Getaways to the authentic Florida
Things to do in Orlando and Central Florida, hiking, bicycling, kayaking and canoe, RV and tent camping, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.
Lake Louisa State Park is a half hour from the theme parks, but is a natural world with 20 miles of hiking trails and great cabins. Located east of the vast Green Swamp, you’ll find wildlife, hills, cypress swamps and forests. We found a hidden gem kayaking river nearby.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales will fill a day with exploration and beauty — manicured landscapes, history and trails atop a lofty hill in Central Florida. Here are our seven favorite spots.
Environmentalists have won a few battles in Florida and paddling the Ocklawaha is a good reminder. This is a wild, untouched river that was destined to be lost forever. Today, it is a beautiful spot to explore, less busy than many nearby rivers.
Travel and Leisure magazine calls New Smyrna Beach “Florida’s most underrated seaside city”. We think it is “Florida’s best little beach town.”
This 46-mile paved Central Florida rail trail is a smooth, safe ride. But what makes it special is the scenery, parks & towns to explore along the way.
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth with a renovation boost by Erin and Ben Napier of HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover.’
Hontoon Island State Park is a big wild park surrounded by the St. Johns River and reachable only by boat. A free ferry operates daily. The park recently reopened its campground and rustic cabins.
Fireflies in Florida? It’s a thing! Blue Spring State Park offers special viewing in spring ‘firefly season.’
Lake Norris & Blackwater Creek are hidden gems of the Wekiva River system near Orlando. The dwarf cypress in the lake are like a gorgeous watery bonsai garden. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.