Road Trip - Small Town Florida
Off the major highways are an abundance of small communities emitting a charm and natural ambience that the most memorable getaways are made of.

Whether you make the trip to these towns on a day-trip or go off the beaten path and stay a night or two, Small Town Florida invites travelers to make the most of their hospitalities.

Cape San Blas
Location... 1 hour southeast of Panama City Beach, along the Gulf of Mexico
Description... Commonly referred as the "Cape", this beautiful peninsula along Florida's Big Bend has remained virtually untouched. Highlighted by white-as-snow sand dunes, and wildlife, including St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, visitors are enticed and encouraged to relax with sugar-fine sand between their toes and the sound of the Gulf of Mexico lapping against the shore.
Accolades for the area include #1 beach by renowned Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, otherwise known as "Dr. Beach", and #1 Dog Friendly Beach in the country by K-9 Magazine.
Cape San Blas is renowned for its family-friendly areas, and quaint vacation properties, which come in the form of cottages, cabins, and beach homes.
800-482-GULF | www.visitgulf.com

Gainesville
Location... 96 miles northwest of Orlando
Description... Enjoy downtown Gainesville and its charming lighted sidewalks lined with quaint shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters.
Perhaps Gainesville's most notable claim to fame is the University of Florida Gators unprecedented winning of the 2006 NCAA National Championship football as well as NCAA Basketball Championships in 2006 and 2007...but Gainesville offers visitors much more than sport venues!
An outdoor enthusiast's dream destination, the community offers world-class alternatives for snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking.
In addition to Gainesville's rolling hills, short climbs, upland forests and sinkholes, the community boasts the largest number of high-magnitude springs in the world.
866-778-5002 | www.visitgainesville.com

Mount Dora
Location... 40 minutes (25 miles) north of Orlando
Description... Unique to Florida are Mount Dora's rolling hills. One of the oldest towns in Florida, the community provides visitors with a nostalgic ambience enhanced by horse-drawn carriage rides along shaded streets, immaculately-maintained homes, a tranquil lake with a red-and-white striped lighthouse and treasure trove of quaint shops and boutiques.
Dining in Mount Dora is delicious with choices ranging from casual to al fresco with a lakeside view. Once you make the decision to extend your stay in this charming community, accommodations range from charming bed and breakfasts to the historic Lakeside Inn.
352-383-2165 | www.mountdora.com

Delray Beach
Location... 1/2 hour north of Fort Lauderdale
Description... While much of Delray Beach's most popular attractions are accessible by foot, visitors are encouraged to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride along historic Atlantic Avenue and discover this small beach town's charm.
Home to more than 250 restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, Delray is highlighted by its brick-paved sidewalks, royal palm trees, and decorative street lamps. The community has created an ambience of a charming "Village by the Sea."
561-243-7396 | www.downtowndelraybeach.com

Indian River County
Location... 1 1/2 hours South of Daytona
Description... A highlight of Indian River County is Vero Beach, which was recently deemed by a national publication, for the second time, one of the "100 Great Towns in America".
In fact, Vero Beach is experiencing a marvelous renaissance with the advent of new hotels, shops, and dining experiences. Some of Vero Beach's latest openings include the Vero Beach Hotel & Club, the Boutique Caribbean Court Hotel, and Costa d' Este, owned by entertainment and hospitality entrepreneurs Gloria and Emillo Estefan.
The mainland is also experiencing a metamorphosis with quaint shopping areas in the North County area of Sebastian. Hotels, waterfront "fun places", and restaurants are sure to please any palate.
772-567-3491 | www.indianriverchamber.com | chamber@indianriverchamber.com