by Adele Woodyard
Sunday, March 20: the first day of Spring and snowbirds begin to think of return to the north where summer feels less like a furnace. Summer camps are already asking for registrations, for Floridians face what to do with the kids when school is out. Or think of where to go on vacation. A tough decision when gas prices are going through the roof, and money is in short supply. The last two possibilities are true even if the kids, like mine, are grown and gone.
In either case, the end of last week’s blog offered some money-saving tips in
75 FLORIDA “freebies” from the Panhandle to Key West: 7 pages of FREE daytrips to art and antiques, living history, military, museums , nature and wildlife. Wherever you live in the state, there should be at least one “freebie” near you. Note the following excerpts give you two within a few miles of each other.
Panhandle:
National Museum of Naval Aviation, Naval Air Station, Pensacola displays over 150 aircraft, from WWI balloons to Skylab2, over a 30,000 sq.ft building and the 37 acre grounds. The walk on an aircraft deck is also free, but rides in the Simulator and lunch at the Cubi Bar Café will cost a few $’s. 850-452-3604. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
While you’re there, drop in on Fort Barrancas. The fully restored fort was first built by Spain in 1698. Rebuilt in the 1800s by the U.S. Army to protect the harbor, Confederate soldiers bombarded Union forces at Fort Pickens during the Civil War. 850-455-5167 www.nps.gov/fortbarrancas.htm
Gulf Coast:
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Seminole is one of the largest wild bird hospitals in the United States. Those that cannot be returned to the wild can be seen in open pens, trees and roofs within the complex. 727-391-6211. www.seabirdsanctuary.com
Panama Canal Museum, Seminole shows the story of the tremendous effort it took to join the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. For instance, did you know that the Canal that finally opened on August 15, 1914 actually started as a Spanish king’s vision in 1534? 727-394-9338 www.panamacanalmuseum.org
I-75/Hwy 27 Corridor:
Royellou Museum, Mount Dora, named after the first postmasters three children, was once the jail/firehouse. 352-383-2165. www.mountdora.com
Nearby Renningers is one of the largest antique market’s in the state, as well as having a Farmer’s and Flea Market on the 117 acres. Along with the air conditioned main building, dealers have 20 individual cottages on the Street of Shops to display their wares. 352-383-8393. www.renningers.com
Atlantic Coast:
FPL Energy Encounter, Jensen Beach is a fun stop for kids of all ages. Over 30 displays and inter-active exhibits keep you on your toes. 877-375-4386 www.fpl.com/encounter
Stuart Heritage Museum once was a Seminole Trading Post back in the early settler days. Now you’ll find Seminole dolls in the gift shop and a “chickee” in the backyard. 772-220-4600 www.stuartheritage.org
Interested in seeing more? Just enclose $1 U.S. Dollar and a self-addressed , stamped (44 cent) envelope and mail to
Adele Woodyard
Palm Print Press
P.O. Box 1473
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-1473
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