Seeking some solitude for reflection? Head out to Venetian Gardens in Leesburg! This unique city park features seven small islands connected by bridges. It’s full of wildlife and scenic landscaping. We saw the purple gallinule above just wandering across one of the bridges. The Venetian Gardens overlook Lake Harris (you can even catch a glimpse of tiny Monkey Island in the distance). Check it out!
We had a great time at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg yesterday. We started out at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center and then took the Swamp Woodland trail and saw a small alligator getting some sun. We then headed out to Lake Maggiore Island. We stopped by Wax Myrtle Pond and checked out the Aviary – home to a bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, owls, vultures and more. Very cool!
I saw this majestic red-shouldered hawk while I was wandering the hiking trails at Oakland Nature Preserve. The hawk was perched right above me, so I took some decent photos. However, several bikers on the West Orange Trail stopped to take a look and the hawk decided enough was enough and took off. According to the Audubon Field Guide, the red-shouldered hawk is “A hawk of the woodlands, often heard before it is seen. The clear whistled calls of this hawk are conspicuous, especially in spring; in the east, Blue Jays often give a near-perfect imitation of this call. Over much of eastern North America the Red-shoulder has become uncommon, sticking closely to the remaining forests. Populations in Florida and California are often more visible, perhaps adapting better to open habitats.”
One of the coolest places in downtown Winter Garden, The Whole Enchilada Fresh Mexican Grill has something for everyone! We like to retreat to the outdoor deck/bar on the roof and relax with some ice-cold draft beers. This time around I ordered the Tree Hugger (whole wheat tortilla filled with tofu, Mexican rice, black or pinto beans, jack & cheddar cheese, lettuce, avocado and pico de gallo). Absolutely delicious!
1st Stop: Green Springs Park, Deltona
2nd Stop: 1871 DeBary Hall, DeBary
3rd Stop: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary
4th Stop: Swamp House River Front Grill, DeBary
Although Round Lake Park in Oviedo features a variety of recreational amenities such as basketball courts, lighted tennis courts and a covered playground, we dropped by specifically to stroll along the rather hidden but very scenic boardwalk. We wandered by some turtles sunning and enjoyed the lake views. A nice hidden treasure!
A hidden treasure nestled within a bustling area of Melbourne, 54-acre Erna Nixon Park features a very scenic stroll along a 3,000-foot elevated boardwalk through a Florida hammock and nature preserve. It is named for Erna Nixon, a local naturalist, who championed the preservation of the natural area, which in the early 1970s was zoned for warehouses. We enjoyed wandering through Erna Nixon Park and admiring some of the huge live oaks we came upon along the boardwalk. After the hike, we headed over to nearby Hemingway’s Tavern for a delicious lunch. A great day indeed!
I headed out to Tucker Ranch in Winter Garden early last Saturday and had the place to myself. If you take the small wooden bridge to the right of the parking lot and head down the dirt road, you can visit the old barn, hike around the ruins of the old country club and stroll over to the scenic lake. Highly recommended!
We were wandering around downtown DeLand yesterday and we stumbled upon the Half Wall Beer House, where we sat outside and enjoyed a great lunch, along with several ice-cold beers (I recommend the Ahi Tuna Melt paired with the Feeding Frenzy ale). It’s billed as a Craft Beer House and Sports Bar & Grill. The beer list here is truly impressive (they claim to have the largest selection of beer in Volusia County)! They also have locations in Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach. Check it out!
If you’re seeking an ice-cold brew in western Orange County, I recommend that you head over to Toll Road Brewing Company, which is located in the heart of downtown Ocoee. We had the pleasure of hanging out there on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Friday night featured live music and a food truck with some great Cuban cuisine. Saturday afternoon we stayed around for the delicious barbecue. As for the beer itself, I sampled the Irish Red Shamrocks and Shenanigans – totally amazing! Bottom line: This place totally rocks, check it out!
Wandering Florida 