Summertime Scalloping
West Coast Beach and History Crawl
Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches with its crystal-clear water and sugarwhite sand. The stretch of I-75 south from Tampa to Fort Myers is also dotted with many museums to add an educational element to your getaway. First, the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg features a collection of more than 2,100 works by Salvador Dali that represent each moment of his career housed in a building as unique as his art. The museum hosts events for all ages, from story time and activities for kids to yoga mornings and wine nights for adults. The Dali Museum Avant-garden features local vegetation, a grotto and a Mathematical Garden for students, among other elements. Next, stop in Sarasota to visit The Ringling. While this museum offers a look at The Greatest Show on Earth through a series of artifacts, guests can also explore modern works of art and collections from a variety of cultures. The John and Mable Ringling collection provides a glimpse into the private lives of the famous circus owner/operator and his family. Then, get to know more about two other famous names at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Visitors can tour Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s winter homes as well as Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory. The property boasts 20 acres of botanical gardens, nine historic buildings and the Edison Ford Museum, which features a collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.
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Central Florida Lifestyle | July 2021
Florida’s bay scallop season commences in many areas along the Gulf Coast this month. This family friendly activity gets you out on the water to snorkel along the surface, mesh net in hand, ready to do a shallow dive four to six feet below to scoop the familiar fan-shaped shell once you spot it. In Crystal River, scallop season will run from July 1 to Sept. 24. Packages booked at hotels like Plantation on Crystal River offer the benefit of Coast Guard certified captains who are knowledgeable about the rules of the water as well as the areas with the best scalloping opportunities for guests. Even more, you can cook your catch at the property’s West 82° Bar & Grill, whether you chose to charter with the hotel’s captains or went out on your own. The chef will prepare shucked scallops for lunch or dinner any way you would like, with options that include scampi style, au gratin, sautéed in lemon butter or Chef’s choice, for $15.95 per person. Scalloping is regulated by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. For season information, bag limits and other details for all state scalloping zones, visit www.MyFWC.com.
