Dalia Colon And Gary McKechnie 2017-12-13 02:21:19
Ride with the Sun 10 OF FLORIDA’S BEST ROAD TRIPS Search {Scenic Highways} at VISITFLORIDA.com With stunning views and drive-with-the-windows-down weather, Florida provides the perfect backdrop for your next road trip. There are 26 Florida Scenic Highways and Byways in total, providing more than just eye candy—follow them and you’ll swim with dolphins, drink from the Fountain of Youth and eat lunch with an astronaut. Here are 10 Sunshine State road trips to add to your bucket list. North Life slows down along these scenic byways. Journey through fi shing towns and cross ancient Indian trails in quintessential “Old Florida.” Big Bend Scenic Byway Just south of Tallahassee, this 220-mile road hugs Florida’s curvy northwest coast, giving the “bend” its name. The byway encompasses Leon, Wakulla and Franklin counties, with landscapes ranging from sun-kissed beaches to the longleaf pines of Apalachicola National Forest. Plan a visit for fall or winter, when the deer, black bears and other wildlife are most active. Bring your appetite to Apalachicola, a laidback coastal town that produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters. After you’ve had your fill at any of the seafood restaurants in town, satisfy your sense of curiosity with a visit to one of Apalach’s educational attractions. Tour Orman House Historic State Park, an antebellum home on the banks of the Apalachicola River; walk the nature path and check out the aquariums at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve; or stay cool at the John Gorrie State Museum, which pays homage to the man who invented the precursor to the air conditioner. Next, cross the bridges over Apalachicola Bay to St. George Island. Walk the soft sand, climb the lighthouse, and enjoy another seafood meal—after all, you’re on vacation—before heading back to the mainland. From here, take in the view as you drive up the coast about 60 miles northeast to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, home of the annual Monarch Butterfly Festival in October and wildlife year round. Birdwatchers flock there—pun intended—to catch a glimpse of the American bald eagle, hear the call of the redcockaded woodpecker, and observe more than 300 bird species who call the area home. Check the calendar at fws.gov for a schedule of events, which include guided birding tours, nature films and children’s activities. Also enjoy fishing, hiking and a peaceful view of the lighthouse near the mouth of the St. Marks River. Pure bliss. MAIN STREETS Travel Back in Time on Apalachicola's Market Street Explore Apalachicola’s Market Street where 19th-century commercial blocks are now filled with independent shops selling gifts, clothing and accessories. Old warehouses now house art and antiques, and grand homes serve as quaint inns. Check out any restaurant for a taste of gendary Apalachicola oysters. Scenic Highway 30A This 28.5-mile highway will guide you through some of Northwest Florida’s most charming beachfront communities. If you visit in the fall, you can catch the tail end of beach season and see monarch butterflies on the shore as they migrate south. Start off by exploring the Timpoochee Trail, named for Chief Timpoochee Kinnard of the Euchee Indians. This 18.6-mile paved bike path meanders through seven beach communities, with an abundance of shorelines, restaurants and scenic vistas along the way. Next, cross Choctawhatchee Bay south to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Bring your camera to capture the white-sand beaches, towering dunes and rare coastal dune lakes. Visit for a few hours or set up camp at the park’s Gregory E. Moore RV Resort. Then make your way east to Seaside, whose pastel buildings made a picture-perfect setting for the 1998 movie The Truman Show. At Seaside Amphitheater, catch an outdoor concert or enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Finally, walk Alys Beach, known for its alabaster white architecture. Events like Digital Graffti in the spring bring a kaleidoscope of color to the streets. MAIN STREETS Old-Time Nostalgia in Grayton Beach Take Highway 30A to the village of Grayton Beach. Explore independent retail shops and boutiques along Magnolia and Defuniak streets. Follow the locals to Hotz Avenue where a jazz band heats up evenings at the Red Bar, the town’s de facto meeting place and most popular restaurant. Old Florida Heritage Highway For a glimpse of Old Florida, spend some time along this route that’s far from the theme parks and glitzy metropolises. Make the 48-mile ride just south of Gainesville along U.S. 441 in autumn or winter, when you can participate in annual events like the Micanopy Fall Festival in October, First Day Hike in January, or Stargazing at Paynes Prairie in February. Start your journey against the backdrop of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which 18th-century naturalist William Bartram nicknamed the “great Alachua Savannah.” The preserve’s vast wetlands and seemingly endless skies are a haven for wild horses, bison and more than 270 species of birds. Explore the area on horseback, bicycle or foot via the paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Also enjoy yoga, geocaching and occasional special events. From Paynes Prairie, head southeast to tiny Micanopy. Little more than one mile square, this enclave is big on Southern charm with antique shops along tree-lined Cholokka Boulevard, a historic post office that’s ideal for photo ops and cracker-style seafood dinners at The Yearling Restaurant. Speaking of The Yearling, no tour of the area would be complete without a visit to Cross Creek. Best known as the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the town honors its native daughter with tours of her 1930s home at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway Cruise along 72 miles of Atlantic coastline and experience everything from historic monuments to bustling beaches to the World Golf Hall of Fame. The daytime vistas don’t disappoint, and for equally stunning views after dark, visit between November and January, when St. Augustine’s historic district hosts Nights of Lights, a seasonal display of millions of white holiday lights. Devote at least one full day to St. Augustine, founded in 1565 and recognized as the oldest successful European settlement in the United States. Explore Fort Matanzas National Monument, built by Spanish settlers to defend St. Augustine from British attack. Then awaken your inner child as you sip the water at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a living museum that recreates the Native American village, Spanish mission and working blacksmiths from the 1500s. St. Augustine is also an ideal destination for kids. Visit Marineland Dolphin Adventure, a family-friendly amusement park, to feed, touch, swim with and even paint with bottlenose dolphins. Kids can also plunder some fun at the Pirate and Treasure Museum, which tells the story of real-life pirates from 300 years ago. Watch their jaws drop at all the oddities inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. The city also makes for a great romantic getaway. Snuggle up in a horse-drawn carriage as you ride along cobblestone streets, climb to the top of St. Augustine Lighthouse at dusk for the monthly Sunset Moonrise Tour or stand extra close during a moonlit ghost tour. Even if you don’t splurge on a room at the Casa Monica Resort, browse its art collection or spring for a meal at the elegant Costa Brava restaurant. After your time in St. Augustine, enjoy the Atlantic view as you head about 35 miles south to the retro-beachy town of Flagler Beach. Walk the grounds of what was once a sugar plantation at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, enjoy water sports in Gamble Rogers State Park and check out the exhibits at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. On the first Friday of each month, stick around for late museum hours, plus music, food and fun in nearby Veterans Park. PHOTO: DARON DEAN MAIN STREETS St. George Street on Foot More than 450 years of history peaks along St. Augustine’s St. George Street. Walk block after block of trading companies, gift shops, clothing stores, bookstores and souvenir stores. Dine at renowned restaurants, bakeries and saloons, but mostly, embrace the traces of the city’s history everywhere from Florida’s oldest church, the Cathedral Basilica, to the Spanish-influenced architecture of centuries-old homes. Central Get in touch with nature on these Central Florida byways. From oceans and national forests to space travel, these road trips will take you to beaches and beyond. Green Mountain Scenic Byway Explore the laid-back side of Central Florida as you travel this 19-mile stretch just west of Orlando, from Mount Dora down to Winter Garden. October to March is the area’s festival season, with events including the Wings and Wildflowers Festival in October and Birdapalooza in February. Most of Florida is pretty flat, but at 312 feet above sea level, Sugarloaf Ridge attracts bicyclists from around the world. Whether you’re a serious enthusiast or a casual rider, a two-wheeled ride around this verdant landscape is a great way to start your visit. Make it to the top of the hill—the second-highest point in the state—and you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Orlando, Lake Apopka and nearby nature preserves. Venture out on your own, or join the masses for the annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival in October or the annual Horrible Hundred event in November. Once your quads are burning, reward yourself with some R&R in picturesque Mount Dora. This town about 30 miles northwest of Orlando oozes charm with its walkable downtown of antique shops, inviting B&Bs and Lake Dora sunsets. Enjoy a boat tour through the Dora Canal, savor a mimosa during brunch on the veranda of the historic Lakeside Inn, or get lost in the corn maze at Long & Scott Farms. While the town is a great place to unwind, it comes alive several times a year during its semi-annual Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza and Mount Dora Craft Fair. From here, continue south another 20 miles or so to Winter Garden. This town just west of the buzzing theme park scene offers plenty of laid-back attractions. Stroll through the historic downtown, browse the merchants at Plant Street Market, and check out the relics at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. A sweet finishing touch on your journey is a visit to Showcase of Citrus in Clermont. As the name implies, this is the place to pick your own fruit or slurp an orange juice slushie in the country store. But that’s only the beginning. You can also sample fruit wines, see farm animals and tour the grounds in a monster truck. It’s pretty spectacular when you’re up there because everything else is ironing-board flat. — Greg Gensheimer, president & chairman of Green Mountain Scenic Byway, Inc. MAIN STREETS New England in Florida: Donnelly Street Mount Dora’s Donnelly Street retains a retro New England style that belies its sophistication. It is sprinkled with wine shops, bakeries, award-winning jewelers, importers, art galleries and a selection of international dining options. The allure of Donnelly Street has led to multiple magazines naming Mount Dora one of America’s most charming small towns. Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Embark on a journey along Florida’s central Atlantic coastline. Attractions along this 233-mile byway range from Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Park—which has bragging rights as the place where the 16thcentury explorer first disembarked in what’s now Florida—all the way to the modern Space Age. For some down-to-earth fun, visit in winter, when the weather is optimal for kayaking and camping, plus January’s Space Coast Birding Festival. Begin your journey in Titusville, a town that’s the centerpiece of Florida’s Space Coast. At the family-friendly American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, pay your respects to the more than 9,000 fallen officers whose names appear on the museum’s memorial. Titusville is also home to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Then head southeast across the Indian and Banana rivers to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Stand up close to the shuttle Atlantis, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator and have lunch with an astronaut. Continue on to Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. The seven-story structure is architecturally stunning. Inside, galleries, interactive exhibits and films tell the story of the area’s history, while outdoor observation decks offer unparalleled views of Florida’s East Coast. And when rockets launch from Kennedy Space Center, the Exploration Tower offers a front row seat to history. After all that learning, you deserve some rest at Cocoa Beach. Only an hour’s drive east of Orlando, enjoy people-watching on the pier, shop for a new swimsuit at the original Ron Jon Surf Shop, then hang 10 in the Atlantic waves. Continue down to Melbourne for a visit to the Brevard Zoo. Yes, there are thousands of animals, but it’s how you’ll see them that makes this zoo a standout. Glide high above the zoo’s residents during the Treetop Trek ziplining experience, or kayak around the property’s river to see the giraffes and other animals up close. End your trip at the beginning, so to speak, with a stop at Ponce de Leon Landing Park in Melbourne Beach. Imagine what it was like for the explorer back in 1513, and you’ll appreciate how far you’ve come. MAIN STREETS The Space Coast's Historic Cocoa Village This vintage riverfront neighborhood maintains its old-world charm with restaurants, cafes and art galleries filling buildings that date to the 1890s. On Brevard Street, events range from wine strolls to classic car shows and art festivals. A few blocks east, people gather at the riverfront park for live concerts, to walk along the waterfront boardwalk, and to admire the broad Indian River. PHOTO: TOM BURTON Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Journey off the grid as you explore these 123 miles in and around Ocala National Forest. This part of Florida is known for its sand pine trees, clear springs and, yes, black bears. The area was the setting for many classic films, including Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Tarzan movies. Visit in wintertime for mild weather that’s ideal for hiking, kayaking and camping. Start your expedition on the edge of Lake George State Forest at Barberville Pioneer Settlement. At this “living” museum, you’ll experience the culture of 19th-century cowboys known as “Crackers” via live animals, historical interpreters, and a train station. From here, head about 20 miles west to the Juniper Springs Recreation Area inside Ocala National Forest, where you can dive into the 72-degree waters. Juniper Springs is the only recreation area within Ocala National Forest that has a diving platform. Then explore the natural trail along Juniper Run and spot otters from the bridge at Fern Hammock Springs. Once you’re feeling rested, get back on the beaten path with a meal at the Blackwater Inn. This eatery in Astor is known for seafood, live entertainment and its prime spot on the St. Johns River. PHOTO:OCALA/MARION COUNTY VCB MAIN STREETS A Local Favorite: Broadway Avenue Between Highway 40 and Broadway Avenue, the Ocala Downtown Square is the centerpiece of the city’s historic district. Bordered by a long row of shops, restaurants and cafes, the avenue is also home to a Saturday morning farmers’ market. The square hosts First Friday Artwalks, concerts in the park and films at the historic Marion Theatre. Broadway Avenue really shines in the weeks before Christmas though, when the trees are decorated and an artificial ice rink takes center stage. South Pick your pace in South Florida. Relax in the Keys or party in Fort Lauderdale. Either way, you’re never far from turquoise-blue water. Florida Keys Scenic Highway Get ready for one of the most gorgeous rides of your life. This 106-mile road goes by many names, including U. S. Highway 1, the Overseas Highway, the Highway that Goes to Sea, and the magic carpet. But whatever you call it, the journey will leave you speechless as you start in Miami, connect the dots over the turquoise waters to the Florida Keys and end up in Key West. There’s always something happening along this route, but September is a great time to visit if you want to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. Start your adventure in Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are several ways to experience the country’s first undersea park, including scuba diving, snorkeling or a glass-bottomed boat tour. Trekking farther south, you’ll come to the 7 Mile Bridge, a man-made wonder that proves getting there really is half the fun. This bridge connecting Knights Key to Little Duck Key offers unparalleled views of paradise, with palms swaying in the breeze and pelicans diving for their dinner. If you’re here in springtime, turn your scenic drive into a scenic race by participating in the annual 7 Mile Bridge Run. Now, on to Key West. You could spend weeks soaking in all that this quintessential Florida vacation spot has to offer, but we’ll hit you with a few highlights. Start with a selfie at the Southernmost Point. At the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, you can tour where the famed novelist lived and wrote. And end the day in Mallory Square with Key West’s famous sunset celebration, featuring jugglers, artists, musicians, food vendors and other Colorful characters who make the eccentric town what it is. Just when you thought you’ve gone as far as you could in your Keys adventure, here’s the cherry on top: an excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, the island park is accessible only by seaplane, private boat or— thankfully—a ferry from Key West. Once there, you can explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, snorkel or dive in the reefs, and even camp overnight. It’s so gorgeous. It’s endless water as far as you can see. — Gina Boilini, president of the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance MAIN STREETS Duval Street: Key West's Lively Side Key West’s Duval Street spills over with laughter and music from legendary spots such as the Green Parrot, Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s Saloon, where a young Jimmy Buffett found his muse and his message. In time, travelers would seek out Buffett’s fictional utopia of Margaritaville and attempt to frequent most, if not all, of the street’s watering holes in an odyssey known as “The Duval Crawl.” Few places have such a challenge named in their honor. Then again, few places are like Duval Street. Palma Sola Scenic Highway It’s only 4.5 miles long, but this route is a case of quality over quantity. The highway passes through Manatee County along some of the getaway spots beloved by locals, including Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. A bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly sidewalk spans the entire north side of the highway, so a car isn’t the only way to make the voyage. Visit in November to marvel at SandBlast, a festival of sand sculpting competitions and workshops that’ll have you looking at the beach in a whole new way. Start off bright and early at Palma Sola Causeway Park, a recreational area that’s a hit with animal lovers. Not only is this one of the area’s few dog-friendly beaches, but visitors also can go horseback riding through the surf. You’re welcome to B.Y.O.H., or make a reservation with the company Beach Horses for a horse surfing tutorial. They’ll meet you in Palma Sola Bay with a horse and teach you how to ride the horse while the horse is swimming. If that idea doesn’t blow your mind, then the view of the sun rising over the Gulf of Mexico certainly will. As the day heats up, take refuge in the mid-sized town of Bradenton, which offers a mix of natural wonders and more modern attractions. Explore the shaded wetlands of Robinson Preserve via bike or kayak. And leave plenty of time to cool off inside the South Florida Museum, a complex that also houses Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium. From Bradenton, cross over to Anna Maria Island (see Main Streets), a laid-back beach town that’s a favorite among Floridians. For an extra-special treat, take a charter from Anna Maria Island out to Egmont Key, a national wildlife refuge that’s accessible only via boat. (There’s also a ferry that leaves from Fort De Soto Park, about a 36-mile drive north of Anna Maria). This tiny island preserve is a haven for seabirds, gopher tortoises and folks just looking to slow down. Bring your own drinking water and sundries because there are no stores on the key—which is just the way visitors like it. Hunt for seashells and explore the 19th-century lighthouse. MAIN STREETS Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island Anna Maria Island’s Pine Avenue begins on a quiet Gulf beach and passes through quaint and eclectic restaurants and shops leading to Bayfront Park, where fishermen can overlook the stunning Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay. The island itself is home to vintage cottages, circa-1960s shopping plazas, retail shops and seafood restaurants – all of which are best explored by bicycle or golf cart. Broward County A1A Scenic Highway Enjoy this 25-mile stretch of Florida’s East Coast, from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County, passing through Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Fall is a great time to visit if you like mild temperatures or music— and really, who doesn’t? Catch the ¡Viva Broward! Hispanic Heritage Festival in October, Hollywood Jazz Festival and Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival, both in November. On any Fort Lauderdale itinerary, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a must. Whether you’re into history, flowers or bling, this waterfront estate is sure to dazzle you. Tour the 1920s home, marvel at its unparalleled collection of live orchids, hear a gardening talk, walk the nature trail that Native Americans and European explorers once trekked and much more. From here, head about three miles south to Fort Lauderdale’s best-known thoroughfare, Las Olas Boulevard. By day, the tree-lined street is the ideal place to shop the boutiques or have a bite to eat at a sidewalk cafe. If you’re traveling with kids, take a detour about two miles west of Las Olas to explore the Museum of Discovery and Science. After dark, return to the main drag as the palm trees wrapped in lights set the scene for an evening of nightclubs and water taxi rides. Finally, continue south to the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a bustling oceanfront promenade.Take a leisurely beachfront bike ride, dine al fresco at one of many cafes, browse the boutiques and hop on the trolley for easy transportation. MAIN STREETS Ocean Drive and a Charming Village by the Sea What delighted travelers in the Art Deco era still delights visitors in the charming seaside village of Lauderdale by-the-Sea. Colorful beach umbrellas and Adirondack chairs brighten up public plazas, anglers test their luck at Anglins Pier, benches are shaped like boats and bicycle racks are shaped like fish. Coral reef sculptures swim with parrotfish, green turtles, eagle rays and sea fans. This timeless quality washes over Ocean Drive in family-owned hotels, seasonal rentals, and throughout a district rich in retail and complemented by a diverse range of restaurants. Best seen on foot, it’s easy to expand your range courtesy of the Pelican Hopper, a free community bus that loops through the town. VISIT FLORIDA is showcasing Florida Main Street communities in partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and the Department of State’s Florida Main Street Program. Search {Main Street} on VISITFLORIDA.com
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Road Trips
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