More Festivals, More Specials

by Adele Woodyard

Winter Park
Admission to the new Tiffany Wing, a 12,000 foot addition to the Morse Museum is FREE through Sunday, March 20. Known world-wide for one of the most comprehensive collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany art, the wing contains ten new galleries with pieces from Laurelton Hall, his Long Island estate that was gutted by fire in 1957. Centerpiece is the glass-enclosed Daffodil Terrace. Be sure and see the exquisite Tiffany Chapel, that Tiffany designed as an exhibit at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After March 20, admission is $5 adult, $4 seniors, $1 student, Free children under 12. Hours 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. Sat. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 445 North Park Ave., 407-645-5311. http://www.morsemuseum.org

New Port Richey
Chasco Fiesta 2011 runs from Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, April 3, along the Pitthlachasco River, downtown. The annual Native American festival presents 11 days of family fun that includes contests, boat and street parades, live entertainment, Carnival, car, truck and bike show, and many more activities. http://www.chascofiesta.com

St. AugustineVisit the Pirate Museum that moved from Key West to 12 S. Castillo Drive in December 2010. Set out on an interactive journey through 300 years of high seas robbery-collected artifacts and treasures salvaged from numerous shipwrecks There’s even an authentic 400-year-old treasure chest among the goodies. Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily; online tickets: $10.99 adult, $5.99 children. 877-467-5863. http://www.thepiratemuseum.com

Hotel Specials
Orlando World Center Marriott is offering a $169/one night special for Florida residents now through Sept. 30, 2011. Includes complimentary buffet breakfast for two adults, kids age 12 and under, and self-parking. Show Florida driver’s license or ID at check-in. Code FRG. http://www.marriottworldcenter.com
Tradewinds Island Resort and Conference Center features “Dali for a Day” in honor of Dali’s brand new museum in downtown St. Petersburg. Package that runs now through December 24, 2011 is called “eccentric” , probably because amenities include clip-on Dali mustaches to go with two Fuzzy Mustache cocktails and half a dozen Dali coasters. Such whimsy goes with the $447 3-night accommodations package for two adults. 3500 Gulf Blvd. 727-363-2215; reservations: 866-587-8538. http://www.tradewindsresort.com

An Extra-Special Travel Bargain
Has climbing gas prices on top of a recessive economy put a dent in your vacation plans? Did you know that Florida has an amazing amount of FREE things to do and see practically in your own backyard? Maybe this offer with help you find daytrips near you.

75 FLORIDA “freebies” from the Panhandle to Key West
This 7-page listing of FREE (and/or donation requested) attractions leads you to art, antiques, beaches, chocolates, fishing, forts, gardens, living history, all kinds of museums, parks, whole towns and wildlife.
To order: Send $1.00 US dollar and a self-addressed, stamped (44 cent) envelope to

Adele Woodyard Palm Print Press P.O. Box 1473 Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-1473

Don’t forget http://www.vacationfunflorida.com

Hit The Trails

by Adele Woodyard
Sunny days and temperatures in the 70s is the siren call to get outdoors. Have a bike? Hop on it and hit one the many trails Florida has laid out from the Panhandle to the Keys. Being a foot soldier myself I didn’t realize how far one could go by pedal, until I looked beyond the Pinellas Trail that stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. Not that I’ve walked those 40 odd miles. But even a stroll along the heavily shrubbed and shaded path down the street from where I live, offers a brief respite from civilization. You can listen to the birds, smell flowers, maybe come upon a wild rabbit before you reach the shops, cars and cafes in Tarpon’s historic district. It was enough to run a Search on Florida bike trails. What I found was almost enough to make me buy a bike.

A number of these trails around the nation started out as railroad corridors—in fact the Pinellas Trail was once the Orange Belt line. On Florida’s Nature Coast State Trail you cross the Suwannee River near Old Town on a railroad bridge. I remember seeing it from a houseboat. The first designated state trail follows the abandoned Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad, circa 1837. The 20 mile line not only connected the Capital with the Gulf port of St. Marks but served the state for 147 years, making it the longest one in operation At the juncture of the St. Marks River and Wakulla River, bikers on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail can visit the San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Site.

In the Panhandle the Timpoochee Trail parallels scenic Hwy 30-A along the Emerald Coast’s green waters and white sand beaches of South Walton. Prefer woods to beaches? Dutch and Fay and Crooked Creek are off-road trails through the Pine Log State Forest, where there’s a campsite.

One of the shortest trails, at 3.5 miles, lies in Orange County, between Orlando and Winter Park, while the longest, Cross Florida Greenway, spans the state. Instead of abandoned railroad beds, it’s 110 miles follows the former Cross Florida Barge Canal from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. John’s River.

An unusual trail is the one atop the 100 foot wide Herbert Hoover Dike that circles the vast 730 square mile Lake Okeechobee. 62 miles of the Scenic Trail are paved, while 48 more are not. The second largest freshwater lake in the lower 48 states is so shallow, it’s hard to believe a dike was needed. Until you learn at least 2500 people are said to have died in 1928, when a hurricane breached the old dike. Two years earlier the storm surge took approximately 300 lives. Eventually the Corps. of Engineers constructed a series of channels, gates and levees that reduced the danger, and opened a waterway between Fort Myers and Stuart in 1937.

Pedal your way from one end of Florida to the other? Right now the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is upgrading 60 miles of existing bike paths and designing 40 more in its plan to reach Key West. If gas keeps going up, it might be worth a try.

For information on these and other Florida trails: 888-735-2872; http://www.visitflorida.com http://www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com
And before your vacation, look for my new book on http://www.palmprintpress.com

Family Frights Are Fun

by Adele Woodyard

Ever tried finding your way through a corn maze? Or how about Halloween in the woods after dark? From the Panhandle to Key West, you’ll find some Florida State Parks http://www.floridastateparks.org where the spooks may lurk behind trees to jump out and say “Boo” as you pass by. Either way, unlike some scary events I reported earlier, kids don’t have to be older than 10 or even 13 to have a fright-ful good time.

Panhandle:
Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna. If you haven’t been deep underground when they turn off the lights, you’re in for a real fright. All of a sudden you’re in total blackness, literally can’t see your hand in front of your face. Now that’s scary! And when we went, it wasn’t even Halloween. But there’s also kids games if the “haunted” Spirit of the Caverns tour sounds too fright-ful.. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 29. 850-482-9598

Northeast:
Big Shoals State Park, White Springs. Put on a costume and bring a pumpkin to decorate and maybe win a prize (two contests) at the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Fest. 3-6:30 p.m. $2 person, or $4 for vehicle up to 8 people. 386-397-2733

Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka has an Enchanted Forest to walk, or Enchanted Ravines for a wagon tour among their activities. 3-6 p.m. Oct. 23 386-329-3721.

Northwest:
Crystal River Preserve has a haunted house and spooky movies to make you shiver at their Haunted Halloween. Plus tram rides, kid’s activities and more. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 22 & 23, 29& 30. $5 per vehicle, $5 for haunted house. 352-563-0450.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park takes you on a Haunted Tram Ride along Pepper Creek Trail. A haunted house, costume contest and more add to the fun. 6-11 p.m. Oct. 29. $5 adult, $3 ages 12 and under. Haunted House $2/person. 352-628-5343

Sweetfields Corn Maze, Masaryktown has guides to help you find your way through 5 acres of corn ‘high as an elephant’s eye’, if clues are too well hidden. Hayride and a corn cannon add extra fun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m, weekends only, now through Nov. 7. $8.50 adult, $4.50 ages 3-1, 2 and under Free. Cash only. No pets. 352-279-0977. http://www.sweetfieldsfarm.com

East Central:
Deleon Springs State Park , Deland has haunted trails where you collect treats along the way. Storytelling and more for fun. 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 23. $3 age 7 and older, 6 and under Free. 386-985-4212

It’s Barkoween for dogs at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area , Flagler Beach. Dog costume contest, tricks for treating and a doggie nature walk start at 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Bring your dog, a lawn chair and $10 per registration. 386-517-2086

Central:
Silver River State Park, Ocala presents their annual Phantoms of the Forest in the Cracker Village. 7 p.m. Oct. 30. FREE with a non-perishable food donation. 352-236-7148

Scott’s Fall Corn Maze, Mount Dora has you looking for games as well as clues to find the exit from 7-acres of winding paths. A hayride, 60-foot super slide, kids’ zipline and more will keep you busy for hours. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, now through Nov. 28. $10 adult, $8 ages 3-16, 2 and under Free. No pets. 352-383-6900. http://www.longandscottfarms.com

West Central:
Hillsborough River State Park, north of Tampa, offers tram rides and a spooky , haunted trail and more during the 18th Annual Haunted Woods Events.6-10 p.m. Oct. 22 & 23. $5 person. 813-987-6771

Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin has a haunted house and a scary trail for older kids, games, face painting and storytelling for little ones on the 13th Annual Halloween in the Park. Don’t forget a flashlight and bag for candy 6-10 p.m. Oct. 22-23. $10 donation per vehicle includes 10 free game tickets. 727-469-5942.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Port Richey has two trails, one spooky, one for tots, plus (separate fees) for hay rides, bounce house, and refreshments. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 29-30. $2 adult, $1 kids. 727-816-1890

South:
Hunsader Farms, Bradenton offer a Pumpkin Festival and 7-acre Corn Maze with many extras, set to live country music. Over 100 craft booths, pony and hayrides, a pioneer village and even a petting zoo will fill the day. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends only, Oct. 16-31. $7 adult, FREE for ages 12 and under. 941-322-2168. http://www.hunsaderfarms.com

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale guides families through a Howling Hammock trail of ghouls, critters and frights. Wear a costume and bring you own pumpkin to carve. 7-10 p.m. Oct. 22-24. $3 per person, or $10 for family up to four people. 954-564-4521.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West becomes a Haunted Fort to celebrate All Hallows Eve. 8-11 p.m. for three days over Oct. 22-24, and 28-31. $13 adult, $10 military, $8 ages 5-8, under 5 Free. 305-292-6713. .

Next week it’s BIG PARTY TIME

Florida Salutes the Military

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum

by Adele Woodyard

When the Armed Forces Day weekend arrives May 15-16, active and retired servicemen will have FREE entry to a variety of events around the state. But first I must start with a salute to a military museum that’s FREE, not only to our men and women in uniform, but to every citizen. Opened in1998, Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Museum is filled with memorabilia donated by rapidly disappearing veterans, or their families, from around the country. Located in the little Panhandle town of Carrabelle, Camp Gordon Johnston was built in 1942 to train soldiers and their support groups in amphibious landings. A quarter of a million men had left their mark on the Gulf and its beach before it closed in 1946. Video, oral and written records of their personal wartime experiences add to the large collection of WWII artifacts representing each branch of the U.S.armed services. 850-697-8575; http://www.campgordonjohnston.com

Another museum that features WWII , although it includes wars through Vietnam, is the Armed Forces Military Museum, in Largo (1/8/09 blog). Opened in August, 2008, it, like the Carrabelle museum, is an effort to preserve its heritage after founder John Piazza found his granddaughter didn’t know who Hitler was. Vivid dioramas, real tanks, troop carriers, and other vehicles, a realistic attack on Pearl Harbor, a French church that has a paratrooper stuck on its spire, a D-Day landing on Utah Beach, are some of the 3-D scenes that fill the 35,000 sq. ft. building. You know the people are mannequins, yet they breathe life into a history that should never be forgotten. 727-539-8371. http://www.armedforcesmuseum.com

May 1-31 is a whole month of FREEBIES for active, retired and reserved military at the Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. A valid ID will admit you to a museum of 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many restored to flyable condition. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
863-984-3500; http://www.fantasyofflight.com .

Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum is FREE for everyone and honors all branches of the Armed Forces. It’s over 30,000 artifacts and military memorabilia goes back to the Spanish-American War up to the mideast conflicts. The Museum will celebrate Armed Forces Day from 1-3 p.m., Sat. May 15. Located in Fishermen’s Village, a waterfront mall, you can also spend a day shopping, dining, even take a boat ride. 941-575-9002; http://www.mhaam.org

During the Armed Forces Day weekend, Naples Zoo welcomes active and retired military with ID for FREE. Enjoy a day with the animals, historic garden, shows, exhibits, and take a boat ride. Your family will have $2 off the regular price of $19.95 adult, $11.95 ages 3-12. 239-262-5409; http://www/napleszoo.org

Saturday, May 15: from 1-3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales presents special carillon concerts to celebrate Armed Forces Day. FREE to active, retired or disabled military with ID. 863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org

Spending the Night on the Road

by Adele Woodyard

As a travel writer, where  I spend the night while on a trip largely depends on if it’s with a media group or on my own. Either way it can be quite an adventure in itself. On someone else’s nickel, I’ve been tucked  into such places as a two-bedroom two bath condo on a beach; an ultra-upscale hotel room with marble bath and crystal chandelier; a former schoolhouse complete with lockers; and an 1800s two room shack, fortunately with modern bath.  But when it’s out of my own pocket, it’s a cheapie like Motel 6, or even better, a tent. Until that is, last week, when I drove to the Florida Panhandle and divided my nights between a cabin and a B& B.

Even as a tent camper I  thought of a cabin, if I considered it at all,  as a rustic building with few amenities, similar to one I was in as a kid. Vacationing  on Cape Cod, we had a hand pump at the sink for water, kerosene lamps for light, and an outhouse in the back yard. But it was on a lake, and I loved rowing a boat by myself in the early mornings, when the only sound was bird chirps and the swish of the oars.

Like that one, the log cabin I just rented for two nights on Lake Seminole has pine paneled walls, but that’s where the similarity ends. The Three Rivers State Park cabin has a fully equipped kitchen with microwave as well as a stove and refrigerator. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, bathroom with shower, a wood-burning fireplace,  bedroom with double bed, and a loft built for young kids–or adult midgets, make up the rest. The screened porch with its own table and two rocking chairs is the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine and watch the sunset reflect on the lake. I may miss no Internet but no TV is a blessing. Only the whisper of  wind in the pines, the thunk of cones on the tin roof, break the silence.

RV’s and one tent are scattered beneath  the trees around us, visitors here for a weekend in search of largemouth bass. Located near the Georgia line, Lake Seminole is not a place for swimming. From the wooden piers at its edge, we can see long black shadows drifting beneath the surface, big gators looking for a meal at dusk.  “The babies stay pretty close to shore,” volunteer camp host Babbette tells us. “They hide in the reeds, and the mamas stay nearby.” We decide not to rent a canoe.

Florida boasts one of the top state parks systems in the nation. Over 21 million visitors enjoyed them in the fiscal year July 2008-2009, and 19 of the 60 or more with campgrounds have cabins. Though this one at Three Rivers State Park require guests to furnish their own linens, most come fully equipped and newest ones may even have a dishwasher. However, if you really want to rough it while you get away from it all, Hontoon Island on the St. Johns River offers only bare necessities, like an electric light and ceiling fan. The ones on Cayo Costa State Park, a barrier island near Fort Myers, have even less. Both parks are only accessible by private boat or island ferry.

My third night is spent in a B & B in Carrabelle, a town on the Gulf side of the Panhandle that calls itself the Forgotten Coast. With its double deck wraparound porches, white paint walls and hot pink trim, half-hidden by tall, tropical greenery, the  Old Carrabelle Hotel reminds me of Key West. That impression continues from the Monkey Bar lounge, upstairs to the four bedrooms. White wicker furniture, pink walls, blaze of flowers, soaps and tropical fish doodads, in my room and bath continues the color scheme. Of course, there’s a TV. Unlike the cabin, it’s in the center of a town convenient to everything, yet  so small there’s no traffic light.

Both the cabin and the hotel make excellent bases for day trips. At $72.48 ($65 + 11.5% taxes) for the cabin, high $70s – low $100s (depending on season) with breakfast vouchers, for the B&B, even the prices are comparable. My one regret in both cases, was that my stay had to be so very short.

www.floridastateparks.org/threerivers ; www.oldcarrabellehotel.com

COMING SOON!

by Adele Woodyard

Our eBook, 100 FLORIDA “freebies” and cheapies” Vacation fun for $5 or less has been updated and will soon be ready to download from your computer. You don’t need a Kindle, or any other electronic reader to find places to go and things to do around the state, that cost little or nothing.

With the 45 page book divided into five sections, you will find up to 20 money –saving daytrips in each section, no matter where you live, or plan to visit in Florida. For instance, here are two of the 17 items we had to replace because the entrance fee jumped over $5 (both are now $6 for a carload of up to 8 people):

Panhandle:

Henderson Beach State Park has the pristine white sugar sand and green Gulf water, that gave the Emerald Coast its name. Boardwalks protect the fragile dunes as you access the 6,000 feet of beach to swim, sunbathe or fish. You may spot dolphins among the seabirds; hike a nature trail though sand pine, scrub oak and dune rosemary to find more wildlife. A full service campground has a separate boardwalk to the beach, outdoor showers and a playground, as well as access to a bathhouse. $3 per car; campsites $21 plus tax; RV max. length: 45 feet. 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin; 850-837-7550. http://www.floridastateparks.org

North Florida:

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a great place to cool off. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the visitor’s favorite pastime is floating down the crystalline Ichetucknee River in a big inner tube. No camping, but you can picnic, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, canoe, hike and view wildlife all year round. Tubes, snorkel and diving equipment can be rented from vendors outside the park. $5 per vehicle. $5 tubing. 12087 S.W. U.S. 27, Fort White; 386-497-2511. http://www.floridastateparks.org.

Want to see what took their place? Go to http://www.vacationfunflorida.com , follow directions, and $5 will bring you the 100 FLORIDA “freebies” and “cheapies” Vacation fun for $5 or less.