Undiscovered Florida 2018 - 13

Central Florida
Destination Enchantment

entral Florida may be the center of the
theme park universe, but the universe
is still expanding in this multi-faceted
destination of surprising cultural encounters
and mysterious wilderness areas where the
outside world disappears.

Good Natured Central Florida
When it comes to natural diversity, Central
Florida has the best of both worlds. To the
north, the deep forests, uplands and springs
of its neighbor North Florida. On its southern
edge, the wetlands of South Florida. And
naturally, the coastal plains and offshore
islands that line entire state.
Coastal wonders never cease at Canaveral
National Seashore, a barrier island bordering
the cities of New Smyrna Beach and
Titusville and offering sanctuary to many
threatened and endangered species, including
nesting sea turtles. Remarkably, the Kennedy
Space Center-itself surrounded by a wildlife
refuge-is set on the barrier island's southern
end, though the park's animal residents don't
seem to be bothered by rocket launches.
Undiscovered Florida

North of Canaveral, Blue Spring State
Park near DeLand is a designated manatee
refuge and the winter home of a growing
population of West Indian manatees. Set
inland from Daytona, the park features
the largest spring on the St. Johns River
and on cold days in manatee season
(mid-November to mid-March), you'll see
hundreds of "sea cows" seeking the warm
spring waters.

Off the Grid
While the world beats a path to the
familiar attractions of Central Florida,
you'll be going in a different direction,
toward places like Sebring, home to
Highlands Hammock State Park, one of
the state's oldest parks, with 15 distinct
natural communities-many threatened
or imperiled-including Florida scrub,
flatwoods and cutthroat seep. Among
thousand-year-old oaks, you'll traverse an
elevated boardwalk or take a tram tour to
glimpse birds, alligators, turtles, deer and
other wildlife.

Above: Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring

Heading north to Polk County, the
Circle B Bar Reserve has been dubbed one
of the best places to see wildlife in Florida,
especially on the Alligator Alley Trail which,
true to its name, promises a view of these
enigmatic reptiles (who only pretend not
to notice you). Alligators are also frequently
sighted on Boggy Creek Airboat Rides in
Kissimmee, whose Lake Tohopekaliga and
other lakes are gator favorites.
Not exactly in the wild, but giraffes,
camels, rhinos and herds of cattle have
room to roam at Giraffe Ranch, a working
ranch and wildlife preserve located north of
Dade City in Pasco County. Way beyond
the typical animal attraction, you'll be
interacting with the animals here on a safaristyle adventure. Go via a typical safari-style
vehicle or try something different-a Camel
Expedition, Segway Safari or Llama Trek.

The Florida Outback
If you really want to disappear, huge tracts
of wilderness in Central Florida provide
the escape. Contained in a four-corner
13

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Undiscovered Florida 2018