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| Kissimmee: Theme Parks and Beyond |
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| Connected to Orlando at the hip, Kissimmee gives vacationers all that playtime city has to offer plus the golf courses, cattle ranching heritage, lake tours and hometown friendliness it calls its own. |
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| Tags: Kissimmee, theme_parks, parks, Orlando, boating, historical_sites, downtowns_and_small_towns, resorts, theater, |
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| The Hollywood Bonus Plan |
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| A major event can serve as the cornerstone for a great getaway, and when it's combined with Hollywood Beach's multitude of activities, you've got the makings of a memorable Florida vacation. Pack extra batteries for the camera! |
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| Tags: Hollywood, beaches, cruises, music, events, parks, biking, sports, Miami, Green_Travel, |
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| A Fall Getaway to Florida's Space Coast |
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| Located just 35 miles east of Orlando on the central east coast of Florida, Florida's Space Coast boasts some of the state’s best natural attractions, as well as world-class beaches, shops, resorts and hotels. |
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| Tags: Cocoa_Beach, shopping, dining, beaches, Melbourne, Titusville, parks, surfing, Orlando, downtowns_and_small_towns, |
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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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| Staying Green in Bonita Springs |
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| In Florida, staying green doesn't mean settling for second-best. In fact, many of Florida's most eco-friendly hotels also happen to be the most luxurious, the most beautiful, the most romantic, as well as the most family-friendly in the state. |
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| Tags: Green_Travel, resorts, Bonita_Springs, dining, parks, |
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| Put the Fun in Funky Florida Foods |
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| Create your own pancakes by choosing from homemade pancake batters and sausages, blueberries and more. This is a great inter-generational event; every time we go, we're smiling before the first batch of pancakes gets poured on the griddle. |
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| Tags: dining, culture, Orlando, Titusville, parks, Florida_Keys, Key_West, Pensacola, Cedar_Key, |
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| A REAL. FUN. BEACH. |
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| With its new Pier Park entertainment complex, long-popular family attractions, emerald-green waters and a brand-new airport on the horizon, Panama City Beach is the quintessential Florida beach that has spelled out “REAL. FUN.” through the ages, for all ages. |
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| Tags: Panama_City_Beach, Panama_City, beaches, family, parks, theme_parks, piers, |
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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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| Need More Beach |
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| It really struck home a few weeks ago that I need more beach in my life (really everybody does). And one of my favorite places to 'get more beach' is Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, where the beach is always close by. |
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| Tags: Naples, Marco_Island, Everglades_National_Park, parks, beaches, shelling, boating, kayaking, sunsets, |
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| Five Ways to Save Some Green |
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| Join avid anglers on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier that extends a quarter-mile into the Gulf. Typical catches include mackerel, snapper, tuna, flounder, pompano and bluefish. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, deals, beaches, fishing, dining, history, culture, events, parks, |
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| Take the Overseas Highway to Adventure |
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| With inexpensive entrance fees and lengthy activity rosters at state parks along the Overseas Highway, it's possible to plan an action-packed itinerary of snorkeling, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, camping and fishing and still have cash left over for key lime pie! |
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| Tags: Florida_Keys, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Big_Pine_Key, parks, snorkeling, birding, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, wildlife, Islamorada, historical_sites, |
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| Hop Aboard Alternative Transportation |
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| If you want to see the "Horse Capital of the World" up close and personal, then hop aboard an hour-long horse-drawn trolley or carriage ride. |
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| Tags: history, historical_sites, St_Augustine, Fernandina_Beach, Amelia_Island, Ocala, Key_West, Tampa, Ybor_City, Dade_City, Fort_Lauderdale, Tarpon_Springs, Fort_Myers, Marco_Island, Kissimmee, Orlando, boating, flight, transportation, parks, tours, |
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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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| Coastal Cruising |
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| Sitting on the deserted beach on a spring morning as the sun filters through the pines, it’s not hard to picture yourself in another era, a time when conquistadors and Native Americans ruled this stretch of coast. |
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| Tags: St_Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, parks, beaches, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, Charlotte_Harbor, Captiva_Island, Egmont_Key, Venice, |
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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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| 'Round the Clock in Hollywood |
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| USA Today named Hollywood Beach's 2.5-mile seaside walkway one of the top 10 nostalgic promenades in the country, making it the postcard-perfect spot to catch the final light of day. |
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| Tags: Hollywood, beaches, nightlife, historic_districts, culture, transportation, biking, parks, dining, music, hotels, |
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| Zookeeper for a Day |
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| Home to 75 different species of rare and exotic animals including the Matschie's tree kangaroo of New Guinea, the small-clawed otter of Asia and the South American ocelot, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has a little something for everyone. |
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| Tags: zoos, Gainesville, wildlife, museums, parks, |
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| Emerald Escape |
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| Autumn along the Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is the quiet season and a perfect time to discover this slice of Northwest Florida. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sailing, fishing, parks, dolphins, family, dining, |
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| Find Your Beach |
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| In 2008, Caladesi Island State Park with its fine white sand and gentle clear blue surf, beat out beaches in Hawaii and California for the No. 1 spot on Dr. Beach's 2008 Best Beaches in America list.
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| Tags: beaches, kayaking, Dunedin, St_Petersburg, Clearwater, parks, Egmont_Key, shelling, birding, camping, fishing, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, Honeymoon_Island, |
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| Beyond the Broadwalk |
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| Hollywood boasts seven miles of beaches, which have been designated Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's shores. And the area's expanse of white sand and turquoise waters makes it easy to see why. No wonder folks are serious about their beach-going in these parts. |
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| Tags: beaches, Hollywood, boating, shopping, parks, kayaking, canoeing, dining, |
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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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| St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church in St. Augustine |
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| At St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, on June 9, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., told 500 supporters that he would participate in a sit-in at a motel restaurant the next day, anticipating correctly that he would be jailed. |
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| Tags: St_Augustine, African_American, parks, historical_sites, history, |
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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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| 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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| Florida Beach Survey |
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| A painfully obvious but nevertheless satisfying thought crossed my mind the last time I was there; the refreshing sea breeze you feel has crossed the entire Atlantic before making landfall, making it some of the cleanest, freshest air on earth. |
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| Tags: beaches, parks, St_George_Island, Dunedin, Fort_Myers_Beach, Clearwater_Beach, Anna_Maria_Island, Longboat_Key, Siesta_Key, Sanibel_Island, Marco_Island, Boca_Grande, Florida_Keys, Fort_Lauderdale, Cocoa_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Palm_Coast, St_Augustine, South_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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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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| Island Intrigue |
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| I love to walk the quiet streets lined with taverns, clapboard cottages and tin-roofed huts, all reminders that – despite a bustling tourism crowd – this was, and still is, a commercial fishing village with a frontier persona. |
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| Tags: parks, beaches, boating, Cedar_Key, wildlife, |
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| Best Beaches |
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| This oasis near Santa Rosa Beach along Florida’s Northwest coast mystifies with gnarled driftwood juxtaposed against ethereal sea oats. |
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| Tags: Marathon, Florida_Keys, parks, beaches, Port_St_Joe, Grayton_Beach, St_Petersburg, Dunedin, Panama_City_Beach, Bonita_Springs, |
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| Go Dog, Go! |
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| Forget biscuits – your best friend wants a vacation. (Though a few bites of steak and a stroll on the beach might earn you a lick or two.) |
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| Tags: Tampa, Winter_Park, Miami_Beach, Key_West, beaches, parks, resorts, hotels, bed_and_breakfasts, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Dunedin, St_Pete_Beach, St_George_Island, Pensacola, dining, |
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| Off the Beaten Path |
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| In the 1800s, Florida was an open range with no fences, so the great herds of cattle - some with as many as 50,000 head - roamed freely. |
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| Tags: Kissimmee, Ocala, Tampa, history, historical_sites, parks, Homosassa, |
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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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| 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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| Fantasy Islands |
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| It's a place where nothing is too extravagant when it comes to wowing your partner. As the Resort reminds, "all you have to do is ask." |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Anna_Maria_Island, Clearwater, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Marco_Island, Miami, Palm_Coast, Panama_City_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Sebastian, parks, romance, beaches, spas, resorts, St_George_Island, weddings, |
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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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| 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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| Beaches 101 |
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| Seekers of relaxation and tranquility go to Dunedin's state-protected Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island for a serene visit with nature. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Anna_Maria_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Cape_San_Blas, Captiva_Island, Cedar_Key, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Dunedin, Flagler_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers, Fort_Walton_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marco_Island, Miami, Naples, Navarre, New_Smyrna_Beach, Palm_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sebastian, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, beaches, parks, camping, sightseeing, Honeymoon_Island, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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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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| 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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| Go Off-Road |
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| Osceola National Forest has 200,000 acres of wilderness with dozens of unnumbered forest roads that are open to dirt bikers. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Dade_City, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake_City, Ocala, Pensacola, Tallahassee, motorcycling, parks, |
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| Biking Daytona and Beyond |
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| St. Augustine's Colonial Spanish Quarter is a pedestrian maze of shops, eateries and attractions such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, Flagler_Beach, New_Smyrna_Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Palatka, Winter_Park, St_Augustine, museums, parks, beaches, Ormond_Beach, motorcycling, historical_sites, Ponce_Inlet, lighthouses, |
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| The Keys for Kids |
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| Head south to Islamorada, where you can swim with playful sea lions and graceful giant rays, or just enjoy the animal shows and educational displays at Theater of the Sea. |
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| Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, family, hotels, parks, museums, dining, |
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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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| Dry Feet, Warm Memories |
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| Plan an early morning or late afternoon visit to National Key Deer Refuge if you want to spy the endearingly tiny white-tailed deer that seek shelter there. |
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| Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, parks, museums, resorts, wildlife, |
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| A-Foot in Fort Lauderdale |
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| Big city meets carefree beach within a three-mile stroll along Fort Lauderdale's most fashionable streets and walkways. |
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| Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, Miami, Palm_Beach, West_Palm_Beach, transportation, resorts, shopping, hotels, parks, museums, |
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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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| A Beach for Each |
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| Getting to Captiva Beach is a romantic adventure in itself; quaint restaurants shaded by tropical foliage, cozy bed & breakfasts and colorful boutiques dot the path to seductive seclusion, breathtaking sunsets and romance. |
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| Tags: Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, beaches, family, parks, water_sports, museums, romance, shelling, destination, |
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| B&B Beautiful |
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| The Colonial Revival home is so stunning that passing cars slow down to see it. And though it's three blocks from busy Main Street, we heard nothing but songbirds during our stay. |
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| Tags: Bartow, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, bed_and_breakfasts, parks, hotels, museums, historical_sites, romance, weddings, |
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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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| 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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| Florida Keys Scenic Highway |
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| Key West was home to many literary greats including Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Robert Frost and Thornton Wilder. |
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| Tags: Homestead, Key_Largo, Key_West, parks, museums, Florida_Keys, Scenic_Highway, driving_tours, |
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| St. Petersburg, Dunedin and Ybor City |
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| Downtown St. Petersburg's streets are lined by more than a hundred cafes, restaurants and eateries, two dozen fine galleries and Mediterranean-style architectural treasures, including the historic open-air U.S. Post Office, still in operation today. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Dunedin, Tampa, Ybor_City, historic_districts, parks, driving_tours, |
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| Winter Park, Mount Dora and DeLand |
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| In typical New England fashion, the opulent residences of Winter Park are often secluded and hidden from public view. However, a scenic boat tour offers views of various mansions from the lakes and canals of the gracious and historic city of Winter Park. |
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| Tags: DeLand, Mount_Dora, Orlando, Winter_Park, shopping, antiques, museums, art, parks, historic_districts, historical_sites, |
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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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| Uncovering the Ancient and Avant-Garde in Bradenton |
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| At Emerson Point Park, whispers and shadows of a 1,400-year-old Native American village hide amidst 195 acres of mangrove swamps and salt marshes. |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton, Bradenton_Beach, Cortez, beaches, art, museums, parks, fishing, historical_sites, historic_districts, antiques, |
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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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| 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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| Backyards and Attics |
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| Here history fleshes out as costumed demonstrators involve kids in colonial cooking, candle making, blacksmithing, wool spinning and the likes. |
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| Tags: St_Augustine, parks, lighthouses, historical_sites, museums, zoos, tours, fishing, family, historic_districts, water_sports, |
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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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| Fort Myers and Beyond |
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| Thomas Edison discovered Fort Myers as a cure for what ailed him, built a winter home and set up shop. He planted a garden full of exotics, including a banyan tree that has now reached 450 feet in diameter. |
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| Tags: Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Everglades_National_Park, driving_tours, historical_sites, parks, theater, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Panama City and Panama City Beach |
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| Cast away, if only for a day, on Shell Island, off the mainland of St. Andrews State Park. With seven-and-a-half miles of undeveloped coastline, this barrier island offers the best shelling this side of Sanibel Island. |
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| Tags: Panama_City_Beach, beaches, museums, driving_tours, parks, cruises, shelling, 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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| Birding in Northeast Florida |
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| Belted kingfishers, brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants and a variety of herons and egrets live in nearby marshes and are regularly spotted. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, Melbourne, Merritt_Island, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Sebastian, Tallahassee, Titusville, Vero_Beach, birding, wildlife, parks, driving_tours, |
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| Pensacola to Tallahassee |
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| It's clear to see why this portion of Highway 90 has been designated a Scenic Highway before you leave the Pensacola city limits, as the road hugs the edge of wooded bluffs hanging 100 feet over Pensacola Bay. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, DeFuniak_Springs, Marianna, Milton, Pensacola, Quincy, driving_tours, Scenic_Highway, parks, Tallahassee, |
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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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| Miami and Beyond |
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| One of its most cherished prizes, the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach, ranks as the largest collection of Art Deco buildings anywhere. |
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| Tags: Coral_Gables, Miami, Miami_Beach, South_Beach, architecture, driving_tours, parks, museums, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Neighborhood Attractions in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale |
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| Fish from the pier. Whack volleyballs in the very capital of beach volleyball. Play on the covered playground. Rent water toys. Relax with a good book. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dania_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, family, beaches, aquariums, museums, parks, |
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| B&B and Bicycle |
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| We even ventured off the river, past oyster beds, into narrow waterways surrounded by mangroves. |
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| Tags: DeLand, Gainesville, High_Springs, New_Smyrna_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, Seaside, biking, parks, bed_and_breakfasts, lighthouses, wildlife, kayaking, canoeing, |
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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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| Florida Keys/Key West Area |
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| Attractions recall Ernest Hemingway's residence here, visits by Harry Truman, and the island's shipwrecking era, cigar-making days and military importance. |
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| Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, parks, beaches, fishing, museums, aquariums, |
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| Live Oak/Lake City Area |
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| Along the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers, a number of springs attractions, both public and privately owned, invite visitors into the ever-cool, 72-degree waters for swimming, inner-tubing, snorkeling and diving. |
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| Tags: Lake_City, Live_Oak, Suwannee, White_Springs, festival, canoeing, camping, hiking, parks, |
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| Awesome Family Adventures |
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| Take lots of pictures because no one's going to believe your kids didn't make up this magical river. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Crystal_River, Islamorada, Madeira_Beach, Milton, Orlando, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Steinhatchee, family, theme_parks, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, parks, water_sports, Everglades_National_Park, St_Petersburg, Port_St_Joe, fishing, |
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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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| Must-Sees for Native American History and Culture |
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| Crystal River Archaeological State Park served as a vital religious and political center for regional tribes from 200 B.C. to 1400 A.D. |
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| Tags: Crystal_River, Estero, Fort_Lauderdale, Miami, Okeechobee, Tallahassee, Tampa, museums, historical_sites, art, parks, culture, art_and_culture, Native_American, downtowns_and_small_towns, |
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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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| Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands |
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| Go shelling along the stretch of beach that juts toward the Gulf. But remember this island belongs to the real natives - birds and, yes, even things that slither. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dunedin, beaches, resorts, wildlife, parks, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, Honeymoon_Island, |
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| Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach Area |
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| The best surfing is at quiet Ponce Inlet, where a salty village of casual restaurants and visitor attractions has gathered. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, DeLand, New_Smyrna_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, Seaside, lighthouses, Ormond_Beach, museums, racing, parks, |
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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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| South Florida Beacon |
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| I was back in South Florida. Cruise ships to the left, kayak rentals setting up to the right. An Ultralight seaplane seemed to guide my Jeep toward Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, an urban jewel. |
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| Tags: Coral_Gables, Miami, South_Beach, parks, |
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| Cycling State Parks |
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| Set along the banks of the Santa Fe River, cyclists should take a break from the 13 miles of rolling single- and double-track trails and take the short hiking trail down to the "river sink," where the Santa Fe vanishes underground, reappearing three miles away. |
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| Tags: Gainesville, Marianna, parks, biking, trails, |
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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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| Best Beaches For... |
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| The grains are so fine, so white that you'll feel you are on packed sugar. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Daytona_Beach, Estero, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Key_West, Melbourne, Naples, New_Smyrna_Beach, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Sebastian, South_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, Vero_Beach, parks, shelling, snorkeling, romance, historical_sites, water_sports, beaches, |
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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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