Florida has always been a tourist state, bringing visitors from the northern temperatures down to take advantage of the miles of white sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets and water recreation permeating from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico! Let us not forget, Disney World, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, which also brings in it's fair share of visitors from the northern states. But what about the beauty that is hidden and not advertised on the 'why you should go to Florida' flyers? The many rivers and springs, hundred year old Oaks and exotic wildlife are things that many of our Northern friends are unaware of!
There are roughly 150 state parks and reserves in the State of Florida, all of which are something to talk about! Recently the family and I visited Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Volusia County, Florida, and I must say that it was one of the most beautiful parks I have been to yet! The park is located on the St. Johns River and is built around the largest spring in the St. Johns! While we were there, a family of manatee was playing in the crystal clear water, making every move that they made visible. The park is closed to divers, swimmers, boaters and snorkelers during the winter months, November 15th through March 1, to ensure the safety and the return of the manatee. They do keep the park open for fishing and canoeing during this time.
Blue Spring State Park is only 35 miles away from Orlando and all the major theme parks! Instead of spending $150 a night and your evenings cooped up in a hotel room on some busy intersection of Orlando, why not spend them under the stars for only $20 a night, enjoying the sounds of nature? After a few days of Florida wildlife you may find yourself interested in relocating! Why not? Everyone else wants to live here!
