30 Days & 30 Ways to Enjoy Florida; Day 17, Small Towns
Mount Dora, just 45 minutes from Orlando, is one of our favorite little towns. Get away from the crazy life of O-town for a community of friendly faces, B&B's, Inns, Cottages, Dining, shopping, outdoor activities, and plenty of festivals throughout the year. Photo Copyright Rori Paul.
Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Maimi, Tallahassee, Key West, Jacksonville. These are cities for which you know the names. Centers of commerce, tourism and life for so much of Florida. Pro sports teams, theme parks and the state capitol bring to life everyday Florida for literally millions throughout the year.
Yet they do not hold the keys to life if in Florida. So much of this place can be found in her small towns and cities.
Places where locals live, work and play, but also places where travelers can visit, enjoy, shop, eat and stay. There are plenty of places outside the big-guys where play is always on the menu and you’ll find so many things to do you won’t know what hit you.
Florida is nothing if not a tourist state. Here you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Yet do not hesitate to look beyond the big-named, marquee spots for your next Florida getaway. There is so much to do here, the theme parks are only a beginning.
And no, you don’t have to be a local to enjoy what these smaller communities have to offer. So, without further time to waste, please take a look at these great Florida towns and communities when you’re thinking about a Sunshine State getaway.
Mount Dora
St. Augustine
Tarpon Springs
Charlotte Harbor
Fort Myers
Sarasota
Punta Gorda
Naples
Homestead
Ocala
Kissimmee
Pensacola
Destin
Winter Garden
Tarpon Springs is a fun, vital little community on the Gulf coast. Home to a long line of Greek families who came here to harvest from the vast sponge fields in the Gulf of Mexico, they brought with them their culture, foods, and way of life. Step into the history of a Greek village and meet today's smilling faces ready to share some of life here, including some amazing food. Photo copyright Rori Paul.
Clearwater
Pass A Grille
Boca Raton
Melbourne
Merritt Island
Gainesville
Amelia Island
Fort Walton Beach
Panama City
Marathon
Key Largo
Islamorada
Sanibel
Inclusion in 30 Days & 30 Ways in Florida lists does not mean nor indicate endorsement. We are simply providing a list of options for your consideration. Please read other Rori Travels Florida articles for services, providers locations and our opinions, but the options here are provided merely as a starting point for your Florida vacation plans.
