Finding the "real" Florida

Kaz wrote:

ependydad wrote:
...Problem is, I don't really know what "real Flordia" is... nor do I have reservations so most state parks are out. Additionally, a 42' fifth wheel is limited in what parks can take us. But, we are good with RV parks and don't mind paying up to $60-70/night (though, my ideal is sub $50/night for hookups). I know it's snowbird season, but figure I can find places to squeeze in. We'll look to spend 2 weeks in each location. ...

This may not be what you're looking for, and my experience is very limited (like one trip), but last June I spent a week in Carabelle, near Apalachicola. The area is known as Florida's "forgotten coast," largely because it's a L-O-N-G way from any interstate or airport, so it doesn't get the same influx of visitors as other parts of Florida, and therefore its economy is not as dependent on tourist dollars. It's the NW corner of the state, so February might be too cold for you. But I found the area very charming in a 50's-ish, pre-wretched-excess sort of way. Imagine the opposite of Destin or Panama City. My friend, who grew up there, said the feel of the area is what Florida used to be like, so maybe it's in a sense the "real Florida." I doubt that you could get your 5er into Ochlockonee State Park (the only one I know), and the Outdoor Destinations "resort" at Carabelle Beach was pretty much just a parking lot (and not even a great parking lot at that). So, suitable RV places may be pretty rare, but I guess that's what the "real Florida" was all about, eh? Have fun!
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