Floridianestates

Orlando – Off The Beaten Path: Discovering Central Florida Without Visiting Any Theme Parks… Can It Be Done?

One of my husband’s favourite places is Florida, since he is an avid golfer and likes to get away from the cold Canadian winter for his birthday in early December.

For a while now we had planned to visit Orlando, but neither one of us are into theme parks. So there was the challenge for me: would we be able to visit Orlando without setting foot into Disney or Universal Studios? For someone as curious as me this was a suitable challenge and I had been doing weeks of searches on the Internet and communicating with the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau to find out about interesting destinations off the beaten path.

Well, I am happy to say, we arrived back safely yesterday from our trip, and the trip itself was quite an adventure since we decided to drive from Toronto to Orlando, about 2100 km each way! Actually, the drive was not as painful as I expected. The drive through Pennsylvania and West Virginia was nice and hilly, and I particularly enjoyed coming over the ridge of the Appalachians, right where Virginia and North Carolina meet, where you get a beautiful view of the piedmont area around Winston-Salem that spreads out towards the Atlantic in front of the mountain chain.

And I am even happier to say that in the 14 or so days that we spent in Orlando, not only did we get to play a lot of golf (to make my husband really happy…;) – including Mystic Dunes, Champions Gate, Royal St. Cloud Links, Hawk’s Landing and Timacuan Golf and Country Club, not to mention the Walking Hall of Fame experience of the PGA Father Son Challenge at Champions Gate, but I also got to explore some really interesting places, destinations I would not have expected in Orlando and its surrounding region. I also had a chance to do an interview with GolfOrlando to get a much better idea of why Orlando is called “The Ultimate Golf Theme Park”.

We started off our first week with a visit to the Orange Country Regional History Center, which gave us a suitable historic background of Orlando and Central Florida. Then, for some sociological and cultural insights, we visited the Well’s Built Museum for African American History and Culture in Orlando. To top off our first day of exploration we enjoyed a walk around picturesque Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

The next item on my off-the-beaten path agenda was a discovery of the City of Winter Park, a beautiful suburb of Orlando, reminiscent of Old European towns. I also went on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which was an entertaining, informative and visually appealing excursion.

The adrenaline revved up significantly on our next outing: a very high-speed airboat ride at Boggy Creek, that was followed up by a much lower speed swamp buggy ride in a custom-built monster truck that took us through authentic Florida landscape.

After our golf outing at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links we enjoyed a wonderful picnic by the waterfront in sunny downtown Kissimmee. Then, on a beautiful Sunday morning we drove about an hour outside of Orlando to reach the quaint town of Mt. Dora, where I hopped on the “Herbie Express”, part of the Mt. Dora – Lake Eustis Scenic Railway.

From midweek in the second week onwards the weather took a turn for the worse. While planes were sliding off runways in Chicago and record temperatures were registered in the mid-western states, we were freezing in Florida where the mercury hovered around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (around +20 degrees Celsius). So I bought a rain jacket, and determined not to let the freezing cold interfere with our plans, we headed out to continue our explorations.

On a day that was forecast to be rainy, but just ended up being a bit grey and clammy, we went out to discover Loch Haven Park, Orlando’s center of science, art and culture. We then continued our explorations further south to discover some of Orlando’s historic neighbourhoods and parks such as Lake Cherokee and Lake Lucerne.

As the drizzly weather continued, we went on to visit Florida’s Natural Visitor Center in Lake Wales, about an hours drive south of Orlando, where I got a really good understanding of Central Florida’s citrus industry. I spent the afternoon in another famous attraction in Lake Wales which holds two National Historic Landmarks: the Historic Bok Sanctuary, where I got to see the beauty of the Bok estate and its historic carillon tower, combined with a tour through the historic Pinewood Estate, which was decked out in full Christmas decorations.

During these 2 weeks in Florida, we got exposed to a lot of its plants, flowers and wildlife, much of which you run into casually even while playing golf or picknicking by the waterfront. Florida has a surprising amount of natural diversity and I enjoyed watching the various types of birds, lizards, and squirrels. The only thing we didn’t get to see was a live alligator (with the exception of the well-hidden rear end of a small alligator during our swamp buggy tour – unfortunately I couldn’t even get a good picture of that one..). Apparently winter time is too cold for these creatures to come out of the water…

On our drive home, on a bright sunny day (of course…), we stopped off in St. Augustine, a historic town founded by the Spaniards in the 1500s, and the oldest continuously inhabited town in the United States – a mighty photogenic place, I should add.

So, you ask, is it possible to spend 2 weeks in Orlando without even setting foot inside a theme park and still have a good time? Well, based on the above itinerary I’d say that my plans to explore Orlando off the beaten path came to full fruition.

Mission accomplished.

This entire article including photos is located at http:www.travelandtransitions.comstories_photosorlando_off_the_beaten_path.htm

If theres one place on earth where almost everyone wants to go at one point in their lives whether theyre newlyweds, college students, families with small children, or even retirees its Orlando, Florida. Why? Because its the home of Walt Disney World! It doesnt matter how young or old you are when you travel to Orlando and head to Disney World, youll always feel like a kid. The excitement, adventure, and just plain fun atmosphere almost guarantees a perfect vacation in Orlando.

In fact, Walt Disney World first opened in 1971, and since that opening day, it has expanded to include an immense amount of features! It includes four theme parks, a sports complex, race track, two water parks, six golf courses, twenty family or resort hotels, and many, many more restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options than you could ever experience in just one visit. Literally, Walt Disney World takes up over 20,000 acres of space in Orlando, making it the largest amusement part in the world. Think that still isnt enough? Believe it or not, Disney actually has its own adjacent community in the Orlando suburbs, called Celebration.

Since there are four separate theme parks in Orlandos Walt Disney World, it can sometimes get a little confusing as to what each part really represents. Heres a quick overview of each theme park inside the Disney World property:

1) The Magic Kingdom: This theme park has seven countries, and each focuses on a different and unique theme. Inside the Magic Kingdom, youll travel to Main Street USA, Mickeys Toontown Fair, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland each with their own set of themed rides to enjoy!

2) Epcot: The Epcot park was initially built as an homage to technological innovation, and as such, focuses more on exhibits rather than rides. There is also a large focus on learning what it means to live in harmony with international culture, and therefore many of the exhibits are very informative and culturally-related.

3) Disney MGM-Studios: This Disney World part has five separate themed area, each attempting to focus on a different part of the studio production process. These areas include: Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, the Animation Courtyard, and the Backlot!

4) Disneys Animal Kingdom: The park here is dedicated to animal conservation, and as such, has seven small lands that focus on different species from these areas sometimes real, and sometimes imaginary! The sections include: Oasis, Camp Mickey & Minnie, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island, Africa, and Rafikis Planet Watch.

A trip to Orlando, Florida would simply not be complete without at least a day in Walt Disney World after all, its the place where dreams are supposed to come true!

North Florida — Full Of Culture, History, Sports, And Outdoor Adventure

North Florida is comprised of such large cities as Tallahassee, Panama City Beach, Jacksonville, Gainesville and Pensacola. Tallahassee is largely popular for being the state capital as well as home of Florida State University. This school’s mascot is the Seminoles and has an exceptional athletics department consisting of a basketball, baseball and championship football team. While in Tallahassee you may want to visit the Governor’s Mansion, the eclectic art districts or one of the more than 60 parks that make up this gorgeous city. Hike, bike or walk and see why this area is so beautiful.

Rivaling Florida State University is the University of Florida Gators which is located in Gainesville. This city, joking called the swamp because of the Gator mascot, bleeds orange and blue! This city is also home to Shands Hospital which is one of the leading employers in this area and on cutting edge of medical research. Santa Fe Community College is also located here and has the distinguished honor of being the only community college that runs its own zoo in the nation. Students serve as guides while you visit monkeys, reptiles and more at the 14 acre facility.

Panama City has over 27 miles of beach which has become a sun lover’s paradise. Six historic wrecks have made this area abundant for snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving. It has exotic sea life which helps these restaurants to provide you with the best seafood imaginable. What was once a hidden treasure is now a spring break hot spot. Almost year round you will find people sunbathing, splashing in the water, or just visiting one of waterfront restaurants.

Jacksonville is the 14th largest city in the United States and is home to the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s year round climate provides the perfect playground for residents and visitors to enjoy golf, boating, fishing and tennis. With miles of water from the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean, this area is a great place to be.

No matter where you visit or live in North Florida you are sure to have superb weather, and plenty of activities. These cities have preserved their cities charm, while growing and changing with the times. It is said that this area of the state is known for its gorgeous weather and southern charm. Come to North Florida and see for yourself!

New York Rivals Florida As Favorite Homeport for Cruise Lines

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, New York is a sought after vacation spot in its own right. In recent years, however, cruise lines have discovered the benefits – for their guests and themselves – of calling New York home.

Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to temporarily homeport a ship (the Norwegian Dawn) in New York during winter. According to Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Passenger Services, docking in New York started as a result of travel agent requests. What was then considered a wild card location soon became the permanent residence of the Dawn in 2003. What has resulted is a small fleet of ships from varying cruise lines that have chosen to move several of their vessels further up the Eastern Seaboard.

The Queen Mary 2 followed suit when it named New York as homeport on April 22, 2004. This distinctive vessel was received amid a huge fanfare including a Mayoral welcome complete with a U.S. Coastguard and Fire Department of New York escort. Bands, dignitaries and hordes of people attended the festivities.

Holland America has announced New York to be the homeport of its cruise ship, the Noordam, which will take up residence February 22, 2006. Norwegian moved the Spirit from Florida to her new home in New York, making a total of two year-round vessels in that port. Most recently, however, Princess Cruise Line joined the lineup with the positioning of their newest fleet member, Crown Princess, in New York starting June 14, 2006. But why move? And why to New York?

Ports in Florida have become almost full while cruise lines are continuing to build ships to add to their fleets. This supply and demand dilemma has all but forced cruise lines to look for alternative avenues of serving guests while maintaining costs. At the same time, cruise lines need to be able to continue providing viable access for vacationers to the most popular ports of call. Because of New York’s central location and popularity, it offers local attractions equal to or better than those of Florida. With three airports – JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International – New York also provides more accessible travel accommodations for those flying in to meet their ship.

Vacationers benefit with exciting pre- or post-cruise holidays in a town that literally offers everything imaginable. From five-star, celebrity-owned restaurants to entertainment that sets a worldwide standard to a shopping experience unmatched in any other city, New York has a heavy draw with cruisers. Plus the presence of nearby hotels that fit every budget makes finding and booking accommodations simple.

Cruise lines appreciate the fact that they can now offer departures from a second desirable location. Plus, because of New York’s proximity, cruise lines are still able to offer competitively priced packages to the most popular destinations including the Caribbean and Mexico while, at the same time, offering added flexibility for their guests.

Miami Beach, Florida Film And Entertainment – A Complete Review.

For the many attractive reasons visiting Miami Beach, Florida, are, for sure, the excuse now known as the must-attend Spring Break, or perhaps the roller-blading beach beauties, or maybe the perfect weather conditions. But more exciting reasons, transcending the travelers penchant for balmy bay winds and such, is in the reputation a place like Miami Beach, Florida has for featuring popular TV programs and series and hosting films which have a Miami Beach, Florida setting.

Remember the first long-standing show of the past – the Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas original Miami Vice version, which highlighted the Miami Beach, Florida scenes, ocean- and landscapes, and even southern fashions of the seventies and eightiesthe open necked t-shirt and sports coat and shoes without socks look that spread throughout the region as quick as Disco gold chains and polyester did. However in the same genre, three decades later, the even more influential Miami Beach, Florida show is CSI: MIAMI. The hang-dog heroic, the neo-Clint Eastwood with an intellect of David Carusos character leads the team into the Miami Beach, Florida luxury homes, onto the speedboats and yachts, and through the hippest of clubs of the famous party town. The details are captivating; the scenes are mesmeric.

Hence maybe the crime statistics implied by these shows are too off-putting for one to think of actually taking vacation at Miami Beach, Florida..then sure the cinematic way to go is by old films and newer non-detectivemysterycrime story themes. That is, maybe one can understand the local offerings, the schools, the libraries, the networking possibilities, the real estate, by watching Police Academy or Bad Santa or Wild Things. Maybe one can get a sense of the aesthetics, the social climate, and the politics of Miami Beach, Florida in a movie such as the new Miami Vice or the older, more non-fictionalized A Sculpture of Love and Anguish: The Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial. Or, maybe one can be pleased about the straight up beaches and wind in the palms atmosphere in films like Always Something Better; Black Sunday; or The Godfather or The Crew.

Sure, it may be an odd, unusual way to go about looking for real estate in Miami Beach Florida or deciding on the ideal vacation hotel or venue. On the other hand, it might be a more realistic impression to closely watch a show than to read a pamphlet or twoand besides, how do you think 3-D advertising got its head start!

Okeechobee is a Seminole Indian word meaning “great water cannot see other side”. True to its name, Lake Okeechobee is 748 square miles in size. It is the greatest provider of drinking water for south Florida, averaging 13-19 feet in depth.

Lake Okeechobee is renowned internationally for its fishing for bass and other species. It is located northeast of Naples, less than 2 hours away, and is heavily ringed with tackle shops, marinas, motels, restaurants, etc. You can find rental boats, gears and lodging to make your bass fishing trip more convenient and comfortable.

Lake Okeechobee also means ‘big water’ to the Seminole Indians, it is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States after Lake Michigan and its fishing reputation matches its size. Much of the lake’s 730 square miles or 450,000 acres are hidden from view by dyke, levee, or trees which screen the shore.

Lake Okeechobee has a 150 mile circumference and its invisible opposite shore is more than 30 miles away. The best fishing and more than half of the action, takes place along the lake’s western shore where Calhoun’s Guide Service is based.

Lake Okeechobee comprises a 730 square-mile area in Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry Counties its average depth is 9 feet with a maximum depth of 17 feet. Recharge comes from precipitation and southward flow of water from the Kissimmee River. Historically, hydro pattern flowed southward over millions of acres.

Lake Okeechobee offers all types of waterway structures to fish – from open water to narrow canals surrounded by hundreds of different vegetations and grasses.

Lake Okeechobee is located in central southern Florida, north of the Everglades and south of Orlando. Lake Okeechobee links the Atlantic and Gulf sides of Florida via the Port Mayaca Lock on the east side of the lake and the Moore Haven Lock on the lakes western side.

Drainage canals lower the lake and drain adjacent lands for farming. Agricultural activities around the Lake Okeechobee area include cattle ranching, dairy farming, and crop production of sugarcane, winter vegetables, citrus, sod, sweet corn and rice.

Lake Okeechobee fishing is well-known not only throughout the U.S. but the whole world. Haw hunter guide service has clients who come from all over the world, including Japan and Europe, just to fish Lake Okeechobee with the best of them.

The lake is approximately 37 miles long by 30 miles wide, with an average depth of only 10 feet. To fishermen nationwide, it’s renowned for the number of bass it contains per acre and that it also produces more bass over 7 pounds than any lake in Florida and the United States.

Lake Okeechobee, located in Central Florida, is the most famous big bass fishing lake in the country. For many years, Lake Okeechobee has produced the best largemouth bass, blue gill and speck fishing in the world.

Hoover Dike was constructed along the southern regions of Lake Okeechobee to prevent flooding while also yielding year-round crop production. Tory mucks of the region contain 50 per cent or more mineral matter by weight and have considerably more native fertility than saw grass mucks, which were formed under logographic conditions. The 1950s was a period of technological ambition and construction, a system of canals, dikes, and pumping stations were installed to distribute water to the Everglades Agricultural Areas from Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee provides trips and tours all conducted by highly trained and efficient guides. They know the movement of the fish and their feeding patterns which gives you the best advantage over the fish and landing the lanker of a lifetime. Their cordial manner and willingness to help you enjoy your day on the water is genuine. Whether you want to book a corporate trip, take a youngster fishing for the first time, or have special needs, they there to help.

Fishing at Lake Okeechobee for Bass from late fall to early spring is when Crappie and Bass Fishing at Lake Okeechobee is at its best. Success comes when using large wild shiners or artificial lures of all types. If you want to target a true monster size bass, fishing at Lake Okeechobee is certainly the way to go.

Florida Keys offer some of the most wonderful vacation stops in the world. This is the long stretch of land south of the mainland. It is comprised of five groups of islands known as Key Largo, Marathona, Lower Keys, Key West, and Islamorada.

The first area you reach is Key Largo. This is not very far from Miami, about one hundred and sixty miles. At once, you notice the change in atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of a city to a more laid back air.

People may think that places like Hawaii or Bahamas are the ultimate destinations for vacations but that is not true. In the Florida Keys you can do and see whatever you want. There are isolated beaches for those who want a more private time alone, in the form of Islamorada or Marathon Island and there is an active night life for the more socially inclined.

As for accommodations, there is a range of selection to pick from. If you want a luxury setting with five star standards, there are plenty of places that fall in that bracket. If you prefer a simpler setting there are some rustic places available as well. And with the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, no matter where you are in the Keys, the beach would most probably be right outside the door.

There is a lot to see and do in the Keys. Each area has its unique flavor. If you want to be very active there is a whole array of fishing, diving, and trekking programs available. Or you may simply enjoy swimming in one of the most pristine waters on earth and sit in the sun a little later. There is plenty to see too, the Keys are home to a number of artisans and artists for those who are interested in things of that nature.

Florida Keys has a lot of things to experience. Its like that all year round. The residents of Florida call it the 51st state because of its uniqueness and its semi isolation from the other cities in Florida. The only drawback of the Keys is that you would not like to leave you may end up making it your home.

Many people have come to Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida just to discover what the island has to offer: the white sand beaches, the fantastic sunsets, ultimate shelling, wildlife, fine dining, complimentary accommodations, and a lot more. So, if you are now ready for a quiet holiday getaway to Sanibel Island, Florida, or if you are interested in a private island retreat, then the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida might be the perfect place for you to stay.

The Origin of Island Inn

Stories have it that the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida began as the home of Will and Harriet Matthews and their four children who traded in the harsher climate of the north for the more temperate, year round weather of the island of Sanibel. Constantly entertaining friends and relatives from the north who flocked to visit the island, the Matthews decided to turn their home into a boarding house and from there sprung the gracious tradition of the historic Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida that now hosts friends and families from around the world.

With an enduring tradition of entertaining people, the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida embraces a family oriented approach to service. According to numerous reviews, the guests of the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida will find themselves irresistibly drawn into a close sense of community where strangers become friends. Also, the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida is an ideal place for a wedding or family reunion. It is a friendly environment of relaxing comfort, quiet beauty and Old South Florida hospitality.

The Beaches

The Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida has access to miles of beaches. It is maintained that this beachfront resort recently has 550 feet of unobstructed beach frontage and 10 acres of property that form a horseshoe shape. Its shape, according to locals and visitors, seems to embrace you with a warm sense of community. It boasts the calming Gulf breezes, white and sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, and the natural beauty that surrounds you in a presence that is refreshing and invigorating. This is the reason that the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida has long been considered as the perfect natural haven for personal restoration.

Accommodations

If you want to savor what the island has to offer, the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida can give you a variety of accommodation equipped with traditional amenities. All of their amenities are available to meet the needs of practically any individual, family or group. Also, if you want to stay in touch with the rest of the world, this historic inn maintains a high speed computer connection to the Internet in their main lounger for the guests use. Note that there is no charge for this service. The rooms of this inn are all equipped with data ports and free access to local internet connections. So, if you are visiting Sanibel for corporate retreat, the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida has everything youll need.

Island Fun for Everyone

In the Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida, there are no age requirements for having fun. Their miles of beaches are a natural playground for everyone, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and of course the fantastic shelling. Because of this, families of all ages have been coming to this historic Island Inn of Sanibel, Florida searching for fresh and new family adventures. And, much to that, this historic Inn has been serving the dreams and expectations for those young at heart.

Independent travel to Disney World Florida – leave the Hotel behind.

Independent travel used to conjure up ideas of backpacking around unheard of destinations and staying in remote hostels, sharing your room, and the one functioning toilet with twelve complete strangers.

Well, not any more.

Orlando, Florida is still considered the worlds number one family vacation destination. Families too are enjoying the freedom and choice which independent travel now offers.

When we first started visiting Orlando, being huge Disney fans, we decided to stay at one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels. There were only the two of us, and we thought they were great, which they were. But they also proved very expensive. So the next time we travelled we decided to shop around, and stayed in nearby hotels. This certainly saved us money, but there was still something missing. And we knew exactly what it was. There was no space. We had nowhere to relax. Even though there were only two of us, we found the hotel room lacked any real space. Sure there were two beds, and a small writing table, but that was it. And it appears we were not the only ones. When we returned home, we started reading reports and we found that there were an increasing number of complaints made about hotels.

So, what are the alternatives? We searched and we found them, and they are all over Orlando and the Disney area. Condos and Townhouses. The Americans have known about Condos and Townhouses for years, and they have been enjoying the benefits of independent travel and saving money too. What is a Condo? A Condo is a full home, located in a building. The person who owns a Condo owns the entire home, and also has an interest in the amenities and facilities of the community.

We gave them a go; we decided to travel to Orlando with a couple of friends, four of us in total. We booked a three bedroom Condo located at Villas at Island Club. This was the best move we ever made. Our Condo was over 1400 sq foot in size. It was probably bigger than our real home. It had room to relax, space to chill out, and every possible facility you could think off. The Condo really changed our vacation experience. We were able to have breakfast together in the morning and plan our days activities. We were able to come home early and discuss the adventures of our day. We were able to meet other people around the communal pool. Our friends had their own space too, we didnt have to spend every minute of every day together, and thats why we are still friends.

So, is this independent travel? Yes, most definitely. Now, when you are planning your vacation, you dont have to select a package tour where you are told what hotel you are staying in, and what car you a being given. Now you can decide what size home you want. Then you get to look at the homes, to find out about their locations and the facilities they offer. You really can select the home you want. And real people own these homes, so they are really well looked after. Because real people own them, you get a personal touch from the start when you are making inquiries, right through until the end of your vacation.

This really is independent travel. You select you airline. You arrive right in the heart of your vacation location. You select your own vacation Condo or Townhouse, in your chosen location, with the facilities you want. Then you pick your car. Then you really start enjoying your vacations.

Give a Condo a try, why rent a single hotel room, when you can have an entire home??

When you imagine hiking trips, you think of the Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. There are many unknown destinations that give you a different and sometimes better experience than you ever imagined. Florida has many different kinds of terrain to offer to hikers of all accomplishments. It does not take a mountain trail to create a great a great trip. Florida has a tropical edge that is not recreated anywhere else in the US.

Florida has an excellent trail system that runs the whole length of the state. South Florida boasts and area called Big Cyprus that has been made famous by local photographer Clyde Butcher. The South Florida Everglades offer a complex system of lakes and marshes that offer all kinds of different experiences. Hike alongside lakes with beautiful palmetto and pine trees. You can even take an excursion on an airboat that skims along the water powered by an engine with an airplane propeller.

You can head north via trails that head on the east and west coasts of the state. The west coast features warm, lush forests and sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Along the east coast you will find huge beaches and cooler climates that are fed by the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to see the environment change drastically as you hit the middle of the state. Pine trees start to mingle with oaks and maples. There is also the start of some elevation changes as you move inland.

Reaching Northern Florida brings you to a fork where you will need to decide if you would like to go east or west. This is a larger decision than near the beginning in South Florida because as you work North from that point the east and west trail meet a couple times. Up here, the eastern route will lead you to Jacksonville and north where there are beautiful islands to explore along the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking east will bring you along the panhandle of Florida towards Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida also has a very diverse ecosystem where you may see alligators in South Florida and then see deer in central and North Florida. There is also nothing like camping on a desolate beach and waking up to the surf in the morning. Florida is truly a fantastically unique hiking experience.