Tickets are on sale for rides aboard the Sugar Express, a historic steam train sponsored by Clewiston-based U.S. Sugar Company.
Recent Articles
‘Florida Seafood Festival’ is the state’s oldest, Nov. 6-7 in Apalachicola
The Florida Seafood Festival celebrates Apalachicola’s vibrant fishing industry. Held at the mouth of the Apalachicola River under the shady oaks of Battery Park, this festival features fresh seafood, arts and crafts exhibits & live music.
Tour Nike missile in Everglades starting Veterans day, Nov. 11, free day in national parks
The historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park is a well-preserved relic of the 1960s Cold War. For lovers of history, folks who remember the Cold War or aviation fans, it’s a fascinating trip back in time, available only during the winter season.
Indian Key: Favorite Florida Keys kayak trail to historic island
Indian Key is once again open to kayakers. If you’ve ever dreamed about exploring a deserted tropical island, here’s your chance: Take your kayak down to the Florida Keys and paddle out to Indian Key State Park to explore jungly ruins and snorkel a rocky shoreline.
Celebrate a migration miracle at fall monarch butterfly festival is Nov. 7, 2026
On their 2,000-mile fall migration, thousands of monarchs stop in Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle in October and November. A top viewing site is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a half hour south of Tallahassee. There is a monarch festival at the refuge Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration, Nov. 6-7, 2026
The Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration offers tradition like fry bread & alligator wrestling, and celebrates diverse native cultures with dancing, wildlife presentations and music.
Florida botanical gardens: Spectacular scenery at 21 special sites
People have always loved Florida botanical gardens. Some specialize in orchids or water lilies or bonsai or native plants. As you make travel plans, consider adding one of these to your itinerary.
Alabama Jack’s: Classic way to start a trip to Florida Keys, for sale for $4.9 million
Stopping at Alabama Jack’s, a fish shack and dive bar on a remote road between Homestead and Key Largo, has been the classic way to start a Keys trip for decades. It’s shabby, atmospheric and authentic.
Red Tide returns to Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach
In some the first red tide reports of the season, health alerts have been issued for areas around Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach and Panama City.
Orlando Wetlands: Perfect stop for wildlife lovers
Orlando Wetlands Park is a must-stop for birders and wildlife fans. It’s home to over 100 roseate spoonbills, 1,700 alligators and 200 species of bird. A 5,000 square foot visitor just opened with exhibits and live animals on display. The park is only 20 minutes off I-95.
Shark Valley at Everglades National Park: Great bike trail; terrific wildlife
One of the best ways to see Florida’s Everglades is via the Tamiami Trail to the Shark Valley entrance, home to a terrific bike trail and abundant wildlife. Visitors have been reporting outstanding wildlife viewing during holiday visits.
Sebring HGTV makeover wins Emmy
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth after renovations by HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier on ‘Home Town Takeover.’ The Sebring episodes won a Daytime Emmy.
Bike and Hike
Loop Road: Storied road through Everglades is full of wildlife
Loop Road is famous for being a wild place. (That once applied to the people as well as the animals.) It’s a gravel road off the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a rewarding place to explore.
Beaches
Surf fishing is a fun family outing
There’s no better time for surf fishing than late summer and early fall, when massive schools of mullet run down the coast and game fish chase the feast. Here’s the gear you need, best places to fish and how to fish from shore.
Camping
11 enchanting Central Florida state parks with camping, cabins and ‘glamping’
Central Florida is home to a diverse selection of Florida state parks with Glamping, Cabins, RV and tent camping, Many are convenient to Disney World and Universal Studios. Check it out! @FLStateParks @FLStateParksFdn
Springs
Cool Escapes: Florida’s best springs to swim, tube, snorkel & dive
Floridians survive the heat and humidity of our brutal summers by turning to the state’s wealth of cool, clear, refreshing springs. These are our picks for the best springs in Florida.
Snorkel and Dive
Pigeon Key: Island on Seven Mile Bridge has scenery, history
As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, you pass the little green island with yellow cottages and palm trees surrounded by dazzling blue water. You can visit this tiny paradise, which offers fascinating history, tropical beauty, even great snorkeling.
