Tooling/touring around Florida

[ependydad...Doug 176]

We are going to be in Tampa in early February for a rally and then a week at Fort Wilderness. After that, I'd like to see a bit of what people claim is "real" Florida. Problem is, I don't really know what that is... nor do I have reservations so most state parks are out. Additionally, a 42' fifth wheel is limited in what parks can take us. But, we are good with RV parks and don't mind paying up to $60-70/night (though, my ideal is sub $50/night for hookups). I know it's snowbird season, but figure I can find places to squeeze in.

We'll look to spend 2 weeks in each location. I think we'll spend the remainder of February (2/23) up into the last Tuesday in April or first one in May. At which time, we'll start a 4 week trip to MD/PA.

But, things that in Florida that I know of...

We may need to rendezvous with family around Sarasota for our first stop.

I'd like to do something with Miami and the Everglades, but I don't know if that is 2 weeks each or together. I do know that I definitely want some Miami beach time. I miss the salt and playing in waves. We didn't get that this past year like we usually do and I'm jonesing.

I've read of crystal clear waters in rivers and manatee watching. That sounds like something my family would enjoy.

For warmth, I think I'd like to mostly spend it south of Orlando. But, I really don't know when that warms up.

So... ideas? Possibly itineraries? :D

[LONE-STAR 370]

How do you get to stay on the road so long?

[ependydad...Doug 176]

How do you get to stay on the road so long?

We live in our camper. My job had me working from home for a few years and this past June, we went fulltime. I still work a "normal" 9-5, I just now do it from my "office" in the camper. I built myself a desk that I transformed from my dresser in the bedroom.

We launched in June with what was originally intentioned to be a 14-month and highly planned trip. We slowed down and majorly deviated from the original plan. Now we sort of play it by ear, but we are finding that a little tricky with holidays and finding destinations.

[Cortezcapt (Derek) 156]

As far as warming up, it depends on what you are used to, it can be cold one day and hot the next. It used to be mid February was the first shorts day for us locals and first sunburn of the season. But that depends on the weather pattern. Though the water stays chilly till mid April. There are a lot of campgrounds/rv parks in Florida that range from very nice - not nice at all. There are a couple of state parks in the everglades that range from full hookups to boondocking. The closer to the beach you get the higher the rates will be or at least on the west coast. The park behind our house, about a mile to the beach in the Bradenton area runs between 300-500 a week depending on the site. Also I would search for county rv parks or army corps of engineer parks there are a few scattered throughout florida.

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[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Isn't Fort Desoto a place that a lot of Fiends go? I think it's around Tampa, but I could be wrong. 

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Go to Cedar Key.  

[LONE-STAR 370]

We live in our camper. My job had me working from home for a few years and this past June, we went fulltime. I still work a "normal" 9-5, I just now do it from my "office" in the camper. I built myself a desk that I transformed from my dresser in the bedroom.

We launched in June with what was originally intentioned to be a 14-month and highly planned trip. We slowed down and majorly deviated from the original plan. Now we sort of play it by ear, but we are finding that a little tricky with holidays and finding destinations.

That's really cool, I remember you building the desk I just thought it was for vacation.

[Travisma 1,317]

Isn't Fort Desoto a place that a lot of Fiends go? I think it's around Tampa, but I could be wrong.

Fort Desoto is in St Pete across the bay from Tampa. Great place, will need a reservation.

[Travisma 1,317]

We are going to be in Tampa in early February for a rally and then a week at Fort Wilderness. After that, I'd like to see a bit of what people claim is "real" Florida. Problem is, I don't really know what that is... nor do I have reservations so most state parks are out. Additionally, a 42' fifth wheel is limited in what parks can take us. But, we are good with RV parks and don't mind paying up to $60-70/night (though, my ideal is sub $50/night for hookups). I know it's snowbird season, but figure I can find places to squeeze in.

We'll look to spend 2 weeks in each location. I think we'll spend the remainder of February (2/23) up into the last Tuesday in April or first one in May. At which time, we'll start a 4 week trip to MD/PA.

But, things that in Florida that I know of...

We may need to rendezvous with family around Sarasota for our first stop.

I'd like to do something with Miami and the Everglades, but I don't know if that is 2 weeks each or together. I do know that I definitely want some Miami beach time. I miss the salt and playing in waves. We didn't get that this past year like we usually do and I'm jonesing.

I've read of crystal clear waters in rivers and manatee watching. That sounds like something my family would enjoy.

For warmth, I think I'd like to mostly spend it south of Orlando. But, I really don't know when that warms up.

So... ideas? Possibly itineraries? :D

Try this site for off the beaten path destinations.

http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/bill-murphy.html

For state campgrounds. Campflorida.com

Try this http://www.ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=22#.VkAaREo8KK0. Kelly Park has Rock Springs Run and it's just a bit N of the Fort.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Real Florida?

 

Good luck with that.

 

I've lived in Florida for 35+ years now, and I don't think there is any such thing.

 

That said- some places I can suggest you consider:

 

- St. Augustine-  There's a ton to see around here.  The Lighthouse, the Fort, The Oldest  __________ (insert whatever here) in America; Ghost Tours.  Anastasia Island State Park is awesome.  But, I would imagine it stays booked.  There are a lot of private campgrounds in the area.

 

-Crystal River/Homosassa Springs-  This is where you'll find some manatees in the winter months.  I suggest you head here in February.  This area is called the "Nature Coast."  There's cool stuff in the area.  Cedar Key, which DIT suggested above, is on this coast, and not far from this area.  One nice RV park I know of is Rock Crusher Canyon, which is a pretty cool place: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/Community/ROC.aspxhttps://www.sunrvresorts.com/Community/ROC.aspx

 

-Sanibel Island/Naples-  There's a lot to see in this area.  Sanibel is supposed to be famous for shelling.  You can also find the winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in this area.  Off shore, there's a tiny island called Cabbage Key, which claims to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.  I doubt that, but it's a fun place to visit.

 

As for Fort Desoto- this is actually a County Park in the county I live.  To me, it's on the level of a state park.  It's clean, but very basic, and I personally don't feel like there is enough to do around there to justify a long stay.  http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm

 

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

Real Florida?

 

Good luck with that.

 

I've lived in Florida for 35+ years now, and I don't think there is any such thing.

 

That said- some places I can suggest you consider:

 

- St. Augustine-  There's a ton to see around here.  The Lighthouse, the Fort, The Oldest  __________ (insert whatever here) in America; Ghost Tours.  Anastasia Island State Park is awesome.  But, I would imagine it stays booked.  There are a lot of private campgrounds in the area.

 

-Crystal River/Homosassa Springs-  This is where you'll find some manatees in the winter months.  I suggest you head here in February.  This area is called the "Nature Coast."  There's cool stuff in the area.  Cedar Key, which DIT suggested above, is on this coast, and not far from this area.  One nice RV park I know of is Rock Crusher Canyon, which is a pretty cool place: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/Community/ROC.aspxhttps://www.sunrvresorts.com/Community/ROC.aspx

 

-Sanibel Island/Naples-  There's a lot to see in this area.  Sanibel is supposed to be famous for shelling.  You can also find the winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in this area.  Off shore, there's a tiny island called Cabbage Key, which claims to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.  I doubt that, but it's a fun place to visit.

 

As for Fort Desoto- this is actually a County Park in the county I live.  To me, it's on the level of a state park.  It's clean, but very basic, and I personally don't feel like there is enough to do around there to justify a long stay.  http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm

 

TCD

These are a lot of good suggestions

 

Yeah, it is getting harder, but once you go inland from both coasts about 30 miles, everything changes.

 

Plenty of smaller towns where the two biggest buildings are the Post Office and the Dollar General.

 

Try Arcadia, and go kayaking on the Peace River.

 

Clermont has The Presidents Hall of Fame.  http://thepresidentshalloffame.com/

 

There are a lot of RV places along 27 below 60.  You could make a base there and do a lot of exploring to both coasts since 27 is kind of in the middle.

 

If you want to do some touristy types of things, here's a link to "unusual" stops in Fl  http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/fl/all or http://www.atlasobscura.com/destinations/florida

 

The family I purchased my BAL leveler from highly recommended Ft Clinch State Park to go camping.  It's NE of  Jacksonville, above Fernandina Beach, and it goes between the Atlantic and the St Mary's River.  It's just below the imaginary dividing line between FL and GA.

 

 

Some really nice smaller communities to see

 

Auburndale

 

Mt Dora

 

Lake Placid... lots of building have murals and it's the Caladium Capital of the world.

 

And remember, the FL Panhandle is more southern Alabama than northern FL.

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Good stuff, y'all. I'm making notes as we go.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

.Plenty of smaller towns where the two biggest buildings are the Post Office and the Dollar General.

 

 

Yeah, there's plenty of that, along with abandoned downtowns, and meth and crack houses.

 

That ain't Old Florida.  And no one wants to visit there.

 

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

Yeah, there's plenty of that, along with abandoned downtowns, and meth and crack houses.

 

That ain't Old Florida.  And no one wants to visit there.

 

TCD

I've seen some nice small towns, and some dumps visiting the different Post Offices while installing printers.

 

A lot of the quaint small towns are just that, not a lot to see or do except look at a place that resembles Mayberry.  If you are lucky there might be a decent café/diner that serves something besides Cuban food.

 

Just depends on what Doug is looking for.

 

At least the small towns are more "real Florida" than the Latin American circus Miami and that area has become.

[Travisma 1,317]

Good stuff, y'all. I'm making notes as we go.

Doug, what Rally are you going to?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I've seen some nice small towns,

 

Can you name any?  I sure haven't seen them.  I've been to Arcadia.  Not much there to justify a visit.

 

Dade City is kind of a cool place.  But again, is it worth going out of your way to visit?

 

TCD

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Can you name any?  I sure haven't seen them.  I've been to Arcadia.  Not much there to justify a visit.

 

Dade City is kind of a cool place.  But again, is it worth going out of your way to visit?

 

TCD

 

He mentioned Mt Dora too....which actually is pretty nice.  Probably not "old Florida" though, unless people in the 1910's rode Flagler's train to visit artsy galleries and fancy coffee cafes.  

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

He mentioned Mt Dora too....which actually is pretty nice.  Probably not "old Florida" though, unless people in the 1910's rode Flagler's train to visit artsy galleries and fancy coffee cafes.  

 

Oh, I missed that. Mt. Dora.  I haven't been there.

 

Also Lake Placid and Auburndale.  I haven't been to Lake Placid.

 

I have been to Auburndale.  Not impressed.

 

One common (and sad) thread that links a lot of these run-down small towns together is the Florida Interstate Road system and Disney.  A lot of towns and attractions died when traffic and crowds were diverted to Disney.

 

TCD

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Good stuff, y'all. I'm making notes as we go.

Doug, what Rally are you going to?

There is a Fulltime Families rally at Lazydays around the 12th. We met up with this group and many of the same folks back in September in Branson.

[Cortezcapt (Derek) 156]

If you are around Avon Park the 24th-27th of February the Florida Flywheelers antique engine and tractor show will be going on. The tractors are interesting to see and they also have a huge flea market. It's a full day or even several days if you want to see everything. If you do decide to go I would recommend renting a golf cart if you don't travel with your own. You can walk and they do run trams through the park but it's a big area with lots to see.

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[swimmarz 72]

ill be at Ft Desoto March 28-April 1,in site 212 i think, we plan on beaching it, hitting up the aquarium and relaxing for the most part.  yes i understand the aquarium is bit of a drive from there about 45 min each way, but it makes for a good day trip while were up there.

 

I live in cape coral, Its about a 2 hour drive south of tampa, there are things to do here and sanibel/ captiva is great for shelling and beaching it. those are 20 min from my home.

it all depends on what your interest are

there are a ton of breweries, i take my kids with us as they enjoy cooking and that's really what they show you at a brewery

In Naples there is the C'Mon ( children museum of Naples) http://www.cmon.org/

Also the time of year you are going to be down here is Spring training, its basically the entire moth of march with a day in February and a few in April http://www.springtrainingonline.com/features/master-schedule.htm

in Ft myers we have the RedSox and the Twins, Just up the road you get the Yankees in Tampa, Baltimore is in Sarasota, tigers are in lake land, astros are in Kissimmee, phillies are in clearwater, pirates are in bradington, the list goes on and on

 

you should check out this TV show called how to do Florida, I have see things on there that i never knew of and i have live in Florida 2/3 of my life
https://www.facebook.com/howtodoflorida/?fref=nf

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I'm not sure if this is your cup of tea, but the Florida Strawberry Festival will be going on from March 3-13, 2016.  It's in Plant City- conveniently located between Tampa and WDW on I-4.  There's some good people watching there, and the strawberry shortcake is good.  I would say this could give you a flavor of Old Florida, when agriculture was more important than tourism:  http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/

 

A similar, but bigger and crazier event, is the Florida State Fair.  It runs February 4-15 in 2016.  It's located on the east side of Tampa, near the intersection of I-4 and I-75:  http://www.floridastatefair.com/  There's an area there called Cracker Country.  If you want to see old Florida, you can see it there.  I think you can get an RV spot at the fair. If you've ever wanted to camp among Carnies this is your chance:  http://www.floridastatefair.com/p/about/265

 

TCD

[Travisma 1,317]

ill be at Ft Desoto March 28-April 1,in site 212 i think, we plan on beaching it, hitting up the aquarium and relaxing for the most part.  yes i understand the aquarium is bit of a drive from there about 45 min each way, but it makes for a good day trip while were up there.

 

I

Are you talking about the FL Aquarium in Tampa, or the Clearwater one with Winter and Hope the dolphins.

 

IF you've been to any of the larger ones around the country like the Boston Seaquarium, or the one in Atlanta, you might be a little disappointed in the local ones.

 

Also, just down from the campground they rent kayaks and paddleboards.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I'm not sure if this is your cup of tea, but the Florida Strawberry Festival will be going on from March 3-13, 2016. It's in Plant City- conveniently located between Tampa and WDW on I-4. There's some good people watching there, and the strawberry shortcake is good. I would say this could give you a flavor of Old Florida, when agriculture was more important than tourism: http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/

A similar, but bigger and crazier event, is the Florida State Fair. It runs February 4-15 in 2016. It's located on the east side of Tampa, near the intersection of I-4 and I-75: http://www.floridastatefair.com/ There's an area there called Cracker Country. If you want to see old Florida, you can see it there. I think you can get an RV spot at the fair. If you've ever wanted to camp among Carnies this is your chance: http://www.floridastatefair.com/p/about/265

TCD

I have lots of memories of the Strawberry Festival as a kid!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I just thought of a place that is worth a visit if you have young kids:  Weeki  Wachee Springs State Park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/weeki-wachee

 

This is one of the old Florida roadside attractions that pre-dates Disney, and died because of Disney.

 

But, it's a State park now, and they kept and still operate the mermaid theater.  I don't think you'll find that anywhere else.

 

You could hit this park while you are going or coming from the Crystal River/Homosassa Springs area.

 

The mermaid theater is built into a natural spring that feeds a river that people canoe and kayak on.

 

Also, there's a pretty primitive water park there, which I believe is included in the park admission.

 

TCD