Shark Valley is a very popular park within Everglades National Park. There's a 100% chance you'll see an alligator, and probably no less than 20! There's tram tours and a bikes for rent, or just walk for a while. Alligators are there, right along the pathway, just waiting for visitors to take awesome photos!

What many people, even Florida locals, don’t know is that the Everglades is constantly hosting cool events and activities. And some of them are social events and at night!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a free night of #Instameet stargazing in Shark Valley.

The stargazing part was cancelled due to atmospheric conditions (it was cloudy), but a bunch of people still came out at 6pm to be led on a short informational tour by a park ranger along the trails.

We were able to take a ton of photos of spiders, birds, and the beautiful full moon. There was even an alligator that crawled out of the water and onto land less than 30 feet away from me! We didn’t give it a chance to get closer though, we all quickly walked in the opposite direction – its better to be safe then sorry, especially when you are deep in the everglades at night.

There were a million mosquitoes, so make sure you cover up and wear lots of bug spray or bug lotion when you visit! Our small informational tour was less than two hours, but I definitely got chewed up by the monster sized blood suckers. But it was well worth it. And I plan on going again soon!

To stay up-to-date on fun activities like this, follow @evergladesnps on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

​Mallory Square is the heart of Old Town Key West. Each night at sunset, a gathering at Mallory Square occurs no matter what day or time of year. Street performers, many of whom have performed here for many years, claim their space on the Square and give one fantastic performance after another. Entertainment, food, drinks, art, shopping all appear almost out of nowhere just for sunset and all overlooking Key West Harbor.  It's family friendly fun, and there's plenty of it for everyone!

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is right in the middle of St. Augustine fun. It's on the north end of the main St. Augustine drag, near the Old Town Trolley and Oldest Store Museum Experience.

​We had driven past The Fountain of Youth a bunch of times on past trips, but never went in. It was time, and we were so glad we did! We weren't sure what to expect, but turns out it's a large very clean park with lots of history and activities. It's well worth the visit. Did you know they have a planetarium? There's a show that depicts just how explorers navigated by the stars way back in the 1400's-1500's. There's a live cannon demonstration, working blacksmith, Indian settlement, snacks and a gift shop. And lots more! We spend about 2.5 hours here.

I hadn't visited this park in many years, but did have fond memories of it as a kid when it was Parrot Jungle & Gardens. It opened in 1936 and generations of families spent lots of time at this park together. I wasn't sure what to expect, because I knew the same iconic parrot show wouldn't be there to see. Anyone remember? The show under the big white dome, where at the end the parrot rode a tricycle across a tight rope? Where a parrot shot those little red and white picture thingies out of a little cannon into the crowd? I used to have one and I loved that thing. You hold it up the light and see the famous Parrot Jungle photo and you'd forever remember the great memories of your family all together smiling and having fun. Remember the flamingo show at the lake? Or taking photos while holding talking parrots on your arm? Good times...

So I was a bit apprehensive, worried that my memories of those great times with family, some of whom are no longer here, would be replaced. I took my daughter, just graduated from college, with me. She doesn't share the same childhood memories of the park that I do. She wasn't born yet, when Parrot Jungle closed (1992) after sustaining over a million dollars in damage resulting from Hurricane Andrew. [Parrot Jungle re-opened in 2003 on Watson Island and is now Jungle Island... we haven't visited it yet].

She loved the tropical trees and coral rock, the cypress knees ecosystem. She took lots of photos of the turtle pond... turtles all lined up on the edge sunning themselves while more gigantic koi swam past. She loved the peacocks and shaded peaceful stroll through the 20 acre park. No, there weren't any parrots or flamingos. The iconic theme park photos will have to remain a memory. But the park is still beautiful. And kids will love the petting zoo and small water features to play in. And hopefully their families will bring them to the concerts and special events the park hosts seasonally. 

I'm glad I went back. My visit revived even more memories of family and really happy times there, and I made a new memory with my daughter by taking her there with me. It's worth the visit. And we'll be going back soon, they have a Farmer's Market every Sunday.

PLANNING TO VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA THIS FALL?
​GREAT TIME TO START PLANNING!

When you're in the south end of Miami, and it's the fall/winter season, the Knaus Berry Farm is a MUST VISIT! Located in Redland, it's on the west side of US1 amidst vast agricultural farmland. U-pick tomato and strawberry farms all over.

The Knaus Berry Farm is special. Since 1956 this farm has been growing strawberries, vegetables and has a large U-pick spot that's fun for the family! But even more popular? CINNAMON ROLLS!  If you visit on a weekend, you're going to stand in a big long line. But don't let that scare you... they are SO WORTH IT!!  While waiting in line for the cinnamon rolls, you can grab a FRESH MILKSHAKE! 

They also sell lots of vegetables and fruit. BIG RED TOMATOES and STRAWBERRIES are also amazing. Try to get there in the morning if you want to make sure you get your pick of all these amazing treats! 

Visit their website here: http://www.knausberryfarm.com/

Loxahatchee Battlefield Park is located in Jupiter Florida on 61 acre, it's huge and fantastic. It's entrance is through Riverbend Park which is equally beautiful and extensive, and full of fantastic outdoor activities for all age groups. These two parks (adjoining) are of the best municipal parks in Florida we've visited. Paddling, equestrian trails, picnic tables and party pavilions, so many family-oriented special events throughout the year. 

We decided to visit Battlefield Park in late May, which is the end of their special events season (starts getting very hot after May). In the morning the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists sponsored a lecture by Dr.Edward Petuch, a former professor of 30 years at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). We learned about Florida's ancient ecology and earliest indigenous  people like the Calusa Indians, and got to see some fantastically significant fossils from the area from camels and mammoths and tigers (oh my!).  We sat at the picnic tables under a huge oak tree on a beautiful Saturday morning and learned we don't know nearly enough about Florida's real history, and how truly interesting it is! SO MANY FUN FACTS LEARNED! Here's one: did you know Florida's water level was about 60 feet ABOVE what it is now, just 150,000 years ago??

After the lecture, we jumped into a guided walking tour led by... 

Head to the south end of Florida towards the west coast. You're sure to bump right into the Everglades. In a tiny town called Ochopee, you'll find some great access points to Big Cypress National Preserve and some fabulous Turner River paddling opportunities.

Big Cypress and the Turner River area is hard to miss because it's over 720,000 acres!! Closest town is Everglades City which is famous for their annual Seafood Festival. There's plenty of areas to park your vehicle and canoe/kayak trailer if you use one, and head out for a day adventure on the Turner River. There are also put-ins all along Tamiami Trail. 

Side note: check out the movie Square Grouper. It's older, but a fun flick. It's centered in this area, specifically Everglades City. It's got a whole lotta cool Florida history you didn't know you didn't know!! 😃

Don't have your own kayak or canoe? No problem! There are plenty of guided tours and rentals available in multiple spots found along Tamiami Trail. Some are privately owned, and some are municipal or part of the national parks service. To start planning out your adventure, start here: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/canoetrails.htm.

If you want to see the Everglades from the inside but aren't sure about miles of #paddling... we recommend starting out with a ranger-led guided tour for just an hour or two. Use the National Park Service website to gather names and general descriptions of what you'll see... find the names of those places that interest you most. The find those names on sites like Tripadvisor where you can read reviews and get more ideas on what you're comfortable with.

Even paddling warriors like us that do 10 miles in a day started with just a short hour or two hour tour. We fell in love, and it became one of our favorite Florida weekend warrior things to do! The everglades and the Turner River is the most diverse place on the planet. The ecosystems you'll see first hand are amazing and the wildlife and plant life will be among the most unique you'll ever see up close and in the wild. Not sure because of alligators? Don't worry!  Once you paddle past a few and realize they are NOT interested in you... you'll relax and enjoy your adventure. Then plan another. And another. Florida is full of amazing paddling adventures waiting to happen, from fresh water springs to saltwater lagoons.

Are you a camper?  Check out our post on Swamp Ape for a great place to camp while you're on your Big Cypress adventure.

Naples beaches are arguably some of the most beautiful clean coastlines in the country. It's on the southern tip of the gulf coast, in Southwest Florida (Collier County). Naples is a unique small town with an approximate 100 golf courses AND 100 art galleries, tons of shopping and restaurants, beaches, attractions and activities to do for all ages. 

Just visiting a Naples Beach for the day? TIP: Weekday mornings try the Naples North Gulf Shore Access public parking lot. Just $8 for the full day, and walk a few steps to the shaded public access cobblestone walkway straight to the beach! We visited on a Friday at 11am in August and we were one of 4 cars in the lot.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens is located in Coral Gables (Miami), in southeast Florida. If you like nature, you'll LOVE spending a day at this place! They have shuttles and walking tours, or go it yourself! You'll find everything from the most gorgeous koi ponds to pine rockland and tropical hammocks, rainforest and butterfly habitats and exhibits. 

Riverbend Park in Jupier is one of the most beautiful, family oriented parks we've visited in Florida. It's vast, spanning 64 acres. It's actually two big parks in one... with the adjoining Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park right there as well (same entrance). Meticulously maintained and fully of natural beauty, these parks offer many activities including biking, great canoeing/kayaking/paddling, nature trails and even 7 miles of equestrian trails! There are also Saturday tours of the historic battlefield, as well as lots of public events throughout the year. It's located in Jupiter, Palm Beach County in Southeast Florida and within a short 1-3 hour drive from most of Florida. Its FREE to get in, and has FREE easy parking! 

Trapper Nelson's site along the Loxahatchee River is inside of the Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It's right on the river, easily accessible via canoe or kayak. It's located in Hobe Sound, also accessible by land (though we think the river entrance is much more fun!).

​The Loxahatchee River is one of the last wild and natural rivers in Southeast Florida. Trapper Nelson began living here in the early 1930's and became a local legend known as "the Wildman of the Loxahatchee River". He built his jungle zoo and gardens and eventually had boats of people coming to visit his popular tourist destination. His cabin, some of his wild animal pens and other structures still stand. The park is well maintained and a great spot to stop for lunch and some real Florida history. 

On the west tip of Key West is a lesser-known but fantastic part of Key West locally known as the Truman Annex. It's just outside of Old Town Key West where famous Duval Street and all the restaurants, bars, shopping and fun is at. Truman Annex (named after President Truman who spent time here during his presidency) has a beautiful large community of townhomes and condos and they are often available as vacation rentals, though very pricey and often hard to reserve. Just beyond this housing development you enter onto a section of Key West that's shared by the US Navy and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Pass a Coast Guard Cutter or Navy ship on your right, then the new Eco-Discovery Center, and you can either enter onto the Naval Base or the state park. 

Peacock Springs State Park is REAL FLORIDA! Florida isn't just beaches and sunshine. Visit most anywhere along the Suwannee River in this area and you will experience some of the most unique, beautiful fresh water springs and nature preserves you never knew existed. Surround yourself with magnificent cypress trees and swampy terrain barely touched by civilization. You'll realize Florida is so much more precious and unique than anything you might imagine.  Peacock Springs  is one of those places. It's fairly hidden along the Suwannee River, and though named after it's previous owner Dr. John Calvin Peacock... it's also perfectly named due to the color of the water. The best experience at Peacock Springs will depend on the time of year and the Suwannee River water level. Check before you go! This spring looks different every single time you'll visit, and the water clarity will depend on the water level and time of year.

The best way to experience the Suwannee River is by canoe. It's the only way you'll truly be able to experience the incredible natural phenomenon of crystal clear blue freshwater springs INSIDE parts of the Suwannee River. Yes, paddle down the big brownish colored waters of the Suwannee River and all of a sudden... a big bright blue circle of crystal clear 70 degree water appears.

The Suwannee flows through the south of Georgia and north Florida for about 246 miles and then rolls into the Gulf of Mexico. When you paddle, you see natural forests and wildlife, trees hundreds of years old, and the beloved natural Florida springs.  

​Some of the springs have caves, some have rope swings, some are deep enough to swim in. All of them are unique, and the best way to encounter their brilliance is when you spot them on your paddling ride down the river. Stop the canoe, tie it up and go enjoy a uniquely-Florida freshwater natural spring. It's that easy, and that wonderful.

Miami Beach is home to beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and beautiful ocean breezes. It's easy to find the sand and water, but where's the best beach? Highly subjective answer, but we say it's a stretch of beach next to the Eden Roc and Fontainebleau. Why do we like this one best? Well, sure, all the beaches of Miami Beach share the same water and sand. The same fish swim, same seagulls fly... back and forth. But when you're talking about Miami Beach, you HAVE to factor in things like crowds, cleanliness and parking. 

Key West is a place everyone loves to visit. If you haven't been yet, it's time! Whether you're single or married, no matter what age, whether you have small children or grown... Key West has plenty for everyone to enjoy. But did you know? If you have military privileges... you'll be able to see and take advantage of Key West like non-military never can. Perks?  Here's a bunch...

Key West is home to several of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Everyone that knows Key West well has their own favorite beach. Each has a different vibe with different amenities and characteristics. On our most recent Key West weekend getaway we chose to spend the day at the Key West Beach on the Truman Annex at Fort Zachary Taylor. This beach is large and sandy, though parts of it can be a bit rocky. We like I because it has plenty of parking (for bikes and cars), plenty of picnic tables and grills, tons of shade so you can stay there all day without feeling "cooked", good restroom and outdoor shower facilities... and a mini-restaurant! Yep. Cooked food! A good lunch PLUS frozen key lime pie on a stick for dessert... pure awesome. 

Fort Zachary Taylor dates back to before the Civil War. It's at Key West's western tip and is part of the 87 mile Florida State Park. Visiting the fortress/compound makes for a relaxing hour or two of enjoying the park and Truman Annex area. The Fort is primitive and has been left to the elements... there's no gift shop or fancy recreations. What you see is what's left after decades and up to 200+ years of aging. Which in our opinion, is kinda unique and cool. 

Key West is like no other place on Earth. When we're asked for the best things to do in Florida... Key West ALWAYS tops the list. Whether you visit just once, or once a year like we do... you gotta go! Our favorite part of every trip is spending time at the Truman Annex. It's filled with presidential and military history dating as far back as the Civil War. If you like history, read up on it before you visit, it's super interesting. Key West might be the southernmost part of the US, but during the Civil War... it fought for the Union. That's right... the north was represented in the south at Fort Zachary Taylor. And just one hour south of Key West is Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas with even more cool history and the BEST SNORKELING!

We've heard stories of how easy it is to find fossil shark teeth along the Peace River. But come on, shark tooth in a freshwater RIVER? The ocean, yes... sure, maybe even on a beach if you're super lucky. But in the middle of the state of Florida? We're happy to report, indeed, our mission was a success!

​We make our Peace River trip a 2 night 3 day camping trip. In our opinion, camping is the best way to really experience the area and natural surroundings. We paddled about 10 miles total, stopping intermittently at a couple of small beachy picnic spots to snack and rest a bit. But it wasn't one of these accessible spots we found our treasure....