The Hacienda Hotel again reigns as the glamorous star of downtown New Port Richey. It’s a stunning restoration of a historic gem, a gracious hotel with modest prices.
Author: Bonnie Gross
Bahia Honda State Park has it all: Top campsites and cabins plus great snorkeling
With the best beach in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is everyone’s favorite. We also love the park for its historic bridge, great beachfront camping and cabins.
De Leon Springs: ‘Pancake park’ is so much more
De Leon Springs, about an hour north of Orlando, is a state park with swimming, kayaking and fantastic history. It’s best known for — of all things — its pancakes. Our advice: spend the day and take in the adjacent Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
6 coolest places to visit in Florida for epic summer fun
It’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to seal yourself in air conditioning for the summer. You can enjoy the natural and authentic Florida — and stay cool in the process.
Key West chickens: Noisy, colorful, just like Key West
Key West has a lot of off-beat charms, but one of my favorites has always been the chickens that you hear crowing and see strutting everywhere. But don’t feed them! It’s now against the law. Learn about the fascinating feral fowl that are part of Key West’s funky charm.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park: Cool springs, comfy cabins, kayak the Suwannee
Remote, rural and picturesque, northwest Florida rewards your long drive with sparkling springs, the beautiful Suwanee River and scenic rural roads. This state park’s cabins make a great base to explore the region.
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs: Wild, wonderful and off the beaten track
Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs occupies one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Beaches that wow, rare old forts in Panhandle
Florida Panhandle’s greatest treasure might be Gulf Islands National Seashore, with an unspoiled barrier island, sand as white as snow and a rare Civil War fort whose spooky spaces you can wander.
Summer adventure: Taking a Brightline train for a Miami getaway
Freed from traffic and parking woes, exploring downtown Miami on a summer getaway is appealing because of the excellent cool museums for steamy afternoons.
Old Seven Mile Bridge: One of a kind; worth seeing on drive down the Keys
The Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon is a must-stop on the Overseas Highway. Its history and scenic beauty make it a great place to walk or bike. The bridge ends at Pigeon Key, which you can tour to learn its fascinating story.