TO ADVERTISE CALL 813-501-4894 | VOLUME II • ISSUE V | LUTZ MAGAZINE | 19
Should I Stay
or Should I Go?
BY SANDY PARRISH
As summertime approaches, many families
find themselves asking that question.
With so many great things to do in our
Community and surrounding areas, you don’t
have to go very far to enjoy a summer filled
with fun and adventure. Here are a few family
favorites and some forgotten treasures that are
pretty close to home for a great day trip.
PRISTINE BEACHES
Located right in our backyard, the Tampa Bay area is home to many of
the most beautiful beaches in the world. Clearwater Beach and Pass-a-Grille
Beach in St. Petersburg are just a few of the local favorites, however if you’re
looking for something on the road less traveled, check out Fort Desoto Park,
Sand Key or Honeymoon Island. If you’d like to bring Fido along, here are
a few dog-friendly beaches in the area: Picnic Island Beach Dog Park, Davis
Islands Dog Park and Beach, Fort De Soto Park Dog Beach and Park, and
Honeymoon Island State Park.
RIVER ADVENTURES
Rent a canoe or kayak down any of the beautiful rivers in our area including the
Hillsborough River, Alafia River and Withlacoochee River.
SUNKEN GARDENS
Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St.
Petersburg's oldest living museum, this 100-year-old garden is home to some
of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful
demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants, and flowers.
(727) 551-3102
WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
Enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and more in the crystal clear spring
waters of Weeki Wachee. After a scheduled renovation, the mermaid shows,
river boat rides and wildlife programs are scheduled to reopen June 15th,
just in time for summer fun.
www.weekiwachee.com
WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE
Kayak through a magical tunnel of Mangroves at Weedon Island Preserve. The
park is an expansive 3,190-acre natural area located on Tampa Bay. This coastal
system, comprised of aquatic and upland ecosystems, is home to numerous
species of native plants and animals, an educational facility and a rich cultural
history. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of
years. Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural
and cultural resources for current and future generations. Weedon
Island Preserve is also a well-known birding and fishing site.
www.weedonislandpreserve.org
TREEUMPH! ADVENTURE COURSE
When was the last time you played in the trees? TreeUmph! in
Bradenton offers over 10 football fields of challenging terrain and
hundreds of aerial adventures, including zip lining, tree climbing
and suspension bridges for all ages and skill levels. Fly through
a dense forest from
tree to tree on fun
obstacles that defy
gravity. Get in sync
with nature and love
every single moment
spent with your
friends and family
as you experience
one of the most
unique attractions
in Florida.
www.treeumph.com
SCALLOPING SEASON
The season kicks into high gear this summer!
Harvesting is done about 2-3 miles from shore in the
gulf, and they can be found almost anywhere Eelgrass
is located. Call it an Easter Egg Hunt Florida-style.
Every summer, the star of the sea is the delectable
Bay Scallop of the warm shallow waters of the Gulf of
Mexico. It’s a fun family-friendly underwater adventure
and all you need is a mask, snorkel and flippers and
one exceptional charter captain.
Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties
(including Cedar Key, Crystal River
and Homosassa): July 1
through Sept. 24.
Pasco County: July 19-28.
www.myfwc.com/fishing/
saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops
/www.weekiwachee.com
/www.weedonislandpreserve.org
/www.treeumph.com
/