Central Florida Backwoods and Springs 3 days 330 miles
City: Orlando
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Map: Orlando
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Central Florida has many wonderful backwoods and refreshing springs, which will take you on a journey so lovely you will not forget it. As you are starting out from Orlando, take I-4 to exit 33. Continue driving north on US 17-92 to US 441, turn right onto SR 436. After 2 ½ miles, turn left on Wekiwa Springs Road. The Wekiwa Springs State Park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear water, the rustic hiking and nature trails and 8 miles horseback riding trails. Swimming and canoeing are also the main activities, which are enjoyed. Now return to US 441 and take this northwest for 11 miles. Turn left as you follow the signs to Mount Dora. This is a wonderful village, which draws many visitors and tourists from all over. This unique town has its share of antiques, boutiques, restaurants and Inns. Throughout the year it holds many festivals and arts and craft shows. Serious antique buyers flock to this area to find their treasures. Weekends are very busy and fun. Continuing on through Mount Dora some 6 miles heading to Tavares, rejoin US 441, still continue another 8 miles and turning left on Canal Street leading to Leesburg. Visit Venetian Gardens and enjoy this spot for a pleasant picnic in the gardens.
Now rejoin US 441 and drive north for 21 miles going to Belleview, turn left on SR 484. Here you can visit the Don Garlits’ Museum of Drag Racing. This is the only museum devoted to this particular activity and you will truly like it. Some of their earliest models date back to 1940. Heading back to US 441, continue north 11 miles, which brings you to Ocala. You can visit the Ocala National Forest, the Silver Springs and many area thoroughbred horse farms.
Next, head northeast on SR 40 for 4 miles to the Appleton Museum of Art. View the fine art collection of Central Florida, primitive treasures of Indian, Oriental, African and South American, even 19th century European and American Art. Enjoy a lunch or snack at the exquisite courtyard café just outside the beautiful marble building. Now continue for 2 miles to Silver Springs. This happens to be one of the most charming spots in all of Florida. Take a journey on the glass-bottom boat or the Jungle Cruise. The outstanding crystal clear waters will allow you to see over 36 different species of fish. It will please you to note that six original Tarzan movies were filmed right here! Across from Silver Springs is Wild Waters, which offers water slides, flumes and a wave pool. This is great fun for the whole family. Next, drive east on SR 40 for 3miles. Here you will enter the Ocala National Forest. Turn left on SR 314 and continue northeast for 17 miles, then turn right on SR 19 and drive south for 15 miles along Lake George. This is Florida’s second largest lake. Now turn right on SR 40 and head west for 4 miles. This is the Juniper Springs Recreation Area, which is a great place to spend the day.
Return to Ocala by driving west for 28 miles. Head southwest on SR 200 for 14 miles. Turn right on SR 484 to Dunellon, and drive south on US 41, then turn right on SR 488. Go 2 miles and turn left on US 19-98. Drive south for 6 miles and turn left onto SR 44. This is Crystal River. You can swim with the manatees and take a voyage in the glass-bottom boats.
Next, return to SR 19 and drive south for 7 miles. You will be visiting Homosassa Springs State Park. They offer boat trips; nature shows three times a day and nature trails. Visit the sugar mill for a bit of history. Now return to US 19 and drive south for another 23 miles. This brings you to the famous Weeki Wachee Spring. This is Florida’s oldest attraction and only natural spring water park. See the underwater mermaids, sail the Jungle Cruise, and visit the petting zoo, beach and water slides. Now head east on SR 50 for 12 miles, which brings you to Brooksville, home of the Heritage Museum and the famous Roger’s Christmas House Village. Continue east on US 98 for 13 miles, then picking up SR 50. Go another 29 miles and turn left on US 27, head north 1 mile. Here you can visit the Clermont Citrus Tower and the House of Presidents Wax Museum. Now, return to US 50 and drive south, and then continue east to Orlando on I-4 for 33 miles. You have concluded the Backwoods and Springs Driving Tour.
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