NORTHEAST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit Northeast Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 10, Interstate I-95, and U.S. Highway 1. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from super slab monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you’d like at your convenience.
Several historic Northeast Florida towns are profiled including Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, Mandarin and St. Augustine. You will also read stories about smaller places like Marineland and Flagler Beach. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices.
Northeast Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches and historic towns. This guide will show you where the best ones are. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting.
The guide doesn’t focus on popular tourist attractions. The towns and places are the best attractions. It does take you, however, to some interesting places like the Jacksonville Zoo, Marineland and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Like many St. Augustine attractions, the farm is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many people don’t realize Florida has wineries, but we do. The guide will introduce you to three wineries where you can enjoy the wine and see how the grapes are grown and the wine is made.
Florida heritage and history is an important part of the culture of Northeast Florida. The guide tells you about Florida festivals, including art shows, and gives you times and places so you can enjoy them during your visit. You will also find a list of all 141 Northeast Florida heritage sites. You will also learn about the interesting history of this part of Florida including highlights of the long history of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in America.
Last but not least, the NORTHEAST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL has a section on Florida day trips. You will be given recommended driving routes along with maps to help you enjoy your wanderings around this interesting region of Florida.
The guide is written by Mike Miller, a 50 plus year resident of Florida. Mike is a graduate civil engineer from the University of Florida and has traveled all over the state on both business and pleasure. He writes for and publishes his own website, Florida-Backroads-Travel.com. Much of the material from this guide is from the website.
