Great Florida Vacation Ideas

If you’d like to take a Florida kayak day trip, I’ve got an idea for you.  It’s in Southeast Florida and it’s called the Loxahatchee River.  It’s one of the few rivers in Florida that have been designated as wild and scenic.

What’s interesting is that the river is smack-dab in the heavily populated Southeast Florida. The kayak / canoe trail start is in Riverbend Park in Jupiter, and ends in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Stuart.

A friend of mine, Elaine, took the photos you see on this page a few months ago.  At the time, the river was down as far as the water level goes.  After all, it was the end of our dry season.  But as you can tell, it’s still pretty green and the water level is sufficient for a great paddle.

As you float down the river, you’ll pass under bridges and over a “waterfall”.  Well, that waterfall isn’t exactly high, but most people will portage around it.  I did go over it once, but you may well get stuck on it if you try (like my friend Linda and I almost did).

Trapper Nelson’s Landing and Cabin

About half-way down the river is a place to stop called Trapper Nelson’s.  It’s a popular spot since it’s a nice break from the paddle (not to mention it has restrooms).  A lot of people decide to stop for lunch here.  Be warned, though — the “parking” area gets crowded (meaning the area where you leave your kayak or canoe).

There’s a tour boat that also makes a stop here at Trapper Nelson’s, so there is a little extra foot traffic because of that.  The tour boat starts and ends in Johnathan Dickinson.

Trapper Nelson lived here in the 1930′s and was rumored to be both a trapper and also wealthy (or so say some folks).  It’s a look at the primitive side of SE Florida last century. Crowded or not, it’s worth a stop here.

Wildlife on the Loxahatchee River

If you have a waterproof camera, you may want to bring it along on your Florida kayak day trip down the Loxahatchee.  The most common wildlife are birds and turtles, but there is no telling what might cross your path!

Herons of all kinds hang out around the river, and you’re also likely to see some osprey (or at the very least you’ll hear them).  If you’re extremely lucky, you’ll come across some river otters, deer or bobcats.  Racoons are a little more common, so you might see one or two on your trip.

River Put In

You can put your boat in at Riverbend Park in Jupiter, but be aware that a pickup at Jonathan Disckinson by an outfitter is only available at certain times of the year.  So if you plan to put in at Riverbend and end at Jonathan Dickinson, your best bet is two cars.

You can also begin and end your paddle at Jonathan Dickinson.  If you put in here, a good paddle is up to Trapper Nelson’s and back.

So there you go, a Florida kayak day trip idea for you.  Enjoy your paddle!

Central Florida State Parks are a great idea for a day trip.  Want to see the real Florida, the one that’s not all concrete and attractions?  Come on, and I’ll tell you all about some parks that are closer by than you may realize.

Florida State Parks are possibly the finest in the nation because of the diverse beauty found here in the Sunshine State. The approximately 159 (and counting) parks in Florida offer numerous activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, equine riding, boating, and cultural and historic shows. Central Florida Parks are a favorite with tourists and resident alike because of their quantity of landscapes and outdoors activities.  All this being said, let’s go and check out some of the parks!

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

An excellent park for boating, or to find Florida’s wealthy history, is the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Site visitors aren’t allowed to camping overnight as of this national historic landmark, nevertheless the park is an awesome trip.

Visitors can walk the trails all over the plantation ruins and discover various interpretive demos in regards to the site’s history. Picnicking, fishing, and boating along Bulow Creek are also quite popular activities.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Beach fans can take advantage of sun-splashed Flagler Beach within the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This Florida Park offers ocean side camping in the fully fitted campground, which is not common in Florida (so campers, take advantage of it).

In addition to the beach, there are bicycle trails, hiking trails and boating — grab your kayak and paddle in this Central Florida State Park. No kayak? No problem, because canoes can be rented here, through a concession.  (FYI, bicycles are now also available for rental.)

Lake Kissimmee State Park

If you’re in Central Florida, you may also want to stop by Lake Kissimmee State Park, a hop, skip and jump from Orlando, Florida. Lake Kissimmee hosts three lakes, perfect for fishing or just boating. Then again, you might just want to view the wildlife including bald eagles, cranes, deer and if you’re lucky, a wild bobcat or two.

Living history demos can be found within the restored cow ranch like the ones in the area more than a hundred years ago. Full facility camping can be had at this popular Central Florida park, including primitive and group camping facilities.  There are over 13 miles of hiking and riding trails within the park.

Faver-Dykes State Park

Also in central Florida, Faver-Dykes State Park can be a favorite for watching wild birds and canoe camping. This Florida park, just south of St. Augustine, edges peaceful Pellicer Creek, which happens to be a designated state canoe trail.

You can take advantage of picnicking, camping, and fishing. You will discover 2 one-half mile trails within the park.  Keep an eye out for otters, deer, hawks, and herons.  There are also bicycling areas in Faver-Dykes.

Ravine Gardens State Park

What’s amazing about the unique Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, Florida, is that very few people know about this jewel.  Part of the reason is undoubtedly due to the location — Palatka isn’t usually thought of as a vacation destination (so to speak).  But that means you’ll not be faced with crowds very often!

The park is rather small compared to others in the system, at only 146 acres.  But there is an awful lot within its boundaries!  Miles of trails surround the once-barren ravine, and there is also an auto loop through the area (it closes an hour before sunset, though).  In the spring, the azalea gardens are truly breathtaking — it makes you realize why the state was named “Florida”.

Central Florida State Parks – Perfect for a Visit

These are only a few of the great state parks located in Central Florida.  They make great day trips, and give you a chance to see the real Florida, up close and personal.  And a day spent at any one of the Florida parks is far, far less expensive than tickets to an attraction. Pick your park and go have an adventure!

An Orlando Disney vacation is almost a requirement for anyone planning to visit Florida. And with all the options available these days, going to Disney for a holiday is easier than ever. Yep, an Orlando Disney Vacation is the perfect getaway to get a little magic back in your life.

If you’re going to Walt Disney World, I really do suggest that you stay at one of the resorts on the Disney property.  It really does make a difference!  That being said, here are some thoughts for you.

A Resort With a Wild Side

If you enjoy watching nature shows or avidly watch Animal Planet, then stop looking and stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. At this Disney resort, you stay in a setting modeled after Africa’s wilderness. And relatively recently, it also offerd its own wildlife reserve which means that you can check out and admire the animals in a whole different light. Just think of it as a mini-safari.

Life’s a Beach, Disney Style

If beaches tickle your fancy, you may want to check out Disney’s take on a seashore stay.  Your choices include the Beach Club Resort, Disney’s idea of a lakeside resort styled in 19th century.  Think of a turn-of-the-century (last century that is) waterfront resort, with all the luxury trappings.  But if a tropical vacation appeals to you more, try the Caribbean Beach Resort.  At the Caribbean Beach, you can even stay in one of the Disney Story Rooms.  Pirates of the Caribbean anyone?

The Great North Woods

What, the Pacific Northwest in Florida — no way!  Yes, you can stay at a Disney resort modeled after a Pacific Northwest lodge — Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Step into the lobby and you will see huge totem poles, and plenty of log trimmings.  Even the grounds make you feel that you are no longer in Florida.  Well, at least on any day but the hottest in the summer, at any rate.  It’s gorgeous and well worth a stay.

Daze (I Mean Days) at Disney

The reason to go to Disney World is to take a journey through its theme parks.  With four main parks, plus a few other attractions like the waterparks and Downtown Disney, there isn’t a shortage!

The Magic Kingdom is the oldest of the Orlando Disney theme parks (and the one I used to work at).  However, old doesn’t mean shabby — it’s constantly being updated and upgraded! If you want to satisfy your inner child, the lands that make up the Magic Kingdom are something you have to see.

The wildlife aficionado will appreciate Animal Kingdom. But be warned– this is a huge Disney theme park, and you will spend a lot of time walking.  Definitely wear comfy shoes!  As the newest of the parks, it’s got touches that the others don’t.

Lights, cameras, action — time to check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM).  Movie-lovers will revel in this Disney park.  It’s somewhat of a different “feel” than the other parks, but it’s well-loved by most folks.  And you just have to watch the variation on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the amphitheater in the evenings – truly different!

If you’ve always wanted to travel and see the world, then EPCOT may be your cup of tea (especially in the UK area of the park).  It’s also a large park, and is rather unusual in that it’s split into two.  FutureWorld is full of gadgets and attractions to make you think. The World Showcase highlights different nations and customs of the people who live in them.

Orlando Disney Vacation

Yes, there is plenty to do and see on an Orlando Disney World vacation — so much more than what I’ve mentioned in this post.

So what about some Florida vacation hot spots ’round the Sunshine State?  Places to go where there’s lots to see and do?  Let’s take a look and see what’s going on throughout Florida.

Beaches – See and Be Seen

The beaches here attract people from all over the world.  And with good reason — we have many that are world-class?  But what are some of the best around, in the “see and be seen” category?

As you can imagine, South Beach in Miami tops the list of Florida vacation hot spots.  You will find all manner of folks here; yes, it really is a lot like what you see in the movies!  This is the consummate beach hot spot.

However, Daytona Beach is a rival!  Known as generally more family-friendly than South Beach, it still is one of the number one beaches here.  While it is definitely a “beautiful people” watching location, it’s also great for families.  Plus, there are loads of things to do, both on and off the beach!

Heading to the Florida Keys?  Then you won’t want to miss the Key West beaches.  These slices of tropical paradise are warm all year, and offer plenty to see and do — including just relaxing in the sunshine.  And people-watching!

Florida Attractions

As you might guess, Orlando is a perennial hot spot for vacationing.  After all, the big “mouse house” (also known as Disney World) has its headquarters here!  While you’re visiting Mickey and company, you may also want to check out Downtown Disney for a different perspective.

Universal Studios Florida, especially Islands of Adventure, is another extremely popular vacation destination, especially since the Harry Potter portion (say that 3 times fast) opened up.  And since at the moment it’s October, the Halloween Horror Nights are underway — always a huge turnout!

One attraction that is an undiscovered treasure (and really deserves to be a hot spot) is Discovery Cove at SeaWorld.  I guess part of why it’s not more of a hot spot is that it allows only a limited number of people a day, and that number is pretty small.  But oh what an amazing place it is!

Florida Outdoors

It’s interesting that a lot of people from outside Florida come here for Summer camping.  In reality, Fall and Spring are the prime times to enjoy Florida camping — the weather isn’t so humid and the insects don’t drive you to distraction.  Where are the best places around during this time?

Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is probably number one.  You can do beach camping, RV camping or rent a beach cabin in a tropical paradise — what more could you want?  Which is probably why it tends to be booked up, so get a reservation well ahead of time.

Not far behind is Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.  This is one of the premier dive spots in the world, so camping is at a premium.  But even if you don’t want to get wet, there are glass-bottom boat tours that let you see the underwater kingdom of a coral reef.

Sanibel Island in SW Florida is heating up as a Florida hot spot.  The weather in Fall, Winter and Spring is gorgeous, and the outdoor activities plentiful.  And of course, shelling is a huge draw — you can spend hours on the beaches finding nautical treasures that have washed up on shore.

Almost forgot — birding is great right now!  Try Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Everglades National Park and some of the birding trails up the Florida Atlantic coast, from about Vero Beach to Merritt Island.

Florida Vacation Hot Spots

There is lots to see and do here in Florida, no matter where your particular tastes lay.  From beaches to attractions to the great outdoors and more, you’ll find it all here.

I know, I am very late in my winter weather prediction this year.  Partly it’s because I lost one of my main prognosticators, and partly because the remaining are giving very confusing readings.  Here’s a little background for those who aren’t familiar with my predictions.

I started realizing 20 years ago that my cats were extremely accurate in predicting the winter weather.  I could tell by how soon they furred up, and how much fur they had, what the winter would be like.  And for the last 3 or 4 years, I’ve been listing my predictions here in this blog.  Guess what– they’ve been right all along!

I’ve been down to one cat for awhile, and just adopted some more — they are still kittens, so I don’t have a history yet on how they fur up.  There are some strays that have been hanging around the last few months, and so they (by default) have been roped into predicting (so to speak).

Winter Weather 2012 SE Florida

Rusty says that it will be a cool winter, but late in arriving — it’s not until recently that he’s started getting plush. Of course, the “late in arriving” is kind of moot so far — it’s been a hot Summer and Fall this year.

The strays on the other hand have started getting really furry lately — indicating a chillier winter than Rusty is hinting at.  Without Blue (my mainstay predictor), I don’t have a good feeling as to what the weather will be like.

My best guess is a late start (early November) before it starts cooling down, and staying average to a little above average through Christmas.  After the New Year, I think it will be cooler, but not really chilly like the 2009-2010 winter.

Sorry I’m late this year, and kind of wishy-washy!  Next year I should be in a better position to give you an accurate prediction, between Rusty and the kittens.

Disney World Story Rooms within the Disney resorts is getting another addition in 2012.  You can feel like royalty when you stay at Port Orleans – Riverside, in one of the Royal Guest Rooms.  Hmmm, but what is a Story Room anyway?  Read on and learn!

Yo Ho – There Be Pirates!

Back in 2009, Disney World decided that regular themed resort rooms were nice, but what about something a little more exciting?  To that end, they created the Pirate Rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort (a natural choice).  It was a step beyond the normal theme, and is designed to get you even more into the spirit of things!

Imagine sleeping in a bed that resembles a boat, or checking out the casket and finding a fridge!  Looking for pillows?  Try the treasure chest.  You get the idea — it’s not just a Disney resort room, but an adventure!

As you might guess, the Pirate Rooms are modeled after The Pirates of the Caribbean movies, so you’ll see special touches to that end as well.

Disney Story Rooms – A Princess Tale

Pirates are great, but what if you want to be treated like a princess?  Disney will have something for you as well. You’ll be able to feel like one of the Disney Princesses when you stay in one of the Royal Guest Rooms.  The Port Orleans Riverside is getting an update with the rooms in the very near future.  So what will they be like?

How about fireworks over the backs of the beds?  OK, so they are fiber-optic, but the effect is still wonderful.  Think about beautiful draperies, scenes from Disney Princess movies (including Aladdin and The Princess and the Frog), and other touches that bathe you in the feeling of luxury.

And here’s something nice — the rooms are located in one of the Disney Moderate resorts, to hold the price down some.

Disney World Moderate Resorts

The Disney World Moderate are the mid-priced resorts on the Disney World property.  And while I haven’t stayed in one of the Story Rooms, I have stayed at Port Orleans.  I can heartily recommend Port Orleans, even if you stay in one of the regular rooms!  It’s located in the Downtown Disney area.

The Caribbean Beach Resort is located closer to EPCOT — you can see it from the Boardwalk resort area.  I haven’t yet stayed at the Caribbean Beach (I’m working my way through the various resorts), but I am looking forward to it.

So what’s your pleasure — singing “Yo Ho, Yo Ho” or “Someday My Prince Will Come”?  No matter which Disney Story Room you choose, I really think you won’t be disappointed.