUST SEEMUST DO
Picture Delray Beach as an all-inclusive resort
where you check in and dont have to go elsewhere. The main street, Atlantic Avenue, is a
perfect vacation haven where you have the
luxury of choosing from myriad cultural events,
attractions and venues to complete your stay.
The Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old
School Square takes advantage of the great out-
76
Dining at Deck 84 on the Intracoastal in Delray Beach.
doors with a toe-tapping lineup of tribute

bands during the Free Friday Concert series.
Or, partake in the Twilight Bike Festival, where
downtown is turned into a Tour de Franceesque bicycle race. Dont miss the award-winning
Fabulous Fashion Week in January where youll
have a front-row ticket to the hottest downtown styles.
Foodies shouldnt miss the Tastemakers
event in August, which offers participants a
culinary tour throughout the city, one bite and
sip at a time. Savor the Avenue in March is another one of the citys most delectable food
events where you, and hundreds of your closest
friends, enjoy a seat at a VIP table (one of the
longest in the nation) and a four-course menu
from local restaurants.
The Holidays get bright as the downtown is
dusted with twinkle lights, cheer and festivities
galore. The 100-foot Christmas tree is a shining
beacon that heralds the way into the holiday

festivities, including the Holiday Boat Parade,
Cringle Mingle Santa Crawl and First Night on
New Years Eve.
LIVE IT UP
This big small town offers a countless array of
activities, and is fit not only for families and romance-minded adults, but everyone in
between. The bustling nightlife is complete
with boutique shops, award-winning restaurants and unique downtown spots around
every corner.
Artists Alley, a quirky gem just off the main
strip, harbors a grassroots working colony of
artists who welcome visitors to explore their
creations during the Third Thursday Open
Studios and Galleries event, during which you
can mix and mingle with 26 local artists at 18
studios and gallery spaces.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF DELRAY BEACH; DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Taru Gardens at the historic Sundy House in Delray Beach
The United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra

performs at the Crest Theatre in
The dining scene in Delray Beach dishes up

a perfect blend of long-standing restaurants
and a new, hip fusion of around-the-world cuisine featuring the freshest and most innovative
flavors. 32 East is a Delray staple where the
menu includes not only an award-winning
chef, but also ever-changing delicious dishes.
For jiving on island time, Deck 84, on the
Intracoastal, is the perfect place for live music
and a waterfront happy hour.
Delray Beach, February 2022, 2015.
FEATURED LINKS
Downtown Development Authority of Delray Beach
downtowndelraybeach.com
32 East
RETAIL THERAPY
For those days not spent lounging at the beach,
hit the streets and enjoy the thriving shopping
scene. Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove
offer a mix of luxury and boutique to historic
(80 years and counting) and modern shops, all
within a two-mile stretch of quaint storefronts
and welcoming cafs.
Periwinkle is a perfect boutique to spoil
yourself with fun and energetic Florida
fashions, and is a shining complement to
the rainbow of items at the playful jewelry
store, Sequin.
32east.com
Artists Alley
artistsalleydelray.com
INSIDERS TIP
City of Delray Beach
The downtown is very walkable. In fact, the city

is so pedestrian-friendly that the majority of
the hotels are located only a block from downtown, so renting a car is not necessary.
A free Downtown Roundabout Trolley transports you at your leisure to different stops
downtown. If time is an issue, call the Delray
Downtowner, a free on-demand ride service that
wheels you around downtown like a local. FL
Deck 84
mydelraybeach.com
rapoportsrg.com
Delray Beach Center for the Arts

at Old School Square
DelrayArts.org
Delray Downtowner
delraydowntowner.com
Periwinkle
periwinkleonline.com
The Seagate
TheSeagateHotel.com
Weve added shades of green to complement our gorgeous blues.
H OT E L S PA B E A C H C L U B C O U N T R Y C L U B YA C H T C L U B R E S I D E N C E S
Discover the luxury of a resort with the intimacy of a retreat at

The Seagate Hotel & Spa in Delray Beach, Florida recognized as the
Most Fun Small Town in America by Rand McNally & USA Today.
18-hole championship golf course Staff of PGA professionals
Boutique hotel Destination spa Six exquisite dining venues
Private beach club Award-winning aquariums Boutiques
TheSeagateHotel.com
1-888-689-9564
1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, Florida 33483
77
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE
DELIGHT YOUR
fxx
BY KARA FRANKER
MUST SEE...MUST DO
From the beaches to the arts, nature parks to the
Everglades, families will find sun-drenched days
and fun-filled nights.
Stroll along the retro-cool Hollywood Beach
Broadwalk with its outdoor cafs and sunkissed beach. Then hop aboard the trolley to
Arts Park in Young Circle. Head to Fort
Lauderdale Beach, where youll find a bricklined beachfront promenade.
Embark on a sightseeing cruise on board the
Water Taxi or Jungle Queen, to cruise along the
Intracoastal Waterway, explore Millionaires
Row and learn about the history of the Venice
of America.
Then brush up on the art scene at the
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale or wander
around the 35-acre Bonnet House Museum
& Gardens.
78
LIVE IT UP
INSIDERS TIPS
Spin the dial on the Fork Lauderdale Dining

App to easily locate restaurants, bars and
clubs. Choose from Sunday brunch and
rocking happy hour spots to gaming and
everything in between.
Nosh on imaginative, farm-to-fork dishes at
3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort
& Spa. For delectable seafood and sushi, dine at
S3 Restaurant; like sister restaurant YOLO, just
perusing the menu will make your mouth water.
Party the night away at Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino, or set off for the races at
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino. Both hot spots
feature Vegas-style slots and blackjack tables.
Visiting off-season? Check out Vacation Like A

VIP (for room upgrades, resort credits, etc.
from May 1 to September 30), Lauderdale Spa
Chic (for US$99 treatments in September) and
Dine Out Lauderdale (for fixed-price threecourse meals in October).
Holiday events include Christmas on Las
Olas Boulevard (last Tuesday in November)
and the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat
Parade (second Saturday in December). FL
RETAIL THERAPY
Known as Greater Fort Lauderdales style
mile, Las Olas Boulevard features fashionable
boutiques, art galleries and cozy sidewalk cafs.
Listing more than 300 designer outlets, such
as Burberry and Hugo Boss, Sawgrass Mills is
the place to hunt for the perfect deal.
Meanwhile, the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
offers more of a traditional mall-style shopping
experience, with department stores such as
Neiman Marcus and specialty shops like J.
Crew and Apple.
FEATURED LINKS
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention
& Visitors Bureau
sunny.org
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

bonnethouse.org
Jungle Queen
junglequeen.com
Las Olas Boulevard

lasolasboulevard.com
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale

moafl.org
Water Taxi
watertaxi.com
PHOTO: GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CVB
launting 23 miles of drop-dead

gorgeous sandy beaches and
more than 300 miles of inland
waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is an oceanfront paradise. Discover tons of family-friendly
activities, including a thriving arts and culture
scene. Dine at a variety of delicious restaurants
and treat yourself to top-notch shopping.
Known as the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has more than 300 miles of inland waterways.
COME FOR THE

BASEBALL.
STAY FOR THE PARTY!
Turn your next visit to Miami into a grand slam with a visit to Marlins Park.
Experience the thrill of live baseball along with an All-Star lineup of food,
drink and entertainment options! Join the party at Marlins Park in 2015.
Marlins Baseball. Dive in!
ENJOY THE SUN. DIFFERENTLY.
a total arts experience
THEATER
EXHIBITS
EVENTS
LEARNING
Crest Theatre U Cornell Museum of Art

The Pavilion & Vintage Gymnasium U School of Creative Arts
501 PLAZA REAL, MIZNER PARK, BOCA RATON, FL 33432
t. 561.392.2500 BOCAMUSEUM.ORG
DelrayArts.org
51 N. Swinton Avenue t Delray Beach, FL 33444 t 561.243.7922
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State,
Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
Richard Anuszkiewicz, Radiant Orange, detail, 1962, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 in.,

Gift of Roy and Gail Kardon, 1999.109
2014 /2015 highlights

New lobby installation by Terry
e
Haggerty / thr ough summer 20 15
Master Prints: Drer to Matisse / no v. 6, 20 14 feb . 15, 20 15
Coming into Fashion: A Century of Photography at Cond Nast / no v. 20, 20 14 feb . 1
Klara Kristalova: Turning into Stone / de c. 2, 20 14 mar ch 29, 20 15
Pastures Green: The British Passion for Landscape / de c. 23, 20 14 april 5, 20 15
The Triumph of Love: Beth Rudin DeWoody Collects / feb . 8 may 3, 20 15
h Tea: Glorious
Gl i
Manif
M ifestations East and West / feb . 19 may 24, 20 15
High
Imaging Eden: Photographers Discover the Everglades / mar ch 19 july 12, 20 15
145 1 S. Olive Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 334 0 1
Terry
Haggerty
2014
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
A NATURAL
V{|vx
BY CHELLE KOSTER WALTON
Book an airboat tour of the Everglades.
s the last of the states frontier to be

settled and developed, Southwest
Florida remains in solid touch with
its natural side. In fact, much of it, particularly
in the vast Everglades region, is still undeveloped and pristine, protected by federal and state
parks and preserves.
Those who first discovered Southwest Florida
appreciated the natural beauty of its white-sand
beaches, gem-hued seas, forested land, lazy waterways and enviable climate. They treaded lightly
and even fought actively to keep it that way.
The roll call of early visitors started with Juan
Ponce de Len and Hernando de Soto then continued with other familiar names, such as John
Ringling, Thomas A. Edison, Charles Lindbergh
and Rose Cleveland. To this day the famous and
the nature-inured come to revel in whats authentic, historic and intrinsically charming
about the regionfrom its sophisticated cities
to its colorful hometowns and persistent
wild personality.
82
Spend a day at Lovers Key State

Park on Estero Island.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: F11PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK; LEE COUNTY VCB; NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN/NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB
WHATS NEW
While the scenic tapestry of Southwest Florida

remains as Old Florida as the day Ponce de Len
stepped foot in the Punta Gorda area, change
keeps the region ever fresh and attractive to
visitors, whether its their first time or 100th visit.
In the Everglades, no two visits are the same;
each changes with the season and extemporaneous wildlife encounters.
Nearby Naples mirrors the Everglades state
of nature with eco attractions such as the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida, which celebrated 50 years in 2014, and the Naples
Botanical Garden. A new Visitor Center with
interactive exhibits and a caf opened at
the garden in October 2014, along with three
new gardensLaGrippe Orchid Garden,
Charismatic Garden, and the lush, tropical and
canopied Kathryns Garden.
In downtown Naples, the restaurant scene
continues to gain gourmet traction with the
opening of Meredays Fine Dining at the Naples
Bay Resort; Alto, Live Jazz Kitchen at the
Bayfront Naples complex; and Avenue5 at the
Inn on Fifth. The star-quality additions boost
Naples fine culinary reputation, which in 2014
placed it at No. 17 in the Cond Nast Traveler
magazines prestigious readers choice awards
for Top US Cities for Foodies.
In the Fort Myers area, new trails made news
in 2014. Cape Coral completed interconnected
bike routes to create a nearly 50-mile-long circular route around the perimeter of the city. On
Sanibel Island, a new 2.4-mile nature trail/bike
path connects two city parks and the still-developing Bailey Homestead historic site.
The islands nature attractions also continue
to make advancements with the introduction
of a free interactive shelling map and shelling
cruises at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum,
and a boardwalk with replicated scat panels and
a sea turtle interpretive exhibit at J.N. Ding
Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Across the bridge on Captiva Island, the
Captiva History Gallery opened at the Captiva
Memorial Library, showcased in an exhibit modeled after the islands pre-causeway ferryboats.
Fort Myers Hammond Stadium, home to the
Minnesota Twins spring training and the Class
A Florida State League Miracle, underwent a
US$48.5-million renovation that included a
360-degree boardwalk around the stadium,
expanded seating and a new academy. The Shell

Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers has
added a Fossil and Gem Museum and a 600foot, 30-mph zip line.
Near Punta Gorda, you will find more zip
lining opportunities at the new Florida Tracks &
Trails, a 1,000-acre park with off-highway vehicle trails, Motocross tracks, paintball, RV
campgrounds and an amphitheater.
Two attractions in Sarasota became more
family-friendly in 2014. The John and Mable
Ringling Museum of Art has created a kids
play space with a three-story slide, basket
swings and a splash area. The Childrens
Rainforest Garden at Marie Selby Botanical
Gardens introduced an elevated canopy walk,
rope bridge, treehouse and waterfall.
Sarasota-Bradenton won the bid for three
Modern Pentathlon world cups that started in
June 2014 and again take place in March 2015
and June 2016. In March 2016, the area will welcome the US Olympic Team Trials.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Although most people immediately imagine

the splendid beaches of Southwest Florida, the
region has a strong tradition of arts and history
told in its architecture, galleries, museums
and theaters.
In Naples, art galleries line the downtown
streets, where you will also find free exhibits at
The Caribbean Garden at Naples Botanical Garden.
NEED MORE INFO?

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
bradentongulfislands.com
Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau

charlotteharbortravel.com
City of Holmes Beach

holmesbeachfl.org
DeSoto County Florida Tourism Development Council

visitdesoto.com
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention

& Visitors Bureau
paradisecoast.com
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

fortmyers-sanibel.com
Visit Sarasota County

visitsarasota.org
83
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Pick up genuine souvenirs at Village of
the Arts in Bradenton.
A plein-air artist in Sarasota.
84
the von Liebig Art Center and lively performances at the Sugden Community Theatre.
ArtisNaples (formerly Naples Philharmonic)
brings still more performance arts and is home
to the Miami City Ballet and the world-class
Baker Museum. The citys Naples Botanical
Garden showcases subtropical vegetation in settings that reflect the culture of Brazil, the
Caribbean, Asia, Florida and beyond.
On a more somber note, the Holocaust
Museum and Education Center of Southwest
Florida presents collections and stories related
to the Holocaust and other genocides.
Year-round, Naples hosts art shows including
downtowns prestigious Naples National Art
Festival in February, the Mercato Fine Arts
Festival in March and the ArtsNaples World
Festival in May.
The art scene in Fort Myers centers around its
downtown historic River District, where Art
Walk takes place the first Friday of the month and
Music Walk the third Friday. The Sidney & Berne
Davis Art Center and Arcade Theatre, home to
the nationally acclaimed Florida Rep, both occupy historic buildings with distinctive period
architecture. The Southwest Florida Museum of
History dwells in a former-life train depot. The
Edison & Ford Winter Estates is one of Southwest
Floridas finest historic gems. A handful of art galleries completes downtowns artistic landscape.
Downtown Punta Gordas riverfront architecture recalls the boom years of the late 19th
century with Victorian mansions, handsome
government buildings and colorful vernacular
homes. Browse the galleries of the Visual Arts
Center (VAC) and stroll the gardens and historic

structures of Punta Gorda History Park. VAC
hosts a popular Peace River National Art
Festival in March and other art shows and special exhibits throughout the year.
Sarasota arguably holds the loftiest reputation for the arts in these parts, stemming from
the influence of the Ringling family, whose
circus wintered here. It exerted an Italianate influence on local architecture and the arts,
culminating in the Ca dZan mansion on the
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
grounds. Seeded with John Ringlings own collection of Rubens and baroque art, the museums
collection covers 500 years of European art and
specializes in late-medieval and Renaissance
Italian works. The grounds also hold its famed
circus museums and beautiful bayfront gardens.
The complexs Asolo Performing Arts Center
contributes to Sarasotas rich theatrical tradition,
which ranges from new plays at the Florida
Studio Theatre to Broadway shows at the Van
Wezel Performing Arts Hall designed by the
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to resemble a
scallop shell. For a driving tour of other architectural gems, including examples of the
vaunted Sarasota School of Architecture, pick up
a copy of the Tour Sarasota Architecture guide at
visitors centers.
Galleries fill the SarasotaBradenton area,
which boasts two artists coloniesTowles
Court near downtown Sarasota and Village of
the Arts in Bradenton. The colonies and downtown Sarasota schedule monthly gallery walks
where you can meet the artists.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES; VISITSARASOTA.ORG; VANESSA RODGERS/BRADENTON AREA CVB; LEE COUNTY VCB; NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB
A night out at the Opera in Sarasota.
Bradentons history dates back to Hernando

de Soto, and a national historic site and annual
De Soto Heritage Festival in April recall his first
landfall in these parts. Another historic sight,
the Gamble Mansion, pays tribute to the citys
sugar plantation era.
Other superlative beach qualities: Captiva

Island and Lovers Key State Park are often listed
in the most romantic category; Siesta Keys sand
is famously soft and blindingly white so dont
forget to pack the shades.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

JANUARY
Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, Sarasota
Mullet Festival, Goodland
BEACHES
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
Known for its trophy beaches, Southwest Florida

has been winning awards for years. In 2014,
Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach, rated two
of Naples beachesBarefoot Beach Preserve
County Park and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State
Parkat No. 2 and 10 respectively in his annual
best US beaches ranking. In 2014s TripAdvisor
Travelers Choice Awards for Best Beaches, two
Sarasota favorites placed in the top 25Siesta Key
Public Beach at No. 3 and Lido Beach, No. 22.
What do travelers, and particularly families,
find so endearing about local beaches? Their soft,
white sand, gently sloping sea bottom and totfriendly waves are some of the reasons. Certain
beach destinations, furthermore, have reputations
for distinctive characteristics, such as the seashell
overload on Sanibel Island and sharks teeth findings in Venice. The best shelling beaches on
Sanibel include Bowmans Beach and offshore
Cayo Costa, which is accessible only by boat. A
number of charters will take you there to pick up
shells. In Venice, head to the fishing pier at
Brohard Beach to sift for sharks teeth in the sand.
Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers
FEBRUARY
Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City
MARCH
Manatee Heritage Days, Bradenton
Mercato Fine Arts Festival, Naples
Old Florida Festival, Naples
Peace River National Art Festival, Punta Gorda
APRIL
De Soto Heritage Festival, Bradenton
Sarasota Film Festival
Sharks Tooth Festival, Venice
APRILMAY
ArtsNaples World Festival
MAY
Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival
Fort Myers Beach is handicap accessible.
JUNE
Sarasota Music Festival
JULY
Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix, Sarasota
SEPTEMBER
Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, Bradenton
OCTOBER
Ding Darling Days, Sanibel Island
Ringling International Arts Festival, Sarasota
Stone Crab Festival, Naples
NOVEMBER
American Sand Sculpting Championships,
Fort Myers Beach
Sarasota Chalk Festival
DECEMBER
Bradenton Blues Festival
Shore fishing at Delnor-Wiggins State Park.

85
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
The perfect setting for a romantic
evening on the Paradise Coast.
NOVEMBER 11DECEMBER 28
SOUTH PACIFIC
JANUARY 6APRIL 11
14-15 SE ASON
THE MATCHMAKER
JANUARY 14MARCH 1
GOOD PEOPLE
JANUARY 21APRIL 12
BOTH YOUR HOUSES
MARCH 11-APRIL 19
OUR BETTERS
PHOTO: NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB
The downtown Naples scene is a gourmet banquet that deserves serious noshing. Go casual
and waterfront at Riverwalk, or dress up for fine
dining at Mediterranean-vibe Sea Salt. Come
dark, things heat up along Fifth Avenue South,
particularly on weekends and during Evening
on Fifth, the second Thursday of each month
October through May.
The Mercato center in North Naples is also
known for its vast variety of restaurants, lively
clubs and shops. Try MASA for fine Mexican
or the new Rusty Bucket to watch the game and
eat all-American favorites. Or do dinner and
movie all-in-one with deluxe seating at
Silverspot Cinema.
Fords Garage, a local chain that takes its cues
from Henry Fords local historic home, fixes appetites throughout the Fort Myers area. Now with
asolo
rep
MARCH 31-APRIL 26
SOTTO VOCE
In the HISTORIC ASOLO

THEATER
APRIL 28-MAY 24
LUCK BE A LADY:
THE ICONIC MUSIC OF

FRANK LOESSER
MAY 30- JUNE 21
WOODY SEZ:
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF

WOODY GUTHRIE
ONE OF AMERICAS LEADING REGIONAL THEATRES
In Sarasota, next to the Ringling Museum on US 41
86
ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE
941-351-8000 // 800-361-8388 | AsoloRep.org
SEARCH
THE RINGLING
Find art from the masters to the moderns.

The joy of performance in a jewel box theater.
A miniature circus and big top thrills.
A Circus Kings mansion on the Bay.
Secret gardens and gnomes. Find yourself at
Floridas State Art Museum. Find yourself here.
ringling.org
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
A royal poinciana-lined street in Naples.
three locations including downtown, it touts its

gourmet burgers and craft beers. Other dont-miss
restaurants in and around Fort Myers include
Yabo for Italian-based contemporary cuisine,
CRaVE for updated comfort food, and Fancys for
inspired southern cuisine. Doc Fords Rum Bar &
Grille serves tropical cuisine based on the popular
eponymous murder-mystery novels by bestselling
88
local author Randy Wayne White on Sanibel and

Captiva islands and Fort Myers Beach.
Downtown Punta Gordas reputation for
modern cuisine grows stronger with such recent
additions as Trabue and Opus Restaurant and
longtime favorites The Perfect Caper and Deans
South of the Border Cantina. For dinner with a
view, head out to the islands to experience South
Beach Bar & Grille on Gasparilla Island and Gulf

View Grille on Englewood Beach.
The Bradenton-Sarasota area feeds you in the
best ways. It claims more Zagat-rated restaurants
than anywhere else in Florida and a preponderance of owner-operated eateries. They range
from affordable Amish-Mennonite restaurants
such as Yoders in the community of Pinecraft to
rustic fish houses, New Pass Grill & Bait Shop

and Casey Key Fish House. Upscale originals include Dereks Rustic, Coastal Cuisine, Caf
LEurope, Euphemia Haye and Libbys Caf, to
name a few.
Nightlife runs the gamut from funky clubs
with live music on Siesta Key and Bradenton
Beach to a well-developed calendar of symphony, jazz and other highbrow entertainment
in Sarasota and Venice.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PAMELA MCCREIGHT/SHUTTERSTOCK; V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES
Some of the best of what Southwest Florida has

to offer families lies in the great outdoors. In
Everglades City, you can find any number of
tours and charters to motor you into the wilderness to spot alligators, raccoons, bald eagles and
big pink birds with long, round-tipped bills
called roseate spoonbills. Everglades National
Park conducts ranger- and naturalist-narrated
boat and paddling tours throughout the year.
Private charters take you back-bay fishing or zip
you along the so-called River of Grass on
noisy, thrilling airboats. At Wootens Everglades
Airboat Tours, you can tour by airboat or bigtired swamp buggy and visit hundreds of gators
and other animals in captivity.
Aboard the Dolphin Explorer out of Marco
Island, families can assist with dolphin survey
research projects and keep in touch with
progress as part of the Dolphin Explorers Club.
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning
Center introduces kids to local ecology with

hands-on exhibits and outdoor trails. Other nature interactive experiences await you at the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature
Center, Naples Zoo and the Golisano Childrens
Museum of Naples (also known as Cmon).
Naples is also known for its superlative
golfing opportunities; USA TODAY readers
voted it No. 5 among the top 10 US golfing destinations. Besides playing lush, natural golf
courses, families can get their game on at various
golf schools in the area.
In Fort Myers, the name of the game is baseball. Two major league teamsthe Minnesota
Twins and Boston Red Soxplay their spring
league games in March and early April at
Hammond Stadium and JetBlue Park, respectively. In summer, the Fort Myers Miracle plays
and hosts youth baseball camps.
At local parks, kids can do everything from
free-falling down a waterslide (Sun Splash
Family Waterpark in Cape Coral), extreme
biking (Strausser BMX Sports Complex in Cape
Coral), riding a mini-railroad train (Lakes
Floridas
Southwest
hwest Floridas
nly M
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only
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ted exc
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devoted
exclusively
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www.CMON.org
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.org
(239)
9) 514-0084
8
84
15080 Livingston Rd, Naples,, FLL 34109
North Collier Regional Parkk (1.5 miles
mi from
from I-75)
Open daily 10am-5pm, Sundayy 11am-4pm
1a
*Closed Wednesdays Starting
ting Januar
January
nu y 2015
Waterfront dining on Lido Beach in Venice.
89
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Scoot around the islands in Southwest Florida.
FEATURED LINKS
A Beach Retreat
abeachretreat.com
Arcade Theatre
floridarep.org
ArtisNaples
artisnaples.org
Asolo Repertory Theatre

asolorep.org
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

corkscrew.audubon.org
Bell Tower Shops
thebelltowershops.com
Bradenton Riverwalk
realizebradenton.com/index-php/riverwalk
Conservancy of Southwest Florida

conservancy.org
De Soto National Memorial

nps.gov/deso
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

floridastateparks.org/delnorwiggins
Dome Flea & Farmers Market

thedomefleamarket.com
Edison & Ford Winter Estates

edisonfordwinterestates.org
Ellenton Premium Outlets

premiumoutlets.com

nps.gov/ever

90
Dont miss the new Childrens Rainforest

Garden at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,
where kids can hike among the treetops.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens gets them up close to
giant tortoises, snakes and lots of birds. They
can even hand-feed pink flamingoes.
Bradentons Cortez community retains its feel
of an Old Florida fishing village with a working
waterfront and maritime museum. A number of
charter boats depart from the docks to take you
deep sea or back-bay fishing. Plan on dining at the
Star Fish Company before or after your excursion.
Fifth Avenue South
fifthavenuesouth.com
Flamingo Island Flea Market

flamingoisland.com
Fleamasters Fleamarket
fleamall.com
Florida Tracks and Trails

floridatracksandtrails.com
Fort Myers River District

myriverdistrict.com

Golisano Childrens Museum of Naples

cmon.org
Hernando DeSoto Historical Society

desotohq.com
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

coconutpoint.hyatt.com
Inn on 5th
innonfifth.com
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

fws.gov/dingdarling
ROAD TRIPS
Views along the Sanibel Causeway and Captiva
Drive star in many a commercial, but all of the
coasts islands promise sea glimpses and local
color. The drive through Fort Myers Beach,
Lovers Key and Bonita Beach and another from
Anna Maria Island through Lido Key are particularly representative of island life.
For glimpses of wildlife, try W.J. Janes
Memorial Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee
Strand Preserve State Park or Loop Road in
the Everglades.
To delve into Southwest Floridas rural, smalltown character, plan day trips to Goodland on
Marco Island, Pine Island near Fort Myers,
Babcock Ranch outside Punta Gorda, Boca
Grande near Port Charlotte, and Palmetto across
the river from Bradenton. To its east, Sarasota
and Punta Gorda lay claim to a number of small
organic and other farms you can visit.
Jensens Island Resorts & Marina

gocaptiva.com/marina-services.htm
Key West Express
seakeywestexpress.com
Lido Beach Resort
lidobeachresort.com
Lovers Key State Park

floridastateparks.org/loverskey
Marco Island Lakeside Inn

marcoislandlakeside.com
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort,

Golf Club & Spa
marcoislandmarriott.com
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

selby.org
Mercato
mercatoshops.com
Miromar Outlets
miromaroutlets.com
Mitchells SandCastles
mitchellsandcastles.com
Modern Pentathlon
sbpentathlon.com
MOSH Planetarium
moshplanetarium.com
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

mote.org
Naples Bay Resort

naplesbayresort.com
Naples Botanical Garden

naplesgarden.org
Naples Outlet Center

premiumoutlets.com/naples
PHOTO: TOM SHELBY/BRADENTON AREA CVB
Regional Park in Fort Myers), fishing from a pier

(Lynn Hall Memorial Park in Fort Myers Beach),
and looking for manatees in the wild (Manatee
Park in Fort Myers).
Must-see wild places to commune with
wildlife include J.N. Ding Darling National
Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, which offers
free guided tours and programs, and Six Mile
Cypress Preserve in Fort Myers, which also
conducts guided tours of its boardwalk. To see
animals in captivity, visit the Shell Factory &
Nature Park in North Fort Myers, where kids
can also play in its fun park. C.R.O.W. (Care
and Rehabilitation of Wildlife) on Sanibel
Island provides families state-of-the-art, interactive experiences that teach about wildlife and
the work the clinic does to help injured and orphaned animals.
The Sarasota Childrens Garden takes families on an old-fashioned magical fantasy of
dress-up, maze discovery, and play gardens
where pirate ships, dragons and an octopus
lurk. The Circus Arts Conservatory offers the
entire family a chance to watch circus artists
perform amazing feats in this fabulous and affordable production. Dont miss Mote Marine
Laboratory on Lido Key, where you can meet
Hugh and Buffett, the resident manatees, and
see tanks full of sharks, striped burr fish, loggerhead sea turtles and a host of other marine
creatures. Visit another locally famous manatee,
66-year-old Snooty, at the South Florida
Museum in Bradenton.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Relaxing in Naples.
If youre looking for unique buys, theres plenty

of that in Southwest Florida.
In Naples, galleries fill the downtown Fifth
Street South and Third Avenue South districts.
At the latter, buy your designer labels at Marissa
INSIDERS TIPS
Birders flock to Southwest Florida. Hot
spots include the Everglades, Audubon
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Rookery Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve,
Tigertail Beach and J.N. Ding Darling
National Wildlife Refuge. Birding is best fall
through spring and at low tides.
Ride your bike to the beaches of Sanibel
Island to avoid fees.
Sarasota beaches offer free parking.
If a couple of days in Key West are on
your itinerary, park the car and climb
aboard the Key West Express in Fort Myers
Beach (year-round) or on Marco Island
(seasonal) for a relaxing 3.5-hour ride
(versus a four- to five-hour drive) to
Floridas southernmost point.
92
Collections. On a budget? Look for like-new

castoffs in the areas consignment shops.
The Bell Tower Shops, an open-air lifestyle
center in Fort Myers, features more than 35 retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bed Bath
& Beyond, Chicos, Banana Republic, The Fresh
Market and more, as well as 11 restaurants and
a 20-screen cinema. Its also home to Crowne
Plaza Hotel & Suites and Homewood Suites,
and theres a free shuttle service on-site for your
added convenience.
For something entirely different, hit the Shell
Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers,
where a nature park and family amusements enhance shopping for shells, jewelry and other
Florida trinkets.
In Sarasota, the Mall at University Town
Center opened in fall 2014 featuring Saks Fifth
Avenue, Dillards and Macys as anchors for its
name-brand shops and such recognizable
restaurants as Seasons 52, the Cheesecake
Factory and The Capital Grille.
For genuine local souvenirs, head to the artist
villagesMatlacha on Pine Island near Fort
Myers, Towles Court in Sarasota, and Village of
the Arts in Bradenton. Watch for news of art walk
events in downtown Sarasota and Fort Myers.
Bargain-seekers head to the factory outlet

malls: Naples Outlet Center, Miromar Outlets
in Estero, Tanger Outlets in Fort Myers and
Ellenton Premium Outlets near Bradenton. Or
check out these flea markets: Flamingo Island
Flea Market in Bonita Springs, Fleamasters
Fleamarket in Fort Myers, Sun Flea Market in
Port Charlotte, the Dome Flea & Farmers
Market in Venice and Red Barn Flea Market
in Bradenton.
SPAS
Contrary to many resorts these days, fine resorts in Southwest Florida devote special
attention to their spas, rather than adding them
on as an afterthought.
In the Naples area, you will find stand-alone
spas at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf
Club & Spa; the Ritz-Carlton Naples; the
Waldorf-Astoria Naples; and Naples Beach Hotel
& Golf Club. The Ritz spa contains its own
healthy caf, =H2O+, which offers cooking
classes January through April.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort &
Spa in Bonita Springs boasts an indoor water
shiatsu pool. The Sanibel Harbour Marriott
Resort & Spa in Fort Myers offers massage with
PHOTO: NAPLES, NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB
SHOPPING
ANTIQUES TO BOUTIQUES, GOLFING TO GREAT DINING, AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE
FAMILY AT RODEOS, FARM TOURS AND AN EXOTIC ANIMAL REFUGE.
Reel excitement: DeSotos dual stock
of fresh and saltwater fish makes fishing
here doubly rewarding.
Take home a trophy: Local hunting

preserves put sportsmen in the thick of
the actiondeer, wild boar and more.
Fossil frenzy: Dig into a bounty of

archeological treasures so rich even the
Travel Channel has taken notice.
Discover fossilized shark teeth and more!
Happy campers: Spend the night under

the stars in DeSotos stellar
campgrounds where facilities range from
RV to primitive.
Enjoying the water your way: Relax

on a comfy boat tour or hit the water in
a canoe or kayakthe Peace River is
water fun just the way you want it.
Named a Blueway Community by the
Florida Paddling Trails Association!
Historic charm, unforgettable

hospitality: With more than 400
buildings and homes on the National
Register of Historic Places, DeSoto
immerses visitors in turn-of-the-century
architectural beauty.
More smiles per mile: Hiking, biking,

horseback riding on trails and in parks
across the county.
Linked In: Hone your game on our four

lushly landscaped golf courses
54 holes of outstanding golf.
Floridas Best Small-Town Antiquing:

Twenty exceptional indoor establishments,
plus street vendors, spread over the heart
of downtown for an antiquing experience
second to none. And our monthly Antique
Fair, held every 4th Saturday, brings more
than 100 top-flight dealers to the city.
2nd Saturday Market: Feast on the fruits
(and vegetables and crafts and more) of
our labors from September through April in
historic downtown Arcadia.
Floridas Oldest Rodeo: Bull riding,
barrel racing provide edge-of-your-seat
excitement at Arcadias All-Florida Rodeo,
the states oldest and one of its most
popular rodeo events.
Farm Favorite: Savor the sweet life

of DeSotos citrus farming, spending the
day on one of the countys many thriving
agricultural operations. A special treat
for families!
Lions, Tigers and Bears: DeSotos
exotic animal refuge is a lifeline for
wildlife and for humans a visit to the
refuge is life-enhancing.
Great Game Plans.
Trip planning and more at
www.visitdesoto.com
Picture perfect: Deer, foxes, birds,

manatees and more make for thrilling
birding and wildlife viewing.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

863.491.7574 or call 855.REAL.FLA
twitter.com/discoverdesoto
facebook.com/discoverdesoto
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Stay at the historic Cabbage Key Inn.
FEATURED LINKS
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
napleszoo.com
Paradise Coast Blueway

paradisecoastblueway.com
Red Barn Flea Market Plaza

redbarnfleamarket.com
Ritz-Carlton
ritzcarlton.com
Rookery Bay National Estuarine

Research Reserve
rookerybay.org
Royal Shell Vacations

royalshell.com
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

marriott.com
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

srq-airport.com
Sarasota Childrens Garden

sarasotachildrensgarden.com
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
sarasotajunglegardens.com
Shell Factory & Nature Park

shellfactory.com
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

sloughpreserve.org

The most desired rooms in Southwest Florida
look out onto the beach and Gulf of Mexico,
however there are plenty of other one-of-a-kind
hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfast inns that
create an experience all their own.
Naples Bay Resort, for instance, cusps a marina for a different brand of water view and a
lifestyle focused on boating and fishing, but also
has its own water park features. Inn on Fifth, on
the other hand, sits squarely in the middle of
downtown Naples action on Fifth Avenue South.
Many of its hotel rooms and club level suites
overlook the legendary street. Marco Island
Lakeside Inn presents an affordable alternative
to the islands luxe Gulf resorts with a sand beach
on a lake instead. Historic Everglades Rod
& Gun Club in Everglades City fronts a river
waterway where accommodation consists of
modest cottages.
For those who insist on beach accommodation, circa 1946 Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
welcomes families with a free kids program.
Edgewater Beach Resort has three Gulf-front
pools and is also family-friendly.
Cottages provide some of the accommodation at one of the Fort Myers areas more unusual
94
resorts, Cabbage Key Inn. Occupying its own

small island, the cottages and lodge truly take
you away from it all.
At the other end of the size scale, South Seas
Island Resort on Captiva Island is a gated property that features accommodation ranging from
rooms to homes, a nine-hole golf course and
miles of beach. Fishing types will love Jensens
Twin Palm Cottages & Marina on Captiva.
Sanibel Island offers a nice selection of barefootstyle beach cottage resorts, such as Gulf Breeze
Cottages, Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages and
Mitchells SandCastles. Also on Sanibel Island is
the Tween Waters Inn Island Resort.
Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande is one
of the oldest surviving properties in Southwest
Florida. Built in 1913 for wealthy industrialists
who came to winter and fish for tarpon, this
grande dame is a full-service property with golf
facilities, a beach club and fine restaurants.
In the Sarasota area, lodging ranges from the
no-frills beachfront rooms at Lido Beach
Resort and A Beach Retreat in Nokomis to the
grandeur of the Ritz-Carlton, which shuttles
you to the beach. The Resort at Longboat Key
Club is an expansive golf and beach property.
For something out of the ordinary, venture
downtown for congenial hospitality and a
gourmet breakfast at the Cypress B&B.
For vacation home or condo rentals, contact
Royal Shell Vacations, which manages more rental
properties in Southwest Florida than any other
company and has been voted the Best Vacation
Rental company for the past 10 years. FL
South Florida Museum

southfloridamuseum.org
South Seas Island Resort

southseas.com
Southwest Florida International Airport

flylcpa.com
Star Fish Company

starfishcompany.com
Sun Splash Family Waterpark

sunsplashwaterpark.com
Tanger Outlets
tangeroutlet.com
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

shellmuseum.org
The Circus Arts Conservatory

circussarasota.org
The Cypress
cypressbb.com
The Dolphin Explorer

dolphin-study.com

the-gasparilla-inn.com
The Holocaust Museum & Education Center

of Southwest Florida
holocaustmuseumswfl.org
The Mall at University Town Center

themallatuniversitytowncenter.com
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

longboatkeyclub.com
The Resort at Longboat Key Club

longboatkeyclub.com
The Ringling
ringling.org
The Ritz-Carlton
ritz-carlton.com
Tigertail Beach
tigertailbeach.net
Tween Waters Inn Island Resort

tween-waters.com
Sun Flea Market
sunfleamarket.com
The von Liebig Art Center

naplesart.org
Third Street South

thirdstreetsouth.com
Towles Court
towlescourt.com
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

vanwezel.org
Village of the Arts

villageofthearts.com
Waldorf Astoria Naples

waldorfastorianaples.com
Wootens Everglades Airboat Tours

wootenseverglades.com
PHOTO: LEE COUNTY VCB
a unique BETAR (Bio Energetic Transduction

Aided Resonance) bed musical and sound
relaxation system.
The Sarasota areas most impressive resort
spas include those at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
and The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
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The Holocaust Museum

& Education Center of Southwest Florida makes history personal every day. Open year round,
closed major holidays. For more information on upcoming exhibits and events, please visit:
www.HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org
May - December
Tuesday to Sunday, 1:00-4:00 pm
January - April
Tuesday to Friday, 12:30 - 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
4760 Tamiami Trail North

Suite 7
Naples, Florida 34103
239.263.9200
www.HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org
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M A K I N G H I S T O R Y P E R S O NA L
Official beach resort of
best vacation ever.
CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA
TIMELESS BEAUTY,
ax Twxx
BY ALISON R. JANISSEN
Sunrise on the Indian River in Melbourne.
ts true the Central East region of

Floridas easy proximity from the
worlds attraction mecca makes it a
great side-trip excursion. But there is just so
much to see and do in this 175-mile stretch
from beaches and natural wonders to dining
and activities with a decidedly local flairthat
its a rewarding and exciting (or relaxing, if you
prefer) destination all its own.
WHATS NEW
The new Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of
Art, an expansion of the Museum of Arts &
Sciences in Daytona Beach, is scheduled to
open in 2015. This 26,000-square-foot
building will house an unprecedented permanent collection of more than 2,700 paintings
of Florida, plus six changing galleries.
Also in Daytona Beach, fans of the
DAYTONA 500 can expect to see and experience some changes at the Daytona International
Speedway, which is undergoing a major
US$400-million reimagining, known as
98
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and

Museum near Daytona Beach.
DAYTONA Rising. Everything is scheduled for

completion in time for the 2016 DAYTONA
500, so stay tuned. When all is said and done,
the venue will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats,
twice as many restrooms, and three times as
many concession stands.
FROM TOP LEFT: JESSE KUNERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK; DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB
ARTS AND CULTURE

The Fish House Art Center, located on the site
of one of the last operating commercial fish
houses on Floridas east coast, is five miles
south of downtown Stuart. In addition to collections of American fine art and crafts, the
center is home to eight resident artists who invite you to watch them create works of glass,
fine art, silk, weavings and beaded jewelry.
Stroll the PocketWalk to get a feel for this
unique artists community.
The free Stuart Heritage Museum preserves
the heritage, artifacts and history of Stuart,
Martin County and its surrounding communities. Countless relics housed by the museum are
on display daily from 10 AM to 3 PM.
In Fort Pierce, the National Navy UDTSEAL Museum, the only museum in the world
dedicated to Naval Special Warfare, welcomes
70,000 visitors per year. This is where the Navy
trained frogmen for the infamous landing at
Omaha Beach during World War II.
Located on the shoreline of the beautiful
Indian River Lagoon, the Maritime & Classic
Boat Museum in Jensen Beach is devoted to the
collection, preservation, restoration and interpretation of the maritime and boating history
of the Treasure Coast. Educational programs
and exhibits, along with opportunities to restore classic boats, are all elements of the
museum experience.
In Vero Beach, the Hallstrom House demonstrates a bygone way of life in southern Indian
River County with collections of documents,
photographs, furniture and memorabilia. Its
open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 PM
and the last Saturday of each month from
1 to 4 PM.
The McLarty Treasure Museum just north
of Vero Beach takes you back in time with tales
of an ill-fated fleet whose return to Spain
turned disastrous when a hurricane struck.
Situated on a survivors camp of the 1715
Spanish Plate Fleet, the museum features artifacts, displays and an observation deck that
overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Even today, salvagers work to recover gold, silver and the
Queens jewels that were lost to the sea and its
sandy shores.
In Melbourne, the Art and Antique Studio is
an artist-owned and operated gallery that features the work of 14 local artists. Their creations
range from oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings
to photography, pottery and woven baskets. Chat
with the artists and enjoy light refreshments
during a monthly First Friday Art Walk.
At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex, meet real astronauts who walk the
grounds and answer questions, marvel at the
size and magnitude of the rockets on display in
the Rocket Garden, crawl through a model of
the International Space Station, experience the
five-story screens in two IMAX theaters, and
explore Angry Birds Space Encounter featuring
seven exhibits for all ages. Since 2013, the complex is also the permanent home of Space
NEED MORE INFO?

Brevard County Tourism Development Council
brevardcounty.us/visitors
City of Fort Pierce

cityoffortpierce.com
Daytona Beach Area Convention

& Visitors Bureau
daytonabeach.com
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

indianriverchamber.com
Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau

visitmartincounty.com
New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau

nsbfla.com
Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council

okeechobee-tdc.com
St. Lucie County Tourism Office

visitstluciefla.com
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority

visitwestvolusia.com
99
INSIDERS TIP
Turn off the sun, and the beach becomes a
natural wonder. It also becomes the location to witness one of natures most ancient
events: a nesting sea turtle.
More than 100,000 threatened and endangered sea turtles nest on Florida
beaches in June and July, so parks and environmental groups up and down the
Atlantic coast organize guided nighttime
turtle walks.
On a typical turtle tour, visitors are led to
a spot on the beach where a sea turtle is digging a hole a foot or two deep with her hind
flippers. The turtle then starts filling the nest
with soft-shelled eggs the size of table tennis
balls. After laying her eggs, she refills the nest
with sand and heads back into the ocean.
The whole process takes 30 to 60 minutes.
This moving, educational experience is
enormously popular with Florida residents
so make reservations as soon as you decide to visit. Children under the age of eight
are discouraged on most walks in order to
minimize disturbances to the mother-to-be.
Five entities between Jensen Beach in
Martin County and Titusville in Brevard
County offer walks:
Shuttle Atlantis, a US$100-million attraction

that covers 90,000 square feet, complete with
more than 60 interactive displays. A simulator
lets visitors manipulate the Canadarm, a fullscale replica of the original.
Aerospace isnt the only flight-related game
on the Space Coast. The Valiant Air Command
and Warbird Museum in Titusville is a nonprofit museum dedicated to Americas military
and actively maintains and restores all types of
aircraft that were indigenous to the worlds military Air Forces starting before WW I to the
present. You can even take to the skies in the
museums fully restored Tico Belle, a WW II
Normandy Invasion Veteran C-47 or attend a
Fly-In Breakfast (drive-ins are welcome) on the
second Saturday of every month.
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
in New Smyrna Beach houses a collection of
photographs, memorabilia and artifacts on display to educate citizens and students about the
history and race relations in small-town Florida
over the course of the 20th century.
BEACHES
Close your eyes, and picture yourself on the
beach. Whether you envision yourself absorbed
into a vacuum of silence between the waves and

dunes in Sebastian or surrounded by a raucous
crowd in Daytona Beach, the 175-mile stretch of
the Central East coast has a beach to fulfill your
sandy fantasy. Every point in between offers
something that lends itself to non-stop activities
or peacefully relaxing with a book.
If youre searching for a unique way to experience the beach, try this. Hutchinson Island in
St. Lucie County is one of the few places in
Florida where you can enjoy a horseback ride on
the beach. Equestrian rental operation Tours On
Horseback welcomes beginners and advanced
riders alike to walk and trot along a scenic threemile tour on Saturdays and Sundays.
Indian River County is home to a dozen
public parks between Sebastian and Vero
Beach that offer access to 26 miles of unspoiled
beaches. Busy full-service locations, such as
Sebastian Inlet State Park (one of the best
surfing sites on the eastern seaboard), have
restrooms with showers, boardwalks and picnic
facilities, plus a spot to launch a canoe or kayak.
Other parks simply provide access to a quiet
stretch of sand along the Atlantic.
Stop by Jetty Park beach in Cape Canaveral and
watch cargo ships, fishing boats or an occasional
Florida Power & Light Energy Encounter

Jensen Beach
Fridays and Saturdays in June and July
Free
Sebastian Inlet State Park Fishing Museum
Vero Beach
Every night but Wednesday and Thursday in
June and July (no walk July 4)
Free
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Melbourne Beach
First week of June through
the first week of August
US$15
PHOTO: V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES
Sea Turtle Preservation Society

Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach
June and July
US$10
Canaveral National Seashore
Apollo Beach, New Smyrna Beach,
Playalinda Beach, Titusville
June and July
US$14; free for children 15 and younger
Spend a lazy day at the beach in Fort Pierce.
100
102
Family fun on the Boardwalk in Daytona Beach.
Nature trail at the Cape Canaveral National Seashore.
Waterfront dining in Fort Pierce.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Frog Leg Festival, Fellsmere
Jensen Beach Fine Art & Craft Show
Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Titusville
Treasure Coast Pirate Fest, Fort Pierce
FEBRUARY
DAYTONA 500, Daytona Beach
Downtown Festival of the Arts, Stuart
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB; JESSE KUNERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK; ST. LUCIE COUNTY TOURISM OFFICE
Merritt Island Pioneer Day
MARCH
Bike Week, Daytona Beach
Under the Oaks Art Show, Vero Beach
DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
US Navy vessel float out to sea. Chances are good

that youll also witness a giant cruise ship embarkation, because this is the second-busiest cruise
port in the world.
Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville is
25 miles of undeveloped barrier island, which
preserves the natural beach, dune, marsh and
lagoon habitats for many species of birds on
Floridas Space Coast. Year-round recreation
includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing,
sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails.
Head a little north and end up at New
Smyrna Beachs Ponce Inlet, whose waves call
to surfers living in nearby, but sadly landlocked Orlando.
Theres something nostalgic about a boardwalk beach experience. The Daytona Beach
Boardwalk and Pier juts out over the sand and
sea of the Worlds Most Famous Beach, and
offers a lively mix of food and fun.

The Pelican Caf in the historic district of
downtown Stuart offers casual waterfront
dining with its own soft-sand beach and deck
seating. Bring your own sand toys because little
ones (two-legged and even the four-legged) are
welcome to cavort on the shores of the St. Lucie
River while the older set enjoys the open-air setting and traditional seafood fare. Burgers and
salads complete the menu. The restaurant closes
during the winter if winds exceed 20 mph and
temperatures plummet into the mid to low 70s.
Between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce,
Endless Summer Vineyard & Winery is a
one-of-a-kind sun-and surf-boutique winery
featuring handcrafted, award-winning Florida
wines. Swirl your glass on the handmade
wine barrel-tasting bar amidst vintage surfboards and the oldest (1910) boogie board
known in existence, or stroll outside through
the vineyard and festival area that showcases
APRIL
New Smryna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest
Easter Surfing Festival, Cocoa Beach
Fort Pierce Oyster Festival
MAY
Stuart Sailfish Regatta
SEPTEMBER
Rivertown Craft Fair, DeLand
OCTOBER
Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach
NOVEMBER
DeLand Original Music Festival
Halifax Art Festival, Daytona Beach
DECEMBER
St. Johns River Christmas Boat Parade, DeLand
103
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is

the permanent home of Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Cypress Lake. The Driftwood Resort, established in the early 1900s, is a two-story pirates
nightmare of a hotel with shifting levels and
crammed with a mish-mash of objects. For
those for whom an overnight stay would be
overwhelming (kids love it), a temporary visit
to the propertys restaurant might be just the
ticket. Waldos serves traditional seafood fare
along with wraps, salads and burgers.
Cocoa Beachs blues and music bar, the
Beach Shack has long been a local and visitor
favorite for good times and soulful music.
Located directly on the beach, this mainstay is
open daily and features live music nightly.
JBs Fish Camp & Restaurant, on the waters
of the Canaveral National Seashore at the
south end of New Smyrna Beach, is a favorite
with locals, most of whom arrive by boat. Its
so much more than a seafood restaurant, with
a full bar, live music and indoor/outdoor
seating. Kids can see manatees, dolphins and
plenty of exotic shore birds right from the
dock, and if they want to fish but forgot a pole
at home, they can just rent one! You can even
arrange to rent a kayak, take a pontoon boat
cruise or hook up with a fishing guide. The
camp offers the freshest seafood (literallyit
grows its own clams) and is practically next
door to the Canaveral National Seashore Park,
where after lunch you can climb up Turtle
Mound, a Calusa Indian archaeological site.
Take a break from the beach and spend an afternoon with art, history and technology. The
Elliott Museum in Stuart hosts a dynamic and
interactive collection of antique automobiles,
vintage boats, an impressive baseball collection,
and a deep trove of Treasure Coast histories
and stories thats sure to delight all ages.
Board the Sunshine Lady from her dock in
Stuart for a guided tour of the Indian River
Lagoon and its wildlife residents, which include bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea
turtles and a vast array of birds. She even packs
a plankton and zooplankton net to fill discovery scopes for a view of life in the ocean.
Sunshine Wildlife Tours guides point out the
mangroves and the seagrass beds that are responsible for sustaining life in the estuary and
discuss the importance of maintaining the
fragile balance of this ecosystem.
Scheduling your visit early in the year?
From January through April you can explore
the historical significance of Floridas citrus industry at Als Family Farms in Fort Pierce.
A guided tour takes you through a working
wet-line and packinghouse.
Also in Fort Pierce, the St. Lucie County
Aquarium features the Smithsonian Marine
Ecosystems Exhibit, providing a window into
the underwater worlds of the Indian River
Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 8,000
The Daytona International Speedway is undergoing a major update known as DAYTONA Rising.
104
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY; V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES; DAYTONA BEACH AREA CVB
a landscaped pond and romantic swings. You can

even feed fish and turtles from a covered dock
surrounded by a 10-acre muscadine vineyard.
In Vero Beach, right on the Atlantic Ocean
sits an extraordinary and somewhat startling
structure built of cypress logs and pecky-cypress paneling from the swamps around Blue
Surf fishing at Daytona Beach.
FEATURED LINKS
Als Family Farms
alsfamilyfarms.com
Art & Antique Studio & Gallery

artandantiquestudio.com
Barrier Island Sanctuary

brevardcounty.us/EELProgram/Areas/
BarrierIslandSanctuary
Beach Shack
beachshackbar.com
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science

brevardmuseum.com

nps.gov/cana
Capt. Hirams Resort

hirams.com
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

moas.org/ciciandhyattbrownmuseum.html
Cocoa Beach Kayaking
gallons of aquariums and a touch tank allow

visitors the opportunity to appreciate the regions beautiful and fragile ecosystems.
Mel Fishers Treasure Museum in Sebastian
is a favorite with kids and adults alike. Displays
of salvaged coins and weapons from a Spanish
fleet, wrecked off the coast in 1715, tell the
story of a time long ago.
The Brevard Museum of History & Natural
Science in Cocoa Beach traces Brevard
Countys natural history from the days of the
woolly mammoths and saber-tooth cats to the
modern era of rockets and space shuttles.This
museum also includes a butterfly garden, a
19.5-acre nature preserve,nature trails and a
covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Kayaking is all the rage, and its the perfect
wedding of Mother Nature and relaxation.
Cocoa Beach Kayaking guided ecotours take
you on an exploration of the pristine Thousand
Islands of Cocoa Beach as you paddle at a
leisurely pace through a mangrove estuary located in the Indian River Lagoon, home of
bottlenose dolphins, endangered manatees and
incredible Florida bird life.
Are you among the super adventurous? One
of the busiest drop zones in the world is
Skydive DeLand, which operates out of the
DeLand Municipal Airport in Volusia County.
Those with a milder thrill gene can take a

tandem jump attached to an experienced skydiver. Or simply watch the action from an
observation deck or from your perch at the
Perfect Spot Restaurant and Bar.
The Daytona International Speedway isnt
just home to the DAYTONA 500, its a yearround destination of exhibits and experiences.
A guided tour lets you explore the NASCAR
Sprint Cup garages, check out the drivers
meeting room, and even get a close-up look at
the champion DAYTONA 500 car. Or, indulge
in the ultimate fan experience and jump in the
fast lane for a Richard Petty Driving
Experience during which you sit shotgun with
a driver or grab the wheel and drive yourself.
Theres even an experience for kids who are at
least 48 inches tall.
ROAD TRIPS
The Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage
Trail moves through the City of Fort Pierce in
a chronological representation of Hurstons impact on St. Lucie County. Kiosks and trail
markers indicate important sites, such as the
Seven Gables House, Garden of Heavenly Rest
and the former Fort Pierce Chronicle headquarters. Enjoy a bus tour of the trail and peek
inside the Zora Neale Hurston House.
cocoabeachkayaking.com
Daytona International Speedway

daytonainternationalspeedway.com
DAYTONA Rising
daytonarising.com
Elliott Museum
elliottmuseumfl.org
Endless Summer Vineyard & Winery

endlesssummerwine.com
Fish House Art Center

fishhouseartcenter.com
Florida Farmers Markets Directory

farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Florida.htm
Florida Power & Light Energy Encounter

floridawildlifeviewing.com/florida_sea_turtles/
FloridaPowerLight.htm
Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park

friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org
Hallstrom House
irchistorical.org
Holly Bluff Marina

hollybluff.com
JBs Fish Camp & Restaurant

jbsfishcamp.com

kennedyspacecenter.com
Mainstreet DeLand Association

mainstreetdeland.org
105

Take in beautiful scenery and
wildlife at the Merritt Island National
Wildlife Refuge near Titusville.
Indulge at the Ocean Waters Spa

at Plaza Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach.
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic

Highway moves through an estuary that provides habitat to more species than anywhere in
North America. The 166-mile loop along
Floridas Space Coast starts at Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge and draws history
buffs, as well as nature lovers.
A 14-mile drive along A1A starting at Turtle
Mound in New Smyrna Beach and ending at
Canaveral National Seashore bisects a narrow
finger of land, bordered on one side by the
Atlantic Ocean and on the other side by the sheltered Mosquito Lagoon marsh and islands. The
drive dead-ends at an undeveloped barrier beach
historic site, once a federal House of Refuge for
shipwreck victims. Features include abundant
marine animals and birds, a walk to a ghost town
and a boardwalk climb up a 50-foot mound left
by a Paleo-Indian culture, considered the largest
remaining Native American mound in the nationand among the most ancient.
SHOPPING
Discover an endless source of homegrown
foods and handmade crafts at one of the areas
many open-air farmers markets. Items such as
fresh produce, local honey, regional delicacies
and folk art are presented by their makers at
markets up and down the Central East region
from the Stuart Green Market in Martin
County to New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market
in Volusia County.
Looking for deals? At the Vero Beach Outlets
you can count on discounts of up to 65 percent
on iconic brands, such as Coach, Dooney &
Bourke, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Banana
Republic, Williams-Sonoma and much more.
Shoppers who are 55-plus receive additional discounts on Tuesdays, and a complimentary
106
trolley service makes getting from one end of the

venue to the other a breezy break.
The beach isnt just a location, its a lifestyle!
Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is 52,000
square feet of everything you could possibly
need for a day, a week or a lifetime at the beach.
Its the worlds largest surf shop, and its rental
facility offers surfboards, beach bikes, paddleboards, beach chairs and more.
Downtown DeLand in Volusia County is a
charming collection of eclectic shops, unique
restaurants with sidewalk dining and antique
stores. It is located just minutes from the brick
buildings and giant oak trees of Stetson
University, and the entire main street section can
be covered in an afternoon of easy walking. You
might even catch one of the nighttime shopping
and live music events held during the summer.
SPAS
Sandpiper Bay Florida Club Med, in Port St.
Lucie, is home to the only Club Med Spa by
LOccitane in the US. Its 6,000 square feet of
renowned pampering is for anyone seeking to
rediscover lifes balance with healthy, nourishing experiences for face, body and spirit.
Indulge on a journey to a serene oasis at the
Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, where nurturing
therapies offered by the tranquil White Orchid
Spa will inspire and renew. Even the manliest
of men will enjoy the facilitys specialty gentlemens services, and all can benefit from
customized modalities designed to banish tension from the body and stress from the mind.
In Daytona Beach, the 100-year-old Plaza
Resort and Spa is lovely and restful, but possibly haunted! Local legend has it that a
previous guest frequents the hallways and
hangs out in the bar. Its Ocean Waters Spa uti-
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT FLORIDA; NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA VISITORS BUREAU; ARTO HAKOLA/SHUTTERSTOCK; MARTIN COUNTY CVB
Shopping in New Smyrna Beach.
lizes Pevonia Botanica products and offers

seven categories of treatments to make your
beach vacation soar from pleasant to heavenly.

Florida is one of the most-visited places on the
planet, so naturally there are as many accommodation choices as stars in the sky. Here are
a few unique lodging options within the
Central East region.
The Old Colorado Inn in Stuart offers studios, suites and a charming cottage within a
few hundred feet of the St. Lucie River. Its
whimsical, tropical vibe is just a short walk
from waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment at the historic Lyric Theater.
For a taste of Old Florida, try the River Palm
Cottages & Fish Camp. This collection of 25
colorful cottages on the western bank of the
Indian River Lagoon sits amid lush tropical
palms and native plants. Hammocks hanging
aplenty throughout the peaceful grounds make
it seem like youre worlds away, however nearby
Jensen Beach offers plenty to see and do.
If golf is your thing, then swing into the
Perfect Drive Golf Villas in Port St. Lucie.
Villas and hotel-style guest suites are located
within walking distance of PGA Village, which
includes the PGA Museum of Golf, PGA
Center for Golf Learning and Performance and
many nearby courses. Of course, Port St.
Lucies 21 miles of white-sand beaches are
nearby, if you need a break.

Mix sea breeze with laid-back Florida river
lifestyle, and youve got the Inn at Capt. Hirams
Resort in Sebastian. This lively, local-favored
complex sits on the Indian River, which is narrowly separated from the Atlantic by a thin
barrier island. Chill in a hammock (until the
live music starts) on your private patio, rent a
canoe or kayak or head to the beach.
If you seek beachfront charm, the luxurious
Windemere Inn by the Sea in Indialantic is
just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and claims
its own private beach. If youre whipped from
a day of sun and sea, visit the Nest for a massage before retiring to one of the propertys 11
guest rooms.
Bed-and-breakfast inns are not just for New
England when the leaves turn. The Old
Pineapple Inn in the heart of Eau Gallie Art
District in Melbourne is a fully-restored threestory Victorian home within walking distance to
the Brevard Art Museum. Naturally, the beaches
of Melbourne are just a short drive away.
How about a place on the water, literally?
Holly Bluff Marina in Volusia County offers
multi-bed houseboat rentals that allow you to
cruise mile after mile on the St. Johns River,
where manatees graze on shore grasses. And
dont worry . . . complete training on operating
the houseboat is provided. Swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing and hiking can all be
part of the plan. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Maritime & Classic Boat Museum
mcbmfl.org
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum

blackheritagemuseum.org
Mel Fishers Treasure Museum

melfisher.com/Sebastian/Sebastian_Museum.asp
Old Colorado Inn

oldcoloradoinn.com
Perfect Drive Golf Villas at PGA Village

perfectdriveatpgavillage.com
River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp

riverpalmcottages.com
Ron Jon Surf Shop

ronjonsurfshop.com
Sandpiper Bay Florida Club Med

sandpiperbay.clubmed.us
Sea Turtle Preservation Society

seaturtlespacecoast.org
Skydive DeLand
skydivedeland.com
Stuart Heritage Museum

stuartheritagemuseum.com
Sunshine Wildlife Tours

sunshinewildlifetours.com
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

navysealmuseum.com
The Old Pineapple Inn

oldpineappleinn.com
The Pelican Caf and Beach

pelicancafeandbeach.com
The Plaza Historic Beach Resort & Spa

plazaresortandspa.com
The St. Lucie County Aquarium

stlucieco.gov/marine_center.htm
The Driftwood Resort

verobeachdriftwood.com
Tours On Horseback
beachtoursonhorseback.com/index.html
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

vacwarbirds.org
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

verobeachhotelandspa.com
Vero Beach Outlets

verobeachoutlets.com
Waldos
waldosvero.com
Windemere Inn by the Sea

windemereinn.com
Indian RiverSide Park is a premier family destination located on Jensen Beach in Martin County.
107
WEST VOLUSIA REGION
ENDLESS RECREATION
nown for its endless outdoor

recreation, the West Volusia
Region encompasses 14 distinct
communities between Orlando and Daytona
Beach, drawing families to its diversity of vacation experiences.
MUST SEE...MUST DO
TripAdvisor recently recognized the Stetson
Mansion in DeLand as the Most Popular
Tourist Attraction in Florida. As the Sunshine
States first luxury home, it was built in 1886 by
famed hat maker John B. Stetson. Now meticulously restored, tours are offered year-round
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
On the streets of Downtown DeLand, historic, architecturally rich buildings house
boutiques, antique stores, galleries and gift
shops, interspersed with sidewalk cafs and
restaurants. Take a self-guided walking tour
past sculptures, murals and historic plaques
scattered throughout town. For a keener sense
of West Volusias history, visit the Pioneer
Settlement for the Creative Arts in nearby
Barberville, established in 1763 as a trading
post on the west side of the St. Johns River.
Springs and their crystal-clear temperate
waters, wildlife and lush landscapes are major
draws in West Volusia. Blue Spring State Park
in Orange City is known as the official winter
home to more than 250 manatees. Strategically
placed observation decks offer excellent
viewing vantages. Swim, snorkel or float on an
inner tube down the natural lazy river.
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Blue Spring State Park is a great place to swim, snorkel or float on an inner tube.
At De Leon Springs State Park, once home

to Native American groups more than 6,000
years ago and plantations in the 1800s, youll
find the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant
where you can cook your own pancakes right
at your table. After getting your fill, board the
Fountain of Youth ECO/History Tour Boat.
Beyond the springs, the St. Johns River
offers family adventure. Learn about its rich
history on a scenic two-hour narrated river
cruise. The river served as the first highway for
tourists in the late 1800s; resorts and fish camps
still line the riverbanks and offer laid-back
accommodation oozing southern charm.
RETAIL THERAPY
Feel the New England-southern vibe in the
areas boutiques, antique stores and galleries.
Backhome Antiques has been selling the best
antiques here for more than 20 years. For
unique and unusual gifts by Florida artists, stop
by Wolfes Gallery.
INSIDERS TIP
People from around the world gather for readings, healings and seances at the Cassadaga
Spiritualist Camp, a mystical 119-year-old
community in West Volusia. Browse the shops
on the tree-lined cobblestone streets and consult with a medium along the way. FL
LIVE IT UP
For gourmet food and exceptional wine
selections, try the new Sinatras Downtown
Ristorante at Artisan Downtown. Great-tasting
craft beers and ciders and fresh homemade
food are yours at the newly opened Persimmon
Hollow Brewing Company.
There are so many reasons to dine indoors
or out at the critically acclaimed and globally
inspired Cress Restaurant in DeLand, featuring
locally sourced menu items. Chef Hari
Pulapaka is a three-time James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef South and a two-time Food
& Wine Magazine nominee for top 100 Peoples
Best New Chef. This dining establishment was
also rated the top restaurant in Central Florida
by the Zagat Orlando Guide and honored by
the food editor of the Orlando Sentinel as the
Best Overall Restaurant in Central Florida.
FEATURED LINKS
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority
VisitWestVolusia.com

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

cassadaga.org
Cress Restaurant
cressrestaurant.com
De Leon Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings
Persimmon Hollow Brewing

persimmonhollowbrewing.com
Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts

pioneersettlement.org
Sinatras Downtown Ristorante

sinatras.us
Stetson Mansion
stetsonmansion.com
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House

oldspanishsugarmill.com
PHOTO: VISIT WEST VOLUSIA
BY KEVIN FRITZ
Tw V{t
NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA
STEEPED IN HISTORY
Tw Y
BY KEVIN FRITZ
Old Fort Park in New Smyrna Beach.
indulge in fresh seafood and steaks to burgers

and pasta at a pub or under a sidewalk caf umbrella. At night, head to Flagler, Canal Street,
Third Avenue and beyond for the local vibe.
troll historic Canal Street, or walk

hand-in-hand in the surf on New
Smyrna Beachs 13 miles of white
sand. This quintessential family getaway offers
first-class fishing, golf, cultural events, two tenweek beach festivals, and eclectic shopping and
dining. Known for its Bohemian soul and
award-winning beaches, its no surprise so
many visitors choose New Smyrna Beach as
their go-to Florida destination.
MUST SEE...MUST DO
Few realize New Smyrna Beach is the second
oldest city in Florida. Once the largest British
colonization attempt in the New World, the area
is steeped in history. More than 30 historical
sites continue to intrigue visitors, including the
Sugar Mill Ruins, Old Fort Park, Eldora State
House and the nearby Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
A walk through the Canal Street Historic
District is a step back in time; be sure to check
out the New Smyrna Museum of History.
Known as one of the top 100 small art
towns in America, New Smyrna Beach is said
to be a city that celebrates art with a whole
heart. Browse around The Hub on Canal,
which provides a home and gallery space for
working artists. The Atlantic Center for the
Arts draws aspiring artists to learn from accomplished peers.
110
RETAIL THERAPY
The beaches are the main attraction for

relaxing and swimming, or surfing some of the
best waves on the Eastern seaboard. For 10 weeks
each spring and fall, Beach Weeks embraces
water- and beach-based activities, music, food,
drink and cultural events, summoning all comers
who love the beach life. Like to fish? Surf fishing
is renowned in this redfish capital of the world
and boating on the Intracoastal Waterway is
always a wonderful family adventure.
New Smyrna Beach is synonymous with
lively and fun events. Join a Gallery and Wine
Walk, or visit the Weekly Farmers Market.
LIVE IT UP
When hunger strikes, the area features more than
150 nosh options. Many sit directly on the waters
edge, including the venerable JBs Fish Camp.
Along Flagler Avenue, Canal Street and beyond,
Pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets welcome

shoppers to specialty boutiques and galleries.
Its no surprise Floridas second-oldest city is a
haven for antique enthusiasts. Downtown
parking is free.
Shop along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street
and find a unique gift for that hard-to-please
friend. Venture to local department and drug
stores for all your necessities or the latest in
Florida fashions.
INSIDERS TIP
Head out to Disappearing Island, a secluded
low-tide piece of land thats accessible only by
boat. Every day, an island appears as the water
recedes at the inlet. Join locals and those in the
know for a day on pure sandy land. FL
FEATURED LINKS
New Smyrna Beach Area Beach Weeks
beachweeks.com
New Smyrna Beach Area Visitor Bureau

nsbfla.com
PHOTOS: NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA VISITOR CENTER
Surfing off the coast of New Smyrna Beach.
NSBFLA.COM
NSBFL
A.COM
800.214.0166
CENTRAL FLORIDA
THE EPICENTER
y Y
BY KEVIN FRITZ
here was a time when beaches were the

only thing people associated with Florida.
In droves, vacationers arrived by train and
car to bask in the sun and plant their toes in the
warm Sunshine State sand. Few people, especially
visitors, ventured inland. That all began to change
when Walt Disney bought tracts of swampland near
Orlando in 1965 and began to build not only his own
empire, but the most popular vacation spot in the
world, now known as Central Florida. Fifty million
visitors a year cant be wrong.
Currently home to an array of attractions, zoos,
aquariums, thousands of restaurants and places to
stay, there is more to do today in Central Florida
than Walt could have ever imagined.
Beyond its signature icon theme parksWalt
Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and
SeaWorld Orlandothe area is rich in natural attractions, with gorgeous parks, lakes and rivers that can
almost make one forget about the beaches to the east
and west, which are only a short car ride away if the
urge strikes. Welcome to Central Florida, the epicenter of fun.
112
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: VISITCENTRALFL; V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES
Head over to the Lakeland area in April for SUN n FUN, the Annual International Fly-In & Expo.
WHATS NEW
Resorts make vacation life seamless and hasslefree. One of the newest, Streamsong Resort in
Polk Countys Fort Meade has opened its 216room luxury lodge. The 16,000-natural-acre
resort situated between Orlando and Tampa
features bass fishing, a sporting clays facility, a
grotto-style spa and three restaurants. Guest
rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the propertys lakes and
natural surroundings.
For attraction enthusiasts with young ones,
the new DUPLO Valley at LEGOLAND
Florida brings the LEGO DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life. The farm theme
includes a train, mini-tractor ride and water
play area. Dont miss the new six-foot LEGO
Globe built out of more than 250,000 LEGO
bricks, which is part of an initiative to further
educate renewable-energy use inside the park.
Then meet your favorite characters. Interact
and take pictures with Buddy, Max, the LEGO
Friends and even Emmet from the LEGO
Movie at Buddys Character Corner based in
the historic Magnolia Mansion inside the Fun
Town section of LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Feeling nostalgic? LEGOLAND Florida has
reopened the Florida Pool and Oriental
Gardens section of Cypress Gardens, which
formerly occupied this land in Winter Haven.
The pool was originally built as a set for the
1953 film, Easy to Love, starring Esther
Williams.
Scheduled to open in spring 2015, the
Orlando Eye, a 400-foot observation wheel on
International Drive, is part of the new US$250million I-Drive 360 dining-and-entertainment
complex filled with restaurants, stores and attractions, including a Sea Life Aquarium and a
Madame Tussauds wax museum.
At Orlandos core three theme parks, great
new adventures await. Harry Potter continues
to marvel young and old alike at the new
Wizarding World of Harry PotterDiagon
Alley situated within a replication of London
in Universal Studios Florida. Diagon Alley
features shops, a restaurant and a multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape
from Gringotts.
Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort has
opened with 1,800 moderately priced, family
suites and value-priced guest rooms.
Experience its 10-lane bowling alley and sand
beaches. Universal Orlando has also opened
eight new dining choices at CityWalk, including the Hot Dog Hall of Fame, featuring
iconic hot dog creations from famous ballparks.
Join Snow Whites lovable little friends at
Walt Disney Worlds new Seven Dwarfs Mine
Train coaster. The Magic Kingdom also unveiled a new parade: Disney Festival of Fantasy
Parade. Stay at the new Four Seasons Resort
Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and
enjoy a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, fullservice spa, four restaurants, an elaborate pool
area and nightly views of the Magic Kingdom
fireworks. Make your way to downtown
Orlando and visit the spectacular new Dr.
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which
opened in November 2014. The state-of-the-art
Center is Orlandos new home for Broadway
productions, the Orlando Ballet and a gamut of
concerts and special performances. See a show
or just relax with some refreshments on its
roomy outdoor plaza.
ARTS AND CULTURE

In Highlands County, downtown Lake Placid
known as uptown to localshas preserved its
history with masterstrokes of paintbrushes.
With more than 40 colorful murals adorning
buildings in town, Lake Placid is known as the
Town of Murals.
NEED MORE INFO?

Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau
VisitCentralFlorida.org
City of Lake Wales

www.cityoflakewales.com
City of Winter Park

cityofwinterpark.org
Experience Kissimmee
ExperienceKissimmee.com
Highlands County Visitors & Convention Bureau

VisitHighlandsCounty.com
Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau

lakecountyfl.gov/visitors
Ocala/Marion County Visitors

and Convention Bureau
ocalamarion.com
Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau

visitseminole.com
Visit Orlando
visitOrlando.com
Standing tall on Iron Mountain, Bok Tower

in Lake Wales has been a fan favorite since
1929. It boasts one of the greatest works of
famed landscape architect Frederick Law
Olmsted Jr., and a 205-foot neo-Gothic and art
deco singing tower that houses one of the
worlds finest carillons. Its 60 bells ring every
half hour. Tour Pinewood Estate, a 20-room
Mediterranean-style home built in the 1930s,
nestled among a spectacular collection of ferns,
palms, camellias and magnolias. Afterward,
enjoy lunch at the Blue Palmetto Caf.
Four million pounds of Georgia marble and ceramic tiles were used to build the exquisite Bok Tower in Lake Wales.
113
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Take a dip in the clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park.
An outdoor art sculpture in Lakeland.
114
Who would guess that the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the
world is in Lakeland, Florida? The legendary
architect oversaw and designed the construction of 12 structures, including his only
planetarium, on the campus of Florida
Southern College.
A little-known fun culture stop in Lake
County is the miniature White House on display at the Presidents Hall of Fame in
Clermont. The 10-ton replica was formerly on
display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library.The intricate details of the Oval Office,
Lincolns bedroom and other legendary rooms
are incredible.
Harry P. Leu Gardens and Leu House
Museum are part of a 50-acre botanical park
created as gardens in 1936. Stroll pathways past
50 varieties of azaleas, 50 species of bamboo,
2,000 camellia plants and 50 kinds of citrus
trees. The house, built in 1858 by Orlando pioneers Angeline and David W. Mizell, is open
for daily tours.
North of downtown Orlando, the Orlando
Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center,
Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando

Repertory Theatre and Mennello Museum of
American Art are all conveniently located in
the same culture complex, the 45-acre Loch
Haven Park.
A visit to historic Winter Garden is a step
back in time. Because it was situated on the
banks of Lake Apopka, it was once the bustling
center of Central Florida serving as the largest
citrus shipping point in the world. Artifacts
found around the lake indicate that Indians inhabited the land for thousands of years, up until
the colonization of Florida by Spanish explorers.
The Garden Theatre, built in 1935, was restored
to its true Mediterranean Revival style in 2008.
In artsy Winter Park, The Charles Hosmer
Morse Museum of American Art is the world
showcase for everything Tiffany with the most
comprehensive collection of works by Louis
Comfort Tiffany. For the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida, the Cornell Fine
Arts Museum at Rollins College is a must-see.
Stay or just sit a spell in a rocker on the
porch overlooking beautiful Lake Dora at The
Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, circa 1883. Enjoy
the quiet while sipping iced tea, just as past visitors Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and US
Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Calvin
Coolidge have done.
The Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2014, providing
family-friendly theatrical musicals, comedies
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT FLORIDA; JASON PATRICK ROSS/SHUTTERSTOCK; VISITCENTRALFLORIDA.ORG; VISIT FLORIDA
Discover more than 500 lakes in Polk County.
and plays. The second floor of the Appleton

Museum of Art in Ocala is devoted to a wonderful collection of European paintings,
sculptures and decorative arts.
BEACHES
Although there are no seaside beaches in this
region, there are plenty of options to cool off
by the water.
In Osceola County, Lake Tohopekaliga,
known as Lake Toho, covers 19,000 acres and
spans 42 miles in diameter. At Fantasy Surf in
Kissimmee, indoor surfing and bodyboarding
will make you feel like youre at the beach.
Nearby, try water skiing, wakeboarding,
wakeskating, wakesurfing and kneeboarding at
the Orlando Watersports Complex.
A short drive west of Orlando, Lake Louisa
in Clermont, the largest in a chain of 13 lakes,
is designated an Outstanding Florida Water
Way. Take a swim and admire the rolling hills
of Lake County.
Dont forget Central Floridas water parks.
There are many from which to choose and
many have their own beaches. From Walt
Disney World and SeaWorld to Wet n Wild
and LEGOLAND Florida, wet thrills abound.
For a more natural setting, Wekiwa Springs
State Park, north of Orlando, boasts a pristine
spring-fed swimming hole. Or relax on a canoe
or kayak and join the otters as they float down
the river.
In Marion County, Rainbow Springs State

Park offers cool, clear waters of headsprings.
The depth ranges from five to 18 feet, while the
water temperature averages a soothing 72 F
year-round.

In the southern reaches of the region, Dock 633
in Lake Placid is famous for its Dock Onion
and fresh seafood. Be treated like family and
try the fried pickles.
If you are looking for some of the finest
Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Arabellas
Ristorante in Winter Haven is known for its
Chateaubriand in a casually elegant atmosphere. In Kissimmee, Chef Johns Place offers a
fusion of mouth-watering steaks and seafood
to smoked baby back ribs and pasta.
In the Orlando area, options abound, starting
with Restaurant Row on the fabled International
Drive. Here you will find some of the most
sought-after culinary favorites including
Mortons The Steakhouse, Roys and Seasons 52.
The ICEBAR Orlando on International
Drive is an experience like no other. Stop by the
largest permanent ice bar in the world and
enjoy a frosty beer or cocktail in a 22-F chill
while sitting on ice seats. Next door, thaw out
in the FIRE Lounge with live DJ music.Down
the street, luxury-bowling concept Kings Bowl
Orlando boasts a chef-created menu and an innovative list of cocktails.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Central Florida Scottish Highland Games,
Winter Springs
Zora Neal Hurston Festival of the Arts and
Humanities, Eatonville
FEBRUARY
Mount Dora Arts Festival
Silver Spurs Rodeo, Kissimmee
FEBRUARY THROUGH APRIL

Universal Studios Mardi Gras
MARCH
Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill
Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival
MARCH TO MAY
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
APRIL
Florida Film Festival, Orlando
SUN n FUN Fly-In and Expo, Lakeland
The Great American Pie Festival, Celebration
MAY
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
Star Wars Weekends, Disneys Hollywood Studios
JULY
Red, Hot and Boom, Altamonte Springs
SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
NOVEMBER
Festival of the Masters, Disney World
The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire, Tavares
DECEMBER
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights,
Disneys Hollywood Studios
ICEBAR Orlando is the largest permanent ice bar in the US.

115
CENTRAL FLORIDA
INSIDERS TIPS
Your family will never forget this little-known
family getaway, offering a hands-on encounter with animals, such as lemurs,
kangaroos and deer. The Exotic Animal
Experience, located on a horse farm 15
miles east of Orlando, allows you to touch
and feed exotic animals that you have only
seen in the zoo or on TV. Get kissed by a
llama or nuzzled by a pot-bellied pig. All of
the animals are tame and love human contact. Enjoy no crowds and plenty of fresh air.
Lake County is a birdwatchers paradise.
Conservation is important here and you just
might spot the rare and endangered scrub
jay found in the area.
SunRail, a new commuter rail operating
from the border of Volusia County, south
through Greater Orlando, is a great way to
get from one town to another for as little as
US$2. The trains currently only operate
MondayFriday, between 6 AM and 9:30 PM.
116
Bloody Mary brunch on Sundays. Downtowns

historic Church Street Station, once bustling
with activity for locals and visitors alike, is
making a comeback, offering a number of clubs
and restaurants, such as The Rusty Spoon,
Cevche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, and
Hamburger Marys Bar & Grille that doubles as
a cabaret on Saturday nights complete with female impersonators.
North of Orlando, Hollerbachs Willow Tree
Caf in Sanford has served freshly prepared
German food in Central Florida since 2001.
In Leesburg, Sullys Smokehouse is the place
for fall-off-the-bone ribs and is known locally as
the king of barbeque. Also in Lake County, Amrit
Palace has delighted foodies for 30 years with the
finest Indian food in Florida. Try the lamb curry
or shrimp masala. Maggies Attic, a cozy, familyowned wine bar and boutique in Mount Dora,
serves up craft beer, live music and unique gifts.
When its time for some fresh air, the Allen
David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State
Park in Polk County covers more than 8,000
acres of scrub, sandhill and flatwoods land.
Enjoy six miles of hiking trails, fishing
and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities,
including several protected animal species:
Florida scrub jays, bald eagles, gopher tortoises
and Florida scrub lizards.
In Lakeland, visit the 260-acre Safari
Wilderness Ranch and take a safari ride to ex-
perience 400 species of African, Asian and

American animals. If your plans land you in the
Lakeland area in April, SUN n FUN, the Annual
International Fly-In & Expo, educates generations with more than 10,000 aircraft, a variety of
hands-on activities and daily air shows.
When it comes to airboat ecotours, there is
simply no comparison to Wild Florida Airboats.
By day, at sunset or by the light of the moon, airboat tours at the Wild Florida Airboat &
Wildlife Park in Kenansville on Cypress Lake
will present you with a glimpse of Old Florida
at its best. Get an in-depth look at the gators,
birds, eagles, trees and plants as you glide
through more than 100,000 acres of wetlands.
Have the family experience the tranquility
and adventure of an early-morning hot-air balloon ride with Orlando Balloon Adventures in
Kissimmee. Later, take the controls of a restored antique fighter plane at Warbird
Adventures at Kissimmee Gateway Airport.
Old Town in Kissimmee features rides for
the kids, go-karts, a haunted house, themed
restaurants, an arcade and shopping. Or try
your luck at the AMPVenture Experience, an
adventure course with a four-story ropes challenge course, a 300-foot-long zip line and a
35-foot rock-climbing wall. Visit Green
Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee to get a
hands-on experience with more than 300 animals, such as pigs, chickens, goats and sheep.
Kids can enjoy a pony ride and milk a cow at
Central Floridas most popular petting farm.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE; VISIT ORLANDO
If you want to make an adventure out of

your evening meal, Orlando-area themed
dinner theaters Capones Dinner & Show,
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and
Pirates Dinner Adventure will entertain and
satisfy the whole family, while the Treasure
Dinner Theatre features a cabaret dinner show
suitable for adults only. The Outta Control
Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks
presents comedy with your supper, and Titanic
the Experience gives diners the feeling of eating
with Titanic notables and an opportunity to experience life on board the ship.
The COOP in Winter Park is a new
southern-food favorite serving up chicken and
waffles, deviled eggs, buttermilk biscuits and po
boys. Winter Park continues to be a mecca for
visitors eager to stroll its famed brick Park
Avenue and dine and people-watch from the
sidewalk cafs. Off the main drag, the awardwinning Ravenous Pig is definitely worth a stop.
Orlandos antique district offers classic
Italian dishes at Gargis Lakeside Italian
Ristorante and the venerable White Wolf Caf
& Bar features a popular US$3 mimosa and
Go-carting in Kissimmee.
The new Screamin Gator Zip Line

offers high-flying adventure.
In Downtown Disney (soon to be known as

Disney Springs), Splitsville Luxury Lanes is
50,000 square feet of bowling, billiards and great
food, offering hours of family entertainment.
For less petting and more thrills, Gatorland
is the alligator capital of the world. Watch live
feedings, learn about exotic reptiles, and cheer
on the gator wrestlers. Say hellofrom a distanceto Bonecrusher II, a resident 15-foot,
1,400-pound American crocodile, and visit
Bloo and Osceola, the newest members to the
Bobcat Bayou habitat. Theres also a splash park
for kids and the Screamin Gator Zip Line for
the more adventurous.
Fun Spot America features White Lightning,
Orlandos only wooden roller coaster; Freedom
Flyer, a suspended family coaster; and a 250foot SkyCoaster, the worlds second-largest of its
kind. (The worlds tallest is at Fun Spot America
in Kissimmee, lifting you 300 feet in the air.)
Speaking of heights, the Orlando areas
tallest and steepest free-fall waterslide is at
SeaWorlds Waterpark, Aquatica. Ihus
Breakaway Falls drops an exhilarating 80 feet

the steepest of its kind in Orlando. For a shorter
fall, try the six-story Super 8 Aqua Drag Racer
slides at Wet n Wild Orlando on International
Drive. iFly Indoor Orlando treats visitors to the
ultimate indoor skydiving experience.
The Orlando Science Center offers four

floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits, an observatory, a caf and the Dr. Phillips
CineDome, a 300-seat theater for films and
planetarium shows.
The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont is a
117
CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Mall at Millenia in Orlando is
a favorite shopping destination.
Experience the great outdoors in Central Florida.
family-owned roadside citrus farm and cattle

ranch at which families can meander and pick
grapefruits, lemons, tangerines and oranges.
Enjoy its Swamp Safari | Eco Tour on board the
worlds largest 4x4 for a unique look at the
groves. Theres also a picnic area, a playground
and a petting zoo on the grounds. Dont forget
the handcrafted creamsicles, made on-site, before you leave.
For relaxing family fun, the Winter Park Scenic
Boat Tour takes 18 guests at a time through the
citys chain of lakes and canals, passing by beautiful
lakeshore mansions of yesteryear.
Want to tube down a crystal-clear river fed
by natural springs? Located in Apopka, local
favorite Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park offers
swimming, hiking trails, picnicking and concessions. Or join the throngs of sunbathers by
the shores.
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical
Gardens in Sanford is home to more than 400
animals and the Barnyard Buddies Childrens
Zoo. Feed the giraffes then cool off in the
Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
ROAD TRIPS
Take a break from the parking lots and embark
118
on a scenic drive to experience some of Old

Florida at its finest.
The Ridge Scenic Highway in Polk County
travels more than 38 miles along the Lake
Wales Ridge, through the historic communities
of Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee and Haines
City. While in Lake Wales, be sure to visit
Spook Hill, a natural phenomenon that gives
the illusion that cars are coasting uphill.
A drive west of Orlando to Clermont brings
you to the Florida Citrus Tower built in 1956
on one of the highest hills in Floridas ridge section. An elevator ride to the top gives way to
panoramic views of Central Florida.
Look for the Green Mountain Scenic Byway
that shows off the regions little-known rolling
hills. Among the rural towns and villages, youll
pass by the historic moss-covered Sadler Oaks
in the community of Tildenville.
Take a ride to Ocala, the center of the thoroughbred horse industry in Florida and spot
the beautiful rolling horse farms. Hop on the
Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, which travels
through the heart of Central Florida to the
Ocala National Forest. Look for springs,
kayaking and fishing spotsyou might even
see the elusive Florida black bear.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISITCENTRALFLORIDA.ORG; VISIT ORLANDO; THE MALL AT MILLENIA; WYNDHAM GRAND ORLANDO RESORT BONNET CREEK
Cruising through Old Town Kissimmee.
SHOPPING
If you are looking for a taste of Florida, the
Bartow Farmers Market has fresh produce,
preserves, pickles and more. Or try the
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market for
some citrus from Scottys Produce. For mall
shopping in the area, hit the nearly 100 stores
at the Lakeland Square Mall.
The Mall at Millenia in Orlando has become
a favorite with locals and visitors. This shopping mecca features some of the most stylish
shops in all of Central Florida: Tiffany & Co.,
Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. The
Orlando Premium Outlets International Drive
and Orlando Premium Outlets Vineland
Avenue offer discounts in hundreds of brandname stores, while the upscale Pointe Orlando
off International Drive features Tommy
Bahamas Store, Tommy Hilfiger and Armani
Exchange. Want big? Florida Mall in Orlando
offers 1.9 million square feet of space and more
than 250 stores to shop til you drop.
Park Avenue in Winter Park is the quintessential place to shop in Central Florida.
Wander in and out of shops, such as Tuni,
Siegels Winter Park, Ten Thousand Villages
and Charyli as you walk the brick-lined street.
Nearby Winter Park Village features Pier One
Imports, Owen Allen and Ulta.
North of Orlando, Renningers Antique
Center & Farmers & Flea Market in Mount
Dora is worth the trip. The family-owned business, situated on 117 acres in the rolling hills of
Lake County, features hundreds of vendors, as

well as car and vintage garden shows.
SPAS
Nothing says relaxing on vacation like a day at
the spa. And nothing says a Florida spa vacation like the 40,000-square-foot spa at the
Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, which employs
Sunshine State ingredients in citrus-inspired
treatments. There is even an outdoor rooftop
eco space where you can lie in a hammock and
get a massage. Try the four-hands massage
during which oil is drizzled over your body and
two therapists perform a full-body massage.
At Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain near
Walt Disney World, customized treatments
help you bid goodbye to anxiety, stress and insomnia. Blue Harmony Spa at Wyndham
Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek reminds
guests of the nourishment provided by the
great blues of the worldwater and skies. The
newly remodeled Disneys Grand Floridian
Resort & Spa blends the resorts turn-of-thecentury elegance with modern touches and a
dash of Disney.There are 15 treatment rooms
and relaxation areas, as well as orchestral music
harmonizing with your selected treatment.
In Orlandos trendy Dr. Phillips community,
The Woodhouse Day Spa caters to men and
women. Relax with a facial, massage or body
treatment in a Vichy shower. Indulge in the
Woodhouse Escape, a full-body ritual that begins with a bamboo body scrub followed by a
FEATURED LINKS
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek
Preserve State Park
floridastateparks.org/catfishcreek
Aquatica Orlando
AquaticaOrlando.com
Blue Harmony Spa

blueharmonyorlando.com
Bok Tower Gardens

boktowergardens.org
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

centralfloridazoo.org
Church Street District

churchstreetdistrict.com
CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort

cocokeyorlando.com
Cornell Fine Arts Museum

rollins.edu/cfam
Days Inn Kissimmee

daysinn.com
Discovery Cove
DiscoveryCove.com
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

drphillipscenter.org
Exotic Animal Experience

exoticexperience.net
Florida Backroads Travel

florida-backroads-travel.com
Florida Southern College

flsouthern.edu
Fun Spot America

funspotattractions.com
Gatorland
gatorland.com
Garden Theatre
gardentheatre.org
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcogp-gaylordpalms-resort-and-convention-center
Green Meadows Petting Farm

greenmeadowsfarm.com
Harry P. Leu Gardens

leugardens.org
ICEBAR Orlando
icebarorlando.com
Kings Bowl Orlando

kingsbowlamerica.com/Orlando
Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora

lakeside-inn.com
LEGOLAND Florida
florida.LEGOLAND.com
Old Town, Kissimmee

myoldtownusa.com
Orlando International Airport

orlandoairports.net
Orlando Premium Outlets

premiumoutlets.com
A massage room at the Blue Harmony Spa at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.
119
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Westgate River Ranch in Lake Wales is the largest

dude ranch east of the Mississippi.
FEATURED LINKS
Orlando Sanford International Airport
orlandosanfordairport.com
Orlando Science Center

osc.org
Presidents Hall of Fame

thepresidentshalloffame.com
Renningers Vintage Antique Center

Farmers & Flea Market
renningers.com/Locations/MtDora
Rosen Hotels & Resorts

rosenhotels.com
Safari Wilderness
safariwilderness.com
Scenic Boat Tour, Winter Park

scenicboattours.com
SeaWorld Orlando

While there are thousands of hotel rooms and
vacation home rentals in Central Florida, there
is a share of accommodation that offers a flair
all its own.
The largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi,
Westgate River Ranch in Lake Wales is an authentic Florida cowboy-themed property, yet
home to luxurious villas and cabins where you
can rest up after a day of horseback riding, swimming, fishing, nature hikes, trap and skeet
shooting and hayrides. Be sure to stay over on a
Saturday night to enjoy its championship rodeo
with trick riding, bull riding, calf roping and
barrel racing in its 1,200-seat rodeo arena.
The most popular childrens hotel in the region is Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge. The
African-themed resort sits within a 33-acre
wildlife preserve, and the entire property is
designed to make you feel as if you are staying
in the wild among 30 species of African
wildlife, including zebras, gazelles, kudu and
flamingos. When the sun rises over the savannah, watch giraffes from your room
enjoying a tall-tree breakfast. Get even closer
on a sunrise or sunset safari. After a long day,
refuel at Boma Flavors of Africa, an allyou-care-to-enjoy buffet resembling a lively
African marketplace.
120
Ever stay in a glass-enclosed resort?

Experience life like Jim Careys character did in
The Truman Show under Gaylord Palm
Resorts 4.5-acre atrium with themed environments that depict popular Florida destinations,
such as Key West, St. Augustine and the
Everglades. The themes also characterize the
1,406 guest rooms.
For water-lovers, a best-kept secret is CoCo
Key Orlando Resort, home to Orlandos only
outdoor canopy-covered water park. With
54,000 square feet of slides, rides and pools, the
family can splash all day without harmful sun
rays. When the sun sets, head indoors to the
Key Quest Arcade and experience 6,500 square
feet of games and activities. Also in Orlando,
near all the major attractions, are seven Rosen
Hotels & Resorts.
Minutes from Disney attractions and featuring
an outdoor pool and free continental breakfast,
the family-friendly Days Inn Kissimmee offers
spacious guest rooms and reasonable rates.
Scheduled to open in summer 2015, the
five-story LEGOLAND Florida Resort in
Winter Haven will feature 152 brightly colored
and highly themed rooms and suites, thousands of LEGO models, interactive play areas,
a pool and kid-friendly restaurants. Families
can choose from one of three popular LEGO
toy lines as their accommodation themepirate, kingdom or adventureand all rooms
include two separate sleeping areas for grownups and up to three little ones. To round off this
ultimate family experience, hotel guests will
have early access to the park and be treated to
nightly entertainment. FL
SeaworldOrlando.com
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.

seaworldparks.com
Showcase of Citrus
showcaseofcitrus.com
Splitsville Luxury Lanes

splitsvillelanes.com
Streamsong Resort
streamsongresort.com
SunRail
sunrail.com
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum

of American Art
morsemuseum.org
The Citrus Tower

citrustower.com/Clermont
The COOP Troupe

asouthernaffair.com
The Florida Mall

simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall
The Mall at Millenia

mallatmillenia.com
The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando

ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando/Spa
The Woodhouse Day Spa

orlando.woodhousespas.com
Titanic The Artifact Exhibition

titanictheexperience.com
Treasure Dinner Theatre

treasuretavern.com
Universal Orlando Resort

universalorlando.com
Waldorf Astoria Spa

waldorfastoriaorlando.com/spa
Walt Disney World

disneyworld.disney.go.com
Wekiwa Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings
Wild Florida Airboats

wildfloridairboats.com
WonderWorks
wonderworksonline.com
PHOTO: VISITCENTRALFLORIDA.ORG
soothing volcanic stone massage. There are

6,000 square feet of Victorian decor adorning
16 private guest treatment rooms.
Mount Doras state-of-the-artchic Synergy
SalonSpa specializes in facials, chemical peels
and massages.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
An Ocean of Fun Awaits for the Entire Family

Theres a reason that Orlando is the worlds favorite vacation destination. At every turn, there
are experiences for families to take in and lifelong memories to be made. But no experience is
more incredible than walking among a colony of nearly 250 penguins in their 32-degree world at
SeaWorld Orlando; oating in a lazy river past a grotto of colorful sh at Aquatica, SeaWorlds
Waterpark, or sharing a swim with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Discovery Cove. These three
amazing parks blend incredible animal encounters with world-class entertainment, coupled with
nearby hotels, for a unique and unforgettable vacation.
SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, including three theme parks SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica,
SeaWorlds Waterpark, and Discovery Cove and seven official hotel partners, is a full vacation
experience offering money-saving travel values, exclusive benets, a convenient location and unique
sea-themed adventures found only at SeaWorld and its parks.
Learn more at SeaWorldGetaways.com
SeaWorld Orlando
Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld Orlando, where the aquatic
world comes alive like no place else. Climb aboard and ride the
mighty Manta, a facedown, headrst roller coaster. Experience the
power and grace of killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu show
One Ocean. Share an epic voyage with sea turtles on the 3D 360o
TurtleTrek. An ocean of fun is waiting to be explored at one of the
worlds most popular marine-life parks. Jump in and dive deep.
And, theres nothing cooler than the all-new thrilling, chilling

adventure, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Embark on the single
biggest attraction expansion ever and experience the mystery
and wonder of Antarctica life on the ice, through the eyes of a
penguin, sensing
the beauty and
drama of their
sometimes dangerous habitat. Antarctica:
Empire of the Penguin is a family ride that
combines up-close animal connections with
state-of-the-art interactive ride technologies
for adventures that are different each time.
Explore a massive penguin colony of nearly
250 penguins in an expanse that envelops you
in cool extremes, both above and below the
penguins icy world. Its a must-see, one-of-akind theme park experience only at SeaWorld in
Orlando. Learn more at SeaWorldOrlando.com
Aquatica, SeaWorlds Waterpark

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and remarkable
animal habitats, Aquatica, SeaWorlds Waterpark delights all ages and interests.
This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the worlds most thrilling water rides, featuring
42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches.
New is Ihus Breakaway Falls Brave a watery free fall on the all-new
Ihus Breakway Falls, Orlandos tallest, steepest and only multi-drop
tower slide of its kind. At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihus Breakaway Falls is
where youll face your fears and each other.Offering four unique slide
paths, youll step into one of three breakaway boxes and watch each
other fall one-by-one or test your bravery on a fourth open slide for
a different but just as thrilling experience. Youll never know whos
going to breakaway rst and the anticipation of who drops next is
part of the wild ride. Aquatica Orlandos exclusive attractions promise
unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures and
through breathtaking animal exhibits.
Showcasing the parks most distinctive animals, Dolphin Plunge

takes riders down 250 feet of clear tubes, underwater, and through
Aquatica Orlandos beautiful Commersons dolphin habitat. Catch a wave in Big Surf Shores
or Cutback Cove, the worlds only side-by-side wave pools capable of operating together or
independently. Or for those thrill seekers, Omaka Rocka gives a waterslide taste of half-pipe,
near-vertical thrills previously experienced only by daring skateboarders and snowboarders.
Learn more at AquaticaOrlando.com
Discovery Cove
For the second consecutive year, Discovery
Cove was voted the No. 1 amusement park in
the world in the 2014 TripAdvisorTravelers
Choice Awards. Discovery Cove is an allinclusive day resort in where guests enjoy
a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with
dolphins, snorkel among rays and tropical
sh and hand-feed exotic birds in a free-ight
aviary. Freshwater Oasis features wading
adventures and face-to-face encounters with
playful otters and curious marmosets. A day
at Discovery Cove includes a freshly prepared
breakfast and lunch, snacks and beverages throughout the day plus rst-class amenities swim
vest or wetsuit, towels and swim gear, including a souvenir snorkel and eco-friendly sunscreen.
Also included is unlimited admission for 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica,
SeaWorlds Waterpark. Busch Gardens Tampa can be added for an additional charge, including
transportation.
At Discovery Cove, guests experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to
offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. Discovery Cove is a paradise of lush landscaping,
tropical reefs, winding rivers, a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls, and pristine white-sand
beaches. Learn more at DiscoveryCove.com
2014 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA
INCREDIBLE
BEYOND
Vtx
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
Escape to the pristine beaches in Caladesi Island State Park (l)

and Honeymoon Island State Park (r).
ith all of the options available

in the Sunshine State, it might
be difficult to choose your
destination. Heres a tip: if youre looking for
a perfect blend of exciting theme parks, electric nightlife, exquisite dining, eclectic
world-class museums and enticing sandy,
white beaches, look no further than Central
West Florida!
WHATS NEW
Scheduled to open late 2014, the Tampa
Baseball Museum, housed in slugger Al
Lopezs childhood home in Ybor City, is a
must-see for those who love the game. Inside
youll find permanent and rotating exhibits
that span more than 125 years of baseball history, from the Little Leagues and the Negro
Leagues to the Major Leagues and everything
in between. Did you know that in addition to
Al Lopez, Wade Boggs and Lou Piniella found
their love of the game in Tampa?
124
PHOTOS: VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER
The chef-owners of a foodies favorite, The

Refinery, James Beard-nominated Chef Greg
and Michelle Baker are digging their forks into
another project in Tampas Seminole Heights
neighborhoodFodder & Shine. The duo is
resurrecting the Old Florida food ways by concentrating on yesteryear cooking methods in a
modern kitchen. Slated to open late 2014, the
restaurant features a full liquor bar, complete
with local craft beers, an expansive outdoor
seating area, pool tables and a vintage video arcade. Eat, play and stay awhile.
Another highly anticipated restaurant
opening in 2014 is Ulele on Tampas Riverwalk,
in the former City of Tampa Water Works
building on the Hillsborough River. Here youll
find flavors from Floridas waters expertly prepared on its 10-foot diameter barbacoa grill, as
well as an on-site brewery, a domestic wine list
and specially created signature cocktails.
Hotel Zamora, a new Mediterraneanthemed boutique hotel, opened mid-summer
2014 in St. Pete Beach to rave reviews. Named
for the Spanish province that inspired its architecture, the interior design blends South Beach
chic and Old World Spanish, resulting in a luxurious place to stay.
The Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg
now has a shop to match its incredible gallery.
In addition to featuring pieces by the glass
master, the new space showcases local artists,
as well as handcrafted and specialized products.
A 33,500-gallon aquarium takes center stage
at the new RumFish Grill & Bar at Guy Harvey
Outpost on St. Pete Beach. The restaurant features casual dining options of appetizers, soups,
salads, sandwiches and entrees to satiate any
sized appetite. Afterward, walk around the
restaurants store, which carries the largest selection of Guy Harvey merchandise in the area.
And if youre staying at the resort, you can even
snorkel in the aquarium!
There are a lot of new things to see, do and
eat in Hernando County. The recently opened
Springleton Family Park is a terrific place for
families to enjoy mini-golf, bumper cars, an arcade and more. A great family event is the new
Brooksville Native American Festival, which
premiered in February 2014 and quickly became
an annual event.
As far as dining, two new restaurants
opened in 2014The Cove in Hernando
Beach and Al Di L Italian Bistro in Spring
Hill. Bon apptit!
The Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg now has a shop to match its incredible gallery.
ARTS AND CULTURE

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
and theres plenty of beauty to be found in
Central West Florida.
A showpiece on the Riverwalk in downtown
Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art is housed in
an architectural work of art designed by Stanley
Saitowitz. Inside, an incredible collection of
contemporary and classical art, as well as enticing traveling exhibitions, is on display.
Follow the Riverwalk south to the Florida
Museum of Photographic Arts, which features
works by local, national and international photographers, as well as historical collections. Farther
along the river is the Tampa Bay History Center,
which tells the stories of the city on the bay.
A short trolley ride from the Tampa Bay
History Center is Ybor City, a living museum,
if you will. Once known as the Cigar Capital
of the World, this small city within a city was
rich with cigar factories where workers rolled
NEED MORE INFO?

Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau
visitcitrus.com
Hernando County Tourism Bureau

naturallyhernando.org
St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention

& Visitors Bureau
visitstpeteclearwater.com
Visit Pasco
visitpasco.net
Visit Tampa Bay

visittampabay.com
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce

ybor.org
125
INSIDERS TIPS
Theres a little piece of Cuba in Central West
Florida. A small park on the west end of Ybor
City is dedicated to Cuban poet and revolutionary Jos Mart and has been owned
by the Cuban government since 1956.
126
millions of cigars annually. Today, the brick

streets are lined with cafs and shops, a few of
which sell hand-rolled cigars.
Back in Tampa, step back into a simpler time
and the splendor of the storied 1920s movie
palace, the Tampa Theatre. Take a tour of the
mesmerizing theatre before the main feature begins, and sit back and relax while a volunteer
organist serenades you on the Mighty Wurlitzer
Organ before the curtain rises.
Within walking distance of each other in
downtown St. Petersburg are the Chihuly
Collection at the Morean Arts Center, featuring 10,000 square feet of dazzling works of
glass art by the master himself, and the
Museum of Fine Arts with thousands of objects spanning 4,500 years, from antiquity to
the present. Not far from these two museums
is the Dal Museum, where youll find the
worlds largest collection of Salvador Dals
work, including 1,300 graphics, photos, sculptures and objets dart; 96 oil paintings; and
more than 100 watercolors and drawings. The
structure housing the Dal Museum is in itself
a surreal piece of art, too. These are but three
reasons why The New York Times included St.
Petersburg among the Top 52 Best Places to
Visit in 2014.
BEACHES
With miles of coastline and beaches, Central
West Floridas stretches of sugar-white,
powder-soft sandy beaches found along the
Gulf of Mexico each have their own personalities and are the perfect playgrounds for all
ages. Whatever type of beach experience youre
looking forbe it quiet, action-packed, or anything in betweenCentral West Florida has
you covered.
A few of the regions best beaches are actually state parks. For a quiet, more natural beach
day without high-rises lingering behind you,
consider Anclote Key Preserve State Park,
Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi
Island State Park. One of the best beaches in
the area is at Fort De Soto Park, south of St.
Pete Beach.
Not only Floridians think the beaches here
are fantastic. TripAdvisor named three beaches
in Pinellas County to its annual list of the 25
Best Beaches in America, namely, St. Pete
Beach (No. 9), Caladesi Island State Park outside of Dunedin (No. 11) and Clearwater
Beach (No. 21).
At the end of the day, theres no better place
than a beach in Central West Florida to take in
spectacular sunsets.
CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER LEFT: VISIT FLORIDA; VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER; VISITCITRUS.COM; CVB PHOTOGRAPHY/CITRUSCOUNTY.COM
The beach on Treasure Island.
Surfers in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.

Once awash with chain restaurants, Central
West Florida has stepped up its game with
loads of independently owned eateries, which
include James Beard-nominated chefs and
farm-to-table spots that are certainly garnering
plenty of attention.
Tampas Seminole Heights neighborhood
continues to grow in terms of restaurants
popping up and staking claim. In addition to
The Refinery, where the menu changes
weekly based on whats in season, there are
Ellas Americana Folk Art Cafe and Rooster
& the Till, with more coming in the next year
or so. For authentic Cuban bread, stop by
Mauricio Faedos Bakery, across the street
from The Refinery.
Youre sure to find something to please your
taste buds in Ybor City. Park your car or
hop on the trolley and walk around. For
Spanish and Cuban flavors, add Columbia
Restaurantthe oldest restaurant in Florida
to your list, and try the 1905 Salad with a
Cuban sandwich. Once dinner is over, linger
awhile in Ybor City to partake in its thriving
nightlife, which ranges from dance clubs and
live music venues to quiet pubs for a pint.
Tampas South Howard Avenue, or SoHo, is
filled with restaurants from which to choose.
Make a night of it and book reservations at
Berns Steak House, a dining institution. For
more than 50 years, Berns has served aged
prime beef, caviar, organic vegetables and
wines from an extensive cellar6,500 labels, to
be exact. Insiders tip: try the tableside Caesar

salad and make reservations for the Harry
Waugh Dessert Room. And like Ybor City,
once dinners over, the nights come alive along
this strip.
There are loads of dining options in downtown St. Petersburg, too, from casual sidewalk
cafs to fine dining. Heres another chance to
park your car, walk around and see what calls
out to you.
The oldest microbrewery in Florida,
Dunedin Brewery set the scene and now there
are loads of pints from which to choose, many
of which are award-winning brews. The best of
the best include 7venth Sun Brewery, also in
Dunedin; Saint Somewhere Brewing Company
in Tarpon Springs; Green Bench Brewing Co.,
3 Daughters Brewing and Cycle Brewing in St.
Petersburg; Brooksville Brewing Company in
Hernando County; Cigar City Brewing (with a
new cider and mead tasting room opening
soon) in Ybor; Southern Brewing, Tampa Bay
Brewing Co. and Coopertail Brewing Co. in
Tampa. Cheers!
The Withlacoochee State Trail makes its way north

from Trilby to Citrus Springs.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa
Aside from miles of beaches, Central West
Florida appeals to everyone in the family.
When its time to go wild, be sure to visit Big
Cat Rescue in Tampa. The largest accredited
sanctuary in the country is home to more than
100 lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats and cougars
that have been rescued and are now cared for
by loving staff and volunteers. Get up close to
FEBRUARY
Brooksville Native American Festival
Clearwater Beach Uncorked
FEBRUARYMARCH
Bands, Brew & BBQ, Busch Gardens
Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa
MARCH
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
APRIL
Mainsail Arts Festival, St. Petersburg
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach
APRILMAY
Viva la Msica, Busch Gardens
SEPTEMBEROCTOBER
Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens
OCTOBER
Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Seafood Festival, Cedar Key
NOVEMBERDECEMBER
Christmas Town, Busch Gardens
DECEMBER
Outback Bowl New Years Eve Parade & Band Blast
Order a plate of fresh crawfish at Neon Leons in Homosassa.
127
Enjoy a sunset sail off the coast
in the same springs when water temperatures

dip below 72 F elsewhere in Florida. Other popular manatee viewing spots include Three
Sisters Springs in Crystal River and the TECO
Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.
Take the family out to the ball game during
spring training, or during the regular season for
that matter. The Toronto Blue Jays hit the
spring training field in Dunedin, while the New
York Yankees play spring ball in Tampa, and
the Philadelphia Phillies take a swing at spring
in Clearwater. During the regular season, the
Tampa Bay Rays play their opponents at the always 72-F Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
More amusement in Central West Florida is
found at the Museum of Science and Industry
in Tampa, canoeing or kayaking the regions
rivers and springs, walking among life-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur World in Plant City,
creating art at the Glazer Childrens Museum in
Tampa, and finding thrills on roller coasters at
Busch Gardens Tampa.
ROAD TRIP
Greek cuisine, art, cultureits all here in the
small fishing village of Tarpon Springs. The
area was first settled in 1876, and today is a
popular day-trip destination from Tampa,
Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Pasco County.
Go for the history, culture and food, and youll
go back for more!
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER; VISITCITRUS.COM
of St. Petersburg/Clearwater.
these magnificent cats and be enthralled by

their beauty.
Another place to enjoy close encounters with
animals is Tampas Lowry Park Zoo, consistently
recognized as the Best Zoo in the US by Parents
Magazine. Spend a day observing animals from
Africa, Australia, Asia and beyond, learn about
their habitats and how to protect them, and youll
easily see why its rated so highly.
Discover all of the wonders that lie beneath
the waters surface at the Florida Aquarium in
downtown Tampa. Meet penguins, dive with
sharks (for scuba-certified only), swim with
fish (for ages six and older) or cruise out onto
Tampa Bay to watch for dolphins.
Speaking of dolphins, Winter, the star of
Dolphin Tale, makes her home at the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium and is always
happy to meet her fans. Plenty of other marine
life live alongside Winter: stop and say hello to
her friends, Hope and Nicholas, and the resident sea turtles, otters, stingrays, sharks,
pelicans and eel. You can get out on the water
here, too, on board the aquariums 90-minute
Sea Life Safari.
Take another look beneath the water and
youll find mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs.
Yes, mermaids! Every day, mermaids don their
fins and entertain visitors during their shows in
the crystal-clear waters. Manatees, thought to
be mermaids by sailors too long at sea, gather
Ride the Ozello Trail in Crystal River.

128
Shop for treasures at the Florida Artists Gallery in Floral City.
FEATURED LINKS
3 Daughters Brewing
3dbrewing.com
7venth Sun Brewery

7venthsun.com

Al Di L Italian Bistro
aldila.info
Aloft Tampa Downtown

alofthotels.com/TampaDowntown
Berns Steak House

bernssteakhouse.com
Big Cat Rescue

bigcatrescue.org
Brooksville Brewing Company

brooksvillebrewingcompany.com
Brooksville Native American Festival

brooksvillenativeamericanfest.com
Busch Gardens
buschgardens.com
Caladesi Island State Park

floridastateparks.org/caladesiIsland
Chihuly Collection
moreanartscenter.org
Cigar City Brewing

cigarcitybrewing.com
Clearwater Beach
clearwaterbeach.com
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

seewinter.com
Columbia Restaurant
columbiarestaurant.com
Coppertail Brewing Co.

coppertailbrewing.com
Cycle Brewing
facebook.com/pages/
Cycle-Brewing/454861824560821
Dinosaur World
dinosaurworld.com
Dunedin Brewery
Whats a vacation without shopping?

Fortunately, there are plenty of spots to find just
what you need in Central West Florida.
Pull out your credit cards and get ready to fill
your bags at the International Plaza in Tampa.
With anchor stores, such as Nordstrom and
Neiman Marcus, as well as all-time favorites
Gap, Banana Republic (his and her shops),
H&M, and boutiques including Burberry and
Gucci, the registers will be ringing.
Tree-lined streets, sprawling homes and
shopping la European village make Hyde Park
Village one of Tampas hot spots. Its easy to
spend the day here. Shop for a bit in the
morning at name-brand stores, such as West
Elm, lululemon athletica, Brooks Brothers,
Anthropologie and others. Afterward, enjoy a
bite to eat at Piquant Epicure & Cuisine, or sip
wine at the Wine Exchange. For more outdoor
shopping, slip over to The Shops at Wiregrass
in Wesley Chapel, where boutiques and department stores entice you with their wares.
130
St. Petersburgs Grand Central District is

gaining popularity among shoppers, and its
easy to see why. Spend a day leisurely strolling
along the avenue lined with fine art galleries,
record and vintage clothing shops, and antique
stores. There are also plenty of restaurants and
bars along the way to pop into for a respite.
Looking for a little something to take back
to friends back home? Souvenir shopping is
perfected at Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk in
Madeira Beach. Drop by any of the 100 shops
for everything from T-shirts and shells to artwork and more.
dunedinbrewery.com
Ellas Americana Folk Art Cafe

ellasfolkartcafe.com
Epicurean
epicureanhotel.com
Evangeline Spa
epicureanhotel.com/evangeline-spa
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

fmopa.org
Fodder & Shine

fodderandshine.com
Fort De Soto Park

pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
Glazer Childrens Museum

glazermuseum.org
Grand Central District

grandcentraldistrict.org
Green Bench Brewing Co.

greenbenchbrewing.com
Guy Harvey Outpost
SPAS
guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/
st-pete-beach
When its time to really relax and spoil yourself,

Central West Florida has what you need. In addition to day spas sprinkled throughout the
area, several resorts offer spa treatments to
their guests as well as to the public. Whats
more, to enhance your experience, several spas
feature water-inspired treatments. After all, you
are in Florida.
Honeymoon Island State Park

floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland
Hyde Park Village

hydeparkvillage.com
Indaba The Spa

innisbrookgolfresort.com/spa-wellness
International Plaza and Bay Street

shopinternationalplaza.com
Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk

johnspassvillage.net
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CVB PHOTOGRAPHY/VISITCITRUS.COM; VISIT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER
SHOPPING
Indaba The Spa at Innisbrook is set amidst 900 acres of rolling hills, pine trees and four golf courses.
Following a day in the springs, relax at Spa

Bleu at Plantation on Crystal River. The Aveda
spa has nearly everything you could desire, from
one-of-a-kind treatments to a full day of pampering filled with manicures and pedicures,
massages, facials, Vichy showers and more.
Set amidst 900 acres of rolling hills, pine
trees and four golf courses is Indaba The Spa

at Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort
in Palm Harbor. The stand-alone spa defines
tranquility. Inside the separate dressing rooms
are lounge areas, saunas/steam rooms and hot
tubs. The state-of-the-art treatment rooms
evoke instant relaxation, making it simple to
ease into your treatment. For a change of pace,

try the Copperhead Golf Ball Massage, a terrific
take on a hot-stone massage. Complete your
experience with lunch en spa, or walk the
labyrinth for a bit of meditation.
The 12,000-square-foot Spa at Sandpearl on
Clearwater Beach is a relaxing retreat from the
131
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge spans 4.1 miles.
FEATURED LINKS
Le Mridien Tampa
lemeridientampa.com
Libert Management
libertemanagement.com

Museum of Fine Arts

fine-arts.org
Museum of Science and Industry

mosi.org
New York Yankees

newyork.yankees.mlb.com
Philadelphia Phillies
phillies.com
Plantation on Crystal River

plantationoncrystalriver.com
Rooster & the Till

roosterandthetill.com
RumFish Grill
RumFishGrill.com
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

safetyharborspa.com
Saint Somewhere Brewing Company

saintsomewherebrewing.com
Sandava Spa
clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas
Southern Brewing & Winemaking

southernbrewingwinemaking.com
Spa Bleu at Plantation

plantationoncrystalriver.com/spa.htm
Spa Oceana
loewshotels.com/don-cesar/servicesamenities/spa-oceana
Springleton Family Park

facebook.com/SpringletonFamilyPark
St. Pete Beach

stpetebeach.com
Tampa Baseball Museum

tampabaseballmuseum.org
Tampa Bay Brewing Co.

tampabaybrewingcompany.com
Tampa Bay Rays

rays.mlb.com
Tampa Museum of Art

tampamuseum.org
Tampa Theatre
tampatheatre.org
Tampas Lowry Park Zoo

lowryparkzoo.com
Tarpon Springs
spongedocks.net
TECO Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

tampaelectric.com/company/mvc
132
to specifically suit your needs. For instance, the

Sun Repair Soother is perfect after a few days
under the rays. Or opt for one of the spas signature treatments, such as the Sun-Warmed Shell
Massage, Florida Orange Scrub or the Blueberry
Bliss Facial. Sandava has seasonal offerings, too,
so be sure to check the menu when you make
your appointment for even more choices.
South of Clearwater Beach is Spa Oceana at
the Loews Don CeSar Hotel St. Pete Beach. Five
treatments on the spa menu are exclusive to the
Don CeSar, including Spa Oceana Splendor,
Oceana Aromatherapy Massage, Tropical
Perfecting Ritual, Pearl Radiance Resurfacing
Facial and the Floral Blossom Manicure &
The Cove
covecasualrestaurant.com
The Dal Museum

thedali.org
The Florida Aquarium

flaquarium.org
The Refinery
thetamparefinery.com
The Shops at Wiregrass

theshopsatwiregrass.com
The Spa at Sandpearl

sandpearl.com/spa
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg

Resort & Golf Club
marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasr-the-vinoyrenaissance-st-petersburg-resort-and-golf-club
Toronto Blue Jays

toronto.bluejays.mlb.com
Ulele
ulele.com
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

weekiwachee.com
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: VISIT FLORIDA; LITTLENY/SHUTTERSTOCK
start. From the whirlpool and steam rooms to

treatment rooms and couples suites complete
with Swiss showers, you wont want to leave
once you step foot inside. And thats before the
treatments even begin! For a real treat, try the
Ocean Memory Ritual, an organic algae-based
remedy that renders the skin smooth and firm.
Its little wonder why The Spa at Sandpearl is
rated among the Top Spas in North America
by the readers of Cond Nast Traveler.
Just down the beach is Sandava Spa at the
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and
Spa. With a focus on individually crafted experiences customized with fresh, organic
ingredients, Sandava customizes your spa time
Pedicure. Or, for a truly decadent spa experience, choose the Spa Oceana Sunset Bliss
Massagethe most expensive and exclusive
couples massage in the world, at US$3,500 per
couple. Start with a little relaxation in a rooftop
cabana and delicacies prepared by the hotels
executive chef, served with a bottle of Cristal,
and followed by a sunset, seaside couples
massage that will melt the world away.
When Hernando DeSoto reached the shores
of Old Tampa Bay in 1539, he thought hed found
the legendary Fountain of Youth that Ponce De
Len had missed. Since its founding in 1925, the
historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is where
healing waters flow. Today, the 50,000-squarefoot spa and fitness center, which Spa Finder
Magazine consistently recognizes among its top
10 US spas, features everything you need for that
youthful glow. Spend a day and choose from
more than 50 spa and salon treatments; or, stay
overnight and try Lavender Dreams, an Espiritu
Springs Mineral Bath combined with the
Lavender Dreams Ultimate Experience.
In Tampa, Evangeline at the Epicurean Hotel
takes organic to a new level with fresh fruit
scrubs, buttery lotions and botanical oils infused
with herbs from the hotels living wall. Each
treatment is customized to meet your needs, and
each ingredient is carefully selected to awaken
your senses and refresh your soul. In homage to
its foodie roots, Evangeline features treatments
that will leave you hungry, such as the Dulce
Delight manicure/pedicure, with scents of
Arabica coffee bean, caramel, butter brle, dark
chocolate and sweet cream milk emanating
throughout the service. Or, create your own aromatherapy blend to use during your treatment
and take home to enjoy afterward.
Experience Greek cuisine, art and culture in

the fishing village of Tarpon Springs.
guests with doors open to the Gulf of Mexico

and all of the conveniences of home.
The Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa, just
outside the downtown area, welcomes foodies
and non-foodies alike to its culinary-inspired
property. The 137-room boutique hotel is dedicated to extraordinary culinary experiences,
which comes as no surprise since it was developed in collaboration with famed Berns Steak
House, right across the street.
The
century-old
Historic
Federal
Courthouse in Tampa, also part of the US
National Register of Historic Places, opened as
Le Mridien Tampa in June 2014. Classic architecture beautifully sets off modern touches and
state-of-the-art technology, turning former
judges chambers into incredible guest rooms.
Whats more, as part of its UNLOCK Art program, the hotel has partnered with the Tampa
Museum of Art, offering guests complimentary
access to Le Mridien-affiliated contemporary
cultural centers in the city by simply showing
their key cards.
Aloft Tampa Downtown, on the Riverwalk
that winds its way through downtown Tampa,
opened in mid-2014 and is a terrific option for
business and leisure travelers alike. The former
Mercantile Bank office was re-purposed and
developed to feature 130 loft-like rooms in a vibrant, social atmosphere.
Situated upon 232 acres of preserved land, the
Plantation on Crystal River reopened in January
2012 after extensive renovations and boasts a fullservice family-oriented dive and tour marina, 27
holes of golf, a spa, dining and relaxing accommodation. The eco-friendly and green luxury
resort is surrounded by natural springs. FL
Tails & Trails

Bird watching, Biking, Hiking, Kayaking,
Scalloping, Fishing and home of the
world famous Mermaids

at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Hernando County
BROOKSVILLE

For an historic nights stay, make reservations
at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort
& Golf Club, a pink Mediterranean Revivalstyle hotel in downtown St. Pete. Though it was
built in 1925 and is on the US National
Register of Historic Places, the hotel has all the
modern amenities to make your stay more
than comfortable.
The Loews Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete
Beach, also known as the pink lady, opened
in 1928 and quickly became a favorite of the
Jazz Age glitterati, including F. Scott Fitzgerald,
Al Capone, Lou Gehrig and Franklin D.
Roosevelt. Today, the Don welcomes its
HERNANDO BEACH WEEKI WACHEE
1-855-250-2482
www. naturallyhernando. org
EAST - Visitor Info Center, off I-75 at Exit 301
WEST - Visitor Info Center,
Come see how we do Florida...Naturally!

45 minutes north of Tampa
60 minutes west of Orlando
Hernando Countys
NATURE COAST
133
CITRUS COUNTY
AT THE HEART
OF THE
atx Vt
BY AMANDA MIMS
SWIM WITH MANATEES

For manatee lovers, there is no better place
to be than Citrus County. Its hard not to fall
for the big, gentle creatures, and this is the
only place in Florida where visitors are permitted to swim with wild West Indian
134
Cycle or ride leisurely along car-free paths.
manatees, also known as sea cows. Its no

wonder people come from countries around
the world for a thrilling experience with
these endangered animals.
Much like the areas tourists from the north,
manatees come here when temperatures start to
fall. They escape the cold weather by wintering
in the many warm springs within Citrus
County, including Three Sisters Springs in
Crystal River, which remains a constant 72 F
year-round. Hundreds of manatees can be seen

within a single group of springs on cold days.
At other times of the year, resident manatees
can be found throughout Kings Bay in Crystal
River.
Opt for a guided snorkeling tour, or take a
more passive approach and see the animals by
kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Local tour
companies provide all the equipment necessary
for a manatee-filled day on the water.
CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER LEFT: CITRUS COUNTY PHOTO LIBRARY/CVB PHOTOGRAPHY; VISITCITRUS.COM; VISITCITRUS.COM
he Sunshine State is known for its

many miles of coastline and
world-famous amusement parks,
but Florida is much more than beaches and
roller coasters. Citrus County, located an hour
north of Tampa in the heart of the Nature
Coast, is wild, scenic and serene. Its miles and
miles of uninterrupted bike trails. Its swimming with manatees. Its bringing buckets full
of scallops back to shore after a day of splashing
in the Gulf of Mexico.
Anyone who spends a little bit of time here
can understand how the Nature Coast got its
name. Crystal-clear springs that fill with wild
manatees and amaze even the most experienced divers, breathtaking sunsets over the
Gulf of Mexico, world-class fishing, and ample
hiking, biking and paddling opportunities are
some of the things that keep visitors coming
back time and again.
Swim with gentle manatees in crystal-clear springs.
Paddle at Three Sisters Springs.
FISHING AND SCALLOPING

Anglers have endless opportunities to cast their
lines in Citrus County, whether they are after
freshwater or saltwater fish. And they dont
have to go it alone. Charter fishing guides are
available to help ensure a successful day on the
water. Spanish mackerel, tarpon and cobia are
some of the saltwater species anglers reel in.
Businesses along the coast also offer boat
rentals for visitors who want to see the springs
and rivers on their own or wish to set out for a
saltwater adventure on the Gulf.
Scallop season, which runs from late June to
late September, is of special interest to water
lovers. During those months, head out to the
Gulf by way of the Homosassa River for funfilled days of recreational bay scallop
harvesting, which is something of an underwater Easter-egg hunt. Guided scallop tours are
a convenient way to snorkel and catch the daily
limit of two gallons of whole scallops per
person or 10 gallons per vessel. Local captains
anchor at the best scalloping spots, where the
water is four to six feet deep, and scallopers of
all ages spend hours splashing in the Gulf and
finding tasty treasures to bring back for dinner.
PADDLING IN PARADISE
Citrus County is known as the water lovers
Florida for good reason.
On any given day, paddlers are found in
waterways throughout Citrus County, from the
Gulf waters of Ozello to the springs of
Homosassa and Crystal River to the Tsala
Apopka Chain of Lakes. Exploring the Nature
Coast by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard is an experience unlike any other.
For a spring-filled day, rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and launch from Hunter
Springs Park in Crystal River to enjoy the bluegreen water outside the spring swimming area,
which is just off a small beach near the boat
launch. Then paddle about 30 minutes through
Kings Bay to Three Sisters Springs, a trio of
crystal-clear springs where snorkeling, diving
and paddling are popular activities.
RIVERSIDE CAMPING
Whether they come for the mild, sunny winters
or summertime scalloping adventurers, RVers
know they get the best of all worlds when they
stay in waterfront towns such of Crystal River
and Homosassa. Campgrounds here make a
perfect getaway spot for visitors in motorhomes,

fifth wheels and travel trailers because they are
close toor directly onthe water. At the same
time, they are within easy driving distance of
shops, restaurants and other conveniences.
Many RV campgrounds allow fishing within
the park, and none are far from water activities.
Check out Crystal Isles RV Resort, which is a
short distance away from Fort Island Gulf
Beach and offers fishing opportunities right
from the campground.
For tent or RV camping, stay at the
Chassahowitzka River Campground, located
within easy walking distance of the river by the
same name. The river is home to many clear
springs, and boat rentals and a camp store ensure guests have all they need for adventures on
the river.
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS

A cycling hot spot in Central Florida, the 46mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a paved,
car-free path that runs from Dunnellon to Dade
City. Near the middle is the Inverness trailhead,
a popular stop because of its bustling downtown.
Its not uncommon to see cyclists in full gear sitting down to a meal at one of the restaurants
outdoor tables, with bikes leaning beside them.
Additional paved and off-road paths make Citrus

County an ideal stop for cycling enthusiasts.
For adventures on foot, head off to the Citrus
Hiking Trail, the states longest hiking loop
within a single tract of land. Camp and hike the
entire 43-mile trail in the Withlacoochee State
Forest, or break it up into short day trips. Hikers
can expect varying and hilly terrain, from hardwood forests to prairies. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau
visitcitrus.com
A Crystal River Kayak Company

crystalriverkayakcompany.com
Birds Underwater Inc. Manatee Tours & Scuba Shop

birdsunderwater.com
Chassahowitzka River Campground

chassahowitzkaflorida.com
Crystal Isles RV Resort

rvonthego.com/florida/crystal-isles-rv-resort
Days Inn Crystal River

daysinn.com
Homosassa Guides Association

homosassaguidesassociation.com
Homosassa Riverside Resort

riversideresorts.com
Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, Inc.

railstotrailsonline.com
135
PASCO COUNTY
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
Find fashions and more at the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
short 30-minute drive

north of Tampa and about
90 minutes west of
Orlando, Pasco County is a vacation wonderland filled with thrills not found in theme
parks. Instead, miles of pristine coastline along
the Gulf of Mexico, gentle rivers, flat lands and
rolling hills make this Florida gem a terrific
getaway where you can get back to nature.
RETAIL THERAPY
MUST SEE...MUST DO
Overcome your fear of snakes at the annual

Rattlesnake Festival & Run held each fall in San
Antonio, Florida, that isnot Texas. FL
138
INSIDERS TIP
Crystal Springs Preserve offers

opportunities for wildlife viewing.
LIVE IT UP
Pucker up! Pasco County is the worlds largest
producer of kumquats, a small, tart, orange-like
fruit that is eaten in its entirety. Sample one at
Kumquat Growers, and if the timings right, attend the annual Kumquat Festival in January,
just like more than 40,000 people do.
When it comes to dining, there are plenty of
options in Pasco County. One of the local favoritesand Southern Livings toois Lunch
on Limoges, and if youre vegetarian, try Kafe
Kokopelli, both in Dade City. For dinner, its
hard to beat Chef Curtis Beebes Pearl in the
Grove, or his new venture in San Antonio,
LOCAL Public House & Provisions.
FEATURED LINKS
Visit Pasco
visitpasco.net
Anclote Island Preserve State Park

Crystal Springs Preserve

crystalspringspreserve.com
Dade Citys Wild Things

dadecitywildthings.com
Giraffe Ranch
girafferanch.com
Kumquat Growers
kumquatgrowers.com
San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run

rattlesnakefestival.com
The Shops at Wiregrass

theshopsatwiregrass.com

PHOTOS: OFFICE OF TOURISM PASCO COUNTY
On the Gulf coast, four islands and sandy

beaches lure visitors to Anclote Island Preserve
State Park, accessible only by ferry or private
boat. Consider them your own private islands!
In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, freshwater
springs flow freely in Pasco County, including
Crystal Springs Preserve and Werner-Boyce
Salt Springs State Park, both of which offer
plenty of opportunities for quiet paddling excursions and wildlife viewing.
The rolling hills in Dade City are popular
with cyclists. This is also where youll find Dade
City Wild Things, featuring a Sunken Jungle
Trek and Jungle Safari Ride as well as tiger cubs,
monkeys and gators. And not far down the
road, a safari of a different ilk takes you to
Giraffe Ranch, a working game farm dedicated
to conserving endangered species such as giraffes, ostriches, rhinos, zebras and more.
From small-town Main Street to large shopping

centers, shoppers are not disappointed in Pasco
County. Boutiques, antique shops and more sell
tempting goodies to those peeking in the windows in downtown Dade City. A more
traditional mall experience is found at The
Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
CELEBRATING
450 YEARS OF
[x|tzx
Book an historic tour of Flagler College in St. Augustine.
isitors driving south on Interstate 95 encounter Northeast Florida as soon as they

cross the state line. Welcome to a coastal
region that includes two major cities (Jacksonville
and St. Augustine), hundreds of square miles of
beach, and a sultry climate supporting stately live oak
trees draped in Spanish moss. However, the First
Coast can get quite cool in the winter, which provides
residents a nice seasonal change.
History is big on the First Coast starting with its
nautical landmark where Ponce de Len came ashore
and named the state La Florida more than 500 years
ago. And every September, Florida Living History,
Mission Nombre de Dios and the Diocese of St.
Augustine present the historical re-enactment of Don
Pedro Menndez de Avils landing in 1565.
Long considered the Renaissance area, the story
of black history in America also began here. Fort
Mose was the first free black settlement in America.
In fact, the first cowboys were black Africans when
Spaniards exported cows to America.
Today, St. Augustine enjoys a high number of repeat visitors. Whether you consider it fascinating,
original, quirky or experiential, a visit to this historic
city is different every time. September 8, 2015, marks
its 450th anniversary and establishes St. Augustine as
140
FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: JON BILOUS/SHUTTERSTOCK; FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM; FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
BY DEBI LANDER
the oldest continually occupied European settlement in America. Celebrations are expected
to be the grandest ever and are a must for
tourists and residents alike.
While in St. Augustine, dont miss the hallmark of the townthe US National Park
Monument, Castillo de San Marcos, usually referred to as the fort. Construction using
coquina (shell-stone) rock began in 1672 and
the structure is considered the oldest masonry
fort in North America.
Youll also find 36 buildings of colonial
origin still standing in the historic district.
Begin touring by purchasing a multiple-day,
hop-on trolley ticket from Red Train or Old
Town Trolleys. Tour the Gonzalez-Alvarez
House, the oldest Spanish colonial dwelling,
which has been occupied since the 1600s.
Children enjoy visiting the Oldest Wooden
Schoolhouse while adults always hope for
miraculous renewal from the water at the
Fountain of Youth. The Spanish Military
Hospital Museum appeals to anyone interested
in medicine. This building on Aviles Street is
an authentic reconstruction of a Military
Hospital that stood there from 17841821. The
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, owned and
run by The National Society of The Colonial
Dames of America, dates back to 1798.
Much smaller than the Castillo de San
Marcos, nearby Fort Matanzas offers free boat
rides out to the uninhabited island named for
the massacre that occurred there. The site is
also run by the US National Park Service.
Jacksonvilles Fort Caroline at the Timucuan

Preserve memorializes the short-lived French
presence in 16th-century Florida. You can also
explore the grounds at Kingsley Plantation,
named for Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived here
from 1814 to 1837. This waterfront historic site
includes a barn, a plantation house, a kitchen
house, slave quarters and an interpretive garden.
At Fernandina Beach, Fort Clinch is one of
the best-preserved 19th-century forts in the
country. First weekend Union Garrison Days
draw crowds to observe artillery and medical
demonstrations and soldier drills.
WHATS NEW
March is Florida Archaeology Month and
November is Native American Heritage
Month. In recognition of these, Ripple Effect
Ecotours is offering special kayak tours called
Native People of the Estuary, led by Joe
Woodbury, Park Specialist at Washington Oaks
Gardens State Park. Joes an archaeologist with
a passion for the native people of the region, the
Timucuans. Participants will learn how the
Timucua thrived within this rich landscape,
much of it unchanged since they were here.
Paddle the backwaters of the Guana Tolomato
Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
with Ripple Effect Ecotours and see it as the
Timucuan people saw it 2,000 years ago. Dates
are scheduled for March 14 and 15 and
November 21 and 22, 2015.
The new St. Augustine Distillery on Riberia
Street offers free tours. The plant began
making handcrafted vodka and gin in 2014, by
distilling Florida-grown ingredients in smallbatch copper-pot stills. The adjoining Ice
Plant Bar and Restaurant sells the liquor and
INSIDERS TIPS
If you plan to visit St. Augustine, July,
March, April, June, February and May are
the busiest months, in that order.
September and October are slow and the
weather is perfect, and its also a good time
for cultural and historical events. Hotels in
the downtown core are usually sold out
Thursday to Sunday, but deals are available
midweek so plan accordingly.
Take a biplane ride over St. Augustine
with St. Augustines Biplane Rides just like
the barnstormers did in the 1920s and 30s.
View the San Marcos Fort, Bridge of Lions,
Flagler College, the Lighthouse and beaches.
The biplane is a 1935 Model WACO YMF5C, but was built in 2011.
Every February through May thousands
of photographers and birdwatchers descend upon the Alligator Farm in St.
Augustine. They go, not to see the gators
though they are coolbut to get an
up-close view of the hundreds of egrets,
roseate spoonbills and wood storks that
come to nest. Its a feast for the eyes.
Learn about artisan distilling at the St. Augustine Distillery on Riberia Street.
141
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Built in 1924, the MOCA in Jacksonville features

contemporary art exhibits.
features a menu of farm-to-table dishes for

lunch and dinner.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological
Park recently opened the parks newest attraction, a 40-foot controlled free-fall adventure.
Python Challenge at Crocodile Crossing exposes thrill-seekers to a fast open-air descent
from a tower high above the park. Its the latest
addition to Crocodile Crossing, a zip line
course with an aerial view of crocodiles, alligators, birds and other animals.
Beat the heat out on the Intracoastal
Waterway in a new 18-passenger airboat.
Venture where regular boats cantthrough
marshes, creeks and streams to view dolphins,
manatees, bald eagles, otters, herons, pelicans,
and even an occasional alligator. Airboat tours
leave Tuesday through Sunday from the Old
Florida Fish Camp and Seafood Shack (formerly Crazy Fish) in Jacksonville Beach.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Enjoy free admission at the Cummer Museum of Art

& Gardens in Jacksonville on Tuesday evenings and
on the first Saturday of each month.
142
The First Coast thrives with a variety of museums, a symphony orchestra, which has its
own orchestral hall, a Broadway Artists Series
and the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Major
attractions, such as the annual Monster Jam
trucks and the circus, take over the Veterans
Memorial Arena while pop performers fill the
seats at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.
Historic tours of Flagler College highlight
the architecture of the former Hotel Ponce de
Leon, a National Historic Landmark in St.
Augustine. Built by railroad magnate Henry M.
Flagler in 1888, the complex is considered one
of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance
architecture. Tours begin in the courtyard
leading into the grand lobby with its magnificent 80-foot domed ceiling supported by eight
hand-carved ornate oak caryatids. Visitors also

see the dining room where 79 Tiffany stainedglass windows stream light onto beautiful
murals, the walls and ceiling. Tours include
original hotel furniture and art, as well as personal photos and mementos from Henry
Flagler and his family.
The first Friday of each month, from 5 to 9
PM, serious collectors and casual browsers
stroll along St. Augustines brick-lined streets
and pop into more than 20 galleries exhibiting
fine art photography to funky gifts. Some galleries offer free refreshments, artist receptions
or live music. Even parking is gratis at the San
Sebastian Winery on King Street, another great
spot to tour. Rather not walk? Take a free ride,
literally, compliments of St. Augustine
Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours.
A free series of concerts in the Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Augustine presents classical
music including internationally acclaimed
guest artists. Built between 1793 and 1797, the
Basilica is considered Americas first parish.
The St. Johns River, one of the few rivers in
the world that flows north instead of south,
has always played an important part in the regions development. Visit the Jacksonville
Maritime Heritage Center, which showcases
river artifacts from the earliest French to current times.
Explore Jacksonville from Top to Bottom
on a walking tour that takes guests to the top
of the citys tallest skyscraper down to a subterranean secret underground filled with
tunnels and bank vaults. Learn about
Jacksonvilles history, architecture and culture
along the way. The tours, presented by AdLib
Luxury Tours & Transportation, depart every
Tuesday and Thursday.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES: V&V HOSPITALITY & MEDIA SERVICES; FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM; FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM; PALM COAST AND THE FLAGLER BEACHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The outdoor St. Augustine Amphitheater hosts

top entertainment acts throughout the year.
Downtown Jacksonville features a free

monthly First Wednesday Art Walk covering
more than 15 blocks and includes more than 40
galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, bars and businesses. There are dozens of
artists in Hemming Plaza, street performers
and live music from 5 to 9 PM, rain or shine.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
Jacksonville (MOCA) and the Museum of
Science & History (MOSH) both participate in
the Bank of America Museums on Us program,
which provides free admission to Bank of
America and Merrill Lynch cardholders to the
nations finest arts, cultural and educational institutions during the first full weekend of every
month. Housed in an historic building built in
1924, the MOCA features contemporary art exhibits of all kinds, as well as a number of
programs for families. Its popular on-site Caf
Nola is open for lunch and on Thursday evenings
for dinner. Also in Jacksonville, the renowned
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free
admission from 4 to 9 PM on Tuesdays, as well
as on the first Saturday of the month. Take time
to enjoy its three beautiful Cummer Gardens that
overlook the St. Johns River and its Caf at the
Cummer, which is open daily for lunch and on
Thursday evenings for dinner.
A1A in Palm Coast. The Parks eastern boundary

holds a large outcropping of coquina rock, creating a picturesque boulder-strewn beach
especially favored by photographers. Visitors
also find 20 acres of formal gardens. Pellicer
Creek in Faver-Dykes Park is a popular site for
birding with more than one hundred bird
species seen during spring and fall migrations.
Environmentally friendly boat tours, which
leave from the Town of Marineland Marina,
teach visitors about the natural and cultural history of this fascinating, diverse and biologically
rich region. Ride on Ripple Effect 1, the only
vegetable-oil-powered ecotour boat in
Northeast Florida.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
The TaxSlayer Bowl, Jacksonville
FEBRUARY
Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games &
Festival, Green Cove Springs
MARCH
Amelia Island dElegance
Gate River Run National 15K Championships,
Jacksonville
APRIL
One Spark, Jacksonville
APRILMAY
World of Nations Celebration, Jacksonville
MAY
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
THE PLAYERS Championship, Ponte Vedra Beach
JUNE
Drakes Raid Re-enactment, St. Augustine
BEACHES
AUGUST
Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, then stroll along

any of Northeast Floridas beaches searching for
sharks teeth, a favorite pastime in the region.
Washington Oaks State Gardens preserves
425 acres of coastal scenery along State Road
Festival by the Sea, Palm Coast Club
SEPTEMBER
450th St. Augustine Founding Celebrations
A couple relaxes on Vilano Beach.
Florida Heritage Book Festival Writers

Conference, St. Augustine
St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival
OCTOBER
Creekside Festival, Palm Coast
Florida-Georgia football game, Jacksonville
Spooktacular, Jacksonville Zoo
NOVEMBER
Amelia Island B&B Holiday Cookie Tour
NOVEMBERJANUARY
Nights of Lights, St. Augustine
DECEMBER
British Night Watch Grand Illumination Parade,
St. Augustine
Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic, Flagler Beach
Stroll through Washington Oaks State Gardens in Palm Coast.
143
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Waterfront dining in St. Augustine.
beaches, St. Augustine, Jacksonville and Amelia

Island. Fort Clinch, in Fernandina Beach,
makes an excellent fishing spot because artificial reefs (created entirely by accident by the
Corps of Engineers while trying to fight beach
erosion) produce an ideal underwater habitat
for sea creatures. The half-mile-long fishing
pier calls to anglers ready to cast a line. Dont
tell too many, but Fort Clinchs isolated beaches
make an ideal getaway for those wishing to
avoid crowds.
Treats at a farmers market on Amelia Island.
NEED MORE INFO?

Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
ameliaisland.com
City of Green Cove Springs

greencovesprings.com
City of Fernandina Beach

fbfl.us
Clay County Division of Tourism

exploreclay.com
Flagler County Chamber of Commerce

Visitors Center
palmcoastandtheflaglerbeaches.com
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

Visitors and Convention Bureau
floridashistoriccoast.com
Visit Jacksonville
visitjacksonville.com
144
Take a guided kayak tour, led by a professional naturalist guide, and paddle the
backwaters of the 40,000 acres that have been
preserved at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas
National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) in the Ponte Vedra area, voted the best
place to kayak in Northeast Florida.
During the summer months, jump aboard
Jacksonville Beachs convenient Beaches Trolley
to explore all the beach neighborhoods and attractions for just US$1.50.
Jacksonvilles Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park,
near Mayport, is the perfect outdoor playground for everyone, including pets. Take the
family picnicking or use the biking trails. Go
swimming or surfing at the premier surfing
spot in Northeast Florida, The Poles. Surfers
also hang ten at Micklers Landing in Ponte
Vedra Beach and at Flagler Beach.
Jacksonvilles Huguenot Memorial Park features 71 campsites at the mouth of the St. Johns
River and all water sports. The park is part of
theGreat Florida Birding Trail where a wildlife
area for nesting terns and shorebirds is roped
off to protect them in season. Lighthouses are
popular attractions. Visitors can tour the St.
Augustine Lighthouse and Museum (open
daily) or the Amelia Island Lighthouse, which
has limited-access viewing on Saturdays from
11 AM to 2 PM.
Charter fishing boats, with guides, are plentiful, but you can also fish from piers at Flagler
There are no chain restaurants in St. Augustines

Old Townonly independent establishments
serving local seafood and produce.
On the last Saturday of each month, St.
Augustines Uptown Saturday Night brings
locals and tourists together for live music,
refreshments, book signings, antique stores and
shops between Ripleys Museum and the
Mission Nombre de Dios, the latter of which
provides free parking.
Walters Reef Caf, operated by First Coast
Technical Colleges award-winning School of
Culinary Arts, is one of St. Augustines hidden
culinary gems. The caf prepares students for
careers as culinary professionals while providing a dining experience for the public.
Located on campus, the caf is open to all for
lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM, Tuesday to
Thursday, when classes are in session.
Are you a hot shot? See if you can make it
onto the Wall of Flame at the Hot Shot Bakery
n Caf by tasting a chocolate-dipped locally
grown datil pepper treasured by the
Minorcan community.
Cool down with an Elvis popsicle made with
peanut butter, banana and honey at The Hyppo
Gourmet Ice Pops.
Whetstone Chocolates on King Street offers
free tours and tastings.
Stop in at the Spice & Tea Exchange in St.
Augustines historic district. Following the framework of an 18th-century trading post, displays of
teas and spices evoke a sense of yesteryear.
Next, tour the handcrafted operations at the
St. Augustine Distillery. Be sure to check out
the Ice Plant cocktail bar and restaurant.
The Murray Brothers Caddy Shack
Restaurant ranks as a casual dining favorite at
World Golf Village with plenty of memorabilia
from the pop movie.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: ST. AUGUSTINE, PONTE VEDRA & THE BEACHES VCB; AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
IF YOU THINK ALL FLORIDA BEACHES ARE THE SAME,

WE WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW.
When you visit Amelia Island, you will discover a Florida that youve only dreamed about.
With 13 miles of picturesque, unspoiled beaches, majestic moss draped oak trees, world-class
resorts, and the charm and splendor of true Southern hospitality, no other Florida beach compares.
Choose from historical inns and hotels to vacation rentals and luxury beach, spa and golf resorts.
And soak in the beauty of Floridas legendary island.
a meliaisl a nd.com
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Interact with marine mammals at the Marineland

Dolphin Adventure near St. Augustine.
FEATURED LINKS
AdLib Luxury Tours & Transportation, Inc.
adlibtours.com
Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast Association

ameliaislandinns.com
Amelia Island Lighthouse

lighthousefriends.com
Beacher's Lodge Oceanfront

beacherslodge.com
Casa de Sueos
casadesuenos.com
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant

casamarinahotel.com
Casa Monica Hotel

casamonica.com
Castillo de San Marcos

nps.gov/casa
Colonial Quarter
colonialquarter.com
El Galen and Nao Victoria

staugustine-450.com/galeon
146
a reputation for outstanding fresh seafood. Try

an after-dinner drink at the states oldest bar
and popular watering hole, the Palace Saloon
in Fernandina Beach.
Learn about Floridas rural past with a stop at
the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm
Coast. The pioneer homestead gives folks a
taste of the bygone era. Take a wagon ride, shell
corn, pump water and meet farm animals.
More than 75 years old, Flaglers Marineland
Dolphin Adventure remains the worlds first oceanarium. Today the research facility continues to
study dolphin behavior and visitors can view these
charming creatures up close. Make reservations
ahead for special dolphin encounters.
The St. Augustine Colonial Quarter brings the
citys Spanish and British heritage to life through
authentic exhibits including a leatherworking
shop, a blacksmith, an 18th-century Spanish
home, and an on-site boat construction of a 50foot caravel. Around the corner, the Pirate &
Treasure Museum pleases swashbucklers with
one of the worlds largest collections of genuine
pirate artifacts. There are plenty of fun interactive
exhibits as well. A combined ticket saves money.
Join the pirate crew on the Black Raven for daytime family outings or evening cruises.
Teens wont complain about the frightful fun
of a ghost tour, especially popular around
Halloween. Explore the darker side of the
nations oldest city including the towns most
Flaglers Legacy
legacy.flagler.edu/pages/tours
Florida Agricultural Museum

myagmuseum.com

Foxy Lady Cruises

foxyladycruises.com/jacksonville
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National

Estuarine Research Reserve
gtmnerr.org
Hot Shot Bakery n Cafe

hotshotbakery.com
Huguenot Memorial Park

coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/
recreation-and-community-programming/parks/
huguenot-memorial-park.aspx
Ghosts & Gravestones St. Augustine

Frightseeing Tour
ghostsandgravestones.com/st-augustine
Ice Plant
iceplantbar.com
Jacksonville Jazz Festival

jaxjazzfest.com
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

jacksonvillezoo.org
Mud Muckers
mudmuckers.com
Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville

mocajacksonville.org
Nights of Lights
nightsoflights.com
Old Florida Fish Camp & Seafood Shack

oldfloridaseafoodshack.com
Omni Jacksonville
omnihotels.com/hotels/jacksonville
PHOTO: MARINELAND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE-GEORGIA AQUARIUM/FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
Caps on the Water and Aunt Kates are two popular waterfront eateries in nearby Vilano Beach.
Near Jacksonville, Royal Palm Village Wine
& Tapas in Atlantic Beach serves wine and beer
in its retail shop and theres also a restaurant.
Choose from 1,200 bottles of fine wine and14
rotating drafts to pair with creative tapas made
from farm-to-table seasonal fresh ingredients.
Year after year, Ragtime remains a hip drinking
and dining spot while Zeta at Jacksonville
Beach is new to the list. Its brewery draws a
crowd that appreciates handcrafted beer.
In Jacksonville, the Riverside Arts Market,
open every Saturday from March through
December, includes live entertainment, a farmers
market and artists selling their wares. See
Jacksonville from the water aboard the Foxy Lady
while noshing on brunch, lunch or dinner menu
items. Hungry for sushi and Japanese? Try Tomo.
Peruvian calls for Ceviche Jax at the corner of
Atlantic Boulevard and Seminole Road. The San
Marco Dining District features some of the best
chefs in the city; try Matthews, Taverna or Bistro
AIX. In Riverside and Five Points, climb the
stairs at Black Sheep Restaurant for one of the
hottest rooftop bars in the city or make it a progressive dinner with stops at The Mossfire Grill
& Lounge and OBrothers Irish Pub.
On Amelia Island, stop in at the Elizabeth
Pointe Lodge, an award-winning bed and
breakfast, which is now open to the public for
breakfast and lunch. The Verandah Restaurant
at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation upholds
haunted building, the Old Jail, for an upclose-and-personal encounter.

St. Augustines quirky Lightner Museum
showcases American Victorian-era pieces,
housed within the former historic Hotel Alcazar.
Narrated horse-drawn carriage rides offer
an idyllic romantic or memorable family
outing. Many carriages can accommodate up
to 12 comfortably.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens houses
more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and
1,000 varieties of plants. Guests can walk along
a 1,400-foot-long boardwalk and observe the
herds in a large, open environment called the
Plains of East Africa. The new Land of the
Tiger (opened in 2014) features five tigers. The
zoo also presents ever-changing special events
and numerous childrens activities.
Tree Hill Nature Center, 50 acres in the
center of Jacksonville, is the perfect place for
kids and adults to connect with nature. The
Hands-on Childrens Museum, on Beach
Boulevard in Jacksonville, has managed to fit
an entire town into its 8,500-square-foot space.
Servers pour pretend milkshakes at a 1950sthemed caf, tellers work at the Kids Mini
Bank, and all sorts of townsfolk shop at the
Winn-Dixie Lil Grocery. Twenty exhibits encourage kids to take on the roles of grown-up
workers or use costumes and puppets to enter
a world of complete fantasy.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, near
the airport in Jacksonville, provides a safe,
loving, forever home for endangered big cats.
Tours on select days educate the public about the
plight of big cats in the wild and captivity. Visit
at feeding times for memorable images of tigers,
lions, cougars, leopards, bobcat and foxes.
A family outing to the ballpark doesnt need
to break the bank. Sports enthusiasts can cheer
for the Jacksonville Suns, a double-A minor
league baseball team on Bragan Field at the
Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Tickets to the
NFL Jacksonville Jaguars games at EverBank
Field come at a heftier price tag.
Dolphins are commonly sighted and watch for

humpback whales during migration seasons.
A days drive along A1A from Flagler Beach
to Fernandina Beach will help you understand
what brings many people to Northeast
Floridathe beautiful beaches, warm winter
weather and sunny skies.
The Carmelite Monastery in Bunnell offers
one of the only drive-through versions of the
Stations of the Cross, bronze sculptures depicting scenes of Christs suffering and death.
SHOPPING
The St. Augustine Outlet malls provide discount opportunities at more than 85 brand
names, including Banana Republic, Brooks
Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew, Movado,
Nike, Ralph Lauren and Reebok. Youll also find
a huge Gander Mountain outdoor store.
Pedestrian-only St. George Street in the historic district of St. Augustine presents some
unusual finds. Explore the Womens Exchange
of St. Augustine gift shop in the historic Pena-
ROAD TRIPS
A favorite drive in the Flagler Beach area is the
Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, a 30-mile double
loop of winding roads that take you along the
Atlantic Ocean and the Old Dixie Highway,
past rivers, creeks and marshes, barrier island
dunes and beaches, and historic dwellings.
147
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Oceanfront golf on Amelia Island.
FEATURED LINKS
One Spark
beonespark.com
Palace Saloon
thepalacesaloon.com
Ripple Effect Ecotours

rippleeffectecotours.com
Riverside Arts Market

riversideartsmarket.com
Royal Palm Village Wines & Tapas

royalpalmwines.com
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

sawgrassmarriott.com
St. Augustine 450th Commemoration

staugustine-450.com
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
staugustinebiplanerides.com
St. Augustine Distillery

staugustinedistillery.com
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

Shopping along Centre Street in Fernandina Beach.
The St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville is

the place to hit for the latest upscale merchandise from shops, such as Tiffany & Co., Louis
Vuitton, Apple and Swarovski Crystal. A new
Nordstroms department store opened in
October 2014. The Town Center also includes
bargain stores such as DSW Shoes. Nearby, visit
1st Place Sports, which was named one of the
50 Best Running Stores in America in 2013.
The Jacksonville Farmers Market is the
oldest, still-operating outdoor farmers market
in Florida. Since 1938, vendors have offered
fresh produce, herbs and local favorites, such as
Mayport shrimp. Browse crafts and handmade
goods by local artisans daily from dawn to dusk.
The market is minutes away from downtown.
SPAS
Peck House. The Gifted Cork on Hypolita

Street offers daily wine tastings based on a
theme, seven days a week. Goldsmith Joel
Bagnal designs custom-made pieces from his
shop on Aviles Street.
Discover hidden gems at Bluetique, an upscale Goodwill resale shop in Ponte Vedra
Beach. Find trendy art and clothing in San
Marcos numerous boutique and galleries.
148
For wellness getaways, consider the Spa at the

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. The 30,000-squarefoot facility, the regions largest, combines
peaceful surroundings and ultra-modern facilities. Choose from more than 100 beauty and
therapeutic services including the spas signature service, Ponte Vedra Retreat.
Bask in a seductively beautiful environment
at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa,
which offers its 25,000-square-foot sanctuary
with 19 private treatment rooms; or at the
calming The Spa at World Golf Village featuring 11 treatment rooms.
staugustinelighthouse.org
St. Augustine Music Festival

staugustinemusicfestival.org
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

thepiratemuseum.com
St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast

stfrancisinn.com
St. Johns Cultural Center

historiccoastculture.com
St. Johns Town Center

simon.com/mall/st-johns-town-center
TPC Sawgrass
tpc.com/tpc-sawgrass
The Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary

cattyshack.org
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

cummer.org
The Pirate Ship Black Raven

pirateshipblackraven.com
The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

pvspa.com
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

nps.gov/foca
Walters Reef Caf

fctc.edu/cafe
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks

World Golf Village

worldgolfvillage.com
Zeta Brewing Company

zetajax.com
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL; AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL; JQH/FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM
alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Biplane Rides
The terraza at the Renaissance World Golf

Village Resort in St. Augustine.
Visiting yoga enthusiasts are welcome to

drop into classes at the Yoga Den in Mandarin,
Big Fish in Jacksonville Beach and MBody on
Southside Boulevard in Jacksonville.

The Casa Monica Hotel is St. Augustines only
AAA Four-Diamond accommodation and a
top-of-the-line choice among locals, visitors
and celebrities. Fully restored in 1999, the interior of the iconic landmark boasts the look
and feel of Granada, Spain. The 138 guest
rooms and suites transport visitors back to oldworld charm and Spanish-style romanticism.
The St. Francis Inn may be St. Augustines
oldest bed and breakfast, but it stays up to date
by offering complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
throughout and a solar-heated pool. Guests
also have complimentary use of bicycles in the
Old City, free tickets to the St. Augustine
Lighthouse and Museum and 50 percent discounts for tours of the Oldest House.
Casa de Sueos means House of Dreams
and is just that. This five-bedroom bed and

breakfast in the heart of St. Augustines historic
district surprises guests with modern decor and
eclectic touches.
The Renaissance World Golf Village
Resort boasts not one, but two championship
golf courses. Adjoining the resort is the
World Golf Hall of Fame, the ultimate destination for the celebration of golf s greatest
players, with fun interactive exhibits and historic golf artifacts.

The Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant in
Jacksonville Beach stands gracefully poised on
the dunes of the Atlantic Ocean. A member of
Historic Hotels of America, it offers 23 guest
rooms and suites, plus fabulous rooftop
dining. The Casa Marina is a favorite for weddings and receptions. FL
149
JACKSONVILLE
NATURAL,CULTURAL,
AND OH SO
[|
BY MELANIE GREEN
MUST SEE...MUST DO
Dont miss the Cummer Museum of Art and
Gardens. Besides nearly 5,000 works of art, 1.5
acres of exquisite gardens border the St. Johns
River. Take advantage of free admission the
first Saturday of the month. Right by the
Cummer (also free and open on Saturdays) is
the bustling Riverside Arts Market, which includes the works of local artisans for sale, along
with a farmers market and live music by the
St. Johns River.
150
LIVE IT UP
RETAIL THERAPY
Jacksonvilles nightlife is hotter than ever, thanks

to creative live music venues, eclectic dining
choices (a wave of new chefs are raising the bar
on everything from classic southern dishes to
gourmet fare through locally sourced and organic
ingredients), and an exploding craft beer scene.
Hip, new and now, the Jax Ale Trail comprises seven craft beer breweries, four of which
are 2014 Best Florida Beer Championship
medal winners. The King Street District, part
of the Ale Trail, is the talk of the town with 600plus craft beers and munchies galore. The latest
twist is the free Jax Ale Trail Passport, which
you use at stops along the trail to earn discounts, prizes and freebies.
Foodies love Jacksonvilles mix of southern
casual, trendy and high-end restaurants. Give
some of these hot spots a try: Azurea, Ocean
60, Bistro AIX, Matthews, Mossfire Grill &
Lounge, Orsay, The Brick, Metro Diner, Maple
Street Biscuit Company, bbs, the Blind Rabbit,
and Black Sheep Restaurant, which features a
rooftop bar.
Every month of the year is celebrated with
some type of festival. One Spark, the Jacksonville
Jazz Festival, Springing the Blues and Florida
Country Superfest are among the largest.
Cozy boutiques highlight vintage, antique and

handmade treasures in the Avondale,
Riverside, Five Points and San Marco neighborhoods. Power shoppers relish the vast
selections at the St. Johns Town Center, visited
by 10 million people each year. A slower pace
with sea breezes can be found in the local shops
that line A1A at the Beaches Town Center.
INSIDERS TIP
Jacksonville thrives on local business success
and nowhere is that more celebrated than at
Freebird Live, a live music venue in Jacksonville
Beach that honors the legacy of hometown
rock n roll legend band Lynyrd Skynyrd. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Visit Jacksonville
VisitJacksonville.com
Cummer Museum and Gardens

cummermuseum.org
Freebird Live
freebirdlive.com
Jax Ale Trail

visitjacksonville.com/jax-ale-trail/breweries
Riverside Arts Market

riversideartsmarket.com
PHOTO: RYAN KETTERMAN
atural beauty surrounds you

in Jacksonville, where more
than 80,000 acres of parks
and pristine preserves are nestled together
with 1,100 miles of navigable water, including its Atlantic Ocean beaches, the
Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns
River. Its a premier playground for outdoor
and eco adventures.
Cultural enjoyments and art flourish. The
Jacksonville Symphony, a Broadway Series,
The Museum of Science and History (MOSH),
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
and Downtowns Art Walka free event the
first Wednesday of every monthare just a
few options.
Jacksonville and the surrounding area is a premier playground for outdoor and eco adventures.
Looking to plan your perfect getaway? Look

no further than Jacksonville. Its the city for
the senses with world-class dining, a dozen
local breweries, professional sports, outdoor
adventure and more. A perfect trip is possible
in Jacksonville with endless combinations of
fun in the sun. Start planning your vacation at
visitjacksonville.com
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
CHOOSE YOUR
SOUTHERN-STYLE
Twxx
Kayak at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee.
n this region of the Sunshine State, visitors can experience the full spectrum
of Florida life. From upscale dining,
shopping andaccommodationto spectacular
natural wonders and outdoorrecreation opportunities, North Central Florida has a little
bit of everything.
The two major cities in this region
Gainesville and Tallahasseeoffer vibrant
experiences for all. Both are college towns, so
expect to find a diverse blend of ages, races
and nationalities, all of which are reflected in
a wide selection of independent businesses
aimed at locals and out-of-towners. This is
where Old Florida meets New Florida.
What you get here are cities that still celebrate
their history while embracing an everchanging crowd from all walks of life.
Consider this Florida statistic that
mightsurprise some. Overall, wildlife-viewing
trips are second only to beach-relatedactivitiesexcluding fishingin importance to both
152
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: G. HASTINGS-DESTINATION STYLE; VISIT GAINESVILLE; VISIT TALLAHASSEE
BY KEVIN MIMS
A Calusa Indian permanent exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.
residents and visitors. Fishing is right behind in

the third position. This means that on the whole,
you are more likely to see more folks with binoculars and wildlife-viewing gear than fishing rods,
but not beach towels and sand shovels.
These numbers are especiallynoticeablein
North Central Florida, where you never have to
travel far to reach a playground in the great outdoors. Countless hiking and biking trails,
spectacular state parks, gin-clear freshwater
springs and timeless scenic rivers are
allwithineasy reach to nature lovers. If you are
interested in outdoor recreation, this is the
place to be.
Outside of Gainesville and Tallahassee, the
small towns and communities of North Central
Florida are equally as fascinating, with unique
shops and local flavor. Revitalized downtown
areas, active with antique shops, eateries and
other specialty stores, draw in large crowds
from all over the state, especially on weekends.
In short, North Central Florida is a choose
your own adventure kind of place. Its full of
original, authentic experiences that are sure to
please everyone.
WHATS NEW
In 2014, Gainesvilles third craft brewery
opened its doors, with a name that pays homage
to some of the areas natural wonders. First
Magnitude Brewing Company, a 15-barrel operation established in part by a former
University of Florida professor (and passionate home brewer), is helping to fill an
increasing demand for local brews. The name
takes its inspiration from North Central
Floridas abundant freshwater springs. The
largest ones are referred to as first-magnitude
springs and North Central Florida is home to
more first-magnitude springs than anywhere
else on the planet.
Tallahassees newly renovated Cascades Park
and world-class amphitheater celebrated its official grand opening in March 2014. Located
right in the heart of Floridas Capital City,
Cascades Park is home to 2.3 miles of multipurpose paved trails, a kid-friendly discovery
area, the Imagination Fountain (73 jets of pure
entertainment) and a 3,500-seat outdoor venue.
Needless to say, this is definitely a dont-miss
spot when visiting the city.
A 700-foot-plus Canopy Walkway was also
completed in 2014, connecting two Tallahassee
parks and creating a destination in itself. This

project has been in the works for 15 years and
links more than 1,500 acres of the countys
Greenway Master Plan. The Canopy Walkway
serves as a safe passage between Lafayette
Heritage Trail Park and J.R. Alford Greenway,
both of which feature a variety of shared-use
pathways, a paddling trail and a network of
mountain bike trails.
ARTS AND CULTURE

Roots run deep in North Central Florida, just
as they do throughout the state. Time-honored
traditions are celebrated at annualfestivals and
examples of the areas colorful heritage are apparent throughout the region.
To start, the Florida Museum of Natural
History in Gainesville showcases 65 million
Visit Mission San Luis for a glimpse into the past.
NEED MORE INFO?

Alachua County Visitors & Convention Bureau
VisitGainesville.com
Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce

cedarkey.org
Gadsden County Tourism Development Council

egadsden.com
Greater Madison County Chamber

of Commerce & Tourism
madisonfl.org
Jefferson County Tourism Development Council

visitjeffersoncountyflorida.com
Levy County Visitors Bureau

visitnaturecoast.com
Micanopy Chamber of Commerce

micanopychamber.com
Tallahassee Visitor Information Center

VisitTallahassee.com
Wakulla County Tourist Development Council

VisitWakulla.com
153

The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville.
North Central Florida is one of the go-to regions in the state for outdoor and history
lovers. Its not the Florida most people think
about and offers a side of things a lot of
visitors miss. For those who want to get off
the beaten path, this is the spot for you.
You cant visit this section of Florida
without visiting a few of the freshwater
springs. These places are the true gems of
Florida and make perfect day trips. Most
are part of the Florida State Parks system
and only cost a few dollars to access.
For paddlers, its hard to beat a trip on
the famed spring-fed Wakulla River. Head to
T-n-T Hide-A-Way Rental for kayak, canoe
and paddleboard rentals, as well as expert
guided tours. This is one of Floridas premier
wildlife viewing areas, so make sure to bring
along cameras and viewing optics.
One of the best long-distance paddling adventures in the country can be done
on the 170-mile Suwannee River
Wilderness Trail. Start your trip in White
Springs at Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Center State Park, staying at the trails river
camps along the way. They feature
screened-in camping porches, showers and
restrooms, and are located about every 10
miles on the trail. This is one adventure
youll never forget.
154
Shark jaws at the Fossil Hall at the Florida Museum

of Natural History in Gainesville.
exemplary array of exhibits on art, technology

and the natural world. The museum features
more than 6,200 works in its permanent collection and a number of temporary exhibitions.
North Central Floridas arts and culture
scene can also be found in several smaller area
towns, and in some cases, the whole town is
considered a cultural destination. For example,
the island community of Cedar Key (about 75
minutes southwest of Gainesville on the Gulf
coast) feels like a place that timeforgot. This
small fishing village-meets-arts-town was actually one of the busier places during Floridas
frontier days, serving as a major shipping port.
PHOTOS: VISIT GAINESVILLE
INSIDERS TIPS
years of the earths biological and cultural diversity through educational exhibits of
fossils, full-size megaladon jaws and wooly
mammoths, interactive Native American displays and galleries, and much more. The
museum is the largest natural history museum south of the Smithsonian and the
largest university-based museum of its kind
in the country. Besides permanent and traveling exhibitions, the museum is also home
to the Butterfly Rainforest, a living exhibit
that features hundreds of free-flying butterfly
and bird species from around the world. Its
a great attraction for the whole family, with
daily butterfly releases, feeding stations and
a lush tropical landscape.
Gainesvilles Hippodrome Theatre, known
locally as The Hipp, is where its at forindependent live performances and cinema. In
1979, the Hippodrome moved into Gainesvilles
historic Federal Building, an outstanding example of Palladian Classical Revival
architecture, with ornate limestone trim and
massive Corinthian columns. Originally the
first floor served as the Post Office, while the
second floor was a courtroom. These days,
more than 200,000 annual visitors passthrough
the doors of the Hippodrome to check out firstrun artistic films, film festivals and art
exhibitions from Florida artists.
Another important cultural venue in
Gainesville is the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
at the University of Florida, which maintains an
Now, visitors come for day and weekend trips

to stay in several locally owned hotels, take ecotours, eat seafood (dont miss Tonys worldfamous clam chowder) and spend a few dollars
in the towns gift shops and art galleries.
Up in Tallahassee, a stop at Mission San Luis
is a must. This living-history museum is set in
1703, when Apalachee Indians and Spanish settlers (military and religious occupants) lived
side-by-side, combining Native American and
European cultures. Its one of the most fascinating attractions in the region, with
archaeological and historical exhibits, a
thatched Franciscan church, Apalachee council
house and other buildings of the era.
Dont pass up Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
in Gainesville and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
State Park in Tallahassee. Both places are perfect

for an early-morningstroll in abeautifulsetting,
plus both offer regularly scheduled guided
tours. Spring visits are always a treat, with
blooming azaleas one of the main highlights.
BEACHES
Not all of Floridas 1,200-mile coastline is lined
with white, sandy beaches. In some regions
North Central Florida happens to be one of
themthe coast is different than the typical
Florida postcard.
In the Big Bend and Nature Coast regions
along the Gulf of Mexico,theshoreline is wild
and beautiful, with palm islands and salt marshes.
Fishing and kayaking here are world-class; bring
your gear and be ready for the trip of a lifetime.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Gainesville
FEBRUARY
Pigfest, Tallahassee
Olustee Festival, Olustee Battlefield State Park
MARCH
Springtime Tallahassee
Suwannee Springfest, Live Oak
Wild Azalea Festival, White Springs
APRIL
Bradford County Strawberry Festival, Starke
Down Home Days Festival, Parade
& PCA Rodeo, Madison
Florida State Bluegrass Festival, Perry
Kayak Fishing Tournament, Inglis/Yankeetown
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key
Panacea Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival, Gainesville
Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin Festival
Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak
MAY
Big Bend Kayak Classic, Crawfordville
Florida Folk Festival, White Springs
Florida Wine Festival, Tallahassee
Hamilton County Rodeo, Jasper
Panacea Blue Crab Festival
JUNE
Florida African Dance Festival, Tallahassee
Jefferson County Watermelon Festival, Monticello
Tropical Nights Concerts at Spirit of the
Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak
Wild Blackberry Festival, Jasper
AUGUST
Starke Florida Bikefest
OCTOBER
Alligator Warrior Festival, OLeno State Park
Magnolia Fest, Live Oak
Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival
Operation Migration
Pioneer Day Festival, Mayo
Seafood Festival, Cedar Key
St. Marks Monarch Butterfly Festival
St. Marks Stone Crab Festival
NOVEMBERDECEMBER
Downtown Festival & Art Show, Gainesville
Twilight Christmas Parade, High Springs
Winter Nights & Holiday Lights, Tallahassee
The Downtown Festival & Art Show is a fall highlight in Gainesville.

155
Visit the Union Street Farmers Market in Downtown Gainesville.
There are, however, a couple of places that

are great for typical beach activities. Cedar
Key has a small public beach, and Bald Point
State Park near Panacea (one hour from
Tallahassee) has a couple of beautiful natural
sand beaches as well.
Head to the Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs

for the affordable meals and live music.
156
The dining and nightlife scene in this part of

Floridalike everything elseruns the completespectrum. Its not Miami, but visitors will
find upscale dining all the way to ultra-casual,
laid-back spots the whole family will enjoy. The
same goes for the nightliferemember,
Gainesville and Tallahassee are college towns,
so they can definitely hold their own.
Satchels Pizza in Gainesville is by far one of the
coolest pizzajoints in the state. Put together folk
art displays, a quirky salvage yard and a restaurant,
and you have Satchels. Order up a homemade
Lola Cola, a Satch Salad and one of their famous
pizzas (bonus points for the vegan-friendly pesto)
for an out-of this world lunch and experience.
While in Gainesville, stick around for good
music (tribute bands, blues acts, reggae and
more) at Bo Diddley Community Plaza, where
all you need to have a good time is a lawn chair
or a blanket to sit on.
Head to the old Opera House in downtown

High Springs for the Great Outdoors Restaurant,
a beautifully themed landmark with an all-wood
interior, vintage cedar and canvas canoes and
other outdoorsy trappings. The patio is petfriendly, so bring along the four-legged family
members. Theres a regular live music schedule;
both lunch and dinner menus are well-rounded
and affordable. Its a great place.
Looking for a special lunch spot in
Tallahassee? The Paisley Cafe is a favorite with
both locals and out-of-towners. Its right in
Midtown, making it easy to reach from
Cascades Park or the Florida Historic Capitol
Museum. Its full of southern charmdo yourself afavorand order the shrimp and grits, but
be prepared to take a nap afterward.
Coastal casual is the theme at The Front
Porch in Tallahassee, another Midtown hotspot.
This 1920s-restored home is the setting for casual
upscale gatherings, with unique takes on traditional seafood dishes. The oysters here are as good
as they get anywhere, and you can have them prepared just about any way imaginable.Thereisnt
a bad seat in the house; choose from several optionsenclosedporches, a lower deck outdoor
space underneath massive live oaks or event
rooms suitable for business meetings and events.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: ANNA MIKELL/VISIT GAINESVILLE; ANNA MIKELL/VISIT GAINESVILLE; VISIT TALLAHASSEE
When the sun goes down, head off the main

roads and back into the Tallahassee woods toward the Bradfordville Blues Club, a real-deal
jukejoint. Like most authentic clubs, its not
much to look at, but theres real magic here.
This isnt a place to wear your Sunday best;
come ready tolisten to live, legitimate blues
acts and to dance and drink. Outside, theres always a bonfire. The BBC truly is what other
blues joints aspire to be. Its so good that its
earned a spot on the historic Mississippi Blues
Trail, a rare honor bestowed to only a select
number of places beyond Mississippis borders.
Theres plenty of family fun throughout North
Central Florida, with real experiences rather
than theme parks. If seeing some of the natural
side of the state is what you are after, this is the
area for you.
In Cedar Key, Tidewater Tours and Boat
Rentals offers several trips to get your family
out on the water to view dolphins, migratory
birds (birding is fantastic here) and other
species. For a good understanding of Cedar
Key, take a two-hour island tour to the Cedar
Keys National Wildlife Refuge to see marine
life and learn about the ecosystem.
North Central Florida is springs country
and a visit to a few of these majestic natural
wonders should not be missed. For a good
walk-up look at a first-magnitude spring, travel
to Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, a
popular spot for diving, camping, wildlife observation, hiking, biking and swimming in the
headsprings. For kayakers, Manatee Springs

flows a short distance to the lower Suwannee
River. For a great family-friendly adventure, set
up camp, go swimming, then rent kayaks and
spend some time paddling. Its a wonderful location to reconnect with nature.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park in
Newberry is only a 30-minute drive north from
Chiefland. At Dudley Farm, visitors get the
chance to see what Florida farm life was like
from the late 1800s to the mid 1940s. Its a
living history experience, with staff presenting
daily life chores in authentic period clothing.
Dudley Farm is on the National Register of
Historic Places and features 18 buildings, including the original Dudley family farmhouse,
a post office, general store, barns and more.
Proceed farther north and youll find
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a wonderland
for outdoor lovers and a classic Old Florida experience. The headsprings are incredible,
however the park is mostfamousfor being a
tubing destination. During the busy season
(the Saturday before Memorial Day through
Labor Day), a tram shuttles tube-trippers back
to the start, making the logistics easy to plan.
Its also extremely popular for kayaking and is
considered one of the most beautiful springfed rivers in theentire state.
Visitors travel into Floridas past at Edward
Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the
states original attractions. Many early movies
were filmed at Wakulla Springs, including
Creature from the Black Lagoon. The whole park
is simply incredible, from the 1930s Wakulla
The Tallahassee Museum is part wildlife center,

part history museum and part adventure park.
FEATURED LINKS
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens
Apalachicola National Forest

stateparks.com/apalachicola.html
Bald Point State Park

floridastateparks.org/baldpoint
Big Bend Scenic Byway

floridabigbendscenicbyway.org
Bo Diddley Community Plaza

gainesvilleshows.com/venue/bo-diddley-plaza
Bradfordville Blues Club

bradfordvilleblues.com
Bradleys Country Store

bradleyscountrystore.com
Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park

capitalcityamphitheater.com
Cascades Park
discovercascades.com
Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast

cedarkeybedandbreakfast.com
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

fws.gov/cedarkeys
Dudley Farm Historic State Park

floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings
Fanning Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/fanningsprings
Faraway Inn
farawayinn.com
First Magnitude Brewing Co.

fmbrewing.com
Florida Historic Capitol Museum

flhistoriccapitol.gov
Florida Museum of Natural History

flmnh.ufl.edu
157
Albert and Alberta, the Gators mascots,

check out the shops of Gainesville.
and manatees make an appearance on a regular

basis. If you are interested in Florida history and
nature, this is a terrific stop.
Theres more going on at the Tallahassee
Museum than the name implies. Its part
wildlife center, part history museum and part
adventure park. Stroll around the property and
youll see plenty of live Florida wildlife displays,
the historic Big Bend Farm that looks straight
out of the 1800s, and a wide range of fascinating plant and animal collections. Above, the
Tree to Tree Adventureszip line provides visitors a completely different perspective on the
place. Its totally kid-friendly and will bring out
the kid in any adult as well.
ROAD TRIPS
Springs Lodge (book a room here, its fabulous)
to the Wakulla River tour. The headspring is
considered one of the largest and deepest firstmagnitude springs in the world, and you can
splash down in it from atwo-level diving platform. For those interested in wildlife, the river
tour is out of this world. Expect to see alligators,
a variety of wading birds, outstanding scenery,
158
Who doesnt love a good road trip? In North

Central Florida, scenic drives and country
roads are the rule, not the exception.
US Highway 19 is a beautiful choice in this
area. Start in the south in the small town of Inglis,
which Elvis Presley visited during the filming of
the movie, Follow That Dream. This section is big
on scenery and low on traffic making it a perfect
weekend trip. Cedar Key is a short distance off

US 19, and a few great Florida state parks
(namely, Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs)
are right along the corridor.
Dont miss a ride from Gainesville to the
town of Micanopy, another fantastic stop in
North Central Florida. Take US Highway 441
south, stopping at Paynes Prairie Preserve State
Park, one of the most biologically diverse places
in the state. Add to the trip by bringing along
bikes and pedaling a section of the GainesvilleHawthorne State Trail, which begins at
Gainesvilles Boulware Springs Park. Back in the
car, make sure to take a spin around historic
Micanopy, stopping in at the shops and taking
in the views before returning to Gainesville.
There are plenty of scenic highways in and
around Tallahassee. These are beautiful places,
with low-traffic two-lane roads covered with a
canopy of ancient live oak trees. These roads
have a direct connection to the past and many
follow the same route established by Native
Americans and early settlers. From downtown
Tallahassee, take scenic Centerville Road for 16
miles to Bradleys Country Store, a familyowned location thats on the National Register
of Historic Places. Bradleys Country Store is
famous statewide for its fresh sausage and
milled grits, both of which are made right on
the premises.
This area is also home to a stretch of the
220-mile Big Bend Scenic Byway. From
Tallahaseee, head south through the
Apalachicola National Forest, the largest national forest in the state. Itsincrediblydiverse
with sprays of colorful wildflowers and scenery
straight out of a painting. Heading south on the
byway, youll reach the St. Marks National
Wildlife Refuge, a 70,000-acre paradiseoriginally established for migratory birds. Many
different routes can be taken on the Big Bend
Scenic Byway, making this road trip one that
you can explore over and over again.
SHOPPING
Bringing home a few of the local goods goes
hand-in-hand with travel and folks will find
plenty of shops with antiques, crafts, art and
home decor items in the area. Almost every
smalldowntown area in North Central Florida
has something available for those looking to
pick up a thing or two.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: VISIT GAINESVILLE; ARKORN/SHUTTERSTOCK; VVISIT FLORIDA
Take US Highway 441 south from Gainesville to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Micanopy is one of the most well-known antique destinations in the entire state. Its the
oldest inland city in Florida so you can expect
to find special treasures in this historic location.
Stroll down Cholokka Boulevard and stop in at
Delectable Collectibles for a wide range of antiques and vintage items. Dont miss the
Mosswood Farm Store and Bakehouse for
earth-friendly crafts, pastries, jams, jellies, marmalades and bread baked in an outdoor brick
oven. Just outside of town, Smileys Antique
Mall offers 25,000 square feet of space with vendors specializing in different types of
collectibles and rarities.
The Tallahassee Downtown Market celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014 and is the
place to go on Saturdays for local produce, live
music, arts and crafts and ready-to-eat foods.
Things kick off at 9 AM with the sound of
bagpipes during the Mercat March, a piperledparadeof merchants announcing they are
open. Its a greatplaceto get a feel for whats
happening in Tallahassee.

When visiting, pass by the national chains and
go with something thats a little more
charming. Youll find it, too. North Central
Florida is a unique area, so it makes sense that
there are interesting places for you to call home
while here.
Cedar Keys Faraway Inn encompasses
about half a city block, with lovely rooms
andindividual cottages spread out throughout
gardens and underneath shade trees. It has all

the amenities you need to make a stay in Cedar
Key enjoyable. Guests can rent canoes, kayaks
and golf carts to get around town and the
Faraway Inn is one of the most pet-friendly
lodging choices found anywhere.
North of Cedar Key, the Steinhatchee
Landing Resort is the place to go for upscale
outdoorsyaccommodation. It feels like anoldtime Florida town, with 31 fully equipped rental
cottages (several of which are pet-friendly), a
wellness spa and top-notch boating, fishing and
scalloping nearby. Its also a popular wedding
destination with an Old Florida flavor.
Stay a few nights at the Herlong Mansion in
Micanopy, one of Floridas most elegant bed
and breakfasts. The Herlong exudes true
southern charm and hospitality and is on the
National Register of Historic Places. Theres
nothing quite like a stay at the Herlong,
with private Jacuzzis and massage offerings.
Both the landscaping and architecture are out
of this world, and youll surely feel transported
back in time.
The Telford Hotel is located in thehistoric
town ofWhite Springs, on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River. After being closed for
a few years, the Telford has reopened and is
flourishing under new ownership. White
Springs is considered Floridas first tourist destination, where travelers from around the globe
would come to bathe in the healing mineral waters of White Sulphur Springs. The Telford is the
last remaining original hotel from this era. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne
Great Outdoors Restaurant

greatoutdoorsdining.com
Herlong Mansion
herlong.com
Hippodrome Theatre
thehipp.org
Ichetucknee Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings
J.R. Alford Greenway

visittallahassee.com/partners/jr-alfordgreenway/148488
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

kanapaha.org
Lafayette Heritage Trail Park

talgov.com/parks/parks-parks-trail-lafayette.aspx
Manatee Springs State Park

floridastateparks.org/manateesprings
Mission San Luis

missionsanluis.org
Paisley Cafe
thepaisleycafe.com

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art

harn.ufl.edu
Satchels Pizza
satchelspizza.com
Smileys Flea Markets & Antique Malls

smileysfleamarkets.com/florida

Steinhatchee Landing Resort

steinhatcheelanding.com
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster
Suwannee River State Park

floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

floridastateparks.org/wilderness
Tallahassee Downtown Market

downtownmarket.com
Tallahassee Museum
tallahasseemuseum.org
The Front Porch

frontporchtallahassee.com
The Telford Hotel

thetelfordhotel.com
Tidewater Tours and Boat Rentals

tidewatertours.com
T-n-T Hide-A-Way Rental

tnthideaway.com
Trailahassee
trailahassee.com
White Sulphur Springs

whitesprings.org
The legendary Suwannee River.

159
WA KU L L A C O U N T Y
g Ux
THE NATURAL PLACE

BY KEVIN FRITZ
estled on the Gulf shores in

Floridas Big Bend, Wakulla
County is an outdoor paradise teeming with history. Its prominence as a
shipping port during the cotton trade built its
communities, which now offer a more laidback lifestyle. Known as The Natural Place to
Be, 73 percent of the county is made up of natural lands, ranging from the botanical and
wildlife splendor of the Apalachicola National
Forest to the salt marshes and tidal flats of the
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Glimpse a wading pink roseate spoonbill or
a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead. Explore
hidden beachfront communities or hike
through a forest. Watch Spanish moss sway
from mighty oaks, creating a magical setting. If
its the outdoors you crave, your search is over.
MUST SEE...MUST DO
Wakulla County is renowned for its abundance of wildlife.
Originally settled in 1528 at the confluence of

the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, St. Marks was
a major shipping port in the 1800s. Floridas first
railroad, built in 1836, connected the port to
Tallahassee for the exportation of cotton. Today,
you can still travel the abandoned rail line, now
a popular bicycle and equestrian trail.
The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge,
which encompasses 68,000 acres of protected
habitats and ecosystem, is a birdwatchers
haven. Visit the historic St. Marks Lighthouse,

the second oldest in Florida, which rests on a
base of limestone rock taken from nearby Fort
San Marcos de Apalache. Stop by the San
Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park and
learn how the fort, originally built in 1679, survived occupation by Spanish, English,
American and Southern Confederate forces.
Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories in
Panacea has the largest array of touch tanks in
160
the continental United States. Observe some of

the oddest and most interesting creatures from
the Gulf of Mexico and learn how to protect
fragile sea life.
In downtown Crawfordville, the county
seat, visit the Old Wakulla Courthouse built in
1894, one of only three existing wooden courthouses in the state. Look skyward to witness
the cypress weathervane, hand-carved in the
shape of a mullet. In the 1800s, the bony fish
played a major role in everyday life here for
eating, trading and bartering. The Old County
Jail across the way is now a museum.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is
home to one of the longest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. The unspoiled
natural look and crystal-clear waters of
Wakulla Springs has captured Hollywoods attention over the years in such classics as
Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Visit or stay at the 27-room Wakulla Springs
Lodge, the states only park lodge, circa 1937,
home to the worlds largest-known marble bar.
Other accommodation includes the Best
Western Plus and The Inn at Wildwood, both
of which are located on the Coastal Highway.
Visit the beach of Mashes Sands in
Ochlockonee Bay where freshwater meets the
saltwater of Apalachee Bay. Watch for dolphins,
picnic or walk the sandbars at low tide. Shell
PHOTOS: VISIT WAKULLA
The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher's haven.
Hike along scenic trails throughout Wakulla County.
Island Fish Camp on the Wakulla River is an

ideal spot to drop your line in the water.
Kayak and canoe enthusiasts flock to
Wakulla County for its many access areas and
adventures. Explore the 10 segments of the new
Apalachee Bay Maritime Heritage Paddling
Trail system; most of its trails are located along
the coast between Panacea and St. Marks.
Paddle three designated paddling trailsthe
Wakulla River Paddling Trail, the Sopchoppy
Paddling Trail and the Lower Ochlockonee
River Paddling Trail.
If hiking is your muse, the Florida National
Scenic Trail traverses approximately 75 miles
through the county, which features two designated gateway communities: the cities of St.
Marks and Sopchoppy. The trail weaves
through the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
and the Apalachicola National Forest, the latter
of which encompasses most of the western side
of the county.
Take a drive on the 220-mile Big Bend
Scenic Byway that meanders throughout the
county to view unmatched scenery, historical
sites, recreation areas and wildlife.
Festivals are an integral part of life in Wakulla
County, the most intriguing being the annual
Worm Gruntin Festival in Sopchoppy, which involves calling earthworms to the surface of the
forest each April. Also in April, Wild About
Wakulla week features special events scheduled
throughout the county. In May, head to the
Annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival on scenic
Dickerson Bay and fill up on boiled crabs and
fried shrimp. The St. Marks Stone Crab Festival
and the Monarch Butterfly Festival take place
every year at the end of October.
LIVE IT UP
Seafood may be the meal of choice in the
Sunshine State, but in Wakulla County seafood
is king. Retail markets along the countys coastline sell locally caught mullet, flounder,
grouper, red snapper and cobia that will have
your mouth watering.
For the freshest seafood from mullet to blue
crab and oysters, much of which is caught and
served by the venerable Lovell family, stop by
their Spring Creek Restaurant in the village of
Spring Creek. Poseys Up the Creek Seafood
Steam Room and Oyster Bar in Panacea is
renowned for fresh shrimp, clams and crabs.
Ochlockonee Bay is home to the famous
Angelo and Sons Seafood Restaurant that re-
cently returned to dish out its classic fare after

being severely damaged during Hurricane
Dennis in 2005.
If slow-cooked barbeque is your fancy,
Hamaknockers in Crawfordville serves fall-offthe-bone ribs and smoked wings, juicy beef
brisket, chicken and pulled pork. For barbeque,
seafood and gator, look no further than the
newly opened Pirates Landing Bar and Grill in
St. Marks. On the river, the Riverside Cafe
serves up great views and seafood.
RETAIL THERAPY
FEATURED LINKS
Visit Wakulla
visitwakulla.com
Angelo & Sons Seafood Restaurant

angeloandsonseafoodrestaurant.com
Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites

bestwestern.com/wakullainn
Big Bend Scenic Byway

floridascenichighways.com/big-bend-scenic-byway
Crums Mini Mall

panaceaminimall.com

If youre an antique lover, Wakulla Countys only

antique business, the White Elephant Antique
Mall, has catered to visitors and residents of
Crawfordville for 20 years. Crawfordville is also
home to the Art Warehouse, an art gallery promoting local artists.
While exploring Panacea, visit Crums Mini
Mall, a one-stop shop that has been familyowned and operated for more than 40 years.
Florida National Scenic Trail
INSIDERS TIP
Find serenity in the quaint fishing village of St.

Marks at the Sweet Magnolia Inn, the only bed
and breakfast in Wakulla County. Originally
housing a General Store, it was rehabbed back to
its glory days in the 1990s. The Magnolia Room,
close to the back porch, is a crowd favorite. FL
Sweet Magnolia Inn Bed and Breakfast
fs.usda.gov/fnst
Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories

gulfspecimen.org
Riverside Cafe
riversidebay.com
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

floridastateparks.org/sanmarcos
Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin Festival

wormgruntinfestival.com
Spring Creek Restaurant

springcreekfl.com
sweetmagnoliainnbandb.com
The Inn at Wildwood

innatwildwood.com
Wild About Wakulla

wildaboutwakulla.com
161
VisitWakulla
The Natural Place to Be in Florida
Forget the crowded rush of beach towns and theme parks.

This is Wakulla County, and were all about enjoying life.
Visit our website and plan your trip today.
hether youre interested in exploring

natural trails, windsurfing and
sailing on coastal waters, relaxing on
quiet beaches, swimming and diving in beautiful
natural springs, or kayaking down a river,
Wakulla County is the place to be. The diverse
environment of the area is unique to the natural
northern region of Florida, and the terrain of the
area is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities,
including hiking, bicycling, jogging, horseback
riding and bird watching.
Wakulla County is home to four major rivers
St. Marks, Wakulla, Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico.
You can explore miles of unspoiled natural habitat and see animals and birds that arent to be
found anywhere else.
The National Forest and Refuge offer hunting

and fishing opportunities within the state seasons. The Wakulla State Forest offers primitive
weapons hunting opportunities each season, too.
Fresh and salt water fishing is year-round with
July 1 opening scallop season til September.
Marinas, bait and tackle shops, boat ramps, and
chartered and guided fishing is available.
lla
u
k
Wa
T he Natural Pla c e
n
Be i
to
Florida
VisitWakulla.com
or call (850) 984-3966
GAI NES V I L L E
V{t
COLLEGE-TOWN
ainesvilles mix of college-town

energy and outdoor adventure
is as heady a concoction as anything served in its downtown
nightspots. While the University of Florida
(UF) gives the town its innovative, intellectual
flavor, the wild spaces surrounding it draw visitors and residents alike to its natural wonders,
from crystal-blue springs to savannahs where
wild horses and bison roam.
Just two hours north of Orlando and
Tampa, Gainesvilles mild winters offer yearround outdoor activities, from cycling the
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail to paddling scenic
rivers. In the areas state parks, visitors spot wild
horses at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, descend into a sinkhole at Devils Millhopper, camp
near the Santa Fe River at OLeno and mountain
bike at San Felasco. Sports fans can try archery at
the Easton Newberry Sports Complex worship
speed at Gainesville Raceway or cheer for one of
UFs 21 Gator athletic teams.
MUST SEE...MUST DO
From the Victorian splendor of the Bed and
Breakfast District, Gainesvilles top cultural attractions are within easy reach. For a crash
course in this citys arts scene, hit the monthly
Artwalk, where drink and dining specials complement visits to artists studios. Enjoy
professional theater and indie cinema at the
Hippodrome, or explore the Downtown
Festival & Art Show and the Santa Fe Spring
Arts Festival, centered on the historic Spanishstyle Thomas Center. On the UF campus, the
Cultural Plaza offers the Harn Museum of Art
164
The Ichetucknee River flows through shaded hammocks and wetlands.
with its new Asian wing, as well as world-class

shows at the Phillips Center and immersive exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural
History, including its Butterfly Rainforest.
Families will want to head to the zoo and planetarium at Santa Fe College.
Rent canoes from Santa Fe Canoe Outpost
or Adventure Outpost in downtown High
Springs and spend a day on the river. At 72 F,
the water is always cool and inviting. Watch for
turtles swimming and maybe an otter or two.
You may spot snowy egrets on the bank and
even deer drinking from the river. Hear a
chorus of birds chirp in harmony.
LIVE IT UP
Nowhere is Gainesvilles revitalized downtown
more vibrant than Southeast First Street. Wander
the shops and restaurants, browsing the carefully
curated records at Hear Again, sampling houseinfused cocktails at Boca Fiesta or savoring sushi
at Dragonfly. Taste Latin fare at Emilianos, then
sample craft brews at Tall Pauls. Local flavor
abounds at the tasting room of Swamp Head
Brewery, as well as at Sweet Dreams Homemade
Ice Cream. Catch a film premiere at the Cinema
Verde Festival held in February or enjoy a free
concert on the Bo Diddley plaza from the patio
of The Lunch Box. The City of Gainesville Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Affairs plans a number
of such events throughout the year.
farmers markets.
Dont miss a trip to other small towns surrounding Gainesville: Antiquing in Micanopy
and visiting Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Cross
Creek home are cant-miss experiences.
INSIDERS TIP
Many area attractions offer free admission or a
suggested donation. At Mill Creek Farm, a
sanctuary for retired horses in Alachua, admission is two carrots. FL
FEATURED LINKS
Alachua County Visitors & Convention Bureau
visitgainesville.com
Adventure Outpost
adventureoutpost.net
Artwalk Gainesville
artwalkgainesville.com
Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville

autoplusraceway.com
City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation

and Cultural Affairs
gvlculturalaffairs.org
Easton Newberry Sports Complex

eastonnewberrysportscomplex.com
Florida Gators
gatorzone.com
Florida Museum of Natural History

flmnh.ufl.edu
Harn Museum of Art

harn.ufl.edu
Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm

millcreekfarm.org
Santa Fe Canoe Outpost

santaferiver.com
Santa Fe College
sfcollege.edu
Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival

springartsfestival.com
RETAIL THERAPY
Shoppers are drawn to the upscale Tioga
Town Center, home to the beloved Blue
Highway pizzeria and one of the areas seven
Swamp Head Brewery

swamphead.com
Tioga Town Center

tiogatowncenter.com
UF Performing Arts
performingarts.ufl.edu
PHOTO: VISIT GAINESVILLE
BY ALISSON CLARK
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
u {x fxt
BY JANET GROENE
here sugar-white sands meet emerald

waters, everything about a Florida vacation is different here. The
northwestern region known as the Panhandle
rests partly in another time zone, another temperature zone, another mindset. Its as southern as
cheese grits, yet as cutting-edge as the US Navy
Blue Angels that fly out of Pensacola.
Eons ago, quartz particles flowed down the
Apalachicola River from the Appalachian
Mountains. A clear, green sea ground them to
shining white granules that squeak underfoot like
new-fallen snow. While Floridas Atlantic beaches
are brown sugar, the sand that rims the Gulf of
Mexico here is saltshaker white.
The area also boasts its share of sites that are
the oldest, newest or largest. Holding 12,000 years
of Native American history, the Indian temple
mound at Fort Walton Beach is one of the continents oldest archaeological sites. Other standouts
include Historic Pensacola Village, where living
history interpreters create a live tableau of bygone
gardening, candle making, quilting and cooking.
The National Naval Aviation Museum in
Pensacola houses the largest collection of naval
166
PHOTOS: WALTON COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Visit the vacation community of Sandestin in Walton County.
warbirds in the world. One of the nations best

stand of rare and ancient Torreya conifer pine
trees can be seen in Torreya State Park.
Beaches hold the spotlight but serious nature
lovers find additional treasures in pristine woods
and inland waters. Rare and endangered flora
and fauna are found in the state parks, where
spring and fall migrations attract a whos who of
exotic birds. Hike to waterfalls and explore fernfilled sinkholes. At Marianna, visit the only
Florida state park to offer tours of dry caves.
Now that some of the states trendiest resorts
have come to the Panhandle, tourists are less
likely to dismiss the area as the Redneck Riviera.
The Forgotten Coast, a term trademarked in the
1990s by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of
Commerce, is now used to refer to the coastline
between Mexico Beach and St. Marks. A cosmopolitan citizenry includes naval officers from
around the nation, Canadian snowbirds, who
enjoy low-season rates during the winter, and
international students at the University of West
Florida and West Florida State College.
Once a summer playground for southerners,
Northwest Florida is now an uptown yearround destination.
WHATS NEW
Two exciting additions are coming into the Florida
State Parks system. Kids and their parents can take
part in the updated Junior Ranger program similar
to that available at national parks. Sign up, get your
ranger credentials and see how many activities you
can accomplish to earn a badge or pin. The parks
now also offer geo-caching.
Its great news for kids of all ages that the
Miracle Strip Amusement Park at Panama City
Beach continues to add new rides. A southern
icon from 1963 until it closed in 2004, the park
reopened under new management and continues to grow. Nostalgia buffs will love that
many of the rides from the old park were found
and restored by the new owners. Acquisitions
include the 1964 Allan Herschell Carousel and
the Tea Cups ride from 1978.
Seaside, a pioneer in new urbanism it calls
the simple, beautiful life, established the
Seaside Institute in the 1980s. New in the communitys lyceum area is the Seaside Institute
Village consisting of a cluster of buildings devoted to education for both day visitors and
boarders. Courses range from photography and
writing to wellness programs.
INSIDERS TIPS
Look for rental fat-tire wheelchairs (and
sometimes strollers) in most major beach
areas. Conventional wheelchairs cant navigate the soft sands.
Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on
Panhandle beaches from late May through
early July. Nighttime turtle walks in beach
areas are led by experts. Dont intrude on
turtle-nesting sites; its against the law.
Easily overlooked because its part of
the larger Heritage Park and Cultural
Center, the Indian Temple Mound Museum
in Fort Walton Beach includes a Native
American temple mound and relics said to
date back as early as 14,000 BC.
Keep an eye on the almanac for phases
of the moon, then do a search for city
name+ full-moon party. Theyre usually
found at beach landmarks, such as the
Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola
Beach and the Cape St. George Lighthouse
on Little George Island.
Unlike downstate Florida, this area can
get frosty. Some attractions are closed in
winter and most others have varying schedules so be sure to check ahead.
In small-town America, automobile
cruises were sometimes the only recreation for young people on Friday and
Saturday nights. By silent agreement, cars
would just show up to rev their engines,
crank up their speakers and cruise slowly
up and down Main Street. Such cruises still
rumble informally in many Panhandle communities. Some have become large
festivals where visitors can mingle with
other car buffs. One of the largest is in
downtown Panama City where Friday Fest
cruises on the first Friday of the month,
February through November, feature hundreds of cars as well as bands and vendors
covering a six-block area.
This area of the Gulf offers world-class
fishing with a wide choice of guided charters and boat rentals. The least expensive
way to go out to sea is simply to walk out
on fishing piers where a modest fee is
charged for anglers and a token fee for observers. Locations include Panama City,
Navarre, Pensacola and Gulf Shores.
For Civil War groupies, Northwest Florida
offers significant sites. The Battle of
Marianna in 1864 saw more than 25 percent of the male population killed, wounded
or captured. Battlefield tours can be
arranged. Fort Pickens in Santa Rosa Beach
was occupied by Union forces through most
of the war. A historic marker in Bagdad remembers the Skirmish on the Blackwater.
A beautiful seascape in Walton County.

167
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Anchoring a city-size vacation community,
the splendid Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf &
Spa has a new look following a four-month,
US$13-million renovation in 2014. The Hilton
stands on the 2,400-acre Sandestin Resort,
which includes a spread of shops, restaurants,
recreation facilities ashore and afloat, and offers a wide range of accommodation. Its Village
of Baytowne Wharf is the site of many special
events, tournaments, concerts and festivals including the popular Gumbo Festival.
The new Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton
Beach Hotel has dazzling water features, a
choice of dining venues and the chains famous
Kids Suites with bunk beds and kid-friendly
decor. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in
Fort Walton Beach has introduced a Kids Safari
for children ages three and up. For an added fee,
a 30-minute tour provides a behind-the-scenes
peek at the parks sea creatures and keepers.
The role of naval aviation in the space program is central to the new Apollo exhibit at the
National Naval Aviation Museum, where a
Lunar Module replica anchors the new display.
Included are a replica Apollo spacesuit in a
lunar landscape with footprints and a storyline explaining the Navys role in recovering
command modules.
The population explosion at the Gulf Breeze
Zoo continues to wow visitors, who delight in
seeing the two little kangaroos and a giraffe
born here in 2013. In 2014 the zoo welcomed
its first spectacled owl chicks, and at press time
a mama zebra was expecting.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are giving baseball fans something to cheer about. The Double-A
affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds has moved to
Pensacola, playing in minor league baseballs
Southern League. Games in the showplace
Pensacola Bayfront Stadium are action-packed
reminders that the city has long been a steppingstone to the major leagues. Pensacola baseball
alumni include such immortals as Ted Williams,
Ty Cobb and Shoeless Joe Jackson.
ARTS AND CULTURE

Glorious seas, skies, sands and woodlands here
have attracted scores of resident artists, many of
whom have their own studios or galleries. Several
Panhandle communities host gala Art Walk celebrations seasonally or throughout the year.
Galleries keep longer hours, wine may be served,
168
restaurants post special menus and music plays

throughout the art districts as visitors browse,
shop and mingle. Sometimes gallery night is part
of a larger celebration in a street scene of food
kiosks and performers. Apalachicola holds its
Artwalk & Wine Festival annually in March. In
Seaside, live music and art demos are offered the
first Friday of the month at Ruskin Place and
Central Square. Fort Walton Beach holds its Art
Walk the third Friday. Artists along the Destin
Boardwalk display their creations on third
Sunday afternoons. Downtown Pensacola Gallery
Nights are on Fridays but dates vary.
John Gorrie Museum State Park in
Apalachicola is a modest site, but well worth a
stop to view a replica of the ice-making machine invented by Dr. Gorrie to cool his
patients during a yellow fever epidemic. The
larger discussion here, shown in interpretive
displays, is the important role yellow fever,
malaria and other tropical agues played in the
early Americas.
One of the regions most intriguing cultural
enclaves is in the time-warp hamlet of
DeFuniak Springs, founded in the 1880s.
Leaders of a quaint education movement of the
19th century known as Chautauqua, after its
origins on Lake Chautauqua in New York, established a winter home on the scenic shores of
what was then called Lake DeFuniak.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TAD DENSON/SHUTTERSTOCK; WALTON COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The historic Saenger Theatre in Pensacola.
Revisit the early 1900s, when live vaudeville

was giving way to movies, at the Museum of
Local History in Milton. Its housed in the
stately Imogene Theatre, built in 1912 and now
listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Milton also has a railroad museum in a
typical depot waiting room built in the 1880s
to serve the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad.
The Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in Milton
preserves remnants of one of the largest antebellum water-powered industrial complexes in
the Old South. Operations included a sawmill,
lumber mill with planning and lathing machines, gristmill, a bucket factory, shingle mill,
cotton textile mill and an experimental silk cultivation operation.
History buffs know Pensacola was settled
earlier in the 16th century than St. Augustine but
lost the right to call itself the nations oldest city
when the original settlement on Pensacola Bay
was abandoned. The city center is now built on
the site of an early fort. Spanish culture survives
in place names, architecture, cuisine and historic
markers. The city, which served under five flags,
had a brief French occupation and Britains
Royal Navy built Fort Barrancas in 1763.
Culturally aware, Pensacola has its own ballet,
symphony, theater and art museum.
Costumed characters toil daily in Historic
Pensacola Village, taking on the roles of candle
makers, quilters, bakers and merchants who
lived here centuries ago. The Museum of
Commerce is a street scene of typical 18th- and
19th-century shops.
Opened in 1925 in downtown Pensacola,

the Saenger Theatre, a relic of the golden age
of Hollywood, has been restored to its original
Spanish Baroque/Rococo magnificence.
Ongoing programs include classic movie showings and a Broadway series, plus a busy
schedule of classical and pop performances.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest
Florida State College in Niceville provides a
showcase for visiting artists as well as local
talent, including the Northwest Florida
Symphony and Northwest Florida Ballet.
BEACHES
With more than 200 miles of beaches along the
Gulf coast, not to mention excellent beaches on
bays, lakes and rivers, Northwest Florida is the
ultimate beach vacation destination. The question is, which beach? If youre staying in
beachfront accommodation, a beach is on your
doorstep. If not, youll need to find public
beaches, perhaps with parking. Many are
shown on free tourist maps available at hotels
and other visitor stops, as well as on tourism
websites listed here.
Panama City Beach is known for its nonstop energy, especially in March when
students arrive for spring break. For a quiet
picnic, the best beaches are the remote and
pristine sands on Dog Island, Dr. Julian G.
Bruce St. George Island State Park and T.H.
Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State
Park. For families, the beaches at state parks
are always a good choice. So is the Florida
FESTIVALS & EVENTS

JANUARY
Pas de Vie Ballet, Apalachicola
Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon
FEBRUARY
Grand Mardi Gras, Pensacola
The Sandestin Gumbo Festival
MARCH
Celebrate the Arts, Gulf Breeze
APRIL
Sandestin Wine Festival
Flora-Bama Mullet Toss, Perdido Key
MAY
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
MAYJUNE
Bands on the Blackwater, Milton
JUNE
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Fort Walton Beach
Panhandle Watermelon Festival, Chipley
The Fiesta of Five Flags, Pensacola
JULY
Firecracker Day, Vernon
Pensacola Beach Air Show
JULYAUGUST
Summer Concerts in the Park, Marianna
AUGUST
Pepsi Gulf Jam, Panama City Beach
Sandestin Triathlon, Miramar Beach
Wausau Possum Festival and Miss Funday Pageant
SEPTEMBER
Marianna Festival Day and Battle Reenactment
Pensacola Seafood Festival
OCTOBER
Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, Niceville
Destin Seafood Festival
Florida Seafood Festival, Apalachicola
Greek Festival, Pensacola
Mexico Beach Art and Wine Festival
NOVEMBER
Seeing Red Wine Festival, Seaside
DECEMBER
New Years Eve Ball Drop, Panama City Beach
Take a scenic coastal drive to beautiful Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County.
169
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Wine tasting in Mexico Beach.
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

apalachicolabay.org
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

emeraldcoastfl.com

nps.gov/guis
Jackson County Tourist Development Council

visitjacksoncountyfla.com
Mexico Beach Community

Development Council
mexicobeach.com
Navarre Beach Visitor Information Center

navarrebeachadventures.com
Panama City Beach Convention

& Visitors Bureau
visitpanamacitybeach.com
Pensacola Bay Area Convention

& Visitors Bureau
visitpensacola.com
Santa Rosa Island

visitpensacolabeach.com
Santa Rosa Tourist Development Council

floridabeachestorivers.com
South Walton Tourist Development Council

visitsouthwalton.com
Washington County Tourist Development Council

visitwashingtoncountyfl.com
170
District of Gulf Islands National Seashore,

a snowscape of beaches with bicycle and
hiking trails, ranger-led nature programs, historic forts and spots for swimming, snorkeling
and fishing.
One of the nations most credible beach experts is Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor
at Florida International University, also known
as Dr. Beach. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph
Peninsula State Park, St. Andrews State Park
and Grayton Beach State Park are among his
picks in this region.
The best shelling is not on the most popular
beaches but in sheltered bays and on remote
sand spits. Horse conchs might be found on the
north side of Shell Island while Crooked Island
Sound is a happy hunting ground after a storm.
So are Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas. At
marinas that offer day cruises, such as Capt.
Andersons Marina in Panama City Beach, ask
about shelling cruises that sail to beaches accessible only by boat.

From fine dining to raw bars, Northwest
Florida holds many pleasures for foodies.
Plenty of eateries still offer the traditional shore
meal of fried grouper, French fries and cole
slaw. Apalachicola gave its name to sweet, succulent oysters, favored by many local chefs and
served by the bushel at rustic raw bars
throughout the region. Stinkys Fish Camp in
Santa Rosa Beach is known for oysters all day,
all ways and a host of seafood specialties such
as crawfish pie and catfish meunire.
For the south in your mouth, the area
abounds in soul food favorites. Hole in the Wall
Seafood in Apalachicola is known for southern,
soul fare and seafood with a Creole accent. At
Five Sisters Blues Caf in Pensacola, you can
sample such Dixie favorites as fried chicken,
cornbread, pulled pork, fried okra and collards.
Luxury reigns at Havana Beach, the happening
place for cocktails in The Pearl resort in Rosemary
Beach. Thursday through Sunday, sing along at
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: VISIT FLORIDA; WALTON COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
NEED MORE INFO?
Stand-up paddleboarding
at sunset in Walton County.
the piano bar. Gourmet food is served indoors,

or you can enjoy small plates on the veranda.
Good taste reigns for all palates at the Firefly
Bar and Library Lounge in Panama City Beach.
An extensive menu offers options for children
and early dining plus a variety of choices of
soups, starters, sushi, pizza and specialty entrees,
martinis and samplers. A comprehensive menu
at Cuvee Bistro in Destin spans from crispcrusted pizzas to duck, venison, steaks and a
signature black pepper yellowfin tuna. The Cubi
Bar Caf in the National Naval Aviation
Museum serves food and is also a museum exhibit based on the famous Cubi Point Officers
Club that hosted naval aviators in the Philippines
during the Vietnam War. Its plastered with
memorabilia from the original Plaque Bar.
The newest buzz on Pensacola Beach is the
Casino Beach Bar & Grille, a Caribbean-style
hangout at the foot of the Pensacola Beach Gulf
Pier. The iconic McGuires Irish Pub has locations in Pensacola and Destin.
All-day family fun is a definite promise at
WonderWorks in Panama City Beach. More
than 100 hands-on activities include its Ropes
Course, Laser Tag, the Hurricane Shack with
winds up to 71 mph and a bubble lab that generates giggles for all ages.
The Betsy Ann Riverboat at St. Andrews

Marina in Panama City is a true sternwheeler.
Miniature golf is always a hoot for families, especially when its the original Goofy Golf
dating back to 1959 on Panama City Beach.
Mini-golf by the same name is also found in
Fort Walton Beach.
YOU CANT GET LOST ON A RIVER
AND NEITHER DOES THE VALUE OF BEING TOGETHER.

The family order changes somewhere along the way; the agenda slips
behind the treeline. Blackwater River State Forest. The Canoe Capital of Florida.
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WRZDUGWKHEHDFKWKURXJKFHQWXULHVRIKLVWRU\DOOWKHZKLOHUHZULWLQJ\RXURZQ

www.navarrebeachadventures.com
800.480.7263
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Building sand castles

on Mexico Beach.
172
The Track Family Recreation Center in

Destin is raw entertainment, a non-stop carnival with rides, bumper cars, mini-golf, a
bungee jump, arcade games and much more.
Big Kahunas Water and Adventure Park in
Destin is the place to cool off in summer with
thrill rides and slides.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort
Walton Beach showcases dolphins and other
sea creatures, and kids love feeding the penguins. Day cruises are offered out of most major
marinas in the region, with the focus being on
dolphin-watching, shelling, diving, snorkeling
or fishing.
Known as Floridas Playground, Santa Rosa
County brings together centuries of history and
challenges. Explore Floridas Playground Trail,
made up of 12 sites connecting Navarre Beach,
named one of the top 25 beaches in the US by
TripAdvisor, and historic Milton. Following beautiful signage, begin at the Navarre Beach Marine
Science Park, with an educational marine science
station, a sea turtle conservatory as well as Gulf
and near-shore reefs. Then follow a variety of sites
along the beachfront, including the Navarre
Beach Fishing Pier, the longest in Florida and the
Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf Breeze Zoo, with
more than 50 acres featuring hundreds of animals
from around the world. At the Gulf Breeze Zoo,
start with a 15-minute train ride and get a close-up
view of wild animals roaming free. A boardwalk

stroll provides a birds-eye view of the 30-acre
habitat. Children can pet farm animals, meet with
a zookeeper to learn about animals and feed a giraffe. Next, make your way to historic Milton, the
Canoe Capital of Florida, and the Blackwater River
State Park, for a variety of kayaking, canoeing,
tubing and zip lining experiences.
The Pensacola Childrens Museum in
Historic Pensacola Village has blossomed into a
sensation filled with hands-on exhibits for kids.
As kids play, they learn about the citys multicultural past, its lumber and maritime
industries, military history and the Native
Americans who had a thriving community here
in the 13th century.
The ultimate family experience for both
amusement and learning is the National Naval
Aviation Museum. Older children are sure to
be wowed by the MaxFlight 360 flight simulators. Unlike arcade games, theyre the real deal.
The museum is also the home of the Naval
Flight Academy, which offers six-day programs
for youngsters.
FEATURED LINKS
Bay Bares Park
baybares.com
Bay Point Wyndham Golf Resort & Spa

baypointwyndham.com
Becks Fish Camp & Wildlife Refuge

beckslakefishcamp.com
Betsy Ann Riverboat

betsyannriverboat.net
Big Kahunas Water and Adventure Park

bigkahunas.com
Blue Angels
blueangels.navy.mil
Cape San Blas

capesanblas.com
Cape St. George Light

stgeorgelight.org
Capt. Andersons Marina

captandersonsmarina.com
Casino Beach Bar & Grille

casinobeachbar.com
Cordova Mall
simon.com/mall/cordova-mall
Crooked Island Sound

mexicobeachfl.com/cdc/crooked-island-sound.cfm
Cuvee Bistro
cuveebistrodestin.com
DeFuniak Springs
defuniaksprings.net
Dog Island
thedogisland.com
ROAD TRIPS
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Drive US 98, the 157-mile-long stretch referred to as the Emerald Coast Route or the
Gulf Coast Highway from historic
Apalachicola to Gulf Breeze for almost non-
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland
emeraldgrande.com
Escape Wellness Spa

escapeandfeelbetter.com
Falling Waters State Park

floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters
Firefly Bar and Library Lounge

fireflypcb.com
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MEXICO BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; WILLIAM SILVER/SHUTTERSTOCK
Five Sisters Blues Caf

fivesistersbluescafe.com
Florida Caverns State Park

floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns
Florida State Parks

floridastateparks.org
Fort Barrancas
nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-barrancas.htm
Fort Pickens
nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/fort-pickens.htm
Goofy Golf
goofygolfpc.com
Grayton Beach State Park

floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

gulfarium.com
Gulf Breeze Zoo

gulfbreezezoo.org

nps.gov/guis
Henderson Park Inn

hendersonparkinn.com
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

sandestinbeachhilton.com
Historic Pensacola Village

historicpensacola.org
Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach Hotel

holidayinnresortfortwaltonbeach.com
Falling Waters State Park.
173
Harbor view along the Emerald Coast.
A cannon at Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola Bay.
stop views of shining waters and white sands.

Although the trip can be done in a day, every
hamlet offers a story and every lay-by beckons
visitors to take a video and send an Instagram.
The unhurried visitor can detour from the
main highway to explore stunning St. George
Island and St. Joseph Peninsula. Both are
slender sand spits, alight with scenery but require backtracking to get back to US 98.
Traffic gets denser around Panama City and
Panama City Beach, both ideal locations for
lodging and attractions.
Continuing west, drop down to State Road
30A at Inlet Beach for a beachfront ramble
through vacation communities including
Seaside and a visit to picturesque Grayton
Beach State Park. Destin is a quaint village
known for its fishing fleets and Fort Walton
Beach offers sightseeing plus urban shopping,
dining, lodging and attractions. Here, theres a
chance to leave US 98 again for a leisurely drive
to Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Island. If youre on
a fast track you may prefer to stay with US 98.
There will be other bridges later that can take
you out to Santa Rosa Island, Fort Pickens and
the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Depending
on tourist traffic, shore roads can be slow going,
and the only way back is to retrace your route
through the same, dazzling scenery.
The fast lane through this region is Interstate
10, an alternate route with its own appeal. The
route follows the Old Spanish Trail, blazed
more than 400 years ago by Spanish traders
traveling between St. Augustine and Pensacola.
Just off the highway are the hospitable small
towns of Chipley, Bonifay and DeFuniak
Springs and such natural treasures as Ponce de
Leon Springs, Falling Waters and Florida
Caverns state parks, and the 189,848-acre
Blackwater River State Forest.
SHOPPING
Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Destin is the
largest in the region with 110 stores. Sandestin
Golf and Beach Resort is a city-size resort with
a pedestrian village filled with shops and places
to dine. The areas natural beauty attracts artists
specializing in all media from watercolor to fusion glass, textiles, jewelry and shell art. Places
to find prominent galleries include Seaside and
other communities along State Road 30A.
Portofino Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach is
a typical Florida shopping, dining, entertain-
174
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: COLIN D. YOUNG/SHUTTERSTOCK; EMERALD COAST CVB; VISIT FLORIDA
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
FEATURED LINKS
Hotel DeFuniak
hoteldefuniak.com
Indian Temple Mound Museum

fwb.org/museums/indian-temple-mound-museum
John Gorrie Museum State Park

floridastateparks.org/JohnGorrieMuseum
Margaritaville Beach Hotel

margaritavillehotel.com
Mattie Kelly Arts Center

mattiekellyartscenter.org
McGuires Irish Pub

mcguiresirishpub.com
Miracle Strip Amusement Park

ms-pp.com
National Naval Aviation Museum

nationalaviationmuseum.org
Noble Manor Bed & Breakfast

Colorful shops in Mexico Beach.
noblemanor.com
Pensacola Blue Wahoos
ment, beach and water sports complex, well

worth a whole day or entire evening. The Shell,
a landmark amphitheater, is always a photo-op
backdrop and often the setting for concerts.
Arrive on the free trolley or ferry. Visitors may
also come by boat and tie up at the dock, or
drive in and park at the public beach.
Pensacolas sprawling Cordova Mall, which
has dozens of familiar chain stores, is anchored
by a Dicks Sporting Goods and an upscale
Dillards.
SPAS
Outstanding spa services and surroundings are
found at Serenity by the sea in the Hilton
Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, InnSpa at
the WaterColor Inn & Resort on Santa Rosa
Beach and Serenity Spa at the Bay Point
Wyndham Golf Resort & Spa in Panama City
Beach. Guests at chichi beach communities
such as Seaside and Rosemary Beach have a
wonderful choice of day spas, many of which
offer luxury services. The Pearl, a posh resort
in Rosemary Beach, offers a signature facial
with crushed pearls. Enjoy your treatments in
the spa or in a poolside cabana.
The Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
in Destin is a full-service resort with a lavish
spa. Guests and non-guests can buy membership in the fitness center on the second floor
overlooking the Gulf.
The Escape Wellness Spa in Pensacola is one
of the areas largest, offering a wide range of
treatments including skin care and prenatal
massage. Also in Pensacola, Still Waters Day
and Medical Spa offers a relaxation room, cou-
milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t4124
ples and deep-tissue massages and laser hair

removal.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Rosemary Beach
This regions heyday was during the Victorian

era, when opulent homes were built to house
lumber and cotton barons. Today some of these
mansions, such as Noble Manor in Pensacola,
are bed and breakfasts.
Apalachicolas Gibson Inn, built in unpretentious Florida Cracker style, is in the heart of
town. Old-world style also graces the boutique
Hotel DeFuniak. Its two blocks from the lake
and sits directly on the Southern Tier Route for
bicycle riders who are undertaking the St.
Augustine to San Diego challenge.
Bay Bares Park in Youngstown (northeast of
Panama City) is a campground member of the
American Association for Nude Recreation.
Tent and RV sites are available.
Ranging from rustic to modern, rental
cabins are found in state parks including St.
Joseph Peninsula, Three Rivers, Topsail Hill
Preserve and Grayton Beach. A wide choice of
campgrounds ranges from primitive sites in
government parks to lavish RV resorts.
Becks Lake Fish Camp & Wildlife Refuge in
Cantonment isnt a traditional farm stay, but it
is a working farm that welcomes visitors to
pitch a tent or hook up an RV, pick crops,
paddle the river and go fishing in a pristine,
outback setting.
Caribbean-style all-inclusives arent easy to
find in Florida, but the Henderson Park Inn, a
bed and breakfast in Destin, comes close by offering everything except dinner. FL
floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings
Portofino Boardwalk
pensacolabeachboardwalk.com
rosemarybeach.com
Saenger Theatre
pensacolasaenger.com
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

sandestin.com
Seaside
seasidefl.com
Shell Island
visitpanamacitybeach.com/beaches/shell-island
Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Destin

premiumoutlets.com
St. Andrews State Park

floridastateparks.org/standrews
Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

stillwatersmedspa.com
Stinkys Fish Camp

stinkysfishcamp.com

The Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, Milton

historicpensacola.org/arcadia
The Battle of Marianna

battleofmarianna.com
The Gibson Inn

gibsoninn.com
The Pearl
thepearlrb.com
The Seaside Institute

seasideinstitute.org
The Track Family Recreation Center

destintrack.com
The Village of Baytowne Wharf

baytownewharf.com
Three Rivers State Park

floridastateparks.org/threerivers
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

floridastateparks.org/topsailhill
Torreya State Park

floridastateparks.org/torreya
WaterColor Inn & Resort

watercolorresort.com
WonderWorks
wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach
175
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
FLORIDA TIME ZONES
While most of Florida is located in the Eastern Time Zone, a
portion of Northwest Florida is in the Central Time Zone. The
Apalachicola River is the dividing line between Central Standard
Time in the western part of Northwest Florida and Eastern
Standard Time in the eastern part.
Central Time Zone
Florida Welcome Centers are found throughout the state. (VISIT FLORIDA)
Eastern Time Zone
ANNUAL FLORIDA FESTIVALS

With more than 750 annual events happening throughout the Sunshine
State, visitors to Florida are never at a loss for things to do and see. Here
is a list of the states largest events, which represents just a smattering of
what is planned. For more information on these and other scheduled
events, log onto visitflorida.com or the Florida Festival and Events
Association website at ffea.com.
DATES
FESTIVALS
WEBSITES
January 16-18, 2015
Art Deco Weekend Festival, Miami Beach
mdpl.org/events/about-adw
January 21-26, 2015
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, Titusville
spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org
January 24, 2015
Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa
gasparillapiratefest.com
February 5-16, 2015
Florida State Fair, Tampa
floridastatefair.com
February 20-22, 2015
Silver Spurs Rodeo, Kissimmee
silverspursrodeo.com
February 26March 8, 2015
Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City
flstrawberryfestival.com
March 6-15, 2015
Bike Week, Daytona Beach
officialbikeweek.com
springtimetallahassee.com
March 28, 2015
Springtime Festival, Tallahassee
March 28, 2015
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
dunedinhighlandgames.com
April 29May 3, 2015
Sunfest, West Palm Beach
sunfest.com
May 2124, 2015
Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville
jaxjazzfest.com
May 2224, 2015
Florida Folk Festival, White Springs
floridafolkfestival.com
blueangels.navy.mil/show
July 11, 2015
Pensacola Beach Air Show, Pensacola
July 21-26, 2015
Hemingway Days Festival, Key West
fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia
September 412, 2015
Celebrate 450, St. Augustine
staugustine-450.com/
st-augustines-450th-anniversary-celebration/
September 26-28, 2015
Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola
visitpensacola.com/landing/seafood-festival
Late Septembermid-November 2015
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Orlando
disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot
/special-events/epcot-international
-food-and-wine-festival
October 15-18, 2015
Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach
biketoberfest.org
November 2015
American Sandsculpting Championship Festival,

Fort Myers Beach
fmbsandsculpting.com
November 21, 2015January 31, 2016
Nights of Lights, St. Augustine
nightsoflights.com
December 2015
Winter Festival, Downtown Tallahassee
holidaylights.visittallahassee.com
December 3-6, 2015
Art Basel, Miami Beach
miamibeach.artbasel.com
December 12, 2015
Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale
winterfestparade.com
Dates and websites were correct at time of printing. Information is subject to change without notice.
176
AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURES (FAHRENHEIT)

AND PRECIPITATION (INCHES) IN SELECTED FLORIDA CITIES
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
BOCA RATON
min/max
precip.
58/76 F
2.78 in
58/77 F
2.76 in
62/80 F
3.00 in
66/83 F
3.40 in
71/87 F
5.73 in
74/90 F
7.31 in
75/92 F
5.94 in
75/92 F
6.91 in
74/91 F
7.01 in
71/87 F
5.73 in
66/82 F
4.24 in
61/78 F
2.46 in
BRADENTON
min/max
precip.
51/72 F
2.94 in
52/73 F
2.66 in
57/77 F
3.36 in
59/82 F
1.83 in
66/87 F
2.85 in
71/90 F
7.41 in
72/91 F
8.71 in
73/91 F
9.43 in
72/90 F
7.25 in
65/85 F
2.88 in
59/79 F
2.35 in
53/74 F
2.45 in
CLEARWATER
min/max
precip.
50/72 F
3.17 in
52/73 F
3.14 in
56/77 F
3.85 in
61/81 F
1.96 in
67/87 F
3.02 in
72/90 F
5.78 in
74/91 F
7.07 in
73/92 F
8.47 in
72/90 F
7.25 in
65/85 F
3.36 in
58/79 F
2.37 in
52/74 F
2.98 in
DAYTONA
BEACH
min/max
precip.
47/68 F
2.75 in
48/69 F
3.11 in
54/74 F
2.90 in
58/80 F
2.23 in
65/84 F
3.45 in
71/88 F
5.99 in
72/90 F
5.4 in
73/89 F
6.16 in
72/87 F
6.34 in
65/81 F
4.13 in
56/75 F
2.84 in
50/70 F
2.59 in
FORT
LAUDERDALE
min/max
precip.
57/75 F
2.22 in
57/76 F
2.93 in
62/79 F
2.76 in
65/82 F
3.37 in
70/85 F
6.65 in
73/88 F
9.58 in
75/90 F
6.64 in
75/90 F
6.77 in
74/89 F
7.56 in
70/85 F
6.52 in
65/81 F
3.94 in
60/77 F
2.17 in
FORT MYERS
min/max
precip.
53/74 F
1.84 in
54/75 F
2.23 in
58/80 F
3.07 in
62/84 F
1.06 in
67/89 F
3.87 in
73/90 F
9.52 in
74/91 F
8.26 in
75/91 F
9.66 in
74/90 F
7.82 in
68/86 F
2.94 in
61/81 F
1.57 in
55/76 F
1.56 in
JACKSONVILLE
min/max
precip.
42/64 F
3.31 in
44/67 F
3.93 in
50/74 F
3.68 in
56/80 F
2.70 in
63/85 F
3.55 in
70/89 F
5.69 in
72/91 F
5.60 in
72/91 F
7.93 in
70/87 F
7.05 in
60/80 F
2.90 in
51/73 F
2.19 in
44/67 F
2.72 in
KEY WEST
min/max
precip.
65/75 F
2.01 in
65/75 F
1.80 in
69/78 F
1.71 in
72/82 F
1.75 in
76/85 F
3.46 in
78/87 F
5.09 in
80/89 F
3.61 in
79/89 F
5.03 in
78/88 F
5.85 in
75/84 F
4.42 in
71/80 F
2.84 in
67/76 F
2.02 in
MIAMI
min/max
precip.
59/75 F
2.01 in
60/76 F
2.08 in
64/79 F
2.39 in
68/83 F
3.03 in
72/85 F
6.21 in
75/88 F
9.33 in
77/89 F
5.70 in
77/89 F
7.58 in
76/88 F
7.63 in
72/85 F
5.64 in
67/80 F
2.66 in
62/77 F
1.83 in
NAPLES
min/max
precip.
53/75 F
2.01 in
54/76 F
2.17 in
58/79 F
2.08 in
62/83 F
1.99 in
67/87 F
4.21 in
71/90 F
8.18 in
73/91 F
7.98 in
73/91 F
8.05 in
73/90 F
8.11 in
68/87 F
3.60 in
62/82 F
1.99 in
56/76 F
1.53 in
ORLANDO
min/max
precip.
51/71 F
2.33 in
50/71 F
4.00 in
55/77 F
3.24 in
61/84 F
1.30 in
67/88 F
3.10 in
71/90 F
7.53 in
73/92 F
7.15 in
73/92 F
7.07 in
73/89 F
6.27 in
66/84 F
2.86 in
57/77 F
1.65 in
52/73 F
2.01 in
PANAMA CITY
min/max
precip.
38/61 F
5.74 in
41/65 F
4.71 in
47/70 F
6.22 in
53/76 F
3.73 in
61/83 F
3.86 in
68/88 F
6.01 in
71/89 F
8.74 in
71/89 F
7.52 in
67/87 F
6.14 in
55/79 F
3.50 in
47/71 F
4.53 in
40/64 F
4.06 in
PENSACOLA
min/max
precip.
42/59 F
4.65 in
44/63 F
5.36 in
51/69 F
5.66 in
58/76 F
3.41 in
65/83 F
4.20 in
72/88 F
6.40 in
74/90 F
7.42 in
74/89 F
7.33 in
70/86 F
5.42 in
60/79 F
4.14 in
51/70 F
3.54 in
44/63 F
4.29 in
ST. AUGUSTINE min/max

precip.
45/64 F
3.16 in
47/67 F
2.88 in
53/72 F
3.87 in
58/77 F
2.63 in
65/82 F
3.11 in
71/87 F
5.27 in
73/89 F
4.50 in
72/87 F
5.91 in
71/85 F
6.45 in
64/79 F
4.56 in
56/73 F
2.24 in
49/67 F
2.84 in
ST.
PETERSBURG
min/max
precip.
54/69 F
2.76 in
55/71 F
2.87 in
60/75 F
3.29 in
64/80 F
1.92 in
71/86 F
2.80 in
75/89 F
6.09 in
76/90 F
6.72 in
77/90 F
8.26 in
75/88 F
7.59 in
70/83 F
2.64 in
63/77 F
2.04 in
56/71 F
2.60 in
SARASOTA
min/max
precip.
51/72 F
2.94 in
53/74 F
2.66 in
57/77 F
3.36 in
60/82 F
1.85 in
65/87 F
2.85 in
74/90 F
7.41 in
73/91 F
8.71 in
73/91 F
9.43 in
72/90 F
7.25 in
65/85 F
2.88 in
59/80 F
2.35 in
53/74 F
2.45 in
TALLAHASSEE
min/max
precip.
38/62 F
4.77 in
40/66 F
5.52 in
47/73 F
6.21 in
52/80 F
3.74 in
61/86 F
4.75 in
68/90 F
6.93 in
71/91 F
8.82 in
71/91 F
7.53 in
68/88 F
5.58 in
56/81 F
2.92 in
46/73 F
3.87 in
41/66 F
5.03 in
TAMPA BAY
min/max
precip.
49/70 F
1.99 in
51/71 F
3.08 in
56/76 F
3.01 in
60/82 F
1.15 in
67/87 F
3.10 in
73/90 F
5.48 in
74/90 F
6.58 in
74/90 F
7.61 in
73/89 F
5.98 in
65/84 F
2.02 in
57/77 F
1.77 in
51/72 F
2.15 in
WEST PALM
BEACH
min/max
precip.
56/74 F
2.80 in
57/75 F
2.69 in
61/79 F
3.66 in
65/82 F
2.91 in
70/85 F
6.13 in
73/88 F
8.09 in
74/90 F
6.14 in
75/90 F
6.02 in
74/88 F
8.53 in
71/85 F
6.60 in
64/80 F
4.69 in
59/76 F
2.49 in
177
R ES O U R C E DIR E C TO RY
Cocoa Beach is popular with surfers
(V&V Hospitality & Media Services)
Performer at SunFest held

in downtown West Palm Beach
(Cultural Council of Palm Beach County)
FLORIDA ASSOCIATIONS AND TRAVEL GROUPS
WEBSITES
AAA Auto Club South
autoclubsouth.aaa.com
AARP
aarp.org
American Association for Nude Recreation
aanr.com
American Camp Association
www.acacamps.org
CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
caa.ca
Canadian Snowbird Association
snowbirds.org
Florida Collegiate Summer League
floridaleague.com
Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations
fadmo.org
Florida Association of Museums
flamuseums.org
Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
campflorida.com
Florida Bicycle Association
floridabicycle.org
Florida Festivals & Events Association
ffea.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
myfwc.com
Florida Gardener
floridagardener.com
Florida Lighthouse Association
floridalighthouses.org
Florida Professional Paddlesports Association
paddleflausa.com
Florida Sports Foundation
flasports.com
Florida Trail Association
www.floridatrail.org
Good Sam Club (The Worlds Largest RV Owners Community)
goodsamclub.com
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
iaapa.org
International Game Fish Association
igfa.org
KOA (Kampgrounds of America, Inc.)
koa.com
Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA)
pga.com
Scooter and Wheelchair rentals for adults/kids
caremedicalequipment.com
Cooling off at Sunny Isles Beach (Beatrix Csinger)
African Queen in Key Largo (Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO)
FLORIDAS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2015

January 1, New Years Day
January 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 16, Presidents Day
May 25, Memorial Day
July 4, Independence Day
September 7, Labor Day
October 12, Columbus Day (most regions)
November 11, Veterans Day
November 26, Thanksgiving Day
December 25, Christmas Day
178
FLORIDA CRUISE PORTS
WEBSITES
Jacksonville Port Authority

Port Canaveral
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
Port of Key West
Port of Miami
Port of Palm Beach
Port Tampa Bay
jaxport.com
portcanaveral.com
porteverglades.net
keywestcity.com
miamidade.gov/portmiami
portofpalmbeach.com
tampaport.com
FLORIDA STATE PARKS & REGIONAL RECREATION SPACES

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA and THE FLORIDA KEYS
Apoxee Urban Wilderness Park
Bahia Honda State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Curry Hammock State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Indian Key Historic State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
Key Largo Community Park
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Long Key State Park
Pinecrest Gardens
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Sawgrass Sanctuary
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
floridahikes.com/apoxee-wilderness-trail
floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda
floridastateparks.org/capeflorida
floridastateparks.org/curryhammock
floridastateparks.org/keylargohammock
floridakeys.noaa.gov
floridastateparks.org/forttaylor
floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch
floridastateparks.org/indiankey
floridastateparks.org/macarthurbeach
floridastateparks.org/lloydbeach
pinecrest-fl.gov
floridastateparks.org/lignumvitaekey
floridastateparks.org/longkey
webapps.dep.state.fl.us/DslParks/browse
floridastateparks.org/sanpedro
floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle
floridastateparks.org/windleykey
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Cayo Costa State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park
Koreshan State Historic Site
Lake Manatee State Park
Lee County Parks & Recreation
Lovers Key State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Myakka River State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Sugden Regional Park
floridastateparks.org/cayocosta
floridastateparks.org/charlotteharbor
floridastateparks.org/collierseminole
floridastateparks.org/delnorwiggins
floridastateparks.org/donpedroisland
floridastateparks.org/esterobay
floridastateparks.org/koreshan
floridastateparks.org/lakemanatee
leeparks.org
floridastateparks.org/loverskey
floridastateparks.org/moundkey
floridastateparks.org/myakkariver
floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer
rookerybay.org
floridastateparks.org/stumppass
collierparks.com/park/sugden-regional-park/

Avalon State Park
De Leon Springs State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Gemini Springs
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Lakewood Regional Park
Savannas Preserve State Park
Seabranch Preserve State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Tomoka State Park
floridastateparks.org/avalon
floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings
floridastateparks.org/fortpierceinlet
floridahikes.com/gemini-springs-park
floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson
floridastateparks.org/kissimmeeprairie
floridastateparks.org/savannas
floridastateparks.org/seabranch
floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet
floridastateparks.org/stlucieinlet
floridastateparks.org/stsebastianriver
floridastateparks.org/tomoka
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Colt Creek State Park
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
Hontoon Island State Park
Lake Griffin State Park
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Louisa State Park
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Silver Springs State Park
Split Oak Preserve
Wekiwa Springs State Park
floridastateparks.org/catfishcreek
floridastateparks.org/coltcreek
floridastateparks.org/dadebattlefield
floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock
floridastateparks.org/hontoonisland
floridastateparks.org/lakegriffin
floridastateparks.org/lakejuneinwinter
floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee
floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa
floridastateparks.org/lowerwekivariver
floridastateparks.org/paynescreek
floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings
floridastateparks.org/rockspringsrun
floridastateparks.org/silversprings
floridahikes.com/split-oak-forest
floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings
Couple Spa at
Omni Amelia Island Plantation
(Omni Amelia Island Plantation)
A tortoise in Southwest Florida

(Lee County VCB)
Golfers in Ponte Vedra

(St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra
& The Beaches VCB)
Palm Beach Outlets

(Palm Beach Outlets)
179
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Paddleboarding in Fort Lauderdale

(Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB)
The Wakulla River Canoe Trail in

Tallahassee is part of the Statewide
System of Greenways and Trails
(Glenn Hastings)
Making waves at Shipwreck Island
Waterpark in Panama City Beach
(Panama City Beach CVB)
Bike riding on Anna Maria Island in

Southwest Florida
(Bradenton Area CVB)
180

Alafia River State Park
Caladesi Island State Park
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Egmont Key Wildlife Refuge
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Fort Cooper State Park
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Hillsborough River State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park
Little Manatee River State Park
North Anclote River Nature Park
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Ybor City Museum State Park
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
floridastateparks.org/alafiariver
floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland
floridastateparks.org/crystalriverarchaeological
floridastateparks.org/crystalriverpreserve
floridastateparks.org/egmontkey
floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings
floridastateparks.org/fortcooper
floridastateparks.org/fortfoster
floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver
floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland
floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver
floridastateparks.org/skyway
floridastateparks.org/weekiwachee
floridastateparks.org/yborcity
floridastateparks.org/yuleesugarmill
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Amelia Island State Park
Anastasia State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Castaway Island Preserve
Dunns Creek State Park
Faver-Dykes State Park
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Little Talbot Island State Park
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
North Peninsula State Park
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park
River to Sea Preserve
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
floridastateparks.org/ameliaisland
floridastateparks.org/anastasia
floridastateparks.org/bigtalbotisland
floridastateparks.org/bulowplantation
floridahikes.com/castawayisland
floridastateparks.org/dunnscreek
floridastateparks.org/faverdykes
floridastateparks.org/fortgeorgeisland
floridastateparks.org/fortmose
floridastateparks.org/gamblerogers
floridastateparks.org/georgecradybridge
floridacoasts.org/gtm
floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland
floridastateparks.org/mikeroess
floridastateparks.org/northpeninsula
floridastateparks.org/olusteebattlefield
floridastateparks.org/pumpkinhill
floridastateparks.org/ravinegardens
floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks
floridastateparks.org/yellowbluff

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Cedar Key Museum State Park
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Cofrin Nature Park
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Econfina River State Park
Fanning Springs State Park
Forest Capital Museum State Park
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Lake Talquin State Park
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
OLeno State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park
River Rise Preserve State Park
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Suwannee River State Park
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
Troy Spring State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens
floridastateparks.org/cedarkeymuseum
floridastateparks.org/cedarkeyscrub
floridahikes.com/cofrin-nature-park
floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper
floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm
floridastateparks.org/econfinariver
floridastateparks.org/fanningsprings
floridastateparks.org/forestcapital
floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne
floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings
floridastateparks.org/lafayettebluesprings
floridastateparks.org/lakejackson
floridastateparks.org/laketalquin
floridastateparks.org/letchworth
floridastateparks.org/madisonbluespring
floridastateparks.org/manateesprings
floridastateparks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings
floridastateparks.org/naturalbridge
floridastateparks.org/oleno
floridastateparks.org/ochlockoneeriver
floridastateparks.org/riverrise
floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock
floridastateparks.org/sanmarcos
fws.gov/saintmarks
floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster
floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver
floridastateparks.org/wilderness
floridastateparks.org/troyspring
floridastateparks.org/waccasassabay
floridastateparks.org/peacocksprings

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Bald Point State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
Blackwater River State Park
Camp Helen State Park
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Deer Lake State Park
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Eden Gardens State Park
Falling Waters State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park
John Gorrie Museum State Park
Oaks by the Bay
Orman House Historic State Park
Perdido Key State Park
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
St. Andrews State Park
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Three Rivers State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Torreya State Park
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Father and daughter on a beach

outing in the Fort Myers area
(Lee County VCB)
dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/apalachicola
floridastateparks.org/baldpoint
floridastateparks.org/biglagoon
floridastateparks.org/blackwatterriver
floridastateparks.org/camphelen
floridastateparks.org/constitutionconvention
floridastateparks.org/deerlake
floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland
floridastateparks.org/edengardens
floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters
floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns
floridastateparks.org/rockybayou
floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach
floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach
floridastateparks.org/johngorriemuseum
floridahikes.com/oaks-by-the-bay-park
floridastateparks.org/ormanhouse
floridastateparks.org/perdidokey
floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings
floridastateparks.org/standrews
floridastateparks.org/tarkilnbayou
floridastateparks.org/threerivers
floridastateparks.org/topsailhill
floridastateparks.org/torreya
floridastateparks.org/yellowriver
FLORIDA STATE FORESTS

Information on the following Florida State Forests is found online at
freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests:
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Myakka State Forest
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Picayune Strand State Forest
Lake George State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Indian Lake State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Little Big Econ State Forest
Ross Prairie State Forest
Seminole State Forest

Big Shoals State Forest
Goethe State Forest
Lake Talquin State Forest
Twin Rivers State Forest
Wakulla State Forest
Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa

Island near Pensacola
(William Silver/Shutterstock)
Visitors at the Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary in Naples
(JoNell Modys)
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Blackwater River State Forest
Cottage Hill State Forest
Pine Log State Forest
Point Washington State Forest
Tate's Hell State Forest

Charles H. Bronson State Forest
Holopaw State Forest
Withlacoochee State Forest
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Belmore State Forest
Carl Duval Moore State Forest
Cary State Forest
Deep Creek State Forest
Etoniah Creek State Forest
Four Creeks State Forest
Jennings State Forest
John M. Bethea State Forest
Lake George State Forest
Matanzas State Forest
Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest
Watson Island State Forest
Welaka State Forest
Fairbanks House Grounds

and Cottages (Fairbanks House)
Boardwalk in Apalachicola National Forest, the largest

national forest in Florida. (VISIT FLORIDA)
181
R ES OUR CE DIR E C TORY

NATIONAL PARKS, MEMORIALS,
MONUMENTS AND PRESERVES
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES
WEBSITES
ACE Rent A Car
acerentacar.com
Much of Floridas history is captured in its national parks, memorials, monuments and
preserves and the National Park Service works
hard to preserve it (nps.gov).
Alamo Rent A Car
alamo.com
Auto Europe
autoeurope.com
Avis Rent A Car
avis.com
Budget Rent A Car
budget.com
Dollar Rent A Car
dollar.com
Economy Car Hire
economycarhire.com
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
enterprise.com
E-Z Rent-A-Car
e-zrentacar.com
Florida Sun Car Rental
floridasuncarrental.com
Fox Rent A Car
foxrentacar.com
Global Rent a Car
interamerican-car-rental.com
Hertz Car Rental
hertz.com
Honk Worldwide Car Rental
honkcarrental.com
National Car Rental
nationalcar.com
Payless Car Rental
paylesscar.com
SIXT Rent a Car
sixt.com
SOUTHEAST & THE FLORIDA KEYS

Biscayne National Park
nps.gov/bisc
Dry Tortugas National Park
nps.gov/drto
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Big Cypress National Preserve
nps.gov/bicy
nps.gov/ever
nps.gov/cana
De Soto National Memorial
nps.gov/deso
thrifty.com
U-Save Car & Truck Rental
usave.com
RV RENTAL COMPANIES
WEBSITE
Allstar Coaches Luxury Motorhome Rentals
allstarcoaches.com
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
nps.gov/casa
Americas Best RVs
americasbestrv.com
Camp USA Motorhome Rental
onfreewheels.com
Cruise America RV Rental & Sales
cruiseamerica.com
Fort Matanzas National Monument

nps.gov/foma
El Monte RV Motorhome Vacations
elmonterv.com
Giant Recreation World
giantrecreationworld.com
Timucuan Ecological & Historic National

Preserve, includes Theodore Roosevelt Area
as well as Fort Caroline National Memorial
and Kingsley Plantation
nps.gov/foca
No national parks
NORTHWEST FLORIDA
nps.gov/guis
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
(extends from North Carolina to
Jacksonville, Florida)
nps.gov/guge
182
Thrifty Car Rental
/RVRentals.asp
Palm Beach RV Rental
palmbeachrvrental.com
RV Rentals of Orlando, Inc.
rvrentalsoforlando.com
USA RV Rentals
usarvrentals.com
TOURISM INFORMATION SOURCES IN FLORIDA

Florida Welcome Centers, Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Tourism Offices
are located throughout Florida, and staff is always eager to offer assistance and
help visitors make the most of their stay.
VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA (VISITFLORIDA.COM) also operates Floridas five Official
Florida Welcome Centers at I-10E, 16 miles west of Pensacola; US 231 near
Campbellton; I-75S, four miles north of Jennings; I-95S, seven miles north of Yulee;
and at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. When in Florida, drop by for a free glass
of Florida orange juice and pick up a free Florida Vacation Guide, a large-print map
of Florida and VISIT FLORIDA partner brochures.
WEST PALM BEACH
ST. PETERSBURG
302
195 42
118 191
519 613 266
226 197 427 217
26
170 195 207 82
227
353 222 119 117
367 461 211
29
12
275 41
176
159 244 248 124
199
394 262 160 106
327 421 185
19
57
235 22
214
89
408 256 241 54
331 425 53
158 183 233 138
190
162
302
213 52
131 184
541 626 264
219 193 435 218
20
132
318
178 26
104 207
535 628 282
232 201 442 233
43
282
271 148 37
445 539 252
108 70
353 119
123
494 343 317 135
261 355 38
211 240 163 191
277
696 790 458
378 341 604 385
221
558 652 307
246 214 466 247
68
188
479 573 286
144 107 387 155
144
334 428 100
105 130 242 85
166
342 380 98
330
494
386
435 473 192 423
588
196 223 194 176
241
45
CLEARWATER
239 45
DAYTONA BEACH
215 170 159
DELRAY BEACH
20
195 244 216
28
FORT LAUDERDALE
17
207 248 231 28
FORT MYERS
140 82
JACKSONVILLE
302 227 199 89
KEY WEST
195 353 394 408 213 178 271
494
MIAMI
42
343
153
NAPLES
118 119 160 241 131 104 37
317
234 107
ORLANDO
191 117 106 54
184 207 153
135
383 232 188
PANAMA CITY BEACH
519 367 327 331 541 535 445
261
696 558 479 334
PENSACOLA
613 461 421 425 626 628 539
355
790 652 573 428
103
ST. AUGUSTINE
266 211 185 53
38
458 307 286 100
292 386
ST. PETERSBURG
226 29
19
158 219 232 108
211
378 246 144 105
342 435 196
41
249 20
201
SARASOTA
197 12
57
183 193 201 70
240
341 214 107 130
380 473 223
41
287 54
172
TALLAHASSEE
427 275 235 233 435 442 353
163
604 466 387 242
98
249 287
TAMPA
217 41
191
385 247 155 85
330 423 176
20
WEST PALM BEACH
26
277
221 68
494 588 241
201 172 402 192
216 231 206
124 206 162 132
302 318 282
222 262 256 52
22
26
148
264 282 252
138 218 233 119
176 214 190 20
The Cheetah Run at Busch Gardens Tampa

(Busch Gardens Tampa)
43
123
153
153 234 383

-
107 232
-
144 166
103 292
-
192 194
54
TAMPA
201
SARASOTA
BRADENTON
17
PENSACOLA
201 239 215 20
ORLANDO
NAPLES
BOCA RATON
MIAMI
BRADENTON
TALLAHASSEE
KEY WEST
ST. AUGUSTINE
JACKSONVILLE
PANAMA CITY BEACH
FORT MYERS
FORT LAUDERDALE
DELRAY BEACH
DAYTONA BEACH
140
FROM / TO
BOCA RATON
CLEARWATER
MILEAGE CHART BETWEEN KEY FLORIDA CITIES
237
402
237
192
-
Florida is riddled with hiking and biking trails

(VISIT FLORIDA)
The Elliott Museum in Stuart (Martin County)
183
RE S OUR CE DIR E C TORY

CITY SERVED
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN FLORIDA

PRIMARY AIRPORTS
WEBSITE
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
flydaytonafirst.com
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
fll.net
Fort Myers/ Naples
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
flylcpa.com
Gainesville
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
gra-gnv.com
Jacksonville
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
flyjacksonville.com
Key West
Key West International Airport (EYW)
keywestinternationalairport.com
Melbourne
Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
mlbair.com
Miami
Miami International Airport (MIA)
miami-airport.com
Orlando
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
orlandosanfordairport.com
Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
orlandoairports.net
Panama City Beach
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
iflybeaches.com
Pensacola
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
flypensacola.com
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
flypgd.com
Sarasota
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
srq-airport.com
St. Augustine
Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST)
flynf.com
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
fly2pie.com
Tallahassee
Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH)
tallahasseeregionalairport.com
Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
tampaairport.com
Valparaiso
Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS)
flyvps.com
West Palm Beach
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
pbia.org
AIRLINE SERVICE TO FLORIDA

FROM CANADA AND THE USA
184
BUS TOUR OPERATORS IN FLORIDA
AIRLINES
WEBSITES
BUS TOUR OPERATORS
WEBSITES
Air Canada
aircanada.com
A.L.M. Transportation & Tours
almtransportation.com
Air Transat
airtransat.ca
AirTran Airways
airtran.com
AMC Transportation
amctransportation.com
Allegiant Air
allegiant.com
Central Florida Tours
centralfloridatours.com
American Airlines/American Eagle
aa.com
Charter Bus America
charterbusamerica.com
CanJet Airlines
canjet.com
Classic Bus Lines
classicbuslines.net
Delta Air Lines
delta.com
EasyShuttle
geteasyshuttle.com
Frontier Airlines
flyfrontier.com
Empire Coach Line
empirecoachline.com
IBC Airways (VIP private jet charter)
ibcairways.com
JetBlue Airways
jetblue.com
Endeavor Bus Lines
endeavorbuslines.com
Miami Air International
miamiair.com
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
greyhound.com
Southwest Airlines
southwest.com
Magic Carpet Ride
magiccarpetride.travel
Spirit Airlines
spiritair.com
Miami Coach & Tours
miamicoachtours.com
Sun Country Airlines
suncountry.com
Miami Jet Tours
miamijettours.com
Sunwing Airlines
flysunwing.com
Need-A-Bus
need-a-bus.com
United Airlines
united.com
US Airways
usairways.com
Pegasus Transportation
pegasusbus.com
Virgin Atlantic
virgin-atlantic.com
Sawgrass Tours
sawgrasstours.com
Vision Airlines
visionairlines.com
Super Tours of Orlando
supertours.com
WestJet
westjet.com
USA Bus Charter
usabuscharter.com
NOW OPEN:
LEVIS OUTLET
STORE
COLUMBIA
SPORTSWEAR
CHRISTOPHER
& BANKS
shop
sh
hop
WISELY
WISE
WISEL
LY
LY
live
liv
e
FAB
A ULOUSL
SLLY
FABULOUSLY
ff
save
o 65% o
off
sa
ve up tto
e than 55 iconic
more
at mor
brand-name
stores
br
and-name st
ores
RY
OAC
JJ.. C R E W FFAC
A C TTO
OR
Y CO
AC H O U T L E T
CALV
B R O O K S B R OT
OT H E R S C
ALV I N K L E I N
TTO
OMMY HILFIGER LIDS
RY
D O O N E Y & B O U R K E FFAC
A C TTO
OR
Y S TTO
ORE
G Y M B O R E E O U T L E T C H I C O S O UT L E T
THE TREASURE COASTS ONLY
RESTORATION HARDWARE OUTLET
AND WILLIAMS-SONOMA OUTLET
locat ed on route
r out e 60, w
est of i-95 at e
xit 1
47
located
west
exit
147
th
1824 94 drive,
vero
855-GO T O VBO
driv e , v
er o beach,
beac h, ffll 32966 855-GOTOVBO
1824
ve
v
e ro
r o b e a c h o u t l e t ss.. c o m
Goodbye winter blues, hello

Blue Wave beaches. Dive into
Greater Fort Lauderdale
at sunny.org
@VisitLauderdale | #
Scan for a digital vacation playbook
or visit sunny.org/playbook

Travel Guide To Florida 2015

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Y O U R

To explore and experience

Whats your pleasure?

VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS

FOR ALL AGES

HISTORY ARTS & CULTURE SHOPPING SPAS

2015 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

How much is this worth

Those priceless memories are easier to create than

BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA

Lake Jackson Sunset by Kevin Main

The 2015 Travel Guide to Florida is published by Globelite Travel

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA

When youre in the U.S., why

Our U.S. bank has over

New Smyrna Beach

New Port Richey

Anna Maria Island

Port St. Lucie

West Palm Beach

North Palm Beach

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA

Escape to Mexico Beachs Unforgettable Coast, where friendly

Mexico Beach Community Development Council

The Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, 1939

Save up to 70% off

real brands. unreal savings.

Conveniently located off I-95 at exit 71

HISTORY: A Rich and Diverse Past

INSIDER TIPS: Sound Travel Advice

TRIVIA: Whats in a Name?

STATE GEMS: Surprising Little Delights

FLORIDA VACATION THEMES

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA

THEME PARKS: Worlds of Fantasy

GOLF: Start Your Golf Carts

GAMBLING: Non-stop Gaming Action

SPORTS: Get into the Action

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS:

VACATION HOMES: Buying into Floridas Lifestyle

PETS: Pet-loving Havens

ECOTOURISM: Embrace the Wild

FLORIDA REGIONS, COUNTIES AND CITIES

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA: A Study in Contrasts

Florida Keys: Only in the Keys

Delray Beach: Your Perfect Vacation Haven

Fort Lauderdale: Delight Your Senses

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA: A Natural Choice

CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA:

West Volusia: Endless Recreation and Charm

New Smyrna Beach: Steeped in History and Fun

CENTRAL FLORIDA: The Epicenter of Fun

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA:

Citrus County: At the Heart of the Nature Coast

Pasco County: Relish the Great Outdoors

NORTHEAST FLORIDA: Celebrate 450 Years of Heritage

Jacksonville: Natural, Cultural, and Oh So Hip

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA:

Wakulla County: The Natural Place to Be

Gainesville: College-town Charm

NORTHWEST FLORIDA: Southern Hospitality by the Sea