| Great Places to Pull Over | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stop at these little-known attractions... now that you know where they are! | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The Sunshine State certainly has plenty of well-known and popular attractions that draw millions of visitors every year. Florida also boasts a few destinations that maybe you just might like... if you only knew they were there. I'm going to tell you about them, so now all you have to do is "pull over" the next time you drive by.
Don Garlits Museums Just south of Ocala off Interstate 75 is Big Daddy's place – that's drag racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits' museums. That's right. A stop here nets you entrance into not just one, but two museums – Big Daddy's Museum of Drag Racing and the Museum of Classic Automobiles. Guests can come as close as possible to yesteryear with the most unusual collection of antique and classic cars in existence. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time into the showrooms and garages of days long ago. Big Daddy began drag racing in Florida in 1952, and after 25 years, he felt the sport should have its own museum to house the cars and trophies he had accumulated. The museum that he and his wife, Pat, founded, traces the sport from its inception in the 1940s through today. Don Garlits Museums are located 8 miles south of Ocala off I-75 at Exit 67 (Milepost Exit 341). The museums are open daily (except Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $12.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 5-12, and $10.00 for seniors and children under 18.
Fantasy of
Flight If your passion is flying, you can experience the history of aviation and the world's greatest aircraft collection right in the heart of Central Florida. Fantasy of Flight is a tribute to the imagination and innovation of the pioneers of flight featuring rare and vintage aircraft. Here you will see rare aircraft take to the skies daily, learn what it takes to restore the vintage aircraft, fly simulated fighter missions over the South Pacific, and stroll through aviation history. Fantasy of Flight is located just 20 minutes west of Walt Disney World Resort and is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission includes Fightertown Flight Simulators. Cost of admission is $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors 60 and over, $13.95 for children 5-12, and free for children under age five.
Gulf World
Marine Park Since its inception in 1969, Gulf World Marine Park has entertained and educated guests about marine animals. Dolphins amaze guests with both natural and acrobatic behaviors at the state-of-the-art dolphin habitat. Guests can get up close and personal with California Sea Lions at the Sea Lion Show – even getting their pictures taken while accepting a wet kiss. Guests are free to stroll tropical gardens and view works of painted art created by the multi-talented resident dolphins and sea lions. A tropical bird show, stingray pool, shark channel, and many other exhibits can make learning about various species and conservation fun. The Coral Reef Theater immerses guests in the intriguing mysteries of marine life as they watch a scuba diver demonstrate his abilities among fish from the Gulf of Mexico. At night, Dolphin Stadium is transformed into a mystical world of water, lights, lasers, and music in the Splashmagic Laser Show featuring a variety of aquatic characters and a special technological tribute to America. The Splashmagic Laser Show is staged nightly with show times varying from season to season. Call 850-234-5271 for available times. Gulf World Marine Park is fun-filled for children and adults alike. The park opens daily at 9:00 a.m. and the last entry into the park is 4:00 p.m. Adult admission is $19.42 plus tax; children (ages 5-11) $13.40 plus tax; and children four and under are admitted free. Admission to Splashmagic Laser Show is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 5-11, and no charge for children age four and under.
Lion Country
Safari America's first drive-through cageless zoo is located 18 miles west of West Palm Beach. Since 1967, Lion Country Safari has provided guests a glimpse into the natural habits of many endangered and threatened species from the comfort of their cars. Lion Country Safari was originally developed by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wanted to bring the experience of an African game park to those American families who would otherwise never experience an African safari. Today the park encompasses over 1000 animals, five miles of drive-through preserve, and the walk-through Safari World which includes a petting zoo, boat rides, animal exhibits, restaurants, and gift shops. In the 1980s, a KOA campground was added on adjacent property for overnight guests. The drive-through wildlife preserve is divided into seven themed sections – Lake Nakuru, The Great Plains, Kalahari Bushveldt, Gir Forest, The Gorongosa, Serengeti Plains, and Wankie National Park. Each section is fashioned after its real-life namesake and features various species native to that area. The walk-through entertainment and animal display area – Safari World – provides a different experience with a petting zoo, animal nursery, reptile and primate exhibits, four free-flight aviaries, crane island and parrot circle. A boat ride, miniature golf, and an unusual wild animal carousel are all included in the price of admission. Vehicles are admitted to Lion Country Safari every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The park closes at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $16.95 for adults (age 10 and over); $14.95 for seniors; $12.95 for children (ages 3 through 9); and children three and under are admitted free. Restrictions: No convertibles are allowed. There are rental vehicles available for $8 per hour and a half. No pets are allowed inside your vehicle. Free kennels (with a $5 refundable deposit) are available at the main office. Other restrictions apply.
Sarasota
Classic Car Museum Opening its doors to the public in 1953, Sarasota Classic Car Museum now has the recognition of being one of the oldest car museums in the world. The museum's 60,000-square foot facility sits on four acres just down the street from the Ringling Museums in Sarasota. The collection of automobiles spans over 100 manufacturing years and the "living" collection features over 100 vehicles that are constantly being updated through acquisitions and exchanges with other car museums. In addition to the extensive automobile display, the museum has an Antique Game Arcade that guests are encouraged to enjoy for only a few cents per game. Smaller exhibits are found throughout the museum including an Antique Camera and Photograph Display. The Museum is open daily (except Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.65 for seniors over 65, $5.75 for juniors 13-17, $4.00 for children 6-12, and free for children under six.
Stephen Foster
Folk Culture Center State Park North Florida's natural beauty is the backdrop for this cultural center that celebrates a legendary American composer. The 650-acre park is located on the Suwannee River, which Stephen Foster immortalized in his composition "Old Folks At Home." The popular tune has been Florida's state song since 1935. The park's centerpiece, the Stephen Foster Museum, offers a glimpse into this 19th century composer whose tunes remain some of America's favorites. Turn of the century folk art is showcased at Crafts Square that features working artists and craftsmen, and a Carillon Tower, which boasts the world's largest tubular bell instrument, plays Foster's tunes daily. Visitors to the park may also take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting by taking a canoe or kayak excursion along the Suwannee River. Trails are also available for hiking and bicycling. The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is located on Hwy. 41 in White Springs. The museum, tower, and gift shop are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.25 per carload of up to eight people. Pets are allowed except during certain special events. |
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