Where to Go to See the Real Florida

Where to Go to See the Real Florida

Are you thinking about your next vacation? Planning on visiting Florida? Do you live in Florida and wonder where you can go to see something you've never seen? Before you make reservations at a theme park, please consider the wide variety of vacation destination alternatives there are in Florida. Rather than spending five frantic days trying to "do Disney," take a step back, take a deep breath, take a trip off the main roads, and see the Real Florida.

Among the unlimited possibilities there are for things to see, do, and experience in Florida, I've selected several that are personal favorites and incorporated them into a multi-part series of "Interesting Places to See in Florida." You can access these articles at:

• Interesting Places to See in Florida, at http://www.jansfreecontent.com/publish/general/Real_Florida_1.shtml
• More Interesting Places to See in Florida, at http://www.jansfreecontent.com/publish/general/Real_Florida_2.shtml
• Even More Interesting Places to See in Florida, at http://www.jansfreecontent.com/publish/general/Real_Florida_3.shtml

Each article provides travel and destination ideas and tips. Most have links to a relevant website that will provide further information.

The first article will take you to:

• Places off the interstate
• Florida's State Parks
• Mt. Dora
• Solomon's Castle
• Cedar Key
• and an invitation to just "Go Exploring!"

The second article offers:

• St. Augustine/Jacksonville
• High Springs/Ginnie Springs
• Sebring/Highland Hammocks

The third article provides information on:

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
• Crystal River
• Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

These locations are all fairly accessible from a mid-state location (from any locale in Central Florida, most are an easy one-day trip, a few are two-day trips). All destinations are either marked on a good state road map, or you can get maps and driving instructions from the websites that are provided in the articles. The above-mentioned articles will provide all the pertinent information you'll need for planning trips to those locations.

Here's a bonus tip: Don't forget the Florida Keys!

If your vacation plans include a visit "down island," then please do yourself the favor of renting a car and making the drive down US-1. Rent a convertible and drop the top once you cross over from the mainland to Key Largo---and really experience the Keys! You can't really "see" the Keys, until you drive full length of US-1 from Key Largo to Key West.

There's a great place to get a sandwich, The 7-Mile Grill, located in Marathon on the Gulf side of U.S. 1 just before you cross the 7-Mile Bridge (and yes, the 7-mile bridge is 7 miles long!). Walk off that good meal by taking the tour of Pigeon Key. The entry way is just before you start south across the 7-Mile Bridge.

• The 7-Mile Grill, at http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=florida_keys@208&cur_section=din&property_id=40853
• Pigeon Key, at http://www.fla-keys.com/marathon/pigeon.htm.

Unless you are going during the off season (typically mid-May to mid-September), please do get all your reservations in the Keys ahead of time...and plan on it being an expensive stay. Get all the information you need about the Keys at http://www.fla-keys.com/.

Once you learn for yourself that there's more to Florida than Mickey Mouse and a movie studio, you'll want to return every year---just to see the next thing on the list!