A Florida Beyond the Theme Parks
When thinking of Florida, the first image that comes to mind might be a theme park or sunny beach. Geotourists know that there is more to Florida than what some brochures or coupon books might suggest. Instead, geotourism highlights Florida's unique a nature, history and culture to immerse visitors in raw Florida to find a deeper understanding of the locale, smaller crowds and more engaging experiences true to Florida.
Nature is an essential part of the Florida lifestyle. With an average yearly temperature of around 72 degrees, beautiful foliage, vibrant wildlife and an endless array of outdoor activities, who can blame Floridians for wanting to be outside? Luxury hotels are picking up on visitors' geotourism desires. The Ritz Carlton in Naples has created the "Nature Wonders" program providing guests with a nature tour, led by a team of certified Master Naturalists, that highlights indigenous Southwest Florida. Another activity guests can experience includes a three-hour Eco-Sail through the mangrove islands to view sea turtles and manatees native to the area. You can really get your feet wet in raw Florida on an Everglades Backwater Tour by Dragonfly Expeditions, a day of discovery and exploration in one of the world's most threatened and beautiful ecosystems. Take an aqua-hike through knee- to waist-deep water to discover lush cypress domes, wading birds, river otters and the occasional alligator. For a drier approach, try a kayak trip down the lazy, jungle-like Estero River. With breathtaking scenery surrounding you and an intriguing historic village to discover on its banks, the Estero River History Paddle by Dragonfly Expeditions is a great way to explore a treasured piece of hidden Florida.
Florida culture is based on hundreds of years of rich history and diverse influence. The historic Suwannee River, the inspiration behind Florida's official state song, is home to much Florida history. You can create a little history of your own at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Get a taste of primitive camping, folk art classes, canoeing, horseback riding and Southern cuisine - old Florida style. Or peddle alongside Dragonfly Expeditions on a tour of Everglades City to discover a "Fishing Village by Bicycle." Learn and see how fishermen worked and lived more than 100 years ago. Bask in the perfect climate, as citrus farmers did years ago, as you bike through Winter Garden's small farming towns with Dragonfly Expeditions. Or join them on a journey through Miami's Cuban Community, which has undoubtedly given a distinct cultural flavor to South Florida. Visit monuments, marketplaces and Cuban food spots for an experience reflective of the passion the Cuban community brought to their new home. To indulge in Indian heritage, trek to Miccosukee Island. Only accessible by airboat, you will explore the island with Dragonfly Expeditions and hear how the Miccosukee families lived in harmony for generations in what many considered an uninhabitable environment. Or adventure around Ybor City to discover how this hidden Tampa treasure ascended to "Cigar Capital of the World."
Learn Florida's history through its unique architecture. If only these walls could talk. Dragonfly Expeditions will take you on a "Historic Palm Beach Bike Pedal" to witness the architectural decadence of Addison Mizner's Mediterranean-revival palaces set in a tropical paradise. Explore the Whitehall, railroad baron Henry Flagler's 55-room, 60,000-square-foot wedding gift to his wife. This lavish landmark was responsible for establishing the "Palm Beach Season" for the wealthy of the Gilded Era and every era since. The art deco district in Miami is home to the largest concentration of art deco architecture in the world. Place yourself back in the roaring '20s to walk the halls of the first hotel ever built in Miami and find out why the art deco district at Miami Beach, even today, has bewitched movie stars and millionaires.
If you dig ancient artifacts, Florida has some sites that will blow you away. Embark on the "Mound Key Expedition" with Dragonfly Expeditions to explore the historical locations. Visitors can climb Mound One, the highest point in Southwest Florida, where the legendary King of the Calusa Empire used to sit and learn how the area has evolved from Spanish missionaries to pirates over the past 2,000 years. Want to dig up dirt about the past? Guided by one of Florida's most noted fossil experts, join Dragonfly Expeditions on a "Great Florida Fossil Hunt" snorkeling east of Fort Myers to uncover teeth and bones from ancient creatures like mammoths, mastodons, camels and saber tooth tigers that once roamed Florida. You can also snorkel the shallow clear waters of Biscayne Bay in search of sunken treasure in the underwater archaeological preserve home to the Half Moon, the schooner-rigged steel yacht that sank in 1930.
To learn more about geotourism and engaging ways to explore Florida locale, visit www.VISITFLORIDA.com.
See more from Destinations
Other Pages You Might Enjoy...
The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
For more than 300 years the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory has been a central figure in European porcelain. It was at Meissen that the first true hard-paste porcelain was manufactured outside of China, and the story of that accomplishment has the high drama of fiction - all the more intriguing because it is true.
Pirated Glassware that Collectors Want to Own
The 1996 discovery of what is believed to be the wreckage of Blackbeard’s ship Queen Anne’s Revenge, is providing historians and collectors new information about the fragile and transparent objects that came onto the North American Continent before arrival of the first piece of cut glass.
Collecting Antique Furniture
Of all the collectible antiques, the broad category of furniture is perhaps the most widely held and most satisfying. Frequently handed down through generations, the various chairs, tables, cabinets and other pieces are often in use, adding character and constancy to our daily lives. This guide includes an overview of the significant styles and historical periods, and other important information for collectors.
Collecting Antique Clocks and Watches
Information for collectors of antique clocks and watches. Includes a history of clock and watchmaking, an overview of styles, and important terminology.
Collecting Antique Jewelry
Embodying the wealth and treasure of bygone days, the antique jewelry pieces available today include some of the world's most valuable artifacts. Includes a history of jewelry making, an overview of the major historical periods, and a glossary of antique jewelry terminology.
Tired Of The Same Old Sights - Try A Musical Tour Of England
London's nightlife makes it a top destination for rock fans and pop music historians. From the crosswalk at Abbey Road to the venerable Royal Albert Hall, Great Britain is the place to go to see some of pop culture's most significant landmarks.
Chateau de Villandry The Jewel of Loire Valley
Chateau de Villandry is open to the public and is one of the most visited castles in France. People come from the world over to see its famous Renaissance gardens which combine flowers and vegetables in intricate beds, best viewed from the castle tower.
Alaska by Rail
For the first-time Alaska visitor, stepping aboard a train bound for the wilderness is the beginning of a journey filled with adventure and surprise. Only a third of Alaska is accessible by car; the train offers options that go beyond what a highway traveler might see.
Alabama's Gulf Coast 3rd in Top Ten U.S. Destinations For Overall Golf Value
Championship caliber golf courses of the Alabama Gulf Coast recently ranked third in the Overall Value for the Money list, as compiled in Golf Digest's 2008 Travel and Destination Study. This study measured consumer's awareness and experiences in 37 golf destinations. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area ranks alongside Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Trail and Myrtle Beach as one of the nation's top value golf destinations.
The Monuments and Memorials of the Nation's Capital
Washington, DC’s unforgettable skyline is marked by some of the world’s most celebrated monuments. The fantastic temples, structures and statues that grace the green expanses of the National Mall tell fascinating stories through their history and design. Here is some background information on the city’s most famous sights.
Sesame Place: A Pennsylvania Theme Park for Young Children
For some children, a theme park can be overwhelming, but
not Sesame Place. This Pennsylvania destination in Langhorne near Philadelphia encourages children to
seek out adventure with the same philosophies as Sesame Street.
Discover Fine Arts and Craftsmanship Across the State with Pennsylvania's Artisan Trails.
The artisan trails program combines attractions for arts and crafts enthusiasts and collectors with lodging opportunities to create a unique road trip experience.
Tired Of The Same Old Sights - Try A Musical Tour Of England
London's nightlife makes it a top destination for rock fans and pop music historians. From the crosswalk at Abbey Road to the venerable Royal Albert Hall, Great Britain is the place to go to see some of pop culture's most significant landmarks.
Chateau de Villandry The Jewel of Loire Valley
Chateau de Villandry is open to the public and is one of the most visited castles in France. People come from the world over to see its famous Renaissance gardens which combine flowers and vegetables in intricate beds, best viewed from the castle tower.
Plan Ahead for a Happy and Healthy Summer Wedding
We plan our weddings for months, sometimes years, to get every detail right. The bridal gown, bridesmaids dresses, color themes, music, food – nothing is left to chance. But take steps to make sure that your happy day is a healthy day, too. From managing stress to beating the summer heat, it takes good planning to ensure a healthy wedding.
Cafe Boogaloo, Brass Monkey, and Vibrato are Top Voted Los Angeles Nightspots
Zagat Survey has announced the results of its 2007-08 Los Angeles Nightlife survey. The results are based on the collective opinions of 3,115 avid, local late-nighters who went out an average of 1.8 times per week, which is roughly 291,000 nights of market research.
The world's online youth would rather live without TV than live without the Internet
From self image to career choice to favorite media, a 2007 survey of people between the ages of 16 and 29 from 12 different countries studies the habits of the Net Generation and draws some fascinating conclusions.
Avoid Injuries and Stay Safe While Enjoying Backcountry Hiking
Members of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) bring you five survival tips for safer hiking. From proper planning to knowing what to do in an emergency, you can enjoy adventure and be safe too!