Manatee season runs from November 15-March 31. It’s the time of year when manatees cluster around the warm springs of Florida, where water is a constant 72 degrees. Watching the animals in their natural habitat is a highly recommended and highly popular winter activity.

BLUE SPRING STATE PARK

There were 290 manatees at this winter refuge the day we visited. Entrance fee was $6 (pay by car). There is a half-mile boardwalk with railing along the spring that provides a great view of the lumbering sea cows as they slowly glide through the water, feeding, coming up for air, rolling, and guiding their young. It’s peaceful entertainment.

The state park also has hiking trails, a playground, a swimming area in the summer (when manatees aren’t around), a gift shop and cafe, boat tours, and kayak rentals.

MEDIEVAL TIMES

It’s live action entertainment: knights on steeds, swords sparking, fine falconry, and a feast! It’s easy to slip into the medieval moment as you sit in the audience of this equestrian and jousting show. Spend an evening at the indoor arena feasting with your fingers as you watch. Yes, you read that correctly—no utensils. Food is brought out in courses and includes garlic bread, soup, half a roast chicken, potato, corn-on-the-cob, and dessert.

Get a feel for the dark ages as you watch horse trick demonstrations, a falconer whose falcon soars over the audience, a knight’s tournament of games, and a joust. Root for the knight of your realm (determined by seating) as he clashes with five other knights, the lot of which is slowly whittled down to one champion. Suspend your disbelief and let yourself cheer with the rest of the roaring crowd chanting for blood sport. Seriously. It’s fun.

LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK

Florida has a great park system. Entrance fees are nominal and visiting them is a great way to get into nature, get some exercise, and stockpile some vitamin D.