GV wrote:
> We're an older couple without kids so things like Disney World doesn't
> sound appealing but neither does a night-club scene. We've been to
> Hawaii and we love beaches and nature but don't want to spend the whole
> time lounging on a beach. I've been to Florida a couple of times but it
> was many, many years ago so I don't remember much. Busch Gardens,Tampa
> stands out in my mind but if I remember correctly the only ride there at
> that time was a tram/monorail over an area that they called an African
> veldt. That would maybe be appealing but I guess that's all turned into
> a big amusement park now so it's probably not the same. Thrill rides
> don't thrill us!
Yeah, the last time I went to Busch Gardens in Tampa it was free
admission and free beer and all that was there was the brewery and the
gardens. Those times are long gone.
> I'm thinking that Florida's really too big to see much in just two
> weeks. If so, maybe just from Orlando area down towards the Keys might
> be our target area.
That's a huge area. Going to Key West is an interesting drive but when
you get there you find a horribly kitschy tourist town. The drive is
very slow since it's not a freeway and it's a busy road with lots of
traffic lights. From Orlando it's a 9-10 nine hour drive.
Up in the north central part of the state I'd visit Cedar Key,
Gainesville (Payne's Praire and Devil's Millhopper), Silver Springs, and
I'd climb Mount Dora. Orlando really has nothing. You could visit the
Tupperware factory.
That time of year it'll be cold in the central and northern parts of the
state, so then head down to South Florida for beaches. Since you don't
want the night club scene stay just north of Miami in Hollywood where
it's an older crowd and it's much nicer with the long broadwalk going
for several miles. It's high season so hotels will be a bit pricey.
Visit the Everglades. You can go in at the Shark Valley Entrance which
is on the northern edge of the national park. Take the tram ride or rent
bicycles. Across the road, outside the national park, you can take an
airboat ride.
I'd suggest this book: "http://tinyurl.com/hiddenflorida". |