I had an intriguing time exploring Micanopy. The history here is so rich. It was founded in 1821…read more It is named after Seminole Chief Micanopy. Also, it is recognized as the Florida states oldest Inlet settlement. There are so many antique shops here with so many fun things to look at. It was a unique experience. I suggest whoever is in the area to stop by and feel the history here in this place.

Any fans of the movie Doc Hollywood (1991)? Well if you are then visiting this small historic town…read moreis a fun way to spend the afternoon. This charming community was founded in 1821 and is believed to be the oldest inland town in the state of Florida. The town was named for Chief Micanopy of the Seminole Nation. It's been recognized as one of America's top historic small towns. Population is 669 and the town itself is only 1.03 miles. Way too small for me but it definitely is quaint. Lots of antique shops, and other small businesses here along with some cafes featuring outdoor dining. We enjoyed walking around and visiting all the Doc Hollywood movie and historical sites. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a place now called Pearl Country Store and BBQ. There are many Spanish oak trees lining the streets which makes you feel so comfortable while exploring. If you happen to be in the area, I recommend a stop here. It is a town that will have you step back in time when life was simple.

Despite being a beach city on an island, Cedar Key remains a bit undiscovered. It is far from being…read morethe typical Florida "tourist trap" as there are no mini-golfs, big resort hotels, "booze bars" or theme parks. It is a tranquil escape with a laid back atmosphere likely because it's off the beaten track, 50 miles southwest of Gainesville and I-75 along the Gulf Coast. The settlement of Cedar Key dates back to the 1800's and has updated with more recent improvements. Today it is a relaxing getaway where you can find nature, beaches, fabulous seafood, a public library and the history museum. I had 5 bars of 5G the whole time I was exploring the island. Cedar Key has been flooded and rebuilt, flooded and rebuilt. Those who live here are a persistent bunch who've been through more than their share of hurricanes. For activities, Cedar Key has boat rentals, art galleries and beaches. I enjoyed Lil Shark Park, Cemetery Point Park and a great little coffee shop along the main street. None of the big hotel chains are here but there are vacation rentals and Airbnb's. If I'd stayed long enough for dinner, Steamers Clam Bar would have been my option and there are others. Maybe the next time I'm passing by. [Review 380 of 2025 - 2029 in Florida - 23942 overall]

I drove two and a half hours to make it to cedar keys I would have to say it was very secluded and…read moresmall there wasn't much for shells to get here I did get an oyster though I decided to take a 3 hour 3 to go to honeymoon island along the coast.

Love trees, two different species of trees intertwined, are scattered around the St. Augustine…read morearea. Legend has it, if you kiss your sweetie under a Love Tree you will have everlasting love. Aww! This one in particular is in front of a Cheesecake place. Cheesecake, wine, and my sisters from another mister.. it was meant to be! Romantic date night idea, proposal perhaps? Congrats in advance!

I thought there were locks on it but it's an oak tree that is hugging a palm tree. Make sure to…read morekiss your sweaty under the tree for good luck.

I simply love driving (or walking) down this street. I have stopped to take pictures here and there…read morequite a few times. Of course, a few times we've just walked the length to appreciate Mother Nature's work. Pictures can't replace seeing "this" in person. Sometimes I go out of my way near sunset to drive down this street because the filtered sun through the trees makes the area look absolutely beautiful. The oak trees create a natural arch that gives you a feeling that you are driving through a tunnel and it is beautiful no matter where you enter. To me, this is one of the highlights of St. Augustine and it's just a street! The best part is...it's natural and it's free. It is one of the most photographed streets in the USA...and it's considered to be one of the most beautiful streets in the USA! WHOA! Both are completely understandable. If you are visiting St. Augustine and have been on the Trolley, then I'm sure you are aware of this street since they take you down it and tell you about it. Unfortunately, I see tourists caught up in visiting the Fountain of Youth and other things in that area and disregard the street. This is sad to me and they don't even know what they are missing. If you are planning a trip to this area...put this street on your list of things to see. If you are local (or fairly local) and haven't been down this street...now you have something else to do!

Magnolia street is quite possibly the prettiest street I've seen. The street is lined with a tree…read morecanopy near The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. We stopped and parked at the Fountain of Juice to take photos of the street before going into the Fountain of Youth.

Dunnellon was once a great place to live but all good things come to an end…read more The push for over development. The faulty electrical grids. The push for water restrictions while still adding unlimited new houses by developers... The growing abundance of traffic and overcrowded roads. The Rainbow Springs park suffocating under overcrowding, rude people, trash and an overworked aquafilter from suntan oils alcohol and diapers. The lack of retail stores for these new people to shop.. All the above have basically begun the strangulation of a once great community. But the same greed that is driving voted in politicians in the Marion County Government is affecting all the smaller communities also.

If you've ever driven down a crappy old lime rock back road in The Sunshine State, you can show of…read moreyour appreciation or irritation to Dunnellon. Lime rock is a waste product of phosphate mining, and phosphate mining is the third largest industry in Florida and until recently Dunnellon was the self-proclaimed "Phosphate Center of the World" the industry makes money by having its waste mixed into asphalt as a paving material and used in many parts of Florida still today. It's principal used was as a fertilizer, the crown of the phosphate industry now resides in Mulberry a few hours south, driving through town it seems it's lost much more than its crown. I can't speak much of Dunnellon since my time here was brief, it lies west of Ocala and north of Homosassa. This town is located on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers hence the reason I am here and probably the reason many of the town's visitors flock here, camping, kayaking and tubing on these beautiful rivers seem to be the draw.

This boardwalk is around 2 miles from the entrance of Payne Preserve Park. It's right off the road,…read morequick stop, 15 min activity. We were there late Saturday afternoon, no shade so it gets quite hot. We noticed several kinds of herons in close proximity, pretty flowers in bloom. Would stay longer if we were visiting on the colder day.

I have driven by here countless times, but today, I took the time to stop and walk out and enjoy…read morethe stunning view. Parking is definitely limited, but it is an observation dock, so it does not draw a lot of people . I am glad that I finally stopped.

Four giant metal sculptures stand in front of the University of Florida Animal Sciences Building…read moreand if it wasn't for Atlas Obscura, I'd have had no idea. Titled "Some Were Quite Blind" is no explanation for what they are representing and now you'll know too. The statues are actually giant representations of animal penises. From left to right, the genitalia represented are: a boar, a cat, a bull, and a ram. The statues were erected on the campus in 1988. They were created by artist Carol K. Brown. There is parking nearby but you'll have trouble getting around Gainesville or on campus if it's a game day. Be ware of the Gators schedule. [Review 355 of 2025 - 2007 in Florida - 23917 overall]

Wedged in the middle of the State of Florida between Gainesville and Orlando hot in the summers…read morewith snakes and spiders and cold winters but no polar bears. This is one of the most multi-task cities in Florida with a high end westside and a fun lower end eastside. The Westside is growing super fast with old farm lands being bought up and restructured for world class equestrian entertainment, golf and hotel purposes. The World Equestrian Center and the Golden Ocala Golf Resort are proof of that. A few miles east (very old and scary) is basically the mom and pop society with scattered restaurants and gas stations until you hit the historic downtown Ocala area. Plenty of cafes, quirky retail shops and breweries line the streets providing a fun family environment.

Nice, small town vibe. Not a lot to do on a Sunday morning into early afternoon. Clean! Lots of…read morefree parking in the several municipal lots located near the town square. Several restaurants open, serving breakfast and lunch. One place had live music on their balcony.

The Sankofa Sculpture in Gainesville is really striking and full of meaning…read more The sculpture is beautifully done and set in an open, easy to access spot. A thoughtful photo-worthy stop if you're in the area.

This sculpture is on the furthest northeast corner of the grounds of the Alachua County…read moreAdministration building. It was unveiled on Juneteenth in 2023 and honors the life and legacy of the late Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn. Dr. Hilliard-Nunn (1963-2020) was an educator, scholar, artist, and community organizer who taught African and African American history at the University of Florida and gave lectures in several locations around Alachua County. She studied media and culture, audience analysis, enslaved Africans, and African American history in Alachua County. The Sankofa bird is a sign of wisdom among the Akans of West Africa. Its backward-looking position, with an egg in its mouth, represents the need of learning from the past in order to influence the future. It teaches us to respect our roots, cherish our heritage, and pass down our predecessors' vital teachings and experiences. I wish I'd seen the above being seeing the sculpture as it makes a whole lot more sense now. At face value, I didn't understand the meaning. But here you go! [Review 359 of 2025 - 2011 in Florida - 23921 overall]

Nice outdoor location with live entertainment and a good variety of food trucks…read more One drawback is there is only one public restroom.

It's a beautiful Sunday. Eating with my wife at Marina Munch. It's German Street Food time…read more Having Hunter schnitzel (yep with mushrooms). Two pieces of pork with lots of mushrooms and sauce. We got their cheese spaetzle for our side Had to get a Togo box. Lots of food. We have left overs. Yummy it's a 5. Next time we will bring our own silverware (the plastic knife & fork works but not well). If you are eating at the Marina they give you a plate (rather than eating from the Togo container). Only wish - would have loved some German red cabbage with the meal. Yep and a cold beer or two.