Florida is well known throughout the world as an area offering a huge array of attractions, entertainment and scenery that will captivate all who visit this sunny state. An activity perhaps less associated with Florida is hiking. While the state may not be host to mountainous hiking trails winding through snow covered peaks, Florida offers a surprisingly vast choice of trail types and lengths. A hike along these trails offers one a chance to see magnificent scenery and wander through many different types of ecosystems - coastal prairies, hardwood hammocks, pine forests, beaches, cypress and mangrove swamps, rivers, lakes, and crystal clear springs all await.
Everyone from the casual walker wishing to take a 5 minute boardwalk through hardwood hammocks or mangrove systems to the long distance backpacker wishing to take several months on a statewide excursion will find an abundance of trails to suit their needs. Shorter walks can be found just about anywhere in the state, from Everglades National Park to bird sanctuaries and parks found throughout the state. These can often be interesting for the person only desiring a short, comfortable look at many of the natural beauties of Florida
For longer hiking hikes, from an hour or two or even a day, the choices are virtually endless. Depending upon which part of Florida you are visiting, it is possible to enjoy many of the hikes through preserves, parks, water management districts, ranger-led slogs (hiking through wetter areas) and sections or loop trails of the Florida Trail (FT).
Overnight and weekend options tend to limit one to larger tracts of land such as the Big Cypress Preserve in the southern end of the state, or along the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Permits may be required, so check with officials before over-nighting regarding any applicable rules and/or permits.
Longer trips are limited to the FNST, a long distance trail currently in development stretching from Big Cypress Preserve (near Everglades National Park in the southern tip of the state) to the northwest end of the Panhandle. When completed, this will be a 1300-mile trail. Though a few sections are currently bridged with road-walks there are over 1000 miles of trail as of this writing. Several people have already thru-hiked the entire length of this trail. For such a trip, contact the Florida Trail Association Florida Trail Association (800-343-1662 or www.florida-trail.org).
When considering hiking in Florida, prepare for it using simple common sense: sunblock, insect protection (particularly in the wet summer months), drinking water, proper gear, and information on the trail and conditions are important. Some parts of trails on lower land become flooded during the summer months, and though still used, are not for those unwilling to get their feet (and often more) wet. It's always a good idea to check on conditions first.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum features a unique collection of vintage vehicles, including pioneering front wheel drive and rear engine cars from the 1920's and 1930's. Each vehicle was chosen based on the engineering achievements that made it an important part of the evolution of the automobile, setting the standards for the engineering of automobiles today. Visitors enjoy a provocative blend of art and science in 12,000 square feet of gallery space.
The history of the automobile is one of the greatest showcases of man’s
creativity and imagination. The collection of the Tampa Bay Automobile
Museum in the Tampa Bay area of the west central coast of Florida is
perhaps one of the most succinct statements of that premise to be seen
anywhere. Housed in the museum galleries are many of the finest early
approaches to aerodynamic shapes and packaging, front wheel drive and
rear engine-rear drive engineering, unibody construction, pioneering
uses of materials like cast aluminum, pressed steel and more.
The collection additionally presents the concept
and history of shared technology and trade in the early twentieth
century through the presence of the Tracta
front drive system on a variety of makes, Daimler’s sleeve valve engine
driving a variety of European and American cars and the American Budd
Corporation’s patented pressed steel methods appearing on both sides of
the Atlantic.
If you are a Vintage Car buff, this will be a thrill of a lifetime...
What are the museum hours?
We are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday through Saturday
Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Closed Tuesday and holidays.
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Ariana Village
(800) 915-9538
Sun provides the quality of life you've always dreamed of for yourself and for your family, and Ariana Village is no exception. This beautiful garden community is tucked away in the heart of charming Lakeland, Florida. Acres of rich foliage separate our residents from the downtown bustle, yet we're only minutes away from shopping, entertainment and dining facilities. Why not hop on the road to all the excitement that Central Florida has to offer?
A continuing agenda of activities and events at Ariana Village offer opportunities to meet new friends and companions. Neighbors get together on the garden patio, around the pool or in the clubhouse for a visit or a round of bridge. Residents even operate their own woodworking shop!
The spirit of Ariana Village is perhaps best captured during the holiday season, when residents transform the community into a colorful Christmas Village. Decorated homes, street lighting and holiday scenes attract thousands of visitors each year, and assure residents of the wisdom of their decision to call Ariana Village "home".
Ariana Village is meticulously maintained, and offers an impressive amenity package that includes a heated swimming pool and spa, shuffleboard courts, a billiards room, woodworking shop and more.
We take pride in our courteous, professional management staff, all of whom provide the highest level of customer service to our family of residents. They stand ready to answer your questions and help in any way they can.
Why not visit Ariana Village today and see for yourself what this wonderful lifestyle community has to offer? Allow us the pleasure of helping you fulfill your lifelong dreams!
Florida is well known throughout the world as an area offering a huge array of attractions, entertainment and scenery that will captivate all who visit this sunny state. An activity perhaps less associated with Florida is hiking. While the state may not be host to mountainous hiking trails winding through snow covered peaks, Florida offers a surprisingly vast choice of trail types and lengths. A hike along these trails offers one a chance to see magnificent scenery and wander through many different types of ecosystems - coastal prairies, hardwood hammocks, pine forests, beaches, cypress and mangrove swamps, rivers, lakes, and crystal clear springs all await.
