www.floridabywelcomehome.com
9
Exploring Paradise - A Sunday Drive By Gretchen Losi
The beauty and wonder that is Central Florida is quite literally, around every corner. So grab those keys and let’s hit the roads for some Sunday drives. Like turning the pages of a fairy tale, each scenic street becomes more enchanting than the next. Whether on a motorcycle, minivan or convertable with the wind whipping your hair - a scenic drive in these parts can happen on any day ending in “Y.” The options are miles long but locals like to start on the Florida Turnpike. It begins just South of Ocala in Wildwood and will take you all the way to Miami, which I am sure is stunning and beautiful - but it can’t be more charming than the central coast. Along the turnpike you’ll find yourself entering scenic drives by the carefully placed signs. But even if you miss them you’ll realize it when you begin to notice the bountiful lush beauty suddenly surrounding you in small enchanting
towns like Groveland and Webster. Suddenly you’ll notice those long winding dirt roads laced with colossal trees stretching towards the heavens. These charming tree lined streets transport you back to a simpler time when kids were playing in backyard forts and the milkman was your morning greeting. If you go north to Ocala, one can expect to be mesmerized by the falling hooves of its horses amid the open fields and pastures. It makes you feel as though you are missing a mint julep in your hand on the way to the races. There are hundreds of thoroughbred horse farms peppering this glorious countryside. The homes aren’t too shabby either. Hollywood seems to agree, as many celebrities including John Travolta and Mel Tellis call it home. A bit south of that and your Sunday drive will have you cruising through Winter Park where you’ll find a very different pace of scenery.
HALF HORIZONTAL 10” X 5.7361”
Hot tip: Always stop for oranges! Florida is known for producing delicious varieties and the bragging rights are well deserved. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)
