Places to Visit During Florida’s Winter From Our Gainesville Apartments
Though Florida is known for “fun in the sun” summertime activities, cool temperatures can make it difficult to enjoy many of our most popular locations – like beaches and amusement parks – during the winter months. Fortunately, there are still plenty of other exciting places to visit during these colder months so it’s always easy to find an adventure. For Bellamay Grand residents, many of these exciting locales are just a short daytrip away.
Some of the most popular destinations for Floridians during the winter are the state’s natural springs, which maintain a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. After donning a wetsuit and snorkeling gear, which can be easily rented from most dive shops, swimmers will find these crystal clear waterholes teaming with fish enjoying the warm waters. Many springs along the state’s rivers also become winter homes for the state’s manatees. These protected animals are often curious and friendly toward humans and may even come up for a pet from fellow visitors to their springs. The aptly named Manatee Springs as well as Crystal River are two of the most popular locations to meet these gentle giants.
Though most people associate “snowbirds” with Florida’s part-time retired residents, many avian species also pass through, or end their migration, in the state. Many coastal birds, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and frigate birds, form massive roosting colonies on many of the estuary islands along the coast, which can be exciting places for aspiring nature photographers to practice their art. But the most exciting snowbirds are the critically endangered whooping cranes that winter in Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Only around 400 of these birds are left in the wild, and each year volunteers in ultralight aircraft guide one of the three remaining flocks safely to this refuge all the way from Wisconsin.
These are just a few of the places you can enjoy on a day trip from our Gainesville apartments. If you’d like to learn more about Bellamay Grand, contact us today.
