The Tomahawk Chop draws Braves fanatics from all over the country to Atlanta during the season. This spring Braves followers can see their heroes practice in Kissimmee. Lovers of the wilderness can check out Florida Eco Safaris, where visitors can take a coach ride through the eco-ranch to observe the many fauna and animals. Visitors also can ride horseback through the ranch with a guide to observe Florida’s seven ecosystems. The daring can see the ranch from above as they zip line through the trees at up to 20 mph. Prices can be seen at www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com.
People who aren’t as interested in the world of wildlife can visit the Kennedy Space Center Complex, where they can see how the first man landed on the moon, see the components of a space shuttle and even meet a real astronaut.
Baltimore Orioles fans can travel to Sarasota to see their team warm up for the season. During hiatuses from baseball, Orioles travelers can have a taste of the circus aboard Big Top Tour Buses. On this bus, a professional circus performer will lead the tour of the sites and special places that dubbed Sarasota the “Home of the Big Top”. On Sundays, brunch is also available. Another fun attraction is the Golden Apple Dinner Theater, where families can watch classic performances such as Oklahoma! and Annie. The audience also receives a buffet-style dinner. Prices and show listings can be seen at www.thegoldenapple.com.
The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins share the beautiful city of Fort Myers during spring training. Twins and Red Sox enthusiasts can enjoy some beach fun at Bonita Beach Park. It features a boardwalk and swimming holes with picnic areas and gazebos. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium boasts of 105 acres on the Lee Island coast. Many exotic birds reside in the Audubon Aviary, and the nature center hosts a variety of snakes, different insects and the region’s only planetarium.
The Detroit Tigers travel far south to Lakeland to enjoy some sunshine as well as warm up for the season. Kids and adults alike can explore Legoland, a theme park geared toward families as well as LEGO fanatics. Enjoy 150 acres of rides, shows and everything LEGO. Prices and hours can be seen at www.legoland.com. For a more laid-back day in Lakeland, baseball visitors can see the Fantasy of Flight tour. Over 40 rare and vintage aircrafts have been restored to flying condition. The tour also has a flight simulator.
Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals followers are able to venture to the steamy heat of Jupiter to watch their teams gear up for the season. Jupiter has bragging rights to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, where visitors can take a tour, enjoy the tranquility of scenic waterfalls and eat dinner at the museum restaurant. An active day can be spent by taking a fishing trip through Blue Heron Fleet, which is family friendly and offers guided tours. More information can be found at www.blueheronfishing.com.
Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter worshippers can follow their beloved New York Yankees to hotspot Tampa, where white sands and warm sun attracts snowbirds. Art lovers can enjoy the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, where artists can feature all forms of their artwork. It also features an arts and crafts workshop for children. For visitors with a love of everything Italian, the Italian Club of Tampa hosts Festa Italiana, where over 35 different Italian restaurants showcase their food and where live music is played.
Lovers of the Phillies can venture to Clearwater to watch their beloved team prepare for the 2012 season. The adventurous can dive to see the Pinellas #2 Reef, where the Blackthorn and Sheridan boat wrecks can be seen. Looking at the schools of fish and eels that have made their homes in the wrecks makes this trip even more exciting. More information can be found at www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/reef/reef-locations.htm. Adults with a love for wine can join a taste tour and enjoy tasting stations, discount bottles of wine, and an array of cheeses, focaccia and flatbread pizzas. More information can be found at www.awineexperience.com.
The small town of Bradenton on the Atlantic Coast plays host to the Pittsburgh Pirates this spring season. Early risers can take a tour to watch baby loggerhead turtles as they leave their nest and make their way to the ocean for the first time. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium holds a variety of sea life, including rays, sharks, sea horses and eels. It also houses a giant squid and has an area where visitors can pet starfish, rays and other sea animals. Prices and events can be found at www.mote.org.
The Tampa Bay Rays only have to travel a few hours down the Emerald Coast to their spring training ground in Port Charlotte. This South Florida city houses the Gilchrist Park Waterfront Music Jam Session, where tourists can listen to bluegrass, jazz, country and folk music. The park is waterfront and is free on Fridays. Night owls can enjoy the Ghost Tours of Punta Gorda, where seasoned tour guides give background information on these creepy grounds that are designed to educate and entertain.
The Toronto Blue Jays have journeyed thousands of miles to visit the small town of Dunedin on the west coast of Florida for training. Blue Jay lovers are able to frequent Honeymoon Island, where there is a state park that hosts picnic areas, areas for fishing, quiet swimming spots and safe harbors. Active visitors can trek the renowned Pinellas Trail, a 15-foot-wide, 40-mile haven for walkers, skaters and bikers. It runs straight through downtown Dunedin. Along the way, travelers can get a quick bite to eat or a cool drink from a local eatery.
Players for the Washington Nationals have traveled cross-country to the small coastal town of Viera. Nationals fans can take an afternoon to look back on the history of our men in blue at the American Police Hall of Fame. Tourists can see the set up of a crime scene, forensics lab and several interactive displays. The general public can also take a helicopter ride and use an indoor gun range. Tourists with a sweet tooth can visit Grimaldi’s Candy Factory Tour, where guests can see how their chocolate is made and sample their famous chocolate chip cookies. Located in neighboring Rockledge, reservations are required for this tour.
Whether baseball devotees are in Florida for a couple of days or for all of spring training, each host town exhibits many local activities and events to keep everyone busy and entertained when not cheering on their favorite team.
**Written for Southern Hospitality in March 2012.
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