The story of Florida’s settlement unfolds in 1562, when Jean Ribault directed his fleet to the mouth of a great river in the New World. He declared the land for France and the waterway “The River of May.” A series of historic sites in North Florida tell the French story.
Florida
To Spanish Shores
Exploring Florida’s Spanish history up the St. Johns River to the shores south of St. Augustine, with time spent meandering around Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, on the site of the Mala Compara Plantation.
The Gardens of Dorothy B. Oven Park
Only seven acres in size, Dorothy B. Oven Park is a Tallahassee garden beloved by locals but little known outside the city, developed on a former nursery established by one of Florida’s earliest camellia growers.
Florida and the CCC
Highlands Hammock State Park is home to the Florida CCC Museum, which recounts the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps contributions to Florida, particularly to the state park system.
Riding Rollercoasters at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Can’t decide which rollercoaster at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is worth the rush for a Fastpass? Here’s our take on which ones to spend your time on.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
One of Florida’s finest formal gardens, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park began its life in 1923 and contains one of the most impressive camellia collections in the South.
Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Florida’s antebellum charm shines at Goodwood Museum and Gardens, where the wealth of generations fills the home and the grandeur of heirloom gardens provides a peaceful setting.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom with Mom
Inter-generational travel meets girlfriend getaway when you get to know Mom better on a trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, reliving childhood memories while making new ones.
Houseboat on the St. Johns River
For an unforgettable journey through a wild, unruly part of Central Florida that you wouldn’t imagine exists, rent a houseboat and pilot it north from Deland to Lake George.
Dolphin Watching with Sea Excursions
Cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands of Everglades National Park and set foot on a pristine barrier island while tracking the behavior of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with Sea Excursions, based on Marco Island.
Beneath the Withlacoochee
Way down under the Withlacoochee State Forest, there’s a whole other world waiting to be seen. The forest is rich with caves, and there are groups that lead explorations into them.
Sip of Wine
At Cuvee, I discovered pay-per-sip, where hundreds of bottles of wine are set up with machinery that delivers a set amount of wine based on a per-ounce charge
