Florida: More than Disney

As one that considers herself a Florida girl, it is always fun to explore just how big this state is and what it has to offer to the insane amount of people that are here. When people think of Florida and tourism, one would automatically think DISNEY! However, this state, in case no one knew, is huge. It takes 10 hours to drive from Miami to Pensacola alone. Therefore, Disney cannot be the only reason people to come to Florida. There is too much else going on!

So what all is here? In the last post, I discussed wildlife and that is where I will begin. Florida has a diverse wildlife population that you cannot see up north. USA Today has some photos of where to go for wildlife, and many of them are in Florida! Take a look! Just by living in Florida for 12 years, I have seen sandhill cranes, alligators, otters, bears, boars, and all that is in between.

Speaking of the Everglades, this article highlights the insanely large pythons that are there and how they are devouring (unsuccessfully) alligators. What’s interesting is that these giant Burmese pythons are not native to the area, so it sounds like someone dropped off their pets a while back. Their ability to thrive in this non-native habitat shows their uncanny survival skills and durability in harsh conditions. With the ablity of these snakes to swallow alligators, it is no wonder that Florida banned the use of these as pets.

I love nature, but I am not about to go camp for weeks just to experience Florida. So, let's go a new direction. One that I love: history! It is also home to the nations Oldest City, St. Augustine which has not only the Castillo de San Marcos, but The Fountain of Youth, Henry Flagler's groundbreaking hotels and loads of hokey yet highly entertaining ghost tours and museums.

And don't forget about the beaches! The Gulf offers clear water, white sand and an excellent place for finding shells and sharks teeth. The east coast, however, brings waves and the surf culture that comes with it. I have always lived within 30 mins of a beach, and I often forget that most people do not have that luxury! And the storms that roll in almost daily during the summers are a sight to see as well. They are dark and scary, but rarely do they ever turn too dangerous. I took this one a few years back. A fun beach trip soon had everyone running for cover:

Regardless, Florida has a lot to offer and taking a road trip through the state would be quite the undertaking!