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<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"><channel><title>Best Local Things</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/</link><description>Best Local Things</description><atom:link href="https://bestlocalthings.com/feeds/fl/ochopee.rss" rel="self"></atom:link><language>en-us</language><lastBuildDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:58:39 -0000</lastBuildDate><image><url>https://bestlocalthings.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy81MjA3OTYxNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc2NTEzNTMwNX0.6fwleD8NAbM2svyWEPxfN_dH57e6YHsSaDL9emDqgqM/image.jpg?width=210</url><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/</link><title>Best Local Things</title></image><item><title>Swamp Heritage Festival</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/swamp-heritage-festival-2024-12-07-ochopee</link><description><![CDATA[
<p>The 2024 Swamp Heritage Festival celebrates 50 years of Big Cypress National Preserve while also highlighting the thousands of years of inhabitants that preceded and protected this area before it was formally set aside. This year, the goal of this festival is to allow the public to ‘Celebrate Cypress’ in whatever way is most meaningful to them! Through cultural demonstrations, thrilling stories of the past, and hands-on activities, we hope to share the things that make this place unique. We strive to provide opportunities to learn about historical events, people, and places so that everyone can find a way to appreciate Big Cypress as it is but also as it was. In 2024, we are striving to spread the love and appreciation for a place that, without those of the past, may not exist in the same way that it does today. The story of Big Cypress is ongoing, but how we recognize and appreciate these stories of the past is what will define us moving forward into our next 50 years.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:58:39 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/swamp-heritage-festival-2024-12-07-ochopee</guid><dc:creator>Best Things Editorial</dc:creator></item><item><title>Camping in Florida: Discover the Best Spots</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/best-campgrounds-in-florida</link><description><![CDATA[
<img src="https://bestlocalthings.com/media-library/fl-camping.jpg?id=52082242&width=980"/><br/><br/><p>“Classical camping,” as we know it, is still pitching a tent. The practice is ancient, of course. Our ancestors knew it well. </p><p>The famous Airstream trailers hit the road in the 1920s. Motor homes increased in popularity in the 1930s though high prices discouraged many RV campers. The creation of the interstate highway system in the 1960s helped foster the growth of what we now see in huge 40-foot RVs. </p><p>But some things don’t change and Florida has long been a favorite place to camp. What are the benefits of camping in the Sunshine State?  </p><p>The favorable climate, escape from the bustle of urban lifestyle, and affordability all make Florida a prime place for camping out.  </p><p>We’ll mainly save the RV places for later and concentrate here on the top spots for “classical camping.” Since Florida has a long list of beautiful campgrounds, it should come as no surprise that narrowing this list down wasn't easy, but here are the best.</p><h3>Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, FL</h3><br/><p>Each year, this park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. No wonder. It has it all: camping, nature trails, four miles away from the beach, and even nearby historical sites at the nation's oldest city. The 1,600-acre park has concessions to rent anything from bicycles to kayaks. There's also a gift shop and Wi-Fi connections. Remember to book ahead because this place is popular. And don't miss a chance to visit the nearby historic coquina rock fortress, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.</p><h3>John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, FL</h3><br/><p>The first underwater park in the U.S. is a 70-acre oasis where the most popular activities are canoeing and kayaking. The coral reefs and marine life bring most visitors here. There are glass-bottom boat tours and fishing is also permitted in designated areas. Visitors take short trails to hike, picnic or walk to the beach for swimming. The visitor center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.</p><h3>Camp Venice Retreat, Venice, FL</h3><br/><p>Its best claim to fame is being in an unspoiled area of old growth and heavily-shaded hammock trees with easy access to city amenities. There are waterfront RV sites, tent sites and cabin rentals on the tropical Myakka River. The tent section has electrical and water outlets. Nearby Venice is not a big city but offers enough upscale dining and village shopping to surprise most visitors, as well as miles of free sandy beaches. Malls and antique shops near downtown allow visitors to buy just about anything.</p><h3>Fort Pickens Campground, Pensacola, FL</h3><br/><p>Hiking and beach activities are the most popular things to do at this 200-acre park located on a barrier island, Santa Rosa Island. It's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Many trails wind through the white sand beaches. The campground has 180 sites with electric and water hookups. Nearby Fort Pickens, a walkable one mile away, dates back to 1834. It may be the best preserved fort in the U.S. Just FYI: the fort was one of only four in the South that were never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.</p><h3>Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL</h3><br/><p>If you really (really) want to get away, this park offers the wild side. That is, thousands of acres of backcountry camping with miles of multi-use trails to explore. Backcountry generally means carrying all of your own supplies on your back or in off-road vehicles. Be aware that camping permits are required, though they are free and can be filled out online. They are also available at backcountry trailheads and visitor's centers. There are also posted daily limits when maximum numbers are reached.</p><h3>Everglades National Park, FL</h3><br/><p>The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. covers 1.5 million acres over three counties-Monroe, Miami-Dade and Collier-with three ways to access it by vehicle. The main entrance is in Homestead. It's the protected habitat for many endangered species like the manatee and the rarely-seen Florida panther. Camping is available year-round and the area offers both front and backcountry camping. Make sure to bring your own equipment!</p><h3>Shell Key Preserve, Tierra Verde, FL</h3><br/><p>So you want to get away to a deserted island? Not quite, but the only way to get here is by boat. This is an uninhabited barrier island that has exactly these facilities: none. Nada. No places to buy food and you can swim, but no lifeguards. The island is just over two miles long but the entire preserve covers 1,700 acres. But much of that land is off-limits because it is a wildlife preserve. Only certain areas allow camping, and permits are required. They are free from the county. If you want quiet, go during weekdays because lots of recreational boaters come here to party on weekends.</p><h3>Long Key State Park, Florida Keys, FL</h3><br/><p>There's a lot to like about this place but perhaps the very best thing is that you can sleep out by one of the 60-ocean side campsites. It is also the only state park where you can walk 100 feet from your campsite to catch a bonefish. Birding is also popular here. There are several nature trails, including the one-mile Golden Orb Trail, which goes through five natural communities. Rare birds such as the Key West Quail Dove are found here. Another walking route, the Layton Trail, goes along bayside water.</p><h3>Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Silver Springs, FL</h3><br/><p>This long-standing park has showcased sparkling springs in a subtropical setting since the 1930s. It has 79 shaded spaces within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful springs. It was named one of ReserveAmerica's "Top 100 Family Campgrounds" in the U.S. The spring is unlike any other found in the U.S, with hundreds of springs gushing out of crevices in the earth…all beneath a dense canopy of tall palms and oaks. One of the most popular activities here is canoeing.</p><h3>Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Orlando, FL</h3><br/><p>Not everyone wants to get away from civilization by camping. That helps explain why, in common with the rest of Disney World, their Fort Wilderness invariably gets the highest ratings. Bathrooms and showers are plentiful and nearby. Check-in times of 1 p.m. are relatively early. All the entertainment anyone could ask for is right here at the camp. Everything is maintained in typical first-class Disney fashion. There are fireworks and a free Chip 'n Dale campfire sing-along each evening.</p><h3>Key Insights at a Glance</h3><br/><li>Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine: Large park with beach access, nature trails, kayak and bike rentals, and proximity to historic sites.</li><li>John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo: First U.S. underwater park; known for coral reefs, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and a 30,000-gallon aquarium.</li><li>Camp Venice Retreat, Venice: Shaded hammock trees on the Myakka River with nearby city amenities; tent sites, cabins, and waterfront RV spots.</li><li>Fort Pickens Campground, Pensacola: Located on Santa Rosa Island; beach camping with hiking trails, historical Fort Pickens nearby, and 180 sites with hookups.</li><li>Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee: Vast backcountry camping area; multi-use trails, permits required, and ideal for a true wilderness experience.</li><li>Everglades National Park: Largest U.S. subtropical wilderness with front and backcountry camping; habitat for endangered species like manatees and Florida panthers.</li><li>Shell Key Preserve, Tierra Verde: Remote island accessible only by boat; primitive camping with no facilities, permits required, and a wildlife preserve.</li><li>Long Key State Park, Florida Keys: Oceanfront camping with 60 sites, popular for birding and fishing; nature trails and rare bird sightings.</li><li>Juniper Springs Recreation Area, Silver Springs: Shaded campsites near springs; famous for canoeing, subtropical scenery, and unique gushing springs.</li><li>Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, Orlando: Family-friendly campground with bathrooms, showers, entertainment, evening campfire sing-alongs, and fireworks.</li>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/best-campgrounds-in-florida</guid><category>Evergreen</category><category>Recreation</category><category>Outdoors</category><category>Campgrounds</category><dc:creator>David Wilkening</dc:creator><media:content medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://bestlocalthings.com/media-library/fl-camping.jpg?id=52082242&amp;width=980"></media:content></item><item><title>Swamp Heritage Festival</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/swamp-heritage-festival-ochopee</link><description><![CDATA[
<p>The 2024 Swamp Heritage Festival celebrates 50 years of Big Cypress National Preserve while also highlighting the thousands of years of inhabitants that preceded and protected this area before it was formally set aside. This year, the goal of this festival is to allow the public to ‘Celebrate Cypress’ in whatever way is most meaningful to them! Through cultural demonstrations, thrilling stories of the past, and hands-on activities, we hope to share the things that make this place unique. We strive to provide opportunities to learn about historical events, people, and places so that everyone can find a way to appreciate Big Cypress as it is but also as it was. In 2024, we are striving to spread the love and appreciation for a place that, without those of the past, may not exist in the same way that it does today. The story of Big Cypress is ongoing, but how we recognize and appreciate these stories of the past is what will define us moving forward into our next 50 years.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Nov 2023 02:21:35 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/swamp-heritage-festival-ochopee</guid><dc:creator>Best Things Editorial</dc:creator></item><item><title>Big Cypress National Preserve</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/big-cypress-national-preserve-ochopee</link><description><![CDATA[
<p>The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:01:40 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/big-cypress-national-preserve-ochopee</guid><dc:creator>Best Things Editorial</dc:creator></item><item><title>Ochopee Post Office</title><link>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/ochopee-post-office-ochopee</link><description><![CDATA[
<p>Ochopee Post Office in the Everglades is the smallest in the United States. The building, 8 feet 4 inches deep and about 7 feet wide, once was a shed to store tools and tomatoes. Now it's a full-fledged post office with room for only a single clerk. It has 40 P.O. boxes and sends a carrier out six days a week on a 170-mile route to serve 300 patrons who dwell mostly in the middle of nowhere.<br/><br/>You'll find the post office about 65 miles west of Miami or 35 miles east of Naples on U.S. 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail. Be alert, the tiny post office is easy to miss.</p>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2016 07:23:21 +0000</pubDate><guid>https://bestlocalthings.com/fl/ochopee-post-office-ochopee</guid><dc:creator>Best Things Editorial</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>