FROM FLORIDA TO CENTRAL AMERICA - DAY ONE

SILVER SPRINGS NATURE PARK


Ocala Florida
http://silversprings.com/

Day one of our 2 week, From Florida to Central America trip.


We stayed overnight at the Country Inn and suits Ocala for a great deal found on priceline. After the long drive to Ocala Gabi and I were ready for a soft comfortable bed. Not only was the bed comfortable but it was the most comfortable bed in any hotel I have ever stayed. If you know me, I don't even like hotels, I would rather camp but in Florida and on the road camping is not an option. This Hotel was very nice with an enclosed pool and nice staff. I cant say enough about this place! We would definitely stay here again!

The next morning we arrived to a vacant Parking lot at Silver Springs. I was worried because of all the bad reviews I read about the place. I didn't care, I had been wanting to come here since I was 10 years old and some bad reviews was not going to stop me. Lets just say for the record that you can disregard any bad reviews you have read about Silver Springs! The place was beautiful, well maintained and the staff was very friendly. This is one of those OLD Florida attractions that has survived the Disney epidemic. This is a classic feeling park and thank goodness it has never changed that feel! Its refreshing to visit places like this.

As soon as we entered the park there were birds everywhere, parrots and displayed birds as well as wild ones. One thing I love about this place is that not only do they have displayed animals of Florida in the park to enjoy but they also have wild ones running around. In the springs there were wild gators swimming by the glass bottom boats and some for the most beautiful water birds you have ever seen! The animals on display all seemed very happy and well cared for.

The park has a long history as it was a trading post, fort and community over 100 years ago and since then has been used for many Hollywood films including the original Tarzan movies, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Legend and even James bond movies! TIP There is a museum in the shopping strip area that details the history of the Springs but it has no sign that we saw. Just look through he shop windows and you'll see it. Inside are relics from the movies, fossils that were found around the springs including saber tooth tiger skulls, brochures dating back to the parks beginnings and a great tale of Reese the original owner and how he tried to populate an island at the springs with monkeys. Little did he know that monkeys could swim and they escaped. You can see the monkeys in the park at times as they come out of the woods as they are still wild. In fact Florida is the only state in America that has a large population of wild monkeys. Reese Monkeys are now found over the entire state, all thanks to Reese!

There are three boat rides in the park and all are Glass Bottom, all recommended and all are very different. One focuses on the natural springs themselves, the other focuses on the areas where some films were made and the other focuses on the older history of the park where the fort and village areas are recreated. TIP One of the best attractions in the park is hard to find. In the back of the park near the bear trail look behind the gift shop and get onto the jeep safari. This bumpy ride takes you through animal habitats, through the jungles where Tarzan was filmed with some props still remaining and if your lucky (we weren't) the Reese monkeys will come to the jeep and welcome you!

Other things not to miss are the Lighthouse ride, a tower ride that lets you see the park from high above it. also a must do is getting your picture taken by the crooked palm tree, its good luck! Don't miss the gardens with their many walkways and Alligator feeding times! Those are some vicious gators! The handlers feed them whole prepared chickens. Inside the reptile building you can also see the elusive albino alligator! TIP If you come on a concert day the concert is included with the price!!

Gabi and I really enjoyed this park. We would definitely go back!

PROS Beautiful springs on every boat tour. Great animal exhibits with active animals. Park well maintained and employees very friendly.
CONS Pretty pricey, especially with a family. Two for one online coupons have many blackout dates. Gift shops are plenty but not stocked very well.



General /Senior Admission $29.99
Children (age 3-10) $24.99
Children (age 0-2) Free!
Hours, Directions and contact info available here
http://silversprings.com/hours.html




Ocala Country Inn and Suites info can be found here - http://www.countryinns.com/ocalafl



MORE PICTURES OF THIS ADVENTURE ARE ON JASONS FACEBOOK PAGE!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1657864508&v=photos#!/album.php?aid=151125&id=1657864508

See ya on our next adventure - With love, Jason and Gabi