Stone Crab dinner in the everglade
Everglades City’s
Inn has a heated pool and complimentary
breakfast. Camping is plentiful in Big
. Or,
check out ,
which is also the
, dedicated to the area’s
mythological creature also known as
“the Yeti of the Everglades.” After days
of roughing it in the wilderness, treat the
family to a luxurious stay at a Marco Island
or Naples beach resort. One option:
the
. Families love its stunning beach,
fantastic kids’ pool, spa, children’s’
programs and 10 on-property restaurants.
In Everglades City, sample
authentic Old Florida favorites, like frog
legs and fried alligator tail. Enjoy all kinds
of seafood, including delectable stone
crab claws, available during their season
(October to May), and served fresh from
local boats. Best bets are the waterfront
, and the
, which offers an “all-you-can-eat”
stone crab special.
features authentic Cuban
cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
•
(or alligator skull) from
gift shop
• from
SPRING INTO THIS ROAD TRIP
They’ve been called “liquid jewels,” and Florida has more of them than any other state.
Experience freshwater springs, where clean, clear water ows from the aquifer at a
constant temperature around 70 degrees. If it’s too chilly to swim, snorkel, or tube, don’t
worry. Springs are just beautiful to behold, but they also offer great kayaking, hiking
and manatee viewing.
two hours
The best part about visiting Crystal River’s springs in winter? It’s when hundreds of
manatees visit, too, since the water, to them, is warm (water temp stays 73 degrees all
year). This region is Florida’s only place where you can legally swim with and interact
with manatees. You can get great views of them from out of the water, too.
• Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: pontoon boat tours, wild-life
viewing trails and an underwater dome for watching sh and manatees from under
the spring’s surface.
• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuges Three Sisters Springs: trolley tour, boardwalk
and nature trails.
• Plantation on Crystal River Hotel
• Chassahowitzka River Campground
• Cracker’s Bar, Grill and Tiki.
• Seafood Seller & Cafe