Driving northern AL to central FL
 

In November, we'll be driving from Guntersville, AL to Leesburg, FL.

Looking for interesting route and things to see. Does not need to be on interstate unless there's little to see along back roads. We've been to Birmingham.

We'll have 5-6 days and would like to hit Gulf Shores and drive along the coast. Must stop in Palm Harbor, FL before heading to Leesburg.

Looking for state parks, wild life refuges, walking beaches and other points of interest along the way.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Apalachicola, FL

Wakulla Springs State Park between Apalachicola and Tallahassee is awesome. There are great boat tours to see wildlife, and the lodge is a former luxury hunting lodge.

The lodge looks fantastic there! Thanks.

Any other places along the way?

I've been looking at the Ocala area and wondering if that is interesting to visit. Are any horse farms open to the public as in Kentucky?

Not that I've experienced, I have thought they are mainly private. If you are in that crowd, maybe you can get an invite?

What brings you Leesburg, anyway?

We're taking a week to drive from northern AL to a wedding at Howie in the Hills, FL. Just taking our time to explore different areas. Trying to gather ideas of interesting places to see.
We're not in the horse crowd, but know the farms in KY are open so thought perhaps in Ocala, too.

The Mission Inn at Howie-in-the-Hills is very nice, by chance is that where the wedding is? We occasionally partake of their brunch, some great views while dining.

Sorry I can't be helpful on the horse farms though.