A Taste of Everglades National Park in Florida
As an avid National Park explorer, it was surprising to me that I’ve never visited any of the 3 parks in Florida. I finally got a taste of Everglades National Park in Florida.
This year, the chilly Ohio winter was just the push I needed to start dreaming and scheming our first trip to the Everglades. Everglades National Park is a big one – actually the 3rd largest in the lower US, with 1.5 acres to explore. It’s well worth taking mini trips to explore the park so you can really soak in the wildlife, eco-systems and history.
Our mini-excursion launched from the northeast side of Everglades National Park with three awesome activities:
Airboat through the wetlands at sunrise. Yes, sunrise – it’s so freakin’ early, I know! We were up at 4:45, since we were based in Fort Lauderdale & we picked an airboat tour that was based 30 minutes west of Miami. The early morning was worth it, since it wasn’t too hot, the animals were active & of course the sunrise over the slough was stunning. We chose Everglades Airboat Expeditions based on their reviews & found our guide to be knowledgeable, very respectful of the wildlife & a good time all around.
Bike the Shark Valley Trail. The Shark Valley Visitor Center was our next stop, just 20 minutes further west on SR 41. Shark Valley boasts a 15-mile loop trail which can be walked, visited by tram or biked. With bike rentals on premises for just $20/bike, we were sold! We were able to get in some exercise, but also go at our own pace to stop for any wildlife outings. And we stopped a lot with amazing bird spotting (Anhingas, Purple Gallinules, so many herons!) and gators galore! (We counted at least 50 along the trail and named them all. When you go, be on the lookout for Mr. T, Edna & Hercules & tell them we said hi!)
Devour Cinnamon Rolls at Knaus Berry Farm. By the time you ride 15 miles & take a jillion pictures of alligators, you’re probably hungry. Of course, you should get something healthy to eat and then head south to Knaus Berry Farm. This place was written up in the New York Times for its cinnamon rolls and they are legit. You can buy them individually or by the dozen, along with pies, cookies, shakes & of course, berries. We got 2 rolls that came right out of the oven & I wanted to lick the wrapper when we were done eating them, they were that good.
Of course, these activities will just give you a taste of the Everglades, but hopefully it will be just enough so you want to come back. I know I’m already plotting our next visit. ☺ .
Thanks for reading friends! Tell your favorite Alligator Cinnamon Roll story in the comments and follow Rita V’s adventures on Instagram at @foxandcompass.
Rita V
