Read an Excerpt
Amelia Island Horseback Riding
4600 Peters Point Road, Amelia Island, Florida 32034; 904-753-1701; ameliaislandhorsebackriding.com
If you've ever dreamed of galloping through foamy surf on a fast horse, this adventure is for you. Debbie Manser has been operating this unique attraction for more than 25 years. You call or book online and arrange to meet at Peters Point Beachfront Park in Fernandina Beach, and she trailers the horses in from their stable close to Amelia Island. Once you start riding on the beach, you will do so for 1 hour. Manser can accommodate two to four riders at a time, and with advance notice can handle up to six.
Babcock Ranch Eco Tours
8000 FL 31, Punta Gorda, Florida 33982; 800-500-5583; babcockranchecotours.com
Dating to the 1800s, Babcock is among the oldest ranches in Florida’s long history of cattle ranching. Encompassing a working cattle ranch with over 55,000 acres of pastureland, it is typical of what Old Florida was all about. On their 90-minute Swamp Buggy Tour, you will traverse Florida ecosystems, seeing the tough bulls and cows known as Cracker cattle that are unique to Florida and possibly catching a glimpse of an endangered Florida panther in its wild home.
Bob’s River Place
2878 County Road 430, Branford, Florida 32008; 352-542-7363; bobsriverplace.com
A gentleman named Bob Hawkins built this popular tourist attraction on the Suwannee River near Branford. In the early 1970s he built his house on a bluff overlooking the river. The venture started with a tree house and swing that Bob built for his children. He wanted the kids to experience the fun of an old-fashioned swimming hole like he had enjoyed as a kid. Over the years he added waterslides, rope swings, docks, picnic shelters, and ladders so you can jump into the river from a tree.
Florida Fish Camps
florida-backroads-travel.com/florida-fish-camps.html
Florida’s fish camps provide a glimpse into what the state was like before the massive development that’s taken place in recent years. With thousands of miles of coastline and numerous lakes and rivers, fish camps offer boat rentals, fishing gear, and in some cases, overnight lodging. Some of them also provide catch-and-release experiences for the kids.
