I spent a perfect Friday afternoon strolling the scenic boardwalks of Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs and enjoying some rare Florida fall colors. I didn’t view much wildlife, but – just as I was wrapping up my hike – I spotted this beautiful alligator grabbing some sun on a log along the creek. What a treat!
One of my favorite places to wander in Central Florida, 212-acre Gemini Springs Park is located in the charming town of DeBary. It’s peaceful (no swimming in the springs allowed), there are some scenic hiking trails and you will almost always get a glimpse of wildlife here.
Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors in Clermont just minutes from downtown? Look no farther than Lake Hiawatha Preserve! Ideally located adjacent to Lake Hiawatha and Lake Minneola, 220-acre Lake Hiawatha Preserve features hiking and biking trails, picnic pavilion, two dog parks, a playground and plenty of shady trees to relax under and enjoy a good book. In addition, the Lake Minneola-Clermont Scenic Trail runs right through Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Check it out!
“Dream Lake Park is a beautiful, 1.9 acre park located on the shore of Dream Lake [in Apopka]. It is the perfect destination to unwind with a good book or enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the lakefront.”
Several months ago, I got the chance to take a brief stroll and sample Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in De Leon Springs after I hiked a little bit at De Leon Springs State Park (or was it the other way around?). It’s a great spot for hiking, birding and wildlife viewing in general. I need to return here (after hunting season ends!) and explore some more.
A couple of weeks ago after we explored scenic Withlacoochee River Park (highly recommended, by the way!), we headed to downtown Dade City for a delicious lunch at Kafe Kokopelli, a charming eatery that offers outdoor seating and plenty of social distancing. The lobster roll here was simply amazing! Kafe Kokopelli is open daily at 11 AM for lunch and dinner. Check it out!
Encompassing 209 acres off Avalon Road in Winter Garden, the relatively new Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Center is a real hidden gem. Although it’s definitely in the early stages of development, Tucker Ranch features picnic areas, playground, nature trail and a canoe/kayak launch. Plans are in the works for Tucker Ranch Farm, a 12-acre sustainable working and teaching farm. Bottom line, Tucker Ranch is an amazing spot to go out and get some fresh air in the great outdoors!
Due to the global pandemic, swimming at De Leon Springs State Park has been prohibited indefinitely. However, this means that you can enjoy picnicking and hiking here without dealing with the usual frenzied crowds that descend upon this widely popular Florida state park located just north of DeLand. The Wild Persimmon, a four-mile hiking trail, is definitely recommended. In addition, the legendary Sugar Mill Restaurant remains open.
One of my favorite early morning strolls is to wander around Gemini Springs Park in DeBary and take in the amazing scenery of this 212-acre natural oasis. And it’s the only park so far where I’ve viewed a bobcat, a very special experience (unfortunately, he/she darted away quickly before I could snap a photo)! I return to Gemini Springs Park regularly and always find something new to discover. Don’t miss it!
If your travels take you to Gainesville and you want to view some wildlife, make sure you add Sweetwater Wetlands Park to your travel itinerary. A thriving habitat, Sweetwater features 125 acres of wetlands and ponds teeming with wildlife such as alligators, birds and even Florida cracker horses (although we didn’t see any during our most recent outing). Wander through 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks at this serene nature sanctuary just minutes from downtown Gainesville.
Wandering Florida 