So You Think You Know Florida? Think Again!

June 05, 2009

So You Think You Know Florida? Think Again!

The road less traveled in the Sunshine State begins with VISIT FLORIDA’s publication, Been There, Haven’t Done That. The full-color guide highlights 105 fun and quirky attractions and activities from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. Locals and visitors alike will be pleasantly surprised by some of the unique experiences that Florida has to offer.

“The guide is geared not only to our own residents, but also to the out-of-state visitor who might be looking for something off the beaten path,” said VISITFLORIDA.com Authentic Florida Expert, Lucy Beebe Tobias. “Many of the suggestions in the guide would make an enjoyable addition to a customary trip to the beach or theme park.”

Been There, Haven’t Done That offers an eclectic group of experiences across Florida:

• Visitors not afraid to get a little wet can sleep with the fish at Jules Underwater Lodge, an authentic underwater research habitat in Key Largo.

• Architectural enthusiasts can brag about seeing the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

• Those with a discerning palate can try the “Swirl of Squirrel” from Linger Lodge in Bradenton, declared one of the top five weirdest restaurants in the country by Al Roker from NBC’s Today Show.

• Produce lovers can go bananas at the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, featuring more than 500 varieties of fruits, spices and other plants.

• The Nation’s Smallest Post Office can be toured by anyone with a spare minute. Located in Ochopee, the post office measures 7x8 feet and services a population of 11.

• The aquatic couple can say “I do” with Weddings on Water, America’s first floating wedding chapel, located at the St. Petersburg Pier in St. Petersburg.

• Adventure seekers can white water raft down the only Class III rapids in Florida at Big Shoals State Park in White Springs.

• Visitors with a sweet tooth can chew on some fresh sugarcane while touring a working sugar cane farm through Sugarland Tours in Clewiston.

• Ghost hunters are likely to find a soul or two hanging around Monticello, The South’s Most Haunted Town.

“The beauty of Florida is in its diversity,” said Rayme Samuels, VISITFLORIDA.com Arts & Culture Expert. “Whether you are a nature lover, history buff or just a weekend warrior, there is a quirky and quintessential Florida experience that anyone can enjoy.”

Been There, Haven’t Done That also features sections about Fun Florida Facts, Uniquely Florida Festivals and Events, Scenic Highways and Byways, Lighthouses, Wineries and Shipwreck Preserves. Each unique destination is highlighted on a large map that travelers can use to calculate mileage between locations.

You can log onto www.VISITFLORIDA.com/beenthere to find detailed information about each attraction and activity in the brochure. You can also download videos and photos of locations across the Sunshine State, post your own photos, and request a free copy of Been There Haven’t Done That.