Florida — Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Florida Everglades

Contrary to popular belief, Florida Everglades is not a swath of just wetlands that form a large swamp, which teems with gigantic spiders, large snakes and crocodiles. Instead, Florida Everglades is the place where many forms of wildlife thrive, nature's beauty flourishes and the weather patterns are perfect, among other things.

The temperature during summer months is, on average, 80 degrees. During winter months, the temperature is, on average, 60 degrees. August is the best month to visit the Everglades because that tends to be the warmest month of the year, with the temperature soaring as high as 89 degrees.

Every day, during any season, is open for fun and games. Interesting to note, the wildlife is super easy to spot between December and April. Moreover, the number of tourists is significantly lower during May through November.

There are several ways to get around in the Everglades. The most notable ways are by boat or airboat–walking is an option. A number of companies provide transportation for varying costs.

Fishing is the favorite activity in the Everglades, and guided tours are always an option for Florida travelers–including the elderly, young adults and children. Some other intriguing activities in the Everglades are hiking, canoeing, bicycling, kayaking, camping and boating.

First on the list is 10,000 Islands; the attraction opens the way for travelers to embrace the serenity of the Everglades. Hell's Bay is next on the list; the attraction features a network of mangrove creeks, shifting mudflats and sawgrass islands. Third on the list is, probably the favorite of them all, Anhinga & Gumbo Limbo Trails; the attraction is essentially the gateway to a world full of wonders, particularly sights of wildlife. Some of the creatures that freely roam the surrounding area are endangered American crocodiles, manatees, bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, snowy egrets and ospreys.

Like attractions and wildlife, Florida Everglades has many accommodations available–all of which will make a traveler's stay worthwhile and unforgettable. Located on the famous Tamiami Trail and State Road 29, the Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Chokoloskee, Carnestown, Everglades City, Copeland, Plantation Island, Ochopee, Lee Cypress, Monroe Station, Port of the Islands and Seaboard

Filed Under: Everglades, featured, Florida, Florida, United States

Bradenton, Florida

Bradenton, Florida is a city that is located in the Culture Coast of Florida. It has a population of 53,471. The Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice Metropolitan area has a population of 682,833. Bradenton has a total land area of 14.44 square miles. Eighty-four percent of the city is made up of land, and 16 percent is made up of water. Bradenton is located just 10 miles southeast of Bradenton Beach.

There are 21,379 households and 12,720 families in Bradenton. The median age of resident in Bradenton is 42 years old, and 21.6 percent of the population is under 18. The average household size is 2.25, and the median family size is 2.85. There are 100 females for every 85.9 males.

The Bradenton area was first explored in 1539 by Hernando De Soto. Before Bradenton became a city, it was known as the town of Bradentown. The town was officially incorporated into Florida in 1903. In 1943, Bradentown was renamed Bradenton.

The weather is one of the many things that visitors and residents love about this city. Bradenton has a humid subtropical climate. The average temperature in the summer is 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in the winter is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bradenton gets about 55 inches of rain each year, which is much more than the national average. Snowfall is a rare occurrence in this city.

One of the most well-known attractions in Bradenton is the Village of Arts. The Village of Arts is the largest art colony in Florida. The village contains over 200 homes. Each home has its own art gallery or studio.

Bradenton is also home to the South Florida Museum. This museum has exhibits that display the cultural and natural history of Florida’s gulf coast. The South Florida Museum also includes the Parker Manatee Aquarium, which is home to Snooty the Manatee. Snooty is the one of the oldest manatees in the world.

Tropicana Products is located in Bradenton. This produce company was founded by Anthony T. Rossi. Tropicana Products is one of the largest produce companies in the world. The company has over 8000 employees.

Filed Under: Bradenton, Culture Coast, featured, Florida, North America, Sarasota, Siesta Key, United States

Florida’s Cultural Coast

The Florida Coastal Region along the western coast of Florida stretching from Sarasota south to Bradenton, is often referred to as the Florida Cultural Coast. The rich arts and cultural resources of the area prompted the title although these are not the only attractions for visitors to the area. A wide variety of attractions, festivals and events offer something to fit the taste of every traveler.

One of the most impressive collections of classic American and European masters is displayed in the galleries of the Ringling Estate. More than 20 galleries include thousands of works as well as the Ringling School of Art and Design. Both the school and museum are associated with Florida State University.

The performances arts flourish in a number of venues on the Florida Cultural Coast. For those who like their dramas old school the Asolo Theatre fits the bill. The theater was moved piece-by-piece from Italy. Originally constructed in the 1700s, the theater features a stage surrounded by the audience for a true up close and personal experience. The facility also offers seminars and classes in acting. It is located on the grounds of the Ringling Estate. While the Ringling Estate offers the greatest concentration of arts and culture opportunities, a number of other galleries, studios and schools can be found in the various neighborhoods of Sarasota.

The Sarasota area likes to show off its cultural assets with big events. The Sarasota Music Festival is three weeks in June of great performances including music of many genres. Other festivals include the film festival in the spring and the blues festival each fall. Dates and attractions vary each year so check the Internet for details. In most cases, visitors can combine a visit to the festival with tours of some of the other attractions in the area.

Catching some rays on a great beach may not be a cultural activity but it sure feels great. Sarasota offers several beaches with great sand and sun. Siesta key is one of the great walking beaches while Lido Key includes trails through the surrounding woods and picnic areas. Ana Marie Island overlooks the Gulf of Mexico offering great ocean views particularly at sunset.

Filed Under: Anna Marie Island, Culture Coast, featured, Florida, Florida, North America, Sarasota, Siesta Key, United States

Key Largo, Florida

Key Largo, Florida, is the mecca for divers looking for adventure off the shores of the United States. The largest of the famous Florida Keys at 33 miles long, Key Largo is the go-to place for fun in the sun, surf and sand. Arts and culture are also a big part of the experience of Key Largo, making it a well-rounded place for a family vacation.

The island of Key Largo is found between two national parks: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglades National Park. It the John Pennekamp state park that people flock to for underwater diving experiences along the only living barrier coral reef in the United States. In fact, the entire island is made of fossilized coral reef. Just over 10,000 people call Key Largo home, though thousands more tourists can be found there during peak vacation months in the spring and summer.

With its tropical climate virtually guaranteeing warm, sunny days and pleasant nights, Key Largo is a great destination for water sports. In addition to diving, Key Largo offers numerous outlets for boating, swimming, skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing and more. Many travelers choose to venture into the everglades for guided tours and discussions about ecology and preserving the wildlife found there, while still more go on dolphin encounters.

There are also many indoor activities to take part in while at Key Largo. In fact, a film starring Humphrey Bogart, aptly titled "Key Largo," was set there in the 1940s. The area remains a center for the arts and culture today, with dozens of museums and art galleries. View sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and more from some of the top artists in the area as well as from across the country. Festivals featuring local artisans are frequently held at Key Largo, so planning a trip to coincide with such events is an added bonus.

With so many things to do in Key Largo it is no wonder the island just south of Florida's coastline is such a hot vacation spot for families, singles and couples. Plan a trip today and see everything this oasis in the Florida Keys has to offer.

Filed Under: Florida, Florida, Florida Keys, Key Largo, Key West, North America, United States

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida is located in Monroe County, Florida. This beautiful, tropical city can be reached by boat or bridge just 129 miles from the city of Miami. Key West is also located just 109 miles north of Havana, Cuba. Whether you are choosing to visit Key West, Florida for the beautiful beaches, water sports or cruise ships, there are many things to see and do here that all visitors will enjoy. Those traveling to the area may opt to fly into Key West International Airport. Lodging accommodations, dining and shopping are available all throughout the island.

In 1521, the explorer known as Juan Ponce de León was the first European to visit the area. Key West was first inhabited by the Spanish and still upholds major cultural Spanish sites today. After Great Britain took control over of Florida in 1763, the Spanish and Native American residents were moved to Havana, Cuba. Today, Key West is inhabited by a number of individuals of different cultures, making this city a truly blended area.

Key West, Florida is also known as a major military area. Home to the Key West Naval Air Station, Key West is also known to some as Gibraltar of the West. At NAS Key West, the Navy trains their pilots and has a recent active duty personnel of around 1,650. The Trumbo Annex is a docking station that is currently used by the United States Coast Guard. Because this city is located in a convenient area where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico, military presence continues to be a major part of Key West.

Key West is a major travel destination for visitors from all over the world. Because Key West is the southernmost city in the United States, it is the ideal place to visit during nearly any time of the year. Here you can enjoy warm weather and beautiful ocean water. With the lowest average temperature of 70 degrees in mid-January, there is no wrong time to visit Key West. Hurricanes also very rarely hit the area. The rainiest months of the year are August and September, averaging at about 15 inches each month.

The Old Town of Key West, also known as the Key West Historic District, provides a wide variety of things for visitors to see and do. Major tourist attractions in the Old Town include Mallory Street Square, Fort Zachary Taylor and Duval Street.

Filed Under: featured, Florida, Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, North America, United States

Jupiter, Florida

What comes to mind when you think of traveling to Jupiter, Florida? Probably beaches! Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Jupiter offers a year-round temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and many outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can spend the day shopping in nearby Palm Beach or trek through the swamps for a day of bird watching and up-close and personal turtle and alligator sightings. Located in Palm Beach County, Florida, Jupiter was originally incorporated in 1925. The town’s unique name is the result of a big misunderstanding. Originally named after the Hobe Indian tribe, an early mapmaker mistook the Spanish spelling of “Jobe” for “Jove.” Future mapmakers compounded the mistake, understanding Jove to be the Latin version of Jupiter, the Roman god of sun light, weather, and the sky, and the name “Jupiter” stuck.

Today Jupiter is generally known for its most notable landmark, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, originally built in 1860. Made of brick painted a striking red, the lighthouse is frequently used as the symbol of Jupiter. In addition to its popular lighthouse, Jupiter is also known as home to spring training facilities for the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. Sporting events are also frequently held at the Palm Beach International Raceway. The town is also the site of the Burt Reynolds and friends Museum, which houses the Florida Film and Theater Institute, and offers tours of hundreds of Burt Reynolds artifacts and memorabilia.

What tourists and locals alike value most about Jupiter, Florida is its outdoor recreation opportunities. Bicycling, fishing, kayaking, and surfing all entice residents and visitors to the area’s beaches and state parks. Blowing Rocks Preserve, located along the Hobe Sound, features limestone beach side formations that often spout saltwater geysers as waves hit the beach. Rare local flora also abounds at this passive preserve. Canoe and kayaking adventures can be undertaken from Canoe Outfitters of Florida, located in Riverbend Park, which offers one-way canoe rentals down the scenic Loxahatchee River with return transportation. Outdoor enthusiasts can also set out from the Jupiter Outdoor Center, which offers bicycling, kayaking, and birding adventures. Another treat is a visit to the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach, which boasts one of the world’s most active sea turtle nesting sites. The Center offers education and aquarium exhibits open to the public as part of its mission to research and rehabilitated protected and endangered sea turtle species.

Filed Under: Florida, Florida, Jupiter, North America, Treasure Coast, United States