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T H E G U I D E T O F L O R I D A F O R R V T R AV E L E R S A N D O U T D O O R E N T H U S I A S T S
www.frvta.org
★ FEATURES ★
RV
Maps Attractions Camping Dealers Suppliers Services
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ABOUT FRVTA
ABOUT FLORIDA
About FRVTA ........................10
Welcome Centers...............7
Lighthouses.....................111
FRVTA President’s Letter .......11
Stats & Facts .....................8
Motorsports ....................112
Beaches............................15
Museums ........................114
Cruises .............................16
Nature Parks ...................117
Dining...............................17
Shopping ........................121
FRVTA RV Service Centers ....12 Public Dump Sites................12 How to Rent an RV ..............12
Events & Festivals ...........18
Sports.............................122
FRVTA SuperShow ................13
Gambling .........................23
Theme Parks ..................124
FRVTA Show Schedule..........14
Golf ..................................24
Wineries .........................128
FRVTA REGIONS
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Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota
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PANHANDLE
SOUTHWEST
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27
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page
39
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Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union
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3
page
47
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Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Sumter, Suwannee and Taylor
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ORLANDO & SPACE COAST Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia
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63
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NORTH CENTRAL
TAMPA BAY AREA Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk
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NORTHEAST
SOUTHEAST Broward, Dade and Monroe
Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington
93
TREASURE COAST
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Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie
page
103 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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An annual publication for the Florida RV Trade Association Volume 2 Number 2, 2008 Publisher Editor Art Director Account Executive
Joe Jensen Robert Pitts Mary Nason Deanna Pearce
DESTINATION FLORIDA is an annual publication of the Florida RV Trade Association. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without the express written permission of RENI Publishing. RENI Publishing is located at 150 3rd Street SW,Winter Haven, FL 33880. 863-294-2812.
All photos for Destination Florida were provided by VISIT FLORIDA, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.DestinChamber.com, Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau, the official site of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
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The Florida Department of Transportation has operated official Florida Welcome Centers since 1949. Providing respite from the road, the air-conditioned centers offer countless brochures on things to do in Florida and an informative staff to help you sort it all out. And let’s not forget the complimentary cup of Florida citrus juice. Each of the four highway centers offers kid-friendly play areas, as well as clean restrooms, vending machines, pay phones and designated areas for bus, RV and truck parking. The facilities in Florida Welcome Centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Facilities are maintained 24 hours a day, and nighttime security is provided. Tourist information is available in the Welcome Centers from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week including holidays (except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Welcome Centers are operated by Visit Florida Inc. (www.flausa.com),
the official travel
planning agency of the state of Florida.
THE OFFICIAL FLORIDA WELCOME CENTERS ARE:
FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER (I-10)
FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER (I-95)
FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER (US 231)
Phone: 904-225-9182 Fax: 904-225-0064 2597 I-95 7 miles north of Yulee on I-95 South Yulee, FL 32097
FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER (I-75) Phone: 386-938-2981 Fax: 386-938-1292 1247 I-75 4 miles north of Jennings no I-75 South Jennings, FL 32053
Phone: 850-944-0442 Fax: 850-944-3675 16 miles west of Pensacola on I-10 East Pensacola, FL 32526
231
Phone: 850-263-3510 Fax: 850-263-2710 5865 Highway US 231 3 miles north of Campbellton Campbellton, FL 32426
FLORIDA WELCOME CENTER (Capitol) Phone: 850-488-6167 Fax: 850-414-2560 The Capitol West Entrance Tallahassee, FL 32301
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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WELCOME TO FLORIDA
WELCOME CENTERS
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5 6 7
4 3 8
Florida’s economy was hit hard from 1926 through 1929 when successive setbacks included a credit crunch, hurricanes, the Great Depression and a citrus fruit fly infestation. World War II, however, inaugurated a boom as the state became a training ground for our armed forces. Those soldiers came back, and more people followed in what has since become a steady stream of in-migration estimated in some years at more than 1,000 new residents per day. Florida now numbers an estimated 18 million residents and is the fourth largest state in the nation. The state’s economy has diversified beyond agriculture and tourism to include manufacturing (both low-tech and high-tech) and research, bolstered by an extensive university system. Although recent hurricane activity has caused a spike in property insurance rates, development continues at a brisk pace. (Source: www.flheritage.com)
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Natural Beauty
2 Stats and Facts FLORIDA FAST FACTS Capital: Tallahassee Nickname: The Sunshine State State flower: Orange Blossom State bird: Mockingbird Number of residents: More than 18 million Number of counties: 67 Inland water area: 4,424 square miles Coastline: 1,197 miles Longest river: St. Johns, 273 miles Largest lake: Lake Okeechobee, 700 square miles Number of first-magnitude springs: 33 Miles of state and county roads: 83,141 Mileage from Pensacola to Key West: 792 miles (Sources: www.myflorida.com; www.fhp.state.fl.us)
History Some researchers believe the first inhabitants of Florida reached the Sunshine State some 12,000 years ago. The state’s Native American populations probably derived from nomadic hunters in search of big game. Tribes included the Apalachee, Timucua, Calusa, Tekesta and Seminole. The period of European exploration of Florida was driven by both the search for wealth and national rivalries. The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first arrived in Florida in 1513. He came back to colonize the peninsula in 1521 but was driven out by Native American attacks. Hernando de Soto followed in 1539 with a four-year expedition in search of gold. The arrival of French explorers in 1562 prompted Spain to redouble its colonization efforts, leading to conflicts with both France and England. The British gained control of Florida in 1763 but lost it again to Spain at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1821. Florida became a state in 1845 with a population around 70,000 people. The state seceded from the Union in 1861 to join the Confederate States of America for the Civil War. The South was defeated, and federal troops occupied the state capital - Tallahassee - in 1865. Federal troops were removed by 1877. Florida’s early industrial development consisted mostly of agriculture and tourism. Transportation became a key concern, with the development of new railroad lines opening the way for manufacturing.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
Despite ongoing development, Florida is still renowned for its natural beauty. The subtropical climate gives rise to more than 4,000 plant species, nearly 100 mammal species, some 185 reptile species and more than 500 bird species. Florida has four national forests covering 1.2 million acres and 160 state parks encompassing more than 723,000 acres, most allowing visitors to get closer to nature through hiking, bicycling, camping and canoeing or kayaking. RV access is available in many of these preserves. In addition to its completely natural areas, Florida has many nature-oriented tourist attractions built to educate visitors about the state’s diverse ecosystem.
Weather Florida certainly lives up to its name as the “Sunshine State.” Summers are long, hot and humid, with temps averaging 83 degrees in August, although highs are characteristically in the 90s. Relative humidity can make it feel much hotter, resulting in “heat indexes” in the 100s on some days. Afternoon thundershowers and coastal sea breezes, however, tend to moderate temperature extremes for most of the state. During the fall and winter months, peak tourism season for the state, the temperature averages 60 degrees. Low temps are obviously warmer in the southern part of the state and can be quite chilly and damp in the northern counties. Lows in the 20s and even the teens are not unusual for the panhandle area. After many years with relatively few hurricanes, 2004 inaugurated what many forecasters expect to be a long period of increased storm activity. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne hit the state within a period of five weeks. The 2004 hurricane season caused an estimated $42 billion in damage, mostly in Florida. 2005 and 2006 were relatively quiet, with the only major storm being hurricane Wilma’s trek across South Florida in October 2005. Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
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Florida’s 83,141 miles of state and county roads includes the 460-mile Florida Turnpike system, a toll highway that includes the Mainline from Miami to Central Florida, as well as the Homestead Extension, the Sawgrass Expressway, the Seminole Expressway, the Beachline Expressway, the Southern Connector Extension of the Central Florida GreeneWay, Veterans Expressway, the Suncoast Parkway and the Polk Parkway. On average, 1.8 million motorists use Florida's Turnpike each day. There are eight service plazas on the Turnpike mainline, located approximately every 45 miles, which provide nighttime, armed security. Due to limited parking spaces, overnight parking is prohibited and vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense. The service plazas on Florida's Turnpike are open 24-hours a day and offer a variety of fast food dining options, gift shops, ATMs, Florida Lottery, public telephones, internet access, 24-hour news broadcasts, travel information, attraction tickets, picnic areas, dog walks, and other amenities. Both men’s and women’s restrooms have changing tables, and each plaza also has a family-style restroom. Gas stations in all Turnpike service plazas are open 24 hours per day. SunPass, Florida's prepaid toll program, can save motorists 25% at most toll plazas. Motorists buy a small electronic transponder from Publix supermarkets, CVS pharmacies or online at www.sunpass.com. They make a minimum $25 deposit in a prepaid account, activate the unit and go on their way. For details, visit www.sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352. The State Farm Safety Patrol provides free 24-hour roadway assistance and services to motorists along Florida's Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway. Each safety patrol driver has completed Automated Electronic Defibrillator training and is certified in CPR and first aid. Dial * FHP on your cell phone or use the Motorist Aid Call Boxes to obtain assistance.
Florida Mileage Calculator The Florida Department of Transportation operates an official highway mileage calculator online at www3.dot.state.fl.us/mileage. Simply choose your starting city and destination to get an estimate.
Tourism Stats Total visitors to Florida, 2006: 83.9 million Non-air visitors: 49.2% Total tourism spending, 2006: $65 billion Top states of origin, 2005: New York, 11.5%; Georgia, 10.1%; New Jersey, 5.6%; Illinois, 5.1%; North Carolina, 5.0%; California, 5.0%; Pennsylvania, 4.7%; Ohio, 4.2%; Alabama, 4.2%; Texas, 3.9%. Seasons of visitation, 2005: Jan.-March, 27.9%; April-June, 27.3%; July-Sept., 25.4%; Oct.-Dec., 19.4%. (Source: http://media.visitflorida.com)
Resources 911 system/*FHP The telephone link to emergency services in Florida is through the 911 system. In the event of any emergency (medical, natural disaster, criminal activity, etc.), dial 911 on your cell phone or land-line telephone to reach an emergency services operator. Clearly state the nature of your emergency, give your location as precisely as possible, and stay on the line until instructed to do otherwise. Star FHP (*347) is a cellular phone program of the Florida Highway Patrol used by motorists to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or any suspicious incidents occurring on Florida roadways. Motorists who dial *FHP from their cellular phones are able to contact the nearest FHP station free of charge, courtesy of participating Florida cellular phone companies.
Road Rangers In Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, the SunGuide Road Ranger Service Patrol is a free service of the Florida Department of Transportation. Road Rangers patrol I-95, I-395, I-75, I-595, Florida's Turnpike and the Miami-Dade Expressways. Road Rangers provide free roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Road Rangers clear disabled vehicles from the travel lanes, remove roadway debris and assist the Florida Highway Patrol during traffic incidents. Call *FHP (*347) on your cell phone if your vehicle breaks down or you see someone else in need of a Road Ranger.
Florida 511 The Federal Communications Commission designated 511 as the single traffic information telephone number for use by states and local jurisdictions. Florida is among many states to have implemented 511 traffic information services to benefit travelers. The service is provided free of charge. Travelers can dial 511 to access current information for specific routes and roadway segments, including anticipated travel delays, traffic accidents, roadway blockages and lane closures. The 511 Web site (www.fl511.com) incorporates motion images from traffic cameras, travel planning tools, e-mail alerts, and a statewide map to access local information.
RESOURCES Attractions • FLORIDA ATTRACTIONS ASSOCIATION, www.floridaattractions.org, 850-222-2885 • VISIT FLORIDA, www.visitflorida.com, 850-488-5607, ext. 306
Campgrounds • • • •
CAMP FLORIDA, www.floridacamping.com, 850-562-7151 GO CAMPING AMERICA, www.gocampingamerica.com/Florida FLORIDAPARKS.COM, www.floridaparks.com KOA, http://koa.com/where/fl/, 406-248-7444
Convention and Visitors Bureaus • FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUS, www.facvb.org
Historic Sites • FLORIDA OFFICE OF CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL PROGRAMS, www.flheritage.com/facts/reports/places, 850-245-6300 • VISIT FLORIDA, www.visitflorida.com/landing.php/experience/history
Outdoor Fun • VISIT FLORIDA, www.visitflorida.com/landing.php/experience/nature
State Forests • FLORIDA DIVISION OF FORESTRY, www.fl-dof.com/state_forests, 850-488-4274
State Parks • FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, www.dep.state.fl.us/Parks, 850-245-2157 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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WELCOME TO FLORIDA
Turnpike System
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IN
WHY FLORIDA IS IDEAL FOR RVing With lots to see and more than 83,000 miles of state and country roads to take you there, Florida is an RVers paradise.
beautiful state, look for the RV Friendly logos that identify businesses that provide plenty of space for RVs.
Numerous RV parks and campgrounds cater to RV travelers of every type, and the huge number of RVs on the road means certified service centers are never far away. Plus, you won’t have to worry about icy roads or steep grades here. Florida’s flat terrain and mild weather tend to make for safe travel.
ABOUT THE FRVTA The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) was established in 1979 with one purpose in mind - to promote the general welfare of
This logo, found on highway exit signs, will direct you to business-
the recreation vehicle and camping industries throughout the state
es that are not only RV-friendly but offer RVers so much more.
of Florida. Since then, the FRVTA (www.frvta.org) has undergone
Businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, attractions and fuel
many changes, and today it is one of the largest state RV
stations, displaying this logo offer RVers:
associations in the country.
• Large parking spots.
The FRVTA is a non-profit organization made up of campgrounds
• Plenty of overhead clearance.
and resorts, RV dealers, finance and insurance firms, RV manufactur-
• Entrances and exits that accommodate larger vehicles.
ers, and service and supplier companies representing thousands of
This program was approved thanks
employees. All of these companies work together to ensure that
to the effort of the Florida RV Trade
customers receive the finest RV products, supplies, services and
Association to make it easier for the
accommodations available. All FRVTA activities are coordinated
RV traveler to get in and out of
through the state office, which consists of an executive director,
businesses that accommodate larger
marketing director, show director and support staff.
vehicles. So, as you travel our
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
The FRVTA has divided the state into eight regions, allowing
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ABOUT FRVTA
Message from FRVTA President
It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Florida RV Trade Association, to welcome you to the Sunshine State! Florida is a great place to be in your RV during those months when it is so cold “up north.” We have campgrounds and RV resorts ready to make your stay here a memorable one. While you’re here, be sure to visit our RV dealers proudly displaying the FRVTA logo. Should you need service for your RV, you can count on the FRVTA “Certified Service Centers.” They offer qualified technicians who are industry certified to work on your RV! You can find these locations by visiting our web site at www.frvta.org. There are so many things to do in Florida! Just to name a few, you can play golf, visit a theme park, spend the day on the water, fish, go shopping at the malls and factory outlets, visit museums, attend the theater, concerts, hang out with
Sherry Perkins President
Scott Schmidt Chairman of the Board
Good luck!
Sherry Perkins, President Florida RV Trade Association
Donnie Davis Vice-President
members to participate in local legislative matters and RV shows. In addition, the association has another region for out-of-state members. It includes just about every RV manufacturer, the nation’s largest campground chains, national camping clubs, and a host of service and supply firms and insurance and financial companies. The FRVTA communicates with each region to keep members up to date on industry changes. Keeping an eye on legislative matters at the state level, the FRVTA employs a full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee to be a watchdog over legislation that affects the RV industry. The association also supports candidates through the FRVTA Political Action Committee Fund. The FRVTA sponsors a number of regional RV shows (see Page 14) and the annual Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa (see Page 13). These shows not only allow the public to view a number of various RVs, they also are forums for educational seminars and camping clubs, and they provide an introduction to the RV lifestyle. Through these shows and other activities, the FRVTA also works closely with state and local tourism officials to promote RVing and camping in Florida. For more information contact us at 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.
friends at the RV park or just lounge in the sun and get a great tan to take home with you! And don’t forget the Florida RV Supershow held in January at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Visit our web site at www.frvta.org for information on dates and the rally held in conjunction with the RV show. It’s five days of the BEST & BIGGEST RV SHOW in the country! We’re glad you’re here! Have a wonderful time and stay as long as you can!
Gunars Mansons Secretary
Larry Schaffer Treasurer
REGIONAL SHOWS (FRVTA) You’re in Palm Bay and you’d like to buy a new motorhome. You’ve shopped every dealer in the area, but you’d like to see a few more who are just too far away to drive to. What can you do? The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) would like to suggest attending one of its many regional RV shows. Not only can you shop the local dealers, but many of the FRVTA-sponsored regional shows have displays from dealers from all over Florida, making it easy for you to compare vehicles side by side. The FRVTA has eight state regions, and each one holds at least one show per year. Some regions sponsor two shows each year. These shows are designed to introduce the general public to the RV lifestyle and explain how that lifestyle can be enhanced with a recreational vehicle. Some regional shows also display a number of quality used RVs. Most regional RV shows also feature a number of supplier booths that include parts and accessories, finance and insurance companies, camping clubs, and the finest RV parks and campgrounds found in Florida. The suppliers’ area of the regional shows is a favorite of show visitors because you never know what you’ll see. Regional RV shows are held throughout Florida at various times of the year to make it easy for the general public to learn a lot about WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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the RV industry. Florida has more RV shows per year than any other state, and that means the opportunities for the public are virtually unlimited. For details, contact the FRVTA state office at 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.
Seeing this logo will assure you that the dealer/service center provides the most professional and well-trained service available in the marketplace and are members of the FRVTA. For details about the program, call the FRVTA state office at 813-741-0488.
RV SERVICE CENTERS (FRVTA)
PUBLIC DUMP SITES/STATIONS
This logo recognizes RV dealers/service centers that meet certain criteria for providing the most professional and well-trained service for your RV. Businesses displaying this logo: • Must be an FRVTA member in good standing and adhere to the Code of Ethics. • Must have at least one RVIA Master Certified Technician employed. • Must have at least 80% of service technicians certified or in training for certification. • Must maintain a current Florida Propane Repair License and employ at least one qualifier.
Listed below are dump stations not located along interstate highways.
Bahia Honda Key 305-872-2353, Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Hwy. (US 1).
Brooksville 352-597-3333, Register Chevrolet, 14181 Cortez Blvd. Location along westbound FL 50 across from Register RV.
Clewiston John Stretch Park on US 27 about 9 miles east of town at Lake Harbor, free.
RV RENTALS
How to Rent an RV
I write often about the joys of the RV lifestyle, but what if you don’t own an RV? How will you ever know what it’s like? The solution is to rent one. Let’s look at the variety of ways to temporarily acquire an RV for specific vacations, what you need to know, some advice to prevent problems, and how to locate the companies.
Why RV? Even during periods of record-high gas prices, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a study comparing vacation costs. PKF Consulting found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 26% to 74% less expensive than other types of vacations studied.” RVs are also a comfortable, convenient, stress-free way to travel, enjoy the great outdoors, and spend quality time with family.
Why rent an RV? Many people rent before buying to see if the lifestyle is right for them before making the commitment. Others do not want to invest their money for purchase, insurance, maintenance just to use the RV for a fraction of the year. Many foreign visitors fly to the U.S. and travel in their rented RVs for part or all of their American vacation, generally visiting our national parks and scenic recreation areas. In a similar vein, Americans who live far from their destination and have limited time will find it worthwhile to fly to Phoenix, for example, from Maine, and rent an RV to vacation in the Grand Canyon. For additional fees, the rental company will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load in your clothes and family and start your vacation.
How to find RV rental companies Two major rental companies dominate the field with branches throughout the U.S. and Canada: El Monte RV and Cruise America. However, many small companies populate the market in specific areas. Find more rental resources at the Florida RV Trade Association (www.FRVTA.org), RVRA (Recreation Vehicle Rental Association) or Go RVing. It is easy to find additional companies by doing a Web search. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late model year units. A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site rentals.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
By Alice Zyetz RoadTripAmerica.com
What types of RVs can be rented? The most common rentals are motorhomes. They are easier to drive for the novice since they handle more like a car – although sometimes like a car designed for giants! However, you will find all variations available for rental, from the little pop-up trailer to 35-foot fifth-wheel trailers. A unit with slide-outs maybe something to consider for the extra room it provides.
How much does it cost? You will have to do your research on this topic. The costs are dependent on the size and age of the rig, the season that you want it, the length of time you will rent it, additional services like delivering it to a certain location if needed, outfitting the rig with linens, dishes, food. Companies also have rental specials. Most companies will provide a limited amount of free mileage. There is usually a small fee for generator use.
Things to remember Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and proof of age. Check the rental location’s age requirements. Also check with your automobile insurance carrier to make sure the rental RV is covered under your policy. Most rental companies will require a deposit at the time of the reservation and full payment of the rental when the unit is picked up. They will offer 24/7 roadside assistance and should have contacts within their office to help out as well. They will also provide a full lesson on how to use the unit prior to departure.
How to be safe Driving an RV may be like driving a car, but it is not a car – it is an RV! You must respect its size and limitations to have a safe holiday. Perhaps the best overall advice is to do a shakedown BEFORE you leave to make sure everything is working properly and that you know where everything is. Most companies will give you some written instructions. Try them out before you are 300 miles away. With careful planning and awareness of the power of the RV, you can have a great vacation. See ya’ down the road! Alice Zyetz (alice@roadtripamerica.com) is a full-timing RV expert and writer for RoadTrip America (www.RoadTripAmerica.com), an online source for trip planning and advice, forums, articles, book and product reviews, and a gallery of funny road signs.
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ABOUT FRVTA
Deerfield Beach 954-360-1315, Quiet Waters Park (county park), 401 S. Powerline Rd. (FL 845). Camping is also available.
Gainesville Public dump station east of Waldo Road on NE 39th Avenue near Alachua County Fairgrounds.
Haines City Commercial Truck Terminal at 35647 US 27.
Lakeland Lakeland Civic Center, 701 W. Lime St. Dump station is on the west side of civic center's parking lot. Wash down water available.
Miami Larry & Penny Thompson Park (county park) campground, 12451 SW 184th St. (Eureka Drive) about one mile west of West Dade Expressway (FL 821).
Navarre 850-939-3431, Emerald Beach RV Park, 8885 Navarre Parkway (US 98).
Ochopee Midway Campground on south side of US 41 near Fiftymile Bend in Big Cypress National Preserve. Public dump station near the Big Cypress National Preserve headquarters on US 41.
Ohio Key 305-872-2217, Sunshine Key Resort on US 1.
Palm Harbor 727-784-4582, Sherwood Forest RV Park, 175 Alt US 19 S.
Each January at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) holds several consumer RV shows every year throughout the state, but the granddaddy of them all - without question - is the annual Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. Held in early to mid-January at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the Florida RV SuperShow is billed as “the largest consumer RV show in the country.” Covering more than 15 acres, the show features five-day attendance of 50,000 or more people and RV displays from every major manufacturer of recreational vehicles. Also, as many as 350 booth exhibits - spread out over 900,000 square feet of exhibit space - feature displays from the finest campgrounds and resorts around, service and supplier firms, financing and insurance companies, and thousands of those hard-to-find parts and accessories. Whether you’re an RV veteran or just starting out on this great adventure, the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa is the place to be.
Panama City Beach PineGlen RV Park on US 98 about 4 miles east of FL 79, just before Alf Coleman Road.
Port Richey Suncoast RV Resort, 9029 US Hwy. 19. Resort is on west side of road three miles south of SR 52 and the GulfView Square Mall.
Sunrise 954-389-2000, Markham Park (county park), 16001 W. SR 84. Camping is also available. Park is located near the junction of I-75 and I-595.
Thonotosassa 813-987-6771, Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 US 301 N.
To answer all of your questions, the Florida RV SuperShow features a number of daily seminars, each led by experienced RVers and industry experts. Topics of recent seminars have included “RV Safety and Handling,” “Ten Tips for Choosing an RV” and “RV Travel and Camping Trips.” All seminars are free with paid admission. A special feature of the Florida RV SuperShow is the Super Rally. Open to any and all RV clubs, the rally features a number of great extras, including free admission to the Florida RV SuperShow for all five public show days (an industry day usually kicks off the show), meeting facilities for clubs, cookouts and free coffee and doughnuts every morning. SuperShow attendees are welcome to register for daily door prize drawings. All the names go into a hat for a grand prize drawing, usually for a new camper. No purchase is necessary. And while they’re at the Florida RV SuperShow, visitors can also sample a wide variety of food and concessions. The Florida State Fairgrounds are at the intersection of I-4 and US 301 in Tampa. For details about the SuperShow or the Super Rally, call the FRVTA office in Riverview at 800-330-7882 or visit www.frvta.org. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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2007 - 2008 FRVTA Show Schedule
TREASURE COAST RV SHOW Jan. 10 - 13, 2008 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds 15601 W. Midway Road Fort Pierce Attendance - 2,877
FLORIDA RV SUPERSHOW Jan. 16 - 20, 2008 Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 N. US Highway 301 Tampa Attendance - 49,013
FORT MYERS RV SHOW Jan. 24 - 27, 2008 Lee Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Road Fort Myers Attendance - 13,175
OCALA RV SHOW Feb. 7 - 10, 2008 Florida Horse Park 11008 S. Highway 475 Ocala Attendance - 5,303 NEW LOCATION
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WEST PALM BEACH RV SHOW
PENSACOLA RV SHOW
Feb. 7 - 10, 2008 South Florida Fairgrounds 9067 Southern Blvd. West Palm Beach Attendance - 5,077
April 3 - 6, 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds 6655 Mobile Highway Pensacola Attendance - 3,073
CENTRAL FLORIDA RV SHOW
FORT LAUDERDALE RV SHOW
Feb. 21 - 24, 2008 Volusia County Fairgrounds 3150 E. New York Ave. DeLand Attendance - 5,892
May 9 - 11, 2008 Broward County Convention Center 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. Fort Lauderdale Attendance - 7,571
JACKSONVILLE RV SHOW Feb. 28 - March 2, 2008 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium One Stadium Place Jacksonville Attendance - 4,352
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
TAMPA BAY RV SHOW Nov. 6 - 9, 2008 Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 N. US Highway 301 Tampa Attendance - 5,037
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ABOUT FLORIDA
BEACHES Florida’s beaches are as diverse as its population. There are island beaches, camping beaches, resort beaches and more. It’s been said that you could walk one mile of Florida beach every day and spend more than two and a half years to travel around the entire peninsula. In fact, wherever you go in Florida you are never more than 60 miles from a beach. Sand beaches, a Florida signature, account for 1,100 miles of the state’s 1,800 miles of coastline.
When to visit You can visit Florida beaches nearly year round. Florida’s peak tourist season is during the north’s cooler months, of course, but what many don’t know is different regions of the Sunshine State have
different peak seasons. North Florida, for example, gets cooler than South Florida in the winter. Summertime is primetime for North Florida beaches, then, while South Florida’s sunbathing season runs October through April. Central Florida beaches are popular during the spring, but May through August offer less crowded sunbathing. All that said, you can visit Florida beaches almost any time of the year and enjoy the scenery.
Cocoa Beach www.cocoabeach.com The sand and the city make Cocoa Beach a magical place. You’ve got the Ron Jon Easter Surf Festival at the Cocoa Beach Pier running more than 40 years straight, and the Kennedy Space Center is just a stone’s throw away.
Daytona Beach www.daytonabeach.com Daytona Beach is a perennial vacationer’s beach town. Daytona offers 23 miles of beaches - and it’s also home to NASCAR racing. You can attend a surf camp, dive under the Atlantic to view remains of shipwrecks, or just bask in the golden rays that warm the white sands.
Caladesi Island State Park 727-469-5918 www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland Sitting off Florida’s Central West Coast, this beach boasts a snack bar and picnic pavilions. You can come face to face with sea turtles, take the three-mile trek on a kayak or go bird watching at this beach. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
St. Pete Beach
850-227-1327 www.floridastateparks.org/stjoseph Ever seen an endangered beach mouse? You might just get lucky if you visit this beach. There are 250 bird species there and three nature walks on which to discover them when you’ve had your fill of splashing in the salt water.
http://stpetebeach.com This is a popular vacation spot on Florida’s west coast, just across the bridge from Tampa. You can lodge at the famed Don CeSar Beach Resort or watch a gorgeous sunset from the sand. This is an historic area, with shopping districts inland on Gulf Boulevard.
St. Andrews State Park 850-233-5140 www.floridastateparks.org/standrews If you are into the environment, you’ll love this beach. It features an environmental interpretation center, and, of course, emerald waters and white beaches that characterize the Panama City area on Florida’s Northwest coast. You may just spot some white-tailed deer, birds or gators, too.
Grayton Beach State Park 850-231-4210 www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach You can camp out or sun bath at this North Florida oasis. This beach also offers a four and a half-mile interpretive hiking/biking trail. This beach lets you experience the “real Florida” with a stay in cabins or tents - and your pets are welcome. This is one of the most pristine beaches in the nation waiting for the whole family to enjoy.
Indian Rocks Beach 727-595-2517 www.tampabaybeaches.com/indianrocksBeach.php This beach describes itself as a “Little Piece of Heaven.” It prides itself on being environmentally sensitive and safe, with quaint hotels and restaurants for its seasonal guests. This is a small town beach on the Gulf of Mexico near Tampa that serves as the perfect weekend getaway.
South Beach 305-539-3063 www.visitsouthbeachonline.com You can get Hollywood-style nightlife in the evenings and sun, surf and sand in the morning in South Beach, Miami. If you are an architecture buff, there’s no better beach for you as this region is famous for its Art Deco buildings. Miami Beach promises a 25-hour day filled with sunbathing, clubbing, shopping and dining. For more information visit www.visitflorida.com.
Bahia Honda State Park 305-872-2353 www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda Snorkeling. Kayaking. Boating. Fishing. Beaches. Swimming. You can do it all at Bahia Honda State park. This park boasts one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys - and you’re just 37 miles from Key West.
DAY CRUISES
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Too busy to get away for days at a time? How about one of Florida’s many day cruises? You can get an up close and personal view of the dolphins, see historic landmarks or dine in style on one of the many day - and night - cruises from Florida’s five ports.
305-361-5811 www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida Your dog is welcome at this beach in Miami-Dade County. You can sunbathe, swim or picnic on the Atlantic. Overnight boating is even allowed in No Name Harbor, or if you prefer to sleep on dry ground you can camp there. This park is at the southern end of Key Biscayne just south of downtown Miami.
Sanibel Island www.sanibelisland.com This tropical island offers plenty of romance, with its lush tropical foliage and crystal blue water. You’re surrounded by coconut palms on an expansive beach as you watch pelicans and herons fish for their dinner. You can go shelling or travel further inland for bike paths by day and theatrical productions by night.
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort 1-800-622-1038 www.sandestin.com If it’s golfing you crave, check out the Sandestin Golf & Beach resort and get the best of sports and sandy fun. This resort bills itself as the premier destination on the northwest Florida Gulf Coast. The sparkling sands, cabanas and beachside service back it up.
Fort Myers Beach 239-454-7500 www.fortmyersbeachonline.com Fort Myers Beach is often called the world’s safest, with gentle slopes and sand bars. You won’t find the overwhelming crowds here, but you will find everything you need to relax on the Gulf Coast.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
Captiva Cruises 239-472-5300 www.captivacruises.com Ninety-five percent of Dolphin Watch & Wildlife Adventure Cruise goers see mammals jumping in the waters. But if it’s the sunset you enjoy, wait until later in the day and take the Sunset Serenade Cruise with live island music. Ready to go shelling? The Cayo Costa Beach & Shelling Cruise lets you shell, swim and bird watch in undeveloped state park beaches. These and other day cruises launch from Captiva Island in Southwest Florida.
Jungle Queen 954-462-5596 www.junglequeen.com The original riverboat is waiting to take you on a tour of the Venice of America. Experience fun-filled sightseeing and entertainment with an all-you-can eat BBQ dinner that’s thrilled visitors for over 65 years.
Princess Cruises 239-649-2275 www.naplesprincesscruises.com The Naples and Marco Island Princess ships claim to be two of the most elegant yachts in Southwest Florida. You can choose from a sightseeing cruise, a lunch cruise, a sunset hors d’oeuvres cruise or sunset dinner cruise with an assortment of dishes for the discerning palate.
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850-234-8944 www.panamacitybeachmall.com/glassbottomboat/glassbottomboat.html You can ride the Glass Bottom Boat on a “sea school” excursion from Panama City Beach to Shell Island. Watch as dolphins frolic under the Gulf of Mexico, see crab trap operations, and listen to a historic narration on this educational cruise. After the 50-minute ride to Shell Island you can walk the sugar white beaches and round out your shell collection.
St. Augustine Scenic Cruise This 75-minute cruise on the Victory III offers narrated tours of the historical landmarks and natural sites of interest around St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city. Pass Spanish bridges and forts and see aged lighthouses and wildlife on this quick day cruise.
DINING Florida’s has attracted restaurants of just about every race, color and nation to the Sunshine State - and that means a diversity of dining experiences. Top chefs have launched their brands in Florida, and national upscale chains are also finding their way to the state’s metropolitan regions. Here you can find all the same fare you’d venture to Chicago or New York to dine, but also enjoy also enjoy an added bonus: restaurants that are uniquely Florida. Here’s some restaurants that are worth the drive.
Cypress Restaurant 320 E. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee 850-513-1100 www.cypressrestaurant.com A sophisticated Southern regional-style restaurant located in a casual, metropolitan setting, Cypress offers a creative menu of chef-cut aged meats, local produce and fresh seafood prepared by a husband-wife chef team.
SideBern’s 2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa 813-258-2233 www.sideberns.com SideBern’s is the progressive little sister to Bern’s Steak House. The restaurant features a sophisticated menu with cutting edge cuisine served in a relaxed, urban atmosphere. Asia, France, Africa, Latin America and the Mediterranean are all highlighted daily on Pierola’s global menu.
Ocean Grill 1050 Sexton Plaza, Vero Beach 772-231-5409 www.ocean-grill.com Located on the oceanfront of Vero Beach, this little grill doesn’t offer any pretenses. It looks like an old beach cabana style building. Don’t let that fool you. Chef Timm prepares a special entree every evening. Sometimes he’s braising Veal Shank, other times he’s concocting a Mixed Grill Kabob with lobster, shrimp and beef tenderloin. It’s always an adventure.
Opus 5 5050 Town Center, Boca Raton 561-544-8000 www.opus5boca.com If you are looking for superb American cuisine with Asian Accents, Opus 5 is the restaurant for your next dining experience. Opus 5 offers a casually elegant setting that combines New York sophistication with South Beach energy. A live DJ is on site to rock the house on Friday and Saturday nights.
Ristorante Bova 1450 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton 561-362-7407 www.ristorantebova.com Bova describes itself as South Florida’s most seductive new restaurant-bar-lounge. At Bova, Modern Milan meets South Beach vibe in the heart of downtown Boca Raton. If you are looking for hip and trendy, you don’t want to miss Bova.
Ponte’s Tuscan Grill 2544 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-724-5716 www.pontestuscangrill.com Ponte’s Tuscan Grill offers distinguished Tuscan-influenced Italian cuisine in a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere with a contemporary spin. An extensive wine selection and outstanding service complement Chef Chris Ponte’s culinary excellence, from aged steaks grilled on the open fire to classic pizza and pasta dishes. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Glass Bottom Boat Excursion
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28910 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater 727-239-7700 www.wildfishgrill.com The name “Wild Fish” gives you a clue about this restaurant. The owners are avid lifelong Florida sport fisherman and divers, and the seafood served there is always wild caught. The tropical influence in the menus and décor reflects makes vacationers and transplanted islanders alike feel right at home.
Brio brings the pleasures of the Tuscan country villa to the American city. The Italians built their spacious country villas to escape the pressures of urban life and enjoy the good life. This food at Brio is all simply prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients. The menu emphasis is on prime steaks and chops, homemade pasta specialties, and flatbreads prepared in an authentic Italian wood-burning oven. You can also find Brio in Naples, Winter Park and Palm Beach Gardens.
Johnny V Restaurant
Roy’s Restaurant
Wild Fish
625 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-761-7920 www.johnnyvlasolas.com With his Caribbean-influenced New Floridian Cuisine, Johnny Vinczencz is one of South Florida’s acclaimed chef-proprietors. From barbecue to jerk and from salmon to lamb, Johnny V blends the Southwest with the islands like no other.
Café Martorano 3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-561-2554 www.cafemartorano.com This restaurant offers a combination of fresh Italian-American food in an unforgettable atmosphere. Mounted plasma TVs air old school Italian movies and Frank Sinatra classics serenade you as you dine on gourmet fare.
Atrio Restaurant 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami 305-503-6529 Atrio is an experience in Progressive-American cuisine. The creative and meticulously crafted menu offers American favorites inspired by Latin and Asian influences. Poised on the 25th floor Sky Lobby, the 80-seat venue has an elemental ambiance with vibrant hues of earth, fire and water. Hotel guests are wowed by the eclectic ambiance and panoramic views of the cityscape, ocean and Biscayne Bay.
475 Bayfront Pl., Naples 239-261-1416 www.roysrestaurant.com Based on childhood memories of the feelings and flavors of Hawaii, Roy invented what he refers to as “Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine” - a tempting combination of exotic flavors and spices mixed with the freshest of local ingredients, always with an emphasis on seafood. Now you can get it at Roy’s Restaurant.
Ophelia’s on the Bay 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota 941-349-2212 www.opheliasonthebay.net Ophelia’s on the Bay is Sarasota’s finest waterfront restaurant now in it’s 17th season. Ophelia’s is also known for its evolving American cuisine style that is creatively combined with other world cuisines. Combining local fresh seafood and fine meats with Florida grown produce, Ophelia’s offers a menu with a distinctly New World flare that changes nightly.
Ginger Grove 3000 Florida Ave., Coconut Grove 305-779-5100 www.gingergroverestaurant.com The mouthwatering fare is complemented by a richly designed dining space. From small plates to large, the menu features dishes that are inspired by adventures across Asia, where harmony suggests that dishes be shared.
Matthew’s Restaurant 107 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville 904-396-9922 www.matthewsrestaurant.com Matthew’s is one of Jacksonville’s most distinctive gourmet restaurants. Enjoy a refined, European-style atmosphere and gourmet cuisine that has made Matthew’s one of Northern Florida’s most awarded and popular restaurants for almost a decade.
Colony Dining Room 1620 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key 941-383-5558 www.colonybeachresort.com This classic restaurant has a bevy of floor to ceiling windows offering Florida’s finest view of the Gulf of Mexico. Here you will rediscover the true origin of fine dining. The Colony Dining Room cuisine that we describe as Contemporary Continental is not only inventive, fresh and seasonal but true to the many indigenous local ingredients such as fruits, heirloom vegetables and seafood caught just that day off shore.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS For RVers who enjoy a good time, here is a listing of some of the more well-known events and festivals in Florida.
MONTHLY Art & Jazz on the Avenue Downtown Marketing Cooperative, Delray Beach www.downtowndelraybeach.com 561-279-1380 ext. 3
Barnacle Under Moonlight - Monthly Music
Brio Tuscan Grille 4200 Conroy Road, Suite 154, Orlando 407-351-8909 www.brioitalian.com
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle 305-442-6866
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DECEMBER 2007
Historic Cocoa Village Association, Cocoa www.cocoavillage.com/events 321-631-9075
Camellia Christmas 2007
First Saturday Coffeehouse Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
First Weekend Union Garrison Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach floridastateparks.org/fortclinch 904-277-7274
Fourth Saturday Bird Walk Suwannee River State Park, Live Oak floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver 386-362-2746
Fourth Saturday Bird Walk On Pepper Creek Trail Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Macarthur Under Moonlight John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach www.macarthurbeach.org 561-624-6952
Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier, St. Petersburg www.stpete-pier.com 727-821-6443
Old Time Dance The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle 305-442-6866
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens/ 850 487- 4115
Cane Grinding And Community Gathering Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm 352-472-1142
Christmas Celebration Of Lights Dec. 20-24 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Chamber Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 1 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Christmas Festival Of Lights Dec. 8 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
Christmas Lights Only Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555
Christmas Lights Only Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
Christmas at Pinewood
Holiday In The Gardens Dec. 7-8 Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks 386-446-6780
Ice - Ice Sculptures Nov. 19 - Jan 3 Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms 407-586-2000
New Year's Eve Dec. 31 Wakulla Springs/Edward Ball Wakulla, Springs State Park floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings 850-224-5950
Night Of Lights Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness floridastateparks.org/fortcooper 352-726-0315
Peace At Last Dec. 31 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
Rob Storter: Art of the Everglades Through Jan. 20 Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Miami www.hmsf.org 305-375-1492 ext. 4141
Santa Over The Rainbow Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555
Skydive City Annual Christmas Boogie
November - April Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie 352-466-4100
Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales www.boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408
Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 Skydive City Inc., Zephyrhills www.skydivecity.com 800-888-5867
Confederate Garrisons
Union Holiday Encampment
Second Saturday Wildlife Walk
Dec. 9 Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach floridastateparks.org/fortclinch 904-277-7274
Dec. 1 Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/ 904-277-7274
Overnight Backpacking Trip
November - April Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie 352-466-4100
Third Saturday Rim Ramble November - April Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie 352-466-4100
Tomoka Remembers Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach floridastateparks.org/tomoka 386-676-4050
Dade Reenactment Weekend Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell floridastateparks.org/dadebattlefield 352-793-4781
Holiday Cruise And Dinner Dec. 8 Wakulla Springs/Edward Ball Wakulla, Springs State Park floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings 850-224-5950
Volcom Seacow Surf Contest Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet www.volcom.com
Winterfest Boat Parade Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/ 305-361-8229 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Cocoa Village Brown Bag Jazz Lunch
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JANUARY 2008
Thunder By The Bay Motorcycle Festival
Bok in Bloom
Jan. 4-6 Sarasota www.thunderbythebay.org 941-371-8820 ext 1800
Jan. 1 - March 31 Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales www.boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408
Craft Rendezvous Jan. 26 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
Edison Festival of Light Jan. 26 - Feb. 17 Fort Myers www.edisonfestival.org 239-334-2999
Elderhostel Jan. 27 - Feb. 1 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Florida RV & Trade Show Jan. 10–13 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, Fort Pierce www.frvta.org 813-741-0488
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Jan. 26-27 and Feb. 1-3 Gainesville / Alachua County Fairgrounds www.gvlculturalaffairs.org 352-393-8536
Rob Storter: Art of the Everglades Through Jan. 20 Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Miami www.hmsf.org 305-375-1492 ext. 4141
Sebastian Inlet Pro Surf Contest Jan. 3-11 Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach www.sebastianinletpro.com 321-984-4852
South Florida Fair Jan. 18 - Feb. 3 West Palm Beach www.southfloridafair.com 561-793-0333
Feb. 28 - March 9 Plant City www.flstrawberryfestival.com 813-752-9194
Fort Foster Rendezvous YeeHaw Junction Bluegrass Festival Jan. 24-27 Historic Desert Inn, YeeHaw Junction www.originalbluegrass.com 478-949-2036
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3 Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver 813-987-6771
Gardening Day & Native Plant Sale
FEBRUARY 2008 Big Cypress Shootout Feb. 22-24 Seminole Tribe of Florida, Clewiston www.seminoletribe.com 800-949-6101
Bike Week Feb. 29 - March 9 Daytona Beach www.daytonachamber.com/bwhome.html 386-255-0981
Bok in Bloom Jan. 1 - March 31 Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales www.boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408
Cracker Weekend & Native Plant Sale Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555
A Day in Old Florida Feb. 16 Friends of Faver-Dykes State Park, St.Augustine floridastateparks.org/faver-dykes 386-446-6780
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555
Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival Feb. 23 Green Cove Springs www.neflgames.com 904-725-5744
Olustee Battle Reenactment February 15-17 Olustee Battlefield, Olustee floridastateparks.org/olustee 386-758-0400
Scrub Jay 5K Race Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer 941-483-5956
Staff Art and Craft Show and Sale Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Washington's Birthday Regatta
Dudley Farm Plow Days
The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle 305-442-6866
Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm 352-472-1142
MARCH 2008
Edison Festival of Light
Apollo Beach Manatee Arts Festival
Jan. 26 - Feb. 17 Fort Myers www.edisonfestival.org 239-334-2999
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
Elderhostel
Jan. 23-27 Brevard Nature Alliance, Inc., Titusville www.nbbd.com/fly 321-268-5224
Feb. 1 and Feb. 24-29 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Stephen Foster Day
Florida Renaissance Festival
Jan. 13 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-4331
Feb. 9 - March 9 Deerfield Beach www.ren-fest.com 954-771-7117
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Florida Strawberry Festival
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
March 8–9 Apollo Beach Chamber, Apollo Beach www.apollobeachchamber.com 813-645-1366
Art In The Park Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555
Bike Week Feb. 29 - March 9 Daytona Beach www.daytonachamber.com/bwhome.html 386-255-0981
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Bok in Bloom Jan. 1 - March 31 Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales www.boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408
Butterflies at Bok March 3-31 Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales www.boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408
Easter Egg Hunt March 22 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Easter Sunrise Service March 23 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire
Legends And Lore
Festival of States
Falling Waters State Park, Chipley floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters 850-638-6130
April 8-13 St. Petersburg www.festivalofstates.com 727-321-9888
Wild Azalea Festival March 15 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Florida Bluegrass Festival
Elderhostel
APRIL 2008
Florida Film Festival
March 10-14, March 23-28 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Antique Tractor & Engine Show
March 1-2 Pensacola Bay Area CVB, Pensacola www.gcrf.net 877-429-8462
Florida Film Festival March 28 - April 6 Enzian Theater, Maitland www.floridafilmfestival.com 407-644-6579
Florida Renaissance Festival Feb. 9 - March 9 Deerfield Beach www.ren-fest.com 954-771-7117
Goby Fest 2008 St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere floridastateparks.org/stsebastian 321-953-5005
April 4-6 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Bayou Blast Family Fun Shoot April 26 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 772-466-1600 ext. 3071
Celebrate Earth Day at the Hammock Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock 863-386-6094
Earth Day Celebration Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda 305-872-9807
Homosassa Heritage Day
Forest Capital Museum State Park, Perry www.perryfl.com/bluegrass/ 850-584-5366
March 28 - April 6 Enzian Theater, Maitland www.floridafilmfestival.com 407-644-6579
Kayaking Round Island April 5 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
Kids’ Fishing Derby & 'Fishing Has No Boundaries' Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer 941-483-5956
Leesburg Bikefest 2008 April 25-27 Leesburg www.leesburgbikefest.com 352-365-0053
Moonlight Paddle Kayaking
March 8 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
Earth Day Celebration April 19 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
April 18 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
Fort Cooper Days
Earth Day Celebration
Nature's Day
Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness floridastateparks.org/fortcooper 352-726-0315
Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer 941-483-5956
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings 352-465-8555 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Spring Gardening Workshop April 9 and 16 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings 352-628-5343
MAY 2008 Florida Folk Festival May 23-25 Stephen Foster FCC State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Frances Langford Memorial Fishing Tournament May 1 Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Jensen Beach www.langfordska.com 772-334-3444
Gamble Rogers Folk Festival St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine gamblefest.com 904-208-5210
Lake City Quilt Walk May 9–10 CCTDC, Lake City www.lakecity427.tripod.com 386-758-1312
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JUNE 2008
Riverfront Festival & Fireworks
Island Kayak
July 4 Jacksonville www.downtownjacksonville.org 904-630-3690
June 30 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
Kayaking Round Island June 7 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
Moonlight Paddle Kayaking June 20, 2008 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
Universal Studios 4th of July July 4 Universal Studios CityWalk, Orlando www.universalorlando.com
AUGUST 2008 Alligator Egg Hatching Fest Gatorama Palmdale, Glades County www.gatorama.com 863-675-0623
Jazz on the Islands Trader Canoe Trip June 1 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
August 1–31 Bradenton Area CVB, Anna Maria Island www.jazzontheislands.com 941-729-9177, ext. 233
Lake Placid Caladium Festival USA Junior Olympic Windsurfing Festival June 21-22 Calema Windsurfing Inc., Merritt Island www.calema.com 321-453-3223
Greater Lake Placid Florida Chamber, Lake Placid www.lpfla.com 863-465-4331
SEPTEMBER 2008 JULY 2008
Lake Louisa Field Day
City of South Miami 4th of July
Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa 352-394-3969
July 4 Palmer Park, South Miami 305-663-6319
Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K Race
Disney Independence Day Celebrations
Civil War Expo Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Olustee floridastateparks.org/olustee 386-758-0400
Delray Beach Craft Festival May 17 Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach www.friendsofloverskey.com 239-463-4588
SunFest May 1-4 West Palm Beach www.sunfest.org 561-659-5980
Trader Canoe Trip May 4 The Manatee Center, Fort Pierce www.manateecenter.com 888-652-9257
July 4 Four parks, including Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista disneyworld.disney.go.com
Fernandina’s July 4th & Families Festival July 4 Fernandina Beach www.ameliaisland.org 904-261-3248
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Pensacola Seafood Festival Pensacola Bay Area CVB, Pensacola www.fiestaoffiveflags.org 850-433-6512
OCTOBER 2008 Amelia Book Island Festival
Fourth of July at The Pier July 4 The Pier, St. Petersburg www.stpete-pier.com 727-821-6443
Truman Legacy Symposium May 16–17 Harry S Truman Little White House, Key West www.trumansymposium.com 305-294-9911
Downtown Marketing Cooperative, Delray Beach County: Palm Beach www.artfestival.com 954-472-3755
Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce, Amelia Island www.bookisland.org 904-491-8176
Biketoberfest 2008 Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration July 4 Lakefront Park, Kissimmee www.kissimmee.org
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Daytona Beach www.biketoberfest.org 866-296-8970
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Festival of the Arts
Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, Williston www.willistonfl.com 866-447-5537
The City of Inverness, Inverness www.cityofinvernessonline.com 352-726-3913
Destin Seafood Festival Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Destin www.destinseafoodfestival.org 850-837-6241
Downtown Naples Fall Art Festival
Fish Head Ball: A Fishy Fiesta The Pier Aquarium, St.Petersburg www.pieraquarium.org 727-895-7437
Florida Folk Festival
Downtown Naples Association, Naples www.downtownnaplesassociation.com 239-435-3742
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster 386-397-7005
Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival
Garden Festival
Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon www.keysbirdingfest.org 305-289-2690
Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Fort Pierce www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org 772-464-4672
Howl-O-Scream 2007
Halifax Art Festival
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa www.howl-o-scream.com/tampa 888-800-5447
Guild of the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach www.halifaxartfestival.com 386-441-2776
Monarch Butterfly Festival St. Marks NWR, St. Marks www.fws.gov/saintmarks 850-925-6121 October Seafood Festival Lions Club, Cedar Key www.cedarkey.org 52-543-5600
Oktoberfest City of Port. St. Lucie German American Club of the Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie 772-878-2277
Pensacola International Film Festival Pensacola Bay Area CVB, Pensacola www.pensacolafilmfestival.com 850-456-3333
History of the American Soldier Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island floridastateparks.org/fortclinch 904-277-7274
Homosassa Arts Crafts & Seafood Festival Old Homosassa Civic Club, Homosassa www.homosassaseafoodfestival.com 352-628-2666
Lake City Festival of Lights CCTDC, Lake City Columbia County 386-755-9023
Miami Book Fair International Florida Center of Literary arts, Miami www.miamibookfair.com 305-237-3258
San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival San Antonio Rattlesnake and Gopher Enthusiasts www.rattlesnakefestival.com 352-588-4444
North Florida Fair Tallahassee www.northfloridafair.com 850-878-FAIR
NOVEMBER 2008
Thanksgiving Boogie & Turkey Meet
Daytona Turkey Run Car Show
Skydive City Inc., Zephyrhills www.skydivecity.com 800-888-5867
Daytona Beach Racing, Daytona Beach www.turkeyrun.com 386-255-7355
Downtown Delray Thanksgiving Weekend Art Festival Downtown Marketing Cooperative, Delray Beach www.artfestival.com 954-472-3755
GAMBLING Florida has arrived on the national gaming scene. The Sunshine State saw more casino gambling trippers than almost any state in 2005 - 12 million to be exact, according to Harrah’s Entertainment. There are plenty of gaming options to satisfy everyone from the casual bingo player to the hardcore poker guru. Indeed, from horse and dog racing to famous casinos on land and sea, South Florida’s combination of fun, sun and gaming makes it the ideal location for the fun-loving gambler any time of the year. Let’s go beyond the miles of white sandy beaches and big games to discover what the region has to offer in what is fast-becoming a gambling lover’s paradise.
Indian Reservations and Vegas-style Casinos Hard core gamers won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the 24-hour casinos run by the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians at the edge of the Florida Everglades. Located in Hollywood, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino is a 130,000 square-foot venue just eight miles from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 10 miles from the beaches. The casino offers more than 2,100 machines, 48 poker tables and the famed Hard Rock Café restaurant experience. The Seminole Tribe of Indians also runs two other casinos you may want to visit. The Seminole Hollywood Casino is a 73,500 square-foot facility with 1,000 slots, 48 poker tables, 800 bingo seats, 413 video lotto machines and video pull tabs. Finally, the smaller Seminole Coconut Creek Casino may only be 30,000 square feet, but it packs in a poker room, more than 800 electronic gaming machines and lightning bingo. Meanwhile, the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming venue in Miami features more than 1,000 video pull tab machines, 58 poker tables featuring Omaha Hi-Low 8 or better, Texas Hold ‘Em, seven-card and scheduled poker tournaments, as well as lightning lotto and high-stakes bingo. The Seminole Casino Brighton is 28 miles west of Lake Okeechobee. It offers high stakes bingo that pays over $8,000 a pop and single jackpots that ante up more than $40,000. Video gaming, Poker, 7 Card Stud and Texas Hold’em is also on hand. Finally, Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers Vegas-style casino with hundreds of video gaming machines, high-stakes Bingo, a poker room and even daily giveaways that dish out cash, cards and other prizes. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Central Florida Peanut Festival
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Gambling at High Sea South Florida has several ports and even more casino cruises departing from Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The Palm Beach Princess Casino and the SeaEscape Casino are the two most popular liners that take a five-hour tour of the regional waters. Sterling Casino Lines Ambassador II offers 75,000 square feet of luxury and Las Vegas-style gaming with four main casinos and 1,000 slots. This ship sets sail from Cape Canaveral twice daily. The SunCruz Casino sails twice daily from ports in Key Largo, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Madeira Beach and Daytona Beach and the Casino Princess takes off from Miami’s Bayside Marketplace. As its name suggests, the Treasure Island Casino Cruise cruises the Gulf of Mexico from its Madeira Beach location.
You may also want to hit the Daytona Beach Kennel Club in Daytona Beach, Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Ebro Greyhound Park in the Florida Panhandle, the Jacksonville Kennel Club, the Jefferson County Kennel Club in Monticello, the Melbourne Greyhound Park, the Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs, the Orange Park Kennel Club in Orange Park, the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club in Casselberry, the St. Johns Greyhound Park in Jacksonville or the Tampa Greyhound Track for a variety of action.
The ships typically offer a total experience, with an on-board masseuse, buffets, live entertainment, dancing, revue shows, and a full bar. Day or evening cruises offer blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, slot machines and sports bookings. Fifty tables feature Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Craps and more. Once the ship gets three miles off shore, the gambling begins. Prices range from $25 to $40.
Fast and Furious Horse Racing Read for some live action? There are plenty of other horses vying for championship status in the winter months. Perhaps the most notable is Gulfstream Park. The Hallandale Beach venue dates back to 1939 and is home to the Florida Derby. The park recently underwent a $130 million renovation and added slot machines and poker its complex, which is garnering national headlines. Just a few miles up the road, you can try your luck with harness racing at Pompano Park. Pompano Park has been hosting world-class racing since 1964 and has become known as the “Winter Capital of Harness Racing.” Pompano Park is about to undergo a major transformation as its owners develop a state-of-the-art “racino,” a combination casino and racetrack that will feature live harness racing, poker, simulcasting and slots. The park as its stands today can hold 20,000 spectators for year-round racing. There’s also plenty of action at the Calder Race Course in Miami and the Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar.
Digging the Dogs If it’s the dogs you’re after, the Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center is less than a mile away from Gulfstream Park. Once called the Hollywood Greyhound Racetrack, the track features live dog racing with a 14-race program from December through May. It also simulcasts greyhound, thoroughbred and harness races from around the country year-round. A poker room and a bar are also onsite, along with a massive weekend Flea Market for the bargain hunters at heart. Further south in Miami, Flagler Greyhound Racing and Poker won’t be running the dogs, but you can still bet on simulcast of harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing any day of the year. If you return during the high season, from June 1 through Nov. 30, you can play high-stakes poker, with monthly tournaments and a practice table with instructors. About 45 minutes north of Dolphin Stadium, you’ll find the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Opened in 1932, this club offers greyhound racing year-round, with simulcasts of thoroughbred, greyhound, harness and jai-alai. The new poker room is open noon to midnight. Being in one of the most affluent counties in South Florida, fine dining with a racetrack view is available at the on-site Paddock Restaurant.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
GOLFING With acres of fairways and greens, every region in Florida is a golfer’s paradise. Palm Beach is home to a number of top-notch golf courses, including PGA National courses and TPC At Heron Bay. Down I-95, Fort Lauderdale, one of the world’s greatest vacation destinations, has some of the best golf around. Travel a few more miles south and visit the many acclaimed golf courses in Miami. Head back north and visit Florida’s Treasure Coast, home to unspoiled beaches, world-class fishing and, of course, a number of PGA-owned and operated courses. Or keep driving north. With more than 25 courses to choose from, the Jacksonville area is another golfer’s paradise. Travel inland to Orlando and discover some of North America’s best golf courses. Take I-4 west and play a variety of challenging greens in the Tampa Bay area. Florida is everything an avid golfer could ask for. We’ll see you on the green.
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Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge
www.aipfl.com Four courses totaling 72 holes. Includes Tom Fazio’s 6,775-yard Long Point. 3000 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 888-261-6161
www.ocngolf.com Three courses, total of 45 holes. Includes 7,295-yard Panther Lake. 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787 888-PAR-3672
Pelican Preserve Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge www.bayhill.com Two courses. 18-hole Championship course is 6,647 yards. 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 888-422-9445
www.wcigolf.com Ultradwarf greens and grass hollows at this 27-hole, 6,851-yard course. 10662 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33913 239-985-1700
The Biltmore Hotel
The PGA Golf Club
www.biltmorehotel.com 18-hole, par 71 championship course designed by Donald Ross. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134 800-727-1926
www.pgavillage.com Three courses, each 18 holes. Includes 7,150-yard dye course. 1916 Perfect Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 800-800-GOLF
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
PGA National Resort & Spa
www.doralresort.com Five courses, total of 90 holes. Includes the 7,171-yard Great White. 4400 N.W. 87 Ave., Miami, FL 33178 305-592-2030
www.pgaresort.com Five courses, total of 90 holes. Includes 7,048-yard Champion. 400 Ave. of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 800-633-9150
Duran Golf Club
Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa
www.durangolf.com More than 7,100 plush playing yards at this par 72 course. 7032 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL 32940 321-504-7776
www.sawgrassmarriott.com Five courses, including the 6,954-yard Stadium with famous hole No. 17. 1000 PGA TOUR Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 800-457-GOLF
Eagle Marsh Golf Club www.eaglemarsh.com Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole public course. 6,918 yards. 3869 N.W. Royal Oak Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 772-692-3322
South Seas Island Resort www.southseas.com A 9-hole, 5,782-yard resort course with views of the Gulf of Mexico. 5400 Plantation Road. Captiva Island, FL 33924 866-565-5089
Jacaranda Golf Club www.golfjacaranda.com Two 18-hole courses, including the 7,195-yard east course. 9200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, FL 33324 954-472-5836
Tournament Players Club www.tpc.com/daily/tampa_bay Stadium-style, 18-hole course with par 71. 6,898 yards. 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Tampa, FL 33549 813-949-0090 x2
Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club www.lakejovita.com/golf Two courses in rolling hills; largest tee-to-green drop in Florida. 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33525 352-588-9200
Walt Disney World Golf Complex disneyworld.disney.go.com Four courses totaling 99 holes. Includes the 7,101-yard Osprey Ridge. P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 407-WDISNEY
Legacy Golf Club www.legacygolfclub.com Public 18-hole, 7,067-yard course. 8255 Legacy Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34202 941-907-7067
LPGA International - Champions Course
World Golf Village/King & Bear Course www.wgv.com WGV’s 18-hole, 7,279-yard course. Also home to World Golf Hall of Fame. 1 King And Bear Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092 904-940-6200
www.lpgainternational.com Two 18-hole courses, including the 7,088-yard Champions course. 300 Champions Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32124 386-274-5742 x1
The Majors Golf Club www.majorsgolfclub.com Arnold Palmer signature course with 7,352 yards and 18 holes. 3375 Bayside Lakes Blvd. S.E., Palm Bay, FL 32910 321-952-8617 x3 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Amelia Island Plantation
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
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ABOUT FRVTAFLORIDA – REGION ONE SOUTHWEST
ONE SOUTHWEST REGION
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA – REGION ONE
REGION ONE
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
T
here are many coastal areas of Florida attractive to boaters and beachcombers. And Southwest Florida has more than 100 islands, so award-winning beaches are among its lures. But the appeal of this tropical-flavored area goes well beyond the shoreline. Southwest Florida offers a wide variety of activities and adventures for single travelers, couples and families of all ages. The area itself is a mixture of coastal cities and islands that include shell-famous Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. The most popular local attractions are beach-related or focus on wildlife and nature, arts and history. You don’t have to be a nature-lover to appreciate the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (founded by a naturalist of the same name) in Sanibel Island, a 6,000-acre enclave that is home to native birds, raccoons, otters, alligators and other wildlife. Visitors can choose to take it easy at bird watching spots, hike scenic trails or rent canoes. Low tide, when birds feed, is the ideal time to visit. A highlight of an even larger wilderness area, the 11,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, is a two-mile boardwalk through pinelands, wet prairies, hammocks and cypress ponds.
You’ll be awed by 500-year-old trees that are among the oldest in North America. In the winter, visitors find large populations of rare wood storks. Interested in how life was in the old days? Head to the recently restored Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and Visitors Center where there are exhibits from the first Native Americans to arrive here as well as artifacts from the Calusa Indians who followed. Florida’s Southwest area is justifiably world-famous and may even be best known for its shells. Visitors in one day have found 60 different varieties. Best time to go: May through September. Collectors who can’t get enough will want to make a stop at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, which has five million shells that make up “the world’s largest collection.” It’s a tiny island and accessible only by boat, but try not to pass up Cabbage Key, which also ranks among the most popular stopovers. Lunch cruises will take you there. Everyone comes away with memories of the unusual $1 bill wallpaper at the local inn. There are not a lot of theme parks here, but there is a wide variety of themed cruises such as the 51-foot “Cookie Cutter” yacht that explores lush tropical gardens and some remote islands in the area. Another one of the most popular attractions is the 10-acre Alliance for the Arts, where public galleries host new exhibitions each month. Fort Myers is also home to the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery, named after famed artist and local resident Robert Rauschenberg. If you’re looking for something a little different, stop at the Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero, which has facilities for both campers and RVs. In addition to the usual outdoor park activities, visitors can see the remnants of an unusual religious site started in the late 1800s. The communal settlement here was among the first groups in the United States to promote equal rights for women. Founders envisioned a 300-mile city home to 10 million people, but the settlement never had more than 250 residents. Beaches, parks and recreation centers abound throughout Southwest Florida and many visitors find them ideal places to celebrate the picturesque and fiery sunsets that are a great way to end the day. Story continued on page 38 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS ADELAIDE SHORES RV RESORT 2881 US Highway 27 N Avon Park, FL 33825 863-453-2226; Fax 863-453-9184 www.adelaideshores.com adelaideshores@yahoo.com
ALLIGATOR PARK 6400 Taylor Rd # 112 Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-639-7000; Fax 941-575-8913 www.alligatorpark.com alligatorpark@comcast.net
ARCADIA PEACE RIVER CAMPGROUND 800-559-4011 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 863-494-9693; Fax 863-494-9110 george@peacerivercampground.com www.peacerivercampground.com
CAMP FLORIDA RESORT HIGHVEST CORP 100 Shoreline Dr Lake Placid, FL 33852 863-699-1991; Fax 863-699-1995 campfla@strato.net www.campfla.com
CHARLOTTE HARBOR RV PARK 4838 Tamiami Trl Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980 941-625-5695
CRAIG'S RV PARK 877-750-5129 7895 NE Cubitis Ave # E34 Arcadia, FL 34266-5856 863-494-1820; Fax 863-494-1079 craigsrv@desoto.net www.craigsrv.com
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CYPRESS WOODS RV RESORT 888-CW-WOODS 5551 Luckett Rd Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-694-2191; Fax 239-694-4969 sales@cypresswoodsrv.com www.cypresswoodsrv.com
GOLDEN PALMS MOTORCOACH ESTATES 5551 Luckett Rd Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-694-2191; Fax 239-694-4969 info@goldenpalmsrv.com www.goldenpalmsrv.com
6837 NE Cubitis (Old Highway 17) Arcadia, FL 34266 863-494-7300; Fax 863-494-2994 bill@crosscreekrv.com www.crosscreekrv.com
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866-787-4837 5800 State Road 80 LaBelle, FL 33935 863-612-2094; Fax 863-612-2027 lhunter2@riverbendflorida.com www.riverbendfla.com
RIVERSIDE RV RESORT & CAMPGROUND 800-795-9733 9770 SW County Road 769 Arcadia, FL 34269 863-993-2111; Fax 863-993-2021 riverside@desoto.net www.riversidervresort.com
LIVE OAK RV RESORT 800-833-4236 12865 SW US Highway 17 Arcadia, FL 34269 863-993-4014; Fax 863-993-0940 liveoakrv@suritynet.net
NAPLES KOA KAMPGROUND 800-562-7734 1700 Barefoot Williams Rd Naples, FL 34113 239-774-5455; Fax 239-774-0788 naples@koa.net www.napleskoa.com
NEAPOLITAN COVE RV RESORT 3790 Tamiami Trl E Naples, FL 34112 239-793-0091; Fax 239-403-2683 info@neapolitancoverv.com
NEWBY MANAGEMENT 3301 US Highway 301 N Ellenton, FL 34222 941-721-0046; Fax 941-721-0047 ray@newbymanagement.com www.newbymanagement.com
PELICAN LAKE RV RESORT CROSS CREEK COUNTRY CLUB & RV RESORT
RIVER BEND MOTORCOACH RESORT
800-835-4389 4555 Southern Breeze Drive Naples, FL 34114 239-775-3005; Fax 239-775-5060 info@pelicanlake.com www.pelicanlake.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
SILVER LAKES RV RESORT/GOLF CLUB 800-843-2836 1001 Silver Lakes Blvd Naples, FL 34114-9332 239-775-2575; Fax 239-775-9989 silverlkes@aol.com www.silverlakesrvresort.com
SUN COMMUNITIES 800-828-6992 19333 Summerlin Rd # 575 Ft Myers, FL 33908 239-466-4900; Fax 239-466-1624 tmartell@sunrvresorts.com www.sunrvresorts.com
SUN-N-FUN RV RESORT 800-843-2421 7125 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34240-8957 941-371-2505; Fax 941-378-4810 gweir@sunnfunfl.com www.sunnfunfl.com
TORREY OAKS RV & GOLF RESORT, LLC 138 Bostic Road Bowling Green, FL 33834 863-832-2066; Fax 863-773-0120
DEALERS ALVA RV 6375 State Road 80 Labelle, FL 33935 867-675-2793; Fax 863-675-3497 easlytrl50@yahoo.com
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AMERICAN VAN & CAMPER 9260 Daniels Pkwy Ft Myers, FL 33912 239-275-4200; Fax 239-275-9155 americanvanandcamper@msn.com www.americanvanandcamper.com
CAMPBELLS RV, INC 617 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-342-4330; Fax 941-342-4339 sales@campbellrv.com www.campbellrv.com
CAMPER CORRAL, INC 7406 US Highway 27 N Sebring, FL 33870-1040 863-441-3035; Fax 863-385-9771 highvest@hotmail.com
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JERRY STRINE HOLIDAY TRAILERS, INC 888-623-2186 19710 State Road 41 Ft Myers, FL 33908 239-590-0066; Fax 239-267-6988
4379 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233-2409 941-922-7523; Fax 941-924-3643 howard@sarasotarv.com www.sarasotarv.com
MARK'S RV SALES
SHANE'S RV CENTER
877-406-2757 4681 Waycross Rd Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-690-3200; Fax 239-790-0136 cstout@marksrv.net www.marksrv.net
1295 N Tamiami Trl N Ft Myers, FL 33903 239-656-0598; Fax 239-656-0597 rvshane1@aol.com
NORTH TRAIL RV CENTER 800-741-4383 5270 Orange River Blvd Ft Myers, FL 33905-2750 239-693-8200; Fax 239-693-8115 sales@northtrailrv.com www.northtrailrv.com
CAMPER DEPOT, INC 800-639-6001 12657 Tamiami Trl Punta Gorda, FL 33955-2440 941-639-6000; Fax 941-637-5711 blackwellrcb@aol.com www.camperdepotrv.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA YAHAMA, INC 877-512-6287 730 US Highway 27 N Lake Placid, FL 33852 863-465-6669; Fax 863-465-7233 sales@rvsupplyusa.com www.rvsupplyusa.com
CONLEY RV CENTER 800-477-9644 800 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34207 941-756-2247; Fax 941-827-0088 hhoelle@conleyrv.com www.conleyrv.com
DREAM RV 6120 State Road 64 E Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-8889; Fax 941-748-2399 dreamrv1@yahoo.com www.dreamrvfl.com
HORIZON COACH 3115 SE State Road 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 863-993-1600; Fax 863-993-1601 www.horizoncoach.com
SARASOTA RV CENTER, INC
OUR FAMILY RV CENTER 877-826-5263 16901 N Cleveland Avenue North Ft Myers, FL 33903 239-995-6000; Fax 239-995-2391 bill@ourfamilyrv.com www.ourfamilyrv.com
OWEN MOTORS, INC 2139 N Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34234 941-951-1707; Fax 941-952-0531
PARK MODEL CITY & RV SALES 800-848-1652 17021 Upriver Dr Ft Myers, FL 33917 239-543-3330; Fax 239-543-6663 camping@upriver.com www.upriver.com
SKIP EPPERS RVS, INC 888-405-4387 12705 Tamiami Trl Punta Gorda, FL 33955 941-639-6969; Fax 941-639-6554 skipkath@comcast.net www.skipsrvs.com
SUNSHINE RV OF BRADENTON, INC 6813 53rd Ave E Bradenton, FL 34203-7809 941-755-2843; Fax 941-751-2384 mae3139@aol.com www.sunshine-rv.com
WANDALAN, INC 877-WANDALA 760 Tamiami Trl Nokomis, FL 34275 941-483-4292; Fax 941-485-9878 wandalan@aol.com www.wandalanrv.com
WONDERLAND CORP OF SW FL, INC 602-B Center Rd Ft Myers, FL 33907 239-768-1234; Fax 239-768-1235 stu@sssrealty.com www.sssrealty.com
RV KOUNTRY 800-225-7578 1660 N Tamiami Trl N Ft Myers, FL 33903 239-656-6226; Fax 239-656-6336 rvkountry@aol.com www.rvkountry.com
FINANCE M AND T BANK 2606 43rd St W Bradenton, FL 34209 941-932-3747; Fax 941-794-8781 jvalenta@mandtbank.com
RV WORLD OF NOKOMIS, INC 800-262-2182 2110 N Tamiami Trl Nokomis, FL 34275 941-966-2182; Fax 941-918-8511 edavidson@rvworldinc.com www.rvworldinc.com
STERLING ACCEPTANCE CORP 7410 12th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-1600; Fax 941-794-3819 susan@sterlingacceptance.com www.sterlingacceptance.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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INSURANCE
CHARLOTTE COUNTY RV CENTER, LLC
SE POWER SYSTEM OF FT MYERS
XL INSURANCE
4628 Tamiami Trl Port Charlotte, FL 33980 941-883-5555; Fax 941-883-5556 amos@charlottervcenter.com www.charlottervcenter.com
800-226-6970 5900 Country Lakes Dr Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-694-4197; Fax 239-694-5950 rodea@se-power.com www.se-power.com
741 NW Neptune St Port Charlotte, FL 33948 941-766-8211; Fax 941-766-8212 twodull@yahoo.com www.xlinsurance.com
MANUFACTURERS COACH HOUSE, INC 800-235-0984 3480 Technology Dr Nokomis, FL 34275-3618 941-485-0984; Fax 941-488-4095 info@coachhouserv.com www.coachhouserv.com
HEARTLAND PARK HOMES, INC 6192 SW US Highway 72 Arcadia, FL 34266-6649 863-494-3004; Fax 863-494-1184 www.heartlandparkhomes.com
SERVICES ADVENTURE RV, INC 800-440-7368 5845 Palmer Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232 941-371-9418; Fax 941-371-9428 adventurervinc@msn.com www.adventurervsarasota.com
AVON PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 28 E Main St Avon Park, FL 33825 863-453-3350; Fax 863-453-0973 apcc@apfla.com www.apfla.com
B & B ENTERPRISES 17021 Upriver Dr N Ft Myers, FL 33917 239-994-0181; Fax 239-731-2318 bburkent@yahoo.com
BEST DEAL RV, LLC 888-733-2637 5270 Orange River Blvd Ft Myers, FL 33905 800-693-8200; Fax 239-694-4709 scott.jewell@bestdealrvrentals.com www.bestdealrvrentals.com
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FL RV LOCATORS, INC PO Box 2016 Lehigh Acres, FL 33970-2016 239-225-3204; Fax 239-303-0694 flrvlocatorsinc@cs.com www.flrvlocatorsinc.com
FORTUNE REAL ESTATE 800-226-3839 4301 32nd St W # E-28 Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-1339; Fax 941-753-6246 fortune.parks@lwbpark.com www.fortunerealestate.com
M & M RV RENTALS & SALES, INC 17649 San Carlos Blvd Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931-3012 239-985-7368; Fax 239-985-7364 mmrvrentals@earthlink.net www.mmrvrentals.com
MEL WROTEN & ASSOCIATES / PINEWOOD LAKES 4641 Pine Valley Way Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-573-4666; Fax 239-573-1162 melwroten@gmail.com www.melwroten.com
MOBILE SERVICE OF FLORIDA, INC 888-941-3533 1250 Commerce Blvd S Sarasota, FL 34243-5017 941-359-3001; Fax 941-359-3001 dave@rvpartsmall.com www.rvpartsmall.com
PARK 720 VEHICLE STORAGE 715 NE 25th Ave. Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-573-9990
THE BEACHES OF FT MYERS & SANIBEL 800-237-6444 12800 University Dr # 550 Ft Myers, FL 33907 239-338-3500; Fax 239-334-1106 mcrabb@leegov.com www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
THE NEWS-PRESS 2442 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ft Myers, FL 33901 239-335-0200; Fax 239-337-1335 mareed@fortmyer.gannett.com www.news-press.com
UTRADE RV 5551 Luckett Rd Ft Myers, FL 33905 info@utraderv.com www.utraderv.com
SUPPLIERS BATHING BEAUTIES PLUS / BBP BIKES 9772 Bob White Ln Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239-272-9172 azlnewyork@aol.com
BAY PETS - PET OUTFITTERS 866-721-4107 3120 85th St E Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-4107; Fax 941-723-3844 renee@baypets.com www.baypets.com
FATHOM IT DISTRIBUTING RV TRANSPORT SERVICES 18011 S Tamiami Trl #16-115 Ft Myers, FL 33908-4695 888-512-1908 www.rvtransportservices.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
2624 Providence St Ft Myers, FL 33916 239-826-3456; Fax 239-337-3690 drewnugent@comcast.net www.fathomitdistributing.com Continued on page 37
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GENERATOR & AIR SERVICES 5770 Enterprise Parkway Ft Myers, FL 33905 239-693-8211; Fax 239-693-8311
HITCH & TRAILERS OF FORT MYERS, INC 888-281-7565 14611 Six Mile Cypress Ft Myers, FL 33912 239-482-8228; Fax 239-433-5818 gayle@hitchandtrailers.com www.hitchandtrailers.com
HUNT & ASSOCIATES 5707 45th St E # 208 Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7483; Fax 941-751-0915
LUTZCO
SEGWAY OF SANIBEL
TOAD STOP
PO Box 539 Sanibel, FL 33957 239-472-3620; Fax 239-472-6224 info@segwaysanibel.com www.segwaysanibel.com
800-478-7883 190 Wilson Blvd N Naples, FL 34120-2073 239-352-8771; Fax 309-414-3595 toadstop@comcast.net www.toadstop.com
SINBAD GLUE 877-332-1296 PO Box 1688 Palmetto, FL 34220 941-721-4785; Fax 941-721-4785 www.sinbadglue.com
SOUTHERN STRATEGIES, INC
TUPPERWARE 866-552-4900 5111 Country Lakes Dr Ft Myers, FL 33905-5110 239-247-0223; Fax 239-694-0305 burpingbowls@aol.com www.burpingbowls.com
14310 Harbour Links Ct # 12-C Ft Myers, FL 33908 239-481-8737; Fax 239-481-8737 schmidt4239@comcast.net
THC PRODUCTS 800-548-1595 2964 Odessa Rd Venice, FL 34293 941-416-1310; Fax 941-497-6187 lrjsunshine@yahoo.com
325 Adalia Terr Port Charlotte, FL 33953 941-456-1582; Fax 941-255-9317 hnlutz69@aol.com
MA-BRI, INC 11126 Palmers Ave Punta Gorda, FL 33955-1274 941-505-9554; Fax 941-575-9578 mail@mabri-systems.com www.mabri.net
MANLOVES SALES 273 Yorkshire Ave Ft Myers, FL 33908 239-267-4616
MASSAGING INSOLES 525 Park Estates Sq Venice, FL 34293 941-447-0407; Fax 941-497-5222 toon2me2@yahoo.com www.massaginginsoles.com
METAL BRITE PRODUCTS PO Box 380956 Port Charlotte, FL 33938 941-391-1910; Fax 877-691-3211 cpsgold@earthlink.net www.cpsgold.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Story continued from page 29 Fort Myers today has become famous for its beaches and its nature attractions but visitors looking to see something off the beaten track might also want to visit E.C.H.O (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization), which is a Christian group working to fight world hunger. E.C.H.O. tours show how unusual agricultural solutions are being used to find ways of growing food in 180 undeveloped countries. Visitors can even take home the plants and seeds that are sold in an “edible landscape” nursery. Profits go to help E.C.H.O.’s future efforts. So you can take home more than shell souvenirs from this trip - you can actually help curb world hunger.
Outdoors: MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK
Looking across the wet prairie at Myakka River State Park just east of Sarasota near the Gulf coast.
Focus: FORT MYERS War was in the wind when Fort Myers was first settled in 1850 as an outpost to fight the fierce Seminole Indians. The city was named after a famous army colonel, Abraham C. Myers. Since then, the area’s history has often paralleled that of Florida itself. Similar to the rest of the state, Southwest Florida’s first residents were Indians. The Calusa’s inhabited the nearby islands. They were followed by pioneers who grew cattle on the mainland, shipping them to Cuba. Pineapple plantations also flourished. No more than 10 families lived in the original town when it became a city in 1876. By 1885, however, Fort Myers was the second largest town on Florida’s West Coast. In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison was touring the West Coast. It was love at first sight and he became the area’s most famous booster, dubbing it the “City of Palms” because of its many majestic royal palm trees. There’s no question that Southwest Florida’s reputation today as an environmentally-friendly area was fed and fostered by the nature-respectful inventor. He was soon joined by a good friend, next-door neighbor Henry Ford. Today, the must-sees for visitors are the two famous men’s winter estates. Tours include a look at Edison’s laboratory and experimental gardens where he came up with some of the more than 100 patents he received during his lifetime as “America’s most prolific inventor.” Next door to his home listed on the National Register of Historic Places is where the famous automaker Ford spent his winter months. Ford’s home, named “Mangoes,” has undergone extensive restoration to bring it back to how it looked in the early part of the 20th century when he lived there with his wife Clara. Fittingly, Model T Fords surround the house. The area’s rich history can be vividly imagined with a visit to the Southwest Florida Museum of History. Housed in a former Atlantic Coastline Railroad Dept, the museum traces the Calusa and Seminole Indians, and Spanish explorers. There’s a pioneer cracker house depicting early settlers. The museum also offers walking tours of historic downtown Fort Myers, as well as escorted bus trips to other cultural and historic sites in the area. Another popular attraction is the Eden Vineyards Winery, where you can sample award-winning drinks from the southernmost vineyard and winery in the continental United States. The winery is located in a natural Florida setting, reminding visitors of the subtropical beauty found throughout Southwest Florida.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
Myakka River State Park covers approximately 58 square miles with 12 miles of the river meandering through a mosaic of pinelands, prairies and shady hammocks, bejeweled with thousands of assorted wetlands. Add two sand-bottomed shallow lakes and the mixture of habitats is a perfect recipe for diversity of birds and other wildlife. Tents and RVs are welcome. Five historic log cabins are available for rent. Group camps and primitive camps are also available. Walk through the treetops on the 85-foot-long suspension bridge and then climb a 74-foot tower for an eagle’s-eye view of hammocks and wetlands. Board the Myakka Maiden or Gator Gal, the world’s biggest airboats, for a scenic cruise of Upper Myakka Lake. Take a “Tram Safari” into the backcountry. A 39-mile portion of the Florida Trail winds through pinelands, around wetland edges, through hammock islands and across the Florida prairie. Visitors can see alligators, deer, raccoons, red-shouldered hawks, wild turkeys and barred owls. The wheelchair-accessible pier, with partly roofed platform, enhances fishing opportunities where the Myakka River joins Upper Myakka Lake. Equestrians may bring their horses with proof of a negative Coggins test. Myakka Outpost sells supplies, souvenirs and snacks such as gator stew and ice cream. They also rent bicycles, canoes and kayaks.
Myakka River State Park 13208 SR 72 Sarasota, FL 34241 941-361-6511
FloridaStateParks.org For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FLORIDA –– REGION REGION TWO ONE SOUTHEAST
TWO SOUTHEAST REGION
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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REGION 2 Broward, Dade and Monroe counties
RVer’s paradise
Region 2 www.frvta.org
Fine shopping
VISIT A REGION 2 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO 5 Dealers • 2 Campground • 11 RV Service • 12 Suppliers
Energetic Miami nightlife
Old-world charm in Key West
NAS
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World-class scuba-diving in the Keys
Deep sea fishing
NASCAR excitement
Secluded camping locations
FT. FT. LAUDERDALE LAUDERDALE RV RV SHOW SHOW February February 15th 15th –– 18th, 18th, 2008 2008 Broward Broward County County Convention Convention Center Center
Relaxing at Ft. Lauderdale Beach
Exotic wildlife
Year-long optimal weather for outdoor activities
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REGION TWO
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA S
urrounded by the gentle swells of the Atlantic Ocean, Greater Miami and the Beaches are often noted for turquoise waters, sunny skies and warm temperatures. Average year-round temperature: 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can expect sun-kissed days and blue skies with drifting clouds that look like cotton candy. The area is best known for “sun and fun.” And there is plenty of that. But urban chic co-exists with a tropical paradise. Outdoor activities such as golf and tennis are understandably popular. Some of the world’s top designers have courses here. One favorite is the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, a 650-acre resort that has five 18-hole championship golf courses catering to every level of skill (or lack of it). The Crandon Tennis Center hosts the Sony Ericsson Open each March, but the immaculate tennis courts are open year-round to the public. Also available to visitors here are bicycle and jogging trails, beachfront yoga classes and ultralight airplane rides. Fishermen might make their way to the Haulover Beach Marina, home of the largest charter/drift fishing flee in South Florida. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway in Sunny Isles Beach, the 180-acre park also houses a popular kite rental concession, bicycle rentals, a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts. Kayaking is popular in Biscayne Bay. And the Miami Dade Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of naturalist-led eco-adventures in Biscayne Bay that include everything from canoe-kayak jaunts to hammock walks. Miles from downtown Miami, it’s also another world at Key Biscayne, which offers hiking and biking trails, boating and water sports, and beaches that continually rank in the top ten in the world. It’s also home to the ever-popular Miami Seaquarium, which recently unveiled its new dolphin habitat, Dolphin Harbor. The program includes a two-hour, up-close experience that includes swimming with the fishes. Visitors to the area should also not miss seeing the marvel that is Everglades National Park, which covers 1.5 million acres and is the
third-largest facility run by the U.S. National Parks system. There are self-guided and ranger-led tours and activities. Visit the Main Visitor Center to explore your options. One of the most unusual is to paddle along the park’s 99-mile Wilderness Waterway, where you can go for hours without seeing a single person. You can camp out on remote chickees - which are raised platform campsites accessible only by water. While you’re in the area, you might want to make a stop at the nearby small town of Flamingo, home to 300 species of birds and the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles live together (thanks to its combination of fresh, salt and brackish waters). Those who venture beyond poolside Miami will also find a plethora of arts and culture. One of the most popular places is the Bass Museum, which has a large collection of European painting, sculpture and even textiles. The Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District also has more than 70,000 artifacts that include furniture and industrial design objects such as glass and ceramics. For younger tastes, the Miami Children’s Museum is one of the ten largest such facilities in the US. Visitors can satisfy any yearning to cook at Chef’s Corner, which is the Grande Dame of local cooking hosted by famed Latin caterer Juanita Plana. There’s also a shop filled with unique gourmet foods and unusual kitchen tools.
Focus: MIAMI From a tiny settlement along the river to a robust international city, it’s been a long journey for Miami. And it started a long time ago: 10,000 years with the Paleo-Indians making Biscayne Bay their home. The Tequestra Indians came later but had virtually vanished when Spain took over the area in the 1500s. Tourists began coming (winters only) as early as the 1800s. Speculation brought people from all parts of the U.S., seeking quick wealth in the overheated Florida real estate market of the 1920s, and Miami was its storm center. Miami weathered the great depression of the 1930s better than most communities. The city remained southern influenced until roughly 1959 when Fidel Castro took over Cuba and there were successive waves of Cuban refugees. For those who want to learn more about the area’s history, visit the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, which has exhibits and displays that go back 10,000 years. Story continued on page 45
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PARADISE ISLAND RV RESORT 800-487-7395 2121 NW 29th Ct Ft Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-485-1150; Fax 954-485-5701 info@paradiserv.com www.paradiserv.com
SUGARLOAF KEY RESORT KOA 800-562-7731 251 County Road 939, MM20 Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042 305-745-3549; Fax 305-745-9889 sugarloaf@koa.net www.koa.com/where/fl/09316.htm
DEALERS AMERICAN VAN & CAMPER 800-439-9316 4371 N Dixie Hwy Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 954-785-8320; Fax 954-941-0180 americanvanandcamper@msn.com www.americanvanandcamper.com
D & J'S RV CENTER, INC 101851 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 305-451-2500; Fax 305-453-9077 djsrvcenter@bellsouth.net
HOLIDAY RV'S 800-458-0531 100099 Overseas Highway/PO Box 1546 Key Largo, FL 33037-1546 305-451-4555; Fax 305-451-3030 holidayrvs@msn.com www.holidayrvs.com
RV SALES OF BROWARD, INC
THE CAMEO GROUP, INC
888-587-3337 1955 S State Road 7 (441) Ft Lauderdale, FL 33317 954-583-3382; Fax 954-583-9211 gigis@bellsouth.net www.rvsalesofbroward.com
PO Box 970054 Coconut Creek, FL 33097-0054 561-451-9884; Fax 561-451-9929 cameogroupinc@bellsouth.net
FINANCE ERVLOANS.COM 800-613-1219 757 SE 17th St, Ste 349 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 305-818-3735; Fax 305-818-3747 shelly@ervloans.com www.ervloans.com
SCOTT FINANCIAL SERVICES 877-634-0777 1635 S Miami Rd # 8 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 954-527-0777; Fax 954-522-7070 dale@scottboatloan.com www.scottrvloan.com
YACHT & RV FINANCE, LLC 1801 Monte Carlo Way Coral Springs, FL 33071 954-249-0415; Fax 954-753-5444 mjscialo@aol.com www.yachtfinancellc.com
INSURANCE A TWIN PEAKS RV INSURANCE, INC 800-507-8467 3677 Davie Blvd Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312-3439 954-791-5007; Fax 954-791-0306 atwinpeaks@aol.com www.twinpeaksinsurance.com
A PAGIO, INC 3131 N Andrews Ave Ext Pompano Beach, FL 33064 954-792-9971; Fax 954-321-1408 tonyp@landnsea.com
ALL STAR COACHES 866-838-4465 131 NW 73rd Terr Plantation, FL 33317 954-805-2115; Fax 954-337-8344 info@allstarcoaches.com www.allstarcoaches.com
AMERICAN RV & MARINE 225 SW 33rd St Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315 954-523-2796; Fax 954-523-3677 www.americanrvtowing.com
CUROMAX LIMITED 619 NW 170th Terr Pembroke Pines, FL 33028 954-499-7999; Fax 954-435-0837 dan.jardin@curomax.com www.curomax.com
REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE & CONSULTING 15750 SW 89 Miami, FL 33157 305-232-6655; Fax 305-234-2324 snappier@bellsouth.net
ROAD AMERICA
MILL'S RV CENTER 800-439-9316 4381 N Dixie Highway Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 954-785-8320; Fax 954-785-1330 chris@millsrvcenter.com www.millsrvcenter.com
SERVICES
AMERICAN INSURANCE AGENCY 800-646-9980 2350 W Oakland Park Blvd # 800 Oakland Park, FL 33311 954-777-9980 x305; Fax 954-535-9797 gunarsman@aol.com
800-442-4690 7300 Corporate Center DR # 601 Miami, FL 33126 305-392-4300; Fax 305-392-4301 fpons@road-america.com www.road-america.com
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA – REGION TWO
RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS
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SERVICES
SUPPLIERS
Continued from page 43
ABLE-ONE MARINE & RV UNLIMITED
RV MASTER, INC
5900 Stirling Rd, Bay 4 Hollywood, FL 33021 954-587-1710; Fax 954-962-2621 bruceleehicks@bellsouth.net
PO Box 260177 Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 954-496-4787; Fax 305-232-2579 sean@rvmaster.org www.rvmaster.org
RV SALES OF BROWARD SERVICE 888-587-3337 1955 S State Road 7 (441) Ft Lauderdale, FL 33317 954-583-3382; Fax 954-583-9211 gigis@bellsouth.net www.rvsalesofbroward.com
ACE POWER GENERATOR 5900 Stirling Rd, # 4 Hollywood, FL 33021 954-275-7218; Fax 954-962-2621
CAMP USA SOUTH, INC 800-971-8840 2851 Hammondville Rd Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-971-8188; Fax 954-971-9993 info@onfreewheels.com www.campusarv.com
SOUTHEAST PUBLICATIONS 800-832-3292 4360 Peters Rd Ft Lauderdale, FL 33317-4511 954-583-3900; Fax 954-583-4109 www.sepub.com
800-835-2273 PO Box 970054 Coconut Creek, FL 33097-0054 561-750-1311; Fax 561-750-1503 bbush@telcarecorp.com www.telcarecorp.com
4135 N Dixie Hwy Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334-3025 954-565-9210; Fax 954-565-5580
10183 SW 49th Pl Cooper City, FL 33328 954-899-4653 parplayer1@aol.com www.eastcoastcustomcartsinc.com
HAPPY'S MOBILE SERVICE, INC 9324 NW 24th Pl Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 954-447-3788; Fax 954-962-8041
TRADER MEDIA 866-391-1552 X222 2 Oakwood Blvd # 170 Hollywood, FL 33020 954-927-0145 X222; Fax 954-923-8188 ric.castro@dominionenterprises.com www.dominionenterprises.com
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800-416-9041 23215 S Federal Hwy Homestead, FL 33032-2599 305-258-1212; Fax 305-258-0820 www.k-krv.com
NAUTICAL DESIGNS BY MARY ANN, INC PO Box 290395 Davie, FL 33329 954-915-8166 rj_sr@bellsouth.net www.nauticaldesignsbymaryann.com
ORANGE TKO, FL 9510 SW 81st St Miami, FL 33173 305-274-5781 kosharae@aol.com
DIXIE TRAILER SUPPLY
EAST COAST CUSTOM CARTS, INC TELCARE CUSTOMER RETENTION SERVICES
K&K TRAILER SUPPLIES
K&K RV & M/H SUPPLIES 5882 Stirling Rd Hollywood, FL 33021-1527 954-962-8558; Fax 954-962-8041 kandkrv@aol.com www.kandkrv.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
POINT MARINE, INC 800-942-1440 3330 N Federal Hwy Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 954-946-7840; Fax 954-942-1339 1captain@bellsouth.net www.yachtbike.com
TOTAL RACE BABE 888-287-9293 1136 N Flagler Dr Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-763-1117; Fax 954-764-3338 totalracebabeone@aol.com www.totalracebabe.com
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Story continued from page 42 It’s commonly said you can spend a whole day without hearing a word of English in Miami’s Little Havana, which is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Calle Ocho or Eighth Street (Calle Ocho translates to Eighth Street in Spanish) is lined with restaurants offering Latin specialties, and cafes where visitors can watch domino-playing men sip coffee con leche and argue about politics. Try the pork at Versailles Cuban Restaurant on 8th Street and then visit Little Havana to Go for a hand-rolled cigar. With its international reputation, Miami has become a redhot shopping destination. Perhaps the best-known place is town is still Lincoln Road, however, which has an eclectic mix of funky boutiques, restaurants and al fresco cafes. For bargain-hunters, the Dolphin Mall near the Miami International Airport is thoughtfully divided into zones that group similar stores and restaurants. Many visitors make their way to one of the city’s most popular attractions, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, but a lesser-known, 600-acre attraction is well worth a visit. It’s Matheson Hammock, which has well-marked nature trails and a lovely island-pool lagoon. It’s an un-crowded destination for both families and nature-lovers. If you’re hungry and it’s not too hot, you can dine outside at the Red Fish Grill on the water’s edge. If it’s sultry by day, the city gets steamy at night. Visitors might consider slipping into fashionable black before immersing themselves into the city’s internationally renowned clubs, lounges, and late-night spots. One of the newest “in” places is Devito’s South Beach, sponsored by actor Danny Devito. It’s a large Italian-style restaurant that can hold 200 patrons at a main building. For less demanding tastes, there are Dogma Grill outlets everywhere known for their All-American hot dogs with innovative gourmet toppings. For something truly different, try an all-natural vegetable hot dog.
Various environmental programs include nature walks along the Mangrove or Wild Tamarind trails. A 2.5-mile canoe trail winds through the mangrove swamp. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Underwater at Cannon Beach, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck, featuring an anchor and cannons, may be viewed. Marine life, including crabs and fish, can be observed in the seagrass beds. Picnic tables, grills and pavilions are located throughout the park. Lunch items, gifts and snorkeling equipment may be obtained at the concession. Reservations are strongly recommended for RVers and tent campers who wish to stay in the campground. A youth group campsite may also be reserved.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5 Key Largo, FL 33037 305-451-1202
FloridaStateParks.org For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
Outdoors: JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States. Located in the Florida Keys, most visitors are drawn to the park by the coral reefs and their associated marine life. Many enjoy the view from a glass bottom boat; but visitors can also get even closer by SCUBA diving or snorkeling. The Visitor Center features a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, nature exhibits and a theater showing nature videos.
Discover the underwater treasures of the coral reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
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BAY AREA
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THREE TAMPA REGION
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REGION 3
The TampaBay Area HERNANDO, PASCO, PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH & POLK COUNTIES FRVTA, Region 3 has everything you’ll need for a great RV adventure. Award-winning RV dealers, top-rated RV resorts and campgrounds, plus an abundance of certified service centers to make your next RV adventure a memorable one! Plus… a wide variety of shopping, cultural activities, nightlife and some of the top beaches in the world. We’re sure you’ll agree there is something for everyone in Region 3, the Tampa Bay area! Channelside / Port of Tampa
Salvador Dali Museum
Raymond James Stadium
Cypress Gardens
REGION 3
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Outdoor Activities
The Tampa Bay Area Region 3
Kayaking on the Weed River
The Florida Aquarium
www.frvta.org
VISIT A REGION 3 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO • 28 Dealers • 9 RV Resorts/Campgrounds • 53 RV Service & Suppliers • 2 Manufacturers • 7 Finance/Insurance
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TAMPA BAY AREA – REGION THREE
REGION THREE
TAMPA BAY AREA
T
his area is sometimes known as three destinations in one because it includes the larger cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the beachside community of Clearwater, as well as a number of smaller towns. There are literally miles and miles of fine beaches, easily accessible a short walk from parking areas. Since it’s on the gulf side of Florida rather than the wilder Atlantic Ocean, the water is tranquil and warm. The area’s No. 1 tourist destination is Busch Gardens, a theme park with wild animals and state-of-the-art roller coasters that include SheiKra, a new type of ride designed for the entire family. Try a simulated safari where you can feed celery to the giraffes. Across the street from the park is the Adventure Island water park. The best bet if you’re here for a while is to buy a Two-Day or Three-Day ticket at reduced prices.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of tourist attractions within an hour’s drive, including the town of Tarpon Springs, once a hotbed for Greek sponge divers, and Dinosaur World in Plant City, which has 150 life-sized prehistoric monsters. There’s also a picnic area and a playground for children. The historic Bok Tower in Lake Wales is sometimes called “Florida’s Higher Place.” It is a landmark with 128 acres of nature trails. The meandering garden is the crowning achievement of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and offers resting places, shady recesses, picturesque vistas and expansive splashes of color that many visitors find inspirational. In Homosassa Springs, visitors find one of the most beautiful fresh water springs on the planet. You can also see manatees, bobcats, deer, bears and cougars. Nearby Weeki Wachee Springs also has 200 acres of Florida foliage and a mermaid show. For family entertainment, visitors find Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach offers something for everyone. Deep-sea fishing trips can be booked here or you can cruise on their Dolphin Watch Nature ships. The Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg offers more than 50,000 tropical and flowering plants as well as a butterfly garden. The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens in Tampa has 10 acres of landscape displays and collections. If you’re in a gambling mood, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa is open 24 hours a day with these temptations: 2,000 gaming machines and 50 live action poker tables. There’s also a Treasure Island Casino Cruz that has over 200 slot machines ranging from a nickel to $100. Drinks are free to gamblers. If you fancy having dinner or lunch aboard a yacht, the Starlite Majesty in Tampa is a 115-foot-long boat with observation decks, fine cuisine and even a dance floor. Whether or not you’re artistically inclined, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg offers an entrancing collection of the artist’s often startling views of the world. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is well worth its ticket price of $17.95 for adults. You’ll encounter more than 10,000 aquatic plants and animals, ranging from huge sharks to playful river otters. There are two touch-tanks for hands-on experiences. Story continued on page 62 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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AMERICAN TRAVEL PARTNERS, INC 9195 Park Blvd Seminole, FL 33777 727-743-4362; Fax 727-399-9502 bs.jones@comcast.net
CAMP MACK'S RIVER RESORT 800-243-8013 14900 Camp Mack Rd Lake Wales, FL 33898 863-696-1108; Fax 863-696-1500 email@campmack.com www.campmack.com
DEER CREEK RV GOLF RESORT 866-322-5522 500 S Florida Ave, 7th Fl Lakeland, FL 33801 863-647-1581; Fax 863-647-3992 www.retirenet.com
DUNEDIN RV RESORT 800-345-7504 2920 Alternate 19 N Dunedin, FL 34698 727-784-3719; Fax 727-787-9821 campdbc@aol.com www.dunedinrv.com
LAKE ASHTON GOLF CLUB
TRAVELERS REST RESORT, LLC
866-322-5522 500 S Florida Ave 7th Floor Lakeland, FL 33801 863-647-1581; Fax 863-647-3992 breynolds@a-mproperties.com www.lakeashton.com
800-565-8114 29129 Johnston Rd Dade City, FL 33523-6128 352-588-2013; Fax 352-588-3462 randy@travelersrestresort.com www.travelersrestresort.com
MT OLIVE SHORES NORTH 888-667-6676 1067 Motorcoach Dr Polk City, FL 33868 863-984-2880; Fax 863-984-2880 www.mtoliveshoresnorth.com
ST PETERSBURG RESORT KOA 800-562-7714 5400 95th St N St Petersburg, FL 33708 727-392-2233; Fax 727-398-6081 stpetersburg@koa.net www.stpetersburgkoa.com
THEMEWORLD RV RESORT 2727 Frontage Rd Davenport, FL 33837 863-424-8362; Fax 863-424-8316 andrea@themeworldrv.com www.themeworldrv.com
WILDER CORP RV RESORTS 2536 Countryside Blvd # 250 Clearwater, FL 33763-1606 727-799-2111; Fax 727-791-1798 wildercorp@aol.com www.rvresorts.com
DEALERS A TO Z RV SUPERCENTER 800-688-2735 14714 US Highway 19 Hudson, FL 34667 727-862-5926; Fax 727-862-5001 info@atozrv.com www.atozrv.com Continued on page 53
EQUITY LIFESTYLES PROPERTIES 5100 West Lemon St # 308 Tampa, FL 33609 813-282-6754 x20; Fax 813-289-7628 katie_tharaken@mhchomes.com www.equitylifestyle.com
FOREST LAKE RV RESORT 800-283-9715 41219 Hockey Dr Zephyrhills, FL 33540 813-782-1058; Fax 813-788-5246 brett@premiercm.com www.premiercm.com/forestlakerv
JA-MAR TRAVEL PARK, INC 6650 San Marco Drive Port Richey, FL 34668 727-862-8882; Fax 727-862-8882 www.ja-mar-travelpark.com
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ADVENTURE RV CENTER OF FLORIDA 877-353-6936 109 N Kings Ave Brandon, FL 33510 813-655-7127; Fax 813-354-4426 adventurervfl@verizon.net www.adventurervcenter.com
AMERICAN TRAILERS 800-329-9556 6202 E Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 813-627-9555; Fax 813-664-8500 americantrailers@verizon.net www.americantrailers.biz
ARROW RV SALES 2892 Gulf To Bay Blvd Clearwater, FL 33759 727-796-7336; Fax 727-797-8777 arrowrv@aol.com www.arrowrvs.com
BANKSTON MOTOR HOMES 877-620-1818 10205 E Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 813-620-1818; Fax 813-620-3952 www.bankstonmotorhomes.com
BATES RV EXCHANGE
EAGLE RIDGE RV CENTER, INC
888-BATES RV 4656 McIntosh Rd Dover, FL 33527-4134 813-659-0008; Fax 813-659-0308 rvhelpfromhoward@aol.com www.batesrv.com
800-278-2886 14694 US Highway 27 S Lake Wales, FL 33859 863-638-1908; Fax 863-638-4069 kccrum@verizon.net www.eagle-ridge-rv.com
CAREFREE RESORT HOMES, LLC
EASYDAYS RVS AND MOTORS
37811 Chancey Rd Zephyrhills, FL 33541 813-780-9308; Fax 813-780-9262 harrell777@tampabay.rr.com www.carefreervresorts.com
800-664-0166 3901 N Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33619 813-664-0166; Fax 813-664-9782 easydaysoffice@aol.com www.easydaysrv.com
CONIBEAR RV CENTER
FOUNTAIN RV
800-981-2787 11636 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809-1019 863-858-4455; Fax 863-577-0573 dmills@smallrvs.com www.conibearrv.com
888-264-6523 8345 State Rd 33 N Lakeland, FL 33809 863-984-9764; Fax 863-984-0945 marke@fountainrv.com www.fountainrv.com
DUSTY'S CAMPER WORLD, LLC
GET AWAY CAMPERS
800-329-7878 7400 State Road 60 E Bartow, FL 33830-8483 863-533-2458; Fax 863-533-7589 jcrum@freedomroads.com www.dustysrv.com
800-354-2401 6800 66th St N Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-544-4562; Fax 727-544-2917 getaway544@aol.com www.get-awaycampers.com Continued on page 55
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GREAT ESCAPE RV CENTER 6333 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33614 813-878-2267; Fax 727-538-2223 jason@greatescaperv.com www.greatescaperv.com
GREAT ESCAPE RV CENTER 17335 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33764 727-538-2232; Fax 727-538-2223 grv1@tampabay.rr.com www.greatescaperv.com
LAZYDAYS RV CENTER
RV WORLD OF LAKELAND
800-626-7800 6130 Lazy Days Blvd Seffner, FL 33584 813-246-4333; Fax 813-246-4943 sschaffer@lazydays.com www.lazydays.com
877-663-7506 940 Crevasse St Lakeland, FL 33809 863-853-9177; Fax 863-858-9858 peterackerman@msn.com www.rvworldinc.com
LONG VIEW RV SUPERSTORES, INC
SUNCOAST RV, INC
877-386-4878 4811 McIntosh Rd Dover, FL 33527 813-982-1600; Fax 813-982-2933 flsales@longviewrv.com www.longviewrv.com
888-328-7281 6740 Park Blvd Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-545-3006; Fax 727-545-3056 jfisher@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
USA RV SALES
HARBERSON RV - PASCO, LLC
PARK MODELS PLUS
800-782-1551 2112 US Highway 19 N Holiday, FL 34691 727-937-6176; Fax 727-756-1084 r.hollan@harbersonrv.com www.harbersonrv.com
800-603-7889 10354 Smooth Water Dr Hudson, FL 34667 603-746-4216; Fax 603-746-4859 maria@parkmodelsplus.com www.parkmodelsplus.com
877-782-5173 35350 Condominium Blvd Zephyrhills, FL 33541 813-788-0243; Fax 813-782-7418 usarvsales@cs.com www.usarv-sales.com
WINTER HAVEN RV HARBERSON RV PINELLAS, LLC 800-782-0881 17028 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33764-7531 727-539-8714; Fax 727-539-1714 d.mallek@harbersonrv.com www.harbersonrv.com
HENKEL'S RV SALES 8640 US Highway 19 Port Richey, FL 34668 727-847-9800; Fax 727-849-9372 henkelsrv@verizon.net
KEN ROBERTSON RV CENTER, INC 800-233-7951 8340 Epicenter Blvd Lakeland, FL 33809 863-984-8911; Fax 863-984-5563 kenrobertson@tampabay.rr.com www.kenrobertsonrv.com
LA MESA RV CENTER 3315 US Highway 301 N Tampa, FL 33619 813-740-2149; Fax 813-740-2120 tjoslin@lamesarv.com www.lamesarv.com
PASCORAMA RV & AUTO SALES 800-303-6159 10101 State Road 52 Hudson, FL 34669 800-303-6159; Fax 727-856-6159
REGISTER RV 877-877-3388 14181 Cortez Blvd (State Road 50) Brooksville, FL 34613 352-592-4029; Fax 352-592-4032 gorving@registerrv.com www.registerrv.com
24691 Highway 27 N Lake Wales, FL 33859 863-439-7576; Fax 863-439-6844 www.winterhavenrv.net
FINANCE BANK OF AMERICA, NA 106 Running Horse Dr Seffner, FL 33584 813-661-8704; Fax 813-684-2190 samuel.scott@bankofamerica.com
RV LAND OF BRANDON
BB & T BANK
888-443-3883 3307 State Road 60 E Valrico, FL 33594 813-643-6846; Fax 813-653-4606 barber_00@msn.com www.rvland.org
28050 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33761-2634 727-415-2650; Fax 727-255-5232 pcarey@bbandt.com www.bbt.com
RV WORLD OF HUDSON, INC
GE COMMERCIAL DIST FINANCE CORP
888-674-8376 14103 US Highway 19 N Hudson, FL 34667 727-863-6218; Fax 727-869-7999 downtownhudson@yahoo.com www.rvworldhudson.com
800-289-4488 2330 E Bay Isle Dr St Petersburg, FL 33705 727-827-3101 john.p.anderson@ge.com www.gecdf.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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GULF COAST FUNDING 9500 Koger Blvd, Ste 200 St Petersburg, FL 33702 727-578-5035; Fax 727-578-8836 karen@gcmfinance.com www.gcmfinance.com
NEWCOAST FINANCIAL SERVICES 866-639-2627 18167 US Highway 19 N # 300 Clearwater, FL 33764 727-450-1160; Fax 727-450-1151 mike@newcoastfinancial.com www.newcoastfinancial.com
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PARLIAMENT COACH CORP
HOME-PRO
888-571-5755 13790-B Roosevelt Blvd Clearwater, FL 33762 727-571-1899; Fax 727-573-9538 admin@parliamentcoach.com wwwparliamentcoach.com
800-789-6653 3930 Tampa Rd Oldsmar, FL 34677 813-448-0005; Fax 813-448-0015 rpriebe@homeproext.com www.homeproext.com
SERVICES A-1 CONTRACT STAFFING 3829 Coconut Palm Dr Tampa, FL 33619 813-620-1661; Fax 800-618-6884 arthurlesher@aol.com www.a-1contractstaffing.com
AAA MOBILE RV REPAIR TAMPA BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 3815 N Nebraska Ave Tampa, FL 33603 813-247-4414; Fax 813-383-2392 cbaggett@tampabayfederal.com www.tampabayfederal.com
TEXTRON FINANCIAL GROUP 3004 W Chapin Ave Tampa, FL 33611 813-832-5229; Fax 813-832-5995 pbiehayn@textronfinancial.com www.textronfinancial.com
INSURANCE MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATES 888-872-0545 27737 Pine Point Dr Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-323-0562 masadon@bigfoot.com
MANUFACTURERS MARATHON COACH, INC 800-437-8295 11623 Corp Lake Blvd San Antonio, FL 33576 352-588-4500; Fax 352-588-2470 bobp@marathoncoach.com www.marathoncoach.com
3120 Moss Hill St Zephyrhills, FL 33543 813-782-7797; Fax 813-780-7490 dalew@htwc.biz
ASSURANT SOLUTIONS 800-283-0785 400 Carillon Pkwy # 300 St Petersburg, FL 33716 800-283-0785; Fax 727-561-9351 stewart.hamilton@assurant.com www.assurantsolutions.com/arvs
CREATIVE COACH COLLISION REPAIR 888-234-3439 8250 State Road 33 N Lakeland, FL 33809 863-984-3439; Fax 863-984-1876 craig@creativecoach.com www.creativecoach.com
CYBERLINK1 340 W Central Ave # 310 Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-299-3177; Fax 863-299-8728 sal@cyberlink1.com www.cyberlink1.com
DEALER RESOURCES GROUP 641 Gillette Ave Temple Terrace, FL 33617 813-956-6827; Fax 813-914-0390 davidjdrg@aol.com
JAMES REALTY GROUP 9804 Cypress Shadow Ave Tampa, FL 33647 813-309-8000; Fax 813-994-6548 jamesrealtygroup@msn.com www.jamesrealtygroup.com
MASTER COLLISION REPAIR 9816 US Highway 301 N Tampa, FL 33637 813-988-4332; Fax 813-985-3920 sboyer@mastercollisionrepair.com www.mastercollisionrepair.com
NATIONAL RV TRADER 888-560-8925 17757 US Highway 19 N # 475 Clearwater, FL 33764 866-582-9871; Fax 727-231-8898 jim.nixon@dominionenterprises.com www.traderonline.com
PROTECH COATING SERVICES, INC 866-839-2683 8795 66th Ct Pinellas Park, FL 33782 727-541-6406; Fax 727-545-3646 jboomer@protechcoating.com www.protechcoating.com
RENI PUBLISHING 800-274-2812 150 3rd St SW Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-294-2812; Fax 863-299-3909 dpearce@reni.net www.reni.net
RV & TRUCK CLEAR COATING, INC 10716 E US Highway 92 Tampa, FL 33610 813-626-4487; Fax 813-628-8286 rvclearcoat@aol.com www.rvtruckclearcoating.com Continued on page 58
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SERVICES
BARTOW CHEVROLET COMPANY, INC
DESIGN EMPORIUM CREATIONS, INC
Continued from page 56
888-533-0777 1475 W Main St Bartow, FL 33830 863-533-0777; Fax 863-533-0997 dave.thornton@bartowchevrolet.com www.bartowchevrolet.com
6250 5th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33707 727-798-9562; Fax 727-341-0808
RV ANYWHERE MOBILE RV SERVICE 877-788-3247 6924 Crown Lake Dr Gibsonton, FL 33534 877-788-3247 rvanywhere@earthlink.net www.rvanywhere.net
RV MEDIC 1702 E Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33612 813-935-3268; Fax 813-933-2757 johnny@rvmedic.com www.rvmedic.com
RV SHOPPER 800-367-1723 1211 E Main St Lakeland, FL 33801 863-688-6471; Fax 863-682-5098 leroy@showpubs.net www.rvee.com
SUNCOAST RV MANAGEMENT & RENTAL 5802-A E Fowler Ave # 121 Temple Terrace, FL 33617 813-984-0107 wallywlms@verizon.net www.flarvrental.com
VANTAGE BENEFIT SOLUTIONS, INC 800-283-9321 13065 N Telecom Pkwy Tampa, FL 33637 813-989-3791; Fax 813-988-2894 jerry@vantage-benefits.com
SUPPLIERS
BLUEWATER CYCLES 450 Seminole Blvd Largo, FL 33770 727-581-8514; Fax 727-586-7581 linda@bluewatercycles.com www.bluewatercycles.com
BR WHOLESALE 877-478-1111 110 Athens St # 100 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 727-692-0338; Fax 727-942-0466 jameswhidden@hotmail.com www.brwholesale.com
CLASSIC COACH WORKS 800-971-0017 3340 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9600 863-510-0017; Fax 863-510-0071 info@classiccoachworks.com www.classiccoachworks.com
COACHES BY DESIGN 7 N Verona Ave Avon Park, FL 33825 863-452-5600; Fax 863-452-1621 coachesbydesign@msn.com www.coachesbydesign.com
EUROSHINE USA, INC 13359 Chambord St Brooksville, FL 34613 352-596-4555; Fax 352-596-5299 www.euroshine.com
EZ RV PRODUCTS 400 Roberts Rd Oldsmar, FL 34677 813-854-1755; Fax 813-854-1767 info@ezrvproducts.com www.ezrvproducts.com
FLORIDA DETROIT DIESEL - ALLISON 888-883-5651 8411 Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619 813-621-5651; Fax 813-628-0807 rmiller@fdda.com www.floridadda.com
GATOR FORD TRUCK SALES, INC 11780 Tampa Gateway Blvd Seffner, FL 33584 813-980-3673; Fax 813-261-1251 rmcelheny@gatorford.com www.gatorford.com
GRANNY'S GONE WILD CUMMINS POWER SOUTH, LLC 5912 E Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33610 813-664-5801; Fax 813-664-5855 donnie.davis@cummins.com www.cumminspowersouth.com
PO Box 2607 Pinellas Park, FL 33780 727-744-4837 tooleyd@aol.com
HEALTH CRAFT COOKING SHOW 4 E CORPORATION 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd # 137 Winter Haven, FL 33884 863-258-3148 bwfe8fluke@yahoo.com www.4planetearth.net/fluke
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CUTCO CUTLERY 8313 Volusia Pl Tampa, FL 33637 305-388-8506; Fax 813-914-7899 cutcoconnection@yahoo.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
800-440-2132 5414 Town N Country Blvd Tampa, FL 33615-4120 813-881-0256; Fax 813-888-8331 melissa@healthcraft.com www.healthcraft.com
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SUPPLIERS Continued from page 59
HRP, INC 877-273-3671 4387 6th Isle Dr Hernando Beach, FL 34607 704-904-2869 bobingalls@hotmail.com www.rvgoodys.com
ISLAND TRADER 10460 Roosevelt Blvd # 342 St Petersburg, FL 33716 727-515-9963
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LIGHTNING RV SUPPLY
PROMPT RV SUNSCREEN
800-636-BOLT (2658) PO Box 448 Thonotosassa, FL 33592-0448 813-986-3442; Fax 813-986-3722 bradg@lightningrv.com www.lightningrv.com
877-965-1533 5600 Commercial Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-965-1533; Fax 863-968-9444 info@rvsunscreen.com www.rvsunscreen.com
MAJESTIC COACH CLUB
QUADRA MANUFACTURING, SE DIVISION
1970 Belcher Rd S. Largo, FL 33771 727-530-7136; Fax 727-524-3838 adenis@majesticcoachclub.com www.majesticcoachclub.com
MIMI'S PUP CAKES J & J SUNSHADES 18090 US Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-679-5428; Fax 863-696-5964 hayesindian@aol.com www.rvmat.com
J & M ENTERPRISES 12707 Social Dr Bayonet Point, FL 34667 727-808-0822 jandment@myway.com
3312 Carson Oaks Ln Plant City, FL 33565 813-220-8926 daryl@mimispupcakes.com www.mimispupcakes.com
MORNINGSTAR SPECIALTY FOODS 3604 Little Stearns Rd Valrico, FL 33594 813-661-0719 morningstarspecialtyfoods@yahoo.com
JEWELRY HAVEN 6511 Driftwood Dr Hudson, FL 34667 727-869-6564; Fax 727-868-7950 juliano@verizon.net
JNS SALES PO Box 6848 Seffner, FL 33583 813-986-6472 jonjoyhanscom@msn.com
LAKELAND AUTO AUCTION 800-967-2886 8025 N State Road 33 Lakeland, FL 33809 800-967-2886; Fax 863-984-8180 gary.mann@manheim.com www.lakelandautoauction.com
211 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33609 813-872-8100; Fax 813-872-7400 lxgulfcoast@comcast.net www.leatherexpressfurniture.com
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R & K SUNGLASSES 1695 Arabian Ln Palm Harbor, FL 34685-3343 727-480-9035; Fax 727-772-7482 kevinandrita@aol.com
REDSTREET ENTERPRISES 315 Windward Island Clearwater, FL 33767 727-441-3373 crdodaro@cs.com www.museumgel.com
PAMPER YOURSELF BY JUDY 10040 Alamein Dr Dade City, FL 33525 352-428-2185 judy@pamperyourselfbyjudy.com www.pamperyourselfbyjudy.com
RV TRAINING CENTER
PARKSITE SURFACES
SE POWER SYSTEMS OF TAMPA
800-237-0229 x205124 2604-I Tampa East Blvd Tampa, FL 33619-3059 800-237-0229 x205124; Fax 800-428-7890 relick@parksite.com www.parksite.com
PATIOMATS.COM, LLC LEATHER EXPRESS
800-699-6680 4411 Holden Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 863-619-8617; Fax 863-619-8598 quadra.man@verizon.net www.bigfootleveler.com
888-409-6806 4317 S Trask St Tampa, FL 33611-1152 813-655-0296; Fax 813-661-4199 sales@patiomats.com www.patiomats.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
12851-B 66th St N Largo, FL 33773 727-536-4694 gmackie2@tampabay.rr.com
800-329-7582 6515 Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619-3497 813-623-1551; Fax 813-626-3497 gcraig@se-power.com www.se-power.com
SKYMED INTERNATIONAL, INC 800-275-9633 3825 S Florida Ave, Ste 4 Lakeland, FL 33813 800-275-9633; Fax 863-648-5684 www.skymed.com
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TOUCH OF PURPLE
2736 Valencia Grove Dr Valrico, FL 33594 813-651-3573; Fax 813-651-3573
9208 Carr Rd Riverview, FL 33569 813-505-7623; Fax 813-677-9865 purplemantampa@hotmail.com
TAMPA BAY AREA – REGION THREE
SND ENTERPRISES
STRAWBERRY TREE FARMS 2202 Andre Dr Lutz, FL 33549 813-949-8586; Fax 813-949-9582 btrump@tampabay.rr.com
UNIQUE DESIGNS
TATTLE-TRAIL, LLC
WATERLESS CARWASH - HARGIN
7887 Bryan Dairy Rd, Ste 220 Largo, FL 33777 727-280-9438; Fax 727-230-6836 dw-tt@tampabay.rr.com www.tattle-trail.com
TEAM BUTKUS, INC 866-392-0068 PO Box 369 Port Richey, FL 34673 727-641-9399; Fax 727-857-1366 teambutkusinc@aol.com
THE RVER'S FRIEND
10800 Benbow Dr, Lot 194 New Port Richey, FL 34654 727-860-4069 sandrajoy1210@hotmail.com
888-535-6414 PO Box 565 Lithia, FL 33547 303-810-7819 pchargin@hughes.net www.pchargin.dwgint.net
WORK COMP PARTNERS 800-330-4745 215 E Main St # 100 Bartow, FL 33830 800-330-4745; Fax 863-534-3562 croonerr1@verizon.net www.workcomppartners.com
800-338-6317 PO Box 476 Clearwater, FL 33757 727-446-2866; Fax 727-443-4921 www.truckstops.com
THE STRESS STOP 9340 Elaine Dr New Port Richey, FL 34654 727-862-4364; Fax 727-861-0763 wagsplace2@msn.com www.stressstopinc.com
THINGS PAST & PRESENT 11125 Park Blvd # 104-202 Seminole, FL 33772 727-460-2269 tcorr7@aol.com
TKD DISTRIBUTION/ RAINBOW VACCUMS 10014 Cypress Shadow Ave Tampa, FL 33647 813-907-1756; Fax 813-994-0280 kikitroyd@aol.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Story continued from page 49 Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has been rated one of the best in the U.S. for children. It has more than 1,800 animals in 56 acres of natural habitats. There are also water play areas, rides and educational shows, and restaurants.
Focus: TAMPA Gold was on the mind of Ponce de Leon in 1521 when his three small ships visited what would become Tampa Bay. Other explorers also came looking for gold. Most ended up like Hernando de Soto, who not only found no gold but also perished along with half of his men. When an army fort was built in the early 1820s, the area acquired the Indian name of Tampa. It was an important port for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The city’s famous cigar industry was started in 1886 by tobacco processor Vicente Martinez Ybor. The 1920s real estate boom bought a spate of real estate speculators. Today, the city’s piratical past is romanticized with the yearly and often raucous Gasparilla Pirate Fest. But this has long been a partying town, and there are festivals year-round. A must-see in Tampa is Ybor City - Florida’s historic Latin quarter. Go to the Ybor City State Museum for a free map to take a self-guided walking tour (best done during daylight hours). While you’re here, don’t be put off by the immense size of the Columbia Restaurant, which has 15 dining rooms. It has been serving fine Spanish food since 1905. The service is generally impeccable. The award-winning restaurant is famous for its “1905” salad.
One of the best ways to get around Tampa is the TECO line streetcars, a 2.4-mile route that connects Ybor City with downtown and Channelside. The later is a waterfront entertainment center that opened in 2001. Channelside has a variety of gift, gourmet food, wine, art and clothing stores. Dining options range from casual to more sophisticated. For late night dinners, Mangroves Restaurant serves unique Florida dishes (their bar is also open until the wee hours). At night, you can also catch a movie at Channelside Cinemas 10, which has Tampa’s only IMAX Dome Theatre. The MOSI-Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa is the largest science center in the Southeastern United States. The more than 450 exhibits are educational but also highly entertaining. The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is one of the largest in North America. In addition to its Broadway series, it has grand opera, plays, concerts and educational performances. The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg - Tampa’s sister city - has a Dockside Eatery food court, as well as gift and boutique shops. You can charter a sailboat, sign up for a dolphin sightseeing tour or even rent your own electric boat here. You might want to also check out the schedule since there are more than 500 events held annually. For something off the beaten path, try In The Breeze Horseback Riding Ranch & Children’s Camp. It offers a variety of equestrian activities including hayrides, bonfires and pony rides. There are RV hook-ups with showers. You can also swim or hike along nature trails.
Outdoors: HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK Just north of Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park is a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance. Visitors can stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, picnic with family or pursue several water-based activities. Tours of Fort Foster, a replica of a Second Seminole War fort, are also available. Visitors can test their skills at freshwater fishing, canoe in the Hillsborough River, swim in the half-acre swimming pool or hike the trails along the river. Relax by the river rapids created as it flows over outcroppings of the Suwannee limestone. For tent or RV camping, campsites are equipped with water, electricity, fire ring and a picnic table. Campground amenities include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms and a centralized dump station. The Spirit of the Woods Poolside Café and Gift Shop serves breakfast, lunch and snacks. The gift shop offers necessities, souvenirs and a selection of field guides and books related to the park and Florida. Park rangers provide nature and history-based programs. Nature walks, campfire programs, Fort Foster tours and special programs are conducted on a regular schedule. Current program information is available at the ranger station.
Hillsborough River State Park 15402 US 301 North Thonotosassa, FL 33592 813-987-6771
FloridaStateParks.org Watching the Hillsborough River from the historic suspension bridge at Hillsborough River State Park just northeast of Tampa.
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
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ORLANDO AND SPACE COAST – REGION FOUR
FOUR ORLANDO REGION
& SPACE COAST
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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REGION 4
BREVARD, ORANGE, OSCEOLA, SEMINOLE, & VOLUSIA COUNTIES Region 4 of the Florida RV Trade Association welcomes you to
Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
the Central Florida area. We invite you to visit one of the 14 RV Dealers and 2 Manufacturers representing over 43 different manufacturer lines offering a large and diversified selection at competitive prices! Canoeing Inland
Daytona Beach’s Pepsi 400
In addition, Region 4 offers activities to suit everyone’s taste. The state’s top attractions, world famous beaches,
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championship golf courses and five
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star rated resorts and campgrounds can be found right here.
17 Space Shuttle Launches
10
Region 4 www.frvta.org
16 14 9 13
15 7
Port Canaveral 1 2 3 4
8 5 6
Cinderella’s Castle
CENTRAL FLORIDA
RV SHOW
February 21st–24th, 2008 Volusia County Fairgrounds DeLand, FL
Daytona Beach
REGION 4
DEALER LISTINGS 1
thru 17
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REGION 4
Orlando & The Space Coast • 14 RV Dealers • 2 Manufacturers • 3 RV Resorts /Campgrounds
• 26 Finance /Insurance Service/Suppliers
VISIT A REGION 4 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO
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REGION FOUR
ORLANDO & SPACE COAST
J
ust about everyone knows about Mickey Mouse and the area’s theme parks. This is, after all, the No. 1 family destination in the world. Even the local chamber people admit that it’s virtually impossible to visit all the area’s theme parks and other attractions. They’ve calculated it would take 67 eight-hour days to visit almost 100 major tourist stops here. But what people sometimes forget is that Central Florida also has a lot of cultural, sports and outdoor activities. Look at the numbers: There are 2,000 lakes in Orlando, 180 golf courses, 800 tennis courts, and 21 fitness trails where you can bike, walk or rollerblade. Cultural stops could include the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, which has the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The Orlando Museum of Art has a first-rate collection of 19th and 20ths century work. The Orlando area is also a golfing Mecca. All the top names in golf design are represented here. A tip: Write or visit the site of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau for a copy of its “Unexpected Orlando Guide.” It’s a 24-page booklet that includes maps and some of the places you may not have thought about visiting. You can’t escape theme parks in Orlando, however, and Walt Disney World is the king of the hill. Ranging from theme parks to water attractions and even live animals, it has just about anything under the sun when it comes to entertainment. Much quieter and serene Sea World Orlando is often preferred by visitors who want something more laid back. It’s the world’s most popular marine life adventure park with 200 acres of sea-themed shows, attractions and rides, including Kraken. The latter is the longest, tallest and fastest floorless roller coaster in Central Florida. Universal Orlando Resort appeals mainly to the adventure-minded younger guests, usually young men. A coming attraction: The resort
announced it was teaming with Warner Bros. Entertainment to create the world’s first Harry Potter theme park based on the wildly popular books by J. K. Rowling. If you want to get off the beaten theme park path, you might take in the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, about an hour’s drive from the Orlando attractions. The zoo has hundreds of sometime-endangered animals, including some rare snakes. Also off the beaten path is the Westgate River Ranch, where you can relive the “Wild West” and try your hand at skeet shooting. Another nearby attraction is the Daytona International Speedway, where you can become a race car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. A perennially popular place is Gatorland, a 60-year-old park that is home to thousands of alligators and has a petting zoo (no alligators here, however), a bird sanctuary, a small water park and outdoor entertainment that includes alligator wrestling. If a quiet family retreat is what you want, be sure to visit the Green Meadows Petting Farm. You can take a two-hour guided tour to see more than 300 farm animals. There’s also a chance to pet the animals, milk cows or ride a pony. Take along some food because there’s a picnic area. If you’re staying at the International Drive area where most tourists go, you can get around locally with the free I-Ride trolleys that operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. If you happen to be in downtown Orlando, you can rent carriage or bicycle rickshaws. Many visitors to Orlando also make the 30-minute drive to the Space Coast in Brevard County, where the most popular attraction is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Visitors can take tours of behind-the-scenes areas such as launch pads and meet real astronauts who wander around as goodwill ambassadors. What’s it like to be an astronaut? You can now find out by taking a ride on the recently opened Shuttle Launch Experience, which is a motion simulator that re-creates actual launches.
Focus: CAPE CANAVERAL The swampy marshland of Cape Canaveral was known primarily for its mosquitoes well into the 20th century. The dominant local industry was fishing and lobstering, as well as cattle ranching and growing oranges. But Cape Canaveral has one of the oldest names in North America. It was first found by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. “Canaveral” got its name as a Spanish word for canebrake, which is dense, thick growth. During World War II, the area became a military base. But its serious growth started around the time President Kennedy was in office. It was chosen as the center of the space program in part because rocket launches from here can take advantage of the earth’s rotation. In addition, rockets can be fired over an unpopulated ocean (in case of mishaps). Story continued on page 69 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS CAMP USA 888-647-6665 4560 Old Tampa Highway Kissimmee, FL 34746 407-944-0009; Fax 407-944-0093 campnorth@hughes.net www.onfreewheels.com
DISNEY'S FT WILDERNESS RESORT & CAMPGROUND PO Box 10000 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 407-WDW-CAMP; Fax 407-354-1820 www.wdwcamp.com
SPACE COAST RV RESORT 800-982-4233 820 Barnes Blvd Rockledge, FL 32955 321-636-2873; Fax 321-636-0275 scrv@spacecoastrv.com www.spacecoastrv.com
11 GIANT RECREATION WORLD 800-893-2552 1385 N US Highway 1 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-673-1615; Fax 386-673-3419 larry@grwrv.com www.grwrv.com
866-878-3678 5175 Highway 192 W Kissimmee, FL 34746 407-397-3650; Fax 407-397-3104 dray@freedomroads.com www.dustysrv.com
1112 N US Highway 1 Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2997 386-677-5588; Fax 386-672-4974 sales@robbinscampers.com www.robbinscampers.com
4 SUNCOAST RV 2 GIANT RECREATION WORLD 800-654-8475 13906 W Colonial Dr Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-6444; Fax 407-573-6442 dennis@grwrv.com www.grwrv.com
INDEPENDENCE RV 3 SALES & SERVICE 800-277-7878 12705 W Colonial Dr Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-7878; Fax 407-573-0127 ronnie@independencerv.com www.independencerv.com
DEALERS 5 DUSTY'S CAMPER WORLD
12 ROBBINS CAMPER SALES
7 LEISURE TIME RV 800-260-3578 1012 S Hopkins Ave Titusville, FL 32780 321-636-7742; Fax 321-383-2490 leisuretimerv@cfl.rr.com www.leisuretimerv.com
866-482-7220 12201 W Colonial Dr (SR 50) Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-654-9437; Fax 407-656-0028 billdoyle@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
8 SUNCOAST 800-785-9100 4700 Highway 520 Cocoa, FL 32926 321-504-6500; Fax 321-632-4708 info@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
17 THE CAR SHOP TRAILER SALES, LLC
877-258-1445 PO Box 250309 Holly Hill, FL 32125 386-258-1445; Fax 386-258-2114 jeanine@bestpricetrailers.com www.bestpricetrailers.com
FINANCE BANK OF THE WEST
14 FIVE-R TRUCK & TRAILER 866-688-9403 680 Hickman Cir Sanford, FL 32771 407-688-9484; Fax 407-688-9484 sales@fiverfl.com www.fivertruckandtrailer.com
1 LEISURE TIME RV 800-336-6565 14100 W Colonial Dr Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-4300; Fax 407-905-5650 ltimerv@aol.com www.leisuretimerv.com
GE MONEY
15 FLORIDA LUXURY COACH 1800 Bobby Lee Point Sanford, FL 32771 407-324-3434; Fax 407-324-3440 vicki@floridaluxurycoach.com www.floridaluxurycoach.com
6 GIANT RECREATION WORLD 800-700-1021 5270 N US Highway 1 Melbourne, FL 32940 321-242-6261; Fax 321-242-6901 lee@grwrv.com www.grwrv.com
800-843-2327 X3834 4948 Atwood Dr Orlando, FL 32828 925-942-8300; Fax 925-938-7446 brop@bankofthewest.com www.bankofthewest.com
10 LONGSTREET RV'S 5946 S Ridgewood Ave Port Orange, FL 32127 386-788-6321; Fax 386-788-2476 longstreetrvs@aol.com www.longstreetrvs.com
16 RIVER CITY TRADING COMPANY 2827 Highway 44 W Deland, FL 32720 386-740-7500; Fax 386-740-7500 keylargopetedeb@aol.com
17817 Olive Oak Way Orlando, FL 32820 407-568-5450; Fax 407-568-5451
INSURANCE AGENCY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION 1509 W Broadway Oviedo, FL 32765-6576 407-366-6707; Fax 407-366-6227 amcjj@aol.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ORLANDO AND SPACE COAST – REGION FOUR
Numbered listings refer to page 64
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Numbered listings refer to page 64
INSURANCE Continued from page 67
BURKEY RISK SERVICES, INC 800-987-4136 1661 Sandspur Rd Maitland, FL 32751 407-682-1122; Fax 407-682-4977 mhigdon@burkeyriskservices.com www.burkeyriskservices.com
GILBERT RV INSURANCE 888-784-6787 5780 S Semoran Blvd Orlando, FL 32822 407-382-3344; Fax 407-482-6540 tgilbert@gilbertrvinsurance.com www.rv-insurance.com
WILLIAMS & STAZZONE INSURANCE AGENCY
DAYTONA AUTO AUCTION
CAMP-R-COMFORTS
800-881-3233 1305 Indian Lake Rd Daytona Beach, FL 32124 386-255-2500; Fax 386-238-7249 sharon.robbins@manheim.com
454 Birchington Ln Melbourne, FL 32940 321-259-5922; Fax 321-259-5922 lisa27@bellsouth.net
ESA (EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS OF AMERICA) 675 S. Apollo Blvd Melbourne, FL 32951 321-728-0210; Fax 321-728-0213 joan@esanow.com www.esanow.com
KELCOR SERVICES 1600 Gran Via Dr Orlando, FL 32825 407-701-9800; Fax 407-381-9892 mattohammer@yahoo.com
800-868-1235 99 N Atlantic Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 321-868-2000; Fax 321-868-2003 rwilliams@wsins.com www.wsins.com
RV RENTALS OF ORLANDO, INC
MANUFACTURERS
RV SOLUTIONS, LLC
9 FEATHERLITE COACHES, INC 4441 Orange Blvd Sanford, FL 32771 407-323-1120; Fax 407-321-0676 www.fthr.com
13 MILLENNIUM LUXURY COACHES 1600 Bobby Lee Piont Sanford, FL 32771 407-328-0190; Fax 407-323-0013 sales@millenniumluxurycoaches.com www.millenniumluxurycoaches.com
SERVICES BLUE GREEN RESORTS 12400 S International Dr Orlando, FL 32821 321-329-3254; Fax 321-329-3267
CAMPING CONNECTION, INC 888-252-2267 9140 W Highway 192 Kissimmee, FL 34747 407-397-2267; Fax 407-397-4866 campconn@aol.com www.campingconnectionrv.com
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540 Douglas Ave Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-473-9311; Fax 407-696-9188 rvrentalsorlando@embarqmail.com www.rvrentalsoforlando.com
5357 Chiswick Cir Orlando, FL 32812 321-689-9238; Fax 407-438-2098 hmcalhaney@cfl.rr.com
DISCOVERY MARKETING & DISTRIBUTING 800-382-7638 1000 Sunshine Ln Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-862-0471 discoverymarketinganddistributing.rainsoft.com
FIAMMA 2427 Forsyth Rd, Ste A Orlando, FL 32807-6461 407-672-0091; Fax 407-672-0093 www.fiamma.com
HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH 3212 Kayenta Ct Orlando, FL 32829 407-927-3392 kmargolis@bellsouth.net
MIDLANTIC MARKETING 800-470-0876 750 Fentress Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-547-8013; Fax 386-274-2414 radams@mmsidirect.com www.mmsidirect.com
MIST-ER-COMFORT RV SPECIALIST, INC 4717 Andrus Ave Orlando, FL 32804 407-797-4916; Fax 407-297-3606 rvspecialistinc@aol.com
888-MIST-310 5703 Red Bug Lake Rd # 103 Winter Springs, FL 32708 407-695-0958 cford53@cfl.rr.com www.mist-er-comfort.com
SUPPLIERS
NAUTICAL NEEDLES CUSTOM EMBROIDERY
AIR SAFE HITCHES
1270 N Wickham Rd, Ste 16-208 Melbourne, FL 32935 321-626-1498 debra@nauticalneedles.com www.nauticalneedles.com
711 Celebration Ave Celebration, FL 34747 321-939-2132; Fax 866-201-3391 lstegemann@airsafehitches.com www.airsafehitches.com
ALL PRO WATER-FLOW CENTRAL FLORIDA PO Box 553 Mims, FL 32754 321-446-0175; Fax 321-248-0105 apwfcf@earthlink.net www.allprowaterflow.com
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
PENINSULA PRESSURE PRO, LLC 877-675-6276 8108 Calabria Ct Orlando, FL 32836 407-401-9250; Fax 407-401-9282 info3p@earthlink.net www.peninsulapressurepro.com
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424 Plantation Dr Titusville, FL 32780 435-649-5865 sales@rvquickshades.com www.rvquickshades.com
SATURN OF DAYTONA 800-741-2525 650 N Nova Rd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-255-2252; Fax 386-238-3952 jhoganjr@cfl.rr.com www.saturnofdaytona.com
SE POWER SYSTEMS OF DAYTONA, INC 888-228-6708 1629 Mason Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32117 386-274-2111; Fax 386-274-1166 gchasmar@se-power.com www.se-power.com
SE POWER SYSTEMS OF ORLANDO 800-733-6101 4220 N Orange Blossom Trl Orlando, FL 32804 407-293-7971; Fax 407-298-1482 kgoodrum@se-power.com www.se-power.com
SOUTHERN CANDLE, INC 606 Hamilton Dr Orlando, FL 32833 407-568-2924; Fax 407-568-5460 cleanaircandles@yahoo.com www.cleanaircandles.com
YOUNGS MOTORIZED TOYS PO Box 5098 Winter Park, FL 32793 407-325-5207; Fax 407-671-8071 tylerspop62@aol.com
Story continued from page 65 After massive job cutbacks during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the town and entire area embraced tourism. “The Space Coast,” as it is now known, reflects its major claim to fame. It’s a 72-mile stretch of beaches, space age attractions and protected wildlife refuges. Naturally enough, the Kennedy Space Center is the No. 1 tourist destination here. But there’s a lot more down-to-earth attractions, many of them nature-oriented. For those who want some isolation and “dare to bare,” Playalinda is popular. Be aware, however, that you will have to bring your own coolers because this beach has no commercial development. If you’re an angler, you might want to see the Sebastian Fishing Museum. It’s an enlightening way to learn about Florida’s early fishing industry. There’s a replica of an original fish house and dock. The pier in Cocoa Beach is a complete destination by itself with one-stop fishing, shopping, dining, and general beach access. If you’re hungry and like games, try Ricky’s Ice Cream Parlor & Arcade, where there’s a wide selection of ice cream and a slew of video and arcade games. For nature pursuits, the Brevard Zoo offers more than 550 animals representing 165 different species from all over the world. You can kayak through the zoo to see 60 of the animals or take a train ride. You can hand-feed the giraffe and lorikeets. Art and cultural choices include the Brevard Museum of History and Science, which includes 22 acres of hiking trails. There’s also a diverse collection of historic artifacts and scientific specimens. Another choice: take a relaxing walk down the tree-lined streets of historic Cocoa Village, which has many homes and buildings on the National Historic Register, some of them dating back to the 1880s. There are a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainments along the way. For the offbeat, try the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s the nation’s first national police museum and memorial. You can see an electric chair, gas chamber and even shoot revolvers and semi-automatics at the museum’s indoor shooting range. You may not even like the water but the original 52,000-square-foot Ron Jon Surf
Shop is worth a visit to see everything suited for the beach lifestyle. The cool clothing is worth a look. And you can go anytime of the night or day because the shop never closes.
Outdoors: WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK Wekiwa Springs State Park, northeast of Orlando, is a perfect escape from a fast-paced world to a world of natural beauty and fun. Forty-two million gallons of crystal clear water flow each day from Wekiwa Springs, down the run before joining with Rock Springs Run to form the beautiful upper Wekiva River. Within the park’s 7,800 acres, 19 distinct and diverse plant communities sustain an abundance of wildlife. Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Wekiwa Springs, a constant 72 degrees, or canoe the 7.5-mile trail of the gentle Wekiva River between river banks edged with sabal palms, purple asters and an occasional orchid. Enjoy a picnic or let the children play at the playground in a shady area east of the springhead. Two covered pavilions may be reserved. Hike along a 13-mile trail that winds through the flatwoods and past two backpacking campsites, while a two-mile trail links the springs and Sand Lake, a quiet fishing spot, and intersects the eightmile horse trail. Approximately nine miles of multiuse trails can be used for bicycling. The Sandhill campground has 60 sites for RVs and tents. Visit the nature museum for park information and occasional live animal displays. Canoe and kayak rentals and shuttles, gift shop merchandise, food and beverages are offered at the park concession.
Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle Apopka, FL 32712 407-884-2008
FloridaStateParks.org For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
ZOE AND COMPANY, INC 412 W Crystal Dr Sanford, FL 32773 407-766-7488 jbwhiting@sprintpcs.com
Take a cool swim in the crystal clear waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park northeast of Orlando. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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RV QUICK SHADES
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FIVE
PANHANDLE
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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FLORIDA PANHANDLE – REGION FIVE
REGION
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Region 5
ature Enjoying n
Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties The “Old Florida” charm that has long drawn visitors is easy to find in NORTHWEST FLORIDA. Unspoiled coastal beauty and quiet towns rich in history make a trip to the state’s “PANHANDLE” a vacation to treasure. Although summertime typically is high season for visitors here, a gentle change of seasons means your visit will be pleasant any time you choose to come. In addition to beachcombing, active visitors to this region of the state will find plenty of opportunities to golf, go boating, snorkel and dive, or enjoy world-famous fishing. The Panhandle claims some of the most beautiful lakes, bays and rivers in the state.
REGION 5
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Region 5
www.frvta.org
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
VISIT A REGION 5 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO
St. Andrews State Park
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lf on the Gu Camping
Florida State University
ar long Golf all ye
Pristine beach in Pensacola
Seaside
ns Fort Picke
Silver Sands Factory Stores
PENSACOLA RV SHOW April 3rd–6th, 2008 Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds 73 Pensacola,WWW.FRVTA.ORG FL
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FLORIDA PANHANDLE – REGION FIVE
REGION FIVE
FLORIDA PANHANDLE T
he northwestern extension of Florida that stretches along the Gulf
Coast is invariably known as the “Panhandle.” It has vast stretches of wild pine forests and is generally less developed than waterfront areas in other parts of the state. The area is best-known for its 52 miles of warm-water beaches that are so sparkling white that children sometimes try to eat a handful of sand thinking it is sugar. The waters of the gulf here are so green they could be a permanent postcard for Ireland. The beaches are ranked among the best in the world. The sand is actually squeaky as you walk on it. That’s because it’s pure white quartz that started out in life eons ago as granite from the Appalachian Mountains. This area of Florida is cooler than much of the rest of the state. Winter months are somewhat chilly for swimming and sunbathing, but the weather is just fine for golf, tennis, biking and any other outdoor activity. The Panhandle is well-known for its diving, and some observers say it is comparable to some of the best destinations in the world. Divers can find popular game fish such as grouper and tuna,
crabbing, cast netting, camping and hiking trails. Walk up a
tropical fish such as butterfly fish, and even octopus and lobsters. A
40-foot observation area to see surrounding marshlands, pine
popular stop for divers is the retired USS Oriskany, scuttled last year
forests and beaches.
to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The 911-foot-long aircraft
Santa Rosa Island also has two tracts in the national seashore,
carrier sits upright on a soft sandy bottom in Pensacola Pass. All skill
each with two sides. On one side, there’s rolling dunes and the
levels can access it because it’s located at just 67 feet of depth.
Gulf of Mexico. On the other side is Santa Rosa Sound itself. The
Fishermen might want to head for the 107-acre Blackwater River State Forest. Boats and canoes are available to rent.
rolling dunes and the Gulf combine to offer perfect conditions for any type of water sport.
Outdoor activities in the area stretch from the shimmering Gulf of
In the Panhandle, you can also visit the state’s capital of
Mexico to the rustic woodlands and creeks of the small town of
Tallahassee. It’s a small city closer geographically to Atlanta than to
Milton, formerly known as Scratch Ankle in Santa Rosa County, which
Miami known for its rolling hills, ancient forests and hundreds of
sometimes calls itself “the canoe capital of Florida.”
recreationally-rich lakes. It offers some of the world’s deepest
If you’re visiting the area, don’t leave out the place where
freshwater springs, Capitol buildings, various museums, more than
Geronimo did time. The great Apache leader was imprisoned during
70 impressive and sprawling plantations and a variety of civil rights
the 1880s at Fort Pickens, which is within the Gulf Islands National
monuments. If you visit the Hernando de Soto Archaeological site,
Seashore. It’s now a popular area for fishing, diving and camping.
you’ll see where America’s first North American Christmas celebration
Big Lagoon State Recreation Area also offers fishing, boating,
was held around 1539, historians believe. Story continued on page 78 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS CAMPING ON THE GULF 877-226-7485 10005 W Emerald Coast Pkwy Destin, FL 32550 850-585-5422; Fax 850-654-5048 pat@campgulf.com www.campgulf.com
DESTIN RV BEACH RESORT 877-737-3529 362 Miramar Beach Dr Destin, FL 32550 850-837-3529; Fax 850-837-4746 info@destinrvresort.com www.destinrvresort.com
PANAMA CITY BEACH RV RESORT 866-637-3529 4702 Thomas Dr Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-249-7352; Fax 850-249-1470 info@panamacityrvresort.com www.panamacityrvresort.com
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EMERALD COAST RV CENTER
RV CONNECTIONS
877-939-3484 6240 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563-9015 850-939-3484; Fax 850-939-5109 cmellow@emeraldcoastrv.com www.emeraldcoastrv.com
800-958-6886 1915 Highway 231 Panama City, FL 32405 850-763-9400; Fax 850-763-9409 rvconnections@comcast.net www.rvconnections.com
HOLIDAY ON WHEELS 888-612-8202 4133 N Highway 231 Panama City, FL 32404 850-215-1156; Fax 850-215-1159 howsam@knology.net www.holidayonwheels.org
ARROWHEAD RV SALES, INC 866-277-6978 4820 E Highway 90 Marianna, FL 32446 850-526-7578; Fax 850-526-7573 arrowhead@phonl.com www.arrowheadcamp.com
CAMPING WORLD 800-995-1282 31300 Blue Star Hwy (US 90) Midway, FL 32343 850-576-8822; Fax 850-574-8023 ltaylor@emeraldcoastrv.com www.emeraldcoastrv.com
800-892-8268 4100 W 23rd St Panama City, FL 32405-1318 850-785-1566; Fax 850-785-8610 howsam@knology.net www.holidayonwheels.org
I-10 RV CENTER, LLC 5150 S Ferdon Blvd Crestview, FL 32536 850-398-6583; Fax 850-398-6607 joe@i10rv.gccoxmail.com www.i10rvcenter.com 800-542-4815 1490 Highway 98 W Mary Esther, FL 32569 850-581-0881; Fax 850-581-2300 hilltyme@aol.com www.leisuretymerv.com
LEISURE TYME RV 800-472-4437 6428 Pensacola Blvd Pensacola, FL 32505 850-476-6848; Fax 850-474-6392 sales@lleisuretymerv.com www.leisuretymerv.com
OPEN ROAD, INC RV CENTER 135 E Miracle Strip Pkwy Mary Esther, FL 32569-1921 850-244-4020; Fax 850-664-2189 jack@openroad.gccoxmail.com
CARPENTER'S CAMPERS
RUNAWAY RV
800-477-6630 8450 Pensacola Blvd Pensacola, FL 32534-4349 850-477-6666; Fax 850-477-2803 rvsales@carpenterscampers.com www.carpenterscampers.com
877-490-5708 1141 Main St Chipley, FL 32428 850-638-5194; Fax 850-638-8578 runaway_rv@yahoo.com www.runawayrv.com
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866-441-4678 3926 E 15th St Panama City, FL 32404 850-763-6910; Fax 850-763-6929 kay@rvconnections.com www.rvconnections.com
HOLIDAY ON WHEELS
LEISURE TYME RV
DEALERS
RV CONNECTIONS
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
INSURANCE HALL INSURANCE AGENCY, INC 8317 Front Beach Rd # 17C Panama City Beach, FL 32407 850-234-2434; Fax 850-234-3314 debr@knology.net
SERVICES BILL'S RV SERVICE 3177 George Cabaniss Rd Milton, FL 32570 850-957-1585; Fax 850-957-8707 billsrv@dishmail.net
DOYLE ENTERPRISES 7342 Eight Mile Creek Rd Penascola, FL 32526 850-944-4518; Fax 850-941-8212 doyleenterprises@cox.net
EMERALD COAST RV DEVELOPMENT, INC 866-939-4407 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Ste 25 Navarre, FL 32566 850-939-4407; Fax 850-939-4441 lynthart@aol.com
EVERYTHING ON WHEELS STORAGE 8154 Ashland Ave Pensacola, FL 32534-7300 850-478-6633
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LANDRUM PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER SERVICES
www.viprv.com
800-888-0472 6723 Plantation Rd Pensacola, FL 32504 850-476-5100; Fax 850-478-4088 tholz@landrumcompanies.com www.landrumcompanies.com
PASSPORT AMERICA 800-681-6810 602 S Main St Crestview, FL 32536 800-681-6810; Fax 228-831-4616 ryan@passportamerica.com www.passportamerica.com
SPACE BOX STORAGE 888-25-SPACE 1701 S Highway 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-622-9564; Fax 850-622-5564 goproject@hotmail.com www.spaceboxusa.com
TERRA DEL MAR DEVELOPMENT, LLC 866-939-4407 7552 Navarre Pkwy # 25 Navarre, FL 32566 850-939-4407; Fax 850-939-4441 srowe49@bellsouth.net www.terradelmar.com
SUPPLIERS RV WINDSHIELD COVERS OF FLORIDA PMB 9866 PO Box 2428 Pensacola, FL 32513 863-660-9225 bill@rvwindshieldcovers.com www.rvwindshieldcovers.com
SUN COAST CONVERTERS, INC 800-868-0053 819 Navy St Ft Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-864-2361; Fax 850-864-0943 robert@suncoastconverters.com www.suncoastconverters.com
VIP ENTERPRISES 800-422-4663 x847 428 Childers St # 847 Pensacola, FL 32534 734-516-2056; Fax 734-902-6060 office@viprv.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Story continued from page 75 Some Panhandle visitors take in the ruined fort at the Perdido Key
Today, Pensacola’s past comes alive in the Historic Pensacola
Beach, an out-of-the-way island that meets up with Alabama. This is
Village and Historical Museum. Costumed interpreters display
the perfect place for a long walk along a secluded shoreline. Stop
household artifacts from the early 1800s. The Village is part of
for a drink at one of the world’s most famous party spots, the
the downtown Seville District, one of the oldest historic districts in
Flora-Bama Lounge and Package store, open every day at 11 a.m.
the Southeast. Nearby is the Colonial Archeological Walking Trail. Visitors can take self-guided tours to retrace Pensacola’s
Focus: PENSACOLA
history. One of Florida’s oldest churches, Old Christ Church, can
The city got its name from the Panzacola Indians who greeted the
be found here. And for some eerie history, take a walk through
first Spanish explorers in 1559. Since that time, the sometimes
the St. Michael’s Cemetery, which was integrated long before the
tumultuous city’s history includes the flags of several nations flying
rest of the nation. It contains the graves of both statesmen and
over Pensacola, as well as Union and Confederate army flags.
slaves who lie side by side. The eight-acre cemetery is believed to
The first Spanish settlement of 1,400 people was devastated by a major hurricane. The city was passed on to France, then Britain then back to Spain. The United States took possession in 1821. Pensacola is actually Florida’s original settlement, pre-dating
have been first established in 1701. The Pensacola Historical Museum housed in an 1882 building first known as the Gulf Saloon offers a variety of exhibits of the early Indians, military and maritime residents of the area.
St. Augustine by six years. But the colony here failed (preventing it
Pensacola’s military bearing holds up to this day. This is the
from eclipsing St. Augustine as the first “permanently settled”
headquarters of the Pensacola Naval Air Station. A can’t-miss sight
U.S. outpost).
here for the entire family is the National Museum of Naval
Through its early years, Pensacola endured destruction at
Aviation, one of the three largest aviation museums in the
the hands of the French, devastation by hurricanes and even a
world. It features more than 170 vintage aircraft in 300,000sf
succession of raids by Creek and Seminole Indians.
of space. The museum is one of only two locations nationwide
After the ravages of the Civil War when both armies had a fort in
featuring four real F-14 flight-training simulators with actual
the area, the city began to boom as a center for lumber production.
controls. Admission is free. And on Tuesday and Wednesday
The first airplanes arrived in 1914, and in modern times,
mornings, from March to November, visitors can watch the
the city became known as a U.S. Navy aviation center and laid
world-famous Navy Blue Angels practice their thrilling maneuvers in
back tourist destination.
the skies above.
Enjoy the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Topsail Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. This RV park is a paradise.
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One of the most offbeat but interesting places to visit is the very popular Joe Patti’s Seafood Market, which has a flurry of activity with workers in oversized white rubber boots and aprons shouting out orders as customers stand below-to-elbow waiting to make their purchases. Nearby, if you come near the end of the day, you can watch the shrimpers’ dock with their day’s catch.
Outdoors: TOPSAIL HILL PRESERVE STATE PARK Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is named for a majestic dune, resembling a ship’s topsail, which stands 25 feet above sea level. Visitors can enjoy 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches, three coastal dune lakes and coastal forests. Swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed along 3.2 miles of beach. Anglers are able to fish along the beach. The Morris Lake Nature Trail is a 2.5-mile walk along Morris Lake and along ancient coastal dune lakes. Hikers can also enjoy miles of abandoned jeep trails while picnickers can lunch at the boardwalk to the beach or at the Morris Lake beach access. A tram shuttles visitors to the beach from the day-use parking area. Visitors may also walk or ride their bikes down to the beach. Nature hikes and educational programs are scheduled regularly. RV-sites (no tents) are available and can accommodate RVs up to 45-feet-long. Campground amenities include sewer, water, electric, cable, restrooms with showers, swimming pool, shuffleboard, tennis courts and beach access. Cabins are also available for weekly rental.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Phone: 850-267-0299
FloridaStateParks.org For camping or cabin information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA – REGION SIX
SIX NORTHEAST REGION
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REGION 6 Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union counties
Florida’s F
Glimpses at Florida’s past, and plenty of options for modern recreation, are among the highlights of a visit to NORTHEAST FLORIDA, the area known as “Florida’s First Coast.” You can take a trip through
Jacksonville
the centuries with the timeless delights of St. Augustine and rural inland towns, not far from the bustling waterfronts of metropolitan Jacksonville, and miles of serene Atlantic beaches are neighbors to some of the most acclaimed golf courses in the world.
JACKSONVILLE RV SUPERSHOW February 28th – March 2nd, 2008 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Jacksonville, FL
Family Fun at the Beach Amelia Island
Amelia Island
VISIT A REGION 6 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO • 12 Dealers • 1 Campground • 7 RV Service • 4 Suppliers
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s First Coast
O
Kaykaing on the ???? Bird Watching
Year-round Golfing
Nightime at the Jacksonville Landing
Riding Horses on Amelia Island
Boats docked on St. Johns River Region 6 www.frvta.org
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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NORTHEAST FLORIDA – REGION SIX
REGION SIX
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
S
t. Johns County has 42 miles of beaches from posh Ponte Verde
18-hole putting course. The attraction also has two great golf
Beach to the southern end of the county near quiet Crescent Beach.
courses with perhaps even better names: The King & Bear, and
The largest city, St. Augustine, has only 12,000 year-round residents
the Slammer & Squire.
and is best known for its place in history. The quiet resort town of
Five miles from St. Augustine’s downtown, visitors find the
Ponte Vedra perched on the Atlantic Coastline is about a 40-minute
St. Johns Flea Market, which bills itself the last of its kind in Florida.
drive from St. Augustine.
It has 500 booths and hundreds of dealers offering the old, the new,
The Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra is home to the PGA TOUR. You have to be a hotel guest at the Sawgrass
the antique and the unique. There’s an entertainment arena with a stage, a 10-acre lake for fishing and a 70-acre RV park.
Marriott Resort & Spa to play the stadium course famous for its 17th
One of the most popular attractions among many historical sites
island green, but anyone interested in the sport will enjoy
in St. Augustine is the Fountain of Youth, eagerly sought by Spanish
the nearby World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village. The
explorer Ponce de Leon. Visitors can drink from the legendary spring,
194-foot-tall tower is like a beacon for players. Ride an elevator to
which may not make you any younger but you can also poke
the top and the views are stunning. Two floors trace the history of
through archeological ruins and see where the first Christian
the game and include memorabilia such as Payne Stewart’s Ryder
Indian burials were held.
Cup golf bag. Admission to the Hall includes an IMAX movie and an
A contrast to all the serious historical sites here is the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. It’s here! Gasp! A mummified cat! A life and death mask of Abraham Lincoln! Gasp! More than 800 oddities! A more educational collection of oddities can be seen at the Lightner Museum, where you’ll find one of the most unique collections of intriguing items anywhere, ranging from elegant stained glass to startling shrunken heads. Chicago publisher Otto C. Lightner purchased the former hotel to give space to his lifetime collection of eclectic objects. If you want a personalized field trip of any type, historical or otherwise, St. Augustine’s Guides for Hire make all the arrangements. No deposits are required, and the prices are reasonable for the city-licensed guides. Story continued on page 89 WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS OCEAN GROVE RV RESORT 800-342-4007 4225 Highway A1A S St Augustine, FL 32080 904-471-3414; Fax 904-471-3590 mark@oceangroveresort.com www.oceangroveresort.com
DEALERS
Page 86
NEW HORIZON RV 617 S US Highway 17 San Mateo, FL 32187 386-326-8900; Fax 386-326-8903 jerry@nhrv.com www.nhrv.com
OCEAN GROVE RV SUPERCENTER 800-635-2926 6775 US Highway 1 S St Augustine, FL 32086 904-797-5732; Fax 904-797-8621 rob@oceangroverv.com www.oceangroverv.com
CAMPING WORLD RV SALES 800-953-1028 600 Belz Outlet Rd St Augustine, FL 32084 904-486-9050; Fax 904-486-9068 smanson@freedomroads.com www.freedomroads.com
DICK GORE'S RV WORLD 800-635-7008 14590 Duval Pl W Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-741-5100; Fax 904-741-6684 rvdrakeman@aol.com www.dickgoresrvworld.com
RICK BAKERS RV & CAMPING CENTER 866-284-8277 327 N Orange Ave Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 904-284-4041; Fax 904-284-4342 rickbakersrv@aol.com
RIVERS BUS & RV SALES 800-253-0224 10626 General Ave Jacksonville, FL 32220-2108 904-783-0313; Fax 904-783-1067 lhschaffer@riversrv.com www.riversrv.com
EAST COAST RV SALES AND RENTALS
RV HAVING FUN YET
866-797-1080 6775 US Highway 1 S St Augustine, FL 32086 904-797-1080; Fax 904-797-8621 www.oceangroverv.com
614-1 Pecan Park Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-714-9939; Fax 904-714-9882 rvhavingfunyetin@bellsouth.net www.rvhavingfunyetinc.com
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SUNCOAST RV MOTORHOME CENTER 800-642-1603 10360 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32246 904-642-7878; Fax 904-642-5885 info@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
SUNCOAST RV TOWABLE CENTER 800-695-2302 9012 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-642-1600; Fax 904-641-8629 info@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
TRAVEL COUNTRY RV 888-664-4268 530 SW Florida Gateway Dr Lake City, FL 32024 386-752-3723; Fax 386-755-5170 ron@travelcountryrv.com www.travelcountryrv.com
INSURANCE MANNCO FINANCIAL SERVICE
FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
800-666-9286 411 Walnut St # 3571 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 352-317-3066; Fax 352-331-3493 mannco@atlantic.net www.yourfinancialplanneronline.com
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AFFORDABLE RV RENTALS, INC 540855 Lem Turner Rd Callahan, FL 32011-4724 904-879-1795; Fax 904-879-2448 bpropper39@alltel.net www.affordable-rv-rentals.com
AFFORDABLE RV REPAIR 14970 US Highway 301 S, Ste A Starke, FL 32091 904-964-2500 harley001155@yahoo.com
PALMER ENERGY SYSTEMS
NEW FRONTIER CAMPFIRES
PO Box 419 Wellborn, FL 32094 941-928-4573 john@palmerenergysystems.com www.palmerenergysystems.com
800-286-7564 PO Box 36 Welaka, FL 32193 386-467-8116; Fax 386-467-8125 newfrontiercamp@bellsouth.net
THE SIGN MAN RV EXPORTS, INC 800-582-9743 1760 Bennett Rd St Augustine, FL 32092 904-819-5556; Fax 904-819-9272 rvexports@aol.com www.rvexports.com
800-400-5959 9526-2 Argyle Forest Blvd # 502 Jacksonville, FL 32222 800-400-5959; Fax 904-573-8919 thesignman988@bellsouth.net
SUPPLIERS CALLAHAN AUTOMOTIVE PO Box 591 Callahan, FL 32011 904-879-6410; Fax 904-978-9087 bbdodgedad@aol.com
DICK GORE'S RV RENTALS 800-635-7008 14590 Duval Pl W Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-741-5100; Fax 904-741-6682 rvdrakeman@aol.com www.dickgoresrvworld.com
BOSS PRODUCTS 888-245-BOSS 112 River Marsh Dr Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904-280-1499; Fax 904-285-6585 admin@bossproducts.biz www.bosssponge.com
CANNONS OF JAX 6150 Richard St Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-733-3524; Fax 904-733-6612 cannonsofjax@yahoo.com
FALLIN RV & TRAILER CENTER 195 N Ellis Rd Jacksonville, FL 32254 904-387-5777; Fax 904-387-6619 gcranston9@yahoo.com www.northfloridaspring.com
EROH DYNAMICS 11 Potomac Dr Palm Coast, FL 32164 386-437-7680; Fax 386-586-0109
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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SERVICES
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The Coastal Outdoor center in St. Augustine rents kayaks and other boats and gives lessons if you don’t know how to paddle. As the area’s oldest fish camp, the center also has anything you’d need for that sport. Other water-related activities include cruises. The Victory III departs daily from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina for hour-long journeys into the Matanzas Bay. There are various historic and natural sights during the trips that have been hosted by the Usina family for four generations. No trip to Florida is complete without alligators and the biggest such attraction here is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The zoo has rare white alligators and a host of exotic birds. Free wine tastings and one-hour guided tours are available at the San Sebastian Winery. Visitors see how wine is fermented, stored and bottled. For something a little out of the ordinary, you might try North American Top Gun Inc., which offers instructional flights in World War II aircraft. No flying experience necessary.
His discovery lends credence to the claim that St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest permanently occupied European settlement. The qualification of “first European” is an acknowledgment that the
Focus: ST. AUGUSTINE Spanish explorer Don Pedro Mendenez de Aviles came ashore on Sept. 8, 1565, and named a stretch of land near the inlet in honor of Augustine, a Roman Catholic saint. The exact site has been pinpointed in recent years by archeologists from the University of Florida.
Timacuan Indians came first. Since Mendenez arrived with his party of 1,500 soldiers and colonists, the city has been under the governments of Spain (1565-1763 and 1784-1821), Britain (1763-1784) and the United States (1821-present). St. Augustine’s birth as a resort can be traced to the late 1880s when Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler built two hotels here. Perhaps even more importantly to Florida, he founded the Florida East Coast Railway to bring northern guests to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach and Miami. For the tourists who come here for its history and its 42 miles of beaches, it’s very easy to get around because of its small population of 12,000 people. A new parking facility just off US 1 at the Visitors Information Center has greatly relieved the shortage of spaces in the city’s downtown historic district. To get an overview of the city, buy a ticket on the fire engine-red Sightseeing Trains, which are the city’s most comprehensive tour narrated by well-versed conductors. Riders can get on and off at 20 stops. Tickets are valid for three days. For the city of St. Augustine, the word “oldest” is attached to so many attractions that it’s akin to saying “pass me the salt and pepper.” The one compelling must-see here is the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest and largest stone fort in the continental U.S. It was built of coquina by the Spanish in 1672. Nearby, walk to the Huguenot Cemetery, the oldest Protestant burying ground in America. If you’re in the mood to climb, you can ascend the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, which is a UN-type of building because it’s made of Alabama brick, Philadelphia iron and Georgia granite. It also has a familiar claim to fame: It’s St. Augustine’s oldest surviving brick structure.
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Story continued from page 85 St. Augustine also has a variety of historic homes and buildings that include America’s “Oldest Wooden School House.” Children particularly enjoy a narrator explaining how and why the dunce cap was used in those days. Another popular stop, particularly for families, is the “Authentic Old Jail.” It was built by Henry Flagler in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. If this makes you hungry or thirsty, walk the three blocks or so to the AIA Ale Works located in a historic building overlooking the Bridge of Lions that crosses the Matanzas River. There’s fresh pub food and plenty of beer choices. On weekends, there’s also live music.
Outdoors: FORT CLINCH While visiting Fort Clinch State Park, experience the diversity of Florida’s northernmost barrier island. Although the Civil War-era fort is the main attraction, don’t miss the beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails. Named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, a prominent figure of the Second Seminole War, the fort construction began in 1847. Never fully completed, Fort Clinch still served as a military post during the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War II. Fort Clinch has 62 campsites in two campgrounds, equipped with electricity and water, and four youth campsites. Swimming is a popular activity here, as is fishing from several locations, including the pier. The park offers a guided nature walk at Willow Pond every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Try bicycling on the three mile tree-canopied park drive or on the challenging six mile off-road bicycle/hiking trail. Visitors can enjoy birding at several locations including the park’s Gateway Station to the Great Florida Birding Trail. Shark tooth hunting and shelling along the beaches are excellent. Soldiers perform reenactments of everyday fort operations depicting relevant historic era’s on Fort Garrison Weekends during the first weekend of each month. Historical markers at the Plaza Fort San Carlos in Old Town Fernandina detail the territorial disputes waged.
Fort Clinch State Park 2601 Atlantic Avenue Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-277-7274 Fort & Visitor Center open 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
www.FloridaStateParks.org For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit
Learn about history and enjoy the beach - all at Fort Clinch State Park north of Jacksonville in Fernandina Beach.
ReserveAmerica.com.
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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CENTRAL
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SEVEN NORTH REGION
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Region 7
North Central Florida Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Sumter, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
You don’t have to travel far to get away from the crowds and back to basics on a vacation in Florida. Just take a trip to North Central Florida, home of the “Nature Coast,” where some of the state’s best-known natural wonders have long amazed and relaxed visitors. The coastline here is largely made up of shallow saltwater estuaries rather than sandy beaches, one reason the fishing is so good. On the coast in southern Taylor County, the fishing village of Steinhatchee, reminiscent of the old Florida “Cracker” days, offers several good restaurants and accommodations ranging from fish camps to the charming Victorian-styled Steinhatchee Landing Resort.
Snorkel with Manatees
OCALA RV SHOW February 7th–10th, 2008 Florida Horse Park Ocala, Florida VISIT A REGION 7 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO
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Speedway Racing
In Region 7, there are more than 1,000 campsites available with a variety of activities offered at each recreational area.
Region 7 North Central Florida
Region 7 www.frvta.org
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REGION SEVEN
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA O
cala is Marion County’s largest city, which isn’t saying much since it has a population of less than 50,000. But its laid back, old Florida nature is part of the charm of this area of rolling green pastures and white picket fences where passing I-75 motorists see horses lazily grazing outside of hill-set barns. The nearby town of Belleview about 11 miles away, recently named a Florida Trail Gateway community, offers an abundance of hiking and biking trails. They include the historic Santos trail, which was a city of African-Americans displaced during the construction of the ill-fated and abandoned Cross Florida Barge Canal. Another small city, Dunnellon, often draws visitors for its antique shops and water-related activities. Among the latter is the K.P. Hole Park, which offers some of the best tubing and canoeing you’ll find anywhere. You’re likely to see herons and cormorants, and maybe even otters during a relaxing, four-hour tube float down the Rainbow River. The cost to rent the tube is only $9, though you may want to spend another $5 for a life vest. Dunnellon is also known for a variety of special events throughout the year that include jazz and music festivals. For something offbeat in the area, Captain Jon Semmes will sing his way down the Rainbow River during his eco-tours. His 24-foot-long pontoon boat takes off daily, seven days a week, from its base in Dunnellon. Basic tours last an hour and a half, but they can be customized. Don’t expect anything off-key because in addition to being a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Operator, he is also a professional musician. If he’s interested in fishing, and she’s more inclined to see historic homes, there are compelling reasons for visiting McIntosh, population 400. It has numerous homes listed on the National Registry of Historic Homes, but there are also fishing camps. The town’s “1890s Day Festival” celebrates its past and helps keep its old-world charm alive. The area’s most famous attraction is in Silver Springs. Considered Florida’s original theme park, the park features world-famous glass-bottom boats, wildlife exhibits, rides and year-round concerts and special events. Families also often end up at Wild Waters Waterpark next door to Silver Springs. It has a giant wave pool and a 76-foot long “speed flume.” There’s also a “Tad-Pool” for smaller and less adventurous children. The area is perhaps not as well known for it, but it also has upwards of a dozen golf courses and driving ranges, many of them lighted for night practice. Marion County also has some surprisingly sophisticated museums considering its smaller size. Its most famous is the Appleton Museum of Art of Central Florida, which is one of the larger art museums in the entire state. The museum’s permanent collection features 18th and 19th century art from Europe and North America. There’s also a collection of pre-Columbian, African and international contemporary art.
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For something often overlooked by visitors, take a ride up the interstate towards Gainesville, 30 miles south. Stop at the small town of Micanopy. The streets here are overhung with ancient oaks bearded with Spanish moss. It looks like a place that time forgot. But if you think again, you may recognize it as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies such as “Doc Hollywood” and “Cross Creek.” Hollywood has not changed or spoiled the place. It’s very quiet as visitors leisurely wander in and out of small shops selling antiques, old books, ceramics, jewelry, and arts and crafts. If you’re hungry, there’s excellent food at Blue Highway Pizza.
Focus: OCALA Ocala was established in 1846 with the building of Fort King, a military outpost established to fight in the Seminole Indian Wars. The name is believed to be a derivation of the Timucuan word “Ocali,” thought to mean “kingdom of the sun.” Rail service reached Ocala in 1881, which encouraged further development. After a fire destroyed most of the wood buildings, the city was rebuilt with so many fire-resistant materials that it became known as “The Brick City.” In the 19th century, Ocala was known for its citrus groves. In the 20th century, it began to acquire some tourist attractions such as Silver Springs. The Ocala-raised Needles became the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby in 1956 and the area began to emerge as an equestrian haven. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized it as the “Horse Capital of the World.” That means it has the highest number of horses and ponies in residence in America. So, naturally enough, equestrian activities abound. There are several places such as Young’s Paso Fino Ranch that have tours and shows, and offer trail riding and lessons. Ocala Carriage & Tours offers reasonably priced tours on a horse-drawn trolley or carriage through some of Marion County’s best-known horse farms. Story continued on page 100
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BLAIR COMMUNITIES, INC 4460 Arlington Ridge Blvd Leesburg, FL 34748 352-728-1611; Fax 352-728-2120 fvalenzano@blaircommunities.com www.blaircommunities.com
FISHERMAN'S COVE 800-254-9995 29115 Eichelberger Rd Tavares, FL 32778 352-636-9033; Fax 352-343-5272 tonyatthecove@gmail.com www.lakeharrisresort.com
OLDE MILL STREAM RV RESORT 800-449-3141 1000 N Central Ave Umatilla, FL 32784 352-669-3141; Fax 352-669-7512 reservations@oldemillstreamrv.com www.oldemillstreamrv.com
LAKE OKLAWAHA RV PARK CEDAR KEY RV RESORT Hwy 24/Shilou Rd Cedar Key, FL 32625 352-543-5097; Fax 352-543-5834 cedarkeyrvresort@bellsouth.net www.cedarkeyrvresort.com
ELITE RESORTS OF AMERICA, INC 800-356-2460 14100 N State Road 10 Salt Springs, FL 32134 352-685-1900; Fax 352-685-0557 jross@eliteresorts.com www.eliteresorts.com
800-622-5550 PO Box 2010 Ft McCoy, FL 32134 352-546-5500; Fax 352-546-4355 lorvpark@aol.com www.lakeoklawaharvpark.com
RECREATION PLANTATION RV RESORT 800-448-5646 609 Highway 466 Lady Lake, FL 32159-4202 352-753-7222; Fax 352-753-1892 trprv@aol.com www.recreationplantation.com
NATURE COAST LANDINGS RV RESORT 10173 N Suncoast Blvd Crystal River, FL 34428 352-447-2299; Fax 352-447-5834 camping@naturecoastlandings.com www.naturecoastlandings.com
RIVER CREEK RV RESORT 600 SE 48th Ave Ocala, FL 34471 352-624-1808; Fax 352-624-4037 layonge@earthlink.net Continued on page 98
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS Continued from page 97
THOUSAND TRAILS ORLANDO 800-723-1217 2110 US Highway 27 S Clermont, FL 34711 352-394-1217; Fax 352-394-6887 www.1000trails.com
WILDERNESS RV PARK ESTATES 877-900-9399 10317 E Highway 40 Silver Springs, FL 34488 352-625-6200; Fax 352-625-1911 john@rvpe.com www.wildernessrvparkestates.com
DEALERS ALL SEASONS RV CONSIGNMENT, INC 4455 S Florida Ave Inverness, FL 34450 352-726-0415; Fax 352-726-0418 rvdealer@hotmail.com www.allseasonsrvandtractorsinc.com
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FLAGSHIP RV'S
TRI-AM RV CENTER, INC
888-834-4829 17736 US Highway 27 N Clermont, FL 34715 352-242-3900; Fax 352-242-1867 holly@flagshiprv.com www.flagshiprv.com
800-848-7426 5441 NE Jacksonville Rd Ocala, FL 34479-1744 352-732-6269; Fax 352-368-7992 info@triamrv.com www.triamrv.com
GIST RV/MV SALES & SERVICE, INC
TURNING WHEEL RV CENTER
800-741-4478 2524 Highway 44 W Inverness, FL 34453 352-726-0405; Fax 352-726-5266 gistrv@earthlink.net www.gistrv.com
JD SANDERS, INC 800-541-6439 12380 NW Highway 441 Alachua, FL 32615 386-462-3039; Fax 386-462-4345 jdsrv@worldnet.att.net www.sandersrvs.com
RV SWAPSHOP PO Box 575 Summerfield, FL 34492 352-347-6157; Fax 352-307-8999 sales@rvswapshop.com www.rvswapshop.com
SOUTHERN RV CENTER CAMPERS INN OF LEESBURG 3230 US Highway 27/441 Fruitland Park, FL 34731 352-787-7744; Fax 352-787-1294 ggrimm@campersinn.com www.campersinn.com
4250 SE Pine Ave Ocala, FL 34480 352-368-1058; Fax 352-368-6990 southernrv@earthlink.net www.southernrvcenter.com
866-225-8404 1041 N Florida Ave Inverness, FL 34453 352-726-5999; Fax 352-726-3091 sales@bobbyclarkrv.com www.bobbyclarkrv.com
DON & CONNIE GIST RV SALES 2195 N Pine Ave Ocala, FL 34475 352-629-7050; Fax 352-622-2492 conniegist1@aol.com
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MANUFACTURERS BORN FREE FLORIDA 877-263-0007 18811 US Highway 27 Clermont, FL 34715 352-241-0441; Fax 352-241-4770 bornfreeflorida@wildblue.net www.bornfreemotorcoach.com
CHARIOT EAGLE 931 NW 37th Ave Ocala, FL 34475-5683 352-629-7007; Fax 352-629-6920 www.charioteagle.com
FLEETWOOD TRAVEL TRAILERS SUNCOAST RV
CITRUS RV
3040 NW Gainesville Rd Ocala, FL 34475 352-368-6645; Fax 352-368-2958 www.turningwheelrv.com
888-328-7188 3550 S Pine Ave Ocala, FL 34471 352-351-1184; Fax 352-351-1251 rchynoweth@suncoastrv.com www.suncoastrv.com
800-533-4919 2604 E Hampshire St Inverness, FL 34453 352-302-4707; Fax 352-860-1862 randy.moak@fleetwood.com www.fleetwood.com
TRADEWINDS RV
SKYLINE CORP
800-786-2252 7677 US Highway 441 S Ocala, FL 34480-8007 352-622-7733; Fax 352-622-8980 kcouch@rvhelpme.com www.tradewindsrv.com
800-800-7571 1230 SW 10th St Ocala, FL 34471 352-629-7571; Fax 352-629-8758 nscarbrough@skylinehomes.com www.skylinehomes.com
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CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIP OUTLET 800-272-0401 1011 US Highway 27 S Clermont, FL 34714 352-242-0401; Fax 352-242-0548 campresale@aol.com www.membershipresale.com
STAG-PARKWAY, INC 800-955-7824 3601 Parkway Blvd Leesburg, FL 34748-9745 352-728-5077; Fax 800-731-1044 mark.alexander@stagparkway.com
TRI-COUNTY R/V SERVICES, INC 21235 73rd Rd O'Brien, FL 32071 386-362-8092; Fax 386-364-1889 tricorv@yahoo.com
SUPPLIERS
JOHN KIRCHNER SALES
RICALLY ENTERPRISES
10250 Joanies Run Leesburg, FL 34788 352-217-8585 vendorworld@comcast.net
5331 S Blanca Pl Homosassa, FL 34446 352-628-6106 ricallysales@aol.com
KITCHEN CRAFT INTERNATIONAL
SATURN OF GAINESVILLE
4129 United Ave Mt Dora, FL 32757 352-483-7600; Fax 352-483-7603 andrea.padilla@cookforlife.com www.cookforlife.com
3737 N Main St Gainesville, FL 32609 352-395-6300; Fax 352-395-6199 ricky.whitney@saturnfl.com www.saturnofgainesville.com
LUSTRE CRAFT COOKWARE
SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK
PO Box 620 Tavares, FL 32778 352-589-1711; Fax 352-589-1716 shannon.miller@lustrecraftcookware.com www.lustercraftcookware.com
POWER TECHNOLOGY SOUTHWEST, INC 634 State Road 44 Leesburg, FL 34778-8102 352-365-2777; Fax 352-787-5545 powertech@powertech-gen.com www.powertech-gen.com
CLOUDCRAFT
PRECISE SATELLITE & RV ELECTRONICS
987 N Suncoast Blvd # 211 Crystal River, FL 34429 904-716-7524; Fax 352-344-2325 mail@portablegaslogs.com www.portablegaslogs.com
888-229-5239 PO Box 627 Floral City, FL 34436 352-726-8471; Fax 813-354-4785 don@precisesatellite.com
3076 95th Dr Live Oak, FL 32060 386-364-1683; Fax 386-364-2998 darrell@musicliveshere.com www.musicliveshere.com
THE HEALTHY GOURMET 800-800-2850 PO Box 1580 Eustis, FL 32727 352-357-1063 x502; Fax 352-357-8601 aimee.jaeger@cookforlife.com www.theheathlygourmet.com
TOMAC CO 1190 SW Shorewood Dr Dunnellon, FL 34431 352-465-2760; Fax 352-465-5270
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Story continued from page 96 Another possible stop if you’re interested in horses is the Austin Carriage Museum, which has 135 carriages from Europe and America. There’s also a King Tut antique chariot faithfully produced from the original. Visitors here can learn how the automobile evolved from the carriage. The area has a vast amount of free recreational facilities. And a good place to find out about them is the Ocklawaha Visitors Center at the corner of SR 40 and CR 315. The multiagency resource provides information on all the public recreation facilities in the area. Visitors often find their way to the vast (300,000 acres) Ocala National Forest, which is the most heavily visited of the three national forests in Florida. It’s a natural wonderland with a diverse ecosystem. But there are also 41 other parks in the area that have hiking trails, and opportunities to camp, boat, fish, swim or look for wildlife. The slow-moving Juniper Creek here meanders for seven miles through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, amidst prairie ponds and pristine wetlands. The diverse wildlife visible during the trip has helped earn this area the title of “best canoe or kayak journey in Florida.” A warning: Though the creek is slow-moving, it can be as deep as six feet in parts. Another natural attraction is the Silver River State Park, which was named for its most outstanding feature, the river itself. The park has several nature trails, the Silver River Museum and other riverside amenities. Visitors might also want to know that major roadways built in recent years have made it easy to get to Ocala via I-75 and the Florida Turnpike. The area is also about an hour and a half from Orlando International Airport.
Outdoors: SUWANNEE RIVER WILDERNESS TRAIL The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a network of natural, recreational and historic sites that offer visitors an opportunity to navigate the world-famous Suwannee River to enjoy its springs, sandbars and rocky banks, as well as the ambiance of small towns along its route. Beginning at White Springs and stretching 170 miles to the salt marsh shores of the Gulf of Mexico at the town of Suwannee, the trail’s river-based experiences include self-guided and outfitter tours, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and camping. Visitors can extend their adventures by hiking, bicycling or horseback riding to explore the many small towns that showcase the region’s Old Florida culture and history.
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Hubs are towns or parks from which visitors can explore the river and its surrounding areas by canoe or boat, bicycle, horse, automobile or on foot. The hubs provide services, as well as special events, shopping and other activities. River camps will be located a day’s paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers.
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail 10499 Spring Street White Springs, FL 32096 800-868-9914 www.SuwanneeRiver.com
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COAST
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EIGHT TREASURE REGION
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REGION 8 Region 8 Includes: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties
In Region 8, we’ve got everything you need for an active RV Lifestyle. Treasure Coast RV Show January 10th–13th, 2008 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds Ft. Pierce, FL West Palm Beach RV Show February 7th–10th, 2008 South Florida Fairgrounds West Palm Beach, FL
VISIT A REGION 8 MEMBER DISPLAYING THE FRVTA LOGO • 14 Dealers • 1 Manufacturer • 4 RV Resorts • 1 Finance • 6 Service/Suppliers Region 6 www.frvta.org
yle.
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REGION EIGHT
TREASURE COAST T
he name “Treasure Coast” is derived from the number of
monolithic sculptures punctuate a historic home on 2.5 acres of
shipwrecks here that date back more than three centuries. In
natural Florida gardens that include 300 varieties of palm trees. It’s
modern times, there have been several priceless treasure finds.
an imposing contrast of man-made rocks and Mother Nature.
But you don’t have to find gold to appreciate this area generally
For just plain folks attuned to popular culture, there’s also the
viewed as mostly beachfront towns stretching from Vero Beach
Burt Reynolds & Friends’ Museum that portrays highlights of the life
to Boca Raton. There are miles of uninterrupted beaches with
of the actor who grew up here.
aquamarine waters that attract swimmers, boaters, anglers, divers
Here’s an unusual attraction: croquet. The National Croquet Center
and anyone with even the mildest affection for the sun. The Treasure
is located in West Palm Beach. The 10-acre site is the largest
Coast is a real find.
croquet complex in the world. Lessons and court times are available
The area’s veteran and best-known attraction is Lion Country
by reservation.
Safari in West Palm Beach. Motorists here are reminded not to stick
Besides swimming, there are other less physical ways to
their heads out the window as they drive through a “safari” with
get on the water here. Delray Intracoastal Cruises offers
hundreds of animals roaming free. There’s also an amusement park
lunch and dinner sightseeing cruises aboard two new vessels: the
with demonstrations and rides.
90-foot-long “Lady Atlantic” and “Delray Belle,” a paddle
One of the best places in the state to see marine life is the
wheeler. The Diva Duck Amphibious Tours offers tours by
Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach. There’s not only a
boat... no... make that bus. Riders see both land and water
nature center but also a hospital for sea turtles, as well as nature
attractions, with a narrator.
trails and exhibits. If you want to look for sea turtles in a more natural state along the beach, try Red Reef Park in Boca Raton. The park, which extends from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, also has ospreys, pelicans and manatees. A new attraction in Delray Beach is the American Orchid Society Visitors Center and Botanical Gardens. It’s viewed as a world-class botanical garden with thousands of orchids. A well-known area cultural offering is the Cornell Museum of Art and History, housed in a 1913 Delray Beach elementary school. It has rotating regional, national and international fine art and craft exhibits. Still another noteworthy cultural offering is the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach. Huge, unforgettable
For adults, the Palm Beach Kennel Club and Entertainment Complex offers year-round live racing. There’s also a new Poker Room with more games at higher stakes. For the offbeat, remember this is posh Palm Beach where there are sommeliers in the supermarkets. So it makes sense for a company called Island Living to offer a three-hour, chauffeur-driven tour of the city with a look at its various mansions. For far less cost, you can simply window shop along Worth Avenue, which is legendary for its expensive and opulent merchandise. If you’re like most of us, and you want to buy something, you might want to try the Church Mouse, a nonprofit store that for 20 years has been selling cast-off designer fashion wear at thrift shop prices. Story continued on page 110
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Focus: LAKE WORTH-EVERGLADES CITY Lake Worth was named after Civil War solider William Jenkins Worth who was promoted to major before he was 20 years old. In the early days of the 20th century, when the city had less than 40 residents, the first Town Marshall, J. O. King, used to use his shotgun to shoot fish for his dinner. His stopwatch was a tool to make sure anyone with a car did not exceed the eight-mile-an-hour limit. In 1914, the city got electricity and began its modern history. Everglades City, on the opposite Gulf side of Florida, used to be known as Everglade. It also has a mostly modern history. Farming used to be the major occupation of people living here, including sugarcane, bananas and vegetables. The city began to thrive after Everglades National Park was formally dedicated in 1947. Today, Everglades City calls itself the “Gateway to the 10,000 islands.” Some say it has is the best place around here to rent canoes or kayaks or hook up with a guided expedition to the Everglades, which include guided bicycle tours among the more unusual offerings. This is also a handy place to catch a noisy airboat ride deep into the vast and silent Everglades jungle. If you’re in Everglades City, you might want to take a look and snap a picture of the America’s smallest post office in nearby Ochopee. The closet sized, seven- by eight-foot building is hardly larger than a telephone booth, but it does the job for the town’s dozen or so residents. Tourist attractions in Lake Worth are dwarfed by neighboring West Palm Beach and visitor-rich Palm Beach County. But the city does have Park Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course that is unusual for flat South Florida because of its various elevations, up to 85 feet. For the younger set, Lake Worth also has Fun Depot, rated very highly by young Internet bloggers for its laser tag arena, go-carts, batting cages and upwards of 200 arcade games. Peanut Island is also in Lake Worth. It’s an 86-acre tropical park on the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth inlet that is popular for families because of its many water activities. Parents can be reassured because there are guarded swimming beaches (some are not; they are all marked).
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RV RESORTS & CAMPGROUNDS LION COUNTY SAFARI KOA 800-562-9115 2000 Lion Country Safari Road Loxahatchee, FL 33470-3976 561-793-9797; Fax 561-793-9603 koa@lioncountrysafari.com www.lioncountrysafari.com
OKEECHOBEE KOA 800-562-7748 4276 Highway 441 S Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-0231; Fax 863-763-0531 okeechobee@koa.net www.okeechobeekoa.com
SILVER PALMS RV VILLAGE 4143 Highway 441 S Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-5800; Fax 863-467-5804 sales@silverpalmsrv.com www.silverpalmsrv.com
SOUTH BAY RV CAMPGROUND 877-992-9915 100 Levee Rd South Bay, FL 33493 561-992-9045; Fax 561-992-9277 lmargoli@pbcgov.com
ZACHARY TAYLOR RESORT 888-282-6523 2995 Highway 441 SE Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3377; Fax 863-763-6301 info@flrvresort.com www.flrvresort.com
DEALERS
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CJ'S RV TOWN, INC
MOTOR HOME SUPERSTORE
11305 SE Federal Hwy Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772-546-5751; Fax 772-546-5035 joecjsrv@bellsouth.net www.cjsrv.com
800-375-2966 855 S US Highway 1 Vero Beach, FL 32962-4704 772-567-6633; Fax 772-567-3694 info@verobeachrv.com www.verobeachrv.com
COPLEY'S RV CENTER, INC 888-546-6416 9795 S US Highway 1 Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772-546-6416; Fax 772-546-8331 copleyrv@bellsouth.net www.copleysrv.com
FLORIDA OUTDOORS RV CENTER 800-566-7771 1160 S Federal Hwy Stuart, FL 34994 772-288-2221; Fax 772-288-4049 john@floridaoutdoorsrv.com www.floridaoutdoorsrv.com
GREAT AMERICAN RV'S 866-RVTIMES 4300 Highway 441 S Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-3900; Fax 863-357-3905 mbraman@greatamericanrvs.com www.greatamericanrvs.com
GREAT TIME RV'S 800-330-6978 3850 Burns Rd Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561-799-7078; Fax 561-622-2118 gtrv@juno.com www.greattimervs.com
INTERSTATE RV, INC 888-489-8399 2660 US Highway 1 N Ft Pierce, FL 34946 772-489-3099; Fax 772-461-0905 interstaterv@comcast.net www.interstatervsales.com
AL'S MOTOR HOME & TRAILER SALES, INC
LIBERTY COACH OF FLORIDA
888-399-9970 120 Del Monte St Ft Pierce, FL 34946 772-595-5922; Fax 772-461-0492 sales@alsmotorhomes.com www.alsmotorhomes.com
800-554-9877 635 SE Monterey Rd Stuart, FL 34994 772-463-2701; Fax 772-463-2705 frank@libertycoach.com www.libertycoach.com
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PALM BEACH RV, INC 5757 N Military Trl West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-689-5788; Fax 561-689-2722 palmbeachrv@aol.com www.palmbeachrv.com
RV SALES OF BROWARD 888-405-8246 2788 S Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415-9223 561-967-1300; Fax 561-969-0800 gigis@bellsouth.net www.rvsalesofbroward.com
TRAVEL EASY RV 800-508-3608 4299 Highway 441 S Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0400; Fax 863-467-9396 victor@traveleasyrv.com www.traveleasyrv.com
TROPICAL RV 877-232-6359 2777 S US Highway 1 Ft Pierce, FL 34982 772-464-0753; Fax 772-464-9778 tropicalrvsales@bellsouth.net www.tropicalrv.net
XTREME RV 11475 SE Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772-545-0068; Fax 772-545-9555 www.xtremervflorida.com
FINANCE OUTDOOR CAPITAL FINANCE, INC 877-599-3535 3725 S East Ocean Blvd # 201 Stuart, FL 34996 772-475-3037; Fax 877-588-3535 www.outdoorcapitalfinance.com
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ACCURATE RV INSPECTORS 1063 SW Blue Water Way Stuart, FL 34997 772-285-3065; Fax 772-781-9068 bms510@bellsouth.net www.accuratervinspectors.com
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POLI GLOW PRODUCTS, INC 800-922-5013 3789 Oleander Ave Ft Pierce, FL 34982 772-595-5755; Fax 772-595-5753 poliglowproducts@aol.com www.poliglowproducts.com
POLISH PLUS CUSTOM COLORS COACH & RV REPAIR 1650 Village Green Dr Port St Lucie, FL 34952 772-335-0515; Fax 772-335-8007 customcolors@bellsouth.net
341 Fairway N Tequesta, FL 33469 561-748-5889 cs@polishplus.com www.polishplus.com
ROADVAC EXCEL FLEET SERVICE 351 N Jog Rd West Palm Beach, FL 33413 561-686-4665; Fax 561-686-8023 garrison@excelfleetservice.com www.excelfleetservice.com
2939 SW 42nd Ave Palm City, FL 34990 772-463-1400; Fax 772-463-1500 susan@intervacdesign.com www.roadvac.com
SOFTUB EXPRESS LET'S GO CAMPING TV, LLC 1139 Staghorn St West Palm Beach, FL 33414 561-254-4980; Fax 561-842-0474 martinperrone@bellsouth.net
800-996-8827 9611 N US Highway 1, PMB 324 Sebastian, FL 32958 772-584-1427; Fax 585-644-0458 softubexpress@aol.com www.softubexpress.com
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY TDC 800-871-4403 500 NW 6th Ave Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-3959; Fax 863-763-5785 tourism@okeechobee.com www.okeechobee-tdc.com
SUPPLIERS ELWOOD CONTROLS, LLC 582 Perch Ln Sebastian, FL 32958 561-714-0883 bob@elwoodcontrols.com www.elwoodcontrols.com
FELTON TIRES DBA CAJUN ROCKETS 567 Rookery Pl Jupiter, FL 33458 561-741-4040; Fax 561-748-6599 dfelton@mac.com WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Story continued from page 107 The entire area is increasingly becoming a dive center. The waters off nearly every beach here show off brilliantly colored hard and soft corals, several species of large sea turtles and nurse sharks, among other creatures (the nurse shark is generally not a threat to humans). Miles of reef line, crevices and ledges feature numerous wrecks positioned by the state’s Artificial Reef Program. Water temperatures are comfortable all year-round. Getting out of the water, The Jupiter Lighthouse and Museum offers a great climb. It’s a landmark 1860 lighthouse that also has a waterfront museum, and indoor exhibits on Florida maritime subjects and the state’s history.
Outdoors: JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Camping and picnicking share the spotlight with the Loxahatchee River. A tour of the Loxahatchee aboard the 44-passenger Loxahatchee Queen II is a popular way to enjoy the park. Two family campgrounds are available. One is located a short distance from the ranger station, the other four miles into the park, near the Loxahatchee River. Cabins may be rented from the concessionaire, along with canoes, kayaks and motorboats. A picnic area with four pavilions and a playground borders the Loxahatchee. An old-fashioned “swimming hole” is located along the river, just east of the concession store. Four nature trails and off-road and paved bicycle trails offer opportunities to experience wild Florida. Horse trails are available for those bringing their own mounts. A network of nine- to 12-mile hiking trails, part of the Florida Trail system, leads to primitive campsites. The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower is a short walk up a boardwalk trail. The tower offers commanding views of the park, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Nature walks and evening campfire programs are offered. An environmental education center is available. In addition, tours are given regularly to the Trapper Nelson homesite, a tribute to an early pioneer who became the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee.”
Jonathan Dickinson State Park 16450 SE Federal Hwy. Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772-546-2771
FloridaStateParks.org For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
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Paddle the “Wild and Scenic” Loxahatchee River at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound near Florida’s east coast.
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81 Lighthouse Ave. St Augustine 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.com Dating back to the 1500s, St. Augustine is the oldest city in Florida - and the St. Augustine Lighthouse was Florida’s first. The lighthouse was strategically positioned to help guard the city from pirate attacks. St. Augustine weathered the pirates, but attacks from beach erosion and Civil War-related damage forced the city to replace the original tower. In 1874, a new St. Augustine Lighthouse was erected that still stands today. Its classic black and white diagonal stripes are striking, and its automatic flashing light makes its 360-degree journey every 90 seconds. Visitors are welcome to climb to the 214 stairs to the top of the tower for an expansive view from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The keeper’s house below boasts a museum, theater and bookstore worth exploring.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Light 386-761-1821 www.ponceinlet.org Just south of Daytona sits one of the finest lighthouses in the nation. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. The original lighthouse was built in 1835, but a storm washed the sand away and the tower fell into the sea. The current Ponce de Leon Inlet Light rose in 1887 with its characteristic red Baltimore bricks. The 168-foot tower rises above a museum that gives visitors a chance to see an active, revolving Fresnel lens. The remains of the S.S. Commodore, the ship that carried Stephen Crane, author of The Red Badge of Courage, is also located at this historic site.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 180 W. Skid Strip Road Patrick Air Force Base Merritt Island 321-494-5945 or 321-494-5949 www.capecanaverallighthousefoundation.com
LIGHTHOUSES Lighthouses date back to Egyptian times, when wick lamps offered a beacon of light to warn boats of perilous rocks and shores. Lighthouses were vital icons along Florida coasts as explorers set out to navigate the New World in the 1500s. In fact, Florida’s first lighthouse - the St. Augustine Lighthouse - still shines across a harbor Spanish explorers settled in 1565. After Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819, the number of lighthouses grew quickly, offering guideposts to importers and exporters and marking dangerous headlands, shoals, bars and reefs. With pirates plundering ships in the Caribbean, Florida lighthouses served as welcoming signals that sailors were close to a safe haven. Florida lighthouses continue to play a key role in Florida’s maritime industry, and these icons - some historical and some modern - still fascinate world travelers by land and by sea. Florida is home to lighthouses in shapes, sizes and with stories as diverse as the Sunshine State itself. There are 30 lighthouses in Florida. Here are some perennial favorites from coast to coast.
For those who want to mix maritime history with space history, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a must-see. This lighthouse is located on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at Kennedy Space Center so you’ll get a glimpse of the Mercury and Gemini launch pads, as well as Mission Control Centers, on your journey to the 1893 lighthouse that preceded rocket ships. Interestingly, the silhouette of the lighthouse resembles a rocket at a distance, but up close the black and white stripped structure reminds you of a world before shuttles and space stations made headlines. A million-dollar renovation of The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was completed in February 2007 and a new lantern room was placed on top.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse 500 Captain Armour's Way Jupiter 561-747- 8380 www.jupiterlighthouse.org Located about 15 miles north of Palm Beach, the Jupiter Inlet is famous for serving as movie star Burt Reynolds’ home. Jupiter’s east coast lighthouse was first lit up in 1860, despite opposition from scorching heat, biting mosquitoes, angry Seminole Indians and even Confederate troops. It now stands as the oldest structure in Palm Beach County. The 125-foot tower is smaller than most, but its hilltop location offers it a focal plane spanning 150 feet. You can visit the museum and climb the red brick tower Sundays through Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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St. Augustine Lighthouse
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St. Marks Lighthouse St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge St. Marks 850-925-6121 www.fws.gov/saintmarks St. Marks Lighthouse was built on what is now the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in 1831. One third of its base was blown away during the Civil War, and its keeper is thought to have been eaten by an alligator. Visiting this tower offers both history and a look at many species of birds and other wildlife at this location that sits about 25 miles south of Tallahassee. The stark white, wide-bottomed tower with the black top is surrounded by water and steeped in history.
Pensacola Lighthouse 850-452-6362 www.pensacolaauxiliary.com The Pensacola Lighthouse is the oldest on the Gulf Coast. The 171-foot tower sits on a hill, offering it a focal plan of 210 feet. The tower has survived Civil War damage, two strikes of lightning, an earthquake and several hurricanes. Located on the grounds of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the lighthouse even became an archeological site to collect artifacts on display at the Navy Lodge. The naval grounds are open and the lighthouse is accessible, but tours are typically only available by appointment.
Key West Lighthouse 938 Whitehead Street Key West 305-295-6616 x16 www.kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm The Key West Lighthouse was retired from active duty in 1969, but the museum is still open and you are welcome to climb to the top of the 65-foot tower. From the tower top you can see Ernest Hemmingway’s home, Sloppy Joe’s Bar and other famous landmarks around the island town. This stark-white tower with the black top is among the island’s most beloved attractions.
A Tour of the Keys Lighthouses If its island lighthouses you are looking for, you might take a quick jaunt to some other watchtowers in Florida’s keys. Alligator Reef Lighthouse is located just three miles south of the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key. This skeletal structure is a favorite of fishermen, snorkelers and divers. A similar structure is found offshore from the northern end of Largo Key: Carysfort Reef, which is unoccupied and said to be haunted. Meanwhile, in the Dry Tortugas National Park on Loggerhead Key, a black-topped, white-bottomed lighthouse, acts as a mini-motel for Coast Guard crews during maintenance visits. As you are making the drive to Key West, you may also spot the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, the Sand Key Lighthouse and the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse out in the coastal waters.
MOTORSPORTS Florida is an undeniable motorsports Mecca, with Daytona Beach at the heart of the action. It's enough to make Richard Petty proud and Harley Davidson fans drool. You can also take part in the exploits with off-road biking trails across the state or hit the water with rented toys that will take you on a journey you won't soon forget.
DARING DAYTONA 500 Daytona is home to the famed Daytona 500, the Daytona International Speedway and The Speed Park, among other NASCAR delights. On February 17, 2008 the Daytona International Speedway will host the 50th running of the Daytona 500, also known as the Great American Race and surely the most prestigious race in the nation. The Daytona International Speedway (www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, 386-254-2700) hosts nine weekends of major racing activity at its 480-acre motorsports complex. Beyond NASCAR, you'll find the Rolex Sports Car Series, the American Motorcyclist Association, the World Karting Association and more. You can also visit the site to watch Sports Car Club of America amateur sports car races, and antique and classic car shows are held in the spring and fall. No matter what time of year you drive in, you'll find an event to tantalize the race fan in you. If you feel the need to engage in the speedster lifestyle instead of just watching it, visit Speed Park Daytona (www.speedparkdaytona.com, 386-253-3278). You can drive from 0-75 in three seconds on Nitro Alley with its four 210-foot dragsters with Chevy 350 cubic inch motors. Or drag race with your buddies or complete strangers in go-karts that run the Thundermania track. Thrilled out? Kick back at the arcade and drive simulated race cars with the kids.
MOTORCYCLE FESTS No guide to Florida motorsports would be complete without a guide to Florida motorcycle fests. From Daytona Beach to Leesburg to Gainesville and beyond, Florida's motorcycle fests are enough to bring bikers from places far and away again and again.
Bike Week, Daytona Beach 386-255-0981 www.daytonachamber.com/bwhome.html Bike Week is known as the granddaddy of all motorcycling events - and with good reason. Bike Week draws more than 600,000 bikers every spring to take part in classic and modern motorcycle shows. You can test drive a Harley or race against your biker friends, all against a backdrop of music and entertainment. OK, maybe once a year isn't enough. That's why Daytona does it twice. Biketoberfest is the fall companion to Bike Week.
Plant City Bike Fest 813-754-3707 http://plantcitybikefest.com If once or twice a year just isn't enough, the Plant City Bike Fest accommodates the hard core biker in you with a bike fest of its own. It’s held the first Saturday of every month. The city sees between 9,000 and 12,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and 70 food vendors at this classic event.
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Screamin' Eagles Bike Week Nationals 336-924-2095 www.ahdra.com This March event sees the All Harley Drag Racing Association invade Gainesville. The race offers 15 competition classes from Nitro Harleys and V-rods to modified gas bikes and pro stocks. This is a Harley connoisseur's dream.
Leesburg Bike Fest 352-365-0053 http://leesburgbikefest.com In April, motorcyclists demonstrate their kills at this festival that features drill team demonstrations, motorcycle games and rider skills shows. You can also witness biker build-offs as live bands perform in this small city northwest of Orlando.
Ybor City Bike Fest www.tampabaymotorcyclerally.com/tbmr/ Ybor City is an old Cuban town near Tampa, but you can see some of the newest bikes there (along with some classics) at this 21st century Bike Fest. There's biker contests, bike shows, bike games, a little poker and lots of live music.
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally 850-249-7627 www.thunderbeachproductions.com Head to Panama City in northern Florida for this festival that sees more than 40,000 motorcycle fanatics twice a year. In May and September, you can check out bike shows, parades, contests and live outdoor entertainment. Custom bike builders are also on hand and you can hit the beach when the dust settles on the show.
Miami Motorcycle Salon 305-529-2842 http://themotorcycletour.com Miami does motorcycles - and the metropolitan town proves it every April at South Florida's largest motorcycle extravaganza. Nationally acclaimed custom bike builders showcase their creations alongside popular manufacturers' next-generation of bikes. You can also browse biker apparel or enter the bike show, watch stunt riding and enjoy live entertainment.
Motocross of Marion County 352-591-2377 www.mxmarioncounty.com Smack dab between Gainesville and Ocala you'll find this all-clay track. It underwent a redesign in 2003 with a vintage sister track that combines clay and sand. You can also enroll in one of the top MX schools for riders 65cc and up.
Osceola National Forest 386-752-2577 www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/index_osc.shtml West of Jacksonville you'll find 200,000 acres of wilderness and with unmarked forest roads that welcome dirt bikers - if you dare.
Tate's Hell State Forest
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES Off-road motorcyclists dare you to take the challenge and experience the thrill of both natural and man-made racetracks. Are you read to ride? The best time of the year is when it's cooler outside. You'll get less rain and bright blue skies. No matter what time of year you head out, you won't run out of trails to explore in Florida.
850-697-373 www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/thsf_ohv_index.html More than 150 miles of trails on forest roads await you just southwest of Tallahassee. You can ride through cypress swamps and pine flatwoods. Just watch out for the wild pigs, black bear and whitetail deer along the way.
Croom Motorcycle Area Dade City Raceway 352-588-4697 www.dadecitymx.com This raceway has been thrilling off-roaders for more than 20 years. It's a flat track located at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, about eight miles east of I-75. You can practice on Thursday nights for the Saturday night race rain or shine.
352-754-6896 www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/with_croom_motor.htm Want a trail with a national reputation? Visit Croom, with its 145,000 acres of pine forests, hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps beckoning dirt bikers like you. These 2,600 acres of trails accommodate beginners and pros alike with various levels of difficulty. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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WATERCRAFT RENTALS If your need for speed calls for adventure on the open water, the following are just a few places that can help.
MUSEUMS For RVers who have a taste for both nature and culture, Florida offers many museums that help visitors while away the hours in
Boca South Marina
Seabo Marine
501 E. Camino Real Boca Raton 954-302-1000
69 Lorillard Pl. Ormond Beach 904-672-6121
Sea Brace
A1A Water Sports
633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
268 S.W. 33rd St. Fort Lauderdale 954-467-2222
2325 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach 904-249-6666
407-647-6294
unique and interesting ways.
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden www.polasek.org
This museum is dedicated to the life works of noted Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek (1879-1965). Polasek focused on heads and figures, as well as the beauty of movement.
Holiday Isle Resorts & Marina
Adventures In Paradise Inc
84001 U.S. 1 Islamorada 800-327-7070
14341 Port Comfort Rd Fort Myers 239-472-8443
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Factory Bay Marina
561-392-2500
1079 Bald Eagle Dr. Marco Island 239-642-6717
than 3,000 fine works, including European art and west African
Bacle Boat Co. 5539 Maloney Ave. Key West 305-294-0613
1633 N. Bayshore Dr. Miami 305-374-7611
203 Capri Blvd. Naples 239-394-9557
141 Alton Rd. Miami Beach 800-262-0308
A fully accredited museum, with a permanent collection of more
Bonnet House www.bonnethouse.org 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-563-5393 ext. 137
All American Watersports Catamaran Company
501 Plaza Real, Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL 33432
tribal pieces. Minutes from the beach and miles from conventional.
Get Wet Sports A-Sunsplash Watersports
www.bocamuseum.org
7627 West Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa 813-286-7263
Bonnet House is a 35-acre beach-front estate. It was donated to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 by Evelyn Bartlett. Reservations required for groups of 15 or more.
Civil War Soldiers Museum Palm Beach Water Sports
Tibbett's Boat Works
www.cwmuseum.org
150 Australian Ave. West Palm Beach 561-478-7171
305 E. Beach Dr. Panama City 850-785-9262
108 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32501 850-469-1900 Explore 19th century America and the lives of Civil War soldiers who served in the great Confederate and Union armies and navies. The 4,200 square feet of exhibit space currently houses a diverse collection and one of the largest Civil War medical collections in the world. Call for reservations.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates www.efwefla.org 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-334-7419 Walk through the homes, labs and gardens of two of the greatest Americans minds, ever. The winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were opened to the public in 1947 and 1990, respectively, and offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the scientific geniuses who forever changed the world.
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www.greatex.org 1925 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704 727-821-8992 Interactive museum offering hands-on exhibits and family fun that teach artistic and scientific concepts. Outreach programs and museum rentals available. Exhibits include Engine Company 15: The Fire House, I Can Construct and the Veterinary Office.
Hemingway Home & Museum www.hemingwayhome.com 907 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040 Tour the Key West home of one of America’s most brilliant writers. Hemingway lived in the house until moving further south to Cuba in 1939. Cat lovers can also meet the descents of Hemingway’s six-toed cat, among the 60 cats that call the grounds home.
Henry B. Plant Museum www.plantmuseum.com
Flagler Museum www.flaglermuseum.us One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-655-2833
401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606 813-254-1891 Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum interprets the turn-of-the century 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and the lifestyles of America’s Guilded Age. The National Historic
Completed in 1902, Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate, was hailed as “more magnificent than any other private dwelling
Landmark building houses opulent furnishings original to the hotel. For 20+ group reservations, call 813-258-7302.
in the world.” Museum highlights include tours, exhibits, and Flagler’s railcar.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art www.ringling.org
Florida Air Museum at Sun ’n Fun
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
www.sun-n-fun.org
941-359-5700
4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, FL 863-644-0741
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which is affiliated with Florida State University, is the largest museum/university
The Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun displays a rich variety of
complex in the nation. The Museum, recognized as the state
aircraft and artifacts covering the history of the first century of flight.
art museum of Florida, includes 21 galleries of internationally
Year-round educational programs bring aviation to life.
recognized European and American art with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and other baroque masters.
Florida Holocaust Museum flholocaustmuseum.org 55 5th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-820-0100
Junior Museum of Bay County www.jrmuseum.org 1731 Jenks Ave., Panama City, FL 32405 850-769-6128
Advances public awareness, education and understanding of the Holocaust. The museum provides educational resource about genocide for teachers, students and visitors. Call to request tours, teaching trunks, survivor presentations, teacher trainings and workshops.
Florida International Museum
The mission of the Junior Museum of Bay County is to inspire and educate children through interactive exhibits and programs focusing on science, history, cultural studies and the environment. Call for reservations.
Lawrence E. Will Museum www.pbclibrary.org/lew.htm
www.floridamuseum.org
530 S. Main St., Belle Glade, FL 33430
244 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
561-996-3453
727-341-7900 International blockbuster exhibitions such as Treasures of the
The Museum’s educational mission is to collect, conserve, display, and organize the artifacts, memorabilia, photographic, and written
Czars, Titanic: The Exhibition and Empires of Mystery.
records pertinent to the unique, organic-soil area surrounding Lake
Call for current exhibit.
Okeechobee and the upper Everglades. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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Great Explorations, The Children’s Museum
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Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art
Museum of Arts and Sciences
www.spcollege.edu/central/museum
www.moas.org
600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, FL
352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
727-712-5762
386-255-0285
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art opened in January 2002 and
Located in the heart of Florida’s last-remaining coastal hammock
features the work of Abraham Rattner (1893-1978), a figurative
preserve, the 50,000sf facility is one of the leading major cultural
expressionist whose paintings are in museum collections around
institutions dedicated to interpreting the areas of art, science and
the world. The Museum schedules six to eight changing exhibitions
Florida history for Central and North Florida audiences.
each year, including works by international, national, local and student artists.
Museum of Contemporary Art Liberty Bell Memorial Museum www.honoramerica.org/libertybell 1601 Oak St., Melbourne, FL 32901 321-727-1776 Centerpiece of the museum is a full-sized replica of the Liberty
www.mocanomi.org 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami, FL 33161 305-893-6211 The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami offers eight to 10 cutting-edge art exhibitions annually, along with a wide variety of
Bell. Also contains many copies of historical documents, military
public and education programs. Exhibitions scheduled in 2008
uniforms and war memorabilia. There are collections of model
include Sympathy for the Devil: Art of Rock and Roll Since 1967.
war planes, war ships, and American flags of every era of history. Paintings and photos of presidents and historic events
Museum of the Americas
line the walls.
2500 N.W. 79th Ave., Suite #104, Doral, FL 33122
Lightner Museum www.lightnermuseum.org
305-599-8088 A contemporary organization that exhibits and collects artwork of
75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
every origin. Around 500 works from artists from different countries
904-824-2874
are held in the permanent collection. Most work on display is by emerging artists.
Splendors from the Gilded Age include cut glass, Victorian art glass, furnishings, costumes and mechanical musical instruments.
Orlando Museum of Art Miami Art Museum
www.omart.org
www.miamiartmuseum.org
2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
101 W. Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130
407-896-4231
305-375-3000
The Orlando Museum of Art is committed to collecting, preserving
Miami Art Museum exhibits, collects, preserves and interprets
and interpreting notable works or art and presenting exhibitions of
international art of the western hemisphere. The focus is on works
local, regional, national and international significance. The OMA has
from the 1940s to the present, complemented by art from other eras.
permanent collections of American art, art of the Ancient Americas and African art.
Miami Science Museum www.miamisci.org
Pensacola Museum of Art
3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129
www.pensacolamuseumofart.org
305-646-4200
407 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Exhibits, a wildlife center and a planetarium make this an educational adventure on Miami’s Biscayne Bay. Traveling exhibits are highlighted.
850-432-6247 Current exhibitions, classes, lectures, educational programs. The permanent collection includes works by John Marin, Salvador Dali, Miriam Scharpiro, Fairfield Porter, Thomas Hart Benton, Alex Katz,
The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens www.morikami.org 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 561-495-0233 An exhibition depicting the Japanese settlement of South Florida in the early 1900s. The permanent collection gallery displays recent acquisitions and outstanding examples from the 5,000-piece collection.
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Lynda Benglis, Milton Avery and Alexander Calder.
Salvador Dali Museum www.salvadordalimuseum.org 1000 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-823-3767 The Salvador Dalí Museum is the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of the renowned Spanish artist’s
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St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts www.fine-arts.org 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-2667
The World Golf Hall of Fame is the place to learn about the stories of the grand game of golf. Historic artifacts and personal memorabilia, hands-on golf experiences and exhibits that tell the history of the game are all part of the full museum experience. Housed within the World Golf Village, which also offers a PGA TOUR golf academy.
Noted for its late 19th and early 20th century European and American collection, which includes works by Vigée-Lebrun, Blanche, Cézanne, Monet, Gaugin, Renoir and O’Keeffe. It is also the home to one of the finer collections of photographs in the Southeast.
St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-894-1052 The St. Petersburg Museum of History showcases the city’s history from pre-history to the present. The museum has four galleries and features two to four annual exhibits.
Tampa Museum of Art www.tampamuseum.com 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 813-274-8130 Changing exhibitions range from contemporary to classic, and the permanent collection specializes in Greek and Roman antiquities. Complementing these exhibitions are a wide range of classes, lectures, lunchtime seminars and walking tours.
Vizcaya Miami www.vizcayamuseum.org 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129 305-250-9133
NATURE PARKS Despite residential and commercial development, a great deal of Florida’s natural beauty remains intact for the enjoyment of RV travelers.
STATE FORESTS Florida’s 33 state forests are spread throughout the state and cover more than one million acres. Most are accessible to the public and provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Details can
Vizcaya is a museum for the European decorative arts with period rooms in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neo-classic styles. It is in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, built between 1914 and 1916 as the winter residence of the industrialist James Deering. The villa is surrounded by formal gardens.
be found online at the state Division of Forestry Web site (www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/index.html) or by calling 850-488-4274.
STATE PARKS For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org or call
Wolfsonian
850-245-2157. For camping information and reservations, contact
www.wolfsonian.org 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-531-1001
Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD
The Wolfsonian holds more than 70,000 objects, most from North America and Europe, providing rich evidence of the cultural, political, and technological changes that swept the world in the century preceding the end of World War II. The collection features furniture, decorative arts, industrial design, paintings, sculpture, architectural models, works on paper, and books.
888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
Alafia River State Park 14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547 813-672-5320 Alafia River offers family camping, off-road bicycling, equestrian and hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking.
Anastasia State Park World Golf Hall of Fame & IMAX Theater
1340-A A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080
www.wgv.com One World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092 904-940-4123
904-461-2033 Visitors enjoy camping, swimming, fishing and walking on four miles of beach just south of St. Augustine.
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
work. With 96 oils spanning from 1917 through 1970, the collection provides an excellent overview of Dalí’s major themes and symbols.
ABOUT FLORIDA
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Bahia Honda State Park
Faver-Dykes State Park
36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
1000 Faver-Dykes Road, St. Augustine, FL 32086
305-872-2353
904-794-0997
Camping, cabins, two boat ramps and a 19-slip marina, fishing
Bordering Pellicer Creek and the Matanzas River, this park's birding
and other activities keep visitors returning to Bahia Honda
opportunities span year-round. Fishing, picnicking and nature
year after year.
walks are popular.
Big Lagoon State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507
3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446
850-492-1595
850-482-9598
Camping is a treat in Florida's panhandle. Just outside Pensacola,
Tours of the dry “air-filled� caves are the main attraction to this
this park offers a fine beach for swimming, fishing, boating
park. Camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing and golf are other
and canoeing.
popular activities.
Blackwater River State Park
Fort Clinch State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Holt, FL 32564
2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
850-983-5363
904-277-7274
With one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, this park is
Daily tours depict garrison life at Fort Clinch. Just outside the fort,
perfect for camping, swimming and canoeing.
guests can enjoy the beaches and island wildlife.
Blue Spring State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763
4281 Highway 20 East , Niceville, FL 32578
386-775-3663
850-833-9144
During the winter, watch the manatees. In the summertime, swim,
This park offers family camping, year-round freshwater and
tube or snorkel in the refreshing 72-degree spring waters. Camping
saltwater fishing opportunities and the best boat ramp on
and cabins are available.
Choctawhatchee Bay.
Collier-Seminole State Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
20200 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34114 239-394-3397 Campers can experience the Everglades wilderness while canoeing, bicycling and hiking on nature trails.
Curry Hammock State Park 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-2690 With 28 campsites available from November 1 to May 31, Curry Hammock is a bird-watchers paradise year-round.
3100 S. State Road A1A, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 386-517-2086 The beach is the most popular feature at this park. The campground overlooks the Atlantic Ocean where swimming, fishing and bird-watching are popular.
Grayton Beach State Park 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-231-4210 White sugar sand beaches and emerald green waters are
Falling Waters State Park 1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428 850-638-6130 Featuring Florida's tallest waterfall, this state park provides a perfect spot for a swim, picnic, hike or camping adventure.
perfect for building sand castles or swimming. Camping and cabins are available.
Henderson Beach State Park 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541 850-837-7550 This camping park features sugar white sand beaches, nature trails, children's playgrounds, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, bicycling and more.
Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 863-386-6094 Featuring a museum showcasing the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park offers camping, hiking and ranger-led tours.
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Hillsborough River State Park 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, Florida 33592 813-987-6771 Located outside Tampa, this park offers camping, canoeing and hiking. A half-acre pool is available for swimming. Visit nearby Fort Foster, a reconstructed Second Seminole War fort.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park MM 102.5 Overseas Highway, P.O. Box 478, Key Largo, FL 33037 305-451-1202 The first undersea park, this park offers camping and marina slips. With coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps, this park has glass bottom boat tours.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park 16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772-546-2771 Just outside Stuart, camping, bicycling and hiking are popular. The Loxahatchee River is popular for canoeing or fishing.
Little Manatee River State Park 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, FL 33598
Kissimmee Prairie State Park
813-671-5005
33104 N.W. 192nd Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Relax at Little Manatee River State Park, a camping park with a hiking
863-462-5360
trail and canoe launch. Catches include bass, bream and catfish.
Stargazing is popular at this park. Camp under the stars to watch the Milky Way and its thousands of twinkling stars.
Little Talbot Island State Park 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Koreshan State Park
904-251-2320
U.S. 41 @ Corkscrew Road, P.O. Box 7, Estero, FL 33928
Enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching and shell collecting at
239-992-0311
this camping park near Jacksonville. Guided horseback rides on the
Camp along the banks of the Estero River. Visit the historic
beach are available at nearby Amelia Island State Park.
settlement, established in 1894, in a Victorian Garden setting. Hiking and canoeing are popular.
Lake Griffin State Park 3089 U.S. 441/27, Fruitland Park, FL 34731 352-360-6760 Boating, canoeing and fishing on Lake Griffin make this a central-Florida camping paradise. Largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch and catfish call to the anglers.
Lake Kissimmee State Park 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-696-1112 The campground features lots of shade under many live oaks. Fish on Lake Kissimmee, the headwater of the Florida Everglades.
Lake Louisa State Park 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714 352-394-3969 A short drive from Orlando, this park has camping and cabins among
Long Key State Park 67400 Overseas Highway, Long Key, FL 33001 305-664-4815 Camp overlooking the ocean in the Florida Keys. Hike, canoe, fish and enjoy the serenity of the islands.
Manatee Springs State Park 11650 N.W. 115th St, Chiefland, FL 32626 352-493-6072 The namesake for this park is a 20-foot wide crystal clear blue spring where swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving are the main attraction.
Myakka River State Park 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 941-361-6511 Camping and cabins are available at this park. Enjoy the canopy boardwalk, take an airboat tour, hike the Florida Trail. Fishing and
lakes and rolling hills. Fish, canoe, kayak and hike.
birdwatching opportunities galore.
Lake Manatee State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park
20007 State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34212
429 State Park Road, Sopchoppy, FL 32358
941-741-3028
850-962-2771
Camp a short walk from Lake Manatee, where fishing, canoeing and
Camp at this park for the weekend or a weeklong vacation.
kayaking are the favorite activities. A boat ramp is available.
Picnic, hike, swim, canoe or boat. Reel in the big one. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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O'Leno State Park
St. Andrews State Park
410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road, High Springs, FL 32643
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408
386-454-1853
850-233-5140
The Santa Fe River flows through this perfect spot for camping near
Water sports keep you busy at this camping park on Panama
Gainesville. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy several trails.
City Beach. Boat tours to Shell Island are available during the spring and summer.
Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
St. George Island State Park
941-483-5956
1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328
Near Venice on the Gulf Coast, this park features hiking trails, a
850-927-2111
freshwater swimming lake and canoeing or kayaking on South Creek.
Swimming, fishing, bird-watching, walking the beach and shelling are just a few things to do while spending sunny afternoons
Paynes Prairie State Park
on the island.
100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
352-466-3397 Camp under the stars or canoe at Lake Wauberg at this 21,000-acre wilderness. A 50-foot-high observation tower provides a view of the prairie.
Rainbow Springs State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 850-227-1327 Nine miles of white sandy beach and warm Gulf of Mexico waters welcome visitors for swimming, fishing, hiking and enjoying the island.
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
352-465-8555
U.S. 41 North, White Springs, FL 32096
This camping park is home to three waterfalls, a freshwater spring, a
386-397-2733
historic garden and opportunities for birding, hiking and nature study.
Situated on the banks of the Suwannee River, this center honors American composer Stephen Foster. Explore the museum, hike,
Sebastian Inlet State Park
canoe and camp under the trees.
9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 321-984-4852
Suwannee River State Park
This camping park is a premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida's
20185 County Road 132, Live Oak, FL 32060
east coast. Surfing, swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving are
386-362-2746
favorite activities.
Overlooking the spot where the Withlacoochee and Suwannee rivers join on their way to the Gulf of Mexico, this park is perfect for
Silver River State Park 1425 N.E. 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 352-236-7148 Camping and cabins are available at this park under the moss-laden live oaks. Enjoy hiking and exploring the museum.
camping, hiking, fishing and canoeing.
Three Rivers State Park 7908 Three River Park Road, Sneads, FL 32460 850-482-9006 The park features Lake Seminole, a collection of the waters of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. This lake is the headwaters of the Apalachicola River. Camping, fishing and hiking are great ways to enjoy this paradise.
Tomoka State Park 2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386-676-4050 Canoeing, boating and fishing are favorite activities at this camping park on the Halifax River north of Daytona Beach.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 7525 W. Scenic Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-267-0299 This RV campground features a tram service that transports visitors to the secluded beaches. Swimming pool, tennis courts and shuffleboard round out the days' activities.
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Ron Jon Surf Shop
2576 N.W. Torreya Park Road, Bristol, FL 32321
4151 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach
850-643-2674
321-799-8888
High bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River make this camping
www.ronjons.com
park worth the visit. Activities include bird-watching, hiking and
No visit to coastal Florida would be complete without a stop into
touring the 1849 plantation home.
Ron Jon Surf Shop. It’s a world famous Cocoa Beach tradition. The store features all the best in surf and sun gear. Ron Jon is so
Wekiwa Springs State Park
popular, in fact, the beloved retailer has branched out. You can now
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
find Ron Jon in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers and Key West.
407-884-2008 Located at the headspring of the Wekiva River, this park offers
Winter Park’s Park Avenue
picnicking, swimming, canoeing and miles of hiking trails.
Park Avenue, Winter Park New York isn’t the only city with a Park Avenue. Winter Park offers 10 tree-lined city blocks of shopping delights. There you’ll find glitz
NATIONAL FORESTS
and glam boutiques, famous name brands, quaint bistros and the
The national forests in Florida include four forests - the Apalachicola,
historic Hannibal Square. This is a unique collection of shops you
Osceola, Ocala and Choctawhatchee - which cover 1.2 million acres in
don’t want to miss as you enjoy the relaxing stroll down Park Avenue
North and Central Florida. Complete information can be found online
(and maybe a scoop of ice cream as you go).
at www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida or by calling 850-523-8500. The
Los Olas Boulevard
Choctawhatchee National Forest is not open to the public.
Fort Lauderdale www.lasolasboulevard.com
NATIONAL PARKS Florida is home to no fewer than 11 national parks administered by the National Park Service. They include Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Biscayne National Park near Key Biscayne, Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton, Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West,
If you like Winter Park’s shopping strip, you’ll love Fort Lauderdale’s rendition. Since 1917, when Las Olas was a dirt road that took residents and visitors to Fort Lauderdale beach, Las Olas has been a place to find fashion boutiques, art galleries, memorable restaurants, sidewalk cafes and clubs. You can visit day or night and shop in style.
Everglades National Park near Miami, Fort Caroline National Memorial near Jacksonville, Fort Matanzas National Memorial
Cocoa Village
near
Downtown Cocoa Beach
St. Augustine,
Gulf
Islands
National
Seashore
near
Gulf Breeze, and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
www.cocoavillage.com
near Jacksonville.
If it’s antiques you are looking for, visit Cocoa Beach’s restored
For
details,
visit
the
National
Park
Service
online
at
home.nps.gov/state/fl/.
downtown. Not only will you get a glimpse at buildings on the National Historic Register, you’ll also get your fill of old fashioned ice cream, Victorian-style coffee houses and arts and crafts shows. You can listen to jazz and classical music groups and that missing antique treasures for which you’ve been searching.
SHOPPING You could literally shop ‘til you drop in Florida. The Sunshine State is not merely a bastion for souvenirs anymore. It’s a land of shopping opportunity with sophisticated retail boutiques, massive flea markets and malls, specialty stores and even discount outlets. Whether you are gearing up to hunt down Mickey Mouse bargains, looking to take a short-cut to your shell collection at a beachfront boutique or just want an all around good bargain, Florida has the store for you. What’s more, with the ethnic influences in some parts of the state you can literally take home a taste of Cuba, Jamaica or some other nearby Caribbean isle. From famous stores to no-name one-offs, check out these shopping paradises. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Torreya State Park
ABOUT FLORIDA
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The Shell Factory & Nature Park
village features five turn of the century houses filled with an array
2787 N. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
of gifts for all occasions. If you need a break from shopping you can
800-282-5805
also stroll through the campus and enjoy the scenery.
www.shellfactory.com If you don’t have the patience to sift through Florida’s sandy shores to find the variety of shells you hope to take home, don’t worry. Just visit the Shell Factory in Fort Myers. The Shell Factory claims to have the largest collection of common and rare seashells, sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens in the world. Even if it doesn’t, it has more than enough to choose from. Shell Factory also sells sea and nautical-inspired lamps and night-lights, as well as gold jewelry. If you get hungry on your hunt, several restaurants are also
Florida Outlet Malls If it’s deep discounts you crave, visit one of Florida’s eight marquee outlet malls. Thousands of name-brand outlet stores are scattered in outlet malls in Orlando, Sunrise, St. Augustine, Naples, Florida City and Ellenton. The Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise (near Fort Lauderdale) is Florida’s largest shopping destination with over 350 discount retailers and restaurants. Orlando and St. Augustine both have two outlet centers to shop.
on site to satisfy.
Renninger’s Farmers and Flea Market Florida Swap Shop
20651 US 441 , Mount Dora
3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
352-383-3141
954-791-SWAP
www.renningersflorida.com
www.floridaswapshop.com
Renninger’s has been consistently voted one of the top 10 flea
Looking for a bargain or an old-fashioned drive-in flick? Then this is
markets in America. It boasts 40,000sf of indoor and outdoor shops.
the place for you. Since 1963, the Swap Shop has held bragging
Historic downtown Mount Dora is just blocks away, offering antique
rights as the largest daily flea market in the world. There’s a farmer’s
shopping galore. And Orlando is 30 minutes north for Disney,
market, an 180,000-square-foot air-conditioned shopping and enter-
outlet shopping and more.
tainment complex with brand name merchandise and international restaurants, as well as 2,000 vendors selling at flea market prices. There’s even amusement rides and a giant video arcade. How can you go wrong?
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk Madeira Beach www.johnspass.com John’s Pass is a self-described paradise complete with village
The Gallery at Beach Place
merchants that peddle one-of-a-kind treasures and “take ‘em home
17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
to the folks” souvenirs from stores like the Wild Time Boutique,
954-764-3460
Angel Haven and The Hide Out. You won’t want to pass up this
www.galleryatbeachplace.com
village and boardwalk, which also offers dining, recreation,
You’ll find an oceanside shopping extravaganza at The Gallery,
accommodations and special events all year long.
from arts to swimwear to shoes and more. When you get tired of shopping, grab a bite at one of the many pubs or restaurants. This is a sophisticated experience for the sophisticated shopper.
Downtown Fernandina Beach Fernandina Beach is a Victorian seaport village on Amelia Island. Its 55-block downtown district is on the National Register of Historic
Downtown Disney
Places and offers plenty of shopping opportunities, from antiques to
1780 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
art galleries to movies to spas. You can even take a horse and buggy
If you’re looking to shop for all things “Disney” or just want a
down the block and eat at places ranging from ice cream parlors to
break from the theme parks, then Downtown Disney is a terrific
fine restaurants.
destination. There’s an interesting selection of shops and restaurants located there, like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the LEGO Imagination Center, and the Rainforest Café. All of the Walt Disney
SPORTS
World resorts offer transportation to Downtown Disney. Florida sports are not all about beach volleyball, deep sea fishing
Rogers Christmas House Village
and water skiing. And although the Sunshine State’s perennial
103 South Saxon Avenue, Brooksville
college teams are worth noting (read: Gators, Seminoles and
877-312-5046
’Canes), nine professional sports teams also call Florida home. That
www.rogerschristmashouse.com
means plenty of thrilling dunks, nail-biting extra point kicks, nights
It’s Christmas every day in this collection of Christmas shops in
at the ballgame, and even fights at the hockey rink. Indeed, Florida
historic Brooksville, a stone’s throw from Tampa. This enchanting
is a sports maven’s dream come true.
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ABOUT FLORIDA
No matter what region of the state you find yourself - north,
Jacksonville Jaguars
south, east or west - you can find a professional sports team for
Alltel Stadium
which to cheer. And if you happen to be in Florida during the
904-633-2000
spring months, you can watch some of the best baseball players in
www.jaguars.com
the world warm up for a championship season at spring training camp locations around the state. Let’s take a look at Florida’s
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
professional sports teams - some of them world champions - and
Raymond James Stadium
where they get their games on.
813-879-2821 www.buccaneers.com
FANTASTIC FOOTBALL Fantasy football is one thing, fantastic football is another. Whether you prefer stadiums or arenas, you can find a Florida team hiking the pigskin from coast to coast. We begin our professional
Miami Dolphins Dolphin Stadium 888-FINS-TIX www.miamidolphins.com
football tour with the Arena Football League (AFL) before moving up the ranks to the National Football League (NFL). Arena football is played, well, in an arena. The field is an indoor
HOT HOOPS
padded surface, 85 feet wide and 50 yards long, with eight-yard end
Florida is home to plenty of heat and plenty of hoops, with two
zones. Eight players from each team take the field. All players play
premiere professional basketball teams. The Miami Heat boasts one
offense and defense with the exception of the kicker, quarterback,
championship and the tag-team duo of superstar Shaquille O’Neal
offensive specialist and two defensive specialists. Arena football
and Dwayne Wade ready to compete for another while the Orlando
features four 15-minute quarters with a 15-minute halftime. Now that
Magic is reorganized for its next run at the trophy with a new breed
you know the basic rules, check out Florida’s duo of AFL teams.
of stars. Both teams came to the league in 1989.
Orlando Predators
Miami Heat
This AFL team started tackling opponents in 1991 in its true
American Airlines Arena
predatory style. Games are selling out as this team is known for
786-777-4220
sending players up the ranks to the NFL ranks. The Predators
www.nba.com/heat
are true winners. The team is tied for the AFL record for most consecutive playoff appearances. You can visit the team online at
Orlando Magic
www.orlandopredators.com.
Amway Arena 407-916-8400 www.nba.com/magic
Tampa Bay Storm The Tampa Bay Storm has been storming the AFL since 1991. In fact, this team is the league’s flagship franchise. The Storm holds AFL records for ArenaBowl victories, with championship seasons in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2003. The Storm plays in the St. Pete Times Forum on Tampa’s downtown waterfront, which is also home to the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning. You can visit the team online at www.tampabaystorm.com.
All hail the NFL The National Football League has three teams strategically positioned in the Sunshine State: The Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and, of course, the Miami Dolphins. Founded in 1995, the Jaguars are the state’s newest team. The Jags play in the AFC. Rewind nearly 20 years and you find the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs started playing in the NFC in 1976. Of course, the Miami Dolphins are an NFL classic team, launching in the AFC East in 1966 and producing football legends like Coach Don Shula and quarterback Dan Marino.
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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PLAY BALL! Baseball made its way to the Sunshine State in 1985. That’s when
THEME PARKS
the Florida Marlins became one of two teams added to the National League to match the American League’s 14 clubs. Ten years later, the
Florida is the world’s playground, and here are a few of the more
Tampa Bay Devil Rays played its first game in 1995 to become the
prominent attractions of interest to RVers traveling in the state.
13th expansion team in league history. Ty Wigginton is a promise for the future after the team was haunted by injuries in 2006. Eighteen
ADVENTURE ISLAND
Major League Baseball teams also hold their spring training camps
www.adventureisland.com
in sunny Florida, an added bonus for the state’s true fans of
Seasonal 30-acre water park featuring slides, corkscrews and falls.
America’s pastime.
Other attractions include a 17,000sf wave pool and a four-lane mat slide. Slide alone down the Caribbean Corkscrew or join the family
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
for Wahoo Run rafting. 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa. Hours
Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
vary seasonally. Adults $35.95, children 3-9 $33.95, all younger free.
727-825-3137
Call 888-800-5447.
www.tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY Florida Marlins
www.buschgardens.com
Dolphin Stadium
Experience Africa in the heart of Tampa. When not on safari, ride one
888-FINS-TIX
of nine coasters that include SkeiKra, America’s first 90-degree dive
www.florida.marlins.devilrays.mlb.com
coaster. Tour through habitats of hippos, hyenas and crocodiles, or see lorikeets, parrots and hornbills in free-flight. 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa. Hours vary seasonally. Out-of-state adults $61.95,
HIT THE ICE
children $51.95. Call 888-800-5447.
Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it has some cool history with
DAYTONA USA
the National Hockey League. It all began in 1992 when the Tampa
www.daytonausa.com
Bay Lightning gathered 72 players on the choppy ice of the Lakeland
The official attraction of NASCAR. Plunge yourself into the Richard
Civic Center. The Florida Panthers hit the ice the following year and
Petty Driving Experience or test your skills at the Ford 16-second
posted the most successful first-year NHL season ever. Who says
pit challenge. Race fans can sharpen their know-how at DuPont
hockey is only for cold-weather states? Florida’s teams prove
Technology of Speed or take a guided tour of the speedway.
otherwise with world champs in its midst.
1801 W. International Speedway, Daytona Beach. Open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults $24, seniors and children 6-12 $19, all younger free.
Florida Panthers American Airlines Arena 786-777-4220 www.panthers.nhl.com
Tampa Bay Lightning St. Pete Times Forum 813-301-6600 www.lightning.nhl.com Beyond the usual sports suspects, it may surprise you to learn that Florida is home to sports like polo. Palm Beach County is the winter polo capital of the world. But if you get tired of watching the pros hit pucks, bounce balls, throw pitches and kick footballs, you can always visit one of Florida’s many world-class golf courses or tennis courts. Some of the world’s greatest golf and tennis players from Venus and Serena Williams to Tiger Woods - assure world-class facilities are widely available.ants.
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Call 386-947-6800.
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Megastore and LEGO Imagination Center. After taking in a show, dine at the Wolfgang Puck Cafe. In Lake Buena Vista.
EPCOT disneyworld.disney.go.com Explore the world or get a glimpse of the future at Disney’s park dedicated to inspiration and hope. Thrills include Mission: SPACE and Soarin’, as well as longtime hits like Spaceship Earth and Body Wars. International pavilions are among Epcot’s greatest highlights; walk around the world in a day between fully-themed World Showcase locales like China, France, Norway and Morocco. Popular among kids is The Seas with Nemo & Friends. In Lake Buena Vista. Park usually opens at 9 a.m. Adults $71, children $60. Call 407-939-6244.
EVERGLADES ALLIGATOR FARM www.everglades.com South Florida’s oldest alligator farm and home to 2,000 alligators of all sizes. Venture into the “back forty” with an airboat tour or see a live alligator show. Those looking for variety can travel the Redland Tropical trail to the baffling Coral Castle and other local
DISCOVERY COVE
attractions. 40351 S.W. 192nd Ave., Florida City (Homestead). Open
www.discoverycove.com
9 a.m to 6 p.m. daily. Adults $19, children 4-11 $12, all younger free.
Swim with dolphins in the heart of Florida. Enjoy personal, live con-
Call 305-247-2628.
tact with the sea mammals at the park’s 30-minute Dolphin Swim or explore a tropical reef. The park has more than sea life, though - the
FANTASY OF FLIGHT
aviary is home to more than 250 tropical birds. 6000 Discovery Cove
www.fantasyofflight.com
Way, Orlando. Peak price is $269 per person, all-inclusive. Call 877-
Part museum and part amusement park, all housed in an Art Deco
434-7268 for reservations and hours.
hangars. Fly in a simulated World War II dogfight or get up close with 40 rare, vintage aircraft, all in flying condition. Balloon and
DISNEY - MGM STUDIOS
biplane rides available during summer months. 1400 Broadway Blvd.
disneyworld.disney.go.com
S.E., Polk City. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $26.95, seniors
Disney’s gateway to Hollywood and your chance to walk in the
$24.95, children 6-15 $13.95, all younger free. Call 863-984-3500.
world of movies. Take the ultimate Star Wars thrill ride, or face a horrifying plunge in the Tower of Terror. Live entertainment includes
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
the Indiana Jones stunt show and the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
www.flaquarium.org
In Lake Buena Vista. Park usually opens at 9 a.m. Adults $71,
Home to more than 10,000 aquatic plants and animals. Exhibits
children $60. Call 407-939-6244.
include Wetlands, Bays & Beaches and Sea Hunt. Children can enjoy Explore-a-Shore. SCUBA dive with reef fish and even, if you’re
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
daring, sharks. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Open daily from 9:30
disneyworld.disney.go.com
a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult $17.95, seniors $14.95, children 2-12 $12.95,
Get to know the great outdoors during your Central Florida vacation.
all younger free. Call 813-273-4000.
Walk the Discovery Island trails to meet Galapagos tortoises, lemurs and tamarin monkeys, or take a wild ride into prehistory on
FLORIDA KEYS SCENIC HIGHWAY
DINOSAUR. Fun for children includes Fossil Fun Games and The
www.byways.org/explore/byways/2555
Boneyard. In Lake Buena Vista. Park usually opens at 9 a.m. Adults
Take a one of a kind drive through beauty, history and legend;
$71, children $60. Call 407-939-6244.
described by locals as the “Road to Paradise.” The 106-mile highway stretches between Florida’s signature islands; get the most scenic
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
view of the southernmost locale in the U.S. When not driving on the
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Keys, you’ll be surrounded by the seemingly-endless Atlantic Ocean
Big-city fun without big-city hassle; enjoy entertainment, dining and
and Gulf of Mexico. Begin on the byway south of Florida City on US
shopping with no charge for downtown entry. Major attractions
1. Be aware of mile markers, which are used locally for directions,
include the Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba and Pleasure Island.
and keep an eye on the gas gauge for those long bridges. WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Shopping opportunities includes the World of Disney, the Virgin
ABOUT FLORIDA
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GATORLAND
sounds and feel the force as you enter orbit in a simulated launch.
www.gatorland.com
SR 405, Port Canaveral, Merritt island. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7
The “Alligator Capital of the World,” 110 acres of shows and critters.
p.m. Adults $38, children 3-11 $28. Call 321-449-4444.
Explore Alligator Island in Gator Lake, where hundreds of the reptiles soak up the sun. Or venture into the breeding marsh and
MANATEE OBSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
bird rookery to see alligators in their natural habitat. Walk through
www.manateecenter.com
an unspoiled cypress swamp or see the flamingos in their lagoon.
Catch a glimpse of one of Florida’s more unusual natives in this
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. Open daily from
not-for-profit center. Manatees can be seen year round in the
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $22.95, children 3-23 $14.95, all younger
observation center, which provides the rare opportunity to see
free. Call 800-393-5297.
wild manatees in their natural habitat. Other attractions include a butterfly garden and educational opportunities. 480 North Indian
HISTORIC BOK SANCTUARY
River Drive, Fort Pierce. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to
www.boksanctuary.org
5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $1, children under
World-class botanical gardens nestled between orange groves and
6 free. Call 772-466-1600 ext. 3333.
pine scrub. See and hear the park’s centerpiece, a 205-foot Gothic/Art Deco marble carillon tower with 60 bells. Other highlights include the Pinewood Estate, a Mediterranean revival mansion on the Sanctuary grounds. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. Adults $10, children 5-12 $3, all younger free. Call 863-676-1408.
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS www.selby.org Come to where fun is in full bloom. Sarasota’s bayfront gardens with more than 20,000 plants; walk among orchids and butterflies, gaze into koi ponds, or wander through a banyan grove. Expect unique exhibits at this not-for-profit collection. Selby’s major attraction is a
THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE
living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. Other collections
www.theholylandexperience.com
include cycads, cacti and succulents. 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Explore the Qumran caves of the Dead Sea, stroll through a
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $12, children 6-11 $6.
Jerusalem street market or discover Biblical artifacts and antiquities
Call 941-366-5731.
without leaving Orlando. Major opportunities for learning and enrichment include presentations on Holy Land’s 45-foot scale
MIAMI METROZOO
model of Jerusalem, ca. A.D. 66, and the Wilderness Tabernacle,
www.miamimetrozoo.com
where a high priest explains the rituals of the following exodus.
Home to 81 exhibits on 740 acres; enter Dr. Wilde’s World, an indoor
4655 Vineland Road, Orlando. Open Monday through Saturday from
gallery with seasonal content, and take flight into American Bankers
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $35, children 6-12 $23, all younger free.
Family aviary. Learn more about your favorite animals at shows
Call 800-447-7235.
like the Animal Meet & Greet and Keeper Talks. Fun for the kids includes The Waterplay at Lakeside and Commercialbank
JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS www.jaxzoo.org Northeast Florida’s gateway to the wild with more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. See exhibits like Birds of the Rift Valley, Range of the Jaguar and Australian Adventure. Fun for young ones includes Play Park. Hear zookeepers talk about the bats of Africa, elephant encounters and the great apes. 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $11.00, children 3-12 $7.50, all younger free. Call 904-757-4463.
Children’s Zoo. 12400 S.W. 152 St., Miami. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults $11.50, children 3-12 $6.75, all younger free. Call 305-251-0400.
MIAMI SEAQUARIUM www.miamiseaquarium.com Find delight among sea lions and loggerhead turtles. A major attraction is the dolphin swim; learn dolphin physiology and behavior by joining them in the water. Two-hour session includes feeding, training and touching, with 30 minutes spent in the water. Other attractions include a killer whale and pacific white-sided
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX www.kennedyspacecenter.com Only 45 minutes from Orlando; visit NASA’s launch headquarters to
dolphins. 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $29.95, children 3-9 $22.95. Dolphin swim participants pay an extra $189. Call 305-361-5705.
learn about the history of space flight, and get up-close views of real NASA vehicles. View a shuttle or rocket launch first-hand, train in spaceflight simulators and tour launch areas. For the most authentic experience, feel the Gs at the new Shuttle Launch Experience; step into the shoes of an astronaut as you see the sights, hear the
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FLORIDA RV TRAVELERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE
MOTE AQUARIUM www.mote.org Explore the secrets of the deep and get up-close with dolphins, sharks, manatees and sea turtles or hands-on with horseshoe crabs,
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Revival mansion is rumored to be haunted. Believe it or not. 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Adults $14.99, children 5-12 $7.99. Call 904-824-1606.
SEAWORLD ORLANDO www.seaworld.com Get splashed by an Orca whale at SeaWorld’s renowned Shamu show, one of many attractions and this Orlando icon. Thrill-seekers can take a ride on Kraken or, perhaps, Journey to Atlantis. Escape the Florida heat in Wild Arctic, or walk among one of nature’s great predators at Shark Encounter. Fun for the kids includes Shamu’s Happy Harbor. 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando. Opens daily at 9 a.m., Adults $64.95, children $53.95. Call 800-327-2424.
SILVER SPRINGS www.silversprings.com stingrays and sea stars. Attached to Mote Marine Laboratory, the
Florida’s natural wonder; peer into the depths of the world’s largest
aquarium is supported by serious marine science and research; learn
artesian spring formation through the world-famous glass-bottom
at Sea Science at Work and SHARKTRACKER. Eco boat tours are
boats, or walk the grounds to enjoy Florida as it was meant to be
available. Learn about Florida bays and reefs, or get to know Hugh
seen. Wildlife exhibits include Big Gator Lagoon and Ross Allen
and Buffett, the aquarium’s resident manatees. 1600 Ken Thompson
Island. The World of Bears exhibit showcases rare North American
Parkway, Sarasota. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $15,
black bears and Kodiaks. Kids can board a replica of an 1800s river-
children 4-12 $10, all younger free. Call 800-691-MOTE.
boat in Kids Ahoy! Playland. 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $33.99, children
OLD TOWN SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT ATTRACTION www.old-town.com Find 75 shops, eight restaurants and 18 rides in Kissimmee’s tribute to friendlier times. Major attractions include the Saturday Night Cruise show, with its 300 pristine classic cars, and timeless, carnival-like rides. Shops specialize in gifts, jewelry and clothing. Birthday party packages available. 5770 W. US 192, Kissimmee. Stores open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission to Old Town is free; all-day ride passes are $25 for adults, $15 for children. Call 407-396-4888.
3-10 $24.99, all younger free. Call 352-236-2121.
ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM AND ZOOLOGICAL PARK www.alligatorfarm.us Visit Maximo, a 15’3” Australian saltwater crocodile; other unusual exhibits include a collection of rare albino alligators from the bayous of Louisiana. Explore the wading bird rookery where herons, egrets and spoonbills roost in the afternoons. Presentations include the Realm of the Alligator and Scales & Tails, a guide to snakes.
THE PIER www.stpete-pier.com Enjoy shopping, dining and adventure at St. Petersburg’s worldfamous waterfront attraction. Use the Pier as a launching point for a
Take a rainforest review and learn about beautiful and exotic animals from South America. 999 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $19.95, children 5-11 $10.95. Call 904-824-3337.
Dolphin Queen tour of Tampa Bay, or take your own initiative and go boating through one of many public and private options. Stop by
TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO
The Pier Bait House before bringing your tackle out to the fishing
www.lowryparkzoo.com
pier, where you might catch amberjack, shark, snook or sea bass.
Home to more than 2,000 animals in eight habitat areas. Swing into
800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. Open daily. Call 727-821-6443.
primate world to meet endangered apes or stroll past leopards, tigers and tapirs in the Asian gardens. Shows include Spirits of the
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Sky, featuring birds of prey, and Manatee Encounter. Take a guided
www.staugustine-ripleys.com
tour of the African habitat in Safari Ride. River Odyssey eco tour
Enter the wondrous world of the weird with more than 800 bizarre
available. Several children’s play areas. 1101 West Sligh Ave., Tampa.
artifacts. The first “Odditorium” in the Ripley franchise; see death
Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $16.95, children $12.50,
masks of celebrities, unusual replicas and strange artifacts from
all younger free. Call 813-935-8552.
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
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ABOUT FLORIDA
around the globe. Located in Castle Warden since 1950, the Moorish
ABOUT FLORIDA
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THE FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Dakotah Winery
www.flbg.org
Dakotah Winery is a family business operated by Rob Rittgers and
Surround yourself in more than 30 acres of gardens and 90 acres of
his father Max Rittgers. Max established the vineyard in 1985 with a
natural scrub. Highlights include a bromeliad garden, a palm garden
planting of 200 muscadine grape vines. The first grapes produced
and an aquatic habitat. Native plants represent a major portion of
were sold onsite from a board across two five-gallon buckets Today,
the collection, along with herbs and tropical fruit. Those in a more
Dakotah Winery is a 12-acre site with more than 6,000 grape
formal mood can amble through the topiary, rose or wedding
vines. A large, comfortable wine-tasting room welcomes visitors.
gardens, while visitors seeking the authentic Floridian experience
A temperature-controlled wine cellar is the most recent addition.
can enter native and natural areas. 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.
Open Monday through Saturday 10-5. 14365 US 19 North, Chiefland.
Open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call 727-582-2100.
352-493-9309. www.dakotahwinery.com
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS www.universalorlando.com Go behind the scenes and beyond the screen at Orlando’s movieand TV-themed park. Join princess Fiona for a multidimensional adventure at Shrek 4-D, or protect Earth from alien invaders in Men in Black: Alien Attack. Park staples include the E.T. Adventure, Jaws and Earthquake. Among live-action shows are The Blues Brothers and the Universal Horror Make-Up show. Younger children can step into Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, home to Curious George Goes to
Eden Vineyards & Winery The Kiser family began planting of fine wine grapes in Southwest Florida over 30 years ago. They continued to plant, grow harvest and test until 1985, when they achieved a really fine wine. In 1986, Eden Vineyards became the southernmost federally licensed, bonded winery and vineyards in the United States. Open daily 11-4, except major holidays. Daily tastings from 11:30-3:30. 19709 Little Lane, Alva. 239-728-9463. www.edenwinery.com
Town and Fievel’s Playland. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Hours vary. Adults $64, children 3-9 $53. Call 877-278-6386.
Florida Estates Winery Following a 25-year history of involvement with the wine industry
WET ‘N WILD
and the viticultural research activities of the University of Florida,
www.wetnwildorlando.com
Florida Estates Winery opened its doors to the public in December
Take the plunge into one of the world’s first water parks. Lose your
2001. The winery is open to the general public for conducted
grip on reality in the Brain Wash, or slide down the near-vertical,
tastings and sales. Special events and classes are held throughout
six-story Der Stuka. For fun with the family. Race down The Surge’s
the year. Picnics are welcome. Open daily 11-6. 25241 SR 52, Land
five stories of banks and twists, or join a friend in utter darkness as
O’ Lakes. 813-996-2113. Also 3101 37th Ave. North, St. Petersburg.
you ride through the space-age Black Hole. Bubble Up and Kid’s Park
727-526-2113. www.floridaestateswines.com
offer fun for the younger crowd. 6200 International Drive, Orlando. Hours vary. Adults $36.95, seniors and children 3-9 $30.95, all younger free. Call 800-992-WILD.
Florida Orange Groves Inc. & Winery Florida Orange Groves Winery is a family owned Florida Farm Winery that had its beginnings in shipping and packing fresh citrus in the early 1970s. The family started development of wines in 1991 and
WINERIES
opened the winery in 1997. Produces Florida’s only ultra-premium tropical, citrus and berry wines. Open Monday through Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12:30-5:00. Tours at 11 a.m. and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Closed
Move over Napa Valley. When it comes to wine, Florida is coming of age. Here, the connoisseur has numerous wineries from which to
on all major holidays. 1500 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg. 800-338-7923. www.floridawine.com
sample and buy. Visit the Florida Grape Growers Association online (www.fgga.org) or call 386-329-0318 for more information.
Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery
Following are some of the more prominent wineries in the state:
Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery is a certified Florida Farm Winery. The property boasts 10 acres of native southern muscadine
Chautauqua Vineyards
and scuppernong grape varieties, a hydroponics growing system
Chautauqua Vineyards’ estate-grown grapes have earned the winery
for strawberry production, and a highbush blueberry patch. Special
more than 140 medals and awards in national and international
events throughout the year, including the Purple Feet grape
wine competitions since the winery’s opening in 1989. Free tastings
stomping. Hours vary. 980 Henscratch Road, Lake Placid.
and tours. Open Monday through Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5.
863-699-2060. www.henscratchfarms.com
364 Hugh Adams Road, DeFuniak Springs. 850-892-5887. www.chautauquawinery.com
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San Sebastian Winery
After years of phenomenal growth, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
San Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996 and is a pioneer in the
ranks as Florida's largest premium winery and remains a pioneer in
development of table, sparkling and dessert wines from hybrid and
the development of table and sparkling wines from hybrid grapes.
muscadine grapes. San Sebastian wines have won more than 250
More than 100,000 people every year visit the winery, its extensive
awards for excellence, and the facility hosts more than 100,000
tasting room, the gift shop and picnic area. Tours every 15 to 20
visitors annually. Offers a wine shop, tours, tasting, banquet
minutes. Open Monday through Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5. 19239
facilities, and a wine and jazz bar. Open Monday through Saturday
US 27 North, Clermont. 1-800-768-9463. www.lakeridgewinery.com
10-6, Sunday, 11-6. 157 King Street, St. Augustine. 1-888-352-9463. www.sansebastianwinery.com
Monticello Vineyards & Winery Monticello Vineyards & Winery is a Florida Farm Winery located on a
Schnebly Redland’s Winery
55-acre farm in the Red Hills bioregion of North Central Florida. More
Schnebly Redland’s Winery, the southernmost winery in the United
than 13 different varieties of muscadine grapes are cultivated, all
States, crafts tropical wines produced with absolutely no grapes.
organically grown in the winery’s own vineyards, handpicked, and
The company currently offers five varieties: Carambola, Mango,
processed on-site. Visitors can pick fresh grapes during August and
Lychee, Guava and Passion Fruit. Tasting room and retail shop on
September. Open 8-6 Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Other days and
site. Wine tastings seven days a week. Open Monday through Friday
times by appointment. 1211 Waukeenah Highway, Monticello.
10-5, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-5. 30205 S.W. 217th Ave.,
850-294-9463. www.monticellowinery.com
Homestead. 888-717-9463. www.schneblywinery.com
Rosa Fiorelli Winery Inc.
SeaBreeze Winery
Rosa Fiorelli Winery Inc. is a family-owned and operated business
Opened in July 2003, SeaBreeze Winery produces award-winning
founded by Rosa and her husband Antonio of Casteldaccia, Sicily.
wines from the grapes of its Kyotee Vineyards 35 miles northwest
The operation has expanded to 10 acres of vineyard and a
of Panama City Beach in the town of Bruce. The Kyotee
3,000-square-foot winery. The winery has won 25 awards in
Vineyards grows several of the most popular muscadine
international wine competition. Mature grapevines allow for picking
wine grapes. The first vines were planted in 1996, and the
of fresh bronze or black Muscadine grapes from early August to
vineyard has steadily expanded to 100 acres. Winery tours
September. Tours by appointment. Open Monday through Saturday
and
10-5:30, Sunday 12-5. 4250 CR 675, Bradenton. 941-322-0976.
13201 Hutchison Blvd., Panama City Beach. 850-230-3330.
www.fiorelliwinery.com
www.seabreezewinery.com
complimentary
tastings
offered.
Open
daily
WWW.FRVTA.ORG
10-5.
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ABOUT FLORIDA
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY
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ADVERTISING DIRECTORY AIR HITCH TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
FLAGSHIP RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
OCEAN GROVE RV RESORT. . . . . . . . . . . 87
ALLIGATOR PARK RV COMMUNITY . . . . . 38
FLORIDA RV TRADE ASSOCIATION . . . . 107
OCEAN GROVE RV SUPERCENTER . . . . . 80
ALS MOTORHOMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION . . . . 4
PARLIAMENT COACH CORPORATION . . . 50
ALVA RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
"FRVTA, REGION 1" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
RIVERBEND RV RESORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ASSOCIATION OF RV PARKS AND CAMPGOUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
"FRVTA, REGION 2" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
RIVERS BUS AND RV SALES . . . . . . . . . . 90
"FRVTA, REGION 3" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
RV CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
BARTOW CHEVROLET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 "FRVTA, REGION 4" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
RV WORLD, INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
BRYANS AUTO TRUCK AND RV COLLISION CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
"FRVTA, REGION 5". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73
SIGNATURE STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
CAMP USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
"FRVTA, REGION 6" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82-83
SOUTHEAST POWER SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . 53
CAMPERS INN OF LEESBURG. . . . . . . . . 99
"FRVTA, REGION 7" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94-95
SUN N FUN RV RESORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
CJ'S RV TOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
"FRVTA, REGION 8" . . . . . . . . . . . . 104-105
SUNCOAST RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
CONIBEAR RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
HOLIDAY ON WHEELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
TORREY OAKS RV RESORT. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
CUMMINS POWER SOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . 57
K & K RV SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
TRADEWINDS RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
CYPRESS WOODS RV RESORT . . . . . . . . 36
K & K TRAILER SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
TRI-AM RV CENTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
DICK GORE'S RV WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
LAZY DAYS RV CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
TURNING WHEEL RV CENTER. . . . . . . . 101
DREAM RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
LONGVIEW RV SUPERSTORE. . . . . . . . . . 52
WILD FRONTIER CAMPGROUND . . . . . 100
DUSTY'S CAMPERWORLD . Inside Back Cover
NEW HORIZON RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
WILDER RV RESORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
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