Page 67 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

ROAD TRIPS
Take a break from the parking lots and embark on a scenic drive to experience some of Old Florida at its finest.
The Ridge Scenic Highway travels more than 38 miles along the Lake Wales Ridge, through the historical communities of Sebring, Frostproof, Lake Wales, Dundee and Haines City. While in Lake Wales, be sure to visit Spook Hill, a natural phenomenon that gives the illusion that cars are coasting uphill.
A drive west of Orlando to Clermont brings you to the Florida Citrus Tower built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida’s ridge section. An elevator ride to the top gives way to panoramic views of eight counties in Central Florida.
In Sumter County, explore the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park where, on December 28, 1835, a Native American ambush started the Second Seminole War.
Look for the Green Mountain Scenic Byway near Lake Apopka that shows off the region’s little-known rolling hills. Among the rural towns and villages, you’ll pass by the historic moss-covered Sadler Oaks in the community of Tildenville.
Ocala, in Marion County, is the center of the thoroughbred horse industry in Florida and beautiful rolling farmlands. Hop on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, which
travels through the heart of Central Florida to the Ocala National Forest. Look for springs, kayaking and fishing spots.
SHOPPING
If you are looking for a taste of Florida, there
SILVER GLEN SPRINGS RECREATION AREA • VISIT FLORIDA
are several outdoor markets selling fresh local produce, preserves and products, including the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market and Main Street Bartow Farmers Market. For mall shopping, hit the Lakeland Square Mall with over 90 shops.
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 65
5 MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
SEAWORLD ORLANDO
seaworld.com/orlando
LEGOLAND
legoland.com/florida
SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
silversprings.com
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
universalorlando.com
WALT DISNEY WORLD
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disneyworld.disney.go.com