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.
Author: Bonnie Gross
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Away from it all and back in time
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.
Sunflowers in Florida: ‘Stunning’ fall scene in Immokalee preserve
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.
Alligator Alley: ‘Boring’ road can be a gateway to Everglades experiences
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 bounces bounces with beach, trails and visitor center ready for visitors
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.
Stump Pass Beach State Park reopens 11 months after Hurricane Milton
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.
Seven excellent day trips to fascinating Florida islands
You can’t beat a day exploring an island. Here are seven alluring ones — historic, scenic, each unique in some way.
6 haunted places in Florida to explore for chills & thrills
Legend suggests these six haunted places in Florida are visited by ghosts. We’re skeptical but one thing we’re sure of: These are beautiful, evocative spots worth discovering at Halloween or any time of year.
Melbourne: A charming town with historic neighborhoods, breweries, kayaking at a terrific zoo
What might be our favorite Florida zoo just made the US Today list of the 10 best zoos in the US. The Brevard Zoo is not huge, but it is highly interactive, including offering kayaking on waterways through the zoo. It’s in Melbourne, a great weekend getaway destination.
Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest: Cool swimming, easy scenic paddling plus lots of wildlife
The clear waters flowing out of Alexander Springs are the start of a great paddling trail inside Ocala National Forest. It’s an easy stream to paddle with lots of wildlife, especially birds and fish.