More Interesting Places to See in Florida
Now that you've been convinced to get off the interstate and see some of the "real" Florida, here are more interesting places and other ideas about things to do in Florida other than spending hundreds of dollars at a theme park.
If you missed it, see my article "Interesting Places to See in Florida" at http://www.jansfreecontent.com/publish/general/Real_Florida_1.shtml.
St. Augustine/Jacksonville
Walk to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse! The view is spectacular---and it's good exercise! You can't miss the lighthouse, and it is easy to get to. There is good signage along the main road (A1A), and there is ample parking. The admission fee is nominal, but you can walk the grounds and see parts of the museum at no charge.
St Augustine itself is packed with Old Florida History---about as much as you can pack into a day's time. However, if walking around the quaint city isn't quite your style, spend an hour strolling through the Castillo do San Marcos fortress (it is a part of the U.S. National Parks system). You'll need about two hours to wander through the various rooms, many of which have informative displays, and to walk the parapet and take in the 360-degree view of the city, river, and outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. You can also take an open carriage ride around the city, or any one of a number of guided tours.
If you have a taste for about the best Florida Key Lime pie there is, find The Conch House (http://www.conch-house.com/motel.htm), and order a piece of Mile High Key Lime Pie! (We've eaten Key Lime Pie in lots of places around the state, and this is the absolute best!)
For more information about St. Augustine, go to http://www.oldcity.com/index.cfm.
About 30 miles north of St. Augustine is Jacksonville. There are so many things to see and do that you could easily spend two days here. For Civil War and antebellum buffs, see Fort Clinch and the Kinglsey Plantation (which is part of the U.S. National Parks system).
For more information about Kingsley Plantation, go to http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/21.htm.
For more information about Fort Clinch, go to http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/18.htm.
High Springs
Here's a slice of Florida that you don't want to miss! The big attraction in High Springs is Ginnie Springs (http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/). Located just off the Sante Fe River, it is one of Florida's premier natural, freshwater springs. You can enjoy just about any sort of water activity: scuba dive the springs (Ginnie, Devil's Ear, and Devil's Eye), tube or canoe the spring run to the river, or canoe or boat in the river (the fishing is great!).
High Springs offers comfortable accommodations, a couple of really nice restaurants, and a great ice cream shop in the old railroad depot!
For more information about High Springs, go to http://www.highsprings.com/.
Sebring
Visit one of Florida's most picturesque State Parks, Highlands Hammock (http://www.orlandohotels.com/parks/highlandshammockstatepark.asp).
Not only does Highlands Hammock offer miles of trails for hiking and biking, but you can also get a unique glimpse into the history of the CCC (the Civilian Conservation Corps), which was one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's many answers to eliminating joblessness in the United States following The Great Depression.
No matter where you go in Florida, there is "real" Florida to be seen and experienced. Get out of the theme parks and into Florida's landscape! Be sure to pack good walking shoes, a hat, plenty of sunscreen and water---and don't forget your "Everglades Cologne" (bug spray)!
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