Silver Springs State Park is the largest artesian spring in Florida. This attraction was privately owned and operated until it was taken over by the state and made part of Silver Springs State Park in 2013.
Highlands Hammock & Suwannee River State Parks
From the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, we headed to Highlands Hammock State Park. During the Great Depression, prior to World War II, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed park facilities. Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the highest ranking parks in Florida for biodiversity. The park is known for its beautiful old-growth hammock and thousand year old oaks. Ferns and air plants are abundant. Black bear and the Florida panther are said to be present….but we did not see either or their tracks.
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Edison & Ford Winter Estates-Fort Myers
We decided to visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, a historical museum and botanical garden in Fort Myers. The botanical gardens had some beautiful and unusual plants for sale.
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Chokoloskee Island
We stayed at Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee Island. They are near Everglade City. This is a very nice facility, on the water, 3 pools and hot tubs. There are mostly full time residents who leave in the summer when it gets too hot. We walked to Havana cafe where Carlos creates delicious Cuban dishes.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve differs from Everglades National Park in that, when it was established by law in 1974, the Miccosukee, Seminole and Traditional people were provided with permanent rights to occupy and use the land in traditional ways; in addition, they have first rights to develop income-producing businesses related to the resources and use of the preserve, such as guided tours. They and other hunters may use off-road vehicles, and home and business owners have been permitted to keep their properties in the preserve.
Florida Keys
Amazing that this is the continental USA. Islands, warm water, boats, fresh fish, sailing, snorkeling, and bars! At least 80 degrees outside everyday and this is January. Its been over 30 years since I was last here. First time for Sandy. A little more developed and more tourists….but still the Florida Keys. Once past Key Largo, life slows down….then Key West.
