Author Archives: floridatraveler

About floridatraveler

Historian and travel writer M. C. Bob Leonard makes the Sunshine State his home base. Besides serving as content editor for several textbook publishers and as college professor, he moderates the FHIC at www.floridahistory.org

In Winter Florida Really Loves Its Manatees

Posted on January 29, 2019

This is the time of year when Floridians, snowbirds, and visitors alike head to the warmer waters of springs and electric plants and even nuclear plant complexes to watch our favorite manatees.  While people call manatees sea cows, the female … Continue reading →

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Trip Idea: Take A Ferry In Florida

Posted on January 20, 2019

When my family first came to Florida, we landed at Tampa Airport, rented a car, went over the causeway and then “took a ferry” across the mouth of Tampa Bay from Saint Augustine to Bradenton. Today, the “second” Sunshine Skyway … Continue reading →

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Florida’s Best County Parks Provide Spectacular Experiences

Posted on January 5, 2019

Florida has 175 state parks covering some 800,000 acres as well as the famous Everglades National Park and Ocala National Forest. Yet most visitors, few snow birds, and all too many residents have visited very few county parks.  Since most … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, conservation, florida history, Florida parks, Historic Forts, marco island, mcbobleonard, Recreational Experiences, Tampa, travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Things For Florida Tourists and Vacationeers To See In 2019

Posted on December 25, 2018

This is the time of the year when individuals around the nation make New Year’s Resolutions and also the time Florida Chamber of Commerces start promoting what new things are coming up in the New Year. For Florida’s all-important tourist … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, disney, florida history, florida vacations, mcbobleonard, travel, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Perfect Trip To Boost Christmas Spirit: Bok Tower and Gardens

Posted on December 14, 2018

The Christmas season can be a time of nervous energy and open tension.  It is a time when if you live in Florida, you may get a lot of visitors, both families and friends. It is also a time when … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, conservation, environment, florida history, Florida parks, florida vacations, Historic Buildings, mcbobleonard, Recreational Experiences, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Florida Sporting Events of Winter 2019

Posted on December 8, 2018

This is the time of time where people are looking at future calendars for vacation plans, trips around Florida, and events they want to attend.  As a sports editor, my father took paid close attention when major “must-see” events were … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, disney, florida history, Florida sports, florida vacations, mcbobleonard, small towns, travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s Waterside Entertainment Malls Are A Tourist Plus

Posted on November 28, 2018

A lot of Florida cities take advantage of both the climate and the location on the water of the ocean or a bay.   The creation of waterside entertainment centers give locals and visitors the option to dine, to shop, to … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure vacation, attractions, dining, Florida Food, florida history, florida vacations, food, mcbobleonard, Restaurants, small towns, Tampa, travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment