By Apryl Chapman Thomas

Here’s a second helping of things to do under $50. Check out the first half here.

26. The Manatee Helicopter Tours in Crystal River are perfect for couples. Choose from either the Kings Bay Tour ($29.99) or the Indian Mound Tour ($49.99).

27. Speaking of couples, why not take a riverfront cruise in Fort Lauderdale? $20/adults, $18/seniors, $10/children, ages 4-10, free/children, ages 3 and under.

28. Take in the works of Dali at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. On Thursdays from 5 – 8 p.m. admission is only $5.

29. You just never know who or what might follow you home from a ghost tour. Learn about the
Sunshine State’s darker side on tours in cities such as Monticello ($10/adults, $5/children), St. Augustine ($12) and Daytona Beach ($10/person).

30. You’re in Florida, so why not go fishing? Don’t forget to purchase a license. $17/resident for annual freshwater or saltwater license; $17/non-resident for 3-day freshwater or saltwater license.

31. Watch shark and turtle feedings at the Key West Aquarium. Purchase tickets online. $11/adults, $4.50/children, ages 4-12.

32. The Manatee Observation and Education Center just might be the best place to view these majestic sea cows. $1/adult, free/children, ages 5 and under.

33. Take a farm tour at Young’s Paso Fino Ranch in Ocala. $7.50/person

34. Browse and shop at places such as Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, Fifth Avenue South in Naples, Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda, or The Village at Baytowne Wharf and The Market Shops, both in Sandestin.

35. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tour at Whetstone Chocolates in St. Augustine, or Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory in Daytona. Free

36. Watch wildlife in its natural habitat along the Withlacoochee River and listen to live music at the same time with the Singing River Tours in Dunnellon. $10/person

37. Yes You Canvas in Jacksonville will have you painting within hours. $35/person. They also offer a children’s class on Saturday for $20/child.

38. Florida is full of beautiful trails for bicycle riding. Just remember to check your tires before you go and wear a helmet.

39. Marco Island, Captiva Island and Sanibel Island all are beautiful beaches that offer an incredible amount of shells to discover along the sands.

40. Discover local artists during art walks in places like the Beaches of South Walton, Amelia Island, Cedar Key, Anna Maria Island, and Matlacha and Pine Island.

41. Crane Point Museum in Marathon Key introduces you to the rich history of the area. $11/adults, $9/seniors, $7/children, ages 6-12

42. Learn more about the Seminole tribe at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum at Big Cypress in Clewiston, or at Okalee in Hollywood. $9/adults, $6/seniors, $6/children, ages 5-18 at Big Cypress; $6/adults, $4/seniors, $4/children, ages 5-18 at Okalee.

43. Don’t forget about the Herpetarium Alligator & Snake Show, or Swamp Critter Show hosted by the Seminole Tribe. Or, spend the night at Chickee Lodge ($35 for two adults) and enjoy the Billie Swamp Safari in Hollywood.

44. Explore the underwater world at Mote Marine in Sarasota. $17/adults, $16/seniors, $12/children, ages 4-12

45. Enjoy a guided tour through the many galleries highlighting Howard Solomon’s art at Solomon’s Castle in Ona. $10/adults, $4/children, ages 11 and under.

46. Take a farm tour at Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City. $2/person, general admission and $6/person, farm tour. Instead of paying $6, pay $9/person for that Dakin special that includes admission, farm tour, hay ride and cow train.

47. Explore Ernest Hemmingway’s home in Key West and learn all about the author. $12/adults, $6/children, ages 6 and older.

48. Indian Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach features artifacts from Native Americans who once inhabited Northwest Florida. After walking through the museum, see the temple mound. $5/adults, $4.50/seniors, $3/children, ages 4-17.

49. While in Central Florida, visit the Bok Sanctuary. Enjoy the gardens and listen to the carillon bells. $10/adults, $3/children, ages 5-12.

50. Curious about the making of perfumes? At Irene Parfums in Jacksonville, take a tour of the cosmetics laboratory and sample various fragrances.

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

Everyone is looking for ways to make their money go farther these days. Even though it may not sound fun, being on a budget is the thing to do right now. In Florida alone there are hundreds of things to do that are not just affordable, but also entertaining. So, if you have $50 (or less), a free weekend and are ready to explore, the state of Florida is waiting for you.

Here are some suggestions.

1. With 160 State Parks, you’re sure to find something to do. Perhaps it’s hiking the trails at Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach ($5/vehicle, $4/single person in vehicle, $2/pedestrian or bicyclist), experiencing a 1876 Cow Camp at Lake Kissimmee State Park ($5/vehicle, $4/single person in vehicle, $2/pedestrian or bicyclist), or relaxing at one of the state’s oldest parks, Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring ($6/vehicle, $4/single person in vehicle, $2/pedestrian or bicyclist).

2. In the same vein, you can hike or bike along the state’s Greenways and Trails, or if you have your own canoe, paddle through one of the designated areas.

3. Explore a lighthouse. They’re an important part of Florida’s landscape and some are open to the public. You can tour Pensacola Lighthouse ($5/adults, $3/seniors, $3/children, ages 7-12), Ponce Inlet Lighthouse ($5/adults, $1.50/children, ages 11 and under) and Jupiter Lighthouse ($7/adults, $5/children, ages 6-18).

4. Discover the allure of Florida’s small towns. Spend time wandering around in places like Havana, Micanopy, Cassadaga and Stuart.

5. Try some wines at local wineries. Sample everything from Wildflower muscadine wine at Chautaqua Winery in DeFuniak Springs, to key lime wine at Florida Orange Groves and Winery in St. Petersburg.

6. Grab your shoes and take a tour, either guided or self-guided. Discover the beauty of the Art Deco District of South Beach, meander in downtown Titusville or visit the historic part of Gainesville. You can even explore Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo ($10/person for basic tour or free for self guided tour), or the single largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

7. Learn more about dinosaurs at Dinosaur World in Plant City. Children can participate in fossil digs and get dirty in the bone yard. ($12.75/adults, $10.75/seniors, $9.75/children, ages 3-12.)

8. Take in a mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs. ($13/adults, $5/children, ages 6-10.)

9. After over a 100 years, Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg still attracts visitors. View over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers in a peaceful setting. ($8/adults, $4/children, ages 2-11.)

10. Man in the Sea Museum is one of the most unique attractions in Florida. Located in Panama City Beach, this museum provides a look into the world of diving. ($5/adult and children, ages 5 and older, $4.50/seniors.)

11. Whether you’re a golf fan or not, you’ll still enjoy the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum in St. Augustine. View the permanent and featured exhibits, as well as the special Bob Hope exhibit. There’s also a putting area. ($19.50/adults, $9/children, ages 4-12.)

12. It’s a story of love, loss and coral. Located in Miami, Coral Castle was created by one man for the woman he loved. After 60 years, the giant structure still stands. ($9.75/adults, $5/children, ages 7-12.)

13. Ride the Orange Blossom Express and explore the grove at Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton. ($7.46/adult, $3.20/children, age 3-10.)

14. Did you know that Tarpon Springs harvests about 90 percent of all sponges? Check out the largest collection of sponges and enjoy a movie about them while you’re at it at Spongeorama. (Free)

15. Perhaps the best question to ask is: what isn’t there to do at the Everglades National Park? Find out for yourself. ($10/car, $5/pedestrian or bicyclist.)

16. Home to the famous Moon Soup, the canning plant at Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales is an educational and delicious experience. Call in advance for tours, 800-433-6011.

17. Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola to see what pilots go through every day. Plan your trip right so it coincides with a viewing of the Blue Angels practice. (Free)

18. Feed a live alligator at Gator Beach in Destin. (Free)

19. See the flamingos up close at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. ($14/adults, $10/children, ages 3-12.)

20. Learn about crackers and explore an 18th century Citrus Packing House while visiting the Osceola County Historical Society in Kissimmee.

21. Considered as the “World’s First Oceanarium,” Marineland is home to 11 dolphins, including Nellie, the oldest dolphin in human care. Watch as they swim and play. ($8/adults, $6.75/seniors, $3.50/children, ages 12 and under.)

22. Watch as the experts milk snakes at Reptile World Serpentarium in Saint Cloud. ($6.75/adults, $4.75/children, ages 6-17, $3.75/children, ages 3-5.)

23. Take a guided tour of Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead to learn about the different tropical fruits growing on site. ($7/adults, $1.50/children, ages 6-12.)

24. While you’re in Homestead, be sure to cool off with a Key Lime milkshake at Robert is Here.

25.    See everything from a black-bellied whistling duck to puffer fish at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne. ($12.50/adults, $11.50/seniors, $9.50/children, ages 2-12.)

Check back next week for 25 more exciting (and cheap) things to do in Florida!

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

It was one of those typical Florida showers that you expect in the afternoon, yet it was happening mid-morning.

It didn’t matter, though, because I was heading to Chiefland to check out Manatee Springs State Park. I didn’t care if I had to hold an umbrella in one hand and push my kayak paddle with the other; I was going kayaking and if I got soaked, that would be part of adventure.

Manatee Springs State Park is referred to as a first-magnitude spring (Florida has 33 of such springs), which means it produces 100 million gallons of water a day. The water temperature is normally a comfortable 72-degrees year round, and the springs offers access to the Suwannee River, which in turn (about 23 miles down) flows into the Gulf.

Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Manatee Springs State Park from the concession stand during summer and fall. For $8, you can rent a kayak for an hour, which is ample time to explore the spring and river. Paddlers are equipped with whistles attached to life jackets, just in case anything happens. As I was told by the ranger, the whistle carries further than yelling.

Once the kayak was selected and pushed off, the water was peaceful. Not only that, but the rain had stopped as well. It wasn’t humid, but comfortable and not crowded.

I couldn’t get over how clear the water was. Every now and then, I looked below to see a school of fish swim by, or a turtle poking its head out of the water. In the distance, a sturgeon jumped out of the water to make its presence known.

Once I turned the kayak onto Suwannee River, the current picked up a little, but it was still a smooth glide. I passed by a turtle family sunning on a log, cypress swamps that look like something out of a Hollywood set, and fishermen quietly (and patiently) waiting for their catch.

After the hour was up, it was time to explore the immediate area. Manatee Springs State Park is one of the larger state parks. In addition to the springs, there are slots for RVs and tents for camping, picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails and more. There’s also a nature boardwalk that cuts through the wetlands to the river.

Manatee Springs State Park is one of those places that you can spend a day at, doing a little bit of everything. Family-friendly, it appeals to all ages and interests.

Did You Know?

During November through April you have a greater chance of seeing manatees. They tend to come to the springs during those months for the warmth of the water.

Located off U.S. 98 at the end of S.R. 320, six miles west of Chiefland, Manatee Springs State Park is a gem off the beaten path and well worth the visit. Open year round from 8 a.m. until sundown, admission is $6/per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4/per single person in vehicle and $2/cyclists. Camping is $20/night, and includes water and electricity.