Day Trip Recommendation

[dancerbill]

I would like to take my wife on a nice day trip for our wedding anniversary to somewhere other than the theme parks. Been there, done that.

Can anyone recommend a nice, non-run-of-the-mill destination easily reached in a single day (non overnight), that would be simple and enjoyable?

Many thanks in advance,
Bill

[buggyone]

I would like to take my wife on a nice day trip for our wedding anniversary to somewhere other than the theme parks. Been there, done that.

Can anyone recommend a nice, non-run-of-the-mill destination easily reached in a single day (non overnight), that would be simple and enjoyable?

Many thanks in advance,
Bill

Tarpon Springs is a very interesting place with all of the Greek heritage, sponge history, and very good restaurants.

[dancerbill]

Thank you. I will keep that in mind.

[twinklesweep]

De Leon Springs State Park (a little over an hour east): Old Sugar Mill converted into a make-your-own pancakes restaurant, beautiful park, small museum, swimming hole, boat tours.

Homosassa Springs State Park (equal distance to the west): Fomerly a privately owned small zoo in a stunning setting, now a state park. Boat ride from the visitor center to the park itself. Manatee and other shows.

Suggest either of these but only on a weekday; weekends tend to be crowded.

Also agree with the Tarpon Springs suggestion.

[Carl in Tampa]

You might want to consider a dinner cruise, or more properly since you don't want to be gone overnight, a luncheon cruise.

In Tampa, the Yacht StarShip has a variety of cruises at varying prices. The sightseeing is primarily a ride around upper Tampa Bay around the downtown area.

The web site for the Yacht StarShip is Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises (http://www.yachtstarship.com/#!public-cruises/sitepage_5)

In the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has Starlight Cruises, with two dinner boats and two others; one for sea animal viewing and one for dolphin viewing.

Starlight Cruises is at StarLite Cruises - For a dazzling night out! Clearwater, St. Petersburg Florida (http://www.starlitecruises.com/)

Years ago I did evening cruises on the Yacht StarShip and one of those in Clearwater, I don't recall which one. As you compare prices, some cruise prices include either a meal or a buffet but you pay for drinks, and others charge a price for the ride and have a separate menu where you pay for whatever you eat.

If this looks interesting to you, shop carefully. Also be aware there are other cruises available in the Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach area.

I recommended a luncheon cruise because you did not want to overnight away from home and it would be about a two hour drive at night from Tampa and even longer from Clearwater to come home if you did a dinner cruise. Lunch is also cheaper than dinner.

Whatever you do, Happy Anniversary.

[downeaster]

St. Augustine is a little over two hours. The 100+ mile trip is an easy drive. Weirsdale to Altoona (via SR 42) to Astor to Bunnel (via SR11) to St. Augustine (via US1). Good restaurants and sight seeing. Trolley rides and horse drawn carriage rides. Historic sites. Cruises.

Discover St Augustine, Florida - Augustine.com (http://www.augustine.com/)

[Bogie Shooter]

Do a search on "day trips".

[baustgen]

My Dora. Lots,of shops. Big old hotel with a long porch overlooking the lake. Take a river cruise. Have dinner at the hotel. Lakeside Inn.

[perrjojo]

As a woman, I think I like the idea of a lunch or dinner cruise. The food is not always great but it sounds romantic. I have not been on one here. I also agree that Tarpon Springs is a fun outing and can be done in a day. great Greek food Restaurants. I also really enjoyed the St Johns river cruise and dinner afterward.

[perrjojo]

You might want to consider a dinner cruise, or more properly since you don't want to be gone overnight, a luncheon cruise.

In Tampa, the Yacht StarShip has a variety of cruises at varying prices. The sightseeing is primarily a ride around upper Tampa Bay around the downtown area.

The web site for the Yacht StarShip is Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises (http://www.yachtstarship.com/#!public-cruises/sitepage_5)

In the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has Starlight Cruises, with two dinner boats and two others; one for sea animal viewing and one for dolphin viewing.

Starlight Cruises is at StarLite Cruises - For a dazzling night out! Clearwater, St. Petersburg Florida (http://www.starlitecruises.com/)

Years ago I did evening cruises on the Yacht StarShip and one of those in Clearwater, I don't recall which one. As you compare prices, some cruise prices include either a meal or a buffet but you pay for drinks, and others charge a price for the ride and have a separate menu where you pay for whatever you eat.

If this looks interesting to you, shop carefully. Also be aware there are other cruises available in the Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach area.

I recommended a luncheon cruise because you did not want to overnight away from home and it would be about a two hour drive at night from Tampa and even longer from Clearwater to come home if you did a dinner cruise. Lunch is also cheaper than dinner.

Whatever you do, Happy Anniversary.
Carl, yup, you are a romantic man. Great suggestions.

[dancerbill]

Many thanks for the suggestions regarding day trips. All of them sound great -- guess I know what I'll be doing for weeks to come!

Bill