[scoreboard]

Hi,
Have some guests coming in for a couple of days next week and looking for some interesting day trips..probably within 90 minutes or so of Villages.
Would be particularly interested in knowing about nature trails, state parks that sort of thing.
If anyone has suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[2newyorkers]

Homassassa State Park has a boat ride,small zoo and manatees. It is approx. 1 hour away.

[ilvgolf]

I took a trip with the Sebring club to Ponce De Leon State park. What a wonderful experience. They have a "pancake" breakfast (it costs $4.50) you make your own pancakes at your table and if you want coffee, or anything else, the price for each extra is $1.50. Then take the boat trip. it costs $12.78 - Great - lots of history. You do need to call and make reservations though. They are located north of Ocala - I went down Baseline Road to Silver Springs Blvd. turned Right onto Hwy 40 and stay on that until you get to 17 (I think the sign says bentonville or something like that - any way its 17) turn Right on 17 and go about five miles down the road. The Park is on the right and there is a $6.00 charge to get into the park. Took about an hour to get there. Really nice -

[Tbugs]

I second going to Homasassa State Park. If you are a disabled veteran of any era, you can get free admittance for life for you and your wife by bringing a letter from the VA stating you receive disability compensation. This is good at all Florida state parks.

[SALYBOW]

There is a Griffin Lake State Park on the way to Leesburg. I have only seen it but on the map it is on a large lake. Google state parks and I am sure you would find info. It is about 15-20 mins from me and I am in the South Western part of the Villages. I am sure they would have trails etc.

[gongoozler]

Tarpon Springs . . . take a boat tour of the area . . . dolphins swim right up to the boat. The atmosphere of the city is still heavily Greek, with little shops and eateries along the docks, and downtown boasts antiques stores and galleries. Great restaurants after a busy day.

Mt. Dora is a great day trip . . . take the train or boat trip . . . to much to do for me to mention . . .

http://www.whattodoinmtdora.com/

[swrinfla]

A little to fill out salybow's entry:

Griffin Lake State Park features a number of low-key but fun things:

1] Florida's largest known live oak tree - really big!
2] A comfortable-looking campground
3] Nice and easy trails - no hills around here!
4] Canoe rentals, very reasonably priced. Depending on your skills, energy, etc., you can spend a lot of time and wend your way well out into the lake.

I'll also put in a word for Homosassa Springs! Great fun, there.

Welcome to your guests. May they enjoy enough to decide to come permanently!

SWR

[Francie]

Clermont is nice. Lots of Orange Groves, cute restaurants.

[BBQMan]

House of Blues Gospel Brunch, Sunday in Downtown Disney
The Florida Museum of Natural History including The Butterfly Encounter in Gainesville
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Game - Disney Feb 27 through March
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa - Rated as best Zoo in US by Parents Magazine
Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney
Mount Dora Train Dinner Train
Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales Carillon Concerts at 1 & 3
Cedar Key - A look back at old FL and a must for Fishermen

[Bill-n-Brillo]

If you happen to get over to the east coast (Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach area), this is well worth taking in:

http://www.ormondscenicloopandtrail.com/

Very scenic! If you do go, make sure you observe ALL the posted speed limits on The Loop!! Law enforcement hangs out here and there along the route at times.....

Bill

[K9-Lovers]

The Butterfly Rainforest is magical and good for all ages. Be sure to go on a sunny, warm day because the butterflies are more active in the warm sunshine. It is part of the natural history museum, which is also interesting.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/

[VillagesFlorida]

Originally Posted by scoreboard

Hi,
Have some guests coming in for a couple of days next week and looking for some interesting day trips..probably within 90 minutes or so of Villages.
Would be particularly interested in knowing about nature trails, state parks that sort of thing.
If anyone has suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

If your guests are into birdwatching you might consider introducing them to the Florida Scrub Jay......here is a link for more info.....

http://www.scrubjaytrail.org/

[ladylake1]

Homosassa, Cedar Key, Tarpon also get my vote. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park in Cross Creek (south of Gainesville) and if you go there on weekend, Deerslayer Restaurant for lunch. Also Paynes Prairie Park off 441 just south of Gainesville. Butterfly Rain Forest at UF in Gainesville and though gardens not in season, Kanapaha Gardens. You can google Gainesville, FL and get more info.

[ladylake1]

Here is the link for attractions in Gainesville. There's lots of stuff to do up there and only an hour away.

http://www.visitgainesville.com/