T
he Sunshine State has long been a favorite vacation spot for Americans and Canadians
seeking respite from the cold northern winters and for young families in search of the entertainment and theme parks for which Florida is so well known. And while I had vis-
ited the state on several occasions and figured I knew it well, nothing quite prepared me for all I was about to discover as we gathered information for this guide. It’s been an eye-opening and mind-boggling experience. We’ve enjoyed putting this guide together for you and it has certainly introduced me to new paths of discovery I never knew existed and can’t wait to visit. Personally, I love uncovering off-the-beaten-path locations and, wherever you may roam in the state of Florida, surprises await. For instance, Orlando may be world-renowned for its theme parks, but have you ever heard about or visited the quaint nearby city of Winter Park, a historic resort destination that was popular with wealthy New England industrialists before the turn of the 20th century? This unique little enclave continues to attract thousands of visitors to annual
festivals that include the Bach Festival, the Sidewalk Art Festival and the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance. It remains one of my favorite spots in Florida. Even the busy metropolitan cities have their special neighborhoods. Little Havana and Bal Harbour are two you shouldn’t pass up when in the Miami area; Ybor is definitely worth investigating if you find yourself in Tampa; and St. Armands Circle in Sarasota retains a good bit of circus magnate John Ringling’s razzle-dazzle. An estimated 80.3 million people visited Florida in 2009 and the vast majority opted to fly in. However one of my most memorable trips through Florida involved a drive from the Georgia border down to Fort Myers, then through the Everglades to Miami. We took our time as we scooted along back roads and explored the countryside, stopping on a whim to tour some of the smaller towns and rural areas rarely frequented by tourists. Townspeople were anxious to offer guidance and assistance in any way they could and eagerly shared tips on what treasures and secret spots their communities harbored. Our guide contains a few best drive options we think you might enjoy. Even in the larger cities we continued to experience a warmhearted welcome and, perhaps, this generosity of spirit is the real reason why visitors return to Florida year after year. If the great outdoors and communing with Mother Nature is your idea of a great vacation, there are 160 state parks and more than one million acres of state forests between Pensacola and Key West just waiting to welcome you. Regardless of what Floridian experience you choose, there is no doubt in my mind you will return home with warm, lasting memories, great stories to share with friends and family, and a deep desire to return to the beloved Sunshine State.
Donna S. Vieira Editor
2011 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA
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