There are definitely museums and theme parks less than a tank of gas away. There are gorgeous beaches, beautiful lakes and well-known rivers, including the Suwannee River (you know, ‘Way Down Upon the…”) and the St. Johns River which is one of only three rivers in the nation that flows north.
In Florida, there is water, water everywhere and people are always drawn to water. Where there is water, there is all manner of fresh fish and seafood delicacies. This year, I intend to eat my way up through the Florida gulf coast until the money runs out and/or my clothes no longer fit.
I prefer the gulf coast (Florida’s Nature Coast) to the Atlantic coast and good thing for that. It appears to be a little sleepier, a little less populated and a little less expensive to travel through. Let me put it this way, if you are expecting Ritz Carlton- or Four Seasons-styled accommodations on the gulf coast, north of St. Pete/Clearwater area, fagettaboutit. If you can be comfortable in one of the more common, but reputable hotel chains, you are in luck. If you are looking for luxurious, world renowned dining experiences, fagettaboutit. But if you are ready to enjoy the local delicacies along your journey, especially seafood, bring along your most comfortable clothes, a bathing suit and join me.
The Florida gulf coast has its share of charming old estate-styled bed and breakfasts, as well as the usual moderately priced hotels and fishing resorts. On this trip, I am choosing the moderately priced hotels because I don’t intend to do anything but sleep there.
The beaches are not the most notable from just north of Clearwater until you reach our panhandle (where they are possibly the most beautiful, accessible beaches in the United States, excluding Hawaii of course). But along that strip of the coast you will find some of the best oysters, bay scallops, clams, shrimp and blue crabs you may ever feast on. And nothing along that strip of the coast requires formal or dressy attire — probably not much more than just shirts and shoes. That is how I like to travel, honestly — Florida Cracker style. Did I mention that if you get tired of the gulf-fresh seafood (ha), you will find some of that down home country cooking at just about every turn along Florida’s Nature Coast.
There are plenty of things to see and do along the way also, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Fishing is a serious pastime, as is diving, snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking and canoeing. There are campgrounds, wildlife parks, hiking trails, underground caverns and beautiful crystal clear springs. You can get up close and personal with a manatee or a dolphin or view nature‘s beauty from the comfort and safety of a glass bottomed pontoon boat. There are pioneer museums, antebellum mansions and antique shops. This section of the coast still remains relatively unspoiled and I believe the very best way to see it all is by car.
Well, it is right here at my back door, but you really need to experience it. Contact your favorite travel agent, go online and do your own booking or just get yourself down here some way. Rent a comfortable, economical car and spend some time studying that map. It is pretty simple driving this part of the coast. Holiday travel or anytime travel is the time to make this trip. I’m leaving soon and can hardly wait. I’ll join Weight Watchers once I return.
Tags: florida seafood, florida vacation