Fort Myers & Sanibel/Lee County Traveler's Guide 2008 - (Page 31) feet, wheels, water T ® Lakes Regional Park A tiny train takes young and old alike through a wild portion of this park that’s fun for the whole family. The impressive array of amenities includes fishing, boardwalks, nature trails and a kids’ water playground – a perfect way to cool off on a hot day. (see p89) ® Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium An aviary, a white-tailed deer, Sammy the Skunk, and feedings with commentary make nature come alive here. The center’s planetarium exhibits the nature of the heavens and is the only one between Bradenton and Miami. (see p88) ® Florida Panthers Everglades Wonder Gardens is home to two female and two male Florida panthers, brought here for rehabilitation. There are thought to be 80-100 in the wild. (see p89) ® Babcock Wilderness Adventures Take a bona fide swamp tour through pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh, a prairie – complete with Cracker cattle – and a cypress swamp. (see p90) here are as many ways to explore the natural world as there are things to see, hear and experience in it. Boardwalks and hiking trails provide instant access to the deep woods, oak hammocks and near-water areas for an insider’s view. Many have interpretive signs and picturesque places to rest along the way. Much of the area’s wildlife inhabits or at least crosses the shoreline, so the view from the water is ideal. Kayaking and canoeing allow up-close encounters. Try the Great Calusa Blueway which traverses Estero Bay and connects to Sanibel, Captiva and Pine islands. Trams, bike trails and wheelchairaccessible sites provide an entre to the natural world – on wheels. ® Lovers Key State Park Hike the nature trail, rent a bike, paddle a tidal lagoon, lounge on the beach, surfcast with a view of Big Carlos Pass – even get married in a gazebo perched above the twinkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico at this state park gem. (see p93) W W W. F O R T M Y E R S - S A N I B E L . C O M | PAGE 31 http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
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