Celebrate the Fall!
Hillsborough River State Park 15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592
Phone: 813-987-6771 Date: Late October
Description: Hillsborough River State Park is hosting a full day of activities starting with a day program "Spirit of the Woods/Outdoor Expo", then moving into an evening program "Spirit of the Woods/ Haunted Woods Trail".
Outdoor Expo - This day program will include numerous vendors and organizations from the local community with a goal of providing environmental education and highlighting various aspects of outdoor recreation. The 13th Annual Haunted Woods is a safe alternative to trick or treating, this evening program offers fun for the whole family. Activities include: "spooky walk" on the trail, family hay rides, the Enchanted Forest, games, food, and FUN. Fees: Yes Outdoor Expo: Free to the public. Contact: 813-987- 6771
Florida State Championship Series
Alafia River State Park 14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, Florida 33547
Phone: 813-672-5320 Date: Late October
Description: This series of mountain bike races will take place at 8 different sites throughout the state. The fifth race in the series will be held on the astonishing and uncommon mountain bike trails of Alafia River State Park. For additional information please log on to Gone Riding Fees: Yes Contact: Call the park at: 813-672-5320
Alafia Fat Tire Festival
Alafia River State Park 14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, Florida 33547
Phone: 813-672-5320 Date: Mid November
Description: Join the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club for 2-days of off-road adventure at Alafia River State Park and Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve. For additional information please log on to Swamp Club Fees:For additional information see: www.swampclub.org/ Contact: 813-672-5320
Description: Join us for our annual Car and Truck Show hosted by the Manatee Classic Cruisers Club. This event has grown each year with over 250 vehicles last year. A variety of classic, custom, and restored autos and trucks are on display for all to enjoy. Food will be available. Admission into event is free; mansion tours available at regular tour price. Fees: Admission to the park is free. Contact: Contact the Park at: (941) 723-4536
Myakka Canoe & Kayak Race Myakka River State Park 13208 S.R. 72
Sarasota, Florida 34241
Phone: 941-361-6511 Date: Mid November
Description: 100% of the proceeds go towards resource management and to help restore the globally imperiled Florida Dry Prairie habitat and to preserve the Wild & Scenic Myakka River. Race-day registration and packet pick-up from 8 - 8:50 AM at the South Pavilion. Entrants can enjoy fruit, juice, coffee and water and browse the vendor tents before and after the event. RACE LIMITED TO 100 ENTRANTS.
Mail entry and acknowledgement form with check payable to:
Friends of Myakka River, Inc.
Attn: Canoe and Kayak Race
13207 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
941-361-6512
Kayak Raffle runs from July 1 to November 12. Winner will be drawn and announced November 12th at the 2nd Annual Myakka River Canoe and Kayak Race. You need not be present to win. See the kayak (12 foot Pungo 120 Duralite) and buy your tickets at Myakka River State Park Ranger Station or at Economy Tackle/Dolphin Dive. Raffle tickets - $5.00. 100% proceeds from this raffle go to habitat restoration at Myakka River State Park. Fees: Yes Contact: Friends of Myakka River, Inc. - 941-361-6512
Description: Enjoy the rolling hills and tall grasses of Alafia River State Park as you race on the wide open trails. This off-road race comes just before the Florida marathon season. Try the full marathon or sample the Half-Marathon or 5K courses. Come run with us! For additional information please log on to Tampa Races Fees:For additional information please log on to www.tamparaces.com. Contact: 813-672-5320
Annual 5K Turkey Trot
Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: 863-386-6094
Fax: 863-386-6095 Date: Late November (Thanksgiving Morning) Race begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. (participants should arrive by 7:30 a.m. for same-day registration)
Description: Pre-registration is recommended! This run/walk is a fund-raiser hosted by the Friends of Highlands Hammock and is held on the park's "loop drive." This paved one-way drive travels under the dense hardwood hammock. Expect full shade and cool temperatures. (Entry donation varies with choice of commemorative T-shirt.) Fees: Yes Contact: Contact the park at 863-386-6099
The Lions Annual Bluegrass Festival Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: 239-463-4588 Date: Early December
Description: Listen to top bands such as Goldwing Express, Sawgrass Drifters, Tater Hill, Palms Bluegrass, Shorty Vincent Band, Sugar Land Grass and Stoney Brook at the beautiful Lovers Key. Self contained RV’s are welcome. The cost for the weekend in advance is $27.00. All proceeds benefit the Bonita Springs Lions Charities, Inc. Fees: Yes Contact: 239-463-4588
Annual Commemorative Battle Reenactment Dade Battlefield Historic State Park 7200 CR 603 South Battlefield Drive
Bushnell, Florida 33513
Phone: 352-793-4781
Fax: 352-793-4230 Date: Late December 31
Description: Experience a living history reenactment of the first battle of the Second Seminole War. At this site in late December, 180 Seminole warriors ambushed Major Francis Dade and his command of 107 U.S. soldiers. Activities and food concessions both days. Fees: Donations: $5 for adults. Kids 12 and under free Contact: Contact the Park at 352-793-4781
Great Outdoors Adventure Day
Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: 239-463-4588 Date:Mid January
Description: Guided Explorations and Adventures. Fabulous Food, Awesome Exhibits, Cool Kids Games, "Island Sound" Calypso Music, and Mote Marine Mobile Aquarium. Sponsors, please select the link for additional information. Fees: Yes Contact:Contact Maria Lightner at 239-463-4588
Lovin-It at Lovers Key 5K Run
Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: 239-463-4588 Date: Early February, Race begins at 8:00 am
Description: Sponsored in part by: Friends Of Lovers Key, Inc Fees: Park admission fee waived. $20.00 early registration fee, $25.00 day of event Contact: Maria Lightner, Park Specialist at (239) 463-4588
Native American & Pioneer festival Collier-Seminole State Park 20200 E. Tamiami Trail
Naples, Florida 34114
Phone: 239-394-3397
Fax: 239-394-5113 Date: Mid February
Description: Come experience the local style and flavor of the Native Americans and Pioneers in southwest Florida. Craft vendors including Native American crafts will be for sale. Sample from food vendors a variety of cuisine, including fry bread. Visit historical camps where historical personas from the past will recreate life in the 1850's, and demonstrate their crafts. A battle reenactment in the afternoon will feature the Battle of Royal Palm Hammock, the last skirmish of the Seminole Wars in 1857, where the Seminole and Miccosukee people showed their determination to remain in Florida. Fees: Yes Contact: Contact the park at: 239-394-3397
Discover Lake Manatee
Lake Manatee State Park 20007 Hwy 64 East
Bradenton, Florida 34202
Phone: 941-741-3028 Date: Mid February
Description: Activities for the whole family are to be had at Discover Lake Manatee. Face painting, scavenger hunts, a junior fishing clinic, and many more family activities will be provided to celebrate Lake Manatee State Park. Food and music will also be available for your enjoyment. Take a stroll along the trail with a Park Ranger and see what you might find. A swimming area is available to help keep you cool and camping is available for a nominal fee. Fees: Yes Contact: 941-741-3028
Annual Plantation Festival Gamble Plantation Historic State Park 3708 Patten Avenue
Ellenton, Florida 34222
Phone: (941) 723-4536 Date: Early April
Description: The Gamble Mansion is maintained as near as possible to its antebellum style and is the only remaining plantation home in south Florida from this time period. The Patten House is a turn of the 20th century farmhouse also decorated in a manner to reflect the time in which it was built. There will be free tours of the Patten House. Other attractions will be: a juried art show, a silent auction, a variety of artisans selling their wares, food, and entertainment including school bands, cheerleaders, clogger’s, tap dancers and choirs. Admission into event is free; Mansion tours available at regular tour price Fees: Admission to the park is free Contact: Contact the Park at: (941) 723-4536
Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: 863-386-6094
Fax: 863-386-6095 Date: Mid April
Description: This casual nondenominational service is held outdoors in the large field located on the Wilderness Camping road. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Everyone is welcome and there is no park entry fee for this activity. Take the first left after the Ranger Station and travel approximately 1/2 mile to the field and parking areas. Fees: Park admission is free for this event. Contact: Bible Fellowship Church (863) 385-1024
Annual Earth Day Event
Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: 863-386-6094
Fax: 863-386-6095 Date: Late April
Description: Enjoy browsing the "Community Yard Sale" and the arts & crafts vendors. Learn more about the environment at exhibits and demonstrations. Kids activities, live native wildlife and live music throughout the day. Ride a tram tour or hayride for just $1.00 per person! This is a great weekend to camp at the park! Make your reservations early at 1-800-326-3521 or online www.ReserveAmerica.com. Contact event coordinator Dorothy Harris at (863) 634-7695 for more information, or to participate as a vendor or in the yard sale. Spaces are available for a $10.00 donation to the Friends of Highlands Hammock. Fees: Free park admission all day long. Contact: Dorothy Harris at (863) 634-7695
Talon Adventure Race
Alafia River State Park 14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, Florida 33547
Phone: 813-672-5320 Date: Early May
Description: An 8-12 hour adventure race. The first adventure Race in Tampa is coming back for a 4th year. Challenges will include mountain biking, trail running, paddling, navigation, and few surprise challenges. The race will take place at Alafia River State Park. For additional information please log on to Tampa Races Fees:For additional information please log on to www.tamparaces.com. Contact: 813-672-5320
Eco-tour with low impact on unspoiled Shell Key via a 10 minute boat ride aboard a 49 passenger Coast Guard inspected vessel.
Superb shelling, sunbathing, swimming, bird & dolphin watching ... or just loafing. Some of the best shelling & birding on the Gulf Coast, comparable to Sanibel & Captiva. We provide (free) beach umbrellas, masks & snorkels and shell bags. Bring your own cooler & other beach supplies (chairs etc). Weather permitting and reservations accepted but not necessary.
Sunset cruises available for the same price with reservations -- depart approximately one hour before sunset.
Shell Key Shuttle departures*:
10:00 AM
12:00 Noon
2:00 PM Return when you wish*:
12:15 PM
2:15 PM
4:15 PM
Round Trip fares are $22.00 for adults
$11.00 for children 12 and under (plus tax)
*Schedule may vary, call to confirm.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa East
813-626-3000
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa East -
The Fairfield Inn Tampa East/Fairgrounds is conveniently located right off I-4 in the Corporex Business Park. Just minutes away you'll find Tampa attractions such as Ybor City, Channelside, Busch Gardens & Raymond James Stadium. Right down the street is the Florida State Fairgrounds along with the Ford Amphitheatre & travel 1exit for gambling & Fine Dining at the Hard Rock Casino. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is a popular location for business & leisure travelers & is located only 11 miles from Tampa International Airport. After beginning each day with a complimentary continental breakfast, energetic guests can choose to workout in our exercise room, take a few laps in our outdoor pool, or relax in our Jacuzzi. Our new rooms combine comfort with business class amenities such as wireless & high-speed Internet access.
At Fairfield Inn, we provide you with exactly the hotel experience you're looking for -a clean, comfortable room at an affordable price!
