Birch State Park

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I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, so I spent a lot of time at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in the 1970s. However, I haven’t been there in about 40 years, so I enjoyed a nostalgic visit over the weekend. The good news is that is really hasn’t changed that much. The huge banyan tree is still a major attraction here. One welcome addition is Park & Ocean, an open-air snack bar that serves craft beer. Nothing beats drinking an ice-cold beer during a sweltering hot day in South Florida! Known as Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park,” Birch State Park gets mobbed on weekends, so arrive early or you might have to wait in a very long line. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Bonnet House

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If you ever visit Fort Lauderdale and drive along A1A, you might believe that the so-called “Venice of America” is nothing more than a sea of ugly towering condos. And you would, for the most part, be right. However, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a welcome oasis from all the urban sprawl. Built in 1920, the Bonnet House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We toured the scenic grounds and saw numerous iguanas, along with a raccoon pilfering a mango! The Bonnet House is located just off Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, directly across the street from the entrance to Birch State Park.

Venetian Gardens

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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!

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

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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!

Red-Shouldered Hawk

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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.”

The Whole Enchilada

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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!

Erna Nixon Park

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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!