Features

Fair-est of them All: Bonnet Creek Resort
Fairfield Resorts has begun its most ambitious project to-date, right in the heart of Central Florida.

Florida’s Natural Treasures
While Florida Monthly regularly features the state’s award-winning parks, there are dozens of other natural beauties to enjoy—Florida’s national parks, state forests, wild refuges and aquatic preserves. by Maureen Sullivan-Hartung

Our Florida Heritage®

Twelve Slices of Tallahassee History
While numerous Tallahassee historic sites and structures have been lost to the ravages of time, these 12 have been preserved—in both structure and spirit.
by Michael Wisenbaker

The Branded Hand
Capt. Jonathan Walker just wanted to travel home to his wife and family from Pensacola. So why was he arrested, jailed, then branded “SS” on his right hand.
by Ethyl Yari

Vanishing Florida
Chocolate malts, egg creams and root beer floats can still be found in the Sunshine State. Dade City, Dania Beach and Apalachicola visitors can reminisce about bobby socks and jukeboxes at the soda fountain. by Natalie Rodriguez

Footprints
Brian Michaels revisits Sex and Violence in the Divorce Court, reflecting on how such a messy ordeal is a blessing for researchers trying to put flesh on ancestral bones.
by Brian Michaels

Real Florida Finds

Statewise
Mixon Fruit Farms is a family destination; Postcards from the Past highlights Lakeland’s Civic Center; This Month in Florida History;
the world-famous Lippizzaners come to town; benefactors beware; Hardee County makes a stellar comeback; and writer Bob Morris is the Restless Native.

2005 Florida Monthly Holiday Gift Guide
New Florida books, CD sets and posters for the Sunshine State
buff on your holiday list

In the Florida Kitchen
Fresh from Florida beefs it up with these meaty recipes.
by Chef Travis Summers

In the Florida Garden
The holidays are the ideal time to stock up on wildflowers for next blooming season. But hurry—they go fast. by Anne MacKay

Natural Florida
Just a stone crab’s throw from Apalachicola’s Main Street is the Nature Center for the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, where visitors can view fossils, artifacts, nature trails and more. from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Watching Wildlife
Explore Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center; discover the Common Green Darner; and learn how to Reuse, Reclaim and Recycle with the help of Florida’s conservation programs. from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Around Florida Festivals & Events
This month hosts King Tut in Fort Lauderdale, as well as 1,570 other Florida festivals and events.

Travel Florida Highways®

Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
Dade City’s little piece of history offers a glimpse into the homes, commerce and lives of its founders.

Drift in ... Key Colony Beach
Key Colony Beach is the quintessential Keys town—“What’s the hurry? You’re already here.”