Page 80 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

CENTRAL FLORIDA

VOLCANO BAY, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

ROAD TRIPS December 28, 1835, a Native American
Take a break from the parking lots and ambush started the Second Seminole War.
INSIDER’S embark on a scenic drive to experience some There’s a picnic area, playground and
TIP of Old Florida at its finest. visitor’s center.
Look for the Green Mountain Scenic
The Ridge Scenic Highway travels more
Going to the Hard Rock Live for a show than 38 miles along the Lake Wales Ridge, Byway near Lake Apopka that shows off the
or a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe? Avoid through the historical communities of region’s little-known rolling hills. Among
the massive Universal Orlando parking Sebring, Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee and the rural towns and villages, you’ll pass by
garages and long walk (it is long) and Haines City. While in Lake Wales, be sure to the historic moss-covered Sadler Oaks in the
valet park. You will be much closer to
visit Spook Hill, a natural phenomenon that community of Tildenville.
your destination and happier when you
gives the illusion that cars are coasting uphill. Ocala, in Marion County, is the center of
leave. Besides, general parking is US$26
A drive west of Orlando to Clermont brings the thoroughbred horse industry in Florida
and so is valet for two hours or less. For
you to the Florida Citrus Tower built in 1956 on and beautiful rolling farmlands. Hop on the
more than two hours, you’ll pay US$45
one of the highest hills in Florida’s ridge section. Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, which
after 6 PM. But, if you don’t mind the
An elevator ride to the top gives way to panoramic travels through the heart of Central Florida
walk, arrive after 6 PM when general
views of eight counties in Central Florida. to the Ocala National Forest. Look for
parking is free.
In Sumter County, explore the 80-acre springs, kayaking and fishing spots—you
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park where, on might even see the elusive Florida black bear.
78 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA