Gary McKechnie You’d think that somewhere in the Deep South there’d be another state with a Dixie County. No, that honor became Florida’s alone when it was created from a portion of Lafayette County in 1921. Located about 50 miles west of Gainesville, odds are you’ve skirted around its borders, but…
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You’re a little sweaty and hungry. The kids are hyped up on cinnamon sugar-dusted apple fries from LEGOLAND Florida. It’s only 5 o’clock. So you’ve got some extra time to explore Winter Haven, Florida, and the surrounding area. “We hope people do stay around,” said Kelly Rote, communications…
Read MoreBy Gary McKechnie Although you can’t tell without checking an aerial map, Glades County encompasses about 250 square miles of Lake Okeechobee – about one-third of the entire lake. While that alone should be enough to prompt a fishing trip, when you add the county’s hammocks and sloughs and the…
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By Gary McKechnie The Sunshine State is widely known for its outlet malls and unique beach boutiques -- but there's another side to Florida's shopping scene. Flea markets. What can you find at flea markets in Florida? Just about anything. Does the world have a shopping capital? I'd argue it does…
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These eco-focused outings are fun and educational ways to keep you and the family entertained in Lee County. It weaves like a flowering vine through my son's 14-year timeline: the delightfully entangling Lee County kids' learning experience. Aaron was born here and we took full advantage from…
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By Lauren Tjaden Looking for a spring break family vacation destination? Want to avoid the crazy college crowds? Check out these family friendly getaways in Florida that are sure to leave your whole gang smiling. NORTH | CENTRAL | SOUTH NORTH Sandestin/South Walton With 26 miles of glistening…
Read MoreBy: Gary McKechnie The great thing about Florida travel is that there’s something for everyone. Wander around the state and you’ll find cool luxury hotels, nightclubs that rock until dawn, and the world’s most popular beaches and theme parks. But when you need to shake loose from the destinations…
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By Janet K. Keeler The coolest block in Daytona Beach is paved by nature. Sand, not asphalt, is the hard-packed surface that carries cars, bicycles, golf carts and even motorcycles along the beach at a slowpoke 10 mph maximum. Not to worry if you’ve arrived in town without wheels because there are…
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During the cooler autumn weekends, I love exploring Florida's many farmer's markets. It's a great place to find local fruits and artisan foods such as cheeses, jams, fresh baked goods and organic honey. One item I particularly love to hunt for at these markets is local honey, and Florida's got…
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By Tony Bridges There are some places that are worth visiting just to say you’ve been there. Two Egg, Florida, is one of them. It’s not really a town, exactly, but more of a crossroads in the backwoods of Jackson County, about an hour west of Tallahassee, the state capital. It consists mostly of…
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