INSIDE FLORIDA: Camping and Sightseeing
Ranked #1,625 in Travel & Places, #61,329 overall
JOURNEY THROUGH FLORIDA WITH ME
Visit the Florida that I love. Come with me to explore places that most tourists never experience. Camp in campgrounds along gorgeous ocean and gulf fronts. Get the inside scoop on the Florida that the locals like to visit. Let me introduce you to some of our favorite spots for shopping and sightseeing. Please join me while we soak up the sunshine that is Florida.
Table of Contents
- There's More to Florida than Disney--Check Out My Favorites
- FREE DISNEY EXPERIENCE
- CHOOSE A DISNEY BOOK
- EXCELLENT INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR FLORIDA TRIP
- FAVORITE FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS
- FAVORITE FLORIDA FLEA MARKETS
- FAVORITE FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOR CAMPING
- Civil War Reenactments in Florida
- A Visit to a Hydro Farm
- Books about the Civil War in the United States
- Experience Natural Florida at Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
- More Information on Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
- Manatees, the Gentle Giants
- Books on Manatees
- Cedar Key, Relax and Recharge
- Links to More Information About Cedar Key
- Homosassa Springs State Park
- Link to Homosassa Springs State Park
- Highland Hammocks State Park near Sebring, FL
- HELPFUL LINKS TO CAMPING INFO
- TAKE A WINERY TOUR FOR A DIFFERENT TASTE OF FLORIDA
- HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY
- LINK TO HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY
- BOK TOWER VIDEO
- LAKE PLACID, FL
- INFORMATION ON LAKE PLACID, FL
- Baseball Spring Training Time in Florida
- Reader Feedback
There's More to Florida than Disney--Check Out My Favorites
- Mt. Dora, Florida
- Mount Dora, FL settled on a lovely lake is the hub for winter activity. Beautiful lake and so many shops to explore in this quaint town.The festival of Lighting up Mt. Dora is one that people of all ages enjoy every year at the end of November. The music and entertainment before the lights turn on is outstanding. Then when the switch is flipped, the community delights in the park filled with strings of twinkling lights. It is a magical time. Enjoy the lights in the park every night during the holiday season.
- Downtown Disney
- If you can't afford to visit Disney World, then head to Downtown Disney. This is such a fun experience for everyone. There is daily entertainment and lots of restaurants. Close by is the Lego shop with fascinating Lego characters built entirely of Lego blocks. There is a great play area where kids can race cars, climb through the play area, and of course, build with Legos.Check out the automated alligator and live birds at the Rain Forest Cafe. The Dinosaur restaurant is a real experience, but may be scary for little kids. This is such a fun place to spend your time and take in the great Christmas lights and decorations.
Once Upon a Toy Store is a fabulous toy store with exciting displays, and of course, every kind of toy you can imagine. Yes, they even have the old stand-bys like Lincoln Logs and Potato Head along with all the Disney character toys. Outstanding mono-rail set up for kids to run too.
Check out the automated alligator and live birds at the Rain Forest Cafe. This is such a fun place to spend your time and take in the great Christmas lights and decorations. - Celebration, Florida
- Yes, Celebration, FL began its life as a planned community by Walt Disney. It is located near the Disney attractions. The neighborhoods are perfectly groomed and the feeling is as if you stepped back into an Andy Hardy movie. The Town Center not only is a beautiful setting on the lake, but it has a lot of great stores.
.Go to see the decorations and the snowfalls, Florida snow, every night.
Now Snowing, Central Florida's original and premier "Snowing" event, offers an all new ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM - St. Augustine, Florida
- Nights of Lights is a two month celebration of the holidays. Click here for lots of information about the events at this famous, ancient Florida city. A St. Augustine Christmas is packed full of events from sparkling lights downtown, parade, boat parade, tour of homes. They know how to celebrate this special time of the year.
- Christmas in Tampa 2011
- Tamps, FL bustles with activities for family fun. Check it out here.
FREE DISNEY EXPERIENCE
No, Not Fr*e Tickets To Disney World
Wouldn't we all love free tickets to Disney World? (Hey, if you know someone who works there you might beg some tickets from him. Workers get them as a perk for working at Disney.)
If actually going to the many fabulous World Parks at Disney is out of your budget range this season, you can still enjoy the fun, excitement, and beauty of the Disney creations.
Drive over to the many hotels and take a tour. Walk through the lobbies and experience the Disney ambience. Purchase a drink or lunch/dinner at the restaurant. Sit in the elegantly appointed lobby and be entertained by the exquisite grand piano. Shop in the hotel retail stores. Oh, I forgot, we are talking a free trip. Well, you can window shop, but Disney marketers have a way of making window shoppers into spending shoppers. They certainly know how to merchandise.
Travel on over to Downtown Disney. (Check out the info in the Fun in Florida section below). You can experience great restaurants, gorgeous lakeview, musical presentations, and of course, lots of shopping. Parking is free though..hee hee.
CHOOSE A DISNEY BOOK
EXCELLENT INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR FLORIDA TRIP
So many destinations when planning your Florida trip. Here are links to some of the great places to visit while here in Florida. Please vote for your favorite right here.
Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay--Meet the animals up close and personal more...2 points
100 Things To Do In Orlando
Whenever you're thinking of where you'd like to ta more...1 point
Seashells From Sanibel Island
I lived in Florida for many years and one of the g more...1 point
St. Petersburg and Clearwater
St.Pete/Clearwater area is the home to America's A more...0 points
Best Beaches For... |
Florida Beaches. With 1,100 miles of beaches, ther more...0 points
Kennedy Space Center
East of Orlando, near Titusville. Be awed, be insp more...0 points
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa--Who doesn't love the zoo with over 1800 ani more...0 points
The Florida Aquarium - Tampa Bay
Tampa--Home to over 20,000 aquatic plants and anim more...0 points
Explore Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs--Surround yourself in the Victorian more...0 points
Florida Vacation, Tourism, Travel & Entertainment Information
Official Florida visitor information from VISIT FL more...0 points
Destin Florida
Destin Florida Vacation Guide with helpful informa more...0 points
FAVORITE FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS
Here are some of our favorite spots to camp in Florida. Vote for your favorite.
- Big Pine Key - Florida
Sunshine Key Resort, Big Pine Key, FL--Fabulous lo more...1 point
Best Campgrounds In Orlando Florida
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Orlando, Flo more...1 point
http://www.eliteresorts.com/saltsprings/index.html
Elite Salt Springs Resort, Salt Springs, FL--tucke more...0 points
http://www.rvonthego.com/Tropical-Palms-FunResort-8.htm
Tropical Palms RV Resort, Kissimmee, FL--Go to the more...0 points
http://www.fortsummit.com/Home.htm
Fort Summit KOA Kampground, Lake Buena Vista, FL-- more...0 points
http://www.raintreerv.com/
Rain Tree RV Resort, North Ft. Myers, FL--Great lo more...0 points
http://www.fl-motels-review.com/?n=el governor rv campground & motel&id=409313&t=hotel
El Governor Campground, Mexico Beach, FL--right on more...0 points
Holiday Home
Holiday Travel Resort, Leesburg, FL--Lots of activ more...0 points
FAVORITE FLORIDA FLEA MARKETS
No, you can't really buy fleas at the Flea Market, but you can get some fabulous bargains and have a lot of fun. It's like going to a carnival with carny food, entertainment, and best of all, shopping!! Shop for new items, antiques, used stuff like garage sale bargains, fresh fruits and veggies. You name it. It will probably show up at the Flea Market. Now let's get going! Add your favorite market to this list or feel free to include this list on your squidoo site too.
Fleaworld of Orlando - America's Largest Fleamarket.
Fleaworld/Funworld, Sanford, FL Shop till you drop more...1 point
http://www.renningers.com/dora/dorahome.htm
Renningers Twin Markets, Mt Dora, FL--Every weeken more...0 points
http://www.redbarnfleamarket.com/
Red Barn Flea Market, Bradenton, FL Check out all more...0 points
http://www.superfleamarket.com/
Super Flea and Farmers Market, Melbourne, FL Ameri more...0 points
Wagon Wheel Flea Market / St. Petersburg Shopping
Wagon Wheel Flea Market, Pinellas Park, FL HUGE fl more...0 points
USA Fleamarket in Port Richey, Florida Welcomes You
USA Fleamarket, Port Richey, antiques, collectible more...0 points
howardsfleamarket.com
Howards' Flea Market, Homosassa, FL Every Friday,S more...0 points
webster westside flea market - the antiques, collectibles,
Webster Flea Market, Webster, FL MONDAY flea marke more...0 points
Market of Marion, Belleview, FL : reviews
Market of Marion, Belleview, FL Clean and neat0 points
FAVORITE FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOR CAMPING
These parks are great for camping.
This is a list of my favorite FLORIDA STATE PARKS. Please vote for your favorite or add your favorite to the list. Thanks.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/default.cfm
BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK, Located 12 miles south of more...2 points
http://www.floridastateparks.org/collier-seminole/default.cfm
COLLIER-SEMINOLE STATE PARK, Located on U.S. 41, 1 more...1 point
http://www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver/default.cfm
ALAFIA RIVER STATE PARK, Located 10 miles southeas more...0 points
http://www.floridastateparks.org/gamblerogers/default.cfm
GAMBLE ROGERS STATE PARK, Located in Flagler Beach more...0 points
http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakegriffin/default.cfm
LAKE GRIFFIN STATE PARK, Located three miles north more...0 points
http://www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/default.cfm
STEPHEN FOSTER STATE PARK, Located in White Spring more...0 points
Main Page - Highlands Hammock State Park » Florida State Parks
Highlands Hammock State Park located off US 27 on more...0 points
Civil War Reenactments in Florida
Reenactments are held all winter in Florida locations.
Get in touch with this era of American history by attending a reenactment. You can step back in time for a more thorough appreciation of the fighting men and women in the War Between the States.
- Florida Reenactors Online
- Check here for dates and locations of the next Civil War Reenactment in Florida.
A Visit to a Hydro Farm
Hydroponic growing vegetable
Books about the Civil War in the United States
Included in the list are books about the Civil War.
Experience Natural Florida at Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
Manatees, wildlife along St. John's River, kayak trips, hiking, AND pancakes!
Tent and RV campers can set up in the Sandpine scrub campground within easy walking distance of the river and spring run.
After enjoying Blue Spring, run on up the road to DeLeon Springs State Park. You can enjoy a dip in the 72 degree spring and fabulous pancakes you grill yourself at your table at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, open 9-5 on weekdays and 8-5 on weekends, serving until 4:00. Call 386.985.5644.
More Information on Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
- Blue Spring State Park
- BLUE SPRING STATE PARK, 2100 West French Avenue Orange City, FL 32763
386-775-3663 - DeLeon Springs State Park
- DELEON SPRINGS STATE PARK, 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. PO Box 1338 DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
386-985-4212
Books on Manatees
Cedar Key, Relax and Recharge
Step into a different Florida. Get away from the crowds and hustle bustle of the major tourist attractions. If you want to escape, go to Cedar Key, FL, a little fishing town on the largest island of the Cedar Keys. Located three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, this little gem is a haven for artists and writers. Visitors can pop in and out of the shops and galleries on the streets in the historic district. I especially enjoyed the quaint bookstore with post-it notes attached to the books with a quick review of the book. The variety of artwork including photos of wildlife and water scenes are outstanding as are the paintings, leather work, ceramics, jewelry, and more.
If you love seafood, then you will be in heaven with freshly caught delights from the waters around Cedar Key, prepared in the world class restaurants hugging the shore and eateries around the area.
Nature lovers will delight in visiting the federally protected bird sanctuaries and hiking the nature trails. Fishermen and women will appreciate the modern pier, pictured in the photo above, for catching all kinds of fish in the vast waters of the Gulf.
Links to More Information About Cedar Key
- Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce
- Information about Cedar Key including maps, businesses, events.
- Cedar Key Visitor Guide
- Lodging, dining, day trips etc included here.
Homosassa Springs State Park
Tour this park for a look at Florida wildlife.
Located on Florida's Nature Coast, Homosassa Springs State Park is a lush, Florida landscape filled with wildlife native to Florida. This is a place that rehabilitates and releases injured animals. If they cannot be released, the park will care for them and allow people to view the animals in their natural environment. The only non-native Florida animal is Lu, the hippopotamus, who is a retired movie star celebrating his 50th birthday this year. By special decree from then Gov. Chiles, the mighty hippo, who is not a Florida native, was allowed to stay when the state purchased the park.
Take the quiet boat ride from the park entrance to the viewing area. Stroll the paths, take in the manatee show, the alligator and hippo show, and the wildlife encounters. This is an attraction that all ages will enjoy.
Link to Homosassa Springs State Park
- Homosassa Springs State Park
- Visit this Florida State Park link for information about this wildlife park.
Highland Hammocks State Park near Sebring, FL
A quick trip through photos around this state park. When you visit, take in as much time as you can experiencing the ancient beauty and history that is here.
HELPFUL LINKS TO CAMPING INFO
- Woodall's Camping Information
- Search for RV Parks, Campgrounds, RV Dealers, Service Centers, Camping Activities, Attractions, and more.
- Road Trip Journal
- If you are an RV or Motorcycle enthusiast, then this is the site for you. Packed with lots of helpful information and articles.
- RV USA Forum
- Get into entertaining and informative discussions on this site for RVers for newbies and experienced.
TAKE A WINERY TOUR FOR A DIFFERENT TASTE OF FLORIDA
You may be surprised to discover bottles of blueberry, orange, grapefrut, strawberry, raspberry and Key lime wine on the shelves at Florida Orange Groves and Winery in St. Petersburg. Get real adventurous and try wines made from Ruskin Tomatoes and carrots.
- Florida Orange Groves and Winery
- St. Petersburg--A winery devoted to a special Florida taste of wines made from Florida grown fruits and vegetables. Blueberry, Key lime, Ruskin tomatoes and carrots are just a few of their award winners.
- Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
- Clermont--The stucco Spanish style headquarters for Lakeridge Winery reminds the traveler of the Napa Valley in California. Grapevines grace the gentle rolling hills around the winery. This entertaining and informative place to visit offers tours explaining the harvesting of grapes, making of the wines, and tastings of several of their award winning wines. Craft and Music Festivals are scheduled throughout the year.
- Florida Grape Growers Association
- For information, addresses, products, and more about member Wineries, check this site.
HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY
Home of the 205 foot Gothic and art deco carillon
Sanctuary is the perfect word to describe this peaceful park near Lake Wales, FL. Dutch immigrant Edward Bok established this landscape garden and soaring singing carillon tower on Florida's highest point as a gift to the American people. The Sanctuary was dedicated in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge allowing visitors from all over the world a Sanctuary where they can stroll along the remarkable paths or sit and contemplate the beauty of Nature.
The Carillon is a towering structure which is a masterpiece of stone work as well as the home of beautiful music. There are concerts from the 60-bell carillon daily.
The museum on the property contains information about the formation of the gardens, the construction of the carillon tower, and Edward Bok's life. Take in the tour of the 1930's home of 20th century industrialist, C. Austin Buck. The Pinewood Estate is adorned in early 20th century Christmas decorations for the holidays and offers seasonal tours throughout the year.
Admission: $10. Adults; $3. Children 5-12. Free under 5
LINK TO HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY
- Historic Bok Tower
- For more information about this historic garden and carillon, click here.
LAKE PLACID, FL
Town of Murals and Caladiums
Lake Placid, FL, located at the southern end of Highlands County on US Rte. 27, is delightful discovery. Located smack in the middle of citrus, cattle, and caladium farms, the small town has lots to offer visitors to this unique area. The 29 sparkling fresh water lakes are active centers for fishing, skiiing and boating, plus great sites for picnicking and hiking.The main draw to the area is the extensive collection of murals in the downtown area. Go to the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center on Oak St. to ask the friendly volunteers to help you. There is a 10 minute video on the murals and the original art collection can be viewed there. It's an easy walk around the town to see most of the murals. Get the $3.00 book with all the murals illustrated and information on the locations, artists, and the paintings.
Drive outside the city to see the fields of caladium plants where the landscape is alive with bands of colorful leaves stretching across the countryside. The Caladium Festival is held every August when the plants are at their peak of glory. The owner at Fancy Leaf Caladiums at Happyness Farms was friendly and helpful with all of our questions about these gorgeous plants who have no pests and require no insecticide treatment or fertilization.
Two interesting residents of this town--Dr. Melvil Dewey who invented the Dewey Decimal System for libraries loved the place so much that he spearheaded a movement to re-name the town to Lake Placid after Lake Placid, NY.
Presently Keith Stokes, aka Toby the Clown, established the Clown School in Lake Placid so that now the city claims to have more clowns per capita than any other town in Florida. Maybe that's why the residents are cheerful and friendly.
Escape to Lake Placid for a relaxing and rewarding day away.
INFORMATION ON LAKE PLACID, FL
- Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce
- The Chamber of Commerce gives you more information about the town of Lake Placid, FL and the surrounding area.
Baseball Spring Training Time in Florida
Find out when your favorite team plays.
- Florida Grapefruit League Spring Training
- The Grapefruit League includes the teams and locations in Florida for the spring training games.
- Official Site of Major League Baseball
- This site gives you all the news, game scores, and info on the teams. Play ball!!!
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Home games played at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, FL, except where noted. Go to the regular season schedule. Tickets and seating information too.
- Florida Marlins
- Check out the latest for the Florida Marlins.
Reader Feedback
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sarahrk
Jan 17, 2012 @ 12:29 pm | delete
- So many places to go and things to see in Florida. I love the Festival Flea Market. Thanks for a good lens.
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JanetG
Jan 17, 2012 @ 6:15 pm | delete
- Thank you for stopping by, Sara, and for the nice compliment. I love flea markets too. Where is the Festival flea market? I can add it to the list.
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Jamie
May 10, 2011 @ 2:03 pm | delete
- There's a lot of things to do in Florida and it's vicinity. Have you tried a Disney World vacations?
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OcalaMLS
Apr 20, 2011 @ 11:51 pm | delete
- Florida is a great place to live in. You have put in a lot of hard work on your lens. I'm still working on a couple of mine ocala fl real estate
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Petalm
Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:39 pm | delete
- Informative and interesting lens, makes me want to go there!
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by JanetG
Welcome to Inside Florida: Camping and Sightseeing. Florida is a camper's delight with beaches, lakes, exotic birds, natural wonders. ... more »
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