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With more than 80 million tourists flooding Florida on a yearly basis, it should come as no surprise that the state has some hidden gems for everyone. Sure, most visitors flock around endless Miami beaches or the theme parks of Orlando, but The Sunshine State has a lot more to offer.
Today we decided to highlight something different from the tried and tested Floridian vacation destinations. Instead, we wanted to focus on 9 picturesque villages you should visit instead!
Whether you’re planning a vacation years down the line or not, we also want to remind you to keep travel restrictions in mind and follow the CDC guidelines in regards to the Coronavirus pandemic! Until then, let’s look at why we think these 9 towns and villages should make it on your travel itinerary!
How about we venture off the beaten path first? Cedar Key, a town with a population of around 900, is only accessible on a two-lane road. Take Route 24 along the Sunshine State’s Nature Coast and you’ll find yourself in a superb little down surrounded by century-old oak trees.
Here, you’ll find meandering roads to walk up and down on for peace and quiet, possibly to recharge your batteries if you come from a big city with a lot of traffic and people. There are boutique stores peppered around the village, so get your wallets ready, too!
It’s a great place to reconnect with nature, especially with the endangered spoonbills which we highly recommend you try and catch a glimpse of as they pass by the nearby beaches.
In addition to that, you can visit the fishing pier, the Historical Society Museum, and the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge.
How about visiting the psychic capital of the world? Who knows, maybe you’ll get a message from the other side while you’re staying in Cassadaga- it wouldn’t be surprising since spiritualism is the main industry here. You’ll bump into mediums and psychics at every corner!
The Cassadaga bookstore is a great place to start on books about metaphysics and clairvoyance as well as candles, crafts, and semi-precious stones. Then, once you’ve learned a little about mysticism head on over to the Cassadaga Hotel for a spiritual reading. You can even book a room there or try one of the many local Airbnbs.
If that’s not up your alley, though, you can always enjoy long walks through the splendid streets or, our favorite, Colby Alderman Park.
Sebring’s circular downtown district is the reason behind this travel destinations’ nickname, City on a Circle. If you’re a fan of hiking and want to spend most of your vacation in nature, then we couldn’t recommend a better place.
Sebring is surrounded by lakes, rivers, and citrus groves, the perfect backdrops for long walks either as a couple, solo, or the whole family. You’ll also find that it’s vastly different from the state’s flat and swampy landscape, as the city is nestled in rolling hills.
Are you a fan of great food and fast cars? Then you have to visit the International Speedway for various races or Classic Car shows.
You’ll also find world-class golf courses to practice your swing. But if you’re not a fan of the sport, consider visiting the leader factory instead for a little lesson in fashion!
Winter Part, situated just North of Orlando, is a great place to catch a break from huge crowds while still staying within arms reach of the worldwide famous theme parks.
Once you check into a local Airbnb, we recommend immediately unwinding with a stroll down Park Avenue. Stop by a fresco dining restaurant and take in the sights!
This suburban town also hosts the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art, a must-see for all tourists. It hosts the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany from art glass to jewelry, pottery, and more!
Afterward, make sure to visit the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum which shares the architecture and legacy of James Gamble Rogers II. Here you can learn more about how the house came to catalyze historic preservation in Winter Park.
Central Park is yet another spot well-loved by both tourists and locals with its beautiful fountains and breathtaking walkways. During the spring season you may also enjoy a performance by the Bach Festival Society, so plan your trip accordingly- the lakes of Orange County await!
Named one of the best coastal small towns by USA Today, Boca Grande is a perfect vacation destination for those who want to spend hours on end on white-sand beaches, experience a charming downtown or world-class tarpon fishing.
This affluent community has it all! Built in 1911 you can visit the landmark Gasparilla Inn and Club for a guided kayak or paddleboard tour, Tennis and Pickleball, a sunset cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, or golfing!
On the other hand, you could opt for a boat ride all the way to the barrier island of Cayo Costa- especially favored by couples who want a romantic evening on secluded beaches.
Historical tours are provided at the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum where you can find out more about the town and how it changed over the decades!
Visit this lakefront town in central Florida for artwork, estate jewelry, and antique shops!
This is the perfect place to unwind and people-watch at an outdoor cafe, eat the best foods at gourmet restaurants or experience works of art, unlike no others at galleries! There are plenty of antique shops to visit such as the Village Antique Mall and Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market. But if you want a little break from all the vintage stuff, head on over to the Modernism Museum! Visit Lake Dora, Palm Island Park, Lighthouse Park, and the Mount Dora Village market if you’re a fan of the outdoors!
You can either book a private Airbnb or a room at the Lakeside Inn, established in 1883! Yep, it’s still open today, making it the oldest continuously operated hotel in the Sunshine State!
How about visiting a 16- acre museum? Yep, you read that right! The Pioneer Florida Museum is home to the state’s history and a lawn replete with a gazebo for shade and to unwind alongside mossy oaks. Not enough nature and history for you? Then make sure to book your visit around the Pioneer Day festival, also hosted in Dade City!
Through theater, this festival brings the Civil War era back so you’ll get a taste thanks to great reenactments and costumes- and let’s not forget about the finger-licking good food!
The Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings that pepper the downtown area are the price and joy of this community, so get ready to snap a load of pictures.
How about something a little bit out of the ordinary? The Giraffe Ranch, located outside the city, houses giraffes that roam freely!
Visit Amelia Island, on Florida’s eastern border, and stop by Fernandina Beach! This quaint town is the perfect getaway for those who want to experience private beaches, cute shops and restaurants, all spread around gorgeous and graceful architectural designs.
Here, many of the buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and pre-date the 20th century, so get ready for a walk along the 55 block historic zone, you won’t find another similar place no matter where you go in the Sunshine State.
If you still hadn’t had enough of history you could even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Center Street, just make sure to end your evening at the Palace Saloon. Why? Well, it’s the state’s oldest continuously operated drinking establishment!
Those who need more reasons to go for long walks make sure to stop by the visitor’s center to pick up a brochure that details a historical walking tour through the city.
We’ve spoken about taking tours, visiting museums and taking part in historic festivals, but what about visiting a town where time seems to have literally stopped?
In Micanopy, everything seems untouched. Here you’ll find people riding horses down dirt roads, clothes drying on the line, friends gathering on front porches in rocking chairs and so much more! Trust us, a couple of days here will make you wish you were actually part of the community!
The town was founded by Edward M. Wanton in 1821. It’s seen Native American wars, settlers of a new frontier and army posts. Here you’ll find an overabundance of antique shops and goods on Cholokka Boulevard and, if you time your visit just right, you can be a part of the Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival.
We guarantee you’ll want to buy an extra luggage with all the arts and crafts you’ll buy from various local and visiting vendors, so make sure your pockets are ready to spill over.
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