Plan Your Florida Vacation
The aim of this blog is to provide as much information about things to see and do whilst you are on the holiday of a lifetime in the vacation capital of the world - The Sunshine State of Florida.
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Pinellas Trail
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Steven Humpleby
Authors WebsiteFrom the perceived vision of wanting a safe place to enjoy bicycle riding, strolling or jogging, and the opportune abandonment of a 34-mile corridor of CSX railroad, the Pinellas Trail was borne.
The first 5-mile section of the Pinellas Trail opened in 1990, connecting Taylor Park in Largo to Seminole Park in Seminole. Nowadays the trail is 34 miles long, and spans nine cities and towns throughout Pinellas County, connecting the County from north to south. The Trail meanders through some of Pinellas County’s most picturesque parks, scenic costal areas, quiet waterways and tidal streams. Joggers, in-line skaters and bicyclists alike contribute to the 90,000 people currently using the Trail each month, and the construction of eight overpasses ensures safe passage above traffic at busy intersections.
As well as the enchanting views, artwork can also be found along the Trail. Nine separate sculptures, made of fabricated aluminium, are positioned to help identify community locations (St Petersburg, Gulfport, Seminole, Largo, Belleair, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs), and are a tribute to its railroad history.
The Trail starts at 34th St in St. Petersburg, and posted along the Trail are numbered green signs depicting station numbers, which are 500 feet apart and can be used to calculate distance travelled or to report any problems along the trail. A pocket-sized flip chart map/guide book is available, which shows rest stops, restaurants, pay phones service stations and bike shops, etc along the length of the Trail. The ‘Guide to the Pinellas Trail’ is entirely free, and is available at the Trail office, information desks, area libraries and on the internet.
Basic Rules Governing The Trail:
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The Trail is only open during daylight hours, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
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Pedestrians and handicapped have the right of way, wheelchairs should use the pedestrian lanes and electric handicap wheelchairs are always permitted
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Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic controls and signals
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Cyclists are not permitted to wear headphones at any time and under age 16, they must wear a helmet
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Electric bicycles and motorised vehicles (except wheelchairs, maintenance, law enforcement and emergency vehicles) are not allowed on the Pinellas Trail, nor are horses
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Bicyclists and skaters should obey the posted speed limits. No racing or race training
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Skaters should use the bicycle lanes, and both skaters and cyclists should give an audible warning when passing
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Pets must be kept on a max. 6 foot leash and under control
As St Petersburg is located 96 miles from Kissimmee, bike and skate hire may be more suitable. Rental shops near the route are as follows:
TARPON SPRINGS: Neptune Cyclery, 13 Safford Ave S, Tel (727) 943-5805
PALM HARBOR: Sun West Cyclery, 625 Palm Harbor Blvd, Tel (727) 785-0110
DUNEDIN: Energy Conservatory Bike Shop, 745 Main St, Tel (727) 736-4432
Great America Trails Bike Shop, 357 Scotland St, Tel (727) 734-5976
CLEARWATER: Chainwheel Drive Inc, 1770 Drew Street, Tel (727) 441-2444
Clearwater Cycles, 1881A Drew Street, Tel (727) 230-4819
LARGO: Outspokin Bicycles & Proshop, 619 Missouri Ave N, Tel (727) 518-2329
D & S Bike Shop, 11561 Walsingham Rd, Tel (727) 586-6437
SEMINOLE: Trail Sports, 6572 Seminole Blvd, Tel (727) 395-0509
Bicycle Outfitters, 11198 70th Ave North, Tel (727) 319-2453
ST PETERSBURG: Beach & Trail Bike Shop, 7100 9th Ave N, Tel (727) 384-6608
Incidentally, the public bus service runs a ‘bike on buses’ program whereby each bus has a cycle rack that takes 2 bikes (over 16”), so that both you and your bike can either be transported further afield, or just to take the easy route back!
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BIG TOHO AIRBOAT RIDES
Posted on April 28th, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Steven Humpleby
Authors WebsiteBIG TOHO AIRBOAT RIDES
Big Toho Airboat Rides
100 Lakeshore Blvd
Kissimmee, Florida, 34741
Tel 321-624-2398
Big Toho Airboat Rides is very easy to find, and there is plenty of parking available. The rides depart from the public marina located on the northern tip of Lake Tohopekaliga (known locally as Lake Toho), which are the headwaters for the Florida everglades – the closest swamp and everglades area to Walt Disney World. The little creek where the everglades actually start is seen on the tour.
The airboat pilots are experienced guides and US coast guard master captains, and operate 2 x 15-passenger boats, and 1 x 6-passenger boat, to accommodate either large groups or a family group wanting a boat to themselves. The pilots are very knowledgeable about the area, its history and the environment.
It is an unforgettable chance to see the real Florida, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery and territory that can only be seen from an airboat. As well as the thrill of skimming over the marshes, there is a slow trek through Shingle Creek, a very serene and beautiful expanse of water. Go early if you want to see lots of alligators, as come noon, they are often caught sleeping. There is also a wide variety of birds to be seen, such as eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, and egrets, and wildlife such as wild deer and pigs.
Prices (@ Jan 09):
Adults: 1 hour tour $41.00
½ hour tour $25.00
Children: 1 hour tour $31.00
(3-10) ½ hour tour $20.00
Under 3’s are free.
Night Tours: $60.00 (all ages)
Directions
About 3 miles past marker #15 on US192 going east, turn right at Space Coast Pkwy onto N Main Street for 0.6m, continue on Broadway for 0.3m, turning left at Ruby Ave for 0.2m, and finally turn right at Lakeshore Blvd.
Gator Hunting
For something a little different, they also offer gator hunting trips (when in season), for which you must have a gator hunting permit from the state of Florida – see website for further details, rates and trophy fees, and rates for observers only.