Outdoor Jaunts in June

by Adele Woodyard
June may mean Father’s Day, graduations, and weddings to many of us, but to Florida state parks it’s a Great Outdoors Month. Trail hike events have already past, but when a National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-10) joins in, there’s bound to be similar events to the one among the others listed below. Great for family fun, with an (upscale) Ladies Only jaunt tacked on at the end For more information and/or park nearer you, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org
North Florida:
June 8-9: Paynes Prairie St. Pk., Micanopy offers a weekend of Geocaching activity beginning at 9 a.m. On Saturday, the 60 new caches are historic finds while Sunday it’s a new mystery cache. The Bartram Challenge .is named after the famous naturalist who explored the Alachua Savannah in 1774. You can find more about him at the Thrasher Warehouse Museum in nearby Micanopy. These cache hunts include giveaways, prizes and a potluck lunch at noon. Regular admission $6 per carload (up to 8 people) main entrance. 352-466-4966
East Central
Sat. June 15: it’s Surf Fishing for Beginners at Gamble Rogers Memorial S.R.A., Flagler Beach for 12 years and up from 8:30 to 10 a.m. You’ll get such things as a booklet to identify caught fish, sample of bait, right type of fishing gear, and more. $10 fee includes park admission, so spend the day. Registration required: 386-517-2086.
Southeast Florida:
Sat. June 15: 9 a.m.-1p.m. Photography class at Jonathan Dickinson St. Pk.. Hobe Sound; This part of a series specializes in Imaging Technique for intermediate and advanced participants. $35/person free includes park entry, photo shoot and light breakfast. Register at 561-745-5551.
Northwest Florida:
Friday, June 21: Campbell Lake Canoe Trip, Topsail Hill Preserve , Santa Rosa Beach offers the larger of two lakes for a two-hour paddle 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Included in entrance fee. $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) but trip limited to 10 persons per paddle. 850-267-8330.
Ladies Only Golf and Spa Package
Now through January 1, 2014: Girlfriend Getaway at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. Two nights, breakfast daily, one round golf/person, one spa treatment. choice of one hour. Swedish massage; or one hour luxury facial; or 90-minute manicure/pedicure. For two people prices start at $329 a room per night (plus tax and gratuity). Advance registration required. 888-740-7020, 904-940-8000. Promotion code: GPF href=”http://www.renwgv.com

More Florida Bargains

3 Soldiers statue, Vietnam Memorial, Wash. DC

by Adele Woodyard
Beautiful weather so this week’s blog features places to go for outdoor fun. And what places could hold more things to see and do for little money, than Florida State Parks? http://www.floridastateparks.org In fact ALL of them offer FREE admission to veterans and active duty military with ID, on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11. Here’s some state park events for other days, and months into 2012.
Sat. Nov. 12 is Fall Pioneer Day at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou, Niceville. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. activities include rag doll making, blacksmithing, music and more, with a 19th century Chuck wagon and Civil War campsite on display. Free for participants; $5 per vehicle, up to 8 people. 850-833-9144.

Sat.-Sun. Nov. 12-13 it’s Ocala County Days, Silver River, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Old-time music, storytelling, craft demos and Seminole-Native American culture add to the Florida history. $5 per person, Free for under six and current military with ID. 352-236-7148.
Discover the Island, Egmont Key offers a weekend of living history with Civil War re-enactors, games and crafts for kids, and a tour of the 1534 lighthouse. Shuttle boats ferry you from Fort DeSoto from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.$18 adult, $5 ages 6-11. http://www.egmontkey.info .

Mid-Nov. is the time West Indian manatees start appearing in Blue Spring, Orange City. The largest spring on the St. John’s River is a Manatee Refuge that attracts them through March. No swimming or diving with manatees is allowed but you can still fish, hike, canoe and picnic. $6 per carload, up to 8 people. 386-775-3663.

Weekends only, Nov. 2011-Mar 2012 you can take a 2 ½-3 hour ranger-led buggy tour exploring Kissimmee River Prairie Preserve, Okeechobee. The largest expanse of dry prairie remaining in the state is home to several endangered plants and animals; also great for birding and stargazing. Two tours a day, 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., in a buggy that only holds 8 people, so reservations required: 863-462-5360. Park entry $4 per carload; bring own water, snacks, hat and sunblock.
Thurs-Mon. year-round, Florida Caverns, Marianna offers 45-min. guided Cave tours beginning 9 a.m. first come-first served on weekends. $8 adult, $5 ages 3-12 at Visitor Center. Park entry $5 per carload. 850-482-9598.

Want a close-up view of real wilderness? Make a stop at the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, Copeland. There’s no charge to enter this forested swamp that winds through the Everglades but access is limited. For a much better chance to see royal palms, orchids and other bromeliads, such wildlife as the Florida panther, black bear, wood stork, Everglades mink and more, pony up for a Nov.-Apr. one to three times a month guided Saturday tour. Boardwalk: $15 adult, $5 child; Canoe/kayak about 5-mile mangroves, chain of lakes, rookeries: $50, $15; Swamp walk, a half-day journey for the most adventurous: $60, $15. Call 239-695-4593 for times and dates.

A Mix of Fun Things to Do

by Adele Woodyard

March is not all shamrocks and Irish beer. This week’s blog adds a couple of festivals and some time on the water for a month’s supply of entertainment. Of course St. Patrick’s Day gets top billing and that largest event lasts a whole week, from March 11 to March 17.

St. Augustine Celtic Music and Arts Festival takes place in the Spanish Quarter. Music, literature, dance and all things Celtic bring in Irish bands and individual performers from Spain, Ireland and the U.S. There are pub sessions in the evening, art, poetry readings, storytelling, concerts and culinary events during the day. The parade on Saturday, March 12 that starts at 10 a.m. is FREE; general admission for the Main Stage is $40 (daily), $130 for the week. The big St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 17 is $25. Advance tickets that save money, are available until March 10. http://www.CelticStAugustine.com

For a one-night stand, Dervish Irish/Celtic Music will be at the Performing Arts Center, Tarpon Springs, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 26. The combination of mandolin, fiddle, wind, accordion and vocals will transport you to the Emerald Isle on a musical staff. $20, $18 (member) $12 student. 727-942-5605. http://www.tarponarts.org

In Tampa, it’s a Renaissance Festival that takes over MOSI grounds on the weekends from 10 a.m-6 p.m., March 5-6 right on into April 16-17. Multiple stages offer comedy shows, there’s jousting, human chess matches, street theatre, a replica of a 16th century village, food, drink and vendors galore. So many fans of medieval days come in costume, it’s hard to tell the performers from the guests. $17.95 adult, $14.95 senior, $9.95 ages 5-12 (gate); advance $3 less. 813-983-0111. http://www.bayarearenaissancefest.com

Sarasota Folk Festival actually takes place at the Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey, March 26-27. With over 30 folk and acoustic acts, jams, workshops, singer/songwriter performers, it is a musical conglomeration of country, jazz, pop, bluegrass and Irish. Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $15-$20; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $12. Ages 15 and under FREE. http://www.sarasotafolkfestival.org

Now the paddlers come into their own. On Tuesday, March 15 there’s a guided Sunset Kayak Tour on Pelicer Creek, Faver-Dykes State Park, St. Augustine. 5:30-7:45 p.m., $55 person, equipment and guide provided. Reservations required; 904-347-1565.
March 16-17 is Naples turn with Moonlight Guided Canoe Trips at Collier-Seminole State Park. From 7:30-9:30 p.m. you explore the Blackwater River in provided equipment at $30 person, must be 12 years and over. Limit 12 persons per trip; reservations required; 239-394-3397. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Have time to spare? Paddle Florida offers a 115 mile 4th Annual Spring Paddle on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, March 26-April 2. You bring own canoe or kayak and camping gear. Start is at the Madison Blue Spring State Park and seven days later end at Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland. Can’t take off that long? Sign up for Paddle Florida Lite; less time and money but full week paddlers fill slots first and you must make own arrangements for put-ins and pull-outs. Costs: full trip $300 adult, $275 senior, college student; $250 ages 8-17, s-7 and under Free; $150 person meals (optional). Lite: 4 days or less, $60/day, meals $30/day. Registration deadline March 12. http://www.paddleflorida.org

For more St. Patrick’s Day events and other things to see and do under Bargains, click on http://www.vacationfunflorida.com

Big Weekend In Store

by Adele Woodyard

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the Civil War, Poker and Outdoor doings are all in the mix for a fun-filled weekend:

Saturday, Jan. 15: 18th Annual Party in the Park offers live music and local storytellers from 10 a.m-3.pm. You will meet members of several community organizations and view displays from the St. Lucie County Historical Society, Navy Seal Museum and Florida Division of Forestry FREE admission to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 905 Shorewinds Dr..772-468-3985..

It’s a Hike-Ride-Paddle-Poker event at Little Manatee River State Park Ideal for canoeists, hikers and horseback riders where the Poker offers a $100 prize ($15 donation for food and prizes). 215 Lightfoot Rd., Wimauma. Call 813-671-5005. for details.
For more events, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org/events

27th Annual MLK Holiday Parade and Festival, FREE. 10 a.m. Orange Ave. downtown. Lake Eola Park, Orlando 407-248-2827; 407-246-2121.

Jan. 15-16: Annual Black Heritage Festival, 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 Ashley Dr. Tampa. 813-205-2466. FREE. $4 parking. http://www.tampablackheritage.org
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Blue & Gray in Tampa Bay exhibit actually opened Monday, January 10, at the Tampa Bay History Center. Learn little-known history about Confederate blockade runners, the “cow cavalry” and more during Civil War action in Tampa. 3rd floor gallery, 10 a.m-5 pm. $12 adult, $10 ages 65+, 13-17, $7 ages 4-12. 801 Old Water St. 813-228-0097. http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

Jan. 15-16: If you prefer Civil War history live action, see the Brooksville Raid Re-enactment where the boom of artillery and crack of rifles fill both Saturday and Sunday afternoon with noise and smoke Music by the 97th Regimental String Band and Ladies in period dress having tea add a more soothing note to the bloody 1860s war-time days.$6 adult, $3 ages 6-12. FREE for kids 5 and under, and Scouts in uniform. 9 a.m-5:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 am.-4:30 p.m. Sunday.. Sand Hill Scout Reservation; 11210 Cortez Blvd 352-799-0129. http://www.brooksvilleraidreenactment.com

Jan.15-17: MLK Craft Show on the Sponge Docks, FREE. 10 a.m-5 p.m Tarpon Springs

Jan. 17: MLK Breakfast, 8-10 a.m. Delray Beach Golf Club. $20 adult, $10 youth. 561-279-8883. http://www.spadymuseum.org

September Fun in Florida

by Adele Woodyard

Last week featured FREE entertainment, this week bring out the plastic. Whether food, flea market, paddling, theater, something’s going on from the Panhandle to the Keys.

Orlando
Sept. 1-30 is gourmet dinner time at the 5th Annual Orlando Magical Dining month. Over 60 restaurants from A (A Land to Remember) to Z (Zen) offer a 3- course prix-fixe dinner for $30 (tax and tip extra). $1 each meal benefits the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida. For restaurant, menu and reservations click on: http://www.orlandomagicaldining.com

Sept. 17-19 is the big weekend for the following towns:

Destin: 32nd Annual Seafood Festival has Starship starring Mickey Thomas and LoverBoy, arts & crafts, and more, at 210 Harbor Blvd. Contact: 850-837-6241.

Ocala: Brokenbone Bike Rodeo offers food, drink, and leather craft vendors along with the action at 7191 NW Gainesville Rd. Contact: 352-789-8736.

Stuart: Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival has new, used, closeout boats, fishing equipment and supplies for sale, at 2616 SE Dixie Hwy. Contact: 954-205-7813.

St. Petersburg: The Palladium Theater presents Sondheim’s A Little Night Music 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 253 Fifth Ave. 727-822-3580. http://www.stpeteopera.org

Tarpon Springs: Last weekend to see Our Town on stage at the Performing Arts Center.
8 p.m. Fri-Sat.,. 2 p.m. Sun. 727-942-5605. http://www.tarponarts.org

Big Bend area
Sept. 18-25 is the first ever Hidden Coast Paddling Festival with guided fresh and saltwater paddling trips. Host towns start at Cedar Key followed by Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach and Steinhatchee. http://www.hiddencoast.net

Tampa
Sept. 21-26 Skipper Smokehouse celebrates its 30th anniversary (under current owners) with a week of FREE concerts. Rock, reggae, blues, ska—you name it, they got it. Be sure and try the mullet 910 Skipper Rd. 813-971-0866. http://www.skipperssmokehouse.com

Florida Keys
Sept. 22-26 are the dates for the this year’s Birding and Wildlife Festival that’s Key-wide. Start with a reception, dinner before take off on field trips.A special event Sept. 24 is a guided walk in the National Key Deer Refuge Ohio Key from 8-11 a.m. Bring sunscreen, binoculars, water, etc. Contact: 305-872-0774. http://www.fla-keys.com”

Safety Harbor Spa offers two different dinner shows with music, prizes and games starting at 6:30 p.m. The Suncoast Dixieland Band takes the stage Tues. Sept. 28; Las Vegas own Carme in a Big Band performance, Wed. Sept. 29. Contact: 727-573-4654.

Discover Florida State Parks

by Adele Woodyard

July is National Recreation and Parks Month, so here’s a quiz on fun parks in Florida .

Did you know Florida is rated as having some of the best state parks in the country?
2010 is the year they are celebrating their 75th anniversary, and if you’ve been following http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/Bargains you know their special deals. In case you haven’t looked, July 17 offers FREE entry to ALL of the state parks, except the Skyway Fishing Pier, on that day.

Did you know you don’t have to own a tent or RV to stay overnight? That 19 of 60 or more Florida State Parks with campgrounds, have cabins? That they can be as nice as hotels for a lot less money. What better way to beat summer heat than a dip in 72 degree spring of crystal clear water, swim in a lake, or paddle a serene and shady river. If the Gulf oil spill has you shun the coastal beaches, why not try one of the following cabins and enjoy outdoor activity within easy drive of city attractions? For full information on each one, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org

Three parks along or near the Suwannee River have similar accommodations at $100 plus tax, per night. Each park has five fully equipped cabins that sleep up to six, with kitchens, baths, heat and air, gas fireplaces, and screened porches.
The Stephen Foster Culture Center has a museum dedicated to a man who wrote the state song without ever stepping foot in Florida. There’s also a 97-bell carillon, a Craft Square where artisans give demonstrations of their handiwork and various events during the year. White Springs, 386-397-2733.
Suwannee River State Park still has earthworks and relics from the Civil War, and is a great spot for paddlers. The lower Wilderness Canoe Trail begins at the park and ends at the Gulf. Live Oak; 386-362-2746. Both parks are within 50 miles of Jacksonville.
Fanning Springs State Park is a hub along the Canoe Trail. Popular with swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers, the second-magnitude springs allow open water scuba diving with certification. Located within 30 miles of Gainesville to the east, seven miles from Manatee Springs, and near the Gulf. Fanning Springs, 352-463-3420.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch is on the east side of I-75, within 50 miles of St. Augustine, less to Gainesville. 16 fully equipped cabins overlook Little Lake Jackson. Nine rustic cabins built by the CCC hold up to four, in a combination living room/bedroom, separate bath and kitchen. Ceiling fans, wood burning fireplace, air and heat, and two of them have bathtubs. $65 + tax, per night. Five larger block cabins hold up to six, with separate bedroom, living room, bath and kitchen. Fans, etc. but no fireplace. $75 + tax, per night. Two ADA accessible cabins have two bedrooms, screen porch, and gas fireplace (from Oct.-April) and hold up to six for $100 + tax, per night.
Keystone Heights, 352-473-4701.

Silver River State Park is so modern it even has dishwashers in their ten cabins. Plus two bedrooms, gas fireplace, etc and holds up to six. There’s a museum and pioneer cracker village on site. $110 + tax per night. Near the Silver Springs attraction that grew from rides on glass bottom boats. Ocala; 352-236-7148

Lake Louisa State Park has 20 cabins overlooking Dixie Lake, one of a chain of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River. Fishing, paddling and swimming activities plus its proximity to Orlando theme parks, make it ideal for families. The fully equipped cabins not only have two bedrooms, but two baths. $120 + tax, per night. Clermont, 352-394-3969.

Myakka River State Park’s historic palm log cabins were built by the CCC, have a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, porch and fireplace. A large common room sleeps six. Known for its wildlife, numerous activities include a Canopy Walkway in the treetops. $70 + tax, per night. Sarasota. 941-361-6511.

Still prefer a hotel room with phone and data port, where someone else does the cooking? Wakulla Springs State Park has a historic Lodge where 27 guest rooms have marble bath, walk-in closet, antique or period furniture for $95 to $150 plus tax, per night. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, the Lodge overlooks springs where movies were once made, and a boat tour introduces guests to marine wildlife. Wakulla Springs, 850-926-0700..

NOTE: Most have minimum two night stay over weekends and holidays, one night Monday-Thursday; call individual parks or 800-326-3521 or online, http://www.ReserveAmerica.com Cabins have no phone or TV and pets are not allowed in the buildings..

A Suwannee River Adventure

by Adele Woodyard

The river Stephen Foster never saw, but  immortalized in the song, “Old Folks at Home”, originates in Georgia’s Okefenokee  Swamp. It winds through northern Florida for 240 rural, and often heavily wooded miles, before spilling into the Gulf of Mexico by the little town of Suwannee. Here the river is wide and deep enough for a weekend trip I took on a houseboat in the early 90s. Today you can launch your canoe or kayak on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, and paddle from the white water rapids of Big Shoals near the Georgia line, past rocky banks and sandbars, south to Manatee Springs.

October 1 is the last day to register for the Paddle Florida Event, a week-long, 123-mile boat trip down the Suwannee River trail. Scheduled from October 15-22, 2009, the first night starts at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park with a final party at Fanning Springs State Park on October 21, and a nine-mile paddle to Manatee Springs State Park on Thursday, the 22^nd. There a shuttle takes you back to the Spirit of Suwannee and your car.  The inaugural event last year drew 160 paddlers to the week of camping, campfires and entertainment. Prices range from $60/day + 30/day meal, if desired, for up to four days, to $300 adult, plus $150 if full meal deal, for the week. www.paddleflorida.org or call Bill Richards, 352-377-8342.

Love to paddle but can’t make the journey this year? Like to camp but don’t have a canoe or kayak? No problem; the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is also open to hikers, bikers, even horsemen, all year long. Thanks to the Florida State Parks system, FREE river camps are springing up along the way. Sites consist of five screened, raised sleeping platforms with electricity and ceiling fans, each holding 6-8 people. Hot showers and restrooms are available. Set approximately 10 miles from established parks and campgrounds, almost all are accessible only to the river and hiking trails. Hubs are White Springs, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Suwannee River State Park. Lafayette Blue Spring State Park, and towns Dowling Park,  Branford, Fanning Springs and Suwannee. Current river campsites are located at Woods Ferry, Holton Creek, Dowling Park, Peacock Slough, and Adams Tract, with more on the way. www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness