ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Wonders Florida has hundreds of small towns awaiting discovery. Start by exploring one — or all — of these five tiny towns, each fewer than two hours from vacation hot spots. By Cathy Salustri SMALL SANFORD Try some of the state’s best German food, ride a steamboat and support local artists in this hidden gem near Orlando. The St. Johns Rivership Company takes you up the river’s historic trade route. On a stroll downtown, pop into the Gallery on First for work from local artists and craftspeople — some of them Disney alums. Next door at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café , don some lederhosen , sample some Weisswurst (or the vegetarian spätzle toss ) and lift das boot for the ultimate Bavarian-Floridian experience. Third Saturday ArtWalks showcase artists and, each May, the art scene shines with the St. Johns River Festival of the Arts . WAKULLA SPRINGS Near Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, the bounty in Wakulla Springs includes local oysters (and gritty ambiance at Ouzts’), Old Joe (a beloved taxidermied alligator), and a boat ride where you’ll learn the connection between the Wakulla River, Tarzan, and Creature From the Black Lagoon . In April, stop by one of Florida’s more unusual events, the Worm Gruntin’ Festival in nearby Sopchoppy. Gulfport, photo by Karisa Klee 44 ✹ VISITFLORIDA.com
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