Travel Florida 2016

2 | Sunday, June 26, 2016 | Tampa Bay Times

Welcome to Travel Florida, a new Tampa Bay Times guide for Florida residents who are eager to explore some of the Sunshine State’s exciting destinations.

Each year, Florida welcomes more than 100 million out-of-state tourists looking to spend the day with Mickey and Minnie at Walt Disney World, ride exciting roller coasters

at Busch Gardens, immerse themselves in top-rated art museums all over thestate, or simply kick back and relax on one of our world-famous beaches.

Florida residents, too, like to take advantage of our amenities. Some enjoy “stay-cations” right on their own home turf, while others – more than 20 million of us, according to some reports – pack overnight bags and set o� on road trips to other parts. And why not? Each of Florida’s regions has its own personality, one in�uenced by geography, history, immigration populations, economics and other factors. Best of all, most of them can be reached in just a few hours by car.

Travel Florida wants to help you navigate your adventures. So we’ve highlighted what’s unique about each of Florida’s regions – what locals and visitors enjoydoing there, what the vibe is like, and what’s new and hip.

Our state’s regional diversity is perfectly illustrated along Florida’s east coast. Thenortheast is home to St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, where life is steeped in history and historic landmarks, such as the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the nation. But further down in the southeast, residents of Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s South Beach put glittering nightlife and chic living frontand center. Art, fashion, nightclubs and trendy bistros are the order of the day.

In east-central Florida, Orlando’s famous theme parks attract more tourists than any other travel destination in the U.S. – more than 60 million a year. But, drive across the state to the west coast, and you’ll �nd laid-back sunny fun in Pensacola and Panama City, as well as other alluring beach towns, like scenic Sanibel Island, a quaint island town along the southwest famous for its lighthouses and seashells.

The west coast is also home to our own beautiful Tampa Bay area. Lucky resi-dents here are just minutes away from world-famous art museums and beaches, including Clearwater Beach, voted the nation’s No. 1 beach by travel site TripAd-visor. Naturally, we’ve got smart staycation tips for our area, too.

Travel Florida also provides readers with short road trip ideas for each region,useful insider travel tips, local facts, and suggestions for shopping, dining and overnight accommodations.

Explore!By Gina Vivinetto, Times correspondent

Ready to see Florida?

Sanibel Island seashells

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, June 26, 2016 | 3


What’s New in Florida

The newest thrill ride to join the park’s incredible lineup of roller coasters isCobra’s Curse, a one-of-a-kind family spin coaster that takes riders on a dizzying ride and exciting exploration. There are only a handful of spinning coasters in the world, and Cobra’s Curse “is almost like a new category of spinning coasters,” said Je� Hornick, who designs rides for parent company SeaWorld Entertainment. “We are bringing a higher intensity level.” After ascending on a vertical elevator-like lift, riders will come face-to-face with an 80-foot snake icon and trek over the park’s famed Serengeti Plain. They will eventually enter a mysterious Egyptianarcheological excavation for the ride of their lives.

Based on the 2005 reboot of the classic 1933 feature �lm, Skull Island: Reign of Kong will take guests on a thrilling excursion into the island’s mysterious jungles where they will have to confront gargantuan dangers as they enter the lair of King Kong and �nally encounter the giant beast. The 3-D attraction begins at a remotecampsite on a mysterious island alive with strange and prehistoric creatures. Anexpedition aboard a specially designed vehicle moves deeper into the island, to the beat of distant native drums, through ancient ruins toward a temple with a towering wall. Once inside, a raging struggle ensues between massive creatures. They then turn their focus on the credulous riders until an even larger creature isrevealed - Kong.

The theme park, south of Orlando, is planning the largest expansion in its history. Many new experiences for guests are on tap, including the recently opened LEGONEXO KNIGHTS 4D: The Book of Creativity. Characters from the LEGO NEXOKNIGHTS series battle forces of evil in a new 4-D experience. Based on the new LEGO series of building sets, the 12-minute, immersive experience combines 3-D computer animation with 4-D, real-world e�ects that bring the high-tech action bursting o� the screen and into the audience. Coming to LEGOLAND Florida early next year is a new immersive land and dark ride. LEGO NINJAGO World is whereguests can live their ninja LEGO adventures. The interactive ride will include opportunities for guests to blast �re, lightning and ice with their hands.

Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, Mako, surfacing this summer, will be Orlando’s tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster. This class of roller coasters is known for multiple, tall hills and high speeds, providing near weightless air time. Some coaster enthusiasts say that hyper-coasters are theessence of the extreme coaster experience. Mako is being billed as the tallest, longest and fastest coaster in Orlando. When it opens later this year, Mako willtop 200 feet high and reach speeds of 73 mph on a nearly 1-mile long track. The lead car in the coaster train takes on the face of a Mako shark including �ve gillson each side, piercing eyes and hydrodynamic shape. “On Mako, you’ll experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surgingthrough the water at top speedand chasing prey throughout amassive reef,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s Senior Director, Development & Design. “It will be a wild mix of fear, thrills and fun.”

Jungle Island has announced a master plan to elevate the popular attraction into an iconic landmark for eco-adventure and events. The conceptual plan includesnew attractions and subdestinations that tie in the diverse culture of the 18-acre park’s South Florida surroundings with journeys authentic of the jungle. Plansare to add a new entry atrium, three destination restaurants, pool areas andwaterfalls, zip lines, bridges, bungee swings and other aerial activities and new interactive environments for animals and much more. Already, Jungle Island hasdebuted Parrot Cove, a private beach and aqua park.

Walt Disney World Resort will complete a multiyear transformation of DisneySprings. Featuring an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, this new expansion will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, to more than 150 establishments.

On Soarin’ Around the World guests on board the popular Soarin’ attraction willjourney to far-�ung lands and �y above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the Worldmakes its debut also at Epcot.

The popular Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will be extended for a new nighttime adventure. Travel aboard the Sunset

Florida attractions, arguably the best in the world, are continuallyadding new adventures in order to enhance the vacation experience.Here’s a look at a few of the new features that opened recently and what’s coming soon to a park near you.

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent



Kilimanjaro Safaris amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun, and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

“Rivers of Light” is an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performances, �oating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. The show will be performed on the Discovery River, and will be �nale to a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

The historic Everglades Wonder Gardens has reopened in Bonita Springs following a change in ownership and a renovation. Opening in 1936, the gardens o�er a piece of Florida history to visitors who may tour one of Florida’s original

roadside attractions. Wander the newly created paths, see pink �amingos, alligators, a swinging bridge and a butter�y garden. The park also includes landscape photography in John Brady’s Everglades Gallery and a picnic area. The park is located at 27180 Old U.S. 41 and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

WonderWorks is an amazing Panama City Beach attraction where scienti�c principles and fun come together to provide an unrivaled educational experience. The laws of nature and probability interact with human skills and perceptions in creating some of the most mind boggling and head scratching virtual challenges, mental challenges and physical challenges. Take your adventure to a new reality in the virtual Army Blackhawk simulator. Fly through obstacles to carry out high

priority missions in an intense battle zone.

Rapids Water Park is South Florida’s premier family water park, featuring a full day of fun for the entire family. This spring the Rapids expanded its lineup with the new Brain Drain slide, where adventure seekers enter a launch tube and wait for the bottom to drop out beneath them for a more than 300-foot-long tube slide. The starting platform is 72 feet above the ground and is the entrance to two enclosed tube slides with di�erent con�gurations and rider experiences. Both slides use a Skybox Capsule launch system that drops the �oor from beneath the rider as guests reach speeds up to 35 mph. This new thrill ride opened April 30.

Observation tower, Shark Valley

Bonita Springs


is one of the most delicate ecosystems in the world. This is Florida at its best. The park protects 20 percent of the state’soriginal Everglades and is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. Everglades National Park also contains the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. The Park is themost signi�cant breeding ground for tropical wading birdsin North America, contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, is home to 36 threatened or protected species including the Florida panther, the American crocodile and the West Indian manatee and supports 350species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater �sh, 40species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles. The majority of South Florida’s fresh water, which is stored in the Biscayne Aquifer, is recharged in the park. This is a must see for everyone living or visiting Florida. $20 entrance fee.

is one of the most tranquil places in Florida and home to someamazing wildlife living in its incredible mangrove — herons,

By Marc Atchison, Times correspondent

Park it in FloridaThe only thing that looks good at 100 years old is a park.And with the U.S. National Park Service celebrating itscentenary in 2016, America’s parks will be getting a lot of love from nature huggers and those who truly appreciatethe great outdoors this year. Interestingly, Florida is swamped with lots of one-of-a-kind national parks that are unique to the Sunshine State.

I’ve visited several of Florida’s national parks over the past few years and have come away impressed and awedwith each one. As part of the 100 year celebrations, the National Park Service is offering free entrance days on these upcoming dates: August 25 through 28: NationalPark Service Birthday; September 24: National PublicLands Day; November 11: Veterans Day.

Asking to pick a favorite national park in Florida is likeasking to pick a favorite child. But Florida has plenty of national parks and here’s a rundown of those you might visit this centennial year: Park it in Florida, page 10

Florida manatee




egrets, ospreys, raccoons, armadillos, dolphins and manatees among them. The park is dedicated to Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, who mapped much of Florida in the 16th century.

(part of Everglades National Park) is 730,000 acres of sheer beauty. The best way to see this vast ecosystem is along the Loop Rd. that meanders through Big Cypress Swamp — a truly great experience.

near Tallahassee, is the state’s largest forest — 570,000 acres of wilderness magic. The forest is a haven for wildlife such as Florida black bears, whitetail deer, fox squirrels, alligators and snakes, as well as protected, threatened, and sensitive species such as the American bald eagle, gopher tortoise, striped newt and �atwoods salamander. It’s also home to the largest red-cockaded woodpecker.

is one of the reasons many people love going to Sanibel Island. While actually a bird sanctuary and not a park, the

Park it in Florida, page 7


Darling Refuge is home to 245 species of birds that pass through its mangrove each year. There are also lots of American alligators,dolphins and manatees that you can see from a canoe or kayak that can be rented by the hour or day.

which is located north of Orlando, is the true magic kingdom for wilderness lovers. This is where you’ll �nd the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, which was formed 25 million years ago. Life springs eternal at Ocala where four major springsare located: Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs are all within the park system. There also are 600 lakes, rivers and waterways in the park.

is the largest marine park in the National Park System and is within walking distance of downtown Miami. There are lots of organized tours of the park, where you can snorkel or ride a bike along the pristine shore.

is home to hundreds of wild manatees that come here, along with northern Snowbirds, to enjoy the warm winter waters. This refuge was createdspeci�cally to protect the manatees. The main area for manatee viewing is theThree Sisters Springs complex.

on the Gulf of Mexico is actually mostly hidden since 80 percent is underwater. There are six barrier islands that also fall within the park’s protection and they o�er some of the most pristine swimming conditions in North America. There’s also 300 species of birds that can be found here and dolphins can be seen frolicking in the surf from the sugary shoreline. This is the perfect placefor family vacations. This area played a big part in the U.S. Civil War and twoConfederate forts — Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas — remain on the island.

on lovely Masco Island near Naples is home to nearly 200 bird and �sh species and its 35,000-acre labyrinth of mangrove islands. It’s refuge to many endangered species, including the Atlantic loggerhead turtle. There are plenty of sandy beaches and shallow bays within the park. Dolphins, egrets, manatees, river otters, green sea turtles like coming here.

Kayakers at Fort De Soto ParkPhoto credit: Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater


Famous for its award-winning beaches, Pensacola is home to both Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach, where blue skies, teal water and swaying sea oats can lull visitors into sunny reveries. Pensacola is also perfect for �shing, sur�ng and scuba diving, just a few reasons why Southern Living magazine named it one of the top family-friendly destinations in the United States.

The site of the nation’s oldest European settlement, Pensacola has a rich history, one that dates back to 1559, when Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna sailed into what is now known as Pensacola Bay. That was a full six years before Pedro Menéndez de Avilés reached Florida’s Atlantic coast, where he would found St. Augustine. Visitors learn some of the city’s history on guided walking tours through Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of the city’s historical buildings and landmarks.

Fancying an expedition of your own? Find your own treasure on an Explore Pensacola GeoTour, where participants use GPS-enabled devices to �nd prizes throughout a location. Or rent a kayak or paddleboard from Key Sailing.

As with most beach towns, outdoor dining is popular in Pensacola. Grab a seat on the open-air deck at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille, which overlooks the Palafox Pier Marina and the Plaza de Luna waterfront park. Or sample the tapas at the award-winning Global Grill. Seafood lovers should make a trip to Joe Patti’s Seafood, one of the city’s legendary establishments.

Northwest

Panama City Beach after sunset

Famous for its award-winning beaches, Pensacola is home to both Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach, where blue skies, teal water and swaying sea oats can lull visitors into sunny reveries. Pensacola is also perfect for fishing, surfing and scuba diving, just a few reasons why Southern Living magazine named it one of the top family-friendly destinations in the United States. The site of the nation’s oldest European settlement, Pensacola has a rich history, one that dates back to 1559, when Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna sailed into what is now known as Pensacola Bay. That was a full six years before Pedro Menéndez de Avilés reached Florida’s Atlantic coast, where he would found St. Augustine. Visitors learn some of the city’s history on guided walking tours through Historic Pensacola Village, a collection of the city’s historical buildings and landmarks.

Fancying an expedition of your own? Find your own treasure on an Explore Pensacola GeoTour, where participants use GPS-enabled devices to find prizes throughout a location. Or rent a kayak or paddleboard from Key Sailing.

As with most beach towns, outdoor dining is popular in Pensacola. Grab a seat on the open-air deck at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille, which overlooks the Palafox Pier Marina and the Plaza de Luna waterfront park. Or sample the tapas at the award-winning Global Grill. Seafood lovers should make a trip to Joe Patti’s Seafood, one of the city’s legendary establishments.

By Gina Vivinetto, Times correspondent

Northwest

Kick back in Pensacola and Panama City Beach, two classic beach towns on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Old Pensacola buildings

Panama City Beach after sunset


ExploreFlorida!


Lighthouses hold an attraction for many. The solemn tower, a sentinel in the night casting its light toward the sea, has held a mesmerizing draw for centuries. Florida has about three dozen lighthouses. Active ones are managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, while decommissioned ones are supported by local lighthouse associations, counties and cities. The coast of Florida’s Panhandle has a string of five historic lighthouses well worth a road trip.

Spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, three forts and the historic Pensacola Navy Yard will be your reward for climbing the 177 steps to the top of this lighthouse, built in 1859. The restored Keeper’s Quarters is now a museum and gift shop. Look for the nature trail that leads to the powdery-sugar beach. If you have time, cross the street and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; adults $6, children 12 and under, seniors and military $4. 850-393-1561 pensacolalighthouse.org

For 118 years, the Crooked River Lighthouse served as a beacon through the treacherous pass between Dog Island and St. George Island. Built in 1895, this 100-foot iron-and-steel structure is just a stone’s throw o� U.S. 98 and o�ers great views of the gulf

Let Lighthouses Guide Your Way through the Panhandle

Staying overnight? The quaint Solé Inn and Suites is a located right on Palafox Street, the main artery through Pensacola’s historic downtown.

Panama City Beach, about two hours east of Pensacola, is a family-friendly beach destination where visitors swim, snorkel, surf, �sh and do anything else they please in the water.

Get a peek of paradise by taking a tour boat out to Shell Island, a 7-mile- long undeveloped peninsula �lled with sand dunes, pine hammocks and an inland lake that attracts deer, ghost crabs and green sea turtles. Or bring the kids to Gulf World Marine Park, where guests enjoy shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds.

Enjoy gulf breezes as you eat by dining right along the water at local favorites like the Barefoot Hide A Way Grill and Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill.

For overnight accommodations, Calypso Resort and Towers o�ers a�ordable rental condos that come with a heated pool.

Travel time from Tampa to Pensacola by car is about 6.5 hours, or about two hours by air from Tampa International Airport

Travel time from Tampa to Panama City Beach is about 5.5 hours by car, or about 1.5 hours by air from Tampa International Airport

Locals know: In Pensacola, military buffs can see and learn about naval aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum. They can also catch an air show by the Blue Angels, the elite flight demonstration squadron based at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

NorthwestSnorkeling


and the Apalachicola National Forest. The Keeper’s House Museum provides interesting exhibits on lighthouses and artifacts from days gone by.The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with climbing on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission: adults, $5; children, $3. 850-697-2732 crookedriverlighthouse.org

With its fascinating history since 1832, surviving threats from wars, storms and hurricanes, the St. Marks Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark situated within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Stop at the refuge’s Visitor Center, about 25 miles south of Tallahassee, to see the lens and learn more about the lighthouse and the refuge. The lighthouse is closed for renovations and may not be open for another year, according to a ranger, but it’s worth the drive for the picture-postcard landscape.Refuge entry fee is $5 per car; the Visitor Center is open daily; 850-925-6121fws.gov/refuge/St_Marks/visit/plan_your_visit.html

This storybook white tower capped with a black lantern has an amazing survival story to tell. After being ravaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Opal in 1995, the 1852 structure began tilting into the shore. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 struck another blow, and the lighthouse collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico. A massive e�ort by area volunteers succeeded in reconstructing the lighthouse by using the original plans from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and as much of the

original material as possible. The reconstructed 74-foot-tall lighthouse opened to the public in 2008.Days and hours vary according to season; it’s best to call ahead at 850-927-7745. Adults, $5; age 16 and under, $3; free for U.S. military and children under 6. stgeorgelight.org


IF YOU GO• Before setting out on your Panhandle lighthouse tour,

keep in mind that climbing the narrow, winding stairs can be quite strenuous. If you have strong legs and a good heart, no vertigo or fear of heights, then go for it. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

• Most lighthouses rely on volunteers to staff, so hours and days open can vary from month to month. It’s a good idea to call ahead.

• Many lighthouses offer free admission for military personnel with ID.

• There can be height requirements for children to climb the stairs, usually a minimum of 40 to 44 inches.

This 96-foot-tall steel structure and two keeper’s quarters were moved from Cape San Blas to the George Core Park in Port St. Joe in July 2014. Now under the ownership of the city, the 1885 lighthouse is less impressive than the others, but is an easier climb and offers lovely views of St. Joseph Bay. Open 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; hours subject to change. 850-229-8261; visitgulf.co m/cape-san-blas-lighthouse

A fine road trip to consider is the Big Bend Scenic Byway, a two-day 220-mile loop through the eastern Panhandle. Select either the Forest Trail route, west of Tallahassee, or the Coastal Trail route, from St. Marks to Apalachicola. The Coastal Trail route along U.S. 98 features four of the five lighthouses listed here.

Byway towns offer a variety of lodging, restaurants and activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and birding. If you have time, take the two-day Loop Drive, starting and ending in Tallahassee at the regional airport.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org

Family hiking



North-Central

Southern grandeur is still very much alive in northcentral Florida thanks to Tallahassee’s genteel charm and Gainesville’s natural wonders.

Locals know: Tallahassee is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous pod-shaped Spring House, the only private Florida residence Wright designed. Reserve a private tour, or join free public tours that are available from 2 to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month.

A trip to the state’s capital in north Florida is like traveling to a bygone era, one steeped in plantation homes, stately buildings, rolling hills and huge mossy live oaks. Tallahassee blends the old and the new beautifully, �tting for a citywhose history spans centuries. The �rst Christmas mass ever held in the United States happened in downtown in 1539 at the command of Spanish explorerHernando De Soto. These days, the city is the home of Florida State University,Florida A&M University and, of course, the Florida Legislature.

The capital city’santebellum past comes alive at the Goodwood Museum & Gardens, the site of a furnished plantation house built in the 1840s. The BellevuePlantation at the popular Tallahassee Museum inspires another leap back in time, as do the more than 40,000 artifacts at the Museum of Florida History.

Dining options hereinclude just about every cuisine. Politicians have had a decades-long love a�air with Andrew’sCapital Grill & Bar, withinwalking distance of theCapitol Building. FSU students eat at funkier spots, like the Kool Beanz Café, famous forits chicken and wa�es Sunday brunch option, and Voodoo Dog, a low-key joint that serves hot dogs smothered in mac andcheese, fried eggs and other decadent toppings.

For overnight stays, the cozy Little English Guesthouse, a B&B six miles fromdowntown Tally, o�ers an o�beat British experience. In nearby Monticello, the Avera-Clarke House Bed & Breakfast is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home amid tall oak and magnolia trees.

Flora and fauna – and Gators – are a way of life in Gainesville. Nature loverswho visit this college town, home of the University of Florida, can see more

than 75 native and exotic species up close at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. At the Butter�y Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, visitors can marvel over atlas moths and other lepidopteran lovelies.

Soak up more nature at the Morningside Nature Center, Gainesville’s premier nature park, where the whole family can hike, bike or walk more than 7 milesof trails, or roam right along with the bison, horses and alligators at Paynes

Prairie Preserve State Park in nearby Micanopy.

Art lovers visiting the area will be happy to �ndthe university boasts top-notch cultural o�erings, including the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, with more than 10,000 Asian, African, modernand contemporary

works, and the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

At night, spend downtime in one of the historic B&Bs in the Southeast Historic District. The Camellia Rose Inn, housed in a restored 1903 Victorian Queen Anne home, is one of many elegant and a�ordableoptions.

Travel time from Tampa to Tallahassee by car is about 4.5 hours.

Travel time from Tampa to Gainesville by car is about 2.5 hours.


Florida Capitol Building



Florida is generally known for three iconic habitats: beautiful beaches, the mysterious Everglades and, ironically, Orlando theme parks. Letthe tourists make beelines to these places so we Floridians can havethe astoundingly beautiful and intriguing springs all to ourselves.

Even longtime Florida residents are often unaware of the magni�centpower of our state’s collectivesprings. Florida has the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world – an estimated 1,000 – from tiny bubblers to �rst-magnitude gushers. These marvelsof nature, which bubble up from the limestone karst of the Floridan aquifer, o�er refreshing 72-degreewater year-round, the larger ones providing warmth during cold winter months to the state’s growing population of manatees.

The area surrounding the small town of High Springs, northwest of Gainesville, is home to a large number of outstanding springs. This lush region of pine forests, green pastures and rolling hills is where the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe lay claim as two of the most beautiful spring-laden rivers in the state.

“There are probably 20 springs along those two rivers alone,” says Heather Culp, associate director of the Florida Springs Institute in High Springs, a non pro�torganization that aims to educate the public about the health of the state’ssprings. The center opened this year and welcomes visitors who wish to learn more about springs and where to �nd them.

Indeed, a road trip to the High Springs area to paddle the rivers and springs could proveboth fun and fascinating. The most highly regarded are Ichetucknee Springs, Ginnie Springs and Blue Springs (not to be confused with the Blue Springs north of Orlando).Perhaps the most beautiful run is found in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. A popular tubing river, the winding Ichetucknee is afavorite for families who return each summer to cool down with a scenic �oat beneath acanopy of live oaks. The crystalline river �ows 6 miles through shaded hammocks beforeit joins the Santa Fe River. The headspringlocated at the north entrance is a perfect

place to bring the family for a hike on the two nature trails and enjoy a picnic.

Not far away is the Lower Santa Fe River, where paddlers will encounter a string of springs including Poe, Lilly, Rum Island, Gilchrist, Blue and Ginnie Springs, plus many smaller ones. Paddling into and swimming in the springs is allowed,but some are private and will charge admission if you go ashore. SCUBA diversfrom around the world are drawn to Ginnie Springs. With its sandy bottom andlimestone cave formations surrounded by lovely cypress and hardwood trees, Ginnie Springs is an idyllic setting. The springs are within a privately owned park, which o�ers canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, camping and an on-site dive rental shop.

North-Central

Paddle or Float Your Way around High Springs

Ginnie Springs Ginnie Springs Ginnie Springs


IF YOU GOHigh Springs is 23 miles northwest of Gainesville. Start with a visit to the Florida Springs Institute, located near the center of town. Hours are limited (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Here, you can gather information on your options through brochures, exhibits and friendly volunteers. High Springs is easily walkable with a smattering of antique shops and cafes and the High Springs Museum.

Both Ichetucknee and Ginnie springs offer rentals of tubes, kayaks and canoes in the park, or you can look for outfitters nearby that offer rentals and shuttle service. Be aware that weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day can be extremely crowded, and the parks will close when they reach capacity, which can be as early as 10 a.m. Try to schedule your road trip during the week or plan to arrive early.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 SW U.S. 27, Fort White, FL 386-497-4690. floridastateparks.org/park/Ichetucknee-Springs

Ginnie Springs Outdoors Park, 5000 NE 60th Ave. in High Springs, 386-454-7188 ginniespringsoutdoors.com

OutfittersAdventure Outpost, 30 NW First Ave. just across from the High Springs Institute, can put together a half or full-day excursion

and offers regularly scheduled group paddle trips. 386-454-0611 [email protected]

Santa Fe River Outpost, 21410 NW Highway 441 in High Springs, is another popular outfitter. santaferiver.com 386-454-2050

Rum 138, 2070 SW CR 138 in Fort White, provides rentals and shuttle service along the Santa Fe River from two launch sites. The store location is worth a visit for its gallery of handmade arts and crafts by local artists. Rum138.com 386-454-4247

WHERE TO STAY: Both Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Ginnie Springs offer camping facilities, as do a number of other nearby state parks. If camping is not your thing, bed down in Gainesville, less than a half-hour drive from High Springs. Check Gainesville.com for a listing of lodging and other nearby attractions.

WHERE TO EAT: Grab a seat on the outdoor patio at the Great Outdoors, 65 N. Main St. in High Springs, or relax in the dining room for lunch, dinner or a cold beverage after a river paddle. This award-winning restaurant is filled with local springs memorabilia and the menu won’t disappoint; stick around for live music Wednesday through Saturday evenings.


St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest city, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The city’s history is rich, and its spectacular architecture and monuments tell the story of four and a half centuries of Spanish, British, Greek, Native American and African Americanin�uences.

Where to begin? Why not with Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of YouthArchaeological Park? Believe it or not, it’s tucked away in St. Augustine. For a small fee, visitors can drink paper cups of its water to retain their youthfulglow. The Castillo de San Marcos, built in the 1600s, is the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., and the site of some key moments in history, including the imprisonment of Seminole tribe leader Chief Osceola.

Those who’d like a guided tour of the city can join the Historic Adventuretour that departs multiple times each day from the Colonial Quarter, a2-acre attraction in the downtown historic district.

When it comes to shopping and food, locals and out-of-towners �ock to St. George Street, a narrow pedestrian-only lane of boutiques, restaurantsand pubs. Big sandwiches and cold brews are popular options at the Bull & Crown Publick House, while more upscale Spanish cuisine can be found atTaberna del Caballo.

Staying overnight? Opt for one of the cozy Victorian-era B&Bs in the historic district.


Northeast

St. Augustine and Jacksonville haveonly about an hour’s drive separating them, but they feel centuries apart —and visitors like it that way.

Locals know: In a city as old as St. Augustine, there are bound to be some good ghost stories. Master storyteller Dion Moore, who calls himself the American Spinner, shares his favorites on his Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour. (dionmooreghosttours.com)

Nicknamed the River City by the Sea because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville is a nature lover’s paradise, with more than 20 miles of beaches and the largest urban park system in the nation.

But make no mistake, Jacksonville – or Jax, as locals call it – is hip. Thecity is enjoying an arts and culinary boom that attracts culture-obsessed travelers. Spend an afternoon with the masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) or the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Smaller galleries dot the city’s downtown. On Saturdays, local artists selltheir work at the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge in the bohemian Riverside neighborhood.

Find great eats and locally brewed craft beer in the King Street Food & Beer District. Dine on Southern comfort food with a modern twist at Black Sheep, or trek to St. John’s Town Center for fresh American fare at MoxieKitchen + Cocktails, named one of the state’s best new restaurants by Florida Trend.

The eco-friendly Jenks House Bed & Breakfast, a two-story 1925 house withmission and art deco furnishings, is a wonderful place to stay.

Travel time from Tampa to both St. Augustine and Jacksonville by car is just over three hours.

Flagler College, St. Augustine

Jacksonville skyline

St. Augustine fort Castillo de San Marcos National Monument




It’s easy to miss the sign for Fort Matanzas as you zoom along coastal State Road A1A on your way north to St. Augustine. But the city can wait. Do yourself a favor and take

the time to visit this remarkably restored Spanish outpost that once guarded the Old City from British warships approaching from the south.

The picturesque fort, built from 1740 to 1742, is now a park located 15 miles south of St. Augustine on Matanzas Bay. Visitors are treated to a short ferry ride to the fort, which rests amid the beauty of a natural Florida estuary, salt marsh and maritime hammock habitat harboring a diverse array of herons, egrets and other wildlife.

Plan to spend a leisurely couple hours tour-ing the fort and the park. The park is maintained by the National Park Service as a National Monument, so admis-sion to both the park and the ferry ride are free. This, by the way, is a monumental bargain considering admission charges are the norm at nearly every historic building and site in St. Augustine.

The 50-minute tour of the fort is led by a ranger guide who provides an informative history of the fort and the region. Constructed of coquina (natural shell rock found locally), the fort is actually quite small, housing crews of only seven Spanish soldiers in rotating shifts. The o�cers were assigned from the much larger fort, Castillo de San Marcos (also a National Monument well worth visiting), in St. Augustine. Be sure to climb to the second-story living quarters, where the watchtower cannons still stand watch for the British galleon ghost ships.

904-471-0116 nps.gov/foma

Don’t Miss the Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Northeast ROAD TRIP:

By Marcia Biggs, Times correspondent

Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas guided tour

Fort Matanzas living quarters


IF YOU GOPark hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The ferry departs every hour on the half hour; no reservations. Just minutes from the fort are Marineland, the Alligator Farm and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

WHERE TO STAY:With St. Augustine just 15 miles away, a diverse array of lodgings can be found, from small motels and chain hotels to beach condos and historic inns. For information on lodging and other attractions in the area, check out floridashistoriccoast.com or call the St. Augustine Ponte Vedra Visitors and Convention Bureau at 904-829-1711.

St. Augustine Lighthouse


Consistently voted a top artsdestination, St. Pete is home to the world-famous Dalí Museum, the largest collection of surrealist Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain. The Chihuly Collection, the only permanent collection of glass art by internationally acclaimed glassblower Dale Chihuly, is here, too, right on waterfront Beach Drive. Cross the street and you can visitthe Museum of Fine Arts, with works spanning 5,000 years of civilization.Smaller art galleries, eclecticboutiques and antique shops dot the city’s �ve arts districts.

Feeling hungry? Grab a huge Cuban sandwich at the tiny Bodega in CentralAvenue’s EDGE District. Or sample the house-made charcuterie board at the Mill, voted Florida’s Best New Restaurant by Florida Trend magazine. Quench dyour thirst at one of the city’s many craft breweries.

Take the kids to meetWinter the dolphin,star of Dolphin Tale,f atthe Clearwater MarineAquarium, voted the No. 1 tourist attractionin the state by USAToday. Spend the dayrelaxing or playing at beautiful Clearwater Beach, voted Trip Advisor’s No. 1 Best Beach in the U.S. in 2016. (Former champ St. Pete Beach took fourth place thisyear.) As the sun lowers into the Gulf of Mexico, the Sunsets at Pier 60 nightlyfestival comes alive with music and street performers.

Who doesn’t love Tampa’s famous theme parks, Busch Gardens andAdventure Island? When the rollercoaster rides winddown, stroll the shops inhistoric Ybor City or take a peek at the exotic animals atLowry Park Zoo. Just don’t spoil your dinner. Travel & Leisure named Tampa’s culinary scene one of the most creative in the country. Savor the fried chicken

biscuits and other “cracker cuisine” staples at the hip Fodder & Shine in Seminole Heights,or savor the New American small plates at therustic Rooster & the Till. Menus pop with wildly inventive upscale fare at the acclaimed Edison: Food + Drink Lab and the newcomer Ulele, bothnear downtown.


West-Central

For residents of the Tampa Bay area, ythe word “staycation” has no whiff of resignation. Each year, millions travel toour home to enjoy amenities we can reachin minutes. World-famous art museums? The No. 1 beach in the nation? Yes, andthat’s just the start.

Staycation Paradise, page 28

DalÍ Museum

The Chihuly Collection

The Chihuly Collection

Lowry Park Zoo

Fishing Pier, Clearwater Beach



If you’ve ever wanted to really get awayfrom it all, head due north and don’t stop until you get to Otter Creek. Turn left at the post o�ce and keep going until you think you’re lost. Don’t worry, you are almost there. Once you �nd yourself on a bridge heading into the Gulf of Mexico, turn o� the cellphone and take a deep breath. You have arrived at your peaceful resting place: CedarKey.

Indeed, Old Florida is alive and well in thistiny island community – roughly 1 squaremile with a population hovering around 700 – where one can discover a mix of eclectic art galleries, waterfront lodging, seafood restaurants andan abundance of native wildlife (take that any way you like).

Generations of �shermen have called Cedar Key home since the 1800s; as a matter of fact, it’s only been a tourist destination for a few decades. Once a bustling seaport wheretimber and seafood were exported by rail tothe Northeast, Cedar Key today is a sleepycoastal village and artists’ colony that relies

on weekend visitors who come to enjoy its many simple charms and stunning sunsets.

Popular activities for most who visit Cedar Key is eating, strolling the shops and artgalleries, taking a boat or paddle excursion, and eating. Duck into a waterfront restaurant for a cold beer and a plateful of steamed oysters and you’re likely to �nd a new friend on the next barstool. Worthy of a road trip alone is Tony’s, where the three-time world champion chowder is creamy, steamy and delicious. Steamers Clam Bar and Grill and Annie’s Cafe are also favorites.

Everyone walks everywhere in Cedar Key,although you can rent a bicycle or golf cart, if you like. Stop in at the Cedar Keyhole Artist Co-op to peruse arts and crafts bylocal artisans, then stroll over to the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum to learn more about the village’s history. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, the

Locals know: Artists have painted murals on more than 30 buildings in downtown St. Pete, and you can learn about them on a Walking Mural Tour that departs from the Florida CraftArt gallery on Central Avenue every Saturday at 10 a.m.

About an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota dazzleswith more great beaches, nature and art. Siesta Key, a short drive from the city’s downtown, won TripAdvisor’s No. 1 beach honors in 2015. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lures nature lovers with its rare tropical plants,while the Sarasota Jungle Gardens houses more than 150 native and exotic animals, including parrots, primates, reptiles, alligatorsand birds of prey.

Looking for more art? The Ringling Museum features 31 galleries of antiquities,Old Masters and contemporary art.

Staycation Paradise, page 26

West-Central

Take a Walk on theWild Side at Cedar Key

Adenium arabicum in Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota

Macaw at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Summer sunset, Cedar Key


IF YOU GODo yourself a favor and skip the drive north on frenetic Interstate 75 by opting for U.S. 19 or the Veterans Expressway, which both turn into U.S. 98 N. This leisurely coastal route takes you through Homosassa and Crystal River. When you get to Otter Creek, head west on State Road 24, which takes you directly to Cedar Key.

The Chamber of Commerce website, cedarkey.org, is a valuable source of information for everything from lodging to restaurants, outdoor activities and a calendar of events. Call 352-543-5600 or stop by the chamber office at 450 Second St. in Cedar Key.

For more information on the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, go to fws.gov/refuge/Cedar_Keys/

Several boat excursions offer dolphin-watching and sunset tours, departing from the city marina daily. Among them are Tidewater Tours (352-543-9523) and Cedar Key Boat Rentals and Island Tours (352-231-4435).

Second Seminole Indian War, John Muir’s Journey, Cedar Pencil Industry, Seafood and Clam Industry, and the Florida Railroad. Grab a bite at the marina, where multi-level shops and restaurants painted in tropical colors rest on stilts above the water.

Nature lovers flock here to enjoy the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge,

composed of 13 nearby islands. It’s a mecca for paddling, fishing and bird-watching. Look for the magnificent frigate birds that spend summers on nearby Seahorse Key, a world-famous rookery. To get up close, rent a kayak for an early-morning wildlife encounter.

Don’t expect much in the way of fancy digs or chain hotels on Cedar Key, as most lodgings are friendly local operations. The variety is diverse, however, from basic waterfront rooms to vacation cabins, condos and bed and breakfast inns. Check out the historic Island Hotel, with its waterfront balcony, or the charmingly serene Cedar Key Bed and Breakfast, both highly recommended on tripadvisor.com.

Cormorants at a rookery

Magnificent frigate bird

Kayaking


Orlando’s exciting theme parks have made the city the most popularvacation destination in the U.S., theonly one that lures more than 60 million visitors annually. WithinWalt Disney World alone, visitors can choose from four di�erent parks – the Magic Kingdom, Epcot,Hollywood Studios and AnimalKingdom. Outside Mickey

Mouse’s house, Universal Studiosand Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home of the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, allow guests to leap inside the worlds of their favorite TV and movie characters. SeaWorld and LegoLand round out the city’s top-drawattractions.

Beyond theme parks, O-Town is a popular shopping destination, thanks to the FloridaMall’s 1.7 million square feet of stores and the upscale Mall

at Millenia, which houses Neiman Marcus andBloomingdale’s and features high-end brands Prada,Gucci and Versace. Of course, locals know the bestdeals are at Orlando’s thriving outlet malls, like OrlandoInternational Premium Outlet, on the north end of International Drive.

The city’s culinary scene has also exploded, with younger chefs giving exciting new twists to old favorites. Try the modern American cuisine atdowntown’s Artisan’s Table, or the fried chicken and other Dixie classics at the Coop in nearby Winter Park. For a quick meal, locals love the globally inspired tacos at hipster BBQ joint Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa.

Staying the night? You can �nd big-name hotels on most every corner of the city. For quainter accommodations, reserve a room at the trendyAlfond Inn, a luxury boutique hotel in Winter Park that’s within walking distance of two museums and a sculpture garden.

Adventure happens in the sea and stars along the SpaceCoast, about an hour’s drive east of Orlando. Titusville,at the coast’s north end, is home to the Kennedy SpaceCenter Visitor Complex, where space lovers can meet astronauts, see the space shuttle Atlantis, tour NASA’sspaceport facilities, and launch into space themselveson the Shuttle Launch Experience. Be sure to stroll through the nearby U.S. Space Walk of Fame.

Meanwhile, on the ground, surfers �ock to famed CocoaBeach, home of Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largestsurf shop. Stroll out 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean on the historic Cocoa Beach Pier.


Orlando’s theme parks promise a magical getaway. Nearby Kissimmeeand the legendary Space Coast offer great day-trip adventures, too.

East-Central

Pink flamingo, SeaWorld, Orlando


Locals know: O-Town residents have figured out that certain spots around Orlando provide a spectacular view of the nightly fireworks displays inside Walt Disney World. One such spot is inside Capa, the upscale Spanish restaurant on the 17th floor of Four Seasons Orlando.

Just south of Orlando, Kissimmee offers more off-the-beaten-path fun for visitors of every age. Find thrills at Fun Spot America, an amusement park with rollercoasters, go-karts and other rides, or see the Florida Everglades up close on an airboat ride courtesy of Kissimmee Swamp Tours or Wild Florida.

Shop for souvenirs at Eli’s Orange World, a store actuallyshaped like half an enormous piece of citrus, or the even kitschier Mermaid Gift Shop, which features – you guessed it – a gigantic mermaid on the shop’s roof. Find both stores in a quirky strip of shops along U.S. 192.

Travel time from Tampa to Orlando by car is 1.5 hours.


Pretty as a picture postcard, De Leon Springs State Park is a hidden gem for fun-loving families seeking respitefrom the summer heat. The crystal-blue springs pool is a constant 72 degrees year-round and is surrounded by grand live oaks perfect for spreading a picnic blanket.

East-Central

Treat the Family to Pancakes atDe Leon Springs

But the main attraction at De Leon Springs is the OldSpanish Sugar Mill Restaurant inside a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill that once stoodhere. For more than 50 years, the backwoods griddle house has attracted legions of visitors who come to

Photo credit: floridastateparks.org

Photo credit: floridastateparks.orgOld Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant


make their own pancakes on an electric griddle set into the middle of the tables. Servers bring pitchers of homemade pancake batter along with a choice of blueberries, bananas, pecans, chocolate chips or apples so you can create whatever sort of pancakes you choose. Order sides of sausage, bacon, ham

and eggs and you’ve got a hearty Southern breakfast that can’t be beat.

After fueling up with pancakes (served until 4 p.m., by the way), enjoy a stroll around the historic grounds of this 600-acre state park. An excellent Visitors Center provides glimpses into the 6,000-year history of the region and the park through vintage photographs, artifact displays and exhibits.

The springs area is rich in culture and history, first inhabited by the Mayaca native people; several shell mounds and middens are located in the park and the remains of a dugout canoe (carbon dated to 4050 B.C.) can be seen in the Visitors Center. Spanish missions were established here in the late

1500s, and local legend claims that explorer Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the mythical Fountain of Youth near the springs. European settlers built a plantation which grew corn, cotton and sugar cane; hence the need for a mill to grind the corn and sugar. Union troops destroyed the property during the Civil War.

In 1925, the Ponce de Leon Springs Inn and Casino was built and in 1953 the resort was developed into a major Florida tourist attraction with a hotel, tropical gardens, a jungle cruise and Sunshine Sally, a famous water-skiing elephant.

Visitors can rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat, or take a 50-minute guided river cruise. The park’s paddling trail provides access to the beautiful spring run and the 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes, creeks and marshes to explore.

386-985-4212 floridastateparks.org/park/De-Leon-Springs

Road Trip: De Leon Springs State Park, page 35




IF YOU GODe Leon Springs is located about an hour north of Orlando in a beautiful rural area. Interstate 4 is the most direct route from Tampa Bay, exiting at U.S. 17 N, but you’ll be taking a chance with the traffic jams around Kissimmee. A longer but much more scenic road trip is to take Interstate 4 and exit at State Road 33 near Lakeland, continuing north on SR 19 through Howey-in-the-Hills and Mount Dora, then catching SR 44 toward Deland and the state park. This lovely drive through Florida’s heartland winds through scenic lakes and hills and past citrus groves, blueberry patches and tree farms.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant: Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. You must pay the state park entry fee to go to the restaurant. 386-985-5644 oldspanishsugarmill.com

De Leon Springs State Park: Open daily year-round; picnic tables, grills and a playground are available. Entrance fee is $6 per carload (up to eight people). Park ranger programs, covering a variety of topics, are offered

during the fall and winter months. A word of warning: The park often reaches capacity on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when access can be denied. In addition, the wait for a table at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill can be up to several hours on weekends. Try to visit the park on a weekday or arrive early on weekends. A good plan of action would be to spend the night in Daytona Beach so you can arrive early the next morning. There is no camping at the park. Daytona Beach, with its vast array of lodgings, is only 45 minutes away.

floridastateparks.org/park/De-Leon-Springs

Road Trip: De Leon Springs State Park, page 33

Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant Photo credit: floridastateparks.org



With white sandy beaches and a relaxed way of life, Fort Myers is the gateway to one of the most tranquil regions of the Sunshine State. In fact, the city has been luring great thinkers here to recharge since at least the early part of the 20th century, when American inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford owned adjacent winter estates, now combined into a joint museum.

Aside from plenty of swimming, boating and �shing, the city is home to Manatee Park, a refuge for Florida manatees. Located on the warm-water discharge canal of the Florida Power & Light utility company, the park becomes especially busy in winter, when manatees �ock to the canal’s warm pockets of water.

When it’s time to dine, try the upscale Southern cuisine at the Veranda, a popular restaurant set inside a historic downtown home. For a cozier meal, Fancy’s Southern Café’s traditional downhome cooking is popular with locals.

Famous for its sunsets and lighthouses, serene Sanibel Island, located along the Gulf of Mexico just minutes from Fort Myers, is so picturesque it feels like a movie set.

Relaxation is taken seriously on the island, where many of its 7,000 residents spend their free time shelling. Walk behind them on the shore and watch as they perform the “Sanibel Stoop,” reaching down to examine an exquisite shell. Of course, shelling is more than just a hobby

here, as visitors to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum discover. The museum showcases more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world and houses a learning lab with a hands-on play area for kids.

Staying overnight in the area? Sanibel Moorings o�ers luxury resort condos at unbeatable prices.


A visit to Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and their neighboring towns offers a sanctuary to those who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy peaceful surroundings.

Southwest

Sanibel Island lighthouse

Florida manatee


Locals know: On Sanibel Island, locals take sea turtle nesting season seriously. From May 1 to Oct. 31, newly hatched turtles leave their nests on the shore and follow the moonlight into the Gulf of Mexico. For six months each year, locals switch off all beachfront lights to avoid leading the babies astray.

Just south of Fort Myers lies lovely Naples, hailed as one of Florida’s bestsmall cities. With only about 20,000 residents, Naples o�ers more thanits share of great natural attractions, museums and shopping.

Locals and visitors �ock to the Bird Garden of Naples, a nonpro�t wild parrot sanctuary where bird expertslead guests on tours so they can see and interact with more 300 beautiful birds.

Also popular is the Baker Museum, a 30,000-square-foot facility that boasts a permanent collection of works by Picasso, Rodin and Man Ray, among other luminaries.

For serious shopping, head to Fifth Avenue South, in the heart of Old Naples, to browse a collection of clothing boutiques, antique stores, gourmet shops, jewelers and more. Grab a shot of espresso so you cancontinue on at Third Street South, located in southern Naples, another shopping center �lled with 100 more stores, galleries and cafes.Travel time from Tampa to Fort Myers by car in just under 2 hours.

Bird Garden of Naples

Bird Garden of Naples


Road trips don’t come more spectacularthan the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. If an outdoor adventure is in your future, head south from Miami on U.S. 1 for Big Pine Key. Situated in theLower Keys, 70 miles from Key West, Big Pine Key is home to Bahia Honda State Park, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and the National Key Deer Refuge.

With its attractive beaches, shaded picnic areas, o�shore snorkeling and large, family-friendly campground, it’s easy to see why Bahia Honda State Park is a popular destination for Keys wanderers. The park concession o�ers kayak rentalsand daily snorkeling tours to the LooeKey Marine Sanctuary and Looe Key Reef,with its diverse species of living coral and tropical �sh.

Looe Key is considered one of the best diving spots in the Keys and is a greatalternative to the overcrowded dive sites in John Pennekamp Coral Reef

State Park in KeyLargo. The 210-foot Adolphus Busch, a sunken freighter turned arti�cial reef, attracts serious wreck divers from around the world and serious schools of �sh. The shallow depth of the reef,ranging from 6 inches to 30 feet,makes it especially attractive to snorkelers.

One of the more popular events at Looe Key Reef for the past three decades happens

every July during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. This year’s submerged concert, with music provided by local radio station WWUS-FM 104.1, willtake place July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fun-�lled event draws several hundred divers and snorkelers to enjoy the music piped underwater via special speakers suspended beneath boats. Participants planning todive in are encouraged to wear costumes (attentionmermaids!) and expect the unexpected.

Travelers throughout the Lower Keys should be on the lookout for the diminutive key deer, the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer,which are native to Pine Key. The National Key Deer

Refuge, established in 1957 to protect and preserve the endangered species, is well worth a visit to look for them. From a herd of several dozen in the 1950s, the population is now close to 1,000. Start your visit at the VisitorsCenter, where rangers can direct you to locations that will practically be guaranteed for sightings.

The Florida Keys

Adventure BeckonsAbove and Below the Water at Big Pine Key

Bahia Honda State Park

Snorkeling, Looe Key

Bahia Honda State Park

White-tailed deer, National Key Deer Refuge


IF YOU GOBahia Honda State Park is very popular, so arrive early, as it often reaches capacity by noon on busy weekends. The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle for up to eight people. Three camping areas offer 80 campsites; reserve far in advance through Reserve America at 800-326-3521. Snorkel tours to Looe Key Reef from the park are $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children; call 305-872-3210 for reservations. floridastateparks.org/park/Bahia-Honda

National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key [email protected]

Looe Key Reef Snorkel Tours:Strike Zone Charters, Big Pine Key, 305-872-9863Innerspace Dive Center, Big Pine Key 305-872-2319Underseas Inc., Big Pine Key 305-872-2700

Divers also can check with: Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center, Ramrod Key, 877-816-3483 looekeydivecenter.com

Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival: For event information contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at 800- 872-3722 or go to [email protected]

WHERE TO STAY:From campgrounds to mom-and-pop motels and luxury beach resorts, you can find whatever you like in the Keys. The Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center offers clean, affordable motel rooms and is popular with divers (see above). For more information on lodging and things to do in Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, visit fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or call the Monroe County Tourist Development Council at 800-352-5397.

Diving, Looe Key

Goliath grouper, Looe Key


One of the world’s top vacation spots, Miami feels like many cities in one thanks to its wildly di�erent neighborhoods. Stroll along Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street, in the Little Havana neighborhood and take in the authentic Cuban smells – delicious food, strong co�ee, and hand-rolled cigars. Be sure to grab a café con leche ice cream cone at Azucar Ice Cream Company.

Hip travelers know South Beach, within Miami Beach, is an iconic destination for art and fashion lovers. SoBe’s white sands and pastel-colored art deco

buildings are stunning sights. Stroll Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive to browse the designer boutiques and art galleries, but remember, South Beach doesn’t really come alive until the sun goes down. Nightclubs here are among the world’s most famous – and exclusive – and they regularly attracting Hollywoodstars, supermodels, artists and designers.

Miami’s food scene is always hot. Taste the culinary creativity for yourself at super-popular KYU, which fuses Asian and barbecue �avors, or try Glass and Vine, housed in an old Coconut Grove public library.

Naturally, Miami is packed with top-rated hotels. Stay in one of SoBe’s designer boutique hotels, like Dream South Beach, or the Sagamore Hotel, both on Collins Avenue.

Travel time from Tampa to Miami is about four hours by car, or about one hour by air from Tampa International Airport.

Fort Lauderdale lies betweenMiami and Palm Beach, and like those cities, it’sa popular tourist destination for arts, culture, shopping, and nightlife. Enjoy browsing the upscale shops, art galleries, and restaurants along quaint Las Olas Boulevard in the city’s downtown. Marvel at thestately mansions and yachts that dot Millionaires Row, or take in a


Miami, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West put culture, shopping and nightlife front and center.

Southeast

Riverwalk, Fort Lauderdale


show at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, along the downtown Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.

Perched on a long barrier island, Palm Beach, about an hour north of Miami, is the easternmost town in Florida and the perfect location for a chic weekend getaway. Home to some of the most opulent mansions and resorts in Florida,the island’s Gilded Age architecture is the scenic backdrop for the Palm Beach way of life. Days here are �lled with ritzy shopping on internationally famous Worth Avenue,

Shopping street, West Palm Beach


Any road trip to Miami would not be complete without spending a day (orthree) in the beautiful South Beach Art Deco District. Even if you’re not an architecture a�cionado, this pastel wonderland of sleek, elegant hotels dating back to the 1920s is eye candy to even the casual onlooker.

Known as a playground for Hollywood movie stars, rock stars and fashionistas who can occasionally be spotted in the tony restaurants and glitzy nightclubs, South Beach beckons with its playful Art Deco District, boutique shops and outdoor cafes. Formerly a downtrodden slum, the district now claims the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world, with 800 structures of historical signi�cance, most built between 1923 and 1943.

Along Ocean Drive, you’ll �nd a mix of striking, white hotels trimmed in pastel pink, blue, yellow and green with porthole windows, ship-like railings, sleek curves, shiny chrome and gleaming terrazzo �oors. It’s a fun and easy walk between Fifth and 17th streets to gaze upon these gems:

• Start at Fifth Street, with your �rst stop at Park Central. Built in 1937 and a

hangout for Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard and Rita Hayworth, it was the �rst hotel to be returned to its original splendor in1987.

• When you get to 10th Street, stop in at the Art Deco Welcome Center. It’shome to the Miami Design Preservation League (mdpl.org), which formed in 1976 to save the historical hotels from being razed by developers and restore them to their glory days. If you can spare $25, the 90-minuteguided tours come highly recommended. The guides provide fascinating stories about the art deco period and Miami Beach history, the hotels, the culture and even juicy bits of local gossip.

• Be sure to check out the popular Clevelander, a 1938 �ve-story hotel known for its lively poolside bar.

• Look for the brain coral embedded in the railing and columns at the Cardozo Hotel, a 1939 gem at Ocean and 13th owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

and evenings are for taking in arts andculture, and dining at sophisticated restaurants. Feeling hungry? Try trendyBuccan, with an innovative Americancuisine menu, or Pistache French Bistro in nearby West Palm Beach.

If you’re up for the 3 ½ hour drive from Miami, why not explore The Keys? Thisstring of tropical islands stretches about 120 miles o� the state’s southern tip.Spend a day or two in Key West - thestate’s southernmost point - to experience the beachy bohemian life. Residentshere embrace the o�beat, and it shows. Take the popular Conch Train tour to learn the city’s history, and later visit the famous Ernest Hemingway House, where the author lived for more than a decade.

Travel time from Tampa to Key West is about 7 hours by car, or about 1 1/2 hours by air from Tampa International Airport

Locals know:In Key West, visitors to the Ernest Hemingway House meet dozens of polydactyl, or six-toed, cats, many of them descendants of the late author’s own six-toed cat, Snowball.

Southeast

Color Your World with a Visit to theArt Deco District

Beach in Key West

Ocean Drive, Miami


IF YOU GOGuided walks depart from the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive, daily at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; $25 for adults; $20 for seniors, students and military; free for children 12 and under. Self-guided audio tours are available for $15. (mdpl.org/tours 305-763-8026)

To indulge in the experience, book a stay at one of the hotels located within the Art Deco District. Most are medium-size to small hotels, and rates can start around $150, but watch out for parking and resort fees; some charge up to $40 per night for parking and $20 a day for resort fees. For a complete guide to Miami Beach, including lodgings, dining and attractions, check out miamiandbeaches.com

• Head over to Collins Avenue and peek into the restored lobby of the National Hotel. It’s part of a lineup of tall, graceful hotels that include the Delano (the tallest building in Miami Beach when it was built in 1947) and the Sagamore. The Raleigh Hotel on Collins Avenue is considered the “grand dame” of art deco style with its curvaceous pool. The district’s newest boutique hotel is the Hall,deliciously restored in a vintage tropical motif.

After you wrap up your art deco stroll, head a few blocks over to Lincoln Road, a pedestrian-only outdoor mall, where you can browse through the boutiques and shops and grab a bite to eat.

Art deco architecture

Hotels on Collins Avenue


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