Florida: vacation possibilities abound in every corner of the Sunshine State - State Of The Month

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Alice Ross

Naming Florida in 1513 was easy During the Easter feast time when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon sighted the land with its luxuriant vegetation, he named it Pascua Florida. "The Easter Flower" today would be far more difficult to name, having blossomed into a diverse state with beautiful beaches, grand resorts, exciting theme parks, island getaways, and sophisticated cities. Inland or coastal, indoors or out, for vacation or forever, the Sunshine State has a time and a place for everyone.

Bridges connect Alabama to Florida's westernmost island, Perdido Key. The whole panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico is a beach lover's dream come true, with soft white sands and water ranging from turquoise to green. So colorful is the stretch from Navarre Beach to Seaside it's called the Emerald Coast. Navarre Beach in Santa Rosa County ranks as one of the nation's most beautiful, and the county was designated "canoe capital of Florida."

Nature trails, golf, and water-related activities keep travelers busy all along the northwest coast. Destin, with Florida's largest charter boat fleet, is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." From condos to cottages and everything in between, Abbott Resorts (866-478-3305) has the perfect rental for the ultimate beach vacation in Destin.

In Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the state's most popular playgrounds. Hop a shuttle boat to Shell Island, where it's rumored pirates stashed their treasure.

Pensacola is home to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, which often presents air shows featuring the Blue Angels. Over 400 years old, the city offers numerous ways to visit the past, such as exploring 19th century homes in Historic Pensacola Village.

Tallahassee's another old-timer, and Florida's capital since 1824. In the state's north central section, Tallahassee displays a Southern charm, complete with moss-draped canopy roads. More than 145 of the city's properties are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the beautifully restored Old Capitol, with its candy-striped awnings and stained glass-adorned dome.

Central Florida is proof that not everything requires an ocean to be happy. For 65 years, Cypress Gardens has attracted audiences to see thrilling water ski shows, ice skating shows, and exquisite tropical gardens. Standing atop one of Florida's highest hills, Bok Tower Gardens surrounds a national historic monument known as "America's Taj Mahal," a tower created by hundreds of craftspeople. Art galleries and captivating architecture are a treat in historic Lake Wales.

In Kissimmee, aviation enthusiasts love the vintage aircraft at the Flying Tiger Warbird Restoration Museum. Wenches and serfs are part of the fun at Medieval Times, a journey to the Middle Ages complete with jousting and dinner without silverware.

Central Florida is also home to the land of Mickey and Minnie, Walt Disney World. Young and old revel in safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom, colorful characters at Magic Kingdom, other parts of the world at Epcot Center, and the wonder of movie-making at Disney-MGM Studios. For lodgings around the Disney area, check out Attractions Wholesale Travel (800-749-4045, ext. 227) for hotels, condos, and homes to fit any budget.

With so many nearby attractions, it's no wonder Central Florida appeals to retirees. In the beautiful Ocala countryside, Oak Run (800-874-0898) offers residents a country club atmosphere, whether they set up house permanently or choose the community for a second home. Between Ocala and Disney World, situated among lakes and hills, awaits one of the nation's most distinctive retirement communities, Hawthorne at Leesburg (800-525-8077).

The central west coast includes Tampa, once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World;" Tarpon Springs, noted for its sponge-diving history; and Sarasota, home to the mansion built by circus king John Ringling. Sarasota's cultural scene scores high with ballet, opera, theaters, and galleries.

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area boasts 361 sunny days a year, which is great when you're passing time on its 35-mile stretch of beaches or indulging in the endless array of water sports. St. Pete is also home to some fine museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum, with the world's most comprehensive collection of the artist's works.

Cross the yellow Sunshine Skyway Bridge and discover Bradenton, which hosts a month-long spring gala celebrating the landing of Spanish conquistador Hernando DeSoto. You've probably tasted Bradenton, known as the home of Tropicana Orange Juice. History buffs investigate the town at the South Florida Museum, while shoppers explore Ellenton, home to the largest discount designer outlets in the southeastern United States. Old Florida charm awaits at Bradenton's island beaches. An island retreat without fast-food restaurants describes Anna Maria Island. Luxury condos and resorts, rustic beach bars and fine restaurants characterize lovely Longboat Key.