Big Trips to Small Towns
When it comes to vacationing in Florida, the most popular choice may seem to be Orlando and the beaches - however, you would be missing out on some amazing adventures if you don’t visit Florida’s small towns! There are wonderful markets, antique trails, natural encounters, and island getaways found in these hidden gems.
Discover Wonder in Webster
Webster is located in Sumter County in Central Florida. The town’s claim to fame is their iconic markets: their farmer’s market in the summer and the Webster Westside Flea Market year-round. This market has been a best-kept secret of bargain hunters for over 50 years! The market encompasses an astonishing 35 acres, where you can shop in the open air for produce, flowers, bakery items, jewelry, plants, boutique items, furniture, musical instruments, electronics, hardware and tools, pet supplies crafts, clothing - just to name a few things! This is especially a hot-spot for antique collectors and home decorators who love refurbished or historic items. The market is open every Monday, rain or shine. And don’t forget to indulge in their savory Southern-style fare at their restaurant! Webster itself is a lovely little town surrounded by natural beauty with lots of hiking trails nearby, and also with plenty of places to catch some much-needed R&R. Webster Country Cottages is a cute collection of vacation homes that are five-star in comfort and loaded with amenities. Tucked away in the serene beauty of a 30-acre ranch, you’ll feel great being away from the cares of the world.
discoversumterfl.com
websterwestsidefleamarket.com
webstercountrycottages.com
Reach the Absolute Tops in Tarpon Springs
Just 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg and found along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs was named for the fish found in abundance in nearby waters. But it also is known as the "sponge capital of the world," and for its 51 miles of waterfront allure. In addition, Tarpon Springs' charming downtown center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. For the culturally-minded, the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Centers offer theater, art and historical exhibits, concerts, and other quality programs. A unique place to sat is the fantastic 1910 Inn, a bed and breakfast built in 1910 (of course) in the lovely Queen Anne style, with gorgeous bedrooms, apartments, and cottage rental, as well as stunning event space.
tarponspringschamber.com
tarponarts.org
the1910inn.com
Enter Relaxation in Everglades City
Located near Florida’s southern tip and southeast of Naples, Everglades City is known as the “Gateway to Ten Thousand Islands.” Canoe the mangrove tunnels, take a fishing and backcountry excursion, or hike through the Big Cypress National Preserve. And you cannot miss the Everglades Seafood Festival, a taste of Florida as it used to be! Held February 9-11 this year, the festival is is a laid-back way to relax with the family and raise a mug of suds to the stars – and, of course, sample sumptuous Everglades City seafood, fresh, and firm and perfect! Also enjoy arts and crafts, live music, and more!
paradisecoast.com
evergladesseafoodfestival.org
Awesome Arts of Cocoa Beach
Cocoa is rich in history and offers many unique experiences. The historic downtown shopping district boasts a variety of stores and restaurants with waterfront views and historic venues for any special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary party. Landmarks such as the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, Porcher House, Derby Street Chapel, and the Moore Center add to the city's historic charm. The City of Cocoa is ideally located in Central Brevard County, within minutes of Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches. Historic Cocoa Village is a thriving downtown with special events taking place nearly every weekend, including family-friendly celebrations, craft fairs and more. All around the Cocoa area are plenty of hotels and resorts, particularly if you don’t mind the short drive to the larger city of Cocoa Beach.
cocoafl.org
visitcocoavillage.com
Hop Into the Fun of High Springs
It's the casual tempo of High Springs, the small north central Florida town of 3,600, that entices travelers. Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville, High Springs tempts visitors with diverse and unique offerings of art, antiques and outdoor adventures that make it a refreshing getaway. Surrounded by natural attractions, the town attracts canoeists, cave divers and campers heading to the nearby Santa Fe River. This is the ideal place for the outdoors person who loves snorkeling, diving, tubing or swimming in natural springs, which flow at a steady 72 degrees all year long! Spend your downtime in the beautiful Grady House, a historic bed and breakfast with cheerfully-decorated guest rooms and a fragrant flower garden, and to top everything, a gourmet breakfast of banana pecan stuffed French toast, pasta frittata with basil and tomatoes, apple spiced waffles, blueberry buttermilk pancakes, and other homemade recipes that’ll make your day!
highsprings.us
gradyhouse.com
Make Dreams Come True in Madeira Beach
Legend holds that a pirate named John LeVique was the first European to "settle" the Madeira Beach area. Today, Madeira Beach, a Gulf of Mexico beach city just west of St. Petersburg, is best known for the sea-themed John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, which serves up shops and eateries and a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal. Madeira Beach's two and a half-mile beach attracts devotees of sun and sea, and fishing in the primary sport activity. More grouper is brought into John's Pass than any other place in the state, meaning you’ll find plenty of Florida’s delicious seafood here! Madeira Beach is conjoined with the better-known Treasure Island, and between the two of them, there are plenty of hotels and beach resorts to choose from! A classic Madeira Beach favorite is The Schooner Hotel & Beach Suites Resort, an unfussy choice that focuses on the gorgeous backdrop of the Gulf and the crystalline sands on which you will probably be relaxing 24/7.
treasureislandflorida.org
johnspass.com
schoonerhotelbeachsuitesresort.com
Jump Into the Joy of Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach, tucked into Florida's East Coast between Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach, once was known as the "Pineapple Capital of the World" and still holds an annual pineapple festival in November. Appropriately, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, and Jensen Beach lives up to this hallmark every day with its major shopping centers, numerous specialty stores, and unusual boutiques. The Jensen Beach area is renowned as a retail shopping center of the Treasure Coast. Its hospitality is also apparent in its many accommodations, including the Jensen Beach Inn, which has fun, individually-themed rooms, and Pineapple Jack’s Bistro. Jensen Beach also has earned a reputation for its seafood-intensive fine dining. The water enthusiast will find boating, sailing, fishing, skiing, surfing and scuba diving.
jensenbeachflorida.info
jensen-beach-inn.com
Come Have Fun in Captiva
Located near Fort Myers off Florida's Gulf Coast, Captiva Island is often associated with the neighboring island of Sanibel to the south. In fact, you can only reach Captiva by driving through Sanibel from Fort Myers! Both islands are all about the outdoors – biking, sailing, birding and water activities abound. A sliver of land nestled against the state’s southwest coast, Captiva Island has a slightly off-kilter and almost magical feel. You might discover a giant frog on Captiva Island, a restaurant where it’s Christmas all year long, or even a tiny starfish to take home. South Seas Island Resort on the tip of Captiva Island boasts over two miles of beaches, and a menu of children’s programs tailored to the sea – from sailing school and play sessions to on-the-beach day camps and a popular catch-and-release fishing program. Their variety of accommodations are suited to your family size, and their trolley system makes it easy to get around!
sanibel-captiva.org
southseas.com
