Different things to do

[Muppet]

Hello

Me and Chappie are off again at Christmas and need some ideas for some different things to do.

We are looking for more day out type things instead of mini golf and boggy creek (which we always do).

Doesn't have to be cheap and can be adventurous. And we don't mind a bit of driving.

 

[richard3330]

Hi,

We are also going this Xmas and I would also like to know if anybody has any ideas for 'different' things to do.

Anybody know any good ones?

Thanks for posting this, Muppet!

 

[pt415999]

If your an outdoor person try some of these places, about as far away from the mouse as you can get!


http://www.silversprings.com/index-flash.htm

http://floridatraveler.com/travel_articles/juniper-springs.htm

http://accessocala.com/articles/ocklawaharefuge.htm

 

[Janice]

When we went to Florida in January 97, we spent a week in Naples and did some quite different things then.

We went on an Airboat Ride in the Everglades. That was fantastic and probably the best experience ever! We paid the extra to hire a private boat (there were four of us together) and it was fab having the driver tell us everything about the wildlife, stopping and showing us stuff that you normally dont get to see. It was well worth the money (about $65 if I can recall).

Then we also went to visit an Indian Reservation - that was really interesting. Mikkosukhi (Sp) Indians actually still live there and you see them conducting their everyday lives. They had an Aligator show which was a bit, well, manufactured, but the rest of it was really interesting and it wasnt too expensive either.

We also got to see a real Rodeo. This we came upon by chance as we were driving across to Fort Lauderdale one Sunday morning. We stopped for petrol along Aligator Alley - and we saw a sign for "Weekly Rodeo" and we just took a chance and carried on to have a look. It was brilliant - there were no tourists, we were definetly the only visitors (we could tell - we were the only four without cowboy boots, hats, spurs!) and it cost us $5 each for a good morning's entertainment. It was the equivalent to us all going out on a sunday morning to watch the local football match! This was another highlight - one of those 'once in a lifetime' moments.

Naples is a fair drive to do in a day - you might want to consider perhaps staying in a Motel overnight? But it would be well worth a short interval there.

Cypress Gardens is a lovely day out - theme parkish without Disney, lovely gardens and flower displays, and if you are into Country and Western (we are not) - then they have lots of live gigs and entertainment.

Hope this helps - if you need any further info, give me a shout and I'll try and dig some out for you.

 

[Muppet]

Cheers Honey

We have done Naples, Everglades and Cypess gardens but thanks anyway. Don't fancy the Rodeo but info was good.

Nic has since found the Richard Petty Driving Experience............hopefully it will be closed when we are there. He needs no more excuse to drive fast and I know he wouldn't want to be a passenger. I quite fancy St Augustine with the Spanish Castle etc. My nan has been there and says it makes a good day out. Failing that maybe we will fly to NY for a couple of days!!!!!

Anyone done the flight in the Warbird Adventure? Maybe Nic will fancy this?

 

[vernon]

I'm planning to visit the Salvador Dali museum in St Pete's this visit, also for DD Caroline to go trail riding. You could look at swimming with Manatees at Crystal River. There is also a good art gallery at Winter Park with a collection of Tiffiny Glass. Simon V did the warbird and had a very high rating for it.

 

[Enright78]

Do try Winter park. We went in Oct and it was lovely. I'd guess the Xmas shopping would be wonderful!

 

[sam_b]

Hi,

I would definitely recommend Winter Park - great for shopping and people watching. One thing I was amazed at was the number of people there with dogs and how welcome the dogs were in all of the shops!

We have hired a canoe near Ocala for a day - that was a fun, but tiring day.

My other half loved doing the Richard Petty rookie experience.

If you're up for a drive, why not head up to Savannah for a couple of days- very pretty.

Have fun!!

 

[JANNYANS]

Try the Yahala bakery. a 'must vist' for purveyor's of good bread and mouthwatering cakes.

Drive as if you are going to Mount Dora-up the 27 and right at the 19 to Howey in the Hills and Tavares etc.

When you get to The Mission Inn-go straight past it on the left-you would normally take a right to Tavares-and the little hamlet of Yalaha is about 3 miles down-the Bakery is on the left.

The breads and pizzas were delicious (I had a salad) and the display of cakes is tempting. You can sit in or out in the garden (no screens -so beware of bugs) and on Saturday mornings they have entertainment-just bring your own chair.

It's something a bit different-and those up the 27 are half way there anyway.

Those coming from East 192 might be able to take the turnpike-as there is an entry to the turnpike from the 27 and then you would just need to pick up the 19. I'm doing this bit from memory-so details a bit vague.

After, you can carry on to Mount Dora, Lakeridge Winery is out on the 27 or take the 50 through to Clermont and Weekee Wachee Springs.
Or visit The Orlando Museum of Science , also worth a look. This is next to the Florida hospital. They have IMAX here also.
And up until April you can take a free trolley ride around thearea to see the Swans that have been erected in Lakeland.