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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
- Celebrate Christmas in Florida
- FREE DISNEY EXPERIENCE
- CHOOSE A DISNEY BOOK
- Civil War Reenactments in Florida
- Books about the Civil War in the United States
- FAVORITE FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS
- FAVORITE FLORIDA STATE PARKS FOR CAMPING
- Highland Hammocks State Park near Sebring, FL
- Experience Natural Florida at Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
- Manatees, the Gentle Giants
- Books on Manatees
- More Information on Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks
- FABULOUS INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR FLORIDA TRIP
- HELPFUL LINKS TO CAMPING INFO
- Cedar Key, Relax and Recharge
- Links to More Information About Cedar Key
- FAVORITE FLORIDA FLEA MARKETS
- 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
- Reader Feedback
Celebrate Christmas in Florida
- Mt. Dora, Florida
- Mount Dora, FL settled on a lovely lake is the hub for winter activity. 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.
Be sure to go to the parade and to take in the Christmas Walk downtown. So many shops in this quaint town. - 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. If you have children with you, and you don't want to spend a fortune for lunch, there is a McDonalds there which is excellent. 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.
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. And every Friday in December, it SNOWS downtown. Yes, kids and oldsters alike are delighted by the "snow" blown from the soap bubble machine. Like real snow which can be slippery, the soapy residue makes the streets slippery too. It is a fun fantasy.
Tree lighting is Dec. 1 an annual favorite.
Don't miss the Holiday Home Tourso you can visit some of the beautiful homes all decked out in Holiday splendor. - 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.
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
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 12/21/2009) 
The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2010 (Unofficial Guides)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/21/2009)
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2010
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/21/2009)
Disney Bedtime Favorites (Disney Storybook Collections)
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 12/21/2009)
Animation (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)
Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 12/21/2009)
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.
Books about the Civil War in the United States
Included in the list are books about the Civil War.
Civil War
Amazon Price: $26.39 (as of 12/21/2009)
Eyewitness to the Civil War
Amazon Price: $26.40 (as of 12/21/2009)
The Road to Civil War
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 12/21/2009)
Abraham Lincoln and Civil War America: A Biography
Amazon Price: $21.02 (as of 12/21/2009)
The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities (For Kids series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/21/2009)
FAVORITE FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS
Here are some of our favorite spots to camp in Florida. Add yours to the list and 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 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/alafiariver/default.cfm
ALAFIA RIVER STATE PARK, Located 10 miles southeas more...0 points
http://www.floridastateparks.org/collier-seminole/default.cfm
COLLIER-SEMINOLE STATE PARK, Located on U.S. 41, 1 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
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.
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.
Manatees, the Gentle Giants
Manatee Encounter
One of the only places it is legal to interact with manatees is Crystal River. Even here, you must remain on the surface, not chase the manatee and only touch with one hand. Sometimes the manatee comes to you and wants to be scratched.
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Books on Manatees
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
FABULOUS 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 add a link to your favorite spot to visit or vote for your favorite right here.
Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay--Meet the animals up close and personal more...1 point
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
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.
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.
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 dro 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 Amer more...0 points
Wagon Wheel Flea Market / St. Petersburg Shopping
Wagon Wheel Flea Market, Pinellas Park, FL HUGE f more...0 points
USA Fleamarket in Port Richey, Florida Welcomes You
USA Fleamarket, Port Richey, antiques, collectibl 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
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.
BOK TOWER VIDEO
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.
Reader Feedback
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Reply
- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Aug 17, 2009 @ 6:10 am | in reply to heipet
- Thank you for adding your lens to the All 50 States Group Lensography.
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Reply
- csc61 csc61 Aug 5, 2009 @ 6:39 am
- Enjoyed your lens, just starting in squiddo and searching for fellow Florida lovers. Also like the Blue Springs lens by Vacation-in-my-head. Blue Springs is like my favorite place on earth. Will add both to my lensroll. http://www.squidoo.com/crazyaboutcamping
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Reply
- fortune68 fortune68 Jun 21, 2009 @ 10:07 am
- Beautiful informative lens on Florida. I shall refer to it when I go and visit! 5 stars for all the great info you have put together.
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Reply
- heipet heipet Jun 8, 2009 @ 11:02 am
- I have submitted this lens to "All 50 States"!
http://www.squidoo.com/50-states
Don`t forget to vote for it.
heipet - SUMMER Group groupmaster
PS. I have also added two Florida lenses from the SUMMER Group to your plexo above!
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Reply
- dustytoes dustytoes May 19, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
- I've visited some of theses spots! Nice lens...
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by JanetG
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