Since we bought our villa at Davenport 10 years ago there has been all sorts of development on the US 27, even so, there are still vast open spaces to visit.

Driving along the 27 towards Clermont one day we spotted a sign for Lake Louisa State Park. We stopped to pick up a leaflet and decided to come back another day. There are log cabins in the park so you can actually stay there, there is also an RV park - we were amazed at the size of some of those vehicles but what a fabulous place to stop.

We were just out for the day though to go walking. Obviously being on holiday we didn’t have our walking boots, we were just in trainers but the trails were well defined, flat and easy to walk in trainers. You just need a back pack of some description to carry drinks.

We were there for about 8.30am which was a good move because some parts of the trail were out in the  open and it was very hot as the morning went on. There are a number of routes to choose from depending on how far you want to to go.

We parked at the head of Lake Louisa and walked for a couple of hours from there. The trail takes you through woodland, close to streams and smaller lakes and the scenery is lovely. It was also very quiet and peaceful, we didn’t see another soul all the time we were out.

The trails are clearly signed and easy to follow. When we got back to the car park we went out to the edge of the lake and found that there was a beach and picnic area which would have been really nice, we’ll know for next time. There are also toilets and water fountains there. There are primitive campsites in the park, you can also go horseriding, cycling, fishing and canoeing or just hiking as we did.

Do not let your holiday go by without a visit to Fort De Soto Park just south of St Petersburg off the I275.

We were told about this gem of a place by some residents in Florida. It takes about 90 mins to get there from the Disney Area down the I4 and then onto the I275. There are a couple of tolls that you have to pay (50 cents and 35 cents).

When you arrive via Tierra Verde then is the opportunity to visit Fort De Soto itself. There is some history to be had here. Then onto the beach. We headed for North Beach where there is ample parking.

The advantage is that there is shade under the trees as well as the opportunity to top up that tan. When we visited in late July the sea was a mild 88 degrees. The beach is great for kids as the sea is shallow and depending on the breeze not very choppy. For those who want to watch the world go by you can sit in the shade and look out onto the Gulf of Mexico and if there long enough catch the sunset.

Don’t tell everyone and don’t forget to take a picnic. You will not be disappointed with your visit.

Do Not Miss the opportunity to visit the unspoiled beaches around Fort De Soto - near to St. Petersburg. BUT DO NOT TELL EVERYONE.

On our travels we decided to head south from Clearwater beach to get away from all the weekend crowds. We followed the coast road going through Teasure Island and stopping for a brief while at Pass De Grille. A great place right on the beach to listen to concerts at the weekends and have a bite to eat whilst you watch the sunset go down.

We decided to head further South although we had to travel North to get on the I275 that led us down to Fort De Soto. What a fantastic place. They said it was named the Top Beach in 2009 and they were not wrong.

Manatees are sometimes known as ‘sea cows’ and they are one of the most delightful creatures to be found anywhere in Florida.  They are very gentle sea creatures and are mainly herbivores.  They graze in the shallow waters off the coast of Florida, or else in the rivers.  They eat many different plant types including mangrove leaves, and even certain types of algae.  If you take a very close look at their faces you will notice that they have a divided upper lip, which enables them to eat the plant easily.  Amazingly, an adult manatee can eat nearly 9% of its body weight each day, which could amount to around 30 pounds in weight.  They only have 6 teeth which continuously fall out and are then replaced.

Manatees can grow up to a length of between 9 feet and 10 feet and can weigh up to 1200 lbs, with the females being the heaviest.  They do not swim very fast, usually around 3 to 5 miles per hour, although they can swim at a speed of up to 15 miles per hour for short periods of time.  The manatee uses its paddle shaped tail to propel itself along, as it glides through the water.

A baby manatee weighs a staggering 15 pounds and an adult can live for anything up to 60 years.  They only breed every other year, as their gestation period lasts around 12 months.  They give birth to just one calf, which feeds from its mother for up to 18 months.  In fact, manatees are quite intelligent, and can demonstrate the sort of task learning and discrimination usually associated with dolphins.  They also show signs of having a long term memory as well as being capable of understanding discrimination tasks.  Unlike dolphins however, the manatee is generally a solitary creature and spends most of its life on its own.

Florida is the ideal location for the manatee to live as they have a low metabolic rate, which means that they cannot endure cold temperatures.  Indeed, they cannot survive at temperatures below 15 degrees Centigrade, so they migrate up warm spring fed rivers during the winter months.

If you want to see manatees in the winter then Crystal River and Blue Springs are the places to go.  Here, the water is maintained at a constant 22 degrees Centigrade all year round, so the manatees congregate around these warm springs.

Sadly, manatees are quite vulnerable.  Although they have few natural enemies apart from sharks, whales, crocodiles and alligators, it is man made dangers that are the main problem.  Manatees are particularly susceptible to injury from boats and their propellers.  Many manatees carry the scars of altercations with motor boats, and wounds are often fatal.  In fact, it is illegal under Florida law to cause manatees injury or harm.  Nevertheless, whilst the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission do not recognise them as being endangered, they have to be protected, and so they have been declared by them to be ‘threatened’ although under federal law they are still endangered.

If you are lucky enough to visit Orlando in the winter months, from mid November, then do take the opportunity to go and visit one of their winter habitats.  They are delightful and non aggressive creatures which are quite curious.  A visit to Crystal River or Blue Springs will be well worthwhile, as manatees congregate in waters warmed by the springs.  You can even swim with them here.

We visited Crystal River a short while ago and took a tour to swim with the manatees and it was a totally wonderful experience and we can highly recommend it.  The trip starts very early (around 6.30 am), as this is the best time to see them in action.  You are provided with a wet suit, fins, snorkel and even an underwater camera to take some memorable photos.  Bouyancy aids are available for people who are not strong swimmers.  We were taken out into the river where the Manatees live and found them around 20 minutes later.  Please be aware that there is no guarantee that you will see them although most days they will be there.  The captain stopped the boat and we descended into the very, very cool waters to take a look around.  The captain of the boat only makes one trip a day and so we were able to spend as much time as we liked in the water.  We had around two hours and were not pushed to return to the boat at all.  We swam around with the Manatees, stroked them and took photos.  We really would recommend this trip to everyone.

Overview

Bok Tower Gardens is situated on Florida’s highest peninsular point. It has a wonderful 205 foot tower with 57 bells that play to the public every day.  The tower itself stands in a fabulous landscape of over 200 acres with magnificent woodland gardens which offer a good variety of tropical plants and gives visitors the opportunity to see some central Florida wildlife.

A good site map can be obtained at the gate and this will help you find a quiet relaxing area for those who are looking for peace and solitude whilst at the same time enjoying the tower bells.  The white garden is a popular backdrop for weddings, there is a grove of live oaks and a reflection pool that mirrors the tower itself.  Just find a bench, sit quietly and admire the stunning views. 

With 20 rooms, the property’s Pinewood Estate is considered to be one of the state’s finest examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture.

The tower and gardens have nonprofit status as an educational institution.  They operate a program for fourth graders as well as an adult Garden Campus with 60 programs offered to the public.  Included are day tours, classes, workshops and slide lectures.

There is also a café and gift shop to buy your souvenirs.

The address of Bok Tower Gardens is 1151 Tower Boulevard, North of Lake Wales, Florida 337853.  It is also a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

It was in 1869 that a young Edward William Bok (born 1863 – died 1930) arrived in Brooklyn, New York from Den Helder, in the Netherlands.  At the tender age of 13 he left school to work as an office boy and free lance writer to earn money to help his struggling family.  He wrote many reviews and also edited a church newspaper.  By the time he had reached age 22, his own company called Bok Syndicate Press, was selling women’s features to newspapers.  In 1889, at age 25 he was hired as the editor of the very popular women’s magazine called The Ladies Home Journal.  It was here that he enjoyed a brilliant career lasting 30 years.  By the turn of the century his magazine was the most popular in the country and Mr. Bok had amassed a fortune.

He retired in 1919 and in 1922 he purchased a large tract of scrub and pine land on Iron Mountain, a 298 feet prominence located near Lake Wales.  Advise in his youth by his mother to “Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it”, Mr. Bok now had both the time and the money to carry out his mothers wishes.  It was his desire to do nothing less than to create an American Taj Mahal.  His book of that same name carries this dedication to the tower’s designer: “To Milton B. Medary, for his architectural conception of a Tower with no ancient, medieval or modern precedent and of surpassing beauty, nativeness and originality…”

Gardens

Frederick Law Olmsted, Junior designed the beautiful gardens at Bok Tower.  It contains acres of ferns, palms, oaks, pines, and wetland plants.  It should also be mentioned that Mr. Olmsted also designed New York Central Park. The plantings also include bunya-bunya trees, camellias, tree ferns, creeping fig, yaupon and dahoon holly, Asiatic jasmine, justica, crinum.and spider lily, wax myrtle, date and sabal plams, papyrus, philodendron, blue plumbage, and horsetail rush.  The site is a haven for more than a hundred bird species, the most prominently featured of which is the group of swans, who tend to stay near the reflection pool.

Although the gardens provide an assortment of native wildlife including birds, reptiles, and butterflies, the gardens also are well known for a large population of squirrels that show no fear of humans and often can be hand fed.

Singing Tower

The Singing Tower is the centerpiece of the gardens, and was designed by Milton Medary.  It was built at the highest elevation of the site, south of a reflection pool that allows the water to reflect its full image.  A 60 bell carillon is set within the 205 foot tall Late Gothic Revival tower.  Construction on the tower began in 1927 and was completed for the dedication of the gardens in 1929, when it was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.  The tower is 51 feet square at its base, changing form at 150 feet high to an octagon with 37 feet sides that include sculptures designed by Lee Lawrie.  The tower is surrounded by a 15 foot moat that serves as a Koi carp fish pond.  It is built of pink Etowah marble and gray Creole marble, mined in Tate, Georgia, and Florida native coquina stone, from Daytona Beach, Florida.

Although the tower’s interior is not open to the public, it contains the Anton Brees Carillon Library, said to be the largest carillon library in the world.

Inside the bell chamber is a playing room that houses a clavier, or keyboard, that is used for playing the carillon bells. Recitals are given daily from the 60 bell carillon set.

Pine Ridge Trail 

The Pine Ridge Nature Preserve and Trail is a Longleaf Pine turkey Oak habitat.  Pine communities similar to this one used to cover millions of acres in the southeastern United States.  However, over the years, these have gradually disappeared and are now in danger of totally disappearing.  However, a small portion has been preserved in the Pine Ridge Nature preserve.

This habitat is an ecosystem typified by the overstory of Longleaf Pine and a dense groundcover of perennial grasses.  Visitors can experience this natural habitat on a three quarter mile trail that begins at Window by the Pond and ends at the parking lot.  There are many shaded benches along the route which serve as places for relaxation and time to think.  Along the trail, you will see a bog garden, an open glade and a sand hill forest community that is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Pinewood Estate

Pinewood was built between 1930 and 1932 under the original name of “El Retiro”.   Taking a tour through the magnificent Mediterranean style Pinewood Estate lets you experience the luxurious lifestyle of C. Austin Buck, a 20th century industrialist who was vice president of Bethlehem Steel Co. in Pennsylvania.  Pinewood was his winter home.   The estate covers around eight acres of Bok Tower Gardens and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.   The mansion has 30 rooms and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mediterranean style architecture in Florida.  From time to time, special musical performances are features at Pinewood Estate.  

Events

Throughout the year, there are numerous events designed to draw visitors to the Gardens.  These events include various concerts featuring folk music, jazz, orchestras, and the carillon bells of the Tower.  The most popular is the semi annual Concert Under the Stars, given in the evening once in the Fall and once in the Spring.  The event draws hundreds of visitors to the large field in front of the Tower for an outdoor picnic; and features music from both the symphony orchestra and carillon bells.

Bok Sanctuary is open daily and an admission fee is charged.  It comprises the gardens, the Singing Tower with its carillon bells, Pine Ridge Trail, Pinewood Estate, and a visitor center.

As you drive into the park you will find a small car park and there is a Historical account of the invasions/conquering of Florida.

The park staff will provide you with a free ferry ride across to an island where the small fort of Metanza can be found. It is located there to protect one of the routes to St Augustine.

When we visited there were even three guys dressed in military costume who gave you an account of how life was in the Fort during the time Florida was owned by the Spanish.

The kids will love it. A small ferry trip across the river and then some history as well

The Boca Grande Causeway links the island to the mainland and the toll $4 per car is well worth it. Driving down the island a few miles will bring you to the village center  which apparently has hardly changed in 100 years, it is home to upscale boutiques , art galleries and fancy restaurants with prices to match. In some respects it is a carefully preserved place and indicative of Old Florida, condominiums and some lovely modern homes have been built but there are no high rises.  It is a quiet community where the locals are keen to maintain this beautiful environment and there quality of life, it is said that the Billionaires now outnumber the Millionaires. Although you may not think it when see plenty of people making there way around the island on there electric golf carts.  

If you happen to be in Boca Grande in the spring the normal relaxed atmosphere is disrupted during  tarpon season culminating in the annual tarpon run each July when fisherman descend in their droves from across Florida. The island is considered to be the best tarpon fishing spots in the World.  I am not a fisherman myself but to see some guy catch a 4 foot or so tarpon whilst stood on the beach was some sight.

Which brings to the beaches which are simply superb, the pristine white sand beaches stretch for miles on the Gulf side.  The best places to access the beach are having gone through the village centre you continue along with the gulf to your right and you will shortly come to the car park and public access to the beach. There are Beach Pavilions and

BBQ, s and toilets, and then there is the beach and the clear blue sea where you will often see Dolphins swimming close to shore. A word of warning there are no lifeguards on either of the beaches mentioned

Another beach close to the lighthouse is at the southernmost tip of the island again there are beach pavilions and this area offers lovely view of Boca Grande pass, this is the principle area for fishing and you will see numerous boats on the water. However swimming is not recommended at this beach due to the fast moving currents in the pass itself, which is a gateway to Charlotte Harbor

You can charter a boat and there is every chance you will see Dolphins, Manatees, Ospreys and if you here in the winter months White Pelicans.  Whatever you do enjoy.

By car, take Interstate I-75 to Exit 131, Daniels Parkway, and then West to Summerlin Road to the Sanibel Causeway ($6.00 toll road).  Then take the small bridge which crosses at Turner Beach.

Captiva Island will captivate you with the serene paced lifestyle, family activities to enjoy, beautiful sugary white sand beaches sprinkled with pastel colored seashells and glistening tropical azure blue seas.  In the village of Captiva Island there are quaint shops to explore and a variety of restaurants to experience.  Golf courses in the area where you can test your mettle on the green, and the fishing and boating are unequalled.  To end a perfect day witness breathtaking brightly colored sunsets.

You will be enchanted by beautiful, alluring Captiva Island, where once, it is said, pirates roamed, conquistadors explored and Calusa Indians called home.  The mystery and adventure is still here.  Treasures to be found in the way of a good life, spectacular white sand beaches scattered with “treasures from the sea”, pastel colored seashells and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.  There are superb accommodations, restaurants and shopping.  Golfing, tennis, fishing, boating, children’s activities.

Captiva Island, is sister to larger Sanibel Island, and is just over a small bridge which crosses at Turner Beach.  Turner Beach is a great place for catching that prize fish and also for finding the colorful shells that these islands are famous for.  The beach stretches 5 miles to the northern tip of Captiva Island at Redfish Pass.  From the bridge at Turner beach, Captiva Drive is a scenic drive past giant cactus, colorful bougainvilleas and other tropical flora along a stretch of sea and sand ending at “downtown” Captiva, which is more of a village than a town.

A truly fun vacation, holiday, memorable wedding, honeymoon or just a get-a-way awaits young and old alike on Captiva Island.

Captivating Captiva Island is the perfect place for you and your family to spend a day or two of your vacation.  With Florida’s sub tropical climate Captiva Island has sunshine all year round.  Sugary white sand beaches littered with pastel colored seashells for which the area is world renowned.  The seas are a clear Caribbean azure blue.  Play golf until your heart desires, and the fishing and boating are unequaled.  For your dining pleasure there are restaurants offering “Floridian” cuisine and from casual, funky fun to fine dining.  Shopping in the village of Captiva Island is exhilarating and you will find something for everyone.

Your visit to Captiva Island is not complete without sampling some of the local fare and succulent fresh seafood.  You will find a wide selection of ethnic foods in the area.  Dine in one of the fine restaurants where chefs cook up some of the freshest, tastiest dishes you have ever tasted.  Whether you are looking to enjoy a lavish six course meal or a more casual dining scene, you will find just what you’re looking for. Bon apetit !

It is time for fun on Captiva Island.  Enjoying a sub-tropical climate and being able to be outdoors in the sunshine all year around.  There are so many activitities to choose from, fishing, golf, boating, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, swimming, bike riding.  Go boating down the waterways and view a variety of wildlife such as, dolphins, blue herons, racoons and many different species of colorful birds.  Wonderful memories for all times for everyone.

Shelling is so much fun and Captiva Island has such a variety of shells to find, just to collect and admire or use in a craft, on a mirror, lamps, boxes etc.  Captiva is one of the islands that is literarily made up of shells, created over thousands of years, and is one of the islands that is considered best in the world for shelling.  The islands geography of lying east and west rather than north and south, as most islands, allows Captiva and its sister islands to catch abundant sea shells from the Gulf of Mexico.

“Shop ’til you drop” is a motto of some island visitors.  Captiva Islands shops are clustered at the north end of Captiva Drive and on Andy Rosse Lane.  Strolling along the village paths from shop to shop, you will find antiques, casual fashions, pottery, hand painted furniture and many unique gifts for that special someone.  Then try a restaurant to have that refreshing break.

Captiva Island is such a romantic place.  Couples come from all around the world to celebrate their “special” day.  It can be a formal wedding or very informal on the sugar sand beach.  Couples come to renew their vows or celebrate an anniversary or some special date.  It can be a time fondly remembered.

By car, take Interstate I-75 to Exit 131, Daniels Parkway, and then West to Summerlin Road to the Sanibel Causeway ($6.00 toll road).

Have you ever dreamed of being on a tropical island, your toes in the soft white sand, an expansive beach, swaying coconut palms, lush tropical foliage and beautiful crystal blue water.  Imagine watching the pelicans and herons fish for their dinner, collecting “treasures from the sea,” pastel colored seashells, while the sandpipers scurry along the surfs edge.

Sanibel Island has everything one could wish for.  Excellent restaurants, accommodations, golfing, tennis, fishing, boating, shopping, bike paths, canoes, theatrical productions, the renowned J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary.  Since 1884 Point Ybel Lighthouse has guided seafarers to Sanibel Island’s shores.

Sanibel Island is world renowned for its shelling beaches and the “Sanibel Stoop”.  In the travel industry Sanibel Island is a top Florida destination for visitors.  If you want a truly unforgettable family vacation, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or just to get away from it all, this is the place to be.  Visit Sanibel Island and do it all, or just lay back on the beach with the book you have been waiting to read or do just absolutely nothing.

Your visit to Sanibel Island will not be complete without sampling some of the local fare and succulent fresh seafood.  You will find a wide selection of ethnic foods in the area.  Dine in one of the fine restaurants where chefs cook up some of the freshest, tastiest dishes you have ever tasted.  Whether you are looking to enjoy a lavish six course meal or a more casual dining scene, you will find just what you’re looking for. Bon apetit!

You can test your mettle on the golf courses in the area and fishing and boating are unequalled.  There are twenty five miles of bike paths for you to explore the island.  Shopping on Sanibel Island is an exhilarating experience with so many unusual items to purchase. 

Sanibel Island is home to world famous J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge its 6,000 acres of mangrove jungles and wetlands encompass a large portion of the island, it is home to dozens of endangered species, see manatees, alligators, raccoons, tropical birds and much more.  You can explore the refuge by car, foot, bicycle, kayak or guided tram.  An experience the whole family will enjoy.

The fun never stops on Sanibel Island.  Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and can residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long.  Whether you choose to be boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing or fishing from one of the favorite spots.  Play a round of golf on the challenging scenic courses, there are over 70 of them, the perfect place to tee off and test your mettle on the green.  A set of tennis, bike riding on the miles of bike paths, or explore the waterways by boat where you will see an abundance of wildlife from frolicsome dolphins, graceful blue herons, inquisitive raccoons and colorful birds of all species, you will enjoy a memorable experience to cherish for all time.

What fun to go shelling along the surf and beaches of Sanibel Island, unique in that it lies east and west, different than most islands which lie north and south, this direction allows Sanibel Island to catch abundant sea shells that the Gulf of Mexico brings to its shores.  Sanibel Island is world renowned for its shells.  People from all over the world come to collect and admire the colourful “Treasures From the Sea”.  You will find young and old with buckets, bags and nets shuffling long, stooping over, this stance has come to be know as “The Sanibel Stoop”

Shopping is such a fun time on Sanibel Island.  With an array of charming boutiques and gift shops, a variety of art galleries, fine jewellery, colourful shells and shell art and an exorbitant supply of souvenirs and tee shirts. You will be sure to find just what you are looking for, for that special person.

Sanibel Island offers the perfect places to get married.  An unforgettable wedding in a tropical paradise.  Couples come to Sanibel Island from all over the country to ‘tie the knot.’.  Renew your vows or celebrate your anniversary.  Whether it is formal, just family and a few friends or even barefoot on the white sand beach with pelicans as witnesses.