Central Florida

Living in and around Gainesville for so many years, I've spent a lot of time exploring this part of Florida. This section will range from Lake City down to Orlando, over to the Bronson Speedway on the west and Keystone Heights on the west. Lots of different stuff.

It's largely an area of springs, rivers and lakes. There's a lot to do and see outdoors here and an abundance of beautiful country.

I came to Florida just before Disney, so I remember a different Orlando. The metropolitan area is impossible now, but I only go to certain places so I don't have to put up with much of that. Mostly I zip in to go to the airport (lots cheaper than flying out of Gainesville) or to go to conventions and such. There are some great restaurants in Orlando, including the Bubble Room, which is crammed with toys and Christmas lights. Good food, too. International Drive, where a lot of conventions are held, has a ton of restaurants and shops. It's an easy hop in there from the Turnpike, so I often slip in for dinner on my way back from South Florida.

I don't care much for Disney proper, though I enjoy Epcot. Although I only live a couple of hours north, I've never been to any of the other attractions. While I can see their appeal to most folks, I never seem to get down there. When I complete this section I'll go into detail on the parts of Orlando I like.

Here are a few links I'll be using in this section:

Poe Springs

Micanopy Historical Society Museum

Ocala National Forest Wildlife Viewing

Ichetucknee Springs State Park Wildlife Viewing

Index of North Central Florida Parks