Florida Fun For Few $$

by Adele Woodyard

Hooray! The second edition of Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money, has just been released. What better time to use for this blog, the title of a regular monthly column I wrote for one magazine for over three years. It’s what I learned about inexpensive things to do and see in the Sunshine State, that inspired the first Florida Freebies book. It’s been selling so well two of my clients just re-ordered 46 more copies between them. And 34 of them is the 2nd edition with its brand new cover. .Want a peek at what it looks like? Just email me at patwriter@verizon.com with cover in the subject line.
So what do readers get in the 2nd edition? Eleven new attractions that cost no more than $10 (plus tax) to see and old favorites updated and revised. You can save over $3.00 by ordering direct from me now at Palm Print Press P.O. Box 1473, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688. I‘ll mail you a copy for the list price $9.95 alone (check or money order US only). Offer good through Oct. 31, 2013.
September is Literary Month and it’s FREE admission Sunday, Sept. 8 at all Florida State Parks (except Skyway Fishing Pier) to visitors with a library card or book, or who donate a new or gently used family friendly book. More than 20 events, such as story times for kids, book fair,, swap or exchange, and more are scheduled throughout the month. Find the park nearest you at http://www.floridastateparks.org

More “Freebies “ and “Cheapies” you can see this month:
Tampa Bay:
Saturdays: Sept.7 ,14, 21, 28: Tampa Bay Water Ski Shows FREE. 6 p.m., pre-show 5:30. Each one has a different theme; starting with a Patriot Day Tribute honoring community firemen, law enforcement, .EMTs. and remembering 9/11. Tower Lake, 130 Burbank Road, Oldsmar.813-917-8354. http://www.tampawaterski.com
Lowry Park Zoo offers FREE admissions and a Cheapie day this month. Have a birthday? Bring a valid identification on that day only for FREE admission.
Sept. 9-30, 2013, is Swaptember and FREE admission, IF you’re a member of the Zoo, MOSI, or Florida Aquarium. Must present photo ID and current membership card; not valid on special events or exhibits. Zoo only one of the three with free parking.
Sun. Sept. 15 is $6 Day is the Cheapie, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Zoo rides are not included. 813-935-8552. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com
Sept. 6-8, Fri.-Sun.: Don’t forget the Tampa Boat Show, Tampa Convention Center. $12 ages 16 and up, 15 and under FREE (with an adult). Online $2 discount before Sept. 5. http://www.tampaboatshow.com

School Out Yet? 2

by Adele Woodyard
When it’s vacation time with kids, we want to find places where the whole family can have fun. My book, Florida “Freebies” and Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money has a lot of them Last week’s blog suggested some ideas located in Northwest, North and West Central parts of Florida. This time they’ll be in East Central, South Florida and Key West. If you live in the Tampa Bay area, some of these “day” trips will need an overnight stay. That’s in the book too.
East Central Florida:
Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet specializes in rehabilitation and release of injured marine life. Among the exhibits are a seabird sanctuary, a 5,000 gallon aquarium and a “turtle terrace”. However, the last admission is 3:30 p.m so you won’t see loggerheads come ashore to lay their eggs, or the babies hatch and scramble to the sea. http://www.marinesciencecenter.com
Old Town, Kissimmee is the old-time amusement park your parents probably knew and smelled as a kid. FREE to enter and park but rides, shops, food and drink will have you reach for your wallet. http://www.oldtown.com
South Florida, Gulf side:
Coquina Beach is a popular 90-acre stretch of white sand on Gulf Drive (Rte 789) .Bradenton Beach. Concessions, lifeguards, and bathhouses draw people and gulls for a day of sun and fun. Beach is public and FREE.
South Florida, Atlantic side:
Jupiter Island Lighthouse and Museum offers a climbing tour of the 1860 lighthouse for a great view—providing you’re at least 48” tall .Outdoor exhibits include a Keepers workhouse and a Seminole Indian “Chickee” . http://www.jupiterlighthouse.org
Key West
Fort East Martello Museum is a Civil War fort that was never completed and turned into a museum in the 1950s. One of its most fascinating exhibits for kids is Robert, the Doll, said by some to be haunted. 30 inches tall, and straw-filled the 100+ year old doll was presumably cursed by a West Indian nanny. Now he resides in a glass cage and hosts his own website, Facebook page and Twitter. http://www.robertthedoll.org

In these last two blogs you’ve sampled aircraft, a cave, zoo, places to swim, amusement park, wildlife, lighthouse and living Florida history. Want to stretch daytrips into a weekend or longer? Buy the book! Accommodations are state park campgrounds, with cabins (most fully equipped) listed separately in the back, if you have no tent or RV. To order Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies”: list: $9.95, (plus tax and postage) : palmprintpress@gmail.com (check or money order) or Amazon.com or maybe even a gift shop or bookstore near you. Latest one is a newbie Novel Blend, 1075 Main St. Dunedin. Whatever your choice have a Happy Holiday!

School Out Yet?

by Adele Woodyard
Need some ideas on where the whole family can go for a day, a weekend or a week? If it’s in the Sunshine State, here’s a few samples from my book Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money, Maximum ticket price $10 adult (plus tax).
Northwest Florida:
National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola is huge, fascinating and FREE (until you make like a Blue Angel, or buy lunch at the Cubi Bar Cafe). What’s more Fort Barrancas (Free) and the Pensacola Lighthouse (cheap) are in the same area. http://www.navalaviationumseum.org
Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna is a literal Florida high/low point, and daily guided tours (fee) each limited to 25 people, fill up quickly .Park entrance $5 carload (up to 8 people) Tour extra. http://www.floridastateparks.org
North Florida:
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo , Gainesville has an interesting collection of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The first zoo school in the country offers daily tours often led by student docents. http://www.sfcollege.edu/zoo
Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry. See how 1880s settlers lived on this authentic working farm where rangers care for livestock and crops. 18 buildings include a general store, post office and cane syrup complex. Self-guided tours from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.. $5 per vehicle, up to 8 people. 352-472-1142.
West Central Florida:
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon is a great place to swim, snorkel, paddle and like the Ichetucknee, tube the clear fresh water (fee extra). Tuber entrance open from April-Sept. and is different from the park headsprings For directions, etc. http://.www.floridastateparks.org
Fort DeSoto County Park, Tierra Verde is the place for fishing (two long piers), sandy beaches and salt water swimming. In between you can explore the historic fort, picnic and/or take the ferry (extra fee) to its sister Fort Dade (Free) on Egmont Key. Fort DeSoto $5 carload. 727-552-1862.
Coming next week: School Out Yet? 2. Samples from East Central Florida, South Florida (Gulf side, Atlantic side, the Keys.)
Want to stretch daytrips into a weekend or longer? Buy the book! Accommodations are state park campgrounds, with cabins (most fully equipped) listed separately in the back, if you have no tent or RV. To order Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies”: list: $9.95, (plus tax and postage) : palmprintpress@gmail.com (check or money order) or Amazon.com or maybe even a gift shop or bookstore near you.

Halloween Happenings #3

by Adele Woodyard
So far you know what scary happenings are in the Sarasota-Venice area, and the big theme parks. This week we’ll look at what some Florida state parks have for October’s Halloween family fun. For more information: http://www.floridastateparks.org
Sat. Oct. 13: Ghost Walk and History Tour at Camp Helen St. Pk. Panama City Beach. Spooky stories make you shiver from 5:30-8 p.m. Refreshments available to calm the nerves $5 donation adult, $3 children.
Fri. & Sat. Oct. 19, 20: 20th Annual Haunted Woods, Hillsborough River St. Pk. Thonotosassa, 6-10 p.m. Spooky displays, tram rides and a haunted trail can give you a fright, a kids coloring contest may give you a prize. $5 person.
It’s the 4th Annual Howling Hammock Adventures at Hugh Taylor Birch St. Pk. in Fort Lauderdale. Same nights 7-11 p.m., but here it’s a scary 2-mile carriage ride adventure with Giant Bugs and other stations along the way.. $7 adult, $5 ages 12 and under. 954-564-4521.
Sat. Oct. 20: Jonathan Dickinson St. Pk, Hobe Sound, puts on a Fire Fest from 1-9 p.m. Besides fire demos, and hands-on activities, there’s a spooky trail, hayride, swamp buggy and horse buggy tours, and more. FREE park admission, fee for activities.
3-6 p.m. at Enchanted Ravines, Ravine Gardens, St. Pk. Palatka is a magical place, with fairies, real and imaginary princesses, pirates and more. More fun with a wagon tour, kids games, hands-on crafts and more. $3 person, Free for 3 and under.
Fri-Sun. .Oct. 19-21: Alligator Warrior Festival at O’Leno St. Pk. isn’t very Halloweeny but you get a whole day, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to enjoy Native American dancers, musicians, artisans and traders. A living history event includes a re-enactment of an 1836 Seminole Indian War battle at San Felasco Hammock. $5 per carload (up to 8 people).
Fri Sat., Oct. 26-27: Haunted Halloween, Crystal River Preserve St. Pk. 7-11 p.m. is Haunted Tram Trail time, or you can walk through Swamp Trail to get a boat trip back to safety. Kids activities are on Sat. 3-6 p.m. with contests for costumes and pumpkin decorating. $5 person, FREE ages 12 and under. 352-563-0450.

Finding your way through a cornfield maze can be scary too. Here’s a couple to try:

Weekends, Oct. 19- Nov. 25: The Maize, 13444 Morris Rd. Lakeland Fri. 2 p.m.-dusk, Sat. 9 a.m.-dusk, Sun. noon-dusk Besides maze, farm animals include Ruby the Buffalo! No pets allowed. Dates/times depend on weather, call.863-859-6472. http://www.themaize.com
Oct. 13-Nov.4: Sat.-Sun. 10 a ,m- 5 p.m. Sweetfields Corn Maze. Masaryktown has a 5-acre labyrinth to get lost in. $8.50 adult, $4.50 ages 3-11 Cash only. 17250 Benes Roush Rd. 352-279-0977.

Entertainment During the Dog Days

by Adele Woodyard
Does anyone want to step outside during the hot muggy days of August? It’s one thing when the stars are out, but only A/C saves the fun when a Florida sun is high in the sky. So here’s a few Tampa Bay activities for both times of the day.
Dunedin
Like to yell BINGO? From now through August you can start to play at 12:15 every Tuesday afternoon and the first and third Friday, in A/C comfort at American Legion Post 275. $6 Early Bird game, $10 regular; 360 Wilson St. 727-733-8153.
Clearwater
Enjoy the musical Beauty and the Beast from August 1-5 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. There’s a pre-show dinner if you’d like to eat first. 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. 727-712-2717.
http://www.rutheckerdhall.com
Rather dance than sit? The Italian –American Club of Greater Clearwater offers two Dinner Dances; Black & White on Saturday, Aug. 4, and the Roaring ‘20s, Sat. Aug. 18; 5-8 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. $15 member, $18 guest. Tickets call 727-593-2676, after 10 a.m. 200 S. McMullen Booth Rd. http://www.iacgc.org
Tampa
Sat. Aug. 4 is the after-hours 12th Annual WaZoo Beer Festival at the Lowry Park Zoo. From 7:30-10:30 p.m. you can sample 250 beers and other beverages from around the world, as you nibble food to live music. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/wazoo
Sat. Aug. 18 it’s more music than drink from 5-8 p.m. at the Jungle Jazz, Food, drink, live music and unlimited rides for regular admission, so come early and stay longer. $23.95 adult, $21.95 (60+) $18.95 ages 3-11. FREE 2 and under, or if it’s your birthday (with ID). 813-935-8552.
Orlando
Aug. 23-26 is Star Wars Celebration VI time at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. the whole family can re-live old and new scenes, stars, costumes, weapons and other exhibits from their favorite shows. Last chance Wed. July 25 to apply to register own costume for pageants scheduled Fri. and Sat afternoons, 8/24-8/25. One-day tickets are $55 adult, $27 ages 6-12; 4-day passes $145 adult, $54 6-12; , under 6 Free with paid adult Family packages available online, .pre-order time only. http://www.starwarscelebration.com
Stories and conversations with Kevin Smith is Thurs. Aug. 23, 7 p.m.. 18 and over only, at the Convention Center Chapin Theatre. Tickets start at $15 + tax. http://www.ticketmaster.com
Don’t forget your nearest library; they offer FREE special programs for kids, teens and adults
My book, Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money is great for family fun without breaking the bank. Details on http://www.adelesbooksandblogs.com.

Family Fun on the Cheap

by Adele Woodyard
Now schools out, are you planning a Florida vacation?. Kids, some even younger than six, or older than 12.will enjoy these ten attractions because they’re fun; Mom and Dad will like them because six are FREE (donation welcome) and the other four are under $10 adult. Brief descriptions taken from my book, Florida “Freebies” and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money, with at least one from the Panhandle to Key West. Call or click for hours, days and any changes before you go.
Northwest Florida
Air Force Armament Museum has over 25 different aircraft, plus plenty of weaponry on exhibit. Kids get a chance to put hands-on in a cockpit. FREE. Elgin Air Force Base, 850-651-1808. http://www.afarmamentmuseum.com
Emerald Coast Science Center has inter-active exhibits especially for young‘uns. $5.75 adult. Fort Walton Beach; 850-664-1261. http://www.ecscience.org
North Florida
Tree-Hill Nature Center is a wildlife preserve and museum with indoor/outdoor activities. $4 adult.. Jacksonville, 904-724-4646. http://www.treehill.org
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo has exotic animals seen on self-guided tours; guided by appointment only. Now open daily 9 a.m.-2 p..m. $5 adult. Gainesville, 352-395-5604. http://www.sfcollege.edu/zoo
West Central Florida
Tampa Firefighters Museum offers pretend time with bunker gear and fire truck replica for the young crowd. FREE. 813-964-6682. http://www.tampafiremuseum.org
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary treats up to 10,00 wild birds a year, the majority injured indirectly by humans. FREE. Seminole.727-391-6211. http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com
East Central Florida
Old Town is an old-timey amusement park where admission and parking are FREE, but rides, etc. are not. All ages for this one. Kissimmee, 407-396-4888; rides 407-390-0906. http://www.old-town.com”
South Florida
Lakes Regional Park, FREE, click on The Train Village at Lakes Park under Partnerships for RR museum and train ride, $5 (age 6 and over) Fort Myers, 239-533-7575., 239-267-1905. http://www.leeparks.org
FPL Energy Encounter with electricity interests the whole family in inter-active exhibits. FREE Hours flexible; call 877-375-4386 for availability. Jensen Beach. http://www.fpl.com/encounter
East Montello Museum and Gardens used to be a fort that now houses a 100 year old Haunted Doll. $7 adult. Key West. 305-296-3913. http://www.kwahs.com
Want to find more? Buy the book: $9.95. Details: http://www.adelesbooksandblogs.com or http://www.palmprintpress.com Credit card? :Amazon.com, gift shop or indie bookstore near you. .

Bargains–August

by Adele Woodyard
With Florida kids returning to school before the month is out, there’s not many days of vacation left. So these “freebies” and “cheapies” look at both sides of August for fun.
Florida State Parks http://www.floridastateparks.org offer some interesting events. Friday, August 5, there’ll be a Birthday Bash for Indi at Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon. Indi is an Eastern Indigo Snake and the Bash, that starts at 10 a.m. has treats, games and small prizes. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Admission $2 per person. 352-465-8555.

Sunday, August 7 celebrates the Dog Days of Summer at Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove, Miami with live working and sporting dogs. From noon-4:30 p.m. you can watch demonstrations, picnic or buy hot dogs, etc. and even bring your own pet, providing it’s well-behaved and on a hand-held, 6 foot leash. Included in park admission $2 per person, ages 6 and up. 305-442-6866.
Saturday, August 13 Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, White Springs presents the 9th Annual Craft Rendezvous in Craft Square. You will see artisans handcrafting jewelry, throwing pottery on a wheel, fashioning stained glass, calligraphy, toy making and more. Included in admission: $5 per vehicle, up to eight people. Might be extra fee if you participate in some workshops. 386-397-1920.

Now through Sept. 5 Nuance Galleries, Tampa displays Miniature Civil War Battlefields that depict the first and second battles at Manassas/Bull Run. Come early for Exhibition and Talks on Saturdays, when Blue and Gray re-enactors are there from 12-2 p.m. One story goes, the Union was so sure of quickly defeating the Rebels, lighthearted townspeople viewed the first major conflict while picnicking on a nearby hill. FREE. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 804 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. 813-875-0511. http://www.nuancegalleries.com

Back to School events in Tampa Bay include such FREE giveaways as backpacks filled with school supplies, and more: 8 a.m. August 6, North Greenwood Recreation Complex Pool, 727-643-3500; 2 p.m. August 13, Firehouse Christian Center, Apollo Beach, 813-938-5801.

Saturday, August 13 features two Fun events. A 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fair with live entertainment, games, karaoke, and more for $5 at the Glazier Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 813-949-4400. http://www.backtoschoolfair.com
From 1-4 p.m. it’s a Kiddopalooza Dance Party for the whole family at the Amphitheatre, Ybor City. Wear a costume and dance games to DJ music, snacks, refreshments and more. No “drop-off” adults must accompany their kids at all times. $15 age 7 and older, $10 ages 1-6. 1609 E. 7th Ave. 813-248-4050. http://www.kiddopalooza.com

Bargains–July

Summer heat and Florida sun slows us down a bit, but there’s still a few “freebies” around. Some starting with a bang-up 4th of July! Here’s just a taste of what’s happening in the Tampa Bay area for the whole month, so check your paper for where you are.

July 4: Channelside District, Tampa celebrates with dragon boat races, the Tampa Bay Water Ski show and fireworks. A live music send-off begins at 2 p.m., kids activities at 4, the big bang set to music at 9 p.m. The Tampa Bay History Center joins in the fun with FREE admission for everyone from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Beat the crowd and enjoy lunch in air-conditioned comfort at the Columbia Café. For $10 you can visit The Florida Aquarium after 3 p.m. Or view the fireworks from the deck of the SS American Victory ship, 6-9 p.m. for $12, $7 children.

After Independence Day goodies:
Tarpon Springs 2011 Summer Solstice Festival offers varied weekend entertainment through August 14. July 8-10, and 15-17 it’s the play, Same Time, Next Year; 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $15 adult, $13 student. 942-5605. For full schedule: http://www.tarponarts.org

Heritage Village, Largo presents a FREE Edison and Ford Exhibit on weekends now through September. 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Donation welcome; closed Mondays, Tuesdays, all county holidays. 727-582-2123.

Saturday Sunsets on the Trail at Treasure Island Beach Trail Park for musicians, water slide, street performers, and more. 5-9 p.m. FREE. 727-547-4595.

Tampa Theatre offers the Summer Classic Movie Series at 3 p.m. Sundays. Theater tour and Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert precede the screenings. $9, $7 members. 813-274-8982.

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 is a Clearwater Beach ongoing Friday and Saturday Freebie movies that start at dusk. Bring own blanket, low beach chair or towels for a sandy seat. 727-434-8060.

Tierra Verde has their FREE outdoor movie night in a downtown parking lot instead of sand. Also bring your own seating to these Thursday 7:30 p.m. screenings with musical entertainment. 727-216-9661.

Rather dance than sit? Swing Dance Saturdays at the Largo Community Center on 400 Alt. Keene Rd is where to be, 8-11 p.m. $7 admission includes an East Coast swing dance lesson 7 to 8 p.m. 727-518-3131. http://www.largocommunitycenter.com

Sunday, July 24 is a $5 day at Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa. Rides not included at this low price, but all the animals are. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 813-935-8552.

Leu Gardens, Orlando is celebrating their 50th Anniversary with FREE admission on your birthday, with proper ID of course. Offer valid through 12/31/2011. 407-246-2620.

Bargains in March

by Adele Woodyard

Officially Spring does not sprung until March 20th, but as far as Florida is concerned, the time is NOW. Along with outdoor activities comes the thought– and specials—for summer camps. Lowry Park Zoo leads with a 15 percent savings on more than 100 of their week-long Zoo School Summer Camp programs K-12th grade, BUT early registration only lasts for one day. So mark your calendar for Saturday, March 12, and register online ONLY from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. More information at 813-935-8552, ext. 268. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com

March 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 6, is Strawberry Festival time at historic Floral City, Citrus County. $3 adult, Free under 12, to taste these luscious berries. 352-795-3149

Florida State Parks fill the month with all kinds of outdoor events. Some examples: March 5-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Art Show at Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon where local artists display handmade jewelry, digital-enhanced photography and paintings. Bring a picnic or eat at the snack bar. Entrance at headsprings, $2/person. 352-465-8555.
Same weekend, same times you can watch the Blue and Gray duke it out, with firearms, at the Battle of Natural Bridge, Tallahassee. It is the only Southern capitol east of the Mississippi that did not succumb to Union forces. Saturday offers skirmishes, and demonstrations, with a full scale re-enactment at 2 p.m. on Sunday. FREE (donation for CSO). 850-922-6007.
Sunday, March 13: 2-4 p.m. is toe-tapping time to the bluegrass music of the Conch Stomp Band at John D. MacArthur State Park North Palm Beach. $5 park admission. 561-624-6952.
March 18-20 is the 4th Annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival at Ochlockonee River State Park, Sopchoppy. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. you’re back in the days if the cave man with flint knapping, tanning deer hides and carving bone, wood and antlers. $4 per vehicle, up to 8 people. 850-962-2771.
March 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.is the Wild Azalea Festival along the Suwannee River at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, White Springs. Music, arts and crafts, and trail hikes are some of the activities. FREE. 386-397-4462. For more events go to http://www.floridastateparks.org

Wearing of the Green is coming up this month and several parades with or without Irish dancing, food and drink are in the works. Naples will be celebrating when their 33rd Parade, March 12 begins at 1 p.m. http://www.stpatricksparadenaples.com

In Hollywood the Parade and Festival run from 12- 7 p.m. with dozens of floats and pipe bands, including the New York Police Dept. Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corp. Then it’s on to kids games and crafts, Irish food and drink. 954-921-3404.
West Palm Beach Irish Fest whoops it up the whole March 12-13 weekend, admission $5, under 14 FREE; 954-946-1093 http://irishflorida.org
Vero Beach has their 2nd annual Parade start at 1 p.m. on March 19. post-parade party at the Elks Lodge. 772-562-8450.

Outdoor Fun in Your Own Backyard

by Adele Woodyard

When the 2011 catalog of Sierra Club Outings arrived the other day, we poured over the tempting places to go in the US and around the world, with envious eyes. Exploring nature’s varied settings by foot, bike, kayak, snowshoe. dog sled or on horseback was an empty dream for us in today’s economy. A disappointing fact, until we remembered the first lesson we gave in our travel writing workshop—Look to your own backyard. And then using our travel piece on the Hillsborough River State Park that appeared in WildBird magazine, to prove the point.

The story told of wildbirds, turtles and gators we saw while canoeing the river; an armadillo stumbling across a sneakered foot at dusk back at camp; listening to wild boars root around our tent at night; the fingerlike impressions of raccoons on our cooler in the morning. Unforgettable happenings in a wilderness setting only a few miles outside the city of Tampa skyscrapers.

For the uninitiated: camping is also one of the cheapest holidays you can take. That was welcome news to this suddenly single mother with a ten year old son, and a low paying job. More pluses in today’s world, state parks are not only one of the safest outdoor places for single women, but Florida has some of the best in the nation. A recent article in the St. Petersburg Times listed the 10 most popular Florida state parks in 2010. #8 (over 610,000 visitors) Anastasia, was the first one we’d tried years ago. Between the wooded campsite, beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean and St. Augustine attractions practically within walking distance, we were hooked on such outings until he outgrew being with mama.

Although he was with me when we pitched a tent at Sebastian Inlet State Park (#3), mama didn’t stop her visits when he quit. Whether on an overnight or for a day, with friends , alone, or on press trips, I’ve been to a quarter of Florida’s 160 state parks and historic sites, sometimes more than once. Like Honeymoon Island, #1 (over one million) that’s less than eight miles from my home. Another oasis at the end of a street packed with condos, is Lovers Key (#3), one of four barrier islands near Fort Myers Beach, and #5, Bill Baggs Cape Florida at the end of Key Biscayne.

Campsites may be missing on these last three, but you’ll leave with fond memories of a day where sandy beaches, water and trees replace buildings and car-filled streets. Extra attractions: a short ferry ride to neighboring Caladesi Island if Honeymoon sands are crowded; rent a kayak at Lovers Key; explore the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs.

The cost for a day at any of these five parks? $8 per vehicle holding two to eight people; less if you’re a single or a walk-in. Entrance to most Florida State Parks ranges from $0 to $6 per vehicle. Many will be in my next book, Florida “freebies” and “cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money, due out later this year. Can’t wait that long? For one near you now, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org