Our itinerary for Christmas in Florida
Jul 20th, 2006, 08:45 AM
#21
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Flying out of Orlando
See Fort lauderdale as a base to explore the area so could well go to Miami and check out the Coconut Grove area. We are not big on lying on beaches - we have lots of beautiful one in Cape Town and we really want to see Florida as a state/ culture/ its people/ whole experience thing
See Fort lauderdale as a base to explore the area so could well go to Miami and check out the Coconut Grove area. We are not big on lying on beaches - we have lots of beautiful one in Cape Town and we really want to see Florida as a state/ culture/ its people/ whole experience thing
Jul 20th, 2006, 09:03 AM
#22
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If you don't really like doing the beach thing, I think you are spending way too much time at beaches. Why both Naples and St. Pete?
You want a beach you won't forget. Take the ferry over to Cumberland Island, GA. See coastal barrier islands the way they all used to be. Wild horses. "Wild" vegatation. I'd save $$$ along the way and splurge for 2 nights at the Greyfield Inn on the island (all meals included with the rate because there is no other source of food on the island).
If you are coming all the way from SA, then I'd cut a bit of time off somewhere during the beach part (if beaches aren't the draw) and head a bit north from Orlando to St. Augustine, then Cumberland Island and then Savannah, Georgia. You'll be exposed to the Spanish influence on the coast and then the English.
You want a beach you won't forget. Take the ferry over to Cumberland Island, GA. See coastal barrier islands the way they all used to be. Wild horses. "Wild" vegatation. I'd save $$$ along the way and splurge for 2 nights at the Greyfield Inn on the island (all meals included with the rate because there is no other source of food on the island).
If you are coming all the way from SA, then I'd cut a bit of time off somewhere during the beach part (if beaches aren't the draw) and head a bit north from Orlando to St. Augustine, then Cumberland Island and then Savannah, Georgia. You'll be exposed to the Spanish influence on the coast and then the English.
Jul 20th, 2006, 09:07 AM
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Jul 20th, 2006, 09:14 AM
#24
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Orlando to Fernandina Beach, Florida - the site of the Greyfield Inn ferry to Cumberland Island = 177 miles, 2 hours, 53 minutes according to mapquest.
St. Augustine is along the route.
Savannah would be another 132 miles or 2 hours north - interstate highway all the way. You could even do it as a day trip from Fernandina/ Amelia Island area if you decided to spend the night there.
St. Augustine is along the route.
Savannah would be another 132 miles or 2 hours north - interstate highway all the way. You could even do it as a day trip from Fernandina/ Amelia Island area if you decided to spend the night there.
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:27 AM
#25
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"we really want to see Florida as a state/ culture/ its people/ whole experience thing." Then let me suggest Blue Springs State Park which would be easy to visit in between Orlando and St. Augustine. In the winter, manatees move into the springs area. You can watch the manatees, go canoeing, hike the nature trails. A lovely experience.
http://funandsun.com/parks/BlueSpring/bluespring.html
http://funandsun.com/parks/BlueSpring/bluespring.html
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:47 AM
#26
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The Greyfield Inn is fantastic, but it might be dreary at that time of year, don't you think Starrsville? We spent a memorable week there late one summer (hot hot hot) and a naturalist took us all around the island in a jeep--it was great. We met that unusual (strange? eccentric?) Carnegie relation who makes jewelry --yuyu, or yoyo, or gogo. Did you run into her?
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:57 AM
#27
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I don't know about dreary, we go to Amelia Island every January & nearly always have excellent/sunny weather. I'd probably fly into Miami & out of Jax if I were doing a simialr trip. Of course, I am anti-Disney/anti-resort so my interests don't necessarily lie w/the majority. You can also take a sunset cruise out of Fernandina Beach that lasts a couple of hours (take your own drinks & snacks) etc. Be a tad chilly but it is still a good time. FYI - Fernandina Beach is the old, historical town on Amelia Island.
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:19 AM
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There is a marvellous bookstore there, in Fernandina, a very eclectic collection of books. Fantastic sales, like CD of book Wicked for $25! Good French restaurant, too, le Clos. Small, but nice.
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:32 AM
#29
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I saw the jewelry link on the website.
I agree with SAnParis. The weather can go any way, but can easily be absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite memories of the kids is their playing in the water on Cumberland and Dec. 31st. My sister and I took them over for a day trip with a picnic basket while BIL visited relatives in St. Mary's.
I'm on the GA/ SC coast all the time in winter and have more good days than bad. If the weather IS dreary, what could be better than snuggling in front of one of the Greyfield's fireplaces and/or enjoying the wonderful food.
Heck, I think I'll book it for the first week of January!
I agree with SAnParis. The weather can go any way, but can easily be absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite memories of the kids is their playing in the water on Cumberland and Dec. 31st. My sister and I took them over for a day trip with a picnic basket while BIL visited relatives in St. Mary's.
I'm on the GA/ SC coast all the time in winter and have more good days than bad. If the weather IS dreary, what could be better than snuggling in front of one of the Greyfield's fireplaces and/or enjoying the wonderful food.
Heck, I think I'll book it for the first week of January!
Jul 20th, 2006, 02:21 PM
#30
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There are some excellent central FL suggestions here:
Blue Springs State Park, Kennedy Space Center, Wekiva Springs State Park, and St. Augustine (an easy 2-hour drive from Orlando). I agree with all of them!
The best part about visiting Blue Springs in the winter is that the Manatee will be in (from the cooler river) and you can see them in the warm clear water from shore and from observation decks.
If you plan on doing a day trip over to Kennedy Space Center or elsewhere on the East Coast, there are numerous opportunities to take an airboat ride. During the winter, there are many migratory birds to be seen, more than at other times of the year. If you would like, I'll give more detailed info (phone numbers and web sites) on several places near KSC where you can take an airboat ride. Let me know!
Blue Springs State Park, Kennedy Space Center, Wekiva Springs State Park, and St. Augustine (an easy 2-hour drive from Orlando). I agree with all of them!
The best part about visiting Blue Springs in the winter is that the Manatee will be in (from the cooler river) and you can see them in the warm clear water from shore and from observation decks.
If you plan on doing a day trip over to Kennedy Space Center or elsewhere on the East Coast, there are numerous opportunities to take an airboat ride. During the winter, there are many migratory birds to be seen, more than at other times of the year. If you would like, I'll give more detailed info (phone numbers and web sites) on several places near KSC where you can take an airboat ride. Let me know!
Jul 20th, 2006, 09:59 PM
#32
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What a great start to my day over here - all this info form you guys. Thank you so much.
Starrsville: Naples I see as arriving late pm from Ft L, day 1 exploring Naples & shopping - it will be New Years Eve. Day 2 spent on Sanibel and Captiva and day 3 being Ft Myers. But the crokscrew plantation? sounds interesting too.
The St Pete/ Tampa area we see as day 1 Tampa/ Ybor, day 2 Clearwater and up to Denedin/Tarpon Springs, Day 3 could be Sarassota/ Venice. So you see not too much actual beach.
Thanks for the canoewekiva site - we are definatley spending a day there. Winter Park and Mount Dora are also on the plan now - thanks.
ajcolorado - thanks for the mouse plan sites - will go this route as I find the whole Disney thing a bit overwhelming but want to get it done now whilst the children are young enough. 3 days will be our max for all the parks so I must just choose the "best " 3
dsquared: Blue Springs park sounds good - will check it out today
OrlandoVic: Please let me know about the airboats as we would like to try one out - don't have them over here, but wasn't sure about them in the everglades, so will go with your suggestion.
There seems to be so much to see and do in Florida that we have to accept we cannot do it all.
We are committed to our dates so will just have to cope with any crowds.
Starrsville: Naples I see as arriving late pm from Ft L, day 1 exploring Naples & shopping - it will be New Years Eve. Day 2 spent on Sanibel and Captiva and day 3 being Ft Myers. But the crokscrew plantation? sounds interesting too.
The St Pete/ Tampa area we see as day 1 Tampa/ Ybor, day 2 Clearwater and up to Denedin/Tarpon Springs, Day 3 could be Sarassota/ Venice. So you see not too much actual beach.
Thanks for the canoewekiva site - we are definatley spending a day there. Winter Park and Mount Dora are also on the plan now - thanks.
ajcolorado - thanks for the mouse plan sites - will go this route as I find the whole Disney thing a bit overwhelming but want to get it done now whilst the children are young enough. 3 days will be our max for all the parks so I must just choose the "best " 3
dsquared: Blue Springs park sounds good - will check it out today
OrlandoVic: Please let me know about the airboats as we would like to try one out - don't have them over here, but wasn't sure about them in the everglades, so will go with your suggestion.
There seems to be so much to see and do in Florida that we have to accept we cannot do it all.
We are committed to our dates so will just have to cope with any crowds.
Jul 21st, 2006, 04:15 AM
#33
From your initial posting it sounds like you will be at Disney World After New Years. You shouldn't have big crowds to deal with then.
Get to the parks early and use their fast pass cyctem and you'll be fine.
Get to the parks early and use their fast pass cyctem and you'll be fine.
Jul 22nd, 2006, 01:51 PM
#35
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Hi Capetownfolk-
Here is some information on Central Florida airboat rides. It is truly a unique Florida experience.
Closest to the Disney/Universal Studios area is Boggy Creek Airboats <http://www.bcairboats.com/>. Their boats are large and they cater to the tourist trade. They do a decent job though.
East of Orlando, in Brevard County (near Kennedy Space Center & Cocoa Beach), on State Road 528 (AKA The Beachline), right at the St. John's River on the Orange County-Brevard county line, there is the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp <<http://twisterairboatrides.tripod.com/index.html>>. Here you can take an airboat ride and see some of the real Florida. In the winter months, you have the opportunity to see many migratory birds. This place is very easy to find and is where we often take our foreign friends and relatives.
Another Brevard County airboat operator is: Airboat Ecotours <www.airboatecotours.com>. I don't know much about them but have seen their ads.
With each of these airboat places, you will increase your chances of seeing gators if you go just before dusk.
I think you'll have a great time in Florida. You are asking us some great questions and getting some excellent recommendations from all of the other posters.
Here is some information on Central Florida airboat rides. It is truly a unique Florida experience.
Closest to the Disney/Universal Studios area is Boggy Creek Airboats <http://www.bcairboats.com/>. Their boats are large and they cater to the tourist trade. They do a decent job though.
East of Orlando, in Brevard County (near Kennedy Space Center & Cocoa Beach), on State Road 528 (AKA The Beachline), right at the St. John's River on the Orange County-Brevard county line, there is the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp <<http://twisterairboatrides.tripod.com/index.html>>. Here you can take an airboat ride and see some of the real Florida. In the winter months, you have the opportunity to see many migratory birds. This place is very easy to find and is where we often take our foreign friends and relatives.
Another Brevard County airboat operator is: Airboat Ecotours <www.airboatecotours.com>. I don't know much about them but have seen their ads.
With each of these airboat places, you will increase your chances of seeing gators if you go just before dusk.
I think you'll have a great time in Florida. You are asking us some great questions and getting some excellent recommendations from all of the other posters.
Nov 25th, 2006, 04:48 AM
#36
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Hi Capetownfolk-
If your plans still include 5 weeks in Florida with some of it in central & northeast Florida, here is some updated information on St. Augustine that may be of interest to you. This is an article in today's (November 25th) Orlando Sentinel about the holiday season in St. Augustine <http://tinyurl.com/yx2sw9>. It really is a very magical place at this time of the year!
If your plans still include 5 weeks in Florida with some of it in central & northeast Florida, here is some updated information on St. Augustine that may be of interest to you. This is an article in today's (November 25th) Orlando Sentinel about the holiday season in St. Augustine <http://tinyurl.com/yx2sw9>. It really is a very magical place at this time of the year!
Nov 25th, 2006, 06:05 AM
#37
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Hello everyone
About time we revisited this post.
OrlandoVic, thanks for the St Augustine posting. Please advise what you think we should do:
We are spending 2 nights in Clearwater, from where we will explore St pete's and tampa, then we go up to Homosassa for 1 night so we can swim with manatees - can't wait. On the Saturday we drive down to Orlando. I thought we could explore the Disney boardwalk and such Saturday evening and spend the Sunday in Winter park to avoid theme park crowds. we then spend the next 5 days doing the theme parks - Epcot, Animal kingdom, Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal Studios. We will cope - the US children will be back at school that week, as will the Europeans, just us Africans get a longer Dec/Jan break - our summer. The boys will do islands of Adventure whilst the girls shop. They also go to Cape Canaveral whilst we shop on another day and then we fly back to London.
Question: Would you spend the Sunday in Winter Park, or drive over to St Augustine. How long is the drive to St Augustine from Orlando?
About time we revisited this post.
OrlandoVic, thanks for the St Augustine posting. Please advise what you think we should do:
We are spending 2 nights in Clearwater, from where we will explore St pete's and tampa, then we go up to Homosassa for 1 night so we can swim with manatees - can't wait. On the Saturday we drive down to Orlando. I thought we could explore the Disney boardwalk and such Saturday evening and spend the Sunday in Winter park to avoid theme park crowds. we then spend the next 5 days doing the theme parks - Epcot, Animal kingdom, Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal Studios. We will cope - the US children will be back at school that week, as will the Europeans, just us Africans get a longer Dec/Jan break - our summer. The boys will do islands of Adventure whilst the girls shop. They also go to Cape Canaveral whilst we shop on another day and then we fly back to London.
Question: Would you spend the Sunday in Winter Park, or drive over to St Augustine. How long is the drive to St Augustine from Orlando?
Nov 25th, 2006, 10:28 AM
#38
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Question: Would you spend the Sunday in Winter Park, or drive over to St Augustine.
Logistically, Winter Park is the better choice, primarily because it is an Orlando suburb and much closer.
This recent Orlando Sentinel article <http://tinyurl.com/yzx4st> has some good information on The Winter Park Boat Tour that you might enjoy as a change of pace from the theme parks.
However, St. Augustine has much, much more to see and experience if you don't mind driving out of the way. It would probably make sense to "finish" Orlando and then make your trip to St. Augustine. Because of the Nights of Lights, an overnight stay would be best.
How long is the drive to St Augustine from Orlando?
It is about 100-110 miles in a NE direction from Orlando and very easy to reach by interstate highways (I-4 and I-95). Plan on a minimum of two hours driving time, each way.
I think five (consecutive) days at the theme parks will be an overload. It is physically demanding and many tourists spend 10-12 hours at a park. If you could cut the theme park time down to 3-4 days maximum, you could certainly include an overnight stay in St. Augustine. After all, this is the real Florida.
Let me know what you think!
Logistically, Winter Park is the better choice, primarily because it is an Orlando suburb and much closer.
This recent Orlando Sentinel article <http://tinyurl.com/yzx4st> has some good information on The Winter Park Boat Tour that you might enjoy as a change of pace from the theme parks.
However, St. Augustine has much, much more to see and experience if you don't mind driving out of the way. It would probably make sense to "finish" Orlando and then make your trip to St. Augustine. Because of the Nights of Lights, an overnight stay would be best.
How long is the drive to St Augustine from Orlando?
It is about 100-110 miles in a NE direction from Orlando and very easy to reach by interstate highways (I-4 and I-95). Plan on a minimum of two hours driving time, each way.
I think five (consecutive) days at the theme parks will be an overload. It is physically demanding and many tourists spend 10-12 hours at a park. If you could cut the theme park time down to 3-4 days maximum, you could certainly include an overnight stay in St. Augustine. After all, this is the real Florida.
Let me know what you think!
Nov 26th, 2006, 03:42 PM
#39
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If you want to get in the water with manatees (you cannot approach them, but it's not uncommon for them to approach you), head to Crystal River, FL, which is 90 minutes NW of Orlando. You can take a guided tour or rent a canoe or jonboat and do the driving yourself.
Nov 26th, 2006, 08:20 PM
#40
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We have booked a 5.30am mantatee tour with Captain Mike - a very reputable operation at Homosassa River. We are very environmentally aware here in Africa and we have researched your manatees quite a lot. It will be an honour should one approach us whilst we are in the water with them. I can't believe that anyone would approach a wild animal in their own environment - we are the guests and must behave accordingly. You are so lucky to have manatees - i can't wait to see them - I have one as a picture onmy screensaver!!
