parks (not disney)

hey everyone its friday yipeeee :D:D:D
does anyone know of any nice parks to visit (not disney parks)whilst im in orlando????

i think there is blue springs statepark but no idea where it is.

What about Cypress gardens. I was led to believe it had only recently reopened.

Blue Springs State Park is wonderful if you're looking for some peace and quiet and an opportunity to enjoy nature. Here's the website:

[website link edited]


It's located at 2100 West French Ave., Orange City, FL and phone number is
(904) 775-3663

thanks pbensur thats great and very helpful. it looks beautiful and just the place i need after a hectic week in orlando:D

Madabouttigger has some photos of Blue Springs posted and it looks lovely:


http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_19314.asp

Also Homassassa Springs try [website link edited] I don't think there is a problem with that link if it needs to be removed I will DM.
I have never been but it is on my to do list as so many friends have said that it is well worth the trip.

Homassassa Springs is well worth a visit to see the manatee(s). Not sure of the plural of manatee!!

Silver Springs is a mild and mini theme park with a few rides, animals and glass bottom boat rides, etc which is a worthwhile visit to make a change from the hustle and bustle but with something to do.

We are visiting Silver Springs when we are over this time so will let you know what it is like.

If you go to Homassass,enter by the supermarket and you get a free boat ride to the main entrance.Costs about $8 and is a really nice contrast to the theme parks

My son found a great restaurant in the area,I will try and speak to him today and post it later

Silver Springs is lovely and the old Cypress Gardens was too although I have not been since it re-opened. Sea world is my favourite. Busch Gardens is Great. Always do a trip to one of the beaches too.

If you're staying near hway 27 then Lake Louisa is not too far away.
We keep promising ourselves a trip to Ichetucknee Springs, the tubing down river looks really fun, we might actually get there in September.
Kissimmee Lakefront park or Celebration Lake are also nice peaceful places to spend a couple of hours.

We have been many times to Hommassasa and love it.

In fact there is so much to do that you should always try to take 3 weeks if you can

As Steph's post proves,even the owners( who are out a lot) have places they haven't been to yet

I was talking to owners who had been out for a monthand they still ran out of time to do all they wanted

thanks for all the info guys , im def gonna make time to visit one of them this time, we always do hectic stuff and never make time to relax but this time I WILL heeheeee[msnwink]

As Steph said there is Lake Louisa National Reserve on highway 27. Quiet and peaceful it is something a little different if you would like to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

We are going for 3 weeks this time, and I know we will run out of time again!!! We have promised ourselves though to do some more tourist things and visit other places as per this thread!!! It is just deciding which ones to do....

Something always crops up at the villa that we think will take 2 minutes and we end up doing more than is needed and well run out of time!!!

Kelly Park is something different. You can float down the river on a tube or walk following the boardwalks. Plenty of places for picnics and BBQ's but watch out for the racoons and squirrels trying to pinch your food. We had a great day out stopping off at Mt Dora (small picket fence type town with plenty of unusual shops and antique shops and a lakeside park). Then on to Kelly park for the afternoon. Remember to hire your tubes before you enter the park at the roadside cafe.

Jane

We are going to try Forever Florida on our next trip. Its on the 441 south of Holopaw. It looks interesting
John