From Team JAB

To celebrate the Sunshine State's 500th birthday, we're sharing JABBER's favorite Florida getaways.  The next time you're in the mood for a little Florida fun, load up the car and head to these JABBER-approved destinations.  

• Kiki Bacaro says, "Mount Dora, a quaint lake town near Orlando, is a perfect romantic retreat for couples. The town hosts a large antique fair several times a year and the flea market on the outskirts of town is a great place to treasure hunt. It's full of Victorian bed and breakfasts, unique shops and restaurants and magnificent sunset views of the lake - a spectacular way to end a sweet Mount Dora day!"   

• Sally Contreras raves, "There's something so magical about Florida's west coast! Our staple summer vacation is Fort Myers, where the sunsets are amazing and the shell hunting is supernatural. The formation of seashells during low tide and the protected turtle nest eggs are a great learning and family bonding experience. Traveling to Fort Myers and the surrounding areas - Marco Island, Captiva Island, Vanderbilt Beach - is a wonderful way to enjoy an authentic beach town."

• Mia Myers writes, "Lake City, north of Gainesville, is a lovely town with tons of outdoor activities. The whole family can enjoy canoeing, kayaking or tubing down the nearby Ichetucknee River and bicycling and hiking on the many trails throughout the area. There's also a honey bee farm that sells the most delicious honey!"  

• Daisy Hill says, "Key Largo is our go-to serene destination. The snorkeling and boating is so tranquil. On the way, we always eat at the Mexican restaurants in Homestead and buy fresh fruit and smoothies at the Redland fruit stands."