Late in May, many of us get a three- or -four-day weekend thanks to the yearly tradition of honoring our late veterans for Memorial Day.
Why not make this year’s a memorable one and get away with a nice, fun-filled day trip to a nearby attraction or adventure?
Here are some suggestions to help you create lasting memories:
(Note: This is a recap of some of the places we’ve featured in our Worth The Trip series)
Dames Caves and the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop
Details: Dames Caves is a set of 37 discovered caves in the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto. There are several to climb into, including Vandal Cave and Peace Cave. These caves are situated on the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop, a nearly 4-mile trail that’s considered a moderately challenging route, takes an average of about 90 minutes to complete, and is a popular trail for hiking, biking and even a little motocross. The trail is open year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.
Where: 10701 S. Lecanto Highway (Note: this is an unofficial parking lot)
Cost: There is no charge to visit Dames Caves.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/09/105455.
The Chassahowitzka River and Seven Sisters Springs
Details: It’s the Chaz, for short, or, translated to “pumpkin hanging place.” It also is a spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County. A popular hanging spot is the spring heads of Seven Sisters Springs, however, most visitors are drawn to one of the river’s first tributaries. That leads to Baird Creek, which will eventually narrow basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less. It’ll be worth the trip when the creek becomes ankle deep and brings you to “The Crack” on The Chaz: a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.
Where: Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa
When: Boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the boat launch is available from dawn until dusk.
Cost: Parking is $5; parking with a trailer is $7. Watercraft rentals start at $30 for the day.
Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/08/101799.
Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House
Details: Step inside the museum set up in Al Lopez’s House, and 135 years of Tampa baseball history and heritage greets visitors. It’s a place where 89 professional baseball players with Tampa roots are honored. The impressive and immersive exhibit displays the rich and diverse stories dating back to long before the Tampa Bay area received a major league franchise. There’s a continuous running video presentation and various timelines of the different aspect of baseball in Tampa, including Tampa Bay receiving the expansion Devil Rays, the Negro Leagues and baseball during wartime. Oh, and there probably will be roosters greeting you at the front steps.
Where: 2003 N. 19th St., Tampa
When: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 Military, Seniors 65+, Students 18+ (ID required), $6 children
Info: Call 813-400-2353, or visit TampaBaseballMuseum.org
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/04/100012.
Bonnet Springs Park
Details: A once-abandoned rail yard, from the 1980s, was idle until a group of community investors and developers came together to bring new life to the historic site. The park, which opened in October 2022, represents a collaboration of local developer David Bunch, retired Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tinsley, and Carol and Barney Barnett. The redeveloped site is a 168-acres park just outside of downtown Lakeland, between West Memorial Boulevard and George Jenkins Boulevard on the east side of Lake Bonnet. It features several amenities including a Welcome Center, a cafe, coffee and gift shops, event venues, play areas, nature centers, a children’s museum, a treehouse, boardwalks, botanical and butterfly gardens, and more. The park is dog-friendly.
Where: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
When: Open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk.
Coffee Shop in the Welcome Center: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Depot Cafe: Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rooftop Garden Bar: Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Visit BonnetSpringsPark.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2023/04/113327.
King’s Landing
Details: Considered one of the top paddling destinations in Florida, King’s Landing, located on Rock Springs Run, is part of the Wekiva River. King’s Landing is just the launch area, which offers an easily accessible dock, self-guided tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided tours, too. There is a small shop with some snacks and drinks, plus souvenirs or necessities, but bringing a lunch is recommended. Also, pets and tubes are not allowed. Once out on the water, King’s Landing allows access to Rock Springs Run, which is part of the Wekiva River — and its crystal clear, 72-degree, gorgeous freshwater, with 26,000 gallons pumped out of the ground every minute.
Where: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Info: Visit KingsLandingFl.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2023/03/112766.
Published May 24, 2023
