By Nanette Wiser
OLD FLORIDA Take a step back in history inDunellon, a small town located on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. Billed as the Treasure of the Nature Coast, it’s got something for everyone. Explore the beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park (home to three waterfalls but closed at this time) and the awesome rivers or stroll the lovely tree-lined streets of the Dunnellon Historic District where charming old houses are boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants (Front Porch Restaurant and Pie Shop). You can kayak, tube or swim in the river, but it’s also home to otters, alligators, turtles, fish, and water birds (waders, divers and dabblers). Ospreys, hawks, and swallowtail kites soar along the river corridor. You can bike the paved 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. Once home to phosphate mines, Dunellon is now a charming getaway and for those who crave Ole’ Florida style seafood and dishes, plan to dine at Swampy’s or Blue Gator on the river.
SUNSHINE SASHAYS
The award-winning Opal Collection recently added four more extraordinary properties to its prestigious portfolio of Florida hotels and resorts: The Atlantic Suites on the Ave, Delray Beach; The Capri Inn, Naples; The Lucie, Hutchinson Island; and Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Key Largo. My favorite is the oceanfront Lucie, a coveted haven along Jensen Beach, offering unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean, inviting decor and thoughtful amenities that bring the comforts of home to the coast. The property’s cheerful guest rooms and suites come to life with plush bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and world-class hospitality. The Lucie is a perfect place to rest and rejuvenate between adventures exploring Jensen Beach, and nearby Port St. Lucie and Stuart and offers Florida residents a 10% discount. Dine at Drift Kitchen & Bar, Kyle G’s, or The Magic Oyster, three of the island’s best restos.
COOL OFF Since 2021, TPA’s Breeze Airways’ nonstop routes have grown in popularity. New this summer? The airline kicked off nonstop service to Portland, ME and Hartford, CT, in May and are adding another nonstop route to Providence, RI, July 14. Sounds like the perfect lobster run! Other TPA non-stop Breeze routes include Huntsville, Charleston, Vegas, and Richmond – all fun destination. United Airlines has a non-stop from TPA to NoCal, so I’m planning to take a flight to San Francisco to visit friends and family, enjoy great restaurants and live music, explore Pier 39, drink GREAT coffee and fall back in love with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies, a historic row of seven colorful Victorian-style houses. From San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma and Sausalito beckon with the Napa Valley Wine Auction and Sonoma Racetrack on the fun list. Our publishers and art director love Colorado and Aspen may just be a little bit of summer heaven.