 Florida, where, in 1513, Ponce De Leon thought the fountain of youth might be hidden, is a tropical paradise of both natural and cultural diversity, and beauty. Alas, Ponce
de Leon was frustrated in his efforts. Modern day explorers, however, will find the myriad attractions of this state invigorating, might we even say rejuvenating. It isn't surprising to find that people still flock to popular spots like Orlando and Miami to have a great time and enjoy some rejuvenation of their own. Modern day explorers launch
their expeditions from the Kennedy Space Center while dreamers explore frontiers in Tomorrowland and Frontierland at Disney World.
The state is typically divided into 5-6 regions. Northwest
Florida, the "Panhandle" from Pensacola to Tallahassee, is the "Deep South," where the Caribbean waters are emerald green, and southern hospitality is a way of life. The capital of Tallahassee
is here. Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, is located on the St. John's River in Northeast Florida and is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Team. The West Central Region includes Tampa Bay, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Team, and the Cuban influenced Ybor City known for its fine cigars. The East Central Region is where Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach speed into the void and around in circles. Orlando,
the home of such attractions as Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, is often included in a "sixth" region: Central Florida. The Southwest Region is known for golf, in Naples, and
the Everglades. Finally, Southeast Florida is where the heavy Caribbean action is centered. Principal cities include West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami. The Keys are here with their
incredible natural beauty and water sports, sweeping in an arc to the westernmost island, and city, of Key West.
The Miami area is the home of the NFL Miami Dolphins and MLB Florida Marlins, playing in Dolphin Stadium, and the Miami Heat of the NBA, who play at American Airlines Arena. NASCAR is also big
here with the Homestead-Miami Speedway hosting the final race of the NEXTEL Cup. There's Florida history here, lots of it. Tour the art deco district, Vizcaya Museum (also, the Deering Estate),
Coral Castle, and Barnacle State Historic Park. Attractions include the Everglades Safari Park, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the Fruit and Spice Park, Miami Sequarium, Parrot Jungle Island,
and Parrot Jungle Island. Visitors can tour Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys, or the Everglades. There are an endless number of things to see and do when visiting the greater Miami area.
|
