3 Outdoor Things To Do On A Central Florida Vacation
There are many things to do outside on a Central Florida vacation, including visiting state parks, wildlife reserves, botanical gardens, and citrus groves.
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3 Outdoor Things To Do On A Central Florida Vacation
Chris Harmen is an author for the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau, which lets vacationers know about the many outdoor activities to do on a Central Florida vacation (http://www.visitcentralflorida.org).
If you’re planning a Central Florida vacation, think beyond the ordinary. Instead of going with the more traditional vacation spent visiting the theme parks in Orlando, consider the many wildlife reserves, state parks, botanical gardens, and orange groves that make up the bulk of the many Central Florida attractions. Outdoor lovers have lots of Florida activities to choose beyond the beaches and Everglades.
Take In Some Florida Fishing At State Parks And Wildlife Reserves
To truly get away from it all, experience the many parks and wildlife reserves that Central Florida has to offer. Lake Kissimmee State Park is one such park, located 15 miles east of Lake Wales, on land that was once used by Native Americans. With over 13 miles of hiking trails (six of which are open to equestrians), 5,930 acres teeming with plant and animal life, shaded picnic areas, and a boat launch leading to Lake Kissimmee, the park offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy boating and canoeing, Florida fishing in the lake and observe wildlife like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. Stargazers can stay at the full-facility campground and will have a great opportunity to take in the night skies because the area is dark and free from excess light pollution. The park’s Cow Camp lets you enter the year 1876 as you hear a cow hunter talk about his life experiences.
Another park, Colt Creek State Park, is a part of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. This park has 12 miles of hiking trails, freshwater bank Florida fishing at three different lakes, picnic areas, and a wide variety of plant and animal life that make for great wildlife viewing. The park has had little modifications by man over the years, and is a great place to see the area’s natural flora and fauna. Another outdoor activity you might enjoy is taking an airboat nature tour of Central Florida – these tours allow you to see a side of Florida that few get to see. Zoom over the water and see alligators, turtles, and other native wildlife.
Outdoor Gardens Are An Ideal Spot For A Wedding Or Peaceful Getaway
One of the best Central Florida attractions is Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. This national historic landmark contains 128 acres of gardens with some plants that flower year-round, as well as a beautiful 205-foot 60-bell carillon tower with daily concerts. A popular site for a wedding, as well as simply a peaceful local getaway, Bok Tower Gardens is surely something you can’t afford to miss on your Central Florida vacation.
Another nearby garden is Hollis Garden in Lakeland. This garden is of neoclassical design and features more than 10,000 flowers and ornamental shrubs. This beautiful garden chronicles Florida’s history, beginning with the state’s agrarian period to the modern era.
Visit An Orange Grove On A Central Florida Vacation
No Central Florida vacation would be complete without a trip to one of the many citrus groves that give the area its reputation. Polk County is the largest producer of citrus in the state, as evidenced by the number of orange groves that line the roadways. At the Florida’s Natural Grower’s Grove House in Lake Wales, visitors can learn about orange juice production by taking a video tour, experience interactive exhibits featuring the state’s official fruit, and of course, sample the delicious orange juice. The Oranges in Art exhibit, a limited showing during the 2009-10 citrus season, features the delectable fruit on art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries in china, wood, bronze, and canvas mediums.
Another citrus-inspired stop in Central Florida, Lang Sun Country Groves, began as a small citrus stand in 1951 and is still family-owned and operated. Now operating as a gift-fruit packing house, restaurant, and gift shop, Lang’s has incredible desserts including their famous grapefruit pie and honeybell cake. Their citrus fruit is so delicious; it was even featured on Martha Stewart’s television show.
No matter if you live in another state or are a resident of the Sunshine State, there are many Central Florida attractions that will please anyone who enjoys being outside in the beautiful, sunny climate – and who wouldn’t? State parks, botanical gardens, and orange groves are all great ways to spend time on your Florida vacation.
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