Floridianestates

My husband retired last year, and I have always been a stay at home mom raising the kids. However, our wonderful children have since grown and are living their own lives, so my husband George and I can do what we want to now. Not that we couldnt when our kids were growing up, but you know what I mean we can start having adventures again.

Im always amazed at the fun things George has up his sleeve after all these years. I mean, were in our late 60s and people often mistake us for newlyweds! Can you imagine? George always gives me little hints about our trips and all he would say is that we were going to a Florida attraction Id never guess. He sure was right! George surprised me just last week on our 45th wedding anniversary with a brochure on Cypress Airboats. Never in my life did I imagine Id be riding on any kind of open air boat in the midst of snakes, lizards, alligators, and lord knows what else.

I would have thought George might take me to one of the better-known Florida Attractions like Disney World or Busch Gardens. I am so glad he chose an airboat tour instead! It was so thrilling!

George selected an early morning airboat tour, and we had breakfast just before we started. When I stepped onto the airboat, I was really nervous, but George just tucked my arm under his and guided me along like he has all these years. We were able to see alligators, and the only place I ever thought Id want to see alligator skin was on a purse! It was just so exciting. I felt like I could reach out and touch the alligators, but of course, I didnt!

The best part of the airboat trip, aside from having a special tour of the Florida Everglades with my wonderful husband, was when we saw a blue heron. One of our first dates way back when was at a jazz club called the Blue Heron. There is no way George could have anticipated we would see a blue heron on our trip with Cypress Airboats, but it made our tour even more perfect.

If you are considering a trip to Florida, I would definitely recommend Cypress Airboats private tours over any other Florida Attraction. Sure, you could go ride roller coasters and see how movies are made, but those are common events in a persons life and will be logged with all the other memories you often forget. I cant think of any attraction in Florida that is more memorable that the Florida Everglades with their thick vegetation and fantastic wildlife. George and I had such a great time were thinking of going again for our 50th wedding anniversary and taking an even longer airboat tour!

For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on

Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.

# 1. Fun and Adventure

With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and exploring the Everglades national park.

Dont Miss a Space Shuttle launch

Cape Canaveral on Floridas Space Coast is the only place in the West where people are launched into space. Being there when the Space Shuttle blasts into space is a truly incredible experience.

Dont Miss Floridas largest and fastest roller coaster

Is Busch Gardens, Tampa

Prepare for the thrill of your life on Sheikra, Floridas tallest roller coaster and the worlds tallest dive coaster. 70mph of pure adrenaline-pumping excitement. Travel 200 feet up and then plunge to the depths of an underground tunnel, with water!

Dont Miss Bush Gardens Zoo

With over 2600 animals, the zoo at Busch Gardens is one of Americas top zoos

# 2. Culture

Look beyond the more obvious tourist attractions and you will be surprised at what you find.
There is an abundance of architecture, museums, forts, art galleries.

Dont Miss Historic Wrecks

Pensacola has fascinating wrecks to explore. This includes the 500-foot World War 1 battleship USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo and an A-7 Corsair aircraft that fell off the deck of the USS Lexington.

Dont Miss Art Deco Buildings

Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, Miami, and enjoy South Beachs Art deco buildings. Painted pink, lavender and turquoise, they line the palm-fringed walkway.

Dont Miss a Driving Tour

If you have a car whilst visiting Miami, do yourself a favour, and take a driving tour of Coral gables. Coral Gables Driving Tour isnt just one of the countrys richest neighbourhoods, its a separate city within Greater Miami. Known as The City Beautiful for good reason, its elegant homes line winding avenues shaded by banyans and live oaks. This driving tour winds its way along the lush peaceful lanes and is both relaxing and cultural.

Along the tour are these beautiful sights:

1. The Granada Entrance a replica of the gate to Granada in Spain.
2. The Country Club Prado Entrance complete with ornamental pillars.
3. Alhambra water Tower built in 1925.
4. Coral Way lined by live oaks and Spanish-style houses.
5. Venetian Pool a beautiful public swimming pool.
6. Coral Gables Congregational Church built in Spanish Baroque style.
7. Biltmore Hotel one of the most stunning hotels in the country, beautifully restored to its 1920s century grandeur.
8. The Lowe Art Museum contains European and Native American Art.
9. French City Village one of several international villages built to add variety to the city.
10. Dutch South African Village.
11. French Country Village.
12. Chinese Village.
13. French Normandy Village.
14. Coral Gables City Hall
15. Miracle Mile the districts most important shopping street.

Other Bits of Culture:

- Hemingways House in Key West, where the novelist lived from 1931-1940.

- Little Havana in Miami 3.5 square miles of Cuban culture and life.

- The Ringling Museum of Art and Ringling Museum (Sarasota).

- Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island a charming Victorian resort.

- Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg.

Where To Stay

Choose your home away from home. If you are after home comforts, fully equipped Orlando and Gulf Coast homes can be rented directed from the owners at http:www.milkriver.co.uk and http:www.worldwidevillas.net They have their own separate pools and are set in private communities and offer you and your family the freedom to do what you want and the space to do it in.