We try to do something new each time we visit Florida and Kelly park had been recommended to us so on a beautiful day in May we decided to visit. It was outside the school holidays so it was relatively quiet which was good for us as we had no kids with us!

The park is located at Apopka and is well sign posted and easy to find.  We stopped at one of the roadside shops to hire inflatable tyres which cost $5 each, when we got there we realised that any one of the inflatables we had in our pool, even the foam ‘spaghetti’ floats would have done just as a good a job.

There’s plenty of parking and a building with a café and changing facilities. We had gone prepared with fold up chairs, cool box with plenty of drinks and sandals to wear in the river. We didn’t really know what to expect, although we had read about it, it wasn’t what we imagined, it was better. The river runs through the state park and is very clear and slow and meanders through the trees.

We took our floats to the point to get in which is along a boardwalk, under the trees. The weather was glorious and hot and the water in the shade looked as if it would be freezing but it wasn’t actually too cold, once you were in. It’s quite rocky and takes a little bit of negotiation to get in, unless you’re really brave and jump straight in the deep bit.  After that it’s shallow and sandy and really slow moving. You just get on your tyre and relax and let the current take you down river. You can see turtles basking in the sun and although we were slightly alarmed when we heard a rustling off to the side, it turned out to be a deer coming down for a drink.

We spoke to some locals who had been going there for years, they assured us that there are absolutely no gators in there!  It’s a natural lazy river ride and we loved it. There’s a part where the river opens out into a shallow pool with a sandy ‘beach’ area to sit in the sun. There are also several barbecue pits and picnic tables. There are trails to walk through the state park as well.  I imagine it gets really busy in summer but the kids would love it. A great and cheap alternative to the Orlando water parks.

Directions: drive South of Haines City on US27 then to Lake Wales on S.R. 60, the park is 14 mi. northeast of the city.

Moss Park (close to Orlando International Airport)
12901 Moss Park Road
Orlando FL 32832

Moss Park offers 1,551 acres of recreational facilities. The park provides two boat ramps, two playgrounds, pavilions, swimming facilities, lake-side beach, ball fields, campsites, hiking trails, picnic areas with grilles, recreations programs, RV campsites, and volleyball courts. The area is open to the public from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Admission is $1 per person. Campsites are $10 for Orange County Residents and $15 for the general public. There are discounts for Senior Citizens. Pavilions can be reserved for $50 per day for up to 100 people. The park is located off the 417 Greeneway at SR 15, on Moss Park Rd., 4 miles Southeast of Narcoossee Road .

The more that the theme parks put their prices up the more that people are looking for cheaper alternatives to enjoy their stays in Florida - and to keep the kids happy.

During our Guest’s successive wintering in the sunshine we have built up a valuable ‘store’ of trips to make to places where the admission price was often only a dollar - or maybe just a few dollars more. The greatest source of these is the wonderful resource of Florida state parks and recreation areas and historic sites.

Here are just a few that we have visited and enjoyed ourselves.

Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Ave.
Orange City, FL 32763

Named Florida’s best manatee observation point. Blue Spring produces 105 million gallons of crystal clear water a day. Fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, scuba diving, swimming, camping, nature trails and the historic Thursby House. A designated manatee refuge, Blue Spring is visited by numerous West Indian manatees during the winter months. (Best avoid weekends and holidays - very crowded then)
Directions: I-4 W. to Exit 114 in Deland. West to U.S. 17, south to French Ave. in Orange City. West on French Ave. to Park Entrance.

Rock Springs Run Reserve State Park
Off State Road 46 (at entrance to County Road 433; County Road 433 not marked) Sorrento, FL32776

Rock Springs Run State Reserve is approximately 14,000 acres of a variety of plant communities typically found throughout Central Florida’s landscape. The reserve is located approximately 30 miles north of Orlando and easily located off of I-4 at the exit for S.R. 46; then follow S.R. 46 west for almost 10 miles. The property was purchased in March 1983 for habitat preservation, for watershed protection and to provide recreational opportunities in the Central Florida area. Directions: Off S.R. 46, 3 mi. W of Wekiwa River Bridge.

De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Native Americans visited and used these springs as long as 6,000 years ago. By the 1880s, the springs had become a winter resort promising “a fountain of youth.” There is excellent swimming in the spring, which remains at 72 degrees year round. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are available for exploring the springhead and spring run. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor picnic or dine at the “Old Spanish Sugar Mill” Restaurant where guests can make their own pancakes at the table. (Great fun for the whole family!) Directions: From I/4 N. of Orlando take SR.17/92, then S.R. 17 to De-Leon Springs, turn onto Ponce de Leon Blvd. The park is located at the corner of Ponce de Leon Blvd. and Burt Parks Rd.

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.

Kelly Park is near Apopka adjacent to Wikiwa Springs State Park which is also very popular. Turn off the I4 at exit 60 for the 429 to Apopka take exit 33 for US-441 turn left at s. Park Ave and continue on Rock springs Road. Turn right at E. kelly Park Road and follow the signs.

Just before turning right into the approach road to the park, there is a grocery store on the left and a bar on the right. The bar also hires large balck rings for floaitng on the water for a few dollars. Entry to the park is also very cheap.

It was early January when we visited but the weather was very warm. We found ourselves almost alone in the park but I’m told that it is very popular in the summer. There is plenty of car parking amongst the trees and we made for the children’s play area at first where the boys had a wonderful time. There are plenty of picnic tables amongst the trees and there is also a kiosk where they sell snacks and drinks but not in the “off” season when we were there. The shop was in the centre of the park near the water where there are also changing rooms, showers and toilets, all beatifully clean.

We entered the water where there is a sort of pool near the changing rooms. This proved to be a mistake as parts of that area are deeper and my young grandson’ns arms weren’t long enough to reach over the side of the large ring to paddle. The best thing is to enter the water further upstream when the very slow current will take you along through the area where the pool is and further downstream. The stream itself is very shallow. After the initial mishap, I walked with my graqndson in his ring and the water was mainly around waistlevel and never got above my armpits and I am only 5 foot tall. It is a bit disconcerting at first to find oneself wading through the weeds but once I realized what they were I was fine.

We ended the day in the children’s part of the pool where there is a paddling area and also a sandpit. The water was beatifully clear and the children were able to see all the little fish swimming around. It was a lovely day that cost very little but just as much of an adventure for my grandsons and going on the rides in the theme parks.

During a conversation with locals we were asked if we had ever visited one of the areas national parks. We hadn’t so we looked for information on the internet and decided to visit Blue spring national park.

The park is located about 35 miles from Orlando and the main attraction (for us) was the fresh water spring.  

The water rises from the spring at a temperature of around 20c and during the cooler months can become a temporary winter home for manatee.

The spring deposits its water into the St Johns so during the summer the manatee can still be found within the park area. The animals always nearby ready to swim back to the spring area when the cooler months return.

Within the park area is an under cover BBQ area, a supplies shop, cafe and a diving equipment hire shop (face mask flippers etc) which can be used to snorkel / swim in the area of the spring.

The spring itself is open for public use but if the temperature cools swimmers must be prepared to vacate the water for the retuning manatee.

Boat trips are available either by John boat (which last about 2 hours), The crew double up as park guides and provide information on points of interest and they are very informative, or for the more energetic and adventurous canoes or Kayaks are available to explore the St Johns river.

The park is home to numerous types of wild life and visitors can expect to come across anything from snakes to alligators.

The area is a complete contrast to the vision most visitors have to an entertainment park in Florida.

If you are looking for a day of peace and quiet and want to get back to nature a visit to Blue springs or one of the many other national parks might just do the trick.

Brian Pearson

• The Trail is only open during daylight hours, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
• Pedestrians and handicapped have the right of way, wheelchairs should use the pedestrian lanes and electric handicap wheelchairs are always permitted
• Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic controls and signals
• Cyclists are not permitted to wear headphones at any time and under age 16, they must wear a helmet
• Electric bicycles and motorised vehicles (except wheelchairs, maintenance, law enforcement and emergency vehicles) are not allowed on the Pinellas Trail, nor are horses
• Bicyclists and skaters should obey the posted speed limits. No racing or race training
• Skaters should use the bicycle lanes, and both skaters and cyclists should give an audible warning when passing
• Pets must be kept on a max. 6 foot leash and under control

Your adventure into unspoiled Florida starts as you follow the Pinellas Bayway South kissing goodbye to the manicured fairways of the Isla del Sol Yacht and Country Club and passing through the beautiful Pine Key.  Cabbage key is the next landmark before setting off across the bridge where the vista is truly magnificent.  In the distance you enjoy an exhilarating view of the sunshine skyway and if you catch it a sunrise it will be especially rewarding.

On arriving at Fort De Soto you are presented with so many choices no least of which is the beautiful white sand, calm waters and relaxed atmosphere of the unspoilt  Florida coastline.  There is also the 12 inch mortar battery located inside the fort.  This mortar battery was added in 1978 to the National Register of Historic places.  Inside the Fort there is also the Quartermasters Storehouse, a museum housing vintage firearms, which enhance the historic feel to the whole area.

For those who enjoy family fun there are fourteen large, award winning aesthetically designed group picnic areas each with several BBQ’s.  There is also a snack bar and souvenir shop.  This is really an area where families can relax and enjoy each others company.

Once on the beach you can either relax or wander around the area marveling at the wildlife watching the pelicans and dolphins in their natural habitats.  For those who enjoy fishing you have opportunities off either the 1000ft North beach pier (Gulf coast) or the 500ft Tampa Bay pier.

After enjoying your day in paradise coming back to the city could not be easier and within 15 minutes you will be on the interstate 275 heading home. 

We headed South from our Villa at Southern Dunes and hit the Highway 60 and made our way into the Kissimmee State Park. As you drive throught the woods it takes you back in time to realise how vast the Florida Countryside is.

We followed the signs to the Cow Camp. We parked up and then walked a little way into the swamp area and was met by a guy that was acting the part of the Cow Camp Cowboy. There were a few cattle penned in and he then began to explain what he was doing but from the perspective on being back in the 1800’s.

He talked through what a Cow Camp was and that the cowboys use to take the cattle across country. He then went on to describe how the cowboys lived in their makeshift open air cabins. it was fascinating and very interesting.

Finally, we sat and had a real cup of coffee from a tin cup with him. He then directed us around the camp and we walked into the woods and saw an armadillo, some pretty amazing birds but I do not know what they were.

As we left the cow camp we headed off to the picnic area by a small harbour where people were fishing from the edge and from small boats. There was even a resident alligator there for us to see.

We rounded off the day with a wonderful picnic by the river. What a great day

The 7,000 acres of Wekiwa Springs is to be found by the Wekiva River, where the Timucuan Indians hunted and fished. The scenery is natural and wild except for a number of mounds left by the Indians which are still visible. There is, of course a museum and visitor centre where you can learn more of the history of the area.

(“Wekiwa” is the Creek Indian word for “bubbling spring”, and “Wekiva” means “flowing water”)

The park gives you the opportunity to swim or to canoe in Wekiwa Springs, and you can rent your own canoe. You can also go fishing, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.

For those with more time to spare, there is camping available. There are sixty (60!) campsites in the park for families, and there are also separate camping facilities for backpackers, canoeists and horse riders.

If you have a bit of canoe experience there is a canoe trail which starts at the nearby Rock Springs, meets the Wekiva River at the State Park, and then continues north until it meets the St Johns River. It is 27 miles long, so not for beginners, but if you wished you could do a section or two of the run.

The wildlife in the park includes the Florida black bear, deer, grey fox, racoon (of course), ibis, wood storks and sandhill cranes.

If you are just there for the day, why not take a picnic. There is a picnic area which has picnic tables and BBQ grills if needed.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is about 20 minutes north of Orlando, and is located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Takes SR434 west, and turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd.

The Park is open every day of the year from 8 am until sundown. If you have become used to the prices for the Disney attractions, you will be amazed at the admission prices. A vehicle with between 2 and 8 people will cost the princely sum of $5. Something to think about in the current financial climate!

Andy Brownlie