Four Florida Road Trips for 2019
File away these Sunshine State gems when you get the urge to take off. Driving times reflect approximate times on highways from Miami; add or subtract accordingly if you live in the Keys or Broward or, of course, if you lollygag on country roads along the way.
Santa Rosa Beach, Gulf Coast
Hurricane Michael spared Santa Rosa Beach, but the whole Panhandle can use some love. White-sand beaches and a funky beachtown vibe make this a fun getaway.
How far? About a nine-hour drive
When? Presidents Day weekend for the Sandestin Gumbo Fest. Year-round, lots of food festivals here, including Taste of the Race (Mar. 1-3), the Sandestin Wine Festival (April 11-14), the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival (April 25-29), the 30A Blue Crab Fest (early Oct.) and the Harvest Wine and Food Festival (late Oct.). More here.
Who knew? Glamp on the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s Fancy Camp – think queen pillow-top bedding, A/C and someone to set up and tear down. fancycamps.com
Lagniappe: On Sundays, stop by Elmore’s Landing Vintage Market for art, music and food, including fantastic crepes from Renee from Twin Oaks Farms.
Dade City, northeast of Tampa
Quaint Old Florida town – and I just love the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village’s eclectic collection of farm tools and kitchen equipment, sugar cane mill and other interesting items that have found a home here.
How far? About a four-and-a-half-hour drive
When? At the Kumquat Festival (Jan. 26), try all things kumquat – pie, cookies, smoothies, ice cream, even salsa – and look at antique cars, arts and crafts and shop at a farmers market. You can take grove and packing-house tours. The Pioneer Museum hosts the Farm Festival and Quilt Show, Feb. 2-3.
Who knew? Giraffe Ranch, a hands-on working game farm and wildlife preserve, with one of the largest herds of tiny Irish Dexter cattle in Florida, as well as giraffes and rhinos.
Lagniappe: Pop into Lunch on Limoges for a slice of that rich Southern classic, Hummingbird Cake.
Bokeelia, Pine Island, west of Fort Myers
Off the beaten path, it’s perfect for summer time activities like fishing, boating, swimming and eating mangos.
How far? About a three-hour drive
When? Mango season in June and July! Pine Island has lots of tropical fruit nurseries like Fruitscapes and Promised Land Mangoes, with an awesome selection of mangos. The Mango Mania Festival, usually the second weekend in July, celebrates tropical fruits.
Who knew? Quirky Matlacha is home to colorful shacks, including Olde Fish House Marina, Blue Dog and Perfect Cup.
Lagniappe: Tarpon Lodge in nearby Pineland has a cool restaurant and lodging in their 1920s building. Rent a boat and head over to Useppa or Gasparilla Island for the day.
Fernandina Beach, north of Jacksonville
Darling historical seaport town with lots of charm and imperfections (yes, that is a paper mill right in town) and a friendly community.
How far? About a six-hour drive
When? Jan. 18-27 is Restaurant Week, showcasing prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. The first weekend of May is the Shrimp Festival, now in its 56th year.
Who knew? Take a tour by candlelight and lanterns of the fort at Fort Clinch State Park the first Saturday of the month.
Lagniappe: Spot wild horses on Cumberland Island on a river cruise. Look for charming B and Bs, like the Addison House or the 1857 Florida House Inn. Stop by T-Rays Burger Station for perfectly fried shrimp.
