Florida Tourism: The Best Small Towns and Villages

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The Best Small Towns and Villages

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Sebastian (Treasure Coast): Known as one of the last remaining fishing villages in Florida, Sebastian is located at the northern tip of the Treasure Coast region in Indian River County. The area's small-town feel and laid-back, relaxed atmosphere are among its biggest draws.

Boca Grande (Southwest Florida): Founded in the 1880s, this little village on Gasparilla Island retains the flavor of those Victorian times. Luxurious mansions coexist with simple homes of fishermen who guide rich folks in search of tarpon, just as their ancestors did a century ago. The du Ponts, Mellons, and Astors once arrived for the wintertime "social season" at the town's railway depot, which has been restored and now houses shops and the Loose Caboose Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor.

Olde Naples (Naples): Started in 1886 as a real-estate development, the original part of Naples retains much of Old Florida's charm, with tree-lined streets dividing many of the original clapboard homes. With the houses on Millionaires' Row virtually hidden by dense foliage and with no high-rises in sight, Naples Beach seems far removed from today's modern city.

Tarpon Springs (Southwest Florida): Tarpon Springs calls itself the "Sponge Capital of the World" because immigrants from Greece settled here in the late 1800s to harvest the sponges that grew in abundance offshore. Their descendants make Tarpon Springs a fascinating center of transplanted Greek culture. Sponges still arrive at the historic Sponge Docks, where a lively, carnival-like atmosphere and Greek cuisine prevail. Restored Victorian homes facing Spring Bayou also make this one of the most picturesque towns in the state.

Fernandina Beach (Northeast Florida): You can stay at two of Florida's ritziest resorts on Amelia Island, but real charm can be found in the quaint town of Fernandina Beach, where a 50-block area of Victorian and Queen Anne homes is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Apalachicola (Northwest Florida): Located at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this Gulf-shore town was a major cotton port before the Civil War, and a later timber boom resulted in the fine Victorian homes that still grace Apalachicola's uncurbed streets. It was here that Dr. John Gorrie invented the forerunner of the air conditioner, which revolutionized Florida's tourism industry. Today, the town's major industry is seafood, with famous Apalachicola oysters eaten fresh off the boats.

Pensacola (Northwest Florida): One of America's oldest communities, Pensacola has preserved its Spanish, French, and English heritage in the Seville Historic District and Historic Pensacola Village. Spanish-named streets are bordered by French-style wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of New Orleans; the English colonial churches resemble those in Williamsburg, Virginia.

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Florida Tourism: The Best Small Towns and Villages

The Best Small Towns and Villages

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