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Visitors can remember the victims of Nazi concentration camps at the inspiring Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach. Another site with deep historical roots is the Miccosukee Indian Village. Thirty miles west of Miami, the bustle of the city yields to a simpler way of life. Here in the Everglades, native Miccosukee Indians sustain their heritage and educate visitors by making and selling crafts, sharing folklore, wrestling alligators, and conducting airboat tours of the delicate Everglades ecosystem. The southwest coast of Florida features one eccentric beach enclave after another.
Roaming through the region's coastal villages and small barrier islands, wayside wanderers will find pirate hideouts, unusual pioneer settlements, and famous winter retreats. Many of the area's most unique, off-the-beaten-path locales are best reached by boat and best navigated on foot or by bicycle. Although today a popular beach vacation destination, the island still retains remnants from its days as a turn-of-the-century Native American trading post. A dozen key historic markers across the island chart Marco Island history. The island competes with Sanibel Island to its north for bragging rights on the best shelling , but there is little competition when it comes to paddling—the waterways around the Ten Thousand Islands is second to none.
In Fort Myers, visitors biking or driving down McGregor Boulevard will soon discover how the town came to be known as the City of Palms.
Originally a cattle trail, the scenic boulevard is now lined by nearly 1, royal palms, some planted by the city's former winter resident Thomas Edison. Edison's mark can be seen elsewhere in the picturesque city. Beyond his famed winter estate, travelers can explore the Edison Park subdivision and find the Thomas Edison Congregational Church , as well as an assortment of Mediterranean Revival, Neoclassical, and Greek Revival homes dating back to the turn of the century.
Sparkling off the Lee County coast, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are among the most well-known islands in the region, popular for their excellent shelling and captivating beaches. But visitors will also find picturesque paths and historical gems tucked along Sanibel's main thoroughfare, Periwinkle Way. On this lush island, where all the buildings must be lower than the tallest palm, the sites are best seen by cycling along Periwinkle Way's canopy of whispering pines and expansive banyans. Visit the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, which showcases the island's history with special touches such as a pioneer-vintage island residence and s-versions of a general store, post office, and tea room.
Or stop by the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum for a dazzling display of shells that wash up on the island. At the east end of Periwinkle Way, travelers can get an up-close look at one of the region's most photographed landmarks, the Sanibel Lighthouse, which dates back to , when the entire island was a wildlife refuge. It's two adjacent stilt houses are typical of Florida architecture at the turn of the century. Historic villages, ethnic enclaves, and gilded architecture can be explored at a leisurely pace. The delightful island village of Venice offers avenues graced by Northern Italian architecture and fine shopping centers.
Relax in degree mineralized water that soothes aches and pains right away.
Wandering up Sarasota County's shimmering Gulf Coast, travelers will find fragrant gardens and numerous small towns. Overlooking Sarasota Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens fills nine tranquil acres with more than 20, colorful plants in 20 distinct garden areas. Nearby, Sarasota Jungle Gardens showcases lush tropical vegetation and exotic waterfowl, plus has a petting zoo and shell museum. Traveling north across the Sunshine Skyway that spans Tampa Bay , Pinellas County's particular blend of culture and history is also wonderfully preserved in several vibrant communities.
Strolling through Tarpon Springs , vacationers get the impression they are visiting a seaside Mediterranean village. Here, the aroma of freshly baked Greek pastries and festive melodies fill the air, while fisherman and shopkeepers exchange greetings in Greek.
Considered America's Sponge Capital at the turn of the century, Tarpon Springs has retained the colorful traditions and atmosphere introduced by Greek sponge divers over a hundred years ago. Or they can take walking tours of the picturesque downtown area, featuring quirky antique shops and cafes in a village-like atmosphere. Spinning, weaving and other exhibitions are held regularly and add to the authentic atmosphere. Petersburg's trolley service provides travelers with easy access to a variety of downtown cultural treasures. And near downtown St. Petersburg , one of Florida's original roadside attractions still thrives.
Sunken Gardens features an exotic collection of more than 50, tropical plants and flowers as well as a walk-through aviary, wax museum of biblical characters, and gator wrestling shows. The former hotel, with its distinctive Moorish architecture, still stands but now operates as the University of Tampa, with one wing — the Henry B. Plant Museum — furnished as it was in the late s. Visitors can wander through opulent rooms, such as the restored parlor suite, domed dining room, and a magnificent solarium. The museum also showcases Victorian art, furniture, and fashions.
And, we are excited to be able to start incorporating the voting element for planning these trips soon. But, for now, please email us with any of your ideas:. On this episode, Jaime and Glenn preview their trip to check out the wetlands and wildlife of Billie Swamp Safari. We gear up for their rides and animal encounters by exploring the culture, people, and history of those who run it--Florida's Seminole Indian Tribe!! Giving you two adventures in one, Jaime and Glenn cruise their way into Key West!
Is it a favorite pastime when visiting or revisiting parts of this peninsular state? Florida's Lower Keys. North Dayton Community. National Longhouse - NSD. Gopher tortoises and their burrows are listed as Threatened and are protected under state law.
Join them as they take you on an action-packed adventure on land and sea! Can they do the in-1 challenge with only 6 hours at port in Key West? From jet boats to petty cabs, this is one adventure not to miss! They checked out the "signature side" of Key West--from eats and drinks to activities and a bit of history!!
Stop 1 , a. They introduce you to Scotty Fusion, a year veteran of a life aboard a cruise ship, and we'll all listen in to one of the craziest cruising stories we've ever heard.
They also discuss a few of Key West's more unique history, traits, and treasures and then get into a whole bunch of other fun Florida stuff. We will be checking out the "signature side" of Key West--from eats and drink to activities and a bit of history. If you will be in the Keys on that day, come out and join us at one of these first two spots!!
Thanks to the wonderful representatives from all around our land who shared their special slice of paradise. They really made this episode happen!! Your tour guides bring you along with them from Punta Gorda, all around coast to coast, and then down to the Florida Keys on this unique episode. Special thanks to the folks at Visit Florida for putting on Florida Huddle--the travel and tourism conference where this magic happened.
Let's go for a ride They also share fun facts about Florida's travel and tourism industries and then get into a whole bunch of other fun Florida stuff. The Wheels of Daytona Beach! A town known to pack a punch, there was no better way for Jaime and Glenn to explore Daytona Beach then by challenging themselves to get on as many wheeled experiences as possible in a single day. Golf carts, bikes, ferris wheels, hot rods—you name it, they aimed to conquer them! In this episode, our hosts take you to one town that covers all bases—famous for its boardwalk, speedway, and of course its beach… Daytona Beach!
Special thanks to the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and our Daytona Beach listeners for all their help in putting this adventure together. You may notice our agenda seems a bit shortened? Jaime and Glenn look ahead to their automotive-inspired adventures in Daytona Beach: getting into as much wheeled fun in 1 day as possible!
How many wheels can they jump on??
Plus, they introduce you to the history of the town that's home to the "World's Most Famous Beach. Listen in….
Critters of Florida Story: Florida opossum breaks into liquor store, gets drunk as a skunk , Critter Files. Do you consider yourself in the know when it comes to craft beverages? Does it make you happy to support the creativity of local establishments by lifting a glass or mug? When visiting natural spaces, we can all leave them unharmed or better with some simple measures.