The Gamble Mansion has white columns to rival Tara and was the site of a dramatic Civil War event. It’s the only antebellum mansion left in South Florida.
Tampa Bay Getaways
This channel features more than 40 articles about things to do in the Tampa Bay region, including state and county parks, wilderness areas and beaches near St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Ruskin and Bradenton.
Alafia River: Kayaking through tame rapids a half-hour from Tampa
This cypress-lined Alafia river has an unusual feature for Florida: Rocky shoals that create fun rapids to kayak. It’s near hiking trails, springs and a very nice paddling trail at Little Manatee River State Park.
Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail
Frog Creek is a scenic kayak trail near Tampa Bay that begins in a shady Old Florida river and flows into open salt water and mangrove tunnels. “Paddles in Paradise” authors Ed and Deb Higgins share their story.
Selby Gardens: Sarasota’s signature orchid collection
Selby Gardens contains the most diverse collection of orchids and bromeliads in the world. Thousands of species are represented.
Primitive camping at Alderman’s Ford: A backwoods beauty
The 1,140-acre park in eastern Hilllsborough County has a multi-use trail for hiking and cycling, and launch point for the Alafia River Paddle Trail.
Anclote Key Preserve is a sea-kayaking adventure
If pitching a tent on a tropical island is your thing, then add Anclote Key to your bucket list. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is in the Gulf of Mexico, three miles west of Tarpon Springs over open water, and it is accessible only by boat.