Panhandle Florida
Moss-covered live oaks canopy the rolling hills of Northwest
Florida, known as the "panhandle," a region steeped in deep-rooted
history. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto held the first American
Christmas celebration in 1539 in Tallahassee, a city that boasts
122 properties on the National Resister of Historic Places.
State Capitol buildings,
Tallahassee
Tallahassee is the state capital and is situated in the
bend of the panhandle between the beckoning beaches of the Gulf
coast and the Georgia border. The climate here is mild and moist
and a little cooler than on the main peninsula. Start your tour of
this neo-metropolitan city with a stop at the capitol buildings -
both old and new. The new building offers up the chance to see
Florida's government in action and a breathtaking panoramic view of
the city from its 22nd floor observatory. The old building has been
restored to its original 1902 glory, complete with candy-striped
awnings and a stained glass dome. It has served as a museum
featuring exhibits interpreting the state's political history since
1982.
The capitol building stands at the centre of a 10-square-block
cultural district comprising 25 historic and cultural sites. Tour
antique-filled antebellum homes, restored plantations and
stimulating museums. After working up an appetite, feast on crisp
fried grouper with cheese grits, a local speciality, at a
convenient downtown eatery.
Fishing for crab in Cedar Key
Cedar Key lies about an hour's drive south of
Tallahassee and is worth a trip for eco-tourists and other wildlife
lovers. The unspoiled islands are sprinkled about four miles off
the coast of mainland Florida, accessible only by traversing a
series of bridges and causeways. The village of Cedar Key, one of
the oldest ports in Florida, offers the true flavour of an "Old
Florida" coastal village, from the days before Mickey Mouse and his
gang became part of the landscape.
When you stroll the quaint historic town, browsing the shops and
galleries, you'll find the work of local artists inspired by the
pristine beauty of the coastal landscape and its wildlife
inhabitants. You'll be inspired too, as you hike the trails in the
primitive Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, where you just
might spot a majestic bald eagle or a lumbering West Indian manatee
in their natural habitats.
Up around the panhandle to the northwest you'll find Panama
City, a beach lover's haven. Twenty-seven miles of sugar sand
beaches stretch along the sparkling green Gulf of Mexico, offering
endless opportunities for water sports of every variety, deep-sea
fishing charters, glass-bottom boat tours and cruising selections
from pirate ship voyages through to dinner cruises aboard a luxury
yacht. Families can play the days away at an array of amusement
parks, go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, laser tag facilities
and water slide parks.
The warm Gulf currents bathing the natural, historical and
artificial reefs off the coast of Panama City Beach encourage rapid
growth and support a wide variety of colourful tropical fish and
giant Manta Rays. This is one of the most popular scuba diving
locales in the United States, where divers can explore several
WWII-era shipwrecks, 50 artificial reefs and natural reefs teeming
with colourful corals and sponges. If you're more comfortable
closer to the surface, try snorkelling along the jetties at St.
Andrew's State Recreation Area.
Fort Walton Beach is due northwest of Panama City and
offers a more laid back atmosphere. Situated right on the Emerald
Coast, the stark white sand contrasting sharply against the bright
green water makes the beaches a sight to behold. This is the
perfect place to play 18 holes, stroll along the fishing pier,
indulge in exciting water sports, play a few beach volleyball games
or just pack a good book, a cold drink and a thick towel and settle
on the sand for the day. What a glorious dilemma to face!
Deep inshore waters have earned nearby Destin the
nickname of "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." As plentiful
sailfish, grouper, mackerel and tarpon fairly jump on your hook,
you may be tempted to try your hand at one of the town's many
annual fishing rodeos. The prolific fish population carries an
added benefit: you'll find the local seafood restaurants' prices
surprisingly reasonable. Indulge to your heart's delight.
Making your way along Florida's panhandle it's easy to see what
must have enchanted New World explorers. Nature's beauty in all its
glory awaits you on the Emerald Coast.