Florida's Roads Less Traveled

by Lexa Pennington /
Lexa Pennington's picture
Dec 03, 2008 / 1 comments

The road less traveled in the Sunshine State begins with VISIT FLORIDA’s newest publication, Been There, Haven’t Done That. The full-color guide highlights 105 fun and quirky attractions and activities from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. Locals and visitors alike will be pleasantly surprised by some of the unique experiences that Florida has to offer.

 

“The guide is geared not only to our own residents, but also to the out-of-state visitor who might be looking for something off the beaten path,” said VISITFLORIDA.com Authentic Florida Expert, Lucy Beebe Tobias. “Many of the suggestions in the guide would make an enjoyable addition to a customary trip to the beach or theme park.”

 

Been There, Haven’t Done That offers an eclectic group of experiences across Florida:

 

    * Visitors not afraid to get a little wet can sleep with the fish at Jules Underwater Lodge, an authentic underwater research habitat in Key Largo.
    * Architectural enthusiasts can brag about seeing the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
    * Those with a discerning palate can try the “Swirl of Squirrel” from Linder Lodge in Bradenton, declared one of the top five weirdest restaurants in the country by Al Roker from NBC’s Today Show.
    * Produce lovers can go bananas at the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, featuring more than 500 varieties of fruits, spices and other plants.
    * The Nation’s Smallest Post Office can be toured by anyone with a spare minute. Located in Ochopee, the post office measures 7x8 feet and services a population of 11.
    * The aquatic couple can say “I do” with Weddings on Water, America’s first floating wedding chapel, located at the St. Petersburg Pier in St. Petersburg.
    * Adventure seekers can white water raft down the only Class III rapids in Florida at Big Shoals State Park in White Springs.
    * Visitors with a sweet tooth can chew on some fresh sugarcane while touring a working sugar cane farm through Sugarland Tours in Clewiston.
    * Ghost hunters are likely to find a soul or two hanging around Monticello, The South’s Most Haunted Town.

 

“The beauty of Florida is in its diversity,” said Rayme Samuels, VISITFLORIDA.com Arts & Culture Expert. “Whether you are a nature lover, history buff or just a weekend warrior, there is a quirky and quintessential Florida experience that anyone can enjoy.”

 

Been There, Haven’t Done That also features sections about Fun Florida Facts, Uniquely Florida Festivals and Events, Scenic Highways and Byways, Lighthouses, Wineries and Shipwreck Preserves. Each unique destination is highlighted on a large map that travelers can use to calculate mileage between locations.

 

Consumers can log onto www.VISITFLORIDA.com/beenthere to find detailed information about each attraction and activity in the brochure. They can also download videos and photos of locations across the Sunshine State, post their own photos, and request a free copy of Been There Haven’t Done That. Guides are also available by phone at 1-800-274-5941 or by visiting any of five Official Florida Welcome Centers.                 

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Comments (1)

  • tgassael

    15 years 4 months ago

    One genuine Florida gem missed in this list of the road less traveled in the Sunshine State is Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo, a genuine one-of-a-kind Florida roadside attraction that is real Florida...as real as it gets.

    Educators often bring their students to this nature park for a fun educational experience and receive One Free Educator Admission and an Extra Bonus of a Free Return Visit VIP Pass! (with Every 15 Student Admissions)  

    At this natural habitat Florida jungle you are greeted by the famous 200 foot long roadside wonder, Swampy, the largest alligator in the world and a unique roadside photo opportunity. Throughout the park, guests experience live guided wildlife encounters with rare Florida panthers, black bears, gray wolves, white-tailed deer, tropical birds, reptiles and mammals. The Jungle Swamp Cruise is on a private Florida river that is inhabited by more than two hundred alligators and surrounded by natural Florida flora and fauna. This relaxing pontoon boat ride provides a close-up view of natural Florida and many photo opportunities. On and off throughout the day, guests can choose to join in with the very popular Jumpin Gator Jamboree Gator Feedings. They also have several Live Guided Adventures, including educational expeditions to a Native American Indian Village Replica, where guests learn about how Native Americans lived in Florida centuries ago, as well as, a replica of a 16th Century Spanish Fort.

    Visit www.jungleadventures.com for more information.

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