scenic drives in Florida Archives - ETB Travel Photography

State Sign Challenge: Florida

It’s that time again. Time for another state sign challenge. Annie and I reused our Halloween costume of a SCUBA diver and shark. Only this time we were at least near sea level rather than in the mountains and seems appropriate for the State of Florida.

Florida is known as the shark attack capital of the world and accounts for more than half of the total shark attacks in the USA each year. But please don’t let that statistic scare you given, the percentage of people swimming in Florida waters year-round probably far outweighs most other states. Not to mention, I’m a firm believer that most animals, including sharks, don’t hunt humans for the heck of it like the media portrays.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!

Seaside and The Truman Show

On the recommendation of a friend, during my yearlong roadtrip across the USA 11 years ago, I visited Watercolor and Seaside in the Florida panhandle. On my shortened journey this year (due to some challenges with VANgo and changing my travel priorities to horses), I made Seaside my last stop in Florida upon my return home from Texas.

Last time I visited the area, I hiked with the dogs in Grayton Beach State Park, strolled the beach, and enjoyed lunch at the Shrimp Shack. This time, since I learned that a histamine intolerance is causing my migraines and eating seafood is out of the question, I made my tour about The Truman Show, a movie which came out in 1998.

TAKE THE TOUR!

Things to Do in Crystal River

The City of Crystal River is located in Citrus County on the Nature Coast in Florida’s bend on the Gulf of Mexico. It is best known for the manatees which are attracted to its first magnitude springs in the winter months and markets itself as the manatee capital of the world. I’d be lying if swimming with the manatees wasn’t the main reason why I visited Crystal River, but the city of 3,000 offers other things to do as well. A few are listed below:

EXPLORE!

A Day in Dunedin

After visiting Venice for a couple of days, VANgo, Annie and I inched a little further north to Dunedin. Dunedin is located on the west coast just north of Tampa. It is best known for its beaches and pine forest of Honeymoon Island.

FIND OUT MORE!

Things to Do in Venice

The City of Venice is located on the coast in Southwest Florida about one hour south of Saint Petersburg. It was formerly known as Horse and Chaise, but settlers renamed it due to the many natural waterways.

Venice grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1925, but subsequently slowed with the 1929 stock market crash. The city gained a new life with an Army Air Base during WWII and the circus coming to town for its winter home in 1960.

Currently, the city of 25,000 features a lovely, historic downtown and many beautiful beaches. It is known as the “shark tooth capital of the world” and offers visitors many things to do, some of which I’ve listed below.

EXPLORE!

Fort Myers, Pine Island, and Cape Coral

After visiting Sanibel Island for the day, I seeked out a Cracker Barrel outside of Fort Myers for the night. This was my first time to camp at a Cracker Barrel, and the parking area was much nicer than Walmart’s where I tend to stay at when wilderness is not available. Cracker Barrel parking lots in Florida are heavily shaded which is a luxury for these hot days. I joined several other quiet campers in the back.

It was so nice, I actually returned for another night, but things were different the second time. The person next to me was running something gas powered, and all the fumes were seeping into my open windows. After an hour of breathing exhaust, I finally moved only to be awoken at 5:30 am as workers delivered boxes of supplies from the truck to the Cracker Barrel kitchen.

Oh well, what can I say? You get what you pay for! And in this case, boondocking in a shaded parking lot was probably still better than reserving a $100 shadeless, campground a year in advance!

EXPLORE!

Things to Do on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is located off the west coast of Florida near Fort Myers. The 15 by 5 mile island is best known for its seashells and the “Sanibel Stoop” (bent at the waist collecting shells).

Sanibel offers all the modern conveniences without all the modern high rises. Buildings may only be as tall as the highest tree, approximately three stories.

By car, the island is accessed via the Sanibel Causeway for a $6 toll. The road extends through Sanibel to Captiva Island.

Given the Captiva Island beaches are not dog friendly and Annie, my Doberman, is my sidekick, I didn’t make it to Captiva, though I had plenty to do for a day in Sanibel.

ISLAND HOP!

Things to Do in Jupiter

Jupiter is the northernmost town in Palm Beach County and has a population of 61,000. The beach town is rated one of the top and happiest in the USA. Its barrier island is ranked as having the highest per capita income of any place in the country. It is home to the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Celine Dion. While I did drive down the street of mansions blocked by high bushes, naturally I didn’t boondock nearby!

NOT THE PLANET!

Top Things to Do in Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a city of 13,000 located in central Florida northwest of Orlando. Restaurants, cute shops, galleries, wineries, and more line the quaint historic downtown. Mount Dora is known for its arts and antiques and holds many festivals.

Stay at the Lakeside Inn

When visiting, definitely stay at the Lakeside Inn located on Lake Mount Dora on the edge of the historic district. Built in 1883, Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida. It has hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, including President Calvin Coolidge and Lady Grace Coolidge.

EXLPLORE!

Day 87 – Gulf Coast Drive Along the Florida Panhandle Part 4

Day 87 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

I logged another travel day into the books as I drove from the Florida Panhandle to Gadsden, Alabama. The uneventful drive took me past some fields, some farms, and mostly brown winter grass. Fortunately, I enjoyed a few places to the East of Destin before I left. These places included Watercolor and Grayton Beach State Park.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!