Things You'll Need:
- A Florida map
- A guidebook for Florida
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Step 1
Swim in a spring. Florida’s porous limestone geology means that the state is covered with spring-fed pools. These swimming holes are crystal clear and constant in temperature—perfect for snorkeling any time of the year. Blue Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park and Ginnie Springs near Gainesville are ideal spots for a day’s outing.
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Step 2
Explore the small towns of north Florida. The area around Gainesville and Ocala is full of historic towns with live oak-lined main streets. Author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings spent most of her adult life in this region. In Cross Creek, Florida, you can visit her homestead, which has been preserved as a working 1930s farm.
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Step 3
Pick your own produce. Many farms around the state offer u-pick services. It’s hard to beat an orange fresh off the tree or a strawberry still warm from the sun. Available produce varies according to season, so it’s best to call a farm before you go.
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Step 4
Take a tour of a working Florida cattle ranch. Cattle-ranching is one of the lesser known industries of Florida, but it goes back more than 100 years in the state. Besides learning about ranching, visitors can look for wildlife and observe a largely natural Florida habitat.
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Step 5
Check out Florida’s festivals. From frog legs to strawberries, local festivals celebrate Florida’s culture.
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Step 6
Go camping in Florida’s state parks. It’s best to camp in the winter—the heat, humidity and insects of summer make camping arduous. Florida’s state parks are well-maintained and a great way to experience the state’s native vegetation and wildlife.
Comments
meeke said
on 9/15/2009 Good to know. 5*
ruf1950 said
on 9/15/2009 Wow, you wrote what I was about to write ;)! Great article. Don't forget to go tubing at Ichnetucknee Springs - just north of Gainesville. 5*****
maryladd said
on 9/7/2009 loved your article..I live in Florida and there is so much to here