Getaways to the authentic Florida
The historic agricultural area surrounding the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park offers so many cool experiences — a park where you can see and sample exotic fruits, a historic village of shops and restaurants, a local tropical-fruit winery. In October there is a big orchid festival too.
The Flamingo Lodge lives up to its magnificent location on Florida Bay in Everglades National Park. Many visitors will now want to explore this end-of-the-road spot.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings came to Cross Creek and wrote the beloved story of a young boy and his pet fawn, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939. Today, visiting the author’s beautifully preserved home is an excellent way to discover the authentic Florida, far from the strip malls and theme parks.
Mount Dora is a historic town that has figured out how to keep people visiting: Maximize the natural beauty and develop arts and antique festivals. Oct. 25-26 is the very popular craft fair.
This large state park offers great hiking and one the best campgrounds in a Florida State Park. It’s in a rural, out-of-the-way part of Central Florida where history comes alive in its 1876 cow camp.
Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville, but it feels far away — like a small town in a Florida long gone. Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville. If you like moss-draped live oaks, historic buildings & antique shops, it will charm you.
Miss the change of seasons? Here’s fall in South Florida: Fields of wild sunflowers bloom every autumn, and a preserve near Immokalee is the best place to view them . You must have a ticket — they’re free — for the flower-viewing event Oct. 8-12.
Crossing the state on Alligator Alley? Here are tips on a how to spend 15 minutes, a half hour or a half day exploring the Everglades from I-75. This mile marker guide helps you decide where to stop and what to do along the way.
Lovers Key State Park is a treasure in Fort Myers Beach. You can kayak a mangrove-lined trail and stroll an unspoiled 2.5 mile beach. The park has recovered from Hurricane Milton and its devastating storm surge a year ago.
Discover a less well-known string of islands — Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island and Manasota Key. Each holds a spectacular state park with top beaches.