We left the sunny wetlands behind, as the current on the Ichetucknee river pushed us forward into a dark tunnel of cypress trees. They stretched upwards, so tall they seemed to join each other at their tips, blotting out the winter sky. Bright orange foliage poked between the bleached white trunks. Gnarled stumps jutted from the rich soil. Nature’s art, worn smooth from years of river flooding. Turtles perched on half-submerged logs, stretching their legs out in a ‘plank’ pose. And schools of fish dashed beneath our kayaks, their bodies silvery flashes over the pools of turquoise on the limestone riverbed. It was us and the river. The only sounds were the swish of our paddles stirring the water and the birds in the trees.
Family Fun in Florida
Family Fun at Alexander Springs
A huge black winged bird swooped across our path and landed neatly on the picnic table in front of us. The ebony reptilian rolls around the bird’s neck jiggled as the creature leaned forward and peered into the blue and white striped canvas sack standing on the table top. I watched with a mixture of horror and fascination as the animal I recognized to be a turkey vulture, stuck his glossy beak into the bag and pulled out a piece of bread.
“Mom, do something,” my son urged.
Best Coastal Towns in Florida Your Whole Family Will Love
Ditch those busy Florida beach destinations and rediscover the real side of Florida, where life is slower, ice cream parlors on the main street are the hot-spots, flip-flops are the main footwear and fishing poles are trendy. Here are the best Florida coastal towns your whole family will love.
Blueberry Picking at Florida’s Red White & Blues Farm
Blueberry season in Florida runs from April through May, and my daughter and I headed to a u-pick blueberry farm in North Central Florida to try our hand at blueberry picking. 9 varieties of blueberry bushes stretch out in neat rows across 38 acres of the Red, White & Blues Farm in Williston, Florida, and they encourage you to taste them all.
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve: Hidden Refuge on Florida’s Nature Coast
Hidden on Florida’s Nature Coast in Levy County, the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 431 acre wildlife refuge, park and haven located on highway 40. Most people fly by the gravel road entrance, but those that dare take the turn will find themselves in for a pleasant surprise…
10 Cool Things About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ You Should Know
You dream of chasing a shiny little ball, mumble spells in your sleep and actually know what at ‘patronus’ is. But have you visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ yet? Whether you are a Potter-fan or not, here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your Potter-experience at Universal Orlando™.
Whetstone Chocolates Tasting Tour: St. Augustine’s Sweeter Side
Chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate turtles, truffles, fudge and more- a tasty peek inside St. Augustine’s sweeter side at Whetstone Chocolates, their factory and tasting tour.
Family Weekend Getaway at the Hilton Ocala
Swimming pool, hot tub, on-site gastropub with incredible food, drinks, and live music, acres of green to play in, and the neatest exclusive club in north-central Florida. This was our family weekend getaway at Florida’s Hilton Ocala.
11 Florida State Parks You’re Gonna Love
From waterfalls to underwater caverns, turn of the century farms to modern overlooks, beaches to prairies. Florida has a vast variety of State Parks for the whole family to enjoy. So grab your kids and get outside! Here are 11 Florida State Parks that you will love.
Florida Fishing Programs (Catch Fish-Win Prizes!)
Win cool stuff and do something you already love. The Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers Florida fishing recognition programs for your ultimate catches, from basic bragging rights to chances to win a boat! Your favorite fishing pastime just got a whole lot better…