Wild Adventures, A Must Visit On The Way To Florida

For the millions of people who visit the state of Florida every year, one of the most common stops, if not main stop, is to one of the many amusement parks located mostly in Central Florida.  Even if they are headed to one of Florida's excellent beaches or to get on a huge cruise ship in one of Florida's ports, an amusement park is often a good stop for a day in transit.  Everyone wants to visit Disney World, Busch Gardens, or Sea World, but most do not realize until they begin planning just how much the entrance fees have gone up in the past 10 years.  The admission to these parks now averages around $70 for a day pass per person.  While there are some deals to be had in this area, there is another option that most visitors to the state do not take advantage of.

Just above the Florida state line, outside Valdosta, Georgia, is a relatively new amusement park named Wild Adventures.  This park has several roller coasters, many "midway-like" rides, a huge go-cart track, along with a growing "safari" area with alligators, lions, and more.  Wild Adventures has also added a water park that is attached to the main park and is included in admission.

This park is smaller than the "Magic Kingdom" but has more than enough fun for a day full of activity and has much less crowds.  At Wild Adventures you will find short lines to the best rides, easily accessible food vending, short walks to parking, and all within a short ride from I 75 as you either enter or exit the state of Florida.

Florida Panhandle Beaches

My first post will have to be about one of my favorite places to visit.  The Florida Panhandle is where I grew up, so the beaches here are very well known to me.  These beaches are as good as or better than their South and East Florida counterparts and offer lower prices and less crowding.  One of the best beachest to visit in this area, and not as well known to visitors from other states, is St. George Island.

St. George Island is about one and a half hours east of Panama City, and is about two hours southwest of Tallahassee.  The island can only be accessed by bridge from Eastpoint, FL.  St. George Island lies across from the Appalachicola Bay, a site well known by seafood lovers, and stretches 28 miles from Cape St. George Island to Dog Island.

The beach here is, by far, my favorite beach in the world.  Yes, I said the world.  I have been to beaches in Cozumel, Mexico, Waikiki, Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, South Florida and others.  St. George Island has the finest powdery sand, and the most beautiful white beach in the world.

There are both free and pay access points at this beach which include a state park where there are pavilions, camping access, and beautiful sand dunes.  The options for accommodations on St. George Island include camping, small hotels and condos. Probably the most preferable way of staying here is renting through VRBO.com.  This is also a great place to visit for the day from several other places that are nearby.