Since Surfertom and I will be going to Yellowstone next February, then making a return trip to Costa Rica in March or April we decided to save money and do a road trip this year. Who knew gas prices would continue to climb and climb?!

Anyway, we've long we wanted to do a trip through the central and lower part of the state on the back/scenic roads. And high gas prices or not, we're going. We know the northwest corner where we live and the northeast corner where I grew up, but if we get much farther south than Gainesville I have to revert to guide books and posts here because my knowledge is both limited and old. Haven't been down state since the late 50s early 60s. Tom hasn't been since the 80s.

I've been searching and reading through past posts and have made notes on places to eat and stay and things to do but still have questions. Or maybe it's doubts.

We'll be gone for about 2 weeks in mid-May and want to be as free as possible to stay awhile or move on, depending on how we feel about a place. Not really picky about where we stay as long as it's clean and safe. At least until and if we get to the Keys. However, if someone knows an absolutely not-to-be-missed B&B or quaint little hotel somewhere along the way, please tell me.

We'd like to be able to do some shelling and shark tooth hunting, take tons of photos, get in a little light hiking and bike riding. I really want to go as far as the Keys and do at least one snorkel trip since we have virtually nothing to see if you go snorkeling here. Maybe kayak around in the mangroves.

Any suggestions for not-to-miss roads that might not be so well-known as the Tamiami Trail and the Heritage Trail? And am I crazy to even consider stopping at the Everglades because the mosquitoes will haul us off? And I know we're late for seeing the manatees but DH doesn't give his last final until next week and that it's going to be getting hot, but hey, as Florida natives we're used to the heat and humidity.

I'm not really thinking about spending much time stopping at places north of Gainesville, or maybe even Ocala, because we can see those on shorter trips once he retires next January.

I guess I just need some reassurance that going all the way to the Keys isn't going to mean we won't have time to stop anywhere else. And that stopping at the Everglades at this time of year isn't totally insane. Oh, and I live at Pensacola Beach so for this trip my only real interest in a beach is the shells and shark teeth, or surf for DH.

I guess I'm having such a hard time with this trip because it's unlike what we normally do. I already have our Yellowstone trip completely planned and booked from the flights to our dinner reservations at Old Faithful and Mammouth. Trying to "plan" something so unstructured I feel like I'm floundering and lost. Any advice you can throw my way is most welcome.

Fran

Hi Fran,

If you have never been to the Everglades, you should definitely go. Fantastic! Nature lovers delight! Put on some bug spray and you're good to go.

I am most familiar with the Keys, so I cannot give you any info on the rest of your trip. However, if you get down to Monroe County, I suggest for kayaking:

http://www.robbies.com/

Well, definitely Sanibel or Captiva for the shelling.

I loved wandering Tarpon Springs for an afternoon, eating at a Greek restaurant and being immersed in the sponge industry I had no idea existed beforehand.

If you want to stay in a B&B, consider Bartow - the location for the movie "My Girl". Someone else can probably remember the name of the unexpected shopping mecca nearby that also serves a great lunch.

I LOVE the Keys - but for me that doesn't mean Key West. Defnitely snorkel at Pennekamp. I happily spent a week every year at Islamorada for a long time - and get to go back this Feb. I can recommend Captain Anne Baxter as a guide for fishing trips or (for me) snorkel trips and just getting out into the water and marshes of the area.
http://www.easyadventures.net/captain/index.ph

This is where we stayed in Islamorada and it is like stepping back into Old Florida.
http://www.whitegatecourt.com/
A family member just to bring his boat down and dock it there. Almost always a manatee would visit to drink freshwater from the hose used to wash the boats down). No pool, but a tiny beach on the bay. Simple cottages scattered along in a tropical paradise. We'd grill the catch of the day or drag ourselves to Zane Grey's to eat while we watched the sun set (still my favorite sunset location of all)
http://www.islamoradafishco.com/ritem.cfm?cat=62

I really enjoyed the airboat ride in the Everglades and traveling to a couple of hammocks in the area.

If you want to splurge a bit, stop by the Four Seasons at Palm Beach on the way back home. I love that place. Small. Luxurious but not stuffy. Love the beach and pool there.

Be sure to "do" (canoe) Wekiva Springs, but probably not on this trip - save it for later since it's so far north.

Oh, I've not been - yet, but I hope to go birding at Ding Darling SP sometime -
http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/Visit...nformation.htm

starrs is right about Islamorada. It is our most favorite place in all the Keys. We too have been going every year for many.

I would only add one thing. Manatees are very protected and it is illegal to feed them fresh water from hoses.

I agree. The owners agree. The manatees come when the boats are being washed off. They know the routine. The owners of the place are quick to tell us that it is illegal to give them water from the hose.

Thanks, leeskee and starrs, for the advice and the links.

We hope to finally leave next Sunday (18th) if I can get business things wrapped up by then.

RE: The Keys, we'll probably spend only a day and night in Key West, just to be able to "experience" the place and spend the other days/nights on Islamorada.

Starrs, I think you posted about Wekiva for someone else awhile back, so that has been on my list for a long time. However, I agree that we'll probably have to save it for another trip. Along with several other places between home and there. You don't really think about how big Florida is until you start talking about driving from the Panhandle to the Keys.

Also, I tried that link for Capt. Baxter and it didn't work. I haven't tried "googling" her yet, but I will.

And don't worry about me and the manatees, should I be so lucky as to see one. We don't have them up here but we have tons of dolphins and I get aggravated with people who think they're exempt from the laws regarding human contact with the gorgeous creatures.

Thanks again.

Fran

starrs,

I found Capt Baxter and the Easy Adventures web site. Now bookmarked and going into the laptop for the trip. Sounds fantastic.

Fran

She'll take you wherever and to do whatever you want. Fishing, snorkeling, sight-seeing by water. She's VERY informed and a very nice person. Have fun!