Adventures by By Nanette Wiser
April and May (and an extra hour of daylight) make it the perfect time to daytrip or vacay. On my spring bucket list is a drive to St. Augustine’s historic Lightner and Villa Zorayda Museums and the World Golf Hall of Fame; mermaid mingling at Weeki Wachee Springs with a stay at Plantation Inn on Crystal River; and sipping Wild Buck Whiskey and Mermaid Rum at Chassahowitska’s NJoy Spirits Distillery. Might even stop in Brooksville to zip through the treetops at FLGX Adventure Course. Want more? Gas up and go to these three cool spots.
ECO-TOURISM – FOR THE BIRDS
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve embraced birdwatching this spring and hung a birdfeeder outside our window. More than 500 native bird species or strays have been recorded and more than 70 natural communities support this diversity from Apalachicola National Forest to Everglades National Park. Exclusive to Florida are the Florida Scrub-Jay, Mangrove Cuckoo, and Snail Kite. There is even a Florida Birding Trail website so you can explore each county on their
website. www.floridabirdingtrail.com
Here in Pinellas County, bird watching clubs, park treks and the Audubon Society can help you and your binoculars to a free and fun excursion. Best of show are Boca Ciega Millennium Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Brooker Creek Preserve, Caladesi Island State Park, Clam Bayou Nature Park, Fort De Soto Park, Hammock Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, John Chesnut Sr. Park, John R. Bonner Nature Park, Sand Key Park, Sawgrass Lake Park, Shell Key Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve. In Largo, John McGough Park houses an eagle, owls, hawks and classes/demonstrations.
The Pinellas County Audubon Society hosts frequent walks with expert birdwatchers, including 4/17 and 4/28 at Fort De Soto Park where you can meet up at the Headquarters’ Flagpole ($5/vehicle). The St. Petersburg Audubon Society meets at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on the 3rd Tuesday of the month; meet and greet is at 6:30pm and programs begin at 7pm and are free and open to the public. www.stpeteaudubon.org/2021-spas-calendar
VENICE BEACH
I love the sharks at Mote Aquarium and searching for shark teeth at Venice Beach. Although the April 2021 Shark Tooth Festival is cancelled due to COVID-19, Venice is still the shark tooth capital of the world. Millions of fossilized black and white shark teeth end up in the Venice coast area, which sits on top of a fossil layer that runs 18-35 feet deep. The best place to look is south of the picturesque Venice Jetty as well as Casey and Manasota Keys. On the Venice Pier, you can buy a Venice Snow Shovel (or bring a kitchen strainer) to help you search for these toothy treasures, or just stroll in the water on the foot-high drop off ledge.
Dining in the Venice and nearby Nokomis area ranges from amazing seafood (Fins at Sharky’s, Cedar Reef Fish Camp) to Florida flavors (Blu’ Island Bistro, Paradise Grill, Abby’s on Miami) and Café Longet for French fare. If you plan to stay over, check out the Inn at The Beach or Venice Beach Villas. Explore downtown’s oak and banyan-lined streets, old Florida feel, historic 1920s Mediterranean-style architecture, parks and arts scene including the Venice Art Center and Clyde Butcher gallery. Enjoy yoga on the beach, Friday historic strolls and concerts or Saturday’s Farmer’s Market and Carillon outdoor concert series. www.visitvenicefl.org
GAMBLING ALONG
Over the Sunshine Bridge on your way to Ellenton Outlet Shops, plan some extra time to visit Gamble Plantation Historic State Park followed by lunch at Woody Roos overlooking the Manatee River. Open Thurs.-Mon. from 9am to 5pm, the Gamble Plantation House (3708 Patten Ave. off 301) is one of the last authentic antebellum mansions, with unique Greek Revival Vernacular architecture and an ingenious freshwater collection system. www.gambleplantation.org
If you love Florida fresh produce, stop in Parrish at Gamble Creek Farms, where you can stock up Sat.- Sun. from 10am-2pm on amazing organic veggies, fruits and pies. www.gamblecreekfarms.com
