LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Updated as of August 27, 2004
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Homosassa
Springs Wildlife Park
Looking for a fun day trip for the whole
family? A place where mom and dad can relax and the kids will
have a blast while maybe even learning a thing or two? Homosassa
State Park is the place to go. The main attraction? Native Florida
wildlife and endangered species in all natural habitats! Among
the creatures you will encounter at the Park: Alligators, exotic
birds, black bear, hippopotamus, bobcats, river otters, cougars
and white tailed deer. Not to mention the West Indian Manatee.
Natural trails wind through the park offering a chance to study
the natural habitats of the Florida wetlands and hydric hammocks.
Most of the birds and animals in the park could not survive in
the wild. The Park provides them with as natural a habitat and
diet as is possible. The Park also serves as a refuge and rehabilitation
center for manatees that have been injured in the wild. Some of
the manatees are orphans and still others were born in captivity.
The natural spring at Homosassa State Park gives the manatees
the chance to re-acclimate before they are returned to the wild.
You should note however that swimming with the manatees is not
allowed. Manatees have a natural fear of man that must be preserved
if the manatees are to survive in the wild when and if they are
released. That doesn't change the fact that Homosassa Springs
State Wildlife Park is one of the best places in the world to
get a good look at these amazing sea creatures. The Park also
offers a menu of Educational Programs. Park rangers interpret
the wildlife and explain the importance of preserving our native
Florida wildlife and plants.
For
more info: click
here
Silver
Springs
Silver Springs' popularity flourished after
Hullam Jones invented the glass bottom boat there in 1878. By
installing a glass viewing box on the flat bottom of a dugout
canoe, Jones created a window to an underwater world teeming with
fish, turtles, crustaceans and fossils more than 10,000 years
old.
The silver screen came to Silver Springs in the 1900s as film
makers discovered that the beautiful translucent waters were ideal
for creating underwater movie magic. Some of the more well known
movies that were shot at Silver Springs included the six original
"Tarzan" movies, starring Johnny Weissmuller, shot in
the 1930s and 1940s; Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' "The Yearling,"
starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, in 1946; and "The Creature
from The Black Lagoon" in 1954. In addition, more than 100
episodes of the famous television series "Sea Hunt,"
starring Lloyd Bridges made Silver Springs a key underwater filming
location for feature films. A glass-bottom boat ride offers views
of underwater life; the Jungle Cruise allows glimpses of zebras,
giraffes and ostriches, and the Jeep safari treks through an alligator
swamp.
For
more info: click
here
Ocala
National Forest
The Ocala National Forest in Silver Springs
is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and
it’s also the southernmost in the nation.
The forest covers 38,300-acres and offers a multitude of ways
to have fun on the water. Three springs feed three rivers that
provide excellent canoeing and boating. Camping, picnicking and
swimming facilities are located at each spring as well. Other
natural attractions include some of Florida’s best bass
fishing, and hiking along the famed Florida National Scenic Trail.
Of
all the beauty to behold in the Ocala National Forest.. Juniper
Springs is right up there at the top of the list.. and if canoeing
is your idea of adventure .. it’s just the right spot. Juniper
Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular site in the
Ocala National Forest. About 20-million gallons of water flow
every day out of two springs; Fern Hammock Springs and Juniper
Springs. The water temperature is a steady 72 degrees year-round.
For
more info: click
here
Weeki
Wachee Springs
For more than 50 years, the enchanting Weeki Wachee Mermaids have
been entertaining thousands upon thousands of people with their
beautifully choreographed fairy tales in front of the world's
only 400 seat underwater artesian spring theater. Currently
showing is an original production based on Hans Christian Andersen's
classic tale of the "Little Mermaid". Capture a lifetime
of memories with the legendary Weeki Wachee Mermaids. This 200-acre
family entertainment park, features an underwater amphitheater
performing with live mermaids. Exotic bird shows, a Wilderness
River Cruise, Pelican Reserve, and Animal Forest Petting Zoo.
For
more info: click
here
Don
Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and International Drag Racing
Hall of Fame offers over 75 race cars and memorabilia from the
early days of drag racing to the present, plus a most unique collection
of antique and classic cars put together by "Big Daddy"
and Friends.
For
more info: click
here
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