Sunny Southern Sunshine Tour
An Uplifting Journey Through the Heart of the Sunshine State
Day One: Swim with Manatees in The Fountain of Youth
Today manatees, tourists, and locals swim together in the turquoise springs that remain a cool 68 degrees all year long! The spring is the convergence of two underground waterways and is surrounded by a hardwood forest.
Day Two: Yo Ho Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for We!
This festival celebrates the rich pirating history that makes Florida so unique. Florida's pirate history was most active during the 1700s and influences popular culture to this day!
A Ship Sets Sail
Experience the magic of Florida's pirate history being aboard this beauty!
Two Pirates in Action
Watch out for the live ammunition shows!
Let the Invasion Begin!
This modern pirate invasion is like an echo of the many Pirate Florida invasions of the past!
Day Three: Timucua National Preserve
This special site is loaded with Florida history beginning with the Indigenous group the Timucua. The Timucua were a nation of American Indians who were known as fierce, athletic and independent. The preserve also includes the Kingsley Plantation that exhibits what life was like on a Florida Plantation in the 1800s. There has also been discovered on this preserve a graveyard of Enslaved Africans that is located close to the plantation's slave quarters.
The special natural features that are here to see include salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. All of these elements make Florida's ecology unique and worth observing and protecting.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first translation of an American Indian language into a European language – which was Timucuan translated into Spanish - occurred on lands within the Timucuan Preserve in the late 1500s.
Kingsley Plantation
Here, by the ruins of the Plantation and Slave Cabins, you will find the recently discovered slave graveyard
Day Four: Haitian Heritage Museum and Dinner at Tap Tap
Our Dinner at Tap Tap will give us a taste of delicious Haitian foods that are abundant in Florida like fish in lime, pumpkin soup, stewed chicken and lime sauce! Yum! While we eat our eyes will feast on the bright, vivid and narrative murals that are uniquely Haitian.
Toussaint Louverture
Toussaint Louverture was a rebel slave who's military genius and bravery empowered him to lead the Haitian Revolution and free Haiti from French oppression. His rebellion sent shockwaves throughout the world in the 19th century shattering ideas of slavery.
Island of Haiti
We will learn about the island nation that so powerfully influences Florida culture!
Beautiful Tap Tap!
Check out the cool painted furniture!
Day Five: A Panhandle Pioneer
Some things we might see are an old fashion general store and blacksmith shop. You will have a choice of enrolling in either a pine needle weaving, blacksmith, fireplace cooking and a jam and jelly making class!