Fabulous Florida travel destinations from Jill Podehl: Another first-rate animal attraction that’s sure to please is the Lion Country Safari. Set on 600-plus acres in Loxahatchee and just a short drive from Panther Ridge, this family-friendly attraction is really two experiences in one: a fun drive-through safari where you get to use your own car, as well as a theme park. Since its establishment in 1967, Lion Country Safari has welcomed countless visitors to view its collection of 1,000 animals, most of them in a cageless environment in which they can wander around relatively freely. Along the way, you’ll hear commentary on your audio guide and get a chance to view a wide variety of species close up, except the lions of course, who for safety reasons are behind a fence. The theme park area, Safari World, includes a number of fun rides, waterslides, a petting zoo, and giraffe feeding experiences. Themed guided tours are also available. Read more info on https://www.podehlwoodcraft.com/.
It’s almost a crime to visit Miami without a trip to Zoo Miami, especially if you’re traveling with family. The stunning location holds over 500 different animal species over 3,000 individual animals, all housed in natural-style environments that maintain a healthy habitat for them all. Better yet, Zoo Miami does not use cages. The zoo, which opened in 1948, separates animals safely using moats, keeping them apart from animals they don’t mix with and visitors. This makes the animals all the happier, and they’re a wonder to see. Zoo Miami offers a lot of educational programs for people of all ages. Activities include rides, giraffe feedings, water play spots, tram tours and monorails, etc. There are 750 acres of land to explore; after all, this is Florida’s biggest zoo!
Recognized as one of Miami’s greatest treasures, The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with its stunning architecture, grounds and artwork are certainly worth a visit. Featuring 34 rooms arranged around a breath taking courtyard, the Renaissance-style villa is filled with the most exquisite European furniture and arts reaching from the 15th to the 19th century. Over 1,100 craftsmen were bought over from Europe for true authenticity in design, to complete this 28-acre estate. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you want to enjoy a blue sky on a perfect beach ? Miami is an amazing place to relax. What can you do in Miami? Little Havana, the Cuban district of Miami, isn’t known for its wealth of tourist attractions but more for its distinctive cultural scene. Restaurants and specialty food shops line the streets, and Latin music drifts through the air. Locals socialize in the open spaces. Murals grace the walls of buildings, showing important Cuban figures and scenes of daily life. Calle Ocho is the main thoroughfare running through the district and home to much of the activity, but Little Havana spreads well beyond, into the surrounding streets and avenues. For people-watching, the area offers a great deal of entertainment. And of course, this is the place to come for Cuban cuisine. The Calle Ocho Festival, held in March, is a celebration of Cuban culture and the largest of its kind in the world. Over the years this street festival has expanded to include more Latin American cultures and is now a great way to experience Latin American music and Caribbean cuisine.
Essential Florida attractions by Jill Podehl: No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to Little Havana. This vibrant, south-of-downtown neighborhood is packed with art galleries, unique shops, and busy restaurants and bars. Explore the area: Head to Maximo Gomez Park (known as Domino Park by the locals) for a real flavor of Hispanic culture, to watch men playing dominoes outdoors, smoking cigars and arguing about politics. Look out for the huge mural depicting the Summit of the Americas in 1993. The neighborhood Calle Ocho is located in the center of it all, where you can watch the markets and street stands in action while soaking up some Cuban culture. Fan of Latin cinema? Another highlight is the Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars), which is a Latin American version of the Hollywood Walk of the Stars, commemorating Latin American actors, writers, artists and musicians.
Zoo Miami is home to more than 500 different animal species, and over 3,000 individual animals of all kinds call this fun Florida spot their home. The zoo is popular for its extremely natural environments that allow the animals to be safely separated from visitors without using things like cages or closed compartments, so the animals are happier and you get to see them in a natural manner. Not far from the downtown area, the zoo hosts plenty of programs and events to keep people of all ages entertained. Certain animals can be ridden and children will tremendously enjoy events like the giraffe feeding. Since it’s such a big zoo, you’ll be able to stay occupied all day long, and that’s why it’s one of the top 10 definite must do things in the city. Discover more information on Jill Podehl West Palm Beach, Florida.
History and architecture buffs will want to explore Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a romantic Italianate villa overlooking Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. It was once the winter home of wealthy industrialist James Deering. In Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a one-of-a-kind natural swimming pool set in a coral rock quarry. Miami is a city renowned for its beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife scene, great cuisine, and cultural merging.