“Day-Tripping” listings
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PAYNES CREEK HISTORIC STATE PARK
These days, the site of an 1840s-era trading post destroyed by Florida’s Seminole Indians is a nature preserve and historic site. Visitors can see artifacts from archaeological digs in the area, camp, canoe, fi sh or commiserate with period re-enactors about mosquitoes. (05/2010)
62 miles east of Sarasota-Bradenton • 888 Lake Branch Rd, Bowling Green
863-375-4717
floridastateparks.org -
CALUSA NATURE CENTER & PLANETARIUM
At this 105-acre park with a planetarium and theater, you can get up close to a bobcat and walk through wetlands, then relax in the air conditioning while learning about astronomy. (03/2010)
& PLANETARIUM 86 miles southeast of Sarasota-Bradenton 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft. Myers
239-275-3435
calusanature.com -
BUTTERFLY ESTATES
This glass building encompasses 3,600 square feet of streams and tropical gardens, in which thousands of butterflies flutter and land on visitors. After watching them for a while, stop by the attached tea room for snacks. (01/2010)
1815 Fowler St, Fort Myers
239-690-2359
butterflyestates.com -
ROSA FIORELLI WINERY
Owners Rosa and Antonio Fiorelli brought their Sicilian winemaking tradition with them to Manatee County, where they produce an award-winning muscadine dessert wine from just 10 acres of grapes. (12/2009)
4250 County Road 675, Bradenton
941-322-0976
www.fiorelliwinery.com -
VENICE MUNICIPAL BEACH
Sharks are a rare sight in local waters, but justsouth of Sarasota is the "Shark Tooth Capital ofthe World." Venice's beaches are chock-full offossilized teeth, easily found with bare handsor the sieve-on-a-stick sold at nearby shops. (03/2009)
23 miles south of Sarasota • W Venice Ave and The Esplanade S, Venice, FL
941-486-2626
www.venicegov.com -
SNOOK HAVEN RETREAT
Offering a welcome taste of "Old Florida," this unspoiled getaway offers canoe and kayak rentals, frequent live entertainment and a casual on-site eatery. (11/2008)
25 miles south of Sarasota • 5000 Venice Ave, Venice, FL
941-485-7221
www.snookhavenretreat.com -
GINNIE SPRINGS
The crystal-clear, 72-degree waters of Ginnie Springs trickle up just a few hours north of Bradenton. Its scuba and snorkeling are some of the best in Florida. (09/2008)
209 miles north of Bradenton • 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs, FL
386-454-7188
www.ginnies...utdoors.com -
OLDE ENGLEWOOD VILLAGE, FL
With beaches and a quaint collection of shops, galleries and eateries, Englewood is a great place to get away from the hustle and the bustle of it all. (08/2008)
30 miles south of Sarasota
www.oldeenglewood.com -
MYAKKA RIVER
The Myakka is one of only two Florida rivers that have been bestowed with the title "Wild and Scenic" by the state legislature, and it's worth taking some time to find out why. Kayak the rushing waters or take a leisurely hike beside them. (07/2008)
24 miles east of Sarasota
www.myakkariver.org -
AVON PARK, FL
Had enough sand and surf? Head inland to Avon Park, a quiet hamlet where the local economy chugs along thanks to agriculture, not tourism. It offers a quaint downtown and access to 30 nearby lakes. (06/2008)
80 miles east of Sarasota
www.apfla.com -
GAMBLE PLANTATION HISTORIC STATE PARK
The only surviving plantation house in South Florida, the Gamble residence became part of the state park system in 1925. Intrigued visitors can tour the home daily. The property also hosts occasional mock Civil War encampments and period costume displays. (05/2008)
17 miles north of Sarasota
941-723-4536
www.florida...eplantation -
ELLENTON, FL
Manatee County's Ellenton is known primarily for sweet deals at its sprawling outlet mall, but combine shopping with some exploration of Little Manatee State Park just up the road, and you've got yourself a fun day. (04/2008)
22 miles north of Sarasota
