Florida Fun For Little Money

by Adele Woodyard

November spells Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday (pre-Xmas shopping) and, in Florida, the month that finally beats the summer’s heat. So turn off the A/C, open the windows  and get outdoors. Some of the best places to go for no or  few bucks are city and state parks.   

Veteran’s Day, November 11, is a FREE day to hike or bike the trails, go birding or shelling on a beach, in your nearest Florida State Park. In honor of veterans and active military personnel, there will be NO entrance fees for day-use at all state parks. Can’t beat that bargain.

 No matter what the month, many parks have special events. Here are a few around the state in November:

Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring celebrates their 24^th annual CCC Festival from 9 a.m. to 4.p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.  The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) started the state park system in Florida in 1935. $6 per vehicle (up to 8 persons). 863-634-7695.

Egmont Key State Park (on the water) will have guided tours  that Discover the Island the weekend of 11/14-11/15. Shuttle boats leave Fort DeSoto on the hour beginning at 9 a.m.  $15 , kids 12 and under FREE. www.egmontkey.org.

Silver River State Park, Ocala honors Central Florida history with an annual festival weekend of 11/14-11/15.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry fee waived, Silver River Museum and Education Center $5 adult, under 6 FREE. 352-236-5401.

Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon presents a guided bird walk on Saturday, 11/14 from 8-10 a.m. $2. Bring binoculars and a birding book if you have them. 352-465-8555.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, N. Palm Beach celebrates Pioneer Day of Cracker Cowboy and Barefoot Mailman with music, storytelling, wood carving and more at the Nature Center. Saturday, 11/14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5. 561-624-6952.

O’leno State Park, High Springs trips the light fantastic with 1800s dances to the live music of the Flying Turtle String Band. Old Time Dance, Sunday, 11/15 from 2-5 p.m. Park admission $5 per vehicle, plus $5 adult, $3 students and kids under 18 386-454-1853.

Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales offers an overnight primitive backpack jaunt with a park ranger guide. 7 miles round-trip begins around 1 p.m. Saturday, 11/21, ends ? Sunday afternoon, 11/22. $10 plus tax. Reservations required, 863-696-1112.

 Many more can be found at www.floridastateparks.org/events. For city parks, check your local Parks and Recreation Dept. sites.  For some other November BARGAINS , click on www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains.