The end of a long week is drawing near . . . the kids spent hours on homework, Mom managed to land a major business deal, and Dad accomplished cleaning out the garage.  Everyone is tired and ready for a break.  No time, no money for a big vacation, you say?  No problem!  Keep it simple, keep it close and you’ll return refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to start a new week.

Living so close to Disney World, Busch Gardens and Sea World, we tend to overlook the less touristy places.  Central Florida has several interesting attractions to offer that are sure to please both young and old.  So load into the car and get away for the day.  Here are some simple trip ideas:

Weeki Wachee Springs

Within an hour’s drive from the Tampa/Clearwater area you can experience the mysteries of mermaids.  For over 50 years, the enchanting Weeki Wachee Mermaids have been capturing the imaginations of millions of people with their magical performances. In the crystal blue waters of the famous Weeki Wachee Spring, Mermaids and Mermen can be seen effortlessly gliding through the water while audiences watch from the world's only underwater artesian spring theater.  Experience the timeless tale of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid” and other “tails”!

This spectacular attraction offers plenty of activities to fill your day of fun.  In addition to the shows, you can take in the sights and sounds of nature on the Wilderness Cruise.  Glide along the Weeki Wachee River in silent, electric powered boats as you experience Florida wildlife and plant life at its best. Experience the natural wonder of Cypress trees, Sabal Palms and Elephant Ear Philodendron. Revel in the majestic beauty of ospreys and great blue herons, or be entertained by the antics of raccoons along the shoreline. Pelicans and endangered wood storks flock in the trees and North American river otters can be seen gracefully slipping through the clear waters. You may even spot a manatee or two during one of their frequent visits.

If taking in all this natural beauty leaves you wanting more, pack a picnic basket, load the family in a rented canoe (available at Weeki Wachee – www.floridacanoe.com ) and paddle your way along the winding wonders of the Weeki Wachee river.

This attraction will offer your family a day they won’t soon forget.  For more information, visit them at www.weekiwachee.com or call them at 1-877-GO-WEEKI.

Forever Florida

Leave the city behind and get back in touch with nature at Forever Florida.  Located in east Central Florida, Forever Florida and the adjacent Crescent J Ranch form a 4,700 acre nature preserve and working cattle ranch, combining “Old Florida” charm with exhilarating and educational opportunities to interact with native animals and birds in an ever-growing, natural setting.  Take a horseback, swamp buggy or bicycle tour, visit with the animals at the ranch petting zoo or take a hike on one of the trails.  After a day of fun and excitement in the wild, come and enjoy a hearty meal and warm your bones by the fireplace at the Cypress Restaurant. This full-service restaurant serves southern-style meals featuring everything from gator tail to hamburgers. 

So throw on a pair of jeans, slide into your boots and a get ready to see the real Florida.  For more information and discount coupon, visit them at www.foreverflorida.com or call them at 1-866-854-EVER. 

Rainbow River

If you’re looking for crystal clear waters surrounded by Florida’s nature at its finest, you’ll find it all on the Rainbow River.  This calm river (idle speed/no wake zone for the entire river) is a perfect getaway for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.  You’ll be able to view an abundance of wildlife including an assortment of birds, plenty of log-dwelling turtles, and a few playful river otters.  You’ll find yourself immersed in lush vegetation and lots of moss-laden trees.  Down below the waters surface, you’ll witness a flurry of activity as fish dart about in the pristine waters.  At the head waters (the spring), you can check out the visitors center, observe waterfalls and discover first-hand what makes the river so clear by snorkeling over the spring.  But bring a towel or two – the water is quite cold.  The Rainbow River is located in the southwest corner of Marion County Florida, about 20 miles southwest of Ocala, 100 miles northwest of Orlando and 100 miles north of the Tampa Bay area. So whether you visit from the waters edge after driving into the State Park or take in the beauty via a canoe, a trip to the Rainbow River is a perfect getaway for the day.  For more information about the Rainbow River and the Rainbow River State Park, visit www.therainbowriver.com.

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