Getaways to the authentic Florida
The East Central Regional Rail Trail deserves a catchier name because it’s a great bike trail – long, smooth, scenic and well-supported with signage and amenities. It travels through one of the most rural areas of Florida with miles of paved path without an intersection.
This week and next week will see the biggest crowds at Florida’s major Spring Break destinations.
The first National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island, is a good place near Vero Beach to see wildlife, learn a little history and immerse in the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon.
Boat shows in Port Charlotte, St. Pete, Daytona, Stuart, Naples and Jacksonville are all on tap in January. Even more shows set for February, March and April.
The Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City brings fresh local seafood, country music, carnival rides and arts and crafts to this historic outpost on the edge of the Everglades.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 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.
I’ve driven the Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Naples through the Everglades, dozens of times. Here are the best stops to get close to alligators and Everglades scenery. The Tamiami Trail links Miami and Florida’s and offers outstanding stops along the way.
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.
The big draw to the state’s most popular festival is a stellar entertainment lineup on the Wish Farms Stage.
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.