Wilderness
Alafia Springs Some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails (17 miles, ranging from beginner to advanced) in the state. Located on what was once a phosphate mining site, the unique topography of the reclaimed land offers some of Florida’s most radical elevation changes (hills!). Equestrians and hikers can explore mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and rolling hills — the park boasts 20 miles of hiking and horse trails. Bird watchers and wildlife fans suffer no dearth of subjects here, either by land or water. The south prong of the Alafia River and the lakes scattered throughout the park provide ample opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The 6,000-plus-acre park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit and volleyball court. 14326 S CR 39, Lithia. 813-672-5320. floridastateparks.org.
Archbold Biological Station Down near Arcadia and the Peace River, this preserve boasts an elusive colony of Indigo Snakes, the closest ones to us in Tampa Bay. Careful observers may protest, “Hey, wait, there’s a sign at Boyd Hill!” but nay, they left the area long ago. Your chances of seeing an Indigo by chance at Archbold aren’t terribly high, but if you don’t make the trek, your chances are definitely zero. Reward yourself for the hot, sandy trek along the Lake Wales Ridge with a slice of pie or some deep-fried corn at nearby Wheelers. Call for visiting guidelines; this is not a state park. 123 Main Dr., Venus. 863-465-2571. archbold-station.org.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve So, OK, the indigo snakes may have slithered off for, uh, sandier pastures, but this local gem has plenty of spectacular wildlife if only you know when to look. Might we suggest one of the Night Hikes, where you can see beady gator eyes (they glow red), spiders with their emerald gems for eyes (all eight) and, if you’re lucky, scorpions and bats. It’s not as scary as it sounds. During daylight hours, gopher tortoise, osprey and other critters abound, and the park has an excellent running trail. The park has nature tours, on foot and by tram, adult nature classes and guided paddles throughout the summer. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Pete. 727-893-7326. stpeteparksrec.org.
Paddling
Clam Bayou Nature Preserve Urban explorer Thomas Hallock paddles from Tampa Bay to Boca Ciega Bay, via Salt Creek and Clam Bayou (read all about it, p. 15). If you want to recreate his route, you’re on your own in Salt Creek, but on the Gulfport side you can find an outfitter ready with paddleboards and kayaks. All paddlers receive a free lesson for kayaks or SUP paddleboards along with a map with a suggested route thru the 180-acre Clam Bayou Nature Preserve. After a two-hour paddle across the shallow lagoons and shady mangrove tunnels — chock full of fish and birdlife — paddle the natural shoreline to Gulfport Beach, pull the boats ashore and picnic, swim, relax and even leave the boats to visit the wonderful restaurants and shops. Half and full day rentals by reservation. Kayak Nature Adventures, 2901 Miriam St. S., Gulfport. 727-418-9728. kayaknature.com.
Weedon Island Guided Hikes and Kayak Tours Row through Weedon Island’s quiet, pristine waterways or learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of the preserve during a guided hike. Bring water, a snack, a hat and closed-toe shoes. Register online by Saturdays, paddle or hike on Sunday, 9 a.m. 1500 Weedon Island Dr., St. Pete. 727-453-6500. pinellascountyextension.org.
Weekly Paddle Social A casual paddle starting at North Shore Beach near the old St. Pete Pier and Museum of Fine Arts. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Spa Beach, 800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Pete. 727-510-1921. stpetepier.com.
Attractions
Homosassa Springs State Park Is it a zoo? Is it a park? You decide! View West Indian manatees from the park’s underwater observatory in the main spring; throughout the park native Florida wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles and river otters coexist (separately). Manatee programs offered three times daily. Wildlife Encounter programs feature snakes. Looking for something more passive? Transportation from the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the entrance available by tram or boat. The park has two gift shops and a café. Plan at least half a day, plus two hours for the drive. Each day has interactive ranger programs. 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. (US 19), Homosassa. 352-628-5343. floridastateparks.org.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens Where else can you still see a bird on a bicycle? The park also has a respectable amount of reptiles, birds (including a flamboyance of flamingoes), nature trails, and gardens. The most tourist-y draw is the old-school exotic bird show, seconded only by a wildlife show where one lucky volunteer — and we’re using that word loosely — gets to hold a Madagascar hissing cockroach. 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. 941-355-5305. sarasotajunglegardens.
Swim & Splash
Bobby Hicks Pool An Olympic-size pool with 10 50-meter lap lanes or 20 25-yard lap lanes. It also has one 1-meter and one 3-meter maxi-flex model B spring boards and a wading pool. Rates and hours vary. 4201 W. Mango Ave., Tampa. 813-832-1217. tampagov.net.
Childs Park Pool Splash area for kids, water slides, wading pool, zero-depth entry and an open swim area. $3. Hours vary. 1227 43rd St. S., St. Pete. 727-893-7730. stpeteparksrec.org.
Copeland Pool A leisure pool with 10 25-yard lap lanes, zero depth entry, 14 foot deep dive well with two 1-meter and one 3-meter maxi-flex model B spring boards, water feature with 2 slides, and concrete bleachers with capacity for 2,000. This facility hosts an annual doggie paddle at the end of the season. Rates and hours vary. 11001 N 15th St., Tampa. 813-975-2734. tampagov.net.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Louver Splash Park Cool off at the riverside splash pad. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampagov.net.
Water Works Park Want a quick blast of water to cool off, but don’t feel like going for a full swim? Splash down here. 9 a.m.-sunset. 1710 N. Highland Ave., Tampa. tampagov.net.
North Shore Aquatic Complex A waterfront pool with a 50 meter chilled pool with diving board, 25-yard training pool with zero depth entry, a play pool with a giant flume slide, splash pad, and accessible zero depth entry. $3. Hours vary. 901 North Shore Dr. NE., St. Pete. 727-893-7727. stpeteparksrec.org.
St. Pete Beach Community Center Two small slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and lap lanes make this a full-service family pool. The pool has movie nights in addition to open swim times. Annual passes available; rates and hours vary. 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. 727-363-9245. spbrec.com.
Splash Harbour Water Park A beach-side waterpark featuring water slides, a lazy river, children’s area, sundeck, cabanas and a pool. $24.95. Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. More about the park on p. 33. 99A 2nd St., Indian Rocks Beach. splashharbourwaterpark.com.
Sulphur Springs Pool A leisure pool with four 25-yard lap lanes, zero depth entry, splash pad, and multiple water slides. Historic Sulphur Springs and park adjacent to the pool. The park features shelters, picnic tables, and a scenic view of the Hillsborough River. In the right conditions, people can see manatee. Rates and hours vary. 701 E Bird St., Tampa. 813-931-2156. tampagov.net.
Summer School
Bastille Day: The Art, Anthem (and your appetite!) Viva la France! Discover the history of the French Revolution through its art and music, while enjoying a fine French luncheon. John Schloder and Angela Baisley will share their enthusiasm and knowledge of this pivotal time period, explored through artistic expression. A Parisian lunch at Eckerd College will top off this morning of French culture. (Lunch included in course fee.) $65. July 14, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. eckerd.edu.
Ethel Merman’s Broadway The Merm was Broadway’s most successful leading lady, filling theaters from Girl Crazy (1930) to Hello Dolly! (1970). Other shows along the way include Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, Call Me Madam and more. Through stories and video learn her story of overnight success singing the Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” and 40 decades of lasting star power. $25. August 21, 1:30 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. eckerd.edu.
Jaws: Looking Back on the Movie that Made You Stop Swimming Recognized as one of the world’s greatest action-thriller movies, Jaws became the highest-grossing film of all time, earning $123 million in its initial release. It was targeted to a young adult summer movie audience, establishing the summer blockbuster strategy through massive TV advertising, and also widely exhibited across more than 900 American theaters. Using selected film clips, the class examines the film’s origins, its creative development and the cinematic techniques used by Spielberg to create an exceptional film achievement. $25. June 22, 1:30 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. eckerd.edu.
The Laughmakers on Politics: Mark Twain, Will Rogers, Mort Sahl, George Carlin, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert Satire exists hand in hand with government. From nimble wordplay and homespun commentary of Twain and Will Rogers to the lampoonery of SNL, satire makes mighty funny fodder of election seasons. Our ability to laugh at our nation and leaders helps transcend barriers. Experience the buffoonery of 50 years of political laughmakers in this four-week class. $65. Once weekly, June 1-Jun 29, 1:30 p.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete; or June 7-28, 1:30 p.m. Harbor Hall, 1190 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor. eckerd.edu.
Marjorie, Moonshine and Minneolas Learn what lured renowned Florida author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to Florida’s citrus-and-palm-heavy interior. CL’s Cathy Salustri discusses how the writer, perhaps best known outside Florida for The Yearling, fell in love with Florida’s people and culture. Suggested reading (not required): Cross Creek, South Moon Under. $25. June 3, 10 a.m. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. eckerd.edu.
Summer Camps
Herpetology Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles with herpetologist George L. Heinrich. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Ages 7-11. $150. June 13-17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Pete. 727-893-7326. stpeteparksrec.org.
Intro to Charcoal Drawing for Kids Learn to draw with charcoal, a traditional artists’ drawing technique. Lessons include drawing from still life and nature. Some classes will be outdoors, weather permitting. Hat and closed toe shoes recommended. Instructor, Joseph Weinzettle is an artist who has taught students of all ages and abilities. Recommended for beginning to intermediate children ages 11-16. Pre-registration required. $96. Wednesdays, June 8–July 13, 12:30–2:30 p.m. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, 600 E. Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs. 727-712-5762. leeparattner.com.
Stop-Motion Animation Filmmaking Camp Campers learn how to create an animated film, one frame at a time with clay, Legos, paper and other materials in a style of animation made popular by The California Raisins and South Park. $175. A one-week program; half-day sessions, Mon.-Fri. July 18-22 or July 25-29. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8286. tampattheatre.org.
Urban Kai Four summer paddling camps for kids, grouped by ages 6-11 and 12-15. Instruction includes paddle boarding, environmental review of our local waterways, sea life and bird observation, ocean awareness and safety, wave knowledge and etiquette and all equipment. $175. All camps run Mon.– Thurs., 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Session 1 – June 20-23; Session 2 – June 27-30; Session 3 – July 11-14; Session 4 – July 25-28. Urban Kai, 13090 Gandy Blvd., St. Pete. 813-598-1634.
Campgrounds
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Camp in a boat in No Name Harbor at this park, home to an historic lighthouse built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846 (it’s the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County). The park boasts a one miile beach, and has biking and kayaking opportunities. Anglers can throw in their lines from the seawall along Biscayne Bay for shoreline fishing (liense required). Twice daily guided tours of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper´s cottage (Thurs.-Mon. only). Two restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater’s Grill, offer authentic Cuban cuisine, or picnickers can reserve a pavilion and fire up their own grill. Bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas can be rented. 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. 305-361-5811. floridastateparks.org.
Blue Springs State Park Take your pick of six two-bedroom cabins in a shady oak hammock near the spring, a designated manatee refuge. Cabins sleep six people; one bedroom has a double bed, the other with two singles. The living room has a sleeper sofa that converts to a double bed. Each cabin has central air (this is Florida, after all), bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with stove and refrigerator, screened porch, outdoor grill and picnic table. Linens, pillows, blankets and towels, cooking and eating utensils provided. No phones or TV, but the outdoors can be your prime time. 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City. 386-775-3663. floridastateparks.org
Cayo Costa State Park Get primitive with 30 tent sites that come with a picnic table, ground grill and access to drinking water. No electricity. This sunny beach campground offers campers a piece of paradise shut off from the mainland after the last tram leaves at 4 p.m. It’s sunny and salty, so bring sunscreen and provisions. Restroom facilities on island with cold showers and flush toilets. Tram service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to carry gear and campers to the campground. One mile from the docks to the camping area. Hammock camping available in the primitive tent camping area at sites 8, 9,15, and 22. Four nautical miles west of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381), Cayo Costa. 941-964-0375. floridastateparks.org.
Fort De Soto This local favorite has precious few sites available come summertime, but RV and tent campers looking for a mid-week respite may get lucky. Some sites allow dogs. Hot water showers, laundry facilities and some waterfront campsites. Grills, water and power at all sites; most sites have substantial foliage, affording shelter from the midsummer sun. Campers have access to the parks hiking trails, sandy beaches, paddling trails, bike path and historic fort. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 727-582-2267. pinellascounty.org.
Shell Key Preserve Camping for the nature purist: Paddle out to Shell Key Preserve at the southernmost tip of St. Pete Beach (the calmest paddle access is via the Bayway, while the quickest — and bumpiest — is from Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille) and spend the night stargazing. No pets, restrooms, fires (summer only) or alcohol. No access to freshwater or power. Permit from the county required. Between Fort DeSoto and Pass-a-Grille. pinellascounty.org.
Lit
Grand Central Lit Crawl A literary twist on the classic pub crawl. Each stop along the way will feature two or three local writers. July 16, 4 p.m. Grand Central District, St. Pete. wordierthanthou.com.
Saved by the Sunshine State: Writers Share Their Stories of How They Found Themselves in Florida Local writers will share their stories of how they found themselves in Florida. Proceeds benefit the Wordier Than Thou Writers Project. $12. Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Studio @620, 620 1st Ave. S., St. Pete. 727-895-6620. studio620.org.
Parties
Sunsets at Pier 60 Just because the sun goes down on the water doesn’t mean the fun is over. Wrap up a day at the beach with a family-friendly party. Handmade arts, jewelry and other craft vendors line the pier as street performers, amusements and buskers entertain. Weather permitting. Nightly, 4:30-10:30 p.m. Pier 60, Clearwater. 727-449-1036. sunsetsatpier60.com.
Ice Cream
Old Farmer’s Creamery Enjoy super-friendly service and old-fashioned ice cream in what locals call “the barn.” 2531 4th St. N., St. Pete.
Dairy Joy A family-owned Tampa favorite, Dairy Joy is a walk-up classic with soft-serve flavors and traditional banana splits. 3813 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa.
Cassis American Brasserie Ice cream is only one dessert option from this popular bakery on the St. Pete waterfront. Browse a case of hand-made French pastries and other sweets. 170 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Pete.
Larry’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream and Gelato A St. Pete Beach tradition for over 30 years, Larry’s ice cream focuses on old-fashioned ice cream traditions with an emphasis on milkshakes, sundaes and fresh waffle cones. 6595 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
D’Lites Emporium This beach favorite rotates over 100 flavors year-round and can serve it in a cone, in a cup, as a shake, malt, sundae, parfait, blender or low-carb latte. 3629 49th St. N., St. Pete.
Amish Creamery Choose from 34 hand-dipped flavors and a soft-serve yogurt bar in a shop that serves Amish-made products. 200 150th Ave., Madeira Beach.
Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream With two locations, this award-winning ice cream shop specializes in homemade ice cream and a friendly atmosphere. It was also recently voted Best of Tampa Bay. 105 Alt. US 19 N., Palm Harbor; 310 Main St., Dunedin.
Twistee Treat You’d know the building anywhere — it’s shaped like a giant soft-serve ice cream and it’s peppered across the Bay area. Choose from a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors like the traditional trifecta — vanilla, chocolate and strawberry — and premium flavors like German chocolate, pistachio and rum raisin.
Old Meeting House Ice Cream Almost 70 years old, OMH has served homemade, handcrafted favorites for generations, and it continues to make ice cream the same way today. 4004 S MacDill Ave., Tampa.
Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Café This Anna Maria Island favorite, “where every day is sundae,” serves 32 different flavors and specializes in signature sundaes. 101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.
Bo’s Ice Cream Bo’s is a Tampa tradition, opening its doors in 1954. It’s most popular for its upside-down banana split, complete with sliced banana, pineapple topping, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. 7101 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Super Scoops Listed as one of the ten best national ice cream parlors in 2014 by TripAdvisor, Super Scoops is a beach favorite for locals. They serve a variety of flavors from traditional to signature, including carrot cake and butterscotch. 11025 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island.
Dairy Kurl The red-and-white building can’t be missed and the peanut butter sauce is to die for. 1555 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater.
Tours
Downtown St. Pete Twilight on the Town Tour Learn about St. Pete history while ambling past some of the best of downtown’s historic buildings and architecture. At the end of the tour, cool down and continue the conversation while enjoying the Ale & the Witch. The tour starts at the historic Stewart Building on 3rd St. and ends at the Ale & Witch (111 2nd Ave NE), just a short walk from the Stewart. $5. June 29, 7 p.m. Historic Stewart Buillding., 233 3rd St. N., St. Peter. stpetepreservation.org.
Gulfport Twilight on the Town Tour Stroll the streets of Gulfport, starting at the Gulfport History Museum and ending at the building that once housed a jail building company (foodies know this building as Pia’s). The tour takes walkers through a patch of Roebuck homes, to Gulfport’s freshwater spring, past waterfront homes with basements and ends with the chance for tourgoers to sit and discuss the night over a glass of wine. $5. July 14, 7 p.m. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. stpetepreservation.org.
Safety Harbor Food & Art Tour Spend a few hours sampling local eats, exploring the Safety Harbor arts scene and learning about what makes downtown Safety Harbor special. Advance purchase required. $50 per person. Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. John Wilson Park, 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-458-1778.
Safety Harbor History Tour Stroll through this small bayside town and learn its history. Who discovered the (allegedly) healing springs? Which pirate lost a treasure in Tampa Bay? See buildings from the turn of the last century, hear stories of Odet Phillipe and learn how grapefruit was discovered. Dog-friendly. $15. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m. John Wilson Park, 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-687-8785. safetyharbortours.com.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 2, 2016.