Four of my favorite stops in the Keys are a little hard to find, and that’s part of their charm. They’re off the Overseas Highway in neighborhoods — and they’re worth discovering.
Author: Bonnie Gross
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 12–14, 2027
At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
Manatee Park & the Orange River: Fort Myers kayak trail ideal for winter day
When it’s chilly, you can see dozens of manatees at this free park. Even without manatees, the Orange River is a beautiful kayak trail through Old Florida scenery.
Swamp Cabbage Festival on Feb. 27- 28, 2027: Tradition, swamp cabbage fritters & armadillo races
You can get gator tail and swamp cabbage at this festival. But the real reason to go is to revel in a last corner of small town America in Florida — beauty pageants, high school bands, armadillo races and a rodeo.
Sanford will surprise you with charm, beer, food and nearby biking and kayaking
You’ll discover tons of things to do in Sanford, Florida, a historic waterfront town, now a foodie & craft beer haven. It’s close to top kayaking on the Wekiva and Econ and good bike trails.
West Orange Trail: A top Florida bike trail crosses historic Central Florida
The 22-mile-long West Orange Trail stands out as an appealing bike trail, as it winds along Lake Apopka west of Orlando. This smooth paved trail gets it right, with scenery and excellent amenities.
Calusa Blueway: Kayak trail with maps and markers is worth exploring
The Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile long paddling trail through the Gulf Coast waters around Fort Myers. It’s not designed to be through-paddled, but it IS designed to be Florida’s best kayak trail.
Where to see Manatees in Florida: 18 spots to visit
With Florida’s first chill, the manatees are returning to springs and rivers. Here are a few locations where you have a good chance of admiring these charming creatures — and even kayaking with them.
January 2026 manatee festivals in Crystal River & Orange City
Manatee festivals celebrate Florida’s beloved manatee in January in Crystal River and Orange City. The family events include good spots to view manatees.
St. Lucie River: Beautiful kayak trail deserves discovery
The St. Lucie River is not a well-known kayaking destination — and it should be. It’s wild and gorgeous — a jungly forest of old live oaks thick with airplants and Spanish moss. After paddling about two hours, you reach a remote area where you can picnic and take a hike.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park: A serene spot to learn about Florida’s past
A peaceful park shaded by magnificent live oaks is a good place to soak up some Florida history. If you take the time to go through the visitor center and walk the battlefield, you’ll find it also tells a thought-provoking story.
Garden in West Palm Beach is a hidden treasure
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens are a gorgeous hidden gem often confused with the Norton Museum. You don’t have to love sculpture or rare palms to delight in this eye candy.