Escape the RNC!

by Adele Woodyard
A week or so from now a horde of bodies numbering twice as many as the population of Tarpon Springs, will crowd into downtown Tampa. Will that number even include the protesters? All for the big party (in more ways than one) known as the Republican National Convention. Want to get away from the herd? Here’s two possibilities almost equidistant from Tampa:
Flee to Key West,-the most southernmost spot on the Florida map. Too long a drive? The fun starts when you get out of the car at Fort Myers Beach and hop on the Key West Express. One of four big, high-speed catamarans will take you on a comfortable three and a half hour ride complete with snacks, cocktails and TV. (Having sailed on a much smaller cat to Key West and beyond myself, I can vouch for the “comfort” level, even in rough seas).
What to do when you get there depends as much on your stamina—KW is hotter than H in the summer—as your wallet. If such inexpensive activities as tennis, skates or bikes sound too strenuous, see the sights by trolley, boat or on foot. Families may also enjoy visiting the petting zoo, Key West aquarium, or trying the fishing tournament, with divisions for men, women and kids. No young’uns? At the 3rd Annual Brewfest that runs from August 30 to Sept. 3, you can have beer for brunch, dinner, happy hour, pool and late-night parties. There’s over 150 beers and micro-brews to sample, during the Signature Tasting Festival Event. info@keywestbrewfest.com One caveat: no sailing days 8/27-8/29 so plan your getaway accordingly.888-539-2628, http://www.keywestexpress.com
Plan an early start for Pensacola, the most northwestern point in the state. 75 miles further from Tampa than Key West, it’s a long drive for lower temperatures. But if you have a family and can stand the “Are we there yet?” it’s one of the least expensive places to be. During the last week in August you can divide your days between the white sand breaches on one of the longest barrier islands in the state, fish on a Pier almost 1500 feet long, explore historic forts, a lighthouse and the home of the Blue Angels, the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Be there at 8;30 a,m, on Wednesday and .you can not only watch their practice flights but meet the pilots inside the museum. All for little or no money. http://www.visitpensacola.com
A trolley runs along the beach through Labor Day where a boardwalk fronts small shops, restaurants, and other vendors. On Friday, August 31, 6:30 p.m. you can hop on the Blood red Trolley for a Pirates of Pensacola Tour, where clues lead to the pirates hidden treasure 850-417-7321. http://www.piratesinterfest.org Or take a Light of the Moon Tour of the haunted Pensacola Lighthouse, for tales of ghostly encounters and a moonlit view of Pensacola Bay. Tours are 8-9 p.m. and 9:30-10:30 p.m. If your kids are 7 or older, maybe you can squeeze in both. ghosts and pirates. 850-393-1561. http://www.lighthouse/reservations.org
North or south you’ll find more fun things to do in my book Florida “Freebies and “Cheapies” 250 Daytrips for Little or No Money. http://www.adelesbooksandblogs.com

Vacations With A Difference

by Adele Woodyard
Did you know you can make like a Wild West cowboy in Florida? A dude ranch is one this travel writer has been to and written about. My weekend on a Suwannee River houseboat has appeared in seven different publications, including a book, but missed one in a lighthouse. And though I’ve camped in tent and cabin, the closest I’ve been to a Yurt is a round glass house in a campground of tree houses. And that was in Georgia. But taken from my own experience, a holiday in any of these accommodations will be worth a price that can range from $40 a night to almost $1200 for two days one night (off-season).

Westgate River Ranch outside Lake Wales offers so many amenities, the most resort-happy dude will be satisfied. Besides the usual horses, cows, and a rural setting there’s a marina, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, heated outdoor pool, trap and skeet range. Of course no Western “town” would be without a saloon, smokehouse grill, and general store. Even a wedding chapel is available if you decide to tie the knot. In any case, be sure and don your cowboy hat for the Saturday night rodeo. Florida residents get a 10% discounts that start at $89 + tax per night (efficiency). There’s also a campground on site, if you prefer your own bed. 863-692-1321. http://www.wgriverranch.com

Circle F Dude Ranch, also Lake Wales, has 65 horses and a 42 acre lake on the 500-acre property. 25 different activities include swimming, tennis, fishing, canoeing and more. Xtra fee for horseback riding, massage, rockclimbs and zipline. Summer camp for kids is split into four sessions, all but the fourth one now either all or mostly filled. Family two night weekends for four, start at $670, includes tax, meals and most activities. Labor Day Sept. 2-4, Oct. 21-23 Getaway, Thanksgiving 11/25-27, 12/2-4 Getaway. Women Only Getaway, sort of an extended Girl’s Night Out, is Sept. 23-25 at $225 per person including tax. 863-676-4113. http://www.circlefduderanchcamp.com

Miller’s Marina has fully equipped 44 foot long houseboats that can sleep six to eight adults, and explore a section of the Suwannee River. No way can you cruise all 240 miles but you can get to Old Town, Hart Springs, Branford and/or make a left for Sandy Point on the Santa Fe River. The weekend four of us went, we stopped to paddle into the Manatee River State Park then kept on going to
turn around at Old Town. Prices for a two night trip start at $599 plus tax (Dec.-Feb.) up to $825 from Mar.-Nov. There’s a 3-day minimum on all holidays. 800-458-2628; 352-542-7349. http://www.suwanneehouseboats.com

Yurt Tree House, located north of Gainesville, can be reached by land or the Santa Fe River. This unique two-level screened “house” has camp stove, cooking supplies and dining facilities on the first, stairs to the second floor where you can see the stars through the umbrella top. $90 minimum for single night stay. There’s a discount on rate if you supply own water, bed linens or sleeping bag. 352-275-3833. http://www.clubfla.org/treehouse.aspx

A more conventional Yurt for less money is at Torreya State Park on the Apalachicola River. The 20 foot round domed and floored tent has electricity, a wooden door and screened windows. Also A/C, heat, a skylight, two beds (linens not provided) and sleeps up to five people. $40 per night. 850-643-2674. 800-376-3521 for reservations. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Kate’s Light sits on an Amelia Island beach overlooking the Atlantic. A replica of the Thomas Point lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay, it offers three bedrooms, two and one half baths, and all the comforts of home. $485 per night Mar. 1-Sept. 5/11; $380 after Labor Day. 800-777.3359. http://www.ameliaislandvacation.com/lighthouse

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