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| All Articles for : outdoors_and_nature |
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| Ten Must-Do Hikes in Florida |
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| With varied terrain and tremendous ecological diversity, Florida provides hikers of all skill levels a perfect backdrop for exercise and adventure. |
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| Tags: hiking, outdoors_and_nature, White_Springs, Ocala, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Ormond_Beach, Everglades_National_Park, trails, Jacksonville, |
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| Predictions of Sun and Fun |
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| Forget frost on the pumpkin, fall chills and other scary things outside that have nothing to do with Halloween. Escape to Kissimmee, where “autumn” still technically means “summer” in terms of swimsuit temperatures, thrill rides, playing outside and precisely the vacation you’ve dreamed about.
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| Tags: Kissimmee, theme_parks, events, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| It's a Wild, Wild Life in Naples |
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| There's a good reason it's called the Paradise Coast. More than 80 percent of Collier County in southwest Florida, which encompasses Naples, Marco Island and the western side of the Everglades, is designated as parkland and nature preserves. |
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| Tags: Naples, Marco_Island, Everglades_National_Park, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, parks, boating, fishing, kayaking, |
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| Pensacola's Great Outdoors |
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| Turn off technology, slow the pace and tune into the tempo of the tides, sun, moon and stars along 52 miles of coastline, parks and preserves, woodlands and wetlands, rivers and creeks in the Pensacola Bay Area. |
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| Tags: Pensacola, outdoors_and_nature, fishing, kayaking, parks, camping, hiking, biking, diving, |
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| Countdown to Affordable Family Fun in Hollywood |
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| Hollywood pulls out all the stops with Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a weekly event in Anniversary Park that includes a free bounce house, clowns, face painting, music, games and more. |
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| Tags: family, Hollywood, beaches, theater, deals, parks, outdoors_and_nature, art_and_culture, |
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| Kissimmee for Kids (and their families, too) |
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| Pack suits and a towel because the fountain in Celebration (and Downtown Disney) is famous for being irresistible! Best of all, it’s free entertainment. |
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| Tags: Kissimmee, dining, parks, fishing, downtowns_and_small_towns, theater, wildlife, theme_parks, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| On the Trail of Florida's Birds |
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| As the terrain under the boardwalk becomes swamp, we spot white ibis, anhingas, herons, egrets, a black-crowned night heron and several alligators. |
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| Tags: birding, parks, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature, Naples, Estero, Boca_Grande, Fort_Myers_Beach, Punta_Gorda, Clewiston, |
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| Ten Local Loves |
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| Tags: Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, art_and_culture, culture, historical_sites, dining, beaches, downtowns_and_small_towns, Scenic_Highway, outdoors_and_nature, sports, |
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| The Everglades Trail |
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| You could start with a walking trail and look for panther tracks at Number 20 (the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Naples), or head straight for some snorkeling at Number 12 (Biscayne National Park in Homestead). |
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| Tags: trails, Everglades_National_Park, parks, tours, Naples, Homestead, Orlando, Lake_Wales, Boynton_Beach, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Splash Down in Key West |
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| Offshore charters troll the deep waters of the Florida Straits for marlin, sailfish, shark and swordfish, the tough-fighting fish Ernest Hemingway loved to pursue when he lived in Key West in the 1930s. |
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| Tags: Florida_Keys, Key_West, fishing, water_sports, history, boating, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Breathtaking Waterways |
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| With undeveloped forest lining both sides of the river, the Blackwater has no shortage of wildlife. An old-timer fishing for crappie at the bridge where we put in tells us to be on the lookout for bobcat. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, parks, Milton, |
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| View from the Top |
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| Florida’s observation towers offer a different take on the Florida landscape. Whether you’re birding, stargazing or looking for a view that goes on for miles, you’ll reach new heights peering over forests, skylines and the sea. |
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| Tags: Pensacola, Hobe_Sound, Lake_Wales, Tampa, Key_West, Sarasota, Micanopy, Everglades_National_Park, Miami, Orlando, Winter_Haven, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Florida's Less-Traveled Bike Paths |
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| Make sure to bring along your camera – deer, turkeys and many other species of birds are frequently spotted along the path, and there’s a great scenic vista from the historic trestle bridge over the Suwannee River. |
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| Tags: biking, Gainesville, trails, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, hiking, Ocala, Orlando, camping, |
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| Small Towns, Big Culture |
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| In Indian River County, skip the big-city hassles and experience a wealth of enriching experiences in a relaxing, picturesque environment. |
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| Tags: art, art_and_culture, culture, Vero_Beach, music, history, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Warm Up on the Water |
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| No matter the season, it's a given that a walk along the shore is part of every trip to the Emerald Coast. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sightseeing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, outdoors_and_nature, romance, dining, hotels, |
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| Space Coast |
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| With its nature preserves, prairies and wetlands, the Space Coast is a haven for wildlife. |
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| Tags: Orlando, surfing, Sebastian, Melbourne, Kennedy_Space_Center, Merritt_Island, Titusville, wildlife, sightseeing, sports, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, |
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| The Key to Having It All |
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| The season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat Key. |
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| Tags: Longboat_Key, beaches, boating, snorkeling, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, birding, biking, Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, hotels, shopping, dining, luxury, food_and_wine, Bradenton, |
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| Wild About Marathon |
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| At the Grassy Key Dolphin Research Center, kids have a lot to get excited about, because who can resist a dolphin's smile, let alone a kiss from one of the lovable mammals? Or a chance to play – even paint – with one? |
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| Tags: Key_West, Marathon, dolphins, family, museums, historical_sites, snorkeling, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Country-Hugged, City-Kissed |
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| Sunny beach vistas, the embrace of warm and soothing sea and enough shopping, dining, theater, arts and nightlife to keep your off-the-beach hours enriched and enchanted. |
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| Tags: romance, Naples, Marco_Island, parks, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Been There, Haven't Done That! |
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| You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions. Now it's time to go off the beaten path. On your next Florida excursion, plan for some extra travel time to visit these offbeat, quirky roadside attractions. |
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| Tags: dining, museums, history, historical_sites, outdoors_and_nature, parks, culture, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Fort_Walton_Beach, Marianna, Milton, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, water_sports, Cross_Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Suwannee, Tallahassee, White_Springs, Steinhatchee, Amelia_Island, beaches, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palatka, St_Augustine, Crystal_River, St_Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Park, Hobe_Sound, Okeechobee, Ponce_Inlet, Sebastian, Stuart, Titusville, kayaking, Vero_Beach, Bradenton, Clewiston, Punta_Gorda, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Florida_Keys, Miami, Key_West, Homestead, Palm_Beach, Marathon, been_there_havent_done_that, Monticello, downtowns_and_small_towns, resident, |
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| Happy Campers: Florida Summer Kids' Camps |
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| The kids may learn how to walk a tightrope, swim with dolphins or launch a space mission. But surely after a summer in Florida, they’ll impress their teachers with the fall assignment on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.” |
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| Tags: family, Kennedy_Space_Center, Titusville, Panama_City_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, Tampa, , St_Augustine, Miami, aquariums, resorts, Naples, Amelia_Island, sports, Orlando, |
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| Fun Under Five Bucks |
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| Whether you want to sightsee, brush up on some history or just relax on a white-sand beach, Florida offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose that are all under $5. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, family, history, historical_sites, historic_districts, art, culture, tours, Scenic_Highway, sightseeing, value, |
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| Camp Like an Explorer |
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| For those who want to experience living in nature’s raw element, away from hot showers, electricity and cable TV, there is no better oasis than the primitive camping sites offered at numerous campgrounds around Florida’s state parks and state forests. |
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| Tags: camping, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Unique Paddle Trips |
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| You and no more than five others will paddle through narrow mangrove tunnels, camp on raised platforms above the swamp swimming with gators and explore areas of the Everglades few ever see. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, Everglades_National_Park, kayaking, canoeing, tours, Florida_Keys, Fort_Lauderdale, Crystal_River, Charlotte_Harbor, manatees, Merritt_Island, |
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| Nature Rules on St. George Island |
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| St. George Island has been a favorite rest and recreation spot for humans for more than 5,000 years. Archaeologists estimate that pre-Columbian natives regularly visited to feast on the oysters that are so plentiful in Apalachicola Bay. |
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| Tags: St_George_Island, camping, hiking, parks, outdoors_and_nature, canoeing, kayaking, birding, wildlife, Apalachicola, |
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| There's No Place Like Home |
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| It has always been a dream of mine to swim with dolphins, so we packed up and headed south to the Miami Seaquarium, which offers dolphin swim programs at its newly renovated, $5-million Dolphin Harbor. |
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| Tags: family, aquariums, St_Petersburg, wildlife, sealife, outdoors_and_nature, Tampa, Clearwater, Miami, |
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| Apopka Pops |
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| The largest success story of Lake Apopka’s restoration is the 19,000-acre Lake Apopka Restoration Area. The area includes farms acquired by the state to help bring the water quality back. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, fishing, |
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| Lions and Lessons: Teaching Kids About Wildlife Conservation |
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| All in one place, we saw tigers, snow leopards, ocelots, Geoffrey cats, jungle cats, bobcats, cougars, lynx, servals, carcals and lions. Each cat has his or her own story. |
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| Tags: wildlife, family, Tampa, outdoors_and_nature, zoos, tours, |
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| Adventures in the Swamp |
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| Billie Swamp Safari offers daily tours through 2,200 acres of the reservation's wildest land, home to a variety of native species, including the reclusive Florida panther, as well as an assortment of animals most folks consider exotic, including the legendary American bison. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, tours, Clewiston, camping, family, Fort_Lauderdale, destination, |
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| Real Florida Natives |
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| Sailing along in the Gulf, you’re apt to spot the gray Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Flipper was a bottlenose) as they frolic alongside. You can frolic with them yourself at numerous spots around the state, both in the wild and at aquariums and research centers. |
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| Tags: snorkeling, wildlife, sealife, manatees, dolphins, birding, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| A Zoo Without Bars |
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| Quickly, I grabbed Mo by the arm and spun him around. His face immediately lit up. “I don’t believe it – it’s a panther,” he whispered. |
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| Tags: outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, Egmont_Key, St_Petersburg, Everglades_National_Park, Tampa, Ocala, Okeechobee, |
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| Delve Into the Underground at the Caverns |
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| Stalactites reached down from above, often bleeding into the stalagmites poking from the floor, forming pillars and columns painted in vivid hues. |
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| Tags: Marianna, parks, outdoors_and_nature, tours, camping, fishing, wildlife, hiking, trails, been_there_havent_done_that, |
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| Rails to Trails |
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| The most rural of Florida's paved trails offers superb opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing, and covered benches or viewing stations occur every mile. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tarpon_Springs, Wakulla_Springs, biking, outdoors_and_nature, trails, birding, St_Petersburg, equestrian, wildlife, parks, |
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| Kayaking 101 |
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| A young camp worker drives us upstream to our launch point, unloads our boats, gives us some landmarks and wishes us fun. We want nothing more. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Crystal_River, Fernandina_Beach, Key_Largo, Milton, Palm_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Vero_Beach, White_Springs, kayaking, outdoors_and_nature, Everglades_National_Park, sealife, manatees, |
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| Springs Eternal |
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| During dusk, the landscape is shrouded in mystery. What you no longer see clearly, you hear: the shrieks of great horned owlets calling for food, the splashes of jumping mullet, the bellowing of alligators echoing across the water. |
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| Tags: High_Springs, Ocala, Wakulla_Springs, parks, cruises, romance, outdoors_and_nature, Homosassa, sealife, manatees, water_sports, diving, springs, |
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| Ports of Call |
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| Nature trails, safe harbors, cabins, tent sites, hiking and biking trails and miles of deserted beaches make this a must-see location. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Apalachicola, Captiva_Island, Carrabelle, Coconut_Grove, Fernandina_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Key_Largo, Miami, Panama_City_Beach, Sarasota, South_Beach, Venice, outdoors_and_nature, parks, camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, St_Augustine, hotels, resorts, Sanibel_Island, |
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| Gilligan Fantasies |
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| We feel as though we've arrived in the South Seas in the mere 15 minutes it takes the ferry to spirit us away from traffic jams and life's other irks. |
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| Tags: Fort_Myers, Miami, beaches, parks, biking, hiking, resorts, outdoors_and_nature, Florida_Keys, romance, Englewood, |
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| Water World |
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| If you'll pardon the pun, there's something totally cool about a Florida water park that's designed to look like a ski resort. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, White_Springs, water_parks, family, zoos, aquariums, museums, Lake_Buena_Vista, High_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, Weeki_Wachee, |
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| Birds of a Feather |
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| The unique refuge was established in 1931 to provide a wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl and is one of the oldest in the National Wildlife Refuge System. |
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| Tags: Fernandina_Beach, Key_West, Merritt_Island, Micanopy, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Titusville, wildlife, trails, birding, St_Petersburg, parks, outdoors_and_nature, Homosassa, |
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| Natural Beaches |
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| If you count all bays and inlets - where you'll find the "secret" sandy getaways usually known only to locals - Florida has nearly 8,500 miles of shoreline. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Apalachicola, Cape_San_Blas, Fernandina_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, sealife, birding, camping, St_Augustine, parks, Florida_Keys, Tampa, New_Smyrna_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| The Florida Trail |
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| If you're from a mountainous state, don't assume "flat" Florida hiking is boring. Florida ranks third in the nation for botanical diversity, with more than 80 distinct plant communities. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Ocala, Okeechobee, Pensacola, Suwannee, White_Springs, camping, hiking, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Paddling Pursuits |
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| Most folks who paddle the trail will make this a nine-to-10-day journey that tests self-reliance as much as it rewards the love for adventure. |
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| Tags: Cedar_Key, Estero, Flagler_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Kissimmee, Suwannee, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature, parks, |
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| Florida's Fantastic Forests |
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| With more than one million acres of undeveloped wilderness, Florida's 31 state forests are a veritable playground for backpackers, birders, paddlers and off-road cyclists. |
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| Tags: Brooksville, Dade_City, Inverness, Jacksonville, Lake_Wales, Naples, Tallahassee, parks, outdoors_and_nature, fishing, hiking, biking, motorcycling, wildlife, canoeing, kayaking, water_sports, camping, |
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| Walk on the Wild Side |
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| The grand sight of a whale splashing in the water is not usually associated with Florida. But northern right whales choose our northeastern coastal waters, almost exclusively, to give birth in winter months. They are among the most endangered species of large mammals in the world. |
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| Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Crystal_River, Marco_Island, Naples, Orlando, Oviedo, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Sebastian, Tallahassee, Titusville, Vero_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, manatees, dolphins, Everglades_National_Park, Florida_Keys, |
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| Florida's Retro Theme Parks |
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| Many of the rides are highly embellished versions of rides you might see at the state fair - scrambler, Ferris wheel, Tilt-O-Whirl, bumper cars. |
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| Tags: Homestead, Islamorada, Key_West, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, St_Augustine, museums, outdoors_and_nature, theme_parks, water_parks, gardens, St_Petersburg, wildlife, zoos, aquariums, sealife, |
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| Houseboating on Nature's Doorstep |
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| The lower portion of the Suwannee is a nature preserve, so we saw very little development or housing. Just our drifting boat along the winding river, and not a billboard or electrical wire for miles. |
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| Tags: Cocoa, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Kissimmee, Naples, Panama_City_Beach, Sandestin, Suwannee, family, boating, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| RV Road Trip: Ocala |
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| Imagine swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the springs; canoeing and kayaking on varied rivers and lakes; hiking and biking on hundreds of miles of trails - just outside your door. |
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| Tags: Crystal_River, Milton, Ocala, camping, outdoors_and_nature, parks, diving, biking, hiking, |
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| Walk Lakeland |
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| Up the hill from the museum is Florida Southern College, home to the largest number of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. How did the work of this renowned architect end up in Lakeland? |
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| Tags: Lakeland, outdoors_and_nature, gardens, parks, historic_districts, art, architecture, walking_tours, art_and_culture, |
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| Island Hopping in the Charlotte Harbor Area |
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| Accessible only by boat, this seemingly untouched island has more than a mile-long stretch of white-sand beach perfect for collecting seashells, fishing or soaking up the sun. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Englewood, Punta_Gorda, kayaking, beaches, fishing, parks, birding, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, geocaching, |
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| Great Reunions in the Great Outdoors |
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| Here your family can boat, hike nature trails, bird-watch or fish from two piers. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, reunions, beaches, parks, canoeing, kayaking, family, |
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| Cruising Around Charlotte Harbor |
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| Using live bait, we released one snook after the other for a solid hour before the fish wised up. What an awesome time we had. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Port_Charlotte, Punta_Gorda, kayaking, wildlife, tours, cruises, parks, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| A New Frontier: The Florida Everglades |
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| Deep in the park, practiced fly-fishermen and novices alike can just coast or cast, catching grouper, snapper and snook. |
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| Tags: Marco_Island, Naples, parks, Everglades_National_Park, kayaking, fishing, outdoors_and_nature, tours, boating, |
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| Park It! |
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| Heading back, we were not alone. To our right, two gray snouts emerged from the water, so close we could see black nostrils and pink tongues. These manatees were actually smiling at us, alternately revealing heads and huge, fan-shaped tails. |
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| Tags: Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, sealife, |
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| Turtle Watch |
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| All Florida beaches are potential nesting sites, but the greatest concentration of loggerhead nesting turtles lies on the east coast between the Canaveral National Seashore (Titusville) and Fort Lauderdale. |
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| Tags: Boca_Raton, Fort_Lauderdale, Jensen_Beach, Melbourne, Naples, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Sebastian, Titusville, Vero_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, tours, beaches, sealife, Dania_Beach, |
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| Exploring Estuaries: Indian River Lagoon and Charlotte Harbor |
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| I'm startled from my historical reverie by some movement in the grass. Could I be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the threatened Atlantic salt marsh snake? |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Merritt_Island, New_Smyrna_Beach, Tampa, kayaking, wildlife, parks, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Estuary Adventures in Tampa Bay |
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| The island, a major seabird nesting area with plenty of human history as well, can be reached with an hour of hard paddling. |
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| Tags: Egmont_Key, Tampa, wildlife, fishing, canoeing, historical_sites, parks, kayaking, hiking, St_Petersburg, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| A Walk on the Wild Side |
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| Later, I spot what I can only assume is a family of sandhill cranes, two gray-and-red adults, and juveniles whose feathers have not yet turned - they're still a downy yellowish brown. |
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| Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Winter_Haven, hiking, outdoors_and_nature, parks, wildlife, |
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| The Attraction is Natural |
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| From towered vistas to gardens, roller coasters to concerts, from the nostalgic plop-plop of a biplane's engine to the roar of a fighter jet's afterburners, central Florida offers families of all ages, sizes and shapes a place to dream and play. |
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| Tags: Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Haven, family, flight, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Highway |
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| Located on more than 6,000-acres of the Canaveral National Seashore, this world-class facility is known not only for its advancement of space exploration, but also for its dedication to preserving the natural environment and providing a home for thousands of native wildlife species. |
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| Tags: Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Merritt_Island, Sebastian, driving_tours, Scenic_Highway, Titusville, outdoors_and_nature, Melbourne, |
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| Treasure Hunt |
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| The islands above Sanibel also hold treasure troves but are less accessible due to a lack of bridges. Good news: that makes their shell hoards less plundered. |
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| Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, shelling, tours, birding, wildlife, family, lehigh_acres, |
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| Secrets of the Shoreline |
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| The scenery offers jungle-like surrounding where you and your family can swim with manatees, soak up the sunshine, hunt for fossils, or picnic on white-sand beaches. |
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| Tags: Bradenton, Longboat_Key, Sarasota, Tampa, outdoors_and_nature, tours, canoeing, wildlife, |
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| Suwannee River Wilderness Trail |
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| A series of springs discharging 233-million gallons of water daily gives rise to the clear sparkling Ichetucknee River. |
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| Tags: Cedar_Key, Live_Oak, Suwannee, White_Springs, driving_tours, canoeing, kayaking, outdoors_and_nature, hiking, biking, camping, |
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| Great Florida Birding Trail |
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| Comprised of 564,961 acres, the Apalachicola National Forest was established in 1936 and hosts the largest red-cockaded woodpecker population in the world. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Gulf_Breeze, Marianna, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, birding, outdoors_and_nature, driving_tours, parks, |
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| One if By Land, Two if By Sea |
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| We peddle along an old railroad trail through lush greenery. The trail circles around the tip of the island and gives us beautiful views of Placida Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Englewood, Punta_Gorda, hiking, birding, biking, outdoors_and_nature, canoeing, fishing, sailing, |
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| Southern Comfort |
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| Like doting Old South aunties, massive live oaks hunch over the town's canopy roads waving delicate, intricate Spanish moss like lace hankies. The winding roads lead straight to the past, to natural and historic places steeped in adventure. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Suwannee, Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, |
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| Just Add Water |
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| Drive the wildlife trail and main road across estuary, scrub, and pine flatwoods to the Manatee Observation Deck, where the docile, blimpy marine mammals gather. |
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| Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Merritt_Island, surfing, outdoors_and_nature, cruises, |
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| Capital Delights |
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| Today, the mission has been meticulously restored to its 17th century appearance. Visitors can tour the continuing restoration, including a fort complex, a Spanish church, a Spanish home and the Indian chief's house. |
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| Tags: Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, parks, museums, lighthouses, history, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Weird Science |
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| Most families first associate Tampa with Busch Gardens, particularly its screaming roller coasters. But Busch Gardens, like Tampa itself, has its nature side, its scientific rarities. |
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| Tags: Tampa, family, theme_parks, aquariums, manatees, zoos, outdoors_and_nature, tours, |
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| Toho Sunrise |
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| If you are lucky enough to be in town on Friday night, drop by the Kissimmee Sports Arena for a taste of one of Florida's favorite native sports: the rodeo. Long before The Mouse came to the Sunshine State, cowboys ruled the scrubland. |
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| Tags: Kissimmee, tours, fishing, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Bradenton, Pine Island, Punta Gorda and Sarasota |
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| This area is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and unspoiled views and vistas found in the broad sweeps of white sand beaches on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton, Charlotte_Harbor, Longboat_Key, Port_Charlotte, Punta_Gorda, Sarasota, parks, museums, art, driving_tours, outdoors_and_nature, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Cocoa and Kissimmee |
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| Back on terra firma, go on a turtle trek. The Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A near Titusville, is a virtual turtle incubator, with hundreds of sea turtles making the journey to lay their eggs in the warm sands beside the Atlantic. |
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| Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Kissimmee, Okeechobee, Orlando, Titusville, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, Kennedy_Space_Center, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| North Florida Outdoor Adventure Trail |
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| Wakulla, meaning "mysteries of strange water," is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, with points at 185 feet. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Cape_San_Blas, Grayton_Beach, Gulf_Breeze, Live_Oak, Milton, Pensacola, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Wakulla_Springs, parks, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, driving_tours, music, canoeing, kayaking, camping, |
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| Amelia Island and St. Augustine |
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| Today, the Fort is a living history museum, complete with costumed re-enactors who offer up tidbits about life in the fort and "complain" loudly about living conditions, the weather, food and paychecks. Candlelight tours of the fort are given during the summer on Friday and Saturday nights. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Atlantic_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palm_Coast, parks, museums, history, historical_sites, outdoors_and_nature, St_Augustine, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Gainesville and Fort White |
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| For an in-depth study of the preserve, hike, bike or ride a horse on the extensive trails traversing the park - you're likely to happen upon the herd of bison or wild horses that roam free. |
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| Tags: Gainesville, Micanopy, outdoors_and_nature, history, historical_sites, parks, museums, hiking, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Tropical Paradise: The Captiva Island Inn, Captiva Island |
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| Because the inn is in the heart of this tiny town, most everything - shops, restaurants, and of course, the beach - is within walking or bicycling distance. Anything else is minutes away by car, including the sunset cruise we scheduled. |
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| Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, beaches, bed_and_breakfasts, kayaking, outdoors_and_nature, hotels, dining, |
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| Fort Myers/Sanibel Area |
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| With its gentle Gulf of Mexico waves, shell-strewn beaches, neighborly attitude and laid-back tempo, Fort Myers and its islands coerce a mood of creativity and inspiration. |
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| Tags: Cape_Coral, Captiva_Island, Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, parks, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, history, |
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| The Great Florida Birding Trail |
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| From beautiful beaches to lost-in-time wetlands, birders of all levels can experience Florida's diverse habitat, wildlife and local flavor while engaging in ornithological pursuits. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Crystal_River, Fernandina_Beach, Lake_Wales, Merritt_Island, Seaside, Suwannee, Titusville, birding, parks, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, tours, hiking, |
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| Saltwater Fishing |
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| It's deep, it's blue, and it's full of large game fish that can turn the shape of a rod into a pretzel. Here lurk awesome battlers such as blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, and sharks longer than the width of some boats. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Miami, Pensacola, Sebastian, Tampa, fishing, piers, boating, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, |
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| Extreme Nature: Withlacoochee Enchantment |
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| Besides thick, sun-dappled forest fuzzy with resurrection fern, moss and lichen, Withlacoochee Trail users may encounter fruit trees, homestead vestiges and mining pits. |
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| Tags: canoeing, parks, outdoors_and_nature, camping, equestrian, hiking, Brooksville, |
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| Florida's Major Trails |
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| The trail passes through an old-growth oak hammock that contains some trees that are well over 200 years old. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Brooksville, Clearwater, Dade_City, Inverness, Lake_City, Miami, Ocala, hiking, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, |
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| Must-Do Hikes in Florida |
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| In just a few short hours, hikers can escape the pressures of civilization and relax in the tranquility of a wilderness paradise, then return to their former lives, recharged. |
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| Tags: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key_Largo, Kissimmee, Milton, Ocala, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Stuart, hiking, trails, parks, outdoors_and_nature, Jupiter, |
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| Dr. Beach's Florida Picks |
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| "There's even a 105-year old fort on-site that's a landmark of Florida history." |
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| Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, Clearwater, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Marathon, Miami, Panama_City_Beach, beaches, parks, Port_St_Joe, Florida_Keys, camping, outdoors_and_nature, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Cedar Key/Steinhatchee Area |
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| Swim in the ever-cool waters where the springhead forms a natural pool and pumps out 116.9 million gallons of crystalline water every day.
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| Tags: Cedar_Key, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, parks, wildlife, fishing, outdoors_and_nature, canoeing, biking, equestrian, kayaking, downtowns_and_small_towns, |
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| Diving in Northwest Florida |
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| After a dozen or so years on the ocean floor, this labyrinth of twisted girders and beams had become a virtual condominium for small reef critters. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Fort_Walton_Beach, Navarre, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, diving, beaches, Destin, sealife, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Hands-On Fun |
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| The ultimate hands-on sea experiences take place where special programs allow you to swim with dolphins and other marine creatures as you learn about their behaviors and habits. |
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| Tags: Boca_Raton, Boynton_Beach, Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Marathon, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, museums, family, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Wildlife Calendar |
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| Nowhere else can you see reclusive alligators, playful manatees and beautifully plumed water birds all in a single day. |
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| Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Crystal_River, Gainesville, Key_Largo, Marco_Island, Melbourne, Merritt_Island, Navarre, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Sebastian, Titusville, outdoors_and_nature, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, wildlife, parks, Everglades_National_Park, dolphins, Florida_Keys, manatees, |
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| Florida's Seven Great Natural Wonders |
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| Even without binoculars I sighted crested caracara, deer, gopher tortoises, ospreys, rabbits, red-shouldered hawks and wading birds. A great blue heron lazily lofted itself above spatterdock lilies. |
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| Tags: Gulf_Breeze, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Pensacola, Vero_Beach, Florida_Keys, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, parks, Everglades_National_Park, Okeechobee, |
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