No matter how much you love where you live, sometimes it’s just nice to get away. While wild trips across the country or even the world are incredible, we don’t always have the time or money for major vacations. Sometimes just spending a couple days out of town can be amazingly rejuvenating. The following are some tried ‘n true, fun ‘n thrifty weekend trip options that will get you into vacation mode with less than a three-hour drive. Many you’ve likely never even considered!
Just one question: what are you in the mood for?
Weird and wondrous? Head out bright and early to manatee mecca Crystal River. Swim with the gentle giants in their natural habitat and luxuriate in the gorgeous surroundings. Then take a short jaunt to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park where you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or take a river cruise. Next cool off at Buccaneer Bay water park, free with admission to the state park. Be sure to end your trip with the the most unique experience of all: a live mermaid show! Also included with your admission, the deliciously campy mermaid production has been running for six decades straight. Their show, witnessed from a submerged auditorium, is quite a sight to behold.
Boozy and bright? Start your weekend right with a stop by beautiful Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton. Their wines are Italian inspired, locally crafted, and a must-try. Weekend tours start every hour on the hour, and are only $12.50 – including a tasting! Once you’ve had your fill, keep heading south to Sarasota and spend the rest of your day traversing the stunning Ringling property. Wander the gardens, check out the art and circus museums, tour the Venetian Gothic mansion, and take in a show at the Historic Osolo Theater. Consider staying the night near St. Armand’s Circle and exploring that area in the evening or the following morning.
Airy and impressive? Get ready for a visual feast, folks. A true Florida treasure tucked away in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens boasts acres of rolling hills, exquisite gardens, and a 205-foot neo-Gothic “Singing Tower.” Guided tours at noon are included in admission price, as are concerts at 1 and 3pm daily from the extraordinary 60- bell carillon that tops the tower. On your way back to St. Petersburg, be sure to stop in Lakeland to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College, the largest concentration of Wright designed structures anywhere in the world. They are truly not to be missed.
Awesome & adventurous? Want to get your kicks next weekend? Look no further than the otherworldly Devil’s Den up in Williston. The prehistoric spring offers scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities that seem to have been created by a special effects director as opposed to Mother Nature. Really, Google it; this place is epic. On your way home, swing into Treehoppers Aerial Adventures in Dade City for tree climbing, obstacle courses, and zip lining. Let your inner daredevil run wild, and you will surely be riding high enough to banish the blahs come Monday.
Never discount the revitalizing power of a vacation, even if it’s a small one. You’re almost guaranteed to feel refreshed and ready to take on the world upon your return. Bon voyage!
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