Sarasota FL

There’s a gas station in North Florida where folks line up not for fuel, but for fudge. A place where clean bathrooms are talked about with near-religious reverence. If you're driving along US Highway 129 in Live Oak and spot the bright yellow signs of Busy Bee, do yourself a favor—pull over and explore one of the quirkiest, most lovable roadside stops in the South.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing eye-to-eye with an elephant or hearing one’s deep rumble echo across a peaceful Florida pasture, Two Tails Ranch near Williston is calling your name. Tucked away in North Central Florida’s quiet countryside, this unique sanctuary isn’t your average roadside attraction—it’s an immersive encounter with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a place where every corner brims with stories and hidden gems, Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market is calling your name. Just outside the charming streets of Mount Dora, this sprawling market invites you to spend the day browsing, bargaining, and discovering quirky, nostalgic treasures you didn’t even know you wanted.

If you love the thrill of treasure hunting, then The Opa Locka Hialeah Flea Market should be on your must-visit list. Sprawling, colorful, and full of surprises at every turn, this legendary South Florida marketplace is part shopping destination, part cultural experience—and 100% vibrant.

Looking for an experience that serves up a heaping helping of intrigue alongside your entrée? Hop aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers, Florida—a one-of-a-kind adventure where you’re not just a passenger, but part of the show. This isn’t your average evening out; it’s dinner theater on rails, wrapped in vintage charm and spiced with suspense.

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a real-life fairy tale, Butterfly World in Coconut Creek is the place to do it. Imagine hundreds—no, thousands—of delicate, brilliantly colored butterflies fluttering all around you, their wings whispering through warm, flower-scented air. It’s not a dream. It’s a 3-acre living fantasy tucked inside Tradewinds Park, and it’s been delighting visitors since 1988.

If you love the thrill of the hunt, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and the occasional rooster crowing in the distance, you’ll feel right at home at the Webster Westside Flea Market. Nestled in Florida farm country, this legendary Monday market is where antique dealers, bargain hunters, produce vendors, and boot-clad locals all come together for one glorious mashup of old-school Americana and Florida flair.

Right off the palm-lined stretch of Silver Springs Boulevard, you’ll find a place that’s part throwback, part hangout, and 100% fun. Park & Rec isn’t your average bar—it’s a neon-lit tribute to childhood joy with just enough adult flair to keep things interesting. Imagine a space where you can sip cocktails in a vintage arcade, crush friends in Skee-Ball, and belt out ‘90s karaoke jams under a disco ball. Sounds like your kind of playground? It absolutely is.

If you think all flea markets are created equal, wait until you set foot in Flea Across Florida in Macclenny. Tucked just west of Jacksonville, this lively indoor-outdoor market is a weekend wonderland for treasure hunters, bargain lovers, and folks who just want a good pulled pork sandwich while browsing vintage tools.

Ever dreamed of standing eye-to-eye with an elephant, feeling the breeze from its flapping ears, or watching it splash joyfully in a mud bath just feet away? At Myakka Elephant Ranch in Myakka City, Florida, those dreams come to life—and they’re even more heartwarming in person.