We are snow birds who would like to take a few side trips while spending six months in Florida. What areas would you suggest besides the Keys which we do plan to revisit.
What about the Mt Dora area? We will not do any Disney this year. Would appreciate any suggestions for two day trips from Bonita Springs area.

Mt. Dora can be fun especially if you're into "antiquing".

Doing a "circle" around Lake Ochechobee can be interesting, Clewiston I guess still has the fine old inn.

You could have a fun time by spending a night at Chalet Suzanne in one of their very quirky rooms and a great dinner in their dining room -- available as a package. Lake Wales, in fact is worth a visit. Have you ever visited the Bok Tower and the gardens?

Certainly go to Everglades City, but you don't need to spend the night.

Sarasota, for a visit to the restored Ringling mansion and maybe a play at the Asolo theatre. Also visit the Selby Gardens there.

I agree with Patrick's suggestions.

You might also consider St. Petersburg. It's become quite an interesting place downtown. You could go to the Salvador Dali Museum, the St. Pete Fine Arts Museum, or the Holocaust Museum. The shops at Bay Walk are a good diversion. And if you like antiques, the shops on Central are full of 50's and 60s retro. I believe there's a new exhibit of Princess Diana and the Prince of Wales that's due to open soon in downtown St. Pete. For a casual lunch, go to the outdoor Chattaway (burgers) -- for lunch, the Vinoy Hotel has been renovated and lunch is elegant, though the food tends to be unpredictable.

Thanks for suggestions. Patrick, we did make a day trip today to Everglade City. We found it interestiing and very Old Florida. Had a nice waterfront lunch and drove a bit farther to an island whose name escapes me just now.
We have had several weeks of fantastic weather but need rain badly.

A few years ago, starting from Naples, my father and I drove over to Port Canaveral and took a four day cruise to the Bahamas. There are three day cruises, too.

We had a great time. Good food, nice people, good entertainment, comfortable beds, and between last minute bookings, off-season, and a senior's dicount my father got, it was a bargain.

We were on The Big Red Boat, which at the time was Disney-related trip. Old ship, but spotless. Not many kids because it was not a school break period. Most of the kids on board where little, and many seemed to be with grandparents. The kids, by the way, seemed to love the trip, to the extent that we saw them.

I think you'll find three day cruises from Miami, too.

BAK