“West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a “hidden gem.” A 128-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages.” Visit the official Oakland Nature Preserve website for more information.
Lake May Reserve, Eustis
If you’re looking for a short and scenic hike (2.4 miles) in Lake County, check out the Lake May Reserve in Eustis. There’s even a slight elevation change!
The Shining
Enjoyed watching the 4K remastered version of Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece The Shining at West Oaks AMC in Ocoee last night followed by a preview of Doctor Sleep, which will arrive in theaters on November 8!
Low-Key Hideaway Tiki Bar, Cedar Key
The perfect, laid-back hangout in Cedar Key (about 1.4 miles East of Dock Street) on State Road 24, the Low-Key Hideaway Tiki Bar is the place to be on a lazy weekend afternoon. Don’t miss it!
The Hawk is Dying (1973) Harry Crews
“Everybody wanted something from George Gattling. They wanted sex and new seat covers, money and confessions, a little bit of love and a lot of answers. That’s why George liked his hawk. All it asked of him was an opportunity to kill.”
Hebron Rock Colony Falls
The incredibly scenic Hebron Rock Colony Falls can be accessed via the Boone Fork Trail at Julian Price Memorial Park (MP 297) on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Highlands Hammock State Park
Address: 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: (863) 386-6094
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to Sunset
Admission: $6 per vehicle; $4 per single occupant vehicle; $2 for pedestrians & bicyclists
History: First opened in 1931, the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in 1934 and became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935. Today, the park encompasses more than 9,000 acres
Hiking Trails:
- Alexander Blair Big Oak Trail (home to one of the park’s 1,000-year-old oak trees pictured above)
- Allen Altvater Trail
- Ancient Hammock Trail
- Cypress Swamp Trail (scenic catwalk and most popular trail in park)
- Fern Garden Trail
- Hickory Trail (features a narrow catwalk)
- Richard Lieber Memorial Trail (boardwalk)
- Wild Orange Grove Trail
- Young Hammock Trail
Other Park Activities:
- Bicycling
- Birding (part of Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail)
- Camping
- Geo-Seeking
- Picnicking
- Tram Tours
- Wildlife Viewing
Wandering Florida 