Central Florida

Most people associate Alafia River State Park with mountain biking, but other activities available in the park include hiking and horseback riding. Located in Lithia, Florida just 40 minutes outside of Tampa it is the perfect park to escape to for a peaceful afternoon in nature. Alafia River State Park – The Basics Address: 14326…

The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is an annual event from November 1st through March 31st. It is one of several hiking events that were taking place in the Tampa Bay area over the last several months which I previously wrote a post on which can be found here. With the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree wrapping…

If you love to see wildlife as you explore Florida State Parks Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is the park for you! With a chance to see hippos, flamingo’s, Florida panthers, manatees, and more all in one spot this park is not a traditional zoo experience, but it comes with plenty of opportunity…

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is a great park to make a quick stop at if you are traveling through Homosassa, Florida. This is also a must-see state park for history buffs or anyone looking for a great spot to have a picnic. I stopped by to see the historic sugar mill after…

Little Manatee River State Park is home to one of Florida’s blackwater rivers and centrally located to many areas of Tampa Bay. There are many miles of hiking, including some trails that run along the Little Manatee River.   Little Manatee River State Park – The Basics  Address: 215 Lightfoot Road Wimauma, Florida 33598 (Main entrance) …

Winter in Florida is the best time to see manatees and there are several areas they are known to congregate when the temperatures drop. One of those areas is the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, Florida next to Big Bend Power Plant. A visit to the Manatee Viewing Center makes for a fun family…