Article by Nanette Wiser
Photos by Janet Nummi
Paradise News’ art director and photographer Janet Nummi loves national parks, and so far, has 14 under her tutu. Here is her recap from her latest adventure to the swamp at Midway Campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve, the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks in her Airstream, comfy and tricked out with wi-fi, laptop, pets, camera, water, bug spray and sunscreen.
“The stars at night were brilliant and alligators were everywhere. Big Cypress National Preserve is just a few hours from St. Pete, bordering the Everglades National Park. The Oasis Visitor Center’s long boardwalk is a great spot for big gator sightings. On the way back to camp, we drove down the 22-mile gravel road known as The Loop, and stopped by Florida’s legendary Clyde Butcher Gallery to see his powerful black and white landscapes of the area. He is definitely the Ansel Adams of the swamp!
“Our next stop was Biscayne National Park where 95% of the park is underwater. It’s a great place to boat, kayak, snorkel or dive the shipwrecks. www.biscaynenationalparkinstitute.org
“On the way home, our collective sweet tooth (hubby, kids and fur-babies) detoured to Key Largo for the best key lime pie at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, followed by a romp and swim on Key Largo’s dog beach. Treats for all continued with a stop at a fabulous fruit market with an exotic petting zoo. Florida City’s Robert Is Here sells exotic homegrown fruits and shakes that are out of this world, and owner Robert was hand slicing fruit for a guest onsite.”
Ten Must-Visit Places
- Sept. 4-5 Meet Clyde Butcher at Big Cypress Gallery
- Clearwater Pier 60’s Trippo Water Slide, Hippo Slide
- Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA (2 hours from Atlanta)
- Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN (one of the highest waterfalls in Eastern U.S.)
- Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY (then lunch at Moosewood Restaurant)
- Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa FL (Forbes 5-star rated)
- Hotel Effie, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, FL
- Copper Door B&B; Rosie’s soul food, Miami, FL
- Luminary Hotel & Co. + Silver King Ocean Brasserie Beacon + Social Drinkery, Ft. Myers, FL
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Ft. Myers, FL