Do You Know the Wonders of The Everglades?

There are so many advantages to living in Florida: terrific weather, fun and interesting sights, great tax benefits, cultural venues, and wonderful natural attractions, such as Everglades National Park.

The Everglades, with 1.5 million acres, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Here are some easy-to-read facts about this incredibly special place:

•Everglades National Park is the largest protected wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.

•The Everglades is not a swamp. Technically, it’s a river, flowing southwest at the slow rate of about one-quarter mile per day.

•On average, the Everglades is about six inches below sea level.

•Most of the marsh in the Everglades is covered with sawgrass - a spiny, rush-like plant with serrated leaves.

•The Everglades used to spread from Lake Okeechobee in central Florida all the way down to Florida Bay. Now only 25% of the historic Everglades remains.

•Due to the global significance of Everglades National Park, it has been designated a Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance.

•The Everglades is home to many rare and endangered animals.

•The park contains more than 1,000 species of plants.

•There are more insects in the Everglades than any other group of animals.

•In the 1800s, John James Audubon noted that the sky was often darkened by the flocks of numerous birds, but since the early 20th century, around 93% of the wading bird population has vanished.

•The Everglades ecosystem provides a refuge to over 350 documented species of birds.

•The pink coloration of the Roseate Spoonbill comes from a red pigment, related to Vitamin A, found in some crustaceans that they eat.

•A pair of endangered wood storks needs about 440 pounds of fish during a breeding season to feed themselves and their young.

•Of the 27 species of snakes in Everglades National Park, only four are venomous – the cottonmouth, the diamondback rattlesnake, the dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and the coral snake.

•There are thousands of alligators in the Everglades, as well as a large number of pythons thoughtlessly dumped by pet owners, which are becoming an unwelcome ecological problem.

•The everglades have been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years.

•The high-and-dry tree islands of the Everglades are called tropical hardwood hammocks. Other natural features and ecosystems include pineland, mangrove, freshwater slough and marl prairie, cypress, marine and estuarine, and the coastal lowlands.

•Limestone is the porous, sedimentary rock found in the Everglades, which is made of calcium that contain fossils of sea life - evidence of ancient seas that once covered the area.

There are Ranger-guided tram tours that show you all the wonders of this special place, as well as several popular boat tours. Bicycle rentals are available in some spots. Other outdoor activities include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and canoe and kayak trails.

The year-round semi-tropical climate, moderate rainfall, abundant sunshine, freshwater lakes, Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and escape from snow and ice all combine to make Florida a mini-paradise and an ideal place to live. Plan your trip now and don’t forget to tour The Everglades. You’ve never seen anything like it.

The Everglades are a beautiful asset of Florida. If you would like to turn Florida from just a distant vacation paradise to home, I suggest that you check out these Florida Homes. A great city to visit in Florida is Boynton Beach. Canyon Trails is a gorgeous community located on prime Boynton Beach Real Estate. There are also other great Boynton Beach Homes for Sale outside of Canyon Trails.

Florida Historic Sites - Famous Theme Parks in Florida - Florida Museum of History

Fort Myers Beaches

Fort Myers is a wonderful place to live, and if you like to stay active year-round, this is the place for you. There's always something to do in the Fort Myers area and there are activities for all ages. For example, there are beautiful beaches, parks, family fun events, tours, theme parks, zoos, water parks, downtown, resorts, spas, hotels, festivals, pirates, sightseeing, shopping, outdoors & nature, fishing, sea life, wildlife, shelling, trails, nature walks, birding, the Everglades, biking, boating, sports, golf, skateboarding, ice-skating, roller-skating, kayaking, flying, museums, planetarium, gardens, aquariums, cruises, historical sites, art & culture, dining, theater, music, and so much more. (Fort Myers Homes for Sale)

Or if you want to just put your feet up and take it easy, some of the most beautiful beaches and resort hotels in the world are within a few miles of downtown Fort Myers. No matter what your interest, we have a venue to satisfy your taste.

Fort Myers Beach is the perfect Florida Beach Town. It combines family vacations with fun and nightlife. The Town Square near the pier is a great people-watching spot and there are many beach access points along Estero Boulevard.

The Gulf Coast in Lee County is famous for its white sandy beaches, sheltering coastline and numerous islands that are ideal for sunbathing, shell collecting or romantic sunset strolls. The following beaches and parks are some of the best.

- Bowditch Point Regional Park is a 17.5-acre park that includes a spot for group gatherings, a bathhouse and a boardwalk leading to a picnic area and the beach.

- Bunche Beach is a 715-acre facility in a natural tidal wetlands area with a sandy beach, mangrove forest, and salt flats that are ideal for wildlife viewing.

- Fort Myers Public Beach has more than 30 beach access points onto developed, as well as secluded, pristine stretches of shoreline. Many are near restaurants and cafes.

- Dog Beach Park allows dogs to roam free in a beautiful beach setting, but no restroom facilities or running water for humans.

- Bonita Beach Park between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs is a 2.5-acre beachfront park with boardwalk and swimming area. Sand dunes and coastal vegetation surround a gazebo and eight picnic shelters.

- Bowman's Beach, the most popular at mid-island Sanibel, offers plenty of room to stretch out and claim your own private spot for swimming or shelling. There are picnic areas with barbecue grills, trails, showers and restrooms.

- Captiva Beach has been called "one of the most romantic beaches." This quiet beach offers wonderful sunset views. Portable restroom facilities on site.

- Cayo Costa State Park, one of the largest barrier islands in Florida, is accessible only by boat. Its unique vegetation has gone unspoiled for centuries. It’s ideal for camping (camp sites as well as cabins), swimming, shelling and fishing.

- Sanibel and Captiva Islands have balanced growth with concern for nature and wildlife. It is world famous for shelling, fishing, and the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Preserve.

- Cape Coral’s Riverfront sandy beach is tucked behind Sanibel near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. Its public fishing pier is open to residents and visitors year round. Amenities include BBQ grills, picnic shelters, restaurant, and a children's play area.

- Lover's Key, south of Fort Myers Beach, has wide sandy beaches, clean clear water, and the feeling of being away from it all - yet close to amenities and luxury hotels.

- Bonita Beach is the southernmost beach in Lee County. Public parking, restaurants and play equipment are available, and it's a great beach for strolling and enjoying the scenery.

- The Caloosahatchee River Waterfront is part of the downtown business community, and a popular recreation destination for fishing, waterskiing, sight seeing, and eco-tours. For the perfect finish to a Fort Myers day, watch the sun set over the Caloosahatchee!

After taking in a beautiful sunset you can enjoy the Fort Myers’ nightlife with its world class performing arts, numerous restaurants and inviting clubs and taverns. Whether you are interested in nature, history or fun things to do with the family, there are plenty of attractions in and around Fort Myers to suit everyone.

Check out these links: Florida Homes - Boynton Beach Homes for Sale - Retirement Community in Tampa - Theater and Cultural Fort Myers Nightlife

Major Tampa Florida Attraction: The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is one of Florida's top entertainment destinations for sun & fun seekers from 21 to 101. The accommodations are luxurious, the food is delicious, the entertainment is fantastic, the nightlife is exciting, and the action is endless. The 250-room hotel has been awarded AAA's prestigious Four Diamond rating. (Check out the best Retirement Community in Tampa)

GAMING: Whales and nickel droppers alike love the 170,000 square feet of non-stop gaming action casino featuring Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Asia Poker, 3 Card Poker, Let it Ride Poker, Texas Hold 'em Bonus and Mini Baccarat, along with 3,600 of the most popular slot machines. The Poker Room, with 50 live action tables, is Florida's largest and it’s smoke-free.

AMENITIES: The pool is a serene oasis of relaxation nestled among cascading fountains and lush terraces and accented with Art Deco design elements. Soak up the sun. Listen to tunes (even underwater). And chill out in the privacy of your very own Seminole Chickee decked out with TVs, refrigerators and other cool toys. If further comfort and relaxation is desired treat yourself to a refreshing massage, steam treatment or facial/pedicure at the Body Rock Spa. Of course, the fitness center has a full house of cardio and strength equipment.

DINING: It doesn’t matter which menu you pick up, the food is outstanding. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers surf and turf served in a contemporary upscale atmosphere. Floyds presents world-class cuisine in a comfortably hip atmosphere. Their Mediterranean influenced dishes are a delightful experience. Fresh Harvest is a unique dining experience. From brick-oven pizza to dim sum to delicious desserts and everything in between, every meal is a live action, show stopping performance by your chef. The Green Room offers everything for breakfast, lunch or a casual dinner, any time you want it. Rock ‘n Raw is a fresh and fabulous sushi joint that satisfies your taste for Asian cuisine. The Food Marketplace has burgers, pizza, Cuban and Asian food, smoothies, shakes and more. The Pool Bar & Grill serves everything from snacks to light meals from sunrise to sunset. If you’re too cozy to leave your room, Room Service will bring the good eats to you.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Guest rooms are loaded: flatscreen television, sound system and free high-speed Internet access. Luxurious comfort is a must, so you get to wrap yourself in Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bath towels, and a Seminole Hard Rock robe and snuggle into super-soft down-filled pillows. Some of the suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful 180° view of the Tampa area. The oversized bathroom with a relaxing Jacuzzi tub is a perfect spot to feel the therapeutic and aromatic power of the Sweetgrass collection of body products.

NIGHTLIFE: Enter the hotel and you’ll find the Lobby Bar waiting for you, along with more than 30 different types of tequila. Floyd’s Nightclub is comfortably hip and the coolest hotspot in Tampa.The Center Bar is the cooler-than-cool watering hole right in the middle of the casino, great for cocktails and beautiful people watching. The Council Oaks Lounge is an elegant/upscale setting with live entertainment and nightly drink specials. Complement your meal with a glass of wine or relax with a fine cigar.

PETS: The hotel does accommodate some pets in select guest rooms, so bring yours for a total family fun getaway.

Important Pages: Many Reasons to Retire in Tampa - Tampa Bay Beaches Are Some of the World Best Beaches -