http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/Florida-travel-blog.html Periodic updates and addition of information about towns, parks, wineries, heritage sites and other Florida attractions that are covered in www.Florida-Backroads-Travel.com. en-us things to do in florida Thu, 17 May 2012 01:12:34 GMT Thu, 17 May 2012 01:12:34 GMT florida-backroads-travel.com http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-travel-regions-central.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-travel-regions-central.html Florida-Backroads-Travel is your free Florida travel guide to Central Florida. Florida towns include Ocala, Orlando and Lake Wales. Thousands of orange groves, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Thu, 17 May 2012 01:12:32 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-travel-regions-northeast.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-travel-regions-northeast.html Florida-Backroads-Travel is your free Florida travel guide to Northeast Florida. Lots to see and do in Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, St Augustine. Miles of gorgeous beaches and many historic sites. Wed, 16 May 2012 21:17:32 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/miami-florida.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/miami-florida.html Miami Florida is one of the most international cities in the world. It is the gateway to South America and the Caribbean. It is not very well known or liked by many Floridians from other regions. Wed, 16 May 2012 21:15:57 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-real-estate.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-real-estate.html Florida real estate can make a person rich or help to make a person poor. We can help increase your chances of making the right investment. Wed, 16 May 2012 21:14:13 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/palm-gardens-tavares-florida.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/palm-gardens-tavares-florida.html Palm Gardens is a fish camp with good food. It is located on the Dead River in Tavares, Florida and is visible from US-441 as you go flying by westbound Wed, 16 May 2012 15:52:32 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/punta-gorda-area-dining-opportunities.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/punta-gorda-area-dining-opportunities.html Here are new restaurants, culinary adventures and farmers’ markets in Charlotte County, FL. Punta Gorda has some new ones (that town now has more than Mon, 14 May 2012 23:39:07 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/goombay-festival.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/goombay-festival.html The Goombay Festival is a unique celebration of Bahamian-American culture and music that takes place each year in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. Sun, 13 May 2012 03:32:33 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-events.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-events.html Many Florida events take place on a regular annual basis. It is good to know when and where these are because they can be tremendous fun. Sun, 13 May 2012 01:15:32 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/winterfest-boat-parade.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/winterfest-boat-parade.html Winterfest Boat Parade is a festive procession of boats, from 20 footers to yachts all decked out in holidays and parading up and down the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. Sun, 13 May 2012 01:09:23 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/sopchoppy-worm-gruntin-festival.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/sopchoppy-worm-gruntin-festival.html The Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin Festival is an annual tradition in this small town in the Big Bend area of Florida. Sat, 12 May 2012 21:36:33 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/rattlesnake-festival.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/rattlesnake-festival.html The annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about rattlesnakes. Sat, 12 May 2012 21:29:58 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/mug-race.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/mug-race.html The Mug Race is an annual sailboat race that starts in Palatka and proceeds north on the St Johns River to Orange Park near Jacksonville. Sat, 12 May 2012 21:21:22 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/kissimmee-boat-a-cade.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/kissimmee-boat-a-cade.html Kissimmee Boat A Cade was started in 1950. It is an annual event with dozens of motorboats embarking on a journey through Florida. Sat, 12 May 2012 21:16:07 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/grant-seafood-festival.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/grant-seafood-festival.html Grant Seafood Festival is held annually in the small town of Grant in Brevard County, Florida Sat, 12 May 2012 21:09:55 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-georgia-game.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-georgia-game.html The Florida Georgia game is an annual Florida football event that some have called the "world's largest outdoor cocktail party". It's a celebration for both states in Jacksonville. Sat, 12 May 2012 17:40:57 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-folk-festival.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-folk-festival.html Florida Folk Festival takes place every Memorial Day Weekend in North Florida. It celebrates Florida heritage and music. Sat, 12 May 2012 17:38:01 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/coconut-grove-florida.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/coconut-grove-florida.html Coconut Grove Florida is a mecca of art, dining and entertainment. Sat, 12 May 2012 17:32:30 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-folk-festival-memorial-day.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-folk-festival-memorial-day.html I attended the Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster State Park in north Florida a few years ago. It was a great way to spend part of a Memorial Day Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:26 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-history.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-history.html The history of Florida tells us about early Native Americans and the pioneers who came later. Florida history includes cowboys, Indians, ranchers, Southern politicians and modern astronauts. Sun, 06 May 2012 01:10:43 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-villages-florida.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-villages-florida.html The Villages Florida advertises itself as Florida's friendliest hometown. Who can argue that? But is it really a town? Sun, 06 May 2012 00:59:48 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-villages-florida-can-it-be-this-perfect.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-villages-florida-can-it-be-this-perfect.html After my financial advisor retired there a year ago and says, he's still on vacation, I wanted to visit. I was in town for a dog show and took the time Sat, 05 May 2012 15:21:59 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/daytona-beach-needs-an-aquarium.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/daytona-beach-needs-an-aquarium.html Daytona Beach needs an aquarium. The World's Most Famous Beach is the #2 destination for visitors to Florida and since the demolition of Marineland's Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:26 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/mount-dora-restaurants.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/mount-dora-restaurants.html Mount Dora restaurants offer casual and fine dining. From burgers, pizzas, wraps and soups to fine steak and seafood. Thu, 03 May 2012 22:12:15 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/lost-florida-tourist-attractions.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/lost-florida-tourist-attractions.html Lost Florida tourist attractions represent dreams that didn't quite work out. People invested, worked hard, made payrolls. They are part of our heritage. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:36:27 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/tv-funnyman-dave-madden-calls-florida-home.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/tv-funnyman-dave-madden-calls-florida-home.html Dave Madden is a funny guy. In fact, he's funny when he's not trying to be funny. He can just look at you and make you crack up. And that's exactly Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:49:46 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/keel-and-curley-winery.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/keel-and-curley-winery.html Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City, Florida, specializes in making wine from local blueberries. They also have a selection of fusion and grape wines. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:05:11 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-county-map.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-county-map.html A Florida county map is a lesson in Florida history. When Florida became a United States territory in 1821, there were only two counties. Now there are 67. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:59:13 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/central-florida-art-festivals.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/central-florida-art-festivals.html Central Florida art festivals, art shows, folk festivals and other outdoor events are among the most enjoyable things you can do in the Sunshine State. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:55:24 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/jayne-mansfield-florida-or-bust.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/jayne-mansfield-florida-or-bust.html When I was a little boy, my mom used to take me to the grocery store with her. As she pushed her grocery cart up and down the aisles of Winn Dixie, I Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:35:04 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/central-west-florida-art-festivals.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/central-west-florida-art-festivals.html Central West Florida art festivals, art shows, folk festivals and other outdoor events are among the most enjoyable things you can do in the Sunshine State. Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:25:02 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-land-remembered1.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-land-remembered1.html What a wonderful book. My husband & I (as snow birds) learned so much about the history of our second home. The characters were well developed & I'm Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:12:08 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-i4-dead-zone-a-florida-backroads-ghost-story.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-i4-dead-zone-a-florida-backroads-ghost-story.html Do you remember the Steven Spielberg movie, 'Poltergeists'? The paranormal activity that affected the family in the movie was attributed to unhappy Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:21:17 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/pythons-to-piranhas-floridas-unwelcome-aliens.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/pythons-to-piranhas-floridas-unwelcome-aliens.html Tourists and snowbirds aren't the only creatures that thrive in Florida's subtropical climate. A host of cold-blooded critters that could populate a good-size Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:18:26 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/Florida-travel-blog.html#Annual-Florida-Events http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/Florida-travel-blog.html#Annual-Florida-Events A lot of interesting and fun Florida events take place at the same time each year. Many of them go back many years to the days of Old Florida. Check it out here. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:46:32 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/index.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/index.html There are more things to do in Florida than just visit the major theme parks and beaches. Florida family vacations can include towns, festivals, heritage sites and smaller tourist attractions. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:59:50 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-tourist-attractions.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-tourist-attractions.html Florida Tourist attractions are more than just Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Have fun and save money visiting some of the original attractions and museums. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:56:38 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/melba-moore-diva-overcomes-defeat.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/melba-moore-diva-overcomes-defeat.html If ever there was a celebrity that epitomizes the showbiz term 'comeback' it's MELBA MOORE. The Grammy-nominated singer and Tony Award-winning actress Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:38:37 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-year-of-reunion-for-two-worlds-of-the-sea.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-year-of-reunion-for-two-worlds-of-the-sea.html They say that every man needs a hobby. My hobby began when I was a boy: collecting brochures of aquaria from around the world and visiting every marine Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:34:39 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-florida-fishbowl-creation-of-a-community-activist.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-florida-fishbowl-creation-of-a-community-activist.html Lately I have been applauding the efforts of a group of people who have proved that you can fight city hall. They are lakefront homeowners in Central Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:19:48 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/marjorie-stoneman-douglas.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/marjorie-stoneman-douglas.html Marjorie Stoneman Douglas came to Miami as a young divorcee in 1915. She lived to be 108 and was one of the most respected Florida authors and environmental activists. "River Of Grass" is a classic. Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:20:39 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-bee-line-ferry-from-bradenton-to-st-pete.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-bee-line-ferry-from-bradenton-to-st-pete.html Do any of you oldtimers remember when the Bee Line Ferry crossed Tampa Bay from Bradenton to St Petersburg? In the old days before the first Sunshine Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:47:55 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/dirk-benedict-visits-orlando.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/dirk-benedict-visits-orlando.html During an interview with Greg May on a visit to Orlando some years ago, a handsome actor showed grace under pressure. Handsome DIRK BENEDICT, 'Starbuck' Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:08:23 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/gulfarium-last-of-the-great-oceanariums.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/gulfarium-last-of-the-great-oceanariums.html Before high-rise condos and timeshare resorts blocked the view of Florida's most beautiful beaches and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:10:28 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-national-enquirer-lantana-fl.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/the-national-enquirer-lantana-fl.html Before Generoso Pope passed away and his famous celebrity magazine was sold, the headquarters were in Lantana. Each year at Christmas time, the magazine Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:07:16 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/marineland-rescued-rare-dolphins.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/marineland-rescued-rare-dolphins.html Embroiled in Spring housecleaning, I came across an old yellowed photograph that brought back memories. It was sent to me by David Redman, Director of Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:57:57 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/all-these-marys-and-only-one-john.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/all-these-marys-and-only-one-john.html *Author's Note: This story is dedicated to Kathleen Brandenburg, my late father's only living sibling. This story has absolutely nothing to do with Florida. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:51:49 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/hitlers-yacht-was-in-jacksonville.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/hitlers-yacht-was-in-jacksonville.html In the 1980's, I came across an interesting old derelict sailboat in a Jacksonville boatyard on the Trout River in North Jax. A worker said the yacht Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:01:08 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-tale-of-two-kays.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/a-tale-of-two-kays.html This is a small world story. It's also a story about 'synchronicity' - a word I learned in my readings of strange phenomena that means a type of coincidence Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:59:53 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/miami-race-riot.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/miami-race-riot.html The Miami race riot of 1980 began in Liberty City when an all white male jury acquitted 5 police offers of killing black insurance salesman Arthur McDuffie. It became one of the worst race rio Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:37:59 GMT http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/south-african-surfer-visits-surfing-mecca-a-florida-soap-opera.html http://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/south-african-surfer-visits-surfing-mecca-a-florida-soap-opera.html When I was growing up, I was always bringing home stray animals. On Thanksgiving Day 2010 I brought home a stranded surfer from South Africa. Jamie Sat, 31 Mar 2012 01:38:21 GMT