[Hope2b]

We have decided to check out Ozello Trail on Sunday. Looking forward to it. We were mainly planning to hunt a place to see manatee not sure if there are any there. Thanks for the suggestion and will let you know what we think.

[billethkid]

If you like a different type of "restraurant" try the Old Spanish Sugar Mill in Deleon, FL.

Nice ride, about an hour. Cook your own with a griddle in the middle of the table. Pancake mixes you never ever heard of........here's their web site:

http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill/

Before or after you eat take a walk around the spring fed lake. At one end there is a short walking path up into the woods...easy access...easy walk...safe!!

BTK

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Everyone,

We went to De Leon Springs State Park and had a wonderful day. Ate at OLD SPANISH SUGAR MILL RESTAURANT and had pancakes. You have a griddle on your table and you make your own - cost $4.50 pp for all the pancakes you can eat. They have two different types of batter.

There is swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing and more at the park. The trails are accessible if you are in a wheel chair.

HB

[chuckinca]

HB:

Thanks for the info, sounds like you had a great day!

I can't wait til the end of the year when I retire!!! Planning on spending Feb - Apr in TV next year and then we can search out these local parks and recreational activities.

[Villages Kahuna]

But before I do, I'll throw in a destination that may or may not have been mentioned earlier. Try the two-hour drive to visit Cedar Key. You can play tourist in this Old Florida town, or you can take off from there to explore nature along the coastal waters or in the wetland estuaries that lead into the Gulf.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Village Kahuna,

We spent one week in Cedar Keys, there is a boat ride you can take around an island. I think of it as "old Florida" but even that is changing. There is now a time share resort in CK.

Cedar Keys - name originated from the Cedar that was used to make pencils if I recall correctly.

I will second VK on that suggestion. If I recall they have a fishing pier where you can rent fishing tackle. Did not catch anything.

HB

[Villages Kahuna]

The bird watching and nature tour of the Suwanee River estuary was lead by Captain Doug from his dock on the Cedar Key waterfront. I think the name of his service is Captain Doug's Tidewater Tours. His cell phone number is (352) 949-1996 and his home phone is (352) 543-9523. He is a very knowledgeable naturalist inimately familiar with the Cedar Key and Suwanee River delta area.

A great restaurant on Cedar Key is Tony's Seafood on 2nd Street. Get their "oyster cocktail"; it's about 24-36 fresh-shucked oysters presented in a pretty seafood plate for $10. Tony's New England-style clam chowder is good enough to justify a 2-hour drive over to Cedar Key just to get some. And their "seafood platters" have more seafood than one can possibly eat for a very reasonable price.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi Villages Kahuna,

Thank you for posting the information on the boat ride. That is the one we took. I have been looking through my files to find it.

I will second Villages Kahuna recommendation on the restaurant.

This is bringing back so many wonderful memories, I think we will definitely go back. The ride is an easy one.

Hyacinth Bucket

[marianne237]

Thanks to all of you who have mentioned different things to do! Much appreciated. Please keep the ideas coming.

[pajames]

In Jan. 2007 I bought my wife and I a 2 year pass to Sea World in Orlando. The pass cost us $135.00 each for the 2 year ticket. It gets you into the park, allows you to park free (that saves you $11.00) and gives you a 10% discount in their stores. You can get it if you are a Florida resident and a senior. It's a great deal. We have found that Tuesdays are a good time to go in the winter.
In reference to the state park in Homosassa, we love to go there. The last time we went, about 2 months ago, the boat wasn't running because the water level was too low. You'll love the walk through the park.
We also went on a St. John's river cruise our of Sanford. I believe the cost was $38.00 for the lunch cruise. It is well worth the money, great food and picture taking. The name of the boat was Romance, the day we went there was even a wedding on one level.
We just go back from the Tampa Hard Rock Casino, we decided to drive so we could go and leave whenever we wanted. It was a very enjoyable trip and we didn't lose everything. If you take the bus at the Walmart on 441, they leave at 7:30 am and return you there at about 6:00 to 7:00 pm (depending on traffic). You pay $25.00 for the bus, they give you $30.00 back in machine script and a $5.00 coupon for a buffet. The cost of the buffet is $15.00 for a card holder and $20.00 for a non card holder. I would still rather drive and control when we could come and go. It took us about an hour and 20 minutes to get there.
Paul

[Sandy222]

This a great day trip for animal lovers. Great family run shire farm. Checkout www.newenglandshirecentre.com Reservations must be made for tours. $20 per person

[villages07]

bumparoonie.... as requested

[snowbird1898]

Don't forget the AIRBOAT rides.... Some are better than others as some boats hold 15 people and some hold 6. Lots of fun !!!

[cabo35]

Originally Posted by conn8757

Lakeridge Winery is off the Turnpike - probably 30 minutes from TV. Wine tastings, tours (free) sometimes they have festivals there. I think they also have lunch/plays different times of the year.

Great suggestion! It was easy to get to, relaxing, interesting and and educational concerning the development of unique Florida wines that goes back centuries.

We went to the winery in the morning and on the spur of the moment traveled a few miles south on 27 to the Showcase of Citrus roadside stand in Claremont. We picked our own oranges and tangerines. The country style shop had a lot of interesting products. They have a website and I suggest you check the harvesting times for various citrus products you are interested in

All in all......a very nice day.

[MSNPA]

Last Saturday we visited Kanapaha Botanical Gardens about 60 miles north of here. It is a 62 acre facility and is is just beautiful. There are water gardens, a herb garden, spring flower garden, fern garden, hummingbird garden, rock garden to name a few. We took a picnic lunch. Best of all it is dog friendly as long as your dog is leashed.