Kayaking Deer Prairie Creek for hours of paddle heaven

By Ed and Deb Higgins Kayak & Canoe, Southwest Florida

You’ll discover a natural world without traffic and crowds when you’re kayaking Deer Prairie Creek in North Port. This tributary of the Myakka River is quiet, off-the-beaten track and not widely known outside its neighboring area.

New Big Pine Key nature center helps you learn where to see Key deer

By Bonnie Gross Florida Keys, Wildlife

With their big eyes and tiny size, this endangered species is easy to love. Visitors to the Keys often want to know where to see Key deer. Now there’s a new free nature center in Big Pine Key in the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge. The grand opening is Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020.

Dora Canal: It’s short but so sweet, so paddle slowly

By Ed and Deb Higgins Kayak & Canoe, Central Florida, Wildlife

The Dora Canal could be the prettiest one mile you’ll paddle in Florida. The waterway connects Lake Dora and Lake Eustis in Tavares, just west of Mount Dora.

3 Southwest Florida kayak trails that aren’t famous but should be

By Bonnie Gross Kayak & Canoe, Florida Roundups, Southwest Florida

Florida winters were meant for this: Discovering wild and scenic places by kayak. To help you plan fun Florida kayak trips, I’ve selected three of my favorite kayak destinations in Southwest Florida. These aren’t well-known but deserve to be.

Tomoka State Park: Gateway to the Ormond Scenic Loop

By Bob Rountree Camping, Fishing, Kayak & Canoe, Northeast Florida

Hidden among the tidal marshes, Tomoka State Park offers a shady campground, miles of paddle trails, biking and hiking, and a productive fishery.

Spring Break 2020: Top 10 destinations in Florida

By Bob Rountree Beaches, Florida Roundups

Orlando’s theme parks are Florida’s top Spring Break destination, and the new Star Wars attraction at Disney World is sure to keep Orlando at the top of the list.

Lithia Springs: Camp at this cool, secluded park near Tampa

By Bob Rountree Camping, Central Florida, Springs

Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a quiet, well-shaded campground that packs a lot of nature into a small 160-acre preserve along the Alafia River.

Coming to Florida in your RV? Take a break after crossing the state line

By Bob Rountree Camping, Northeast Florida, Northwest Florida

Crossing the Florida state line is something to cheer about, but there’s a lot more road ahead. Here are a few suggestions for overnight stays at these RV campgrounds.