TRAVEL

5Nature Spots You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit

By Alexandra Sullivan

This summer, take the time to soak up the sun with a few friends! In the Florida heat, it’s easy to want to hide in the AC all summer. But if you’re wanting to get outside and you’re getting tired of the same old pool and beach days, here are some exciting spots right here in Central Florida to go have fun in nature.

Lukas Nursery

Lukas Nursery is home to one of the largest native butterfly conservatories in the state of Florida. Visitors can mingle with, observe and even feed the butterflies in the butterfly encounter! The 4000-squarefoot conservatory is also home to an aviary with exotic finches. This nursery is a great way to connect with nature and make some new butterfly friends. lukasnursery.com

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

Kelly Rock Springs is known as Orlando’s natural lazy river. Rock Springs Run flows downstream for 8 miles. Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park, but you can bring your own pool noodles or floats. Tubing is a super fun way to explore the springs and observe the canopies of trees surrounding the springs.

ocfl.net/cultureparks

Lakeridge Winery

Learn about the history of wine production and take a tour of the vineyards where grapes are grown and harvested. Taste an assortment of wines and even purchase your own in the gift shop. At Weekends at the Winery, bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music with a view of surrounding rolling hills. Lakeridge Winery will transport you into the world of wine!

Leu Gardens

Explore a multitude of flowers, plants and trees at the Leu Gardens, only minutes from Downtown Orlando. The garden is on the property of the historical Leu House, a restored 19th-century home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Experience 19th-century architecture and awe-inspiring landscapes in a tour of the house and the gardens. Bask in the shade of mossy canopy trees and stop and smell the flowers. leugardens.org

Bok Tower Gardens

This location is a little bit further outside of the Central Florida area, but it’s worth the trip! Observe acres upon acres of gardens and take in the scenery. Hear the concerts from the singing tower (which also happens to be a great photo backdrop). Be transported back in time to the 1930s in a tour of El Retiro, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion. Let your kids explore the climbing areas, water features and fairy house trail in the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. Wander the nature trails and get a bite to eat at the Blue Palmetto Cafe. boktowergardens.org

These spots are sure to lead to so many summer memories. Whether you’re trekking nature trails or tubing in the springs, there are so many places to explore right in your backyard. No matter where you find yourself this summer, make sure to make the most of it!