Destination Florida 2020

D E S T I N AT I O N

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

COME ON

OVER!

But call ahead to be sure ...

2020 has been a year for the record books.

Whether it’s a life-changing pandemic, an overeager hurricane season, home schooling woes or nasty hornets, we’re all exhausted.

ENOUGH ALREADY! (We need a break!)

The good news? Florida is here for you. Even in the best of times, we love taking a break. We’ve got the beaches, weather, attractions and accommodations to make it awesome, but in a new-normal kind of way. Many restaurants are open (but serving smaller numbers, or al fresco, or via curbside pickup). There are options for the risk averse. You can dine or have a craft beer or cocktail indoors where seating is limited, or outside, if you feel safer in the fresh air. Hotels are opening up too, but following CDC pro-

tocols for cleanliness and safety. At the time of this writing, some amusement parks are open with reduced hours and limited crowds, while others (Disney, Discovery Cove) are still closed.

There’s no reason you can’t have fun this summer, safely. Think about it: With smaller, more limited crowds, less waiting, and easier traffic and parking, this could be your best getaway yet.

For up-to-date information on what’s open throughout the state, and any restrictions attached, go to visitflorida .com/en-us/current-travel-safety -information.html.

TIMES TOTAL MEDIA Destination Florida was designed and produced by the Marketing department of the Tampa Bay Times.

WRITER & DESIGNER: Sally Moe COVER & DESIGNER: Susan Halttunen

From social media support and website creation, to print ads and inserts that are welcomed into thousands of homes around Tampa Bay, our local experts can help you reach your target audience.

Call 800-333-7505 ext. 8725 or email sales@tampabay.com

2EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

3EFL

GIRLFRIEND

Getaways Close ... so close ...

Case in point: the stunning white beaches of Pinellas County. Just crossing a bridge to one of the many island communities is all it takes for a complete change in mood and blood pressure.

In St. Pete Beach, the retro surfing-themed Postcard Inn on the Beach offers a Sun/Sand/Escape package that is perfect for a girlfriend getaway (starting things off with a sunset cruise and $100 food and beverage credit). You could do all your dining at the Inn — at Beach Bar & Snack Shack, Stamps Restaurant and P.S. Grind for breakfast — or venture out to one of the terrific assortment of restaurants up and down the beach. Rumfish Grill is just a few doors south of Postcard Inn; with its aquarium wall and attached shopping, it’s a full-on experience. In Tierra Verde, salute another breathtaking sunset with a frosty cocktail on the patio at the Island Grille and Raw Bar. (They’ll even cook your catch.) Or, for a real sense of celebration, start dinner with tapas at sunset, while savoring the fabulous view of the Gulf of Mexico from the rooftop lounge at the upscale Mediterranean-themed Castile Restaurant, in the Hotel Zamora on St. Pete Beach. visitstpeteclearwater.com

4EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

When it comes to gal-pal getaways, Florida delivers. Even driving just an hour or two can take you and your besties to a place that feels worlds away.

we’re finally here!

Behold the emerald coast In the Emerald Coast area of the panhandle, Seaside beckons with its cozy, walkable, bikefriendly lifestyle. Stay in town at the WaterColor Inn (pricy, but more doable when you split it three or four ways) and be sure to book some time at the spa. Or rent one of the town’s sunset-colored homes complete with screened porch and outdoor shower, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Walk or bike into town to visit the quirky, high-ceilinged Modica Market, nosh on gourmet food truck fare, and explore nearby shops like Sundog Books for a beach

read and Red Bird Gallery for home decor, art, and more. For dining, Bud & Alley’s is a fave for dinner, Fish Out of Water offers fine dining with a view at the WaterColor Inn, and the fresh Caribbean vibe of award-winning Cafe Thirty A is a short drive to the east. Dining options range from food trucks to upscale, from pizza to tacos and seafood to Southern gourmet. Come home with a great tan, wonderful memories and sand on the floor of your car — and be sure to rent The Truman Show to revisit some of the places you just saw.

The edge of paradise On the tip of Captiva Island, due west of Fort Myers, South Seas Island Resort has 330 acres of prime beachfront property all to itself. You need never leave the resort for the best, most relaxing getaway ever.

Book some me time at the resort’s Captiva Island Spa. Rent a bike and tour the property, go shelling on the beach, swim any or all of the three pools — one has a tiki bar — or take an out-island cruise to dine at away-from-it-all Cabbage Key (the very place for your Cheeseburger in Paradise. Have a few spare bucks on hand to autograph and tack on the ceiling). Explore the rest of Captiva or neighboring Sanibel for more beautiful beaches, and an array of boutique shopping and dining. (Don’t miss the colorful, party-all-the-time Bubble Room for lunch or dinner; it has an adorable gift shop as well.) The breathtaking natural attractions of the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are only 9 miles away from the resort.

The Keys to having fun

As far south as you can go (and still be in the U.S.), Key West welcomes girlfriends on getaway with open arms.

There are scores of hotels and B&Bs in and around town, but for a little breathing room between yourself and the career partiers, stay at the Perry Hotel on Stock Island right next door. You’ll be a shuttle ride away, but will still enjoy all the picturesque marina views and posh comforts and amenities (including restaurants) of an upscale hotel, as well as a concierge who knows ALL things Key West. Setting the proper mood: a welcome glass of Champagne at check-in. Where to eat? You could pretty much play Pin the Tail on the Donkey on a map of Key West and land on a place you’ll love.

Try Thirsty Mermaid for fresh seafood and a full raw bar (two of their draft beers are from Tampa Bay); or the Little Pearl, in Old Town, for jumbo shrimp on stoneground grits or its swoon-worthy lobster, shrimp and crab pot pie. For classic Key West, don’t miss fun-loving Mary Ellen’s Bar and Restaurant for drinks and comfort food into the wee hours. When you’re done in and ready for dreamland, the Perry offers free shuttle service from (and to) Old Town. First responders and essential workers get 25% off their stay. There’s even a distillery onsite. How cool is that?

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

5EFL

Hidden

GEMS

The eccentric side of the sunshine state

Of all the things Florida is famous for—award-winning beaches, amazing weather, amusement parks and wonderful dining and shopping—there are a number of lesser-known sites and attractions that add surprise, depth of history, and just plain personality to our state.

FUTURO HOUSE

The Panhandle,

in particular, enjoys some singular architecture. In Pensacola Beach, the Futuro House is one of around 100 that were designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen and built all over the globe during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. There are approximately 60 in existence today and they evoke The Jetsons with their mid-century flying saucer look. They were originally intended as portable ski chalets, but this one has stood up nicely against hurricanes and tornadoes. It’s privately owned, so it is not open for tours — but ogling and selfies from a polite distance are another story. (There’s one of these hiding in plain sight at a “gentleman’s club” on Dale Mabry Boulevard in Tampa. You might have seen it without realizing it.) thefuturohouse.com.

THE BOTTLE HOUSE

To the northeast a bit, tiny town Vernon is home to the Moss Hill Methodist Church, which was built

6EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

MOSS HILL CHURCH

in 1857. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church, which has no electricity, still holds services today. Built of pine heartwood, aka fat lighter, the wood is saturated with resin and will not rot. That sticky resin is the very reason the wood has acted as a kind of history book, preserving hand- and footprints from the very people who built and later attended the church. Look up at the ceiling and you’ll see footprints.

The patent for the land it stands on was signed by President Lincoln in 1861. atlasobscura.com/places/ moss-hill-methodist-church.

In Tallahassee, visit Lichgate on High Road, a home in the woods near a gorgeous, ages-old live oak. When FSU literature professor Laura Jepsen first encountered the sprawling oak, she was inspired to buy the land and have a Tudor-style cottage built there, along with a dog house, a meditation labyrinth and a Shakespearean garden. It has been said she envisioned a haven for herself and for denizens of the “in-between” — faeries, fauns and woodland spirits — because humans were stealing their protective woods with rampant development. Since Dr. Jepsen’s passing, some people who’ve visited the property have seen or sensed “something” just outside their field of vision. Perhaps it’s haunted by Dr. Jepsen’s spirit, or maybe sprites and faeries do shelter there.

Perhaps all of the above. Bring your little ones. If there’s magic afoot, they will know. atlasobscura.com/places/ lichgate-on-high-road.

Now for something completely different. To “relax” in his retirement, former art professor Leon Weisener built a house with colored glass bottles. Not just bottles, mind you. Mannequin hands, rake tines, ostrich eggs GEMS, page 8

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

7EFL

Continued from GEMS, page 7 and wooden balls also figure into the design. The property is located in Carrabelle near the coast.

Over the years, Weisener has added a 15-foot lighthouse with revolving light, more than one geodesic dome, even a solar panel array for power. At night, when lit up, it’s a sight to behold. Visitors are always welcome; please call ahead. atlasobscura .com/places/carrabelle-bottle-house.

In Gainesville, there’s a sinkhole that basically has its own ecosystem. Known as Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, temperatures within the depths of the 120-foot deep sinkhole remain far cooler than above. This has created a mini rainforest in the sinkhole’s depths, which is fed by 12 streams on the surface and cooled by a canopy of shade-giving trees around the rim. Ancient animal bones and fossils can be seen in the depths as well.

Check ahead for COVID-19 safety protocols. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ devils-millhopper-geological-state-park.

8EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

Back on the subject of funky residences. South of Lakeland, in Bartow, is the Wonder House. Built by Conrad Schuck in the 1920s with no blueprints, the four-story house contained many creative features, among them an 8 x 10 foot fishpond on the third-floor porch. There is much to explore in this unusual house; to reserve a historical tour, visit their website. wonderhousebartow.com.

DEVIL’S MILLHOPPER GEOLOGICAL STATE PARK

Between Bradenton and Sebring, in tiny Ona, is Solomon’s Castle. Built by sculptor Howard Solomon, this is no ordinary castle; it was crafted with discarded aluminum printing plates and windows of stained glass. The courtyard is populated with sculptures he made from old automotive parts, a lighthouse with stained glass windows, as well as a 60-foot replica of a 16th-century Portuguese galleon, which holds the Boat in the Moat restaurant. The artist’s gallery and studio are open for visitors as well. Tickets can be purchased via their website. solomonscastle.com.

In Miami, just for grownups, is the World Erotic Art Museum on the second floor of the Wilzig Museum Building. Naomi Wilzig started collecting erotic art from all over the world, dating from as far back as Roman times to present day. She became such an expert that she wrote five books on the subject. When her collection became too big for her home, she did what

SOLOMON’S CASTLE

anyone in her Louboutins would have done and bought a building to contain it all. One of the pieces in the 20-room collection enjoyed some fame as a prop in A Clockwork Orange. Any item on exhibit in the museum would make an interesting conversation starter — or stopper, depending on who you hang with. Purchase ticket to enter at the museum. weammuseum.com.

For a completely different vibe, just south of the exit to Key Biscayne, is the eccentric abode to end them all, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (below). A Mediterranean-revival mansion reminiscent of a centuries-old Italian villa, the property was built between the years of 1914 and 1922 for industrialist and conservationist James Deering. Tours are a must to appreciate the historic details and mindset behind its design and creation. No matter what is in bloom — roses, jatropha, and a range of orchids — the 10 acres of immaculately kept gardens and statuary provide a wonderland rich with atmosphere and restful, contemplative spots.

Tickets to visit can be purchased on their website, vizcaya.org.

GEMS, page 10

VIZACAYA MUSEUM

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

9EFL

Continued from GEMS, page 9

share what they learn with others. (Historical tours are suspended due to the pandemic, but seminars and workshops have resumed.) Sunday church services take place at the Lyceum; there is also a bookstore on the property. (Appointments are recommended if you wish to speak with a medium or healer; homes are closed to such visits on Sundays.) Some of the homes in the complex, as well as the Cassadaga Hotel, are said to be haunted.

The camp was named a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. cassadaga.org.

CASSADAGA

Perhaps you *sensed* it already, but there’s a spiritualist camp in Florida, and it’s been there since it was established by George Colby in 1894. Approximately 30 minutes east of New Smyrna Beach in Lake Helen, Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is a 57-acre community of certified mediums, healers and like-minded seekers who live here to explore and learn about spiritualism and metaphysics, and

10EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

Need some color in your life? Check out the aptly named Whimzeyland in Safety Harbor.

Pulsating with brilliant, intense color, tropical plants, stained glass, mosaics and Mardi Gras and circus embellishments, it borders on psychedelic, with surprises around every corner. There is nothing understated about this place; their decorating philosophy is more is more. The two fun-loving artists who created Whimzeyland, Kiara Linda and Todd, aka the Whimzey Twinz, are developing a nonprofit arts center as well. kiaralinda.com.

WHIMZEYLAND

Town: Toast of the

Creating small-batch whiskey, rum, vodka and gin, award-winning St. Augustine Distillery uses local ingredients whenever possible. Their port-finished bourbon is a rock star. staugustinedistillery.com.

Dog-friendly Pinellas Ale Works (PAW) in St. Pete features a suite of brews ranging from amber to smoked red to brown ales, IPAs, barleywine, porter, stout, pilsners and lagers. More than 30 flavors are on tap in their tasting room. Your furry pal is welcome, too, of course. pawbeer.com.

Boutique-sized, family-run James Two Brothers Distillers in Ocala specializes in rums, bourbon, smoked rye and single malt whiskey. Tours are suspended due to COVID (but will be resumed).

Meanwhile, the tasting room is open on Mondays,

Experience Florida in a Glass

Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. james2bros.com.

Siesta Key Rum in Sarasota specializes in infusions; flavors include toasted coconut, coffee and spiced rums. Forty-minute tours of the distillery are free; preregister on their website. Or visit the tasting room to try some samples, and discover your personal favorites. siestakeyrum.com.

In Plant City, where the strawberry is king, Keel + Curley has carved its own niche with flavorful blueberry wines — as well as fusion wines blended with Key lime, peach, strawberry or wild berries. Hard ciders and beers are also available, as is a cafÊ for noshing. Preregister for Saturday or Sunday tours on their website. keelfarms.com.

Northwest of Panama City, Chautauqua Vineyards in DeFuniak Springs uses Carlos or Noble muscadine grapes from their own vineyards. Their signature result is an array of sweeter, uniquely Floridian wines. chautauquawinery.com.

For more about ...

Florida wines: tryfloridawine.com Spirits: distillerytrail.com/directory-distillery/ locations/florida/ Breweries: floridarambler.com/florida-craft-beerbrewery-guide/

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

11EFL

LIFE IS A BEACH

...and then you dine

Foodies, vegans, gluten-eschewers, dessert-atarians, we all gotta eat. From al fresco to casual to fine dining and all points in between, your only limitations in the Sunshine State are your appetite, your mood, and what you’re willing to spend.

Take a bite out of Tampa Bay

Popular downtown dinner spot Brick & Mortar Kitchen and Wine Bar in St. Pete specializes in new American cuisine with an urban-chic ambience. The boldly accessorized burgers get raves, but the carpaccio, poutine and pasta entrees are also excellent. The menu refreshes frequently.

A must: save room for dessert. Whether or not vegan is your thing, try “vegan for all” Cider Press Cafe. The talented chef redefines the genre with a vegan shepherd’s pie and an array of hearty “burgers,” not to mention vegan versions of egg

12EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

salad, mac and cheese, and shrimp po-boys. Open for lunch and dinner. On Beach Drive, award-winning Parkshore Grill specializes in contemporary American cuisine both indoors and al fresco. If the crab and avocado salad with mango chutney doesn’t tempt you, perhaps the lobster pasta with tomato, tarragon, vodka and cream on angel hair pasta will. Across the bay, Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe in Tampa is all about easygoing fun, with a lively menu that refuses to be pinned down. The Sunday menu dives deep into soul food, but its

many influences throughout the week include NYC, old Southern, Jamaican, Italian, Mexican and Thai. If you’re in the mood to share, try the Goldberg pizza, with smoked salmon, fresh pesto, capers, mozzarella and cream cheese. On Tampa’s Riverwalk, native-inspired restaurant and brewery Ulele combines its great location with airy, art-infused atmosphere and a killer menu full of unexpected flavors. Maybe start with the alligator hush puppies and follow up with the Gulf of Mexico fresh grouper fillet with smoked Gouda ale béchamel? For dessert, don’t miss the dense, flourless chocolate torte with raspberry port wine reduction.

A capitol idea!

If Dagwood built his ginormous sandwiches with biscuits, they’d look a lot like the creations served up at urban-rustic Maple Street Biscuits in Tallahassee. Open for breakfast and lunch, the biscuits are big, fragrant and fresh-baked and adorned with everything from fried chicken to pecanwood smoked bacon, goat cheese, eggs, collards and any of a number of house-made sauces, jams and jellies.

Waffles, salads and bowls enjoy a starring role on the menu as well. For upscale dining, local phenom Sage offers understated atmosphere and a menu rich in choices. The stuffed acorn squash (with farro, pearl onions, kale, fig, pecans, sumac yogurt and pomegranate) is delicious. If your wallet is intimidated, come for lunch, or try the bar menu instead; the selection is smaller, but still inventive. Downtown, in a plum location at the intersection of Monroe and Park Avenue, Il Lusso features artfully prepared, sophisticated Italian for the ultimate in luxe date-night-style dining. Whether you order the lobster cappelletti with parsnip and anise sauce, or the lamb shank with saffron risotto, almond and mint, it will be heavenly. They also serve for lunch.

Foodie-loving Naples

In a city with a name like Naples, you probably expect some excellent Italian restaurants; you won’t be disappointed. At Alberto’s on Fifth, brace yourself for temptations like homemade ravioloni stuffed with butternut squash with homemade Italian sausage and Amaretto, or roasted filet of Chilean sea bass over Piedmont-style polenta, with wild mushrooms and vincotto (a caramelized wine reduction sauce). This being a foodie destination, Italian is only one of the many choices. In north Naples, landmark The Bay House is open (at reduced capacity) with its seafood-forward menu. Dressed in a low-country riverfront vibe, temptations include St. Augustine stew (crab, shrimp, fish, mussels and lobster with rice in a spicy pepper broth) and barbecue shrimp and grits, with heirloom grits, spinach, tasso, and horseradish cream. For innovative Indian cuisine in a sparkly atmosphere, visit 21 Spices by Chef Asif. The saffron chicken Khorma, with saffron, tahini, coconut almond cream, mint and crispy onions is delish. For a great meal any time of day, try cheeky retro-style joint Mel’s Diner. Mel’s might be best known for their mile-high creme pie. (Check ahead; availability varies.) They say it feeds four, but this is America, and that sounds like a challenge.

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

13EFL

EVERYTHING

under the sun

Florida is all about getting out there, and your experience of “out there” can be as active or as laid back as you want. Just remember that all-important SPF 30 and bug repellent.

Ancient history, natural beauty In the northeastern-most portion of the state,

on the ocean and you might catch sight of a rare

Amelia Island is an enchanting barrier island

Atlantic right whale nursing her newborn calf.

with 13 miles of Appalachian quartz sand beach-

(Adults can get to over 50 feet long.) The Nature

es, and a vibe that is perfect for relaxing family

Center at Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers

getaways and simply recharging your batteries.

History buffs will appreciate that it’s on the southern stretch of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which starts in Wilmington, NC and ends in Jacksonville. Learn about Amelia’s multi-cultural history during the Eight Flags Tour, held twice daily at the Amelia Island Museum of History. The oldest surviving hotel in Florida, The Florida House Inn is in the historic district of Fernandina Beach. Built in 1857, the inn housed soldiers during the Civil War, and has welcomed such famous guests as Ulysses S. Grant, Henry Ford, and Laurel and Hardy. Florida’s oldest bar, The Palace Saloon, which at one

bicycle, Segway and kayak tours with master naturalists who share everything they know about the area’s native flora and fauna. Some tours are designed especially for kids. Did you know? You can also explore the shore on horseback — three businesses that offer this hosted activity include Amelia Island Horseback Riding, Kelly Seahorse Ranch and Happy Trails Walk-

he planted his flag is now part of the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Since the ’30s, archaeologists have unearthed more than 97,000 artifacts from that landing, and from early Spanish settlements and much earlier Timucua Indian colonies. Considered one of the most important archeological sites in the country, visitors to the open-air park can watch archaeologists in action, see the peacocks that pass the time here, as well as view a number of exhibits, including the Navigator’s Planetarium. Purchase tickets via their website. Once you’re done plumbing the mysteries of the archaeological park, tour the Historic District — on an after-dark ghost tour, a black heritage tour, or explore with a guide on foot, golf cart, trolley, horse-drawn carriage, parasail, paddle boards, boat or even helicopter. Each type of tour takes its own deep dive into this historical area. Just a few include Sunset Cruise St. Augustine, Afterlife Tours, and the Ale Trail Craft Beer Walking Tour.

baby sea turtles!

time wet the whistles of one-percenters like the

ing Horses. ameliaisland.com

Carnegies and the Rockefellers, is still serving

Officially America’s Oldest City, St. Augustine

libations today, and to thirsty 99 percenters as

was established by Spanish explorer Don Pedro

well. In December and January, keep your eyes

Melendez de Aviles in 1565. The spot where

visitstaugustine.com

Be enchanted

Halfway between Tampa and Melbourne and north of Lake Wales is Bok Tower Gardens, an utterly unique contemplative garden and bird sanctuary.

Its landmark centerpiece, a neo-Gothic 60-bell carillon tower that rises 205 feet from the surrounding landscape, evokes an aura of King Arthur and Camelot. Haughty swans swim in a reflecting 14EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Museum of Art nearby, along the downtown Riverwalk.

If you love bicycling, the no-cars-allowed

which is also used by pedestrians, skaters and skateboarders, starts in downtown St. Pete near the Dalí Museum and heads north all the way to Tarpon Springs. A number of places offer bikes

46-mile-long Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail,

SUN, page 17

pool north of the tower, and 250 acres of gardens surround it, creating a sun-dappled Eden of jasmine, camellias, Justicia, creeping fig, blue plumbago, passion flower, sabal palms and philodendron. The site is a safe haven for over 100 species of birds. Kids will love Hammock Hollow, a garden designed just for them. Tickets can be bought online or at the gate. Open daily. boktowergardens.org.

Due west is Tampa Bay, and the spectacular white beaches of Pinellas County. There’s plenty to explore in St. Petersburg especially — rising arts and shopping districts, galleries, craft breweries, a network of murals, and an array of world-class museums. In particular, explore the incredible collection of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art at The Dalí Museum, then stop by The James Museum for western and wildlife art. Across the bay in Tampa you can take the kids to the Glazer Children’s Museum (adults learn fascinating new things here too!) and later stop into the Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

15EFL

16EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times

Continued from SUN, page 15 and skates for rental; visit pinellascounty.org/trail gd/PDF/explore_pinellas_map.pdf for the 411.

Hiding in plain sight in St. Pete is the tropical oasis just north of downtown, Sunken Gardens (right).

While tours and classes are closed due to the pandemic, this idyllic destination is still open to self-guided exploration.

Despite its central location, it feels blissfully removed from the busy city that surrounds it. Shaded paths curve through the property and over footbridges, leading to waterfalls, bird habitats, a koi pond, a butterfly garden, and over 50,000 lush tropical plants and flowers — some of them over 100 years old.

Open daily. stpete.org/attractions/sunken _gardens/index.php.

Relax, chill out ... repeat

West of Bradenton lies barrier island Anna Maria Island, a paradise for castaways, beach bums and bohemians — anyone who yearns to live by the rhythm of the tides. There are scads of shops, galleries and restaurants to enjoy, particularly in the Bridge Street District in the southern portion; but for an insider’s glimpse, book one of several Segway tours led by Zegway By The Bay — they depart daily and explore different facets of life on this island. (Training on the Segway is included.) If you get hungry, The Waterfront Restaurant is open for outdoor dining; thanks to a partnership with Anna Maria Charters, they will cook your catch to order. annamaria.com.

Back east in Coral Gables, give yourself a few hours to fully experience the extensive attractions of the 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and don’t miss Wings of the Tropics in the 25,000 sq. ft.

Clinton Family Conservatory. You’ll see a rainbow of butterflies in various stages of development amid tropical foliage, as well as such insect rock stars as the Hercules (or rhinoceros) beetle, the largest beetle in the U.S. Butterfly releases occur twice daily, morning and afternoon. Home to 14 lakes and the only rainforest in the continental U.S., displays include bamboo, ginger, orchids, exotic tropical fruits, and flowering trees from all over the world.

Open daily. fairchildgarden.org.

SUNKEN GARDENS

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

17EFL

LIVE THE

salt life

Find your zen

In the panhandle between Pensacola and spring-breaker magnet Panama City Beach, Grayton Beach awes those who set eyes on it with all the glory of the Emerald Coast, but a quieter vibe.

It was just named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach. Sand like bleached flour gives way to stunning emerald-colored waters, hence the area’s name. graytonbeach.com.

Just south of surfer’s mecca Daytona, Canaveral National Seashore’s 24-mile-long beach offers an entirely different ambience, with the longest undeveloped beach on the east coast of the state.

With wild, windswept views for days, the area provides choice habitat for many threatened and endangered species, as well a plum spot to watch rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center. nps.gov/ cana/index.htm.

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Sandy paws

Fort Desoto Park, Dog Beach and Paw Playground, just west of St. Petersburg, is a prime spot for some play with your favorite fur baby. The pristine beach, with its gentle surf, has placed on a number of top 10 lists throughout the years.

Pack a picnic and let your buddy free to play and swim off-leash. Hoses and water fountains just for dogs will help them stay hydrated and get cleaned up before the trip back. For more dog-friendly beaches in Florida, go to visitflorida.com/en-us/ florida-beaches/9-dog-friendlybeaches-in-florida.html.

Way down south

West of Clearwater on an undeveloped barrier island is a scoop of white shoreline so perfect it almost doesn’t seem real. Getting to Caladesi Island State Park takes some effort (kayak or ferry is the most popular), but the payoff is sublime. It’s a great spot for shelling, and there are kayak and nature trails for the curious. visitflorida.com/en-us/florida-beaches/caladesi-beach-florida.html.

18EFL

Florida boasts 825 miles of coastline.

Somewhere in all that sand is the perfect beach for you, one that will draw you like a magnet year after year. Think of all the fun you’ll have searching for it.

Tampa Bay Times

South of Naples and a stone’s throw from the Everglades, the beaches of Marco Island are just about as away from it all as you can get before the Keys. This island community has a quiet, family-friendly vibe, gentle waves and miles of pristine white shoreline. Explore the nearby Everglades on an airboat tour. You’ll learn all about this precious ecosystem and might get to hold a baby alligator. Two popular tour providers are Corey Billie’s in Naples and Jungle Erv’s in Everglades City. paradisecoast.com.

Miami Beach is blessed with a cornucopia of stunning beaches. Best known among them is probably South Beach, adjacent to the Art Deco

District and a magnet for the young and fabulous.

Daytime walking tours explore the overlapping eras of Art Deco design on display, but the district comes vividly alive at night with bars, restaurants and nightlife. If you have a “healthy budget,” spend a night or three at the opulent Villa Casa Casuarina, a boutique hotel and restaurant located in the former mansion of the celebrated late designer Gianni Versace (accommodations start at $579; it’s only money). The decor, furnishings, pool and courtyard are dazzling. Dine like a one-percenter at Gianni’s Restaurant. miamiandbeaches.com.

Next stop ... Cuba?

At the southern tip of Key West is 54-acre Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, noteworthy for its closeness to Cuba — a mere 105 miles to the south — and because it’s situated where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a lovely beach with crystal-clear aquamarine water on its southern rim, perfect for picnics, birdwatching or snorkeling above colorful undersea life.

The fort itself played an important obstructive role during the Civil War and is now designated a National Historic Landmark. fortzacharytaylor.com.

Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible by a daily ferry, private boats, charter boats or seaplane. Enjoy the length of beach, explore historically rich 19th-century Fort Jefferson, snorkel or dive the incredibly clear water to photograph amazing sea life, or camp among the palms for gorgeous sunsets that give way to breathtaking views of the Milky Way, undimmed by light pollution. drytortugas.com.

Tampa Bay Times

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

19EFL

20EFL

|

Sunday, June 28, 2020 |

Tampa Bay Times