Getaways to the authentic Florida
I asked our friend, Key West guidebook writer Karuna Eberl, if she’d like to write about what it’s like being in the Florida Keys during this quarantine. She and her husband live on Cudjoe Key and I wondered how empty the Keys must feel without tourists. I didn’t expect this moving reply.
Telegraph Creek, a tributary of the Caloosahatchee River near Fort Myers, is all the things I love about kayaking destinations – out-of-the-way, uncrowded, scenic, full of wildlife. It’s located within a half hour of Fort Myers and is ideal for a shaded two- or three-hour kayak outing.
Some of the best hiking near Orlando can be found at the Little Big Econ State Forest, where bluffs along a scenic river add interest. The forest is 5,000 acres preserved in a suburban area in the middle of the triangle formed by Orlando, Cocoa and Daytona Beach.
Even many Floridians don’t know that cattle ranching in Florida is big business. This interesting free tour near Orlando offers a peek into one of the biggest cattle ranches in the nation, and it’s owned by a church.
You’re looking for inexpensive lodging and you find Key West houseboat rentals on Airbnb or VRBO. Before you book, read our tips & questions to ask.
Florida winters were meant for this: Discovering wild and scenic places by kayak. To help you plan fun Florida kayak trips, I’ve selected three of my favorite kayak destinations in Southwest Florida. These aren’t well-known but deserve to be.
Hidden among the tidal marshes, Tomoka State Park offers a shady campground, miles of paddle trails, biking and hiking, and a productive fishery.
Alligators have always fascinated us; never more than in the early days of Florida tourism, when thousands of baby gators and alligator items were sold. Here’s an excerpt from a new book by Doug Alderson, “America’s Alligator: A Popular History of Our Most Celebrated Reptile.” which is being published April 1 by Lyons Press
Crossing the Florida state line is something to cheer about, but there’s a lot more road ahead. Here are a few suggestions for overnight stays at these RV campgrounds.
This Punta Gorda creek should be better known. Its tree canopy and unspoiled Old Florida feel offer kayakers natural beauty and wildlife, all in an easy, accessible day paddle.