Forget what you think you know about visiting Florida--Backroads of Florida will lead you to explore lush forests, pristine lakes, and otherworldly swamps! Can you still find untouched stretches of velvety sand and warm waves in the Sunshine State? Yes! More than ever! From the funky, timeless charm of Key West to the haunted history of Amelia Island, veteran travel writers Paul M. Franklin and Nancy Mikula will introduce you to another side of Florida, where quiet rural byways and quirky roadside charm lie just beyond the glittering coastal cities and trendy beach resorts. This is the second edition of Backroads of Florida, and it contains all-new routes along timeless roads with new, vibrant photography and pithy stories of what can be found on your drive through bucolic backroads. As you explore the roads less traveled, you'll follow in the footsteps of the Spanish explorers, pirates, and cowboys who shaped Florida's early history. Whether it's skimming across the Everglades in an airboat, snorkeling with manatees in a crystalline river, or paddling your kayak through a cypress swamp teeming with alligators, orchids, and tropical birds, there's a world of excitement and beauty waiting for you. Leave Disney World and the hectic bustle of Miami Beach to the tourists. With this book, you've got a one-of-a-kind trip in store.