When it comes to discussing motorcycle racing, most people think of Daytona Beach, Florida. The name probably brings to mind large grandstands, green pastures, and maybe even an ocean breeze. But is any of that real? Maybe not, since there’s actually a lot more to Florida than what meets the eye. Let’s take a quick look at some of the things that you may not know about this fabulous state:
The Weather
It may surprise you to learn that Florida is actually home to some of the hottest and harshest climates in the entire country. The temperature varies from 20°F to 110°F, allowing for a large range of activities all year round. In the winter, the air is so cold that it stings your nose and gives you a sore throat. In the summer, the heat is so exhausting that you need to take full advantage of every shade and air-conditioning unit. Fortunately, there’s also some amazing thunderstorms that you can look forward to in the summertime, which always makes things interesting. The air is thick and balmy, and even though it’s humid, it’s nothing like what you get in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. The weather in Florida is extreme, but that’s what makes the place so interesting.
Water
It’s no secret that Florida is located near the water. There are actually two large oceans located in the state – the Atlantic and the Pacific – and there are plenty of rivers and lakes for you to explore. If you’re a boater, you’ll have endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. If you’re not, there are still plenty of lakes and oceans where you can simply float or swim. One of the most famous lakes in the U.S., for example, is certainly not in Florida: it’s called Lake Champlain. If you like to fish, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so, since a variety of fish live in the lakes and rivers in and around Florida. In some places, you can catch the fish yourself; in others, you’ll have to go fishing with a professional. It’s actually quite exciting to try fishing in an area where you’re not familiar with the fish or the fishing methods, especially when you land a big one! The water in and around Florida is quite amazing, and it’s definitely not something you’ll get bored of exploring.
Festival
Another thing that you may not know about Florida is that it is home to some of the most incredible music festivals in the country. Every summer, people from all over the world come to Florida to celebrate music and to take part in some of the most amazing outdoor festivals. The largest of these is certainly the SunFest, which takes place in and around West Palm Beach. Typically, there are hundreds of bands that play over ten stages, and thousands of people that attend the event. The lines for the bathrooms are usually so long that it seems like the entire festival is set to wash its collective pants! The other major festival is the Hard Rock Winter Festival, which also takes place in and around West Palm Beach. Like most music festivals, these events are a great way to celebrate music and hangout with friends. Plus, you can bring your bicycle along and use the bike corral, which is provided, or you can even register for a bike race! In the winter, the air is so dry that it chaps your skin – which is probably why most people go barefoot at this time of year – so you’ll need to watch out for the cold and the slush. Don’t expect too much, as the snow is usually only around the area, and it melts pretty quickly, even if it is at the end of Winter.
Flora & Fauna
One of the things that you’ll discover when you visit Florida is that the place is incredibly rich in flora and fauna. There are actually over 900 different kinds of orchids, for example, which are native to the state and it’s a great place to spot them all. In some parts of Florida, you can find a great many pines, oaks, and magnolias, which are some of the state’s most iconic trees. The animal life is also incredible, as there are over 250 different kinds of birds that you can spot throughout the year. You may encounter a variety of wildlife in the state, such as alligators, snakes, and turtles, so keep your eyes open and you may have the opportunity to spot some of these incredible creatures. It would be wise, however, not to go wandering off into the wild without some sort of protection, as there are certainly some dangerous animals that live in Florida. The biodiversity in and around Florida is absolutely incredible, and it’s definitely one of the things that make the place so interesting.
History
Another thing that you may not know about Florida is that it is actually home to some of the country’s most incredible museums and cultural spots. There’s certainly the famous Museum of Art Palm Beach, for example, which is located in the city of West Palm Beach. This museum has an incredible collection of artwork from around the world and it’s always a great place to take a break from exploring the area. Or, if you’re looking for ancient history, you should visit the Norton Museum of Art, which is located in the city of Greensboro. This museum houses a large collection of Egyptian artifacts and it’s a great place to learn more about ancient Egypt and its connection to Florida.
So there you have it. Just a few of the many reasons why you may not want to visit Florida are: (1) the extremely humid climate; (2) the extremely hot climate; (3) the fact that it’s often windy and wet; and (4) that there are a lot of dangerous creatures that you need to watch out for. If any of these things put you off, then maybe it’s not the place for you. But if you’re looking for a change of pace, you could certainly do a lot worse. You may even find that Florida has a lot to offer, and you may enjoy your visit there. Just make sure to prepare for the heat – and try not to touch any of the disgusting things that crawl around on the ground, okay?