There's so much to do for any mood all around Central Florida, but Orlando is of course the epicenter of arts and entertainment in the region. After all, it's the number 1 tourist destination in the country, attracting more than 60 million visitors annually. And while the world-famous theme parks and resorts have a lot to do with that, there are also some fantastic cultural institutions in the city.

Many of them happen to be clustered in one location: Loch Haven Park. This cultural hub is set on 45 beautiful acres of park land, nestled between three lakes (Lake Estelle to the north, Lake Rowena to the east, and Lake Formosa to the south). One of Central Florida's oldest and biggest live oak trees is in the park, too; it's known as “The Mayor,” and it's about 350 years old.

Loch Haven Park is adjacent to Orlando's Ivanhoe Village Main Street area, a well-known antiquing destination. It's also just north of the Mills50 District, where you'll find the city's Vietnamese enclave featuring dozens of authentic East Asian restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and more. But the park itself offers plenty to do.

Here's a quick look at Loch Haven Park's museums and theaters:

Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art has celebrated permanent collections dedicated to American art, African art, art of the ancient Americas, contemporary art, and contemporary graphics. In addition, it hosts rotating temporary exhibits that change approximately monthly. All sorts of events go on throughout the year at the museum as well.

Mennello Museum of American Art

With collections from numerous periods and styles of American art, this museum is the former private home of Howard Phillips, son of local philanthropist Dr. P. Phillips—a man whose name is familiar to anyone who's been in the area even a little while. There's also an outdoor sculpture garden, temporary exhibits, and special events, including the fun Indie Folkfest in Februaries.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater

This is a nationally and internationally renowned venue, offering the highest caliber theatre around. While they produce plenty of Shakespeare plays, there's a lot of other material staged in the few theaters, too. Drama, comedy, musicals... there's great variety here and exceptionally talented actors, directors, set and costume designers, and other artists to deliver it.

Orlando Fire Museum

For something a little different, check out this two-story brick building that was once Orlando Fire Station Number 3, which dates back to 1926. There's all sorts of firefighting equipment and vehicles dating as far back as the early 1900s, a memorial to fallen firefighters, historic photographs, and more. It's free admission, but the museum's only open Fridays, Saturdays, and by appointment.

Orlando Science Center

If the grandkids are in town, this is a fun, educational place to take them. It's packed with interactive exhibits dedicated to many fields of science and technology, and it's engaging for children of all ages—and adults! There are live gators, dinosaur digs, engineering challenges, the chance to be a meteorologist on TV, kinetics experiments, a hands-on exploration of citrus harvesting, and lots more.

Orlando Repertory Theater

The Rep, as it's known to locals, is Florida's only full-time professional theater for young audiences. It's another good idea for your to-do list when the grandchildren are visiting. Highly dedicated local talent puts on plays and musicals that never fail to delight the little ones. It's guaranteed to be a simultaneously entertaining and enriching experience for kids.

The active-adult years should be the best ones of your life! Of course, sharing your time and experiences with friends is so important to getting the most out of them. A rich and rewarding social life is also essential to keeping up your mood, mental acuity, and even your physical health as you age. 

But if you move to a new place in your 55-plus years, especially following retirement, you're likely to find yourself displaced from the community and friends you've known. You're among strangers. And that can be intimidating and depressing. 

To quote a popular cliché, though, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet! 

OK, no, you won't like everyone, not everyone has friend potential. But many do! Keep an open mind, be both approachable and outgoing, and resolve to make new friends. It all starts with your attitude. Having a positive one goes a long way toward building a new social network in your new home. Once you take care of that, here are some tips for finding your new friends.  

10 Ways for Active Adults to Make New Friends 

1. Don't hold yourself back assuming everyone your age already has all the friends they want. It's common in the 55+ years for life changes to separate us from familiar people and places, plus most people are always happy to have more friends. The more the merrier!

2. Move to an active-adult community They're specifically designed to facilitate making new friends. Just make sure you pick the right one for you and investigate its social program. 

3. Hopefully, it goes without saying, but just in case: Take advantage of the social program! Join clubs, attend the organized outings and events, chat at the pool or fitness center, take classes, and be friendly while you're out and about in your community. 

4. Enroll in continuing education classes. Many leading active-adult communities offer them, and they're usually available at low cost at local colleges. It's enriching and a perfect way to meet people with shared interests. 

5. Go where you're invited. For many reasons, lots of people pass on social invitations, especially to things that seem less than thrilling. But you have to get out there, and someone has made the effort to reach out to you. Don't miss out. Focus on the people, not the event! 

6. Join an area Meetup group for active adults or based around a particular interest or hobby. For example, if you're one of our Central Florida neighbors, we have a 55+ Meetup group. It's all about making new friends, so come on out and join us! 

7. Volunteer with a local organization or cultural institution to support a cause you believe in and meet others who feel the same way about it. Helping out feels great, and doing good with new friends is even better! 

8. Consider a part-time job doing something you enjoy. It's another way to meet people with similar interests, and hey, who doesn't like having some extra spending money for going out with their new friends? 

9. Reconnect with your faith. There's lots of socialization at churches, synagogues, mosques, Buddhist temples, and other faith-based places. This usually includes organized events, and most go out of their way to welcome new community members.

10. Keep up with old friends over the internet. Facebook, Skype, and other sites make it easy. Not only does it feel good, but often you'll learn that someone you know happens to know someone near where you live, and this can be a great source of new friends.

Rolling hills are a rare natural feature in Florida, which makes those in Clermont all the more special. This scenic city is the fastest growing in Central Florida's Lake County, but it's successfully retaining its calm, laid-back charm. Clermont also happens to be home to some of the region's leading active-adult communities.

Just like its home town, the gated Kings Ridge development is simultaneously exciting and relaxing. It's made up of 15 separate neighborhoods, offering extensive state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, a busy social program, and a highly engaged 55-plus community, all in a quiet natural setting offering plenty of peace and privacy.

Here's a look at just some of the fantastic active-adult lifestyle opportunities that come with life at Kings Ridge.

Kings Ridge Is for Golf Lovers!

Kings Ridge is one of the premier Central Florida 55+ communities for golf enthusiasts! The Kings Ridge Golf Club has not one, but two 18-hole golf courses. Just under half the community homes abut the courses, and residents can become members at one or both. Three days per week, the courses are private for community members only.

The par-71 Kings Course (South Course), created by Lloyd Clifton, is one of the area's most beloved courses. It was made especially for thoughtful players who appreciate the chance to use all the clubs in their bag. Ron Garl designed the par-57 Ridge Course (North Course). It's a stunning setting with a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels.

There's also a fully stocked pro shop, practice facilities, and golf lessons and clinics available. Grab a drink or a casual lunch or dinner with your neighbors or tee-time partners at The Snack Shop at Kings Ridge Golf Club, too. It serves tasty, classic all-American fare in a pleasant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.

Amazing Amenities and Activities

The beautifully appointed 24,000-square-foot Clubhouse is the center of life at Kings Ridge. Many of the community's facilities are here, and the space serves social, professional, recreational, fitness, and educational purposes.

There are numerous rooms for playing cards and games, shooting pool, holding meetings, attending classes, participating in hobbies, and more. The ballroom often hosts dances, bingo, movie screenings, stage productions, and other social events. The on-site fitness center and aerobics studio are another great advantage here, as are all the well-maintained sports courts and facilities.

Take a dip or exercise in the heated Olympic-size swimming pool with lap lanes, soak in the hot tub, sun on the poolside deck, or chill out in one of the cabanas. The cabanas even have grills, so hang out for dinner!

Residents also have The North Spa. It's a secluded getaway right outside your front door! An 80,000 and 100,000 gallon pool await, as do cabanas, a jacuzzi, steam room, exercise room, and showers. This is an adults-only area, so there won't be any grandkids around to disturb the peace and quiet.

As part of the diverse, active social program at Kings Ridge, more than 65 clubs and groups meet regularly, catering to a huge array of hobbies and interests. Art, fitness, and other classes offer opportunities to learn and explore new things. Educational seminars are frequently presented, as well. In addition, each of the 15 neighborhoods throw their own parties throughout the year.

Location, Location, Location!

Clermont is an ideal location for active-adult living in Central Florida. It's removed from all the hustle and bustle of the nearest large city—Orlando—but still just a short, easy drive (about half an hour) from it. Orlando of course offers practically endless incredible shopping, dining, arts and culture, entertainment, healthcare, and more. Not to mention the famous theme parks and resorts.

Residents at Kings Ridge are also only about an 1.25 hours from Tampa, and other great destinations like Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, and Sarasota aren't much farther. The Villages are also less than an hour away. Beautiful east coast beaches like New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach are close at hand, too. If you're a beach lover, here's a look at four of the beaches easily accessible from Clermont.

Plenty of smaller, charming cities are around for day trips and weekend getaways as well. Many of Florida's best state parks are nearby, as are some delightful hiking trails and birding locales. Clermont is also home to Florida's biggest and best winery, Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards.

Take a Good Look at Kings Ridge

There's certainly no shortage of active-adult excitement from your home base at Kings Ridge in Clermont, FL. The homes are beautiful and affordable, the amenities are amazing, social life is always abuzz, and it's an excellent Central Florida location from which to experience all the great, diverse offerings of the region. If you're looking for a retirement home, or just a new or second home in a 55+ community in Central Florida, this one's definitely worth some serious consideration.

Love craft beer? Central Florida has a fast-growing scene fueled not only by increasing numbers of craft beer bars, but also by dedicated artisan brewers producing top-quality local beers in their own microbreweries. Whether you're looking for a traditional style or something experimental, you don't have to travel far no matter where you are in Central Florida. 

In addition to distributing their beverages to retailers and bars across the region, most microbreweries have tap rooms where you can sample their brews. Many also offer tours of their facilities so you can learn about the brewing process and see how the magic happens. Some of the larger operations even host live music acts, trivia nights, new brew launch parties, and other special events that make them community centers and great destinations for a fun night out. 

Here's a roundup of 12 of our favorite microbreweries all around Central Florida. This isn't an exhaustive list—there are plenty of other excellent breweries in the area, and as of this writing, we know of several new ones scheduled to open in the near future. The options are always increasing, which is just another reason Central Florida is a fantastic place for active-adult living!

1. Backyard Barn Winery and Microbrewery – Wildwood, FL (Sumter County)

Just minutes from The Villages, this small-batch, farm-to-glass winery and microbrewery is a highly recommended stop. Its beautiful natural setting, live music, and diverse and delicious beer menu make every visit a win.

Backyard Barn Winery and Microbrewery website

2. Crooked Can Brewing Company – Winter Garden, FL (Orange County)

This is an amazing microbrewery that's part of the larger, also-amazing Plant Street Market in charming downtown Winter Garden. Its six core beers and seasonal concoctions deliver unmistakable commitment to quality with every sip. 

Crooked Can Brewing Company website

3. Infinite Ale Works – Ocala, FL (Marion County)

This microbrewery produces a handful of Belgian-style beers. But its tap room is well-stocked with 40 craft beers on draft, many from Florida breweries, but also some from non-local craft brewers. There are plenty of adventurous beverages to try here.

Infinite Ale Works website

4. Lakeland Brewing Co. – Lakeland, FL (Polk County)

Dedication to the finest ingredients and the craft of brewing shine through in every beer from this Lakeland company. Head over for a tour, to sample the diverse selection of core and limited-run brews, and possibly to catch some live music.

Lakeland Brewing Co. website

5. Mount Dora Brewing – Mount Dora, FL (Lake County) 

Try half a dozen awesome beers brewed by this Mount Dora company. It's a good place to eat, too. The on-site Rocking Rabbit Tap Room is a fun place to drink and hear live music on the weekends, while the outdoor Beer Garden is another enjoyable setting in which to imbibe.

Mount Dora Brewing website

6. Orlando Brewing – Orlando, FL (Orange County)

A pioneer of the Central Florida craft beer scene, this brewery produces a core lineup of beers adhering to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, as well as experimental limited edition brews. It's also the only USDA-certified organic brewery east of Colorado and South of Vermont.

Orlando Brewing website

7. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. – DeLand, FL (Volusia County)

Over on the east side of Central Florida, this microbrewery is a hub of social life in the heart of downtown DeLand. The tap room offers the company's core beers, as well as some reliably interesting and palate-pleasing limited releases.

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. website

8. Red Cypress Brewery – Winter Springs, FL (Seminole County)

This microbrewery creates some amazing beers while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and environmental friendliness. Drop by for drinks and food on any Food Truck Friday, or during some of the other fun events frequently offered.

Red Cypress Brewery website

9. Reprise Brewing – St. Cloud, FL (Osceola County)

Don't miss out on the first microbrewery to open in Osceola County, offering an exciting menu of traditional styles and creative beers. The comfortable tap room also serves house-made craft sodas, and you're welcome to bring some food in with you.

Reprise Brewing website

10. Ten10 Brewing Co. – Orlando, FL (Orange County)

 Located in the Mills50 District of Orlando, Ten10 makes a varied selection of craft beers with careful attention to using the purest ingredients and brewing processes. There are good eats here, too, and a strong community vibe.

Ten10 Brewing Co. website

11. The Florida Brewery – Auburndale, FL (Polk County)

This brewery's been at it since 1973 and even exports internationally to 10 countries. Its flagship product is Polar Beer, and the company is partnered with Polar Bear International. It donates a portion of all proceeds to polar bear and sea ice conservation.

The Florida Brewery website

12. The Hourglass Brewery – Longwood, FL (Seminole County)

The flagship ales and the intriguing, tasty rotating offerings are always top quality here. The spacious taproom serves Hourglass brews and an extensive selection of other craft beers, plus it hosts live music and facilitates dining from the two attached restaurants.

The Hourglass Brewery website

The City of Winter Haven, FL is the second-largest metropolitan area in Central Florida's Polk County, after only Lakeland. It has a great mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, professional services, and other amenities that make it an ideal spot for active-adult living in the region. 

It's a particularly appealing home if you're into water-based activities. Known as “The Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven offers premier boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, fishing, and more. The two chains here consist of 25 lakes between them, and then there are additional 25 lakes within the city's borders. 

Living in Winter Haven also positions you roughly halfway between Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. That puts endless opportunities close at hand. Plus, there are beautiful beaches, amazing state parks, fantastic birding and camping opportunities, nature preserves and trails, and so much more of the great outdoors practically right outside your front door. 

Here's a little more information about Winter Haven to help you decide if it might be the right location for your new or second home in a Central Florida 55-plus community: 

• Winter Haven is a little more than 25 square miles and home to about 36,000 residents
• About half the population is age 45 and older
• As of late summer 2016, the median home value in Winter Haven is $130,100; it's risen 7.9 percent over the past year
• It takes a little under an hour to drive from Winter Haven to downtown Tampa, about an hour and a quarter to drive to downtown Orlando, and just over an hour and a half to The Villages
• There are lots of cool cities nearby for day trips or weekend getaways, including (but certainly not limited to!) Lakeland, Clearwater, St. Pete, Sarasota, Winter Garden, Clermont, Tavares, Mount Dora, Winter Park, and Sanford
• Winter Haven sits along the I4 corridor, the primary thoroughfare running through Central Florida, and other major roads are easily accessible
• While the Orlando area is the most famous local spot for theme parks, Legoland and its resort are located in Winter Haven, and it's a unique, fun place to take grandchildren
• The city played a significant part in the evolution of water skiing as a sport
• This is a community-oriented home, with lots of festivals, gatherings, and events going on throughout the year
• The restored historic downtown is an exciting city center with so much to do
• The Ritz Theater hosts lots of amazing and diverse programming providing all sorts of entertainment
• Theatre Winter Haven is one of the state's best community theaters—even one of the best in the country, according to much of its national acclaim

Feature Image Credits: Wikipedia CC

Honey's been used by humans as a sweetener since ancient times. It's great in tea, on toast, as a glaze, and all sorts of other places, and it has numerous properties that make it well suited for use as a sweetening and flavoring agent in baking. 

But not all honey is created equal. Most of the stuff you find widely available in supermarkets is—like so much supermarket food—heavily processed. It's excessively filtered, heated, and even a lot of domestic honey is cut with cheaper honey from other countries. In many cases, these honeys of foreign origin aren't tested for pesticides or heavy metals. And processing is never good for food; it invariably reduces or destroys a whole food's nutrient content. 

Benefits of Raw Honey 

Raw honey—honey that hasn't been heated and processed—offers certain benefits. Its naturally occurring enzymes and nutrients remain intact, supplying trace amounts of a variety of minerals, antioxidants, and other healthful compounds.  

Raw honey has also shown itself to be an effective cough suppressant. Plus, it soothes a sore throat related to coughing. Its viscous texture coats the mouth and throat, providing relief from irritation. In addition, many people find that a serving of raw honey shortly before bedtime helps them fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. 

The best benefit of raw honey, though, comes when you eat it from a local source. Because it contains pollen spores from flowering plants in your area, it introduces and acclimates your body to these potential allergens, allowing you to naturally build up a tolerance to them. So, eating raw honey produced in your area can actually reduce your seasonal allergies.

Get Acquainted with Central Florida's Honey Feast 

Here at Central Florida 55Plus Realtors, we love the raw local honey made by Honey Feast! They take so much pride in their honey. They don't rush things with automated production, they filter the honey as minimally as possible, they don't heat the honey or otherwise process it in any way, and they provide their bees with organic flowers from which to gather nectar. 

This is as healthy as honey gets, and it's local to Central Florida, making it ideal for building up your tolerance to common pollen allergens found all around the area. 

It's also delicious. Honey Feast makes nine different varieties of honey, including tupelo, orange blossom, Florida holly, wild flower, Brazilian pepper, gallberry, mangrove, palm, and sea grape. Each type has a delightfully distinct flavor profile. 

Check them out and look for their honeys in many specialty shops all around Central Florida!

Florida has a robust state parks system, and Central Florida is particularly rich in some of the most enjoyable of all, including those with some of The Sunshine State's most famous springs. For active adults living in the area who like to go primitive, tent, or RV camping, the area's state parks are perfect places to partake. Even if you're just an outdoors enthusiast looking to surround yourself with beautiful, untouched nature for the day, there's nowhere better to do so than the state parks in Central Florida.

Here are 10 amazing Central Florida state parks and a quick look at their main draws and the activities you can do there:

1. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City, FL

Blue Spring is the largest spring along the St. Johns River and a designated manatee refuge. The Volusia County park covers 2,600 acres, and tours of the historic Thursby House, built in 1872, is a must for anyone interested in local history and culture. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including tents and RVs up to 40 feet long, electricity hookups, on-site dump station, restrooms, and showers
• 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental cabins (sleeping up to 6 people) with central heat and air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, screened-in porch, gas fireplace, bedding and linens, and outdoor picnic area
• Supplies and gift shop
• Interpretive exhibits (Thursby House, kiosks at the Spring Run boardwalk, and programming about manatees)
• Manatee viewing
• Birding (particularly for the Florida scrub-jay in this park's rare scrub ecosystem)
• Fishing
• Swimming
• River boat tours
• Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing
• Snorkeling and SCUBA diving
• Nature hikes
• Picnicking

2. De Leon Springs State Park – De Leon Springs, FL

Another Volusia County treasure, this 625-acre park centers around De Leon Springs and the gorgeous Spring Garden Run. It's heaven for anyone into water-based recreation, plus there are 600-year-old cypress trees, a butterfly garden, and the cool Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Visitors enjoy:

• Visitor center
• Interpretive exhibits (kiosks about the area's history, plant life, wildlife, springs, and more)
• Wildlife viewing
• Birding (the park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it's ideal for spotting a variety of wading birds, bald eagles, ospreys, and plenty more)
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Boating
• Boat tours
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Snorkeling and SCUBA diving
• Nature hikes
• Picnicking
• Playground

3. Hontoon Island State Park – DeLand, FL

Yet another Volusia County park, this one in DeLand, the nearly 1,650-acre Hontoon Island State Park is only accessible by the park's ferry or private boat. This is a secluded, pet-friendly paradise, especially favored for camping. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including primitive, tent, and boat camping with slips (accommodating up to 60 feet) and shore power sources; restrooms; and showers
• 1-bedroom rustic cabins with no bathroom, no heating or air conditioning, no kitchen, no bedding or linens
• Museum (dedicated to the region's earliest native inhabitants)
• Fishing (particularly catfish, bass, crappie, brim, perch, and sunfish)
• Nature hikes
• Picnicking
• Playground

4. Lake Griffin State Park – Fruitland Park, Fl

The most famous resident of this pet-friendly, 620-acre Lake County state park is the state's second-biggest live oak tree, estimated to be 300-500 years old. Lake Griffin is the eighth-largest lake in Florida, and water activities (especially fishing) are a key attraction here. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including tents and RVs up to 40 feet long; electricity, water, and sewer hookups; restrooms; showers; and laundry facilities
• Amphitheater
• Wildlife viewing
• Birding (particularly wading birds and ospreys)
• Fishing (catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, speckled perch, and bluegill)
• Boating
• Boat tours
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching

5. Lake Kissimmee State Park – Lake Wales, FL

This is an excellent destination if you're interested in Florida's cowboy heritage, featuring an 1870s-era cow camp and live historical demonstrations. It's almost 6,000 acres and located in Polk County, and this pet-friendly place offers an extensive array of options and activities. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including primitive, tent, equestrian, and RVs up to 55 feet long; electricity and water hookups; nearby dump station; restrooms; and showers
• Supplies store
• Wildlife viewing (you might even get lucky and spot a bobcat)
• Birding (particularly water fowl, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and other birds of prey)
• Fishing (especially catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and chain pickerel)
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Equestrian trail
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching
• Weddings and family reunions

6. Lake Louisa State Park – Clermont, FL

This pet-friendly Clermont park in Lake County offers 4,500 acres of rolling hills, lakes, and natural splendor. Multiple accessible lakes are perfect for all sorts of water activities, and this Green Swamp region is teeming with diverse plant life and wildlife. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including primitive, tent, equestrian, and RVs up to 50 feet long; electricity hookups; nearby dump station; restrooms; and showers
• Wildlife viewing (highlights might include white-tailed deer, bobcats, or gopher tortoises)
• Birding (particularly water fowl, wading birds, bald eagles, ospreys, and more)
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Bicycle trails
• Equestrian trails
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching
• Weddings and family reunions

7. Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park – Sandford, FL

Located in Seminole County, this pet-friendly Central Florida state park spans 18,000 acres. Thanks largely to its huge untouched expanse, wetlands, and blackwater streams help support an incredible amount and array of wildlife. Visitors enjoy:

• Equestrian camping
• Birding
• Wildlife viewing (including alligators, river otters, black bears, and snakes)
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Bicycle trails
• Equestrian trails
• Geocaching

8. Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon, FL

Evidence shows this spot in Marion County has been in use by humans for 10,000 years. Rainbow Spring is Florida's fourth-largest spring, making it a prime destination for water-based recreation. This pet-friendly park encompasses 1,000 acres. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including tents and RVs up to 103 feet long; electricity, water, and sewer hookups; on-site dump station; restrooms; showers; laundry facilities; recreation hall
• Amphitheater
• Birding (the park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it's ideal for spotting a variety of wading birds, songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, owls, and plenty more)
• Fishing (largemouth bass and other freshwater species)
• Swimming
• Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing
• Snorkeling
• Nature hikes
• Gardens and waterfalls
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching
• Weddings and family reunions

9. Silver Springs State Park – Ocala, FL

Another Marion Count park, this pet-friendly Central Florida state park covers 5,000 acres and offers a large selection of activities. It's been a recreational destination since the 1870s, and it's famous for the glass-bottom boat tours provided by a private company. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including primitive, tents, and RVs up to 50 feet long; electricity and water hookups; on-site dump station; restrooms; and showers
• 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental cabins (sleeping up to 6 people) with central heat and air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, screened-in porch, gas fireplace, bedding and linens, and outdoor picnic area
• Visitor center
• Amphitheater
• Interpretive exhibits (kiosks providing information about controlled burns and area wildlife)
• Museum (dedicated to local history, natural history, geology, archaeology, and paleontology)
• Guided tours
• Wildlife viewing (possibly including armadillos, deer, foxes, gopher tortoises, bobcats, black bears, or coyotes)
• Birding (the park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it's ideal for spotting a variety of wading birds, water fowl, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, American kestrels, and plenty more)
• Glass-bottom boat tours
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Bicycle trails and mountain biking
• Equestrian trails
• Gardens
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching
• Weddings and family reunions

10. Wekiwa Springs State Park – Apopka, FL

Sitting at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, this 7,000-acre, pet-friendly park provides a true escape. It's one of Florida's most popular state parks, thanks to its notable natural beauty, convenient Orange County location, and the extensive activities available. Visitors enjoy:

• Camping, including primitive, tent, equestrian, and RVs up to 50 feet long; electricity, water, and sewer hookups; on-site dump station; restrooms; and showers
• Visitor center
• Concession stand
• Wildlife viewing (possibly including white-tailed deer and black bears)
• Birding (the park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it's ideal for spotting a wide variety of native and migrating birds)
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Nature hikes
• Bicycle trails
• Equestrian trails
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Geocaching

The National Association of Realtors recently released its 2016 second quarter HOME consumer survey. Among its findings, 80 percent of homeowners and 62 percent of renters believe this is a good time to buy a home. An enthusiastic and growing buyer pool is good for sellers, of course, and the survey also found that 61 percent of homeowners believe now is a smart time to sell a home.

If you own a home in a Central Florida 55+ community, there's certainly high demand these days, and it's been growing as more Baby Boomers retire. Houses in area active-adult developments are selling quickly and for competitive prices. If you've already made the personal decision that you're ready to sell but have been waiting for the right time in the housing market, it's a good time to act.

Putting the market aside, arriving at the decision to sell is a personal matter everyone has to come to on their own, based on their circumstances. It can be a tough call. Below are five basic questions to ask yourself that make it much easier to decide. 

1. Does your home fit your current lifestyle?

If not, it may be time to adjust. For example, do you have rooms sitting empty now, or are you eager for more guest and entertainment space? Do you now have time to enjoy a pool or a bigger yard with a garden? Do you need an aging parent to move in with you? Would it be nice to get rid of extra space to lower your utility bills and cut back on all the cleaning and maintenance?

2. Are you still in the right location?

Priorities change over time, sometimes drastically. Maybe you're not working anymore, so the commute doesn't matter like it did when you bought. Or maybe you moved into a great school district, but now the kids are grown. Do you need to be closer to an aging parent or are there other relatives you wish you could see more often? Do you have easy access to everything you want nearby these days?

3. Are you out of debt and do you have some savings?

It's best to be financially stable when you move, particularly so you can handle unexpected expenses that often arise with a major change and investment into a new home. Remember to factor in moving costs—which commonly exceed $1,000—when deciding whether you can afford to sell and relocate at this time. If you're moving to acquire more space, will you be able to furnish it?

4. Do you have positive equity in your current home?

You almost certainly want to sell when you can get enough to pay off your mortgage and cover all selling costs (including the real estate commission). Preferably, you can also get money to put toward your new home. Many experts recommend selling when you can put at least 20 percent down on your new home, which can save you a great deal of money over time.

5. Is your home ready for sale?

Is it in good enough shape to bring in top dollar? If not, can you afford to get it there? If your house is in need of major repairs or updates, this is a significant obstacle to selling. You'll also want fresh coats of paint, and you might need to replace flooring. Even making minor repairs and paying attention to small details are important steps, and their costs can add up quickly. How's the curb appeal?

Focus on You—Not the Market

Again, selling your home is a personal decision, and obviously a big one. Yes, the market matters, and it can have a significant impact on the price you get for your home. But rushing to sell before you're really ready out of some urgent sense that you have to act now is never a good idea. Similarly, delaying something you're all too eager for in the hopes that it will soon be “a better time” isn't going to make you happy. So, when making the decision, look to yourself first, not the housing market.

DeLand, FL is the county seat of Volusia County and one of Central Florida's most exciting locations for active-adult living. The city has a strong historic element (one claim to fame is that it was the first city in Florida to have electricity) and suburban feel. But it has plenty of modern conveniences too, as well as a thriving downtown with all sorts of independent shopping, dining, and entertainment options. 

If you're looking for a new or second home that gives you easy access to the endless active-adult lifestyle offerings of Central Florida, definitely investigate DeLand further. When you live here, you're so close to world-famous beaches, some of Florida's most amazing state parks and springs, Orlando and its theme parks and resorts, and lots more. 

Check out the basic information about DeLand below. It'll help you decide whether this city deserves a closer look as you search for that perfect Central Florida home for your 55+ years. 

• DeLand is nearly 19 square miles and has a population of almost 30,000
• A little more than 40 percent of residents are 45 and older
• The median home value in the city is $144,600 as of mid-2016; it's risen 8.4 percent in the past year
• It's a half-hour drive from DeLand to Daytona Beach and 40 minutes to Orlando; it's also just over an hour to The Villages and just over two hours to Tampa
• A number of small cities—perfect for day trips or weekend getaways—are close by, such as St. Augustine, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Sanford, Winter Park, Mount Dora, Tavares, Winter Garden, Lakeland, and others
• DeLand sits along Central Florida's major thoroughfare, the I-4 corridor, which extends from Daytona Beach southwest to Tampa; it's also convenient to I-95 and other major roads
• There's an Amtrak station in town
• Stetson University, a small, renowned private university with a beautiful campus is right next to the downtown main street area
• Many of the state's most beloved springs, state parks, campgrounds, and other nature destinations are nearby, including DeLeon Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Hontoon Island State Park, Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Ocala National Forest, and many others
• Downtown's main street district has a microbrewery, wine bars, and coffee shops; live music venues; unique craft, clothing, music, book, and other retail stores; diverse high-quality restaurants; and more, all within several pedestrian-friendly blocks
• The historic Athens Theatre located downtown is a great place to catch show
• The Museum of Art DeLand and the Stetson Mansion are just two other local cultural attractions
• If you've always wanted to try skydiving, Skydive DeLand is one of the state's most popular places to do so

Photo Credits: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock.com

“America's Seaplane City.” That's the official tagline of Tavares, FL, a small Central Florida city located in Lake County. Tavares bills itself as such because it's partnered with local business Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures to offer a variety of seaplane tours, trips, and thrills. 

If you're an active adult looking for a unique experience in the area, whether for sightseeing, fun, fond memories, a short getaway, romance, an adrenaline boost, or some mix of motivations, look no further. Here are some of the airborne adventures you can have with a visit to Tavares (though a few packages begin nearby in Mount Dora): 

“Air, Land, and Sea Package” 

Relax and explore the Harris Chain of Lakes starting from Mount Dora. Begin with a 1.5-hour boat cruise to the Tavares Seaplane Base, then hop a seaplane for a short flight, and complete the journey by riding the Orange Blossom Cannonball Express train back to your starting location. 

“Fly Out and Paddle In” 

If you want to be a little more active, consider this option. Check out the Harris Chain of Lakes from a seaplane, land on Lake Eustis, then paddle your way back to Tavares in a kayak on a 1-hour guided trip along the scenic Dora Canal. 

Combine Food, Drink, and Flight 

Jones Brothers offers several packages where you fly to a popular Central Florida restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The company even offers a seaplane-based bar hop! 

Day Trips (or a Few Days) 

Why drive to a Florida destination when you can fly there in style in a seaplane? Day trip options include flights to New Smyrna Beach, the Everglades, Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, and Homosassa. 

Choose from several packages at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area that include camping, airboat rides, bass fishing, or wild boar hunting. Different packages for Homosassa include a vacation getaway with various outdoor activities, fishing, scalloping, or swimming with manatees. 

Flightseeing 

If you're interested in sightseeing around Central Florida with a bird's eye view, Jones Brothers offers about 10 seaplane tours with different areas of focus. You can catch your flight from Tavares or Mount Dora for most of these. 

Charters and Vacations 

Your seaplane adventures can also entail a weekend getaway or longer vacation. In partnership with Premier Adventure Vacations, Jones Brothers has vacation packages for the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Gulf Coast and South Florida, Central and North Florida, and Georgia and South Carolina. 

Other Options 

Maybe it'll take a little more than riding in a seaplane to satisfy your appetite for adventure. So learn to fly one! Seaplane piloting lessons are another exciting item on the flight menu in America's Seaplane City. Then you can join the Seaplane Flying Club, too. Jones Brothers also has a list of ways to make your proposal or wedding unique and particularly memorable. 

Check out the website for more information or to book your seaplane adventure. 

Central Florida for Active Adults 

There's truly no shortage of amazing things to see and do in Central Florida in the 55+ years. From the most rugged outdoor adventures to the most cosmopolitan experiences, we have it all here. Make sure you add a seaplane tour or trip to your itinerary—it's guaranteed to be a great time!