Florida Authentica: Your field guide to the unique, eccentric, and natural marvels of the real Sunshine State

by Ron Wiggins

52 Adventures into the Sunshine State by humor columnist Ron Wiggins.With pluck, derring do, occasional trepidation and an infectious sense of humor, Wiggins takes Floridians and visitors alike on a rollicking romp into the state's parks, wetlands and historical sites that will have readers laughing and eager to plan their own outings.

Genres: Nonfiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2012

Reviews

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains some really funny descriptions, as in hilarious. I hate to quote any because they may not be so funny out of context and that might spoil the joke for you. Here's a couple I think safe to use:

[regarding one of those magical mystery tourist traps, where balls roll uphill] If you don't believe me and Tyler, take a spirit level to Spook Hill and see for yourself. And if your spirit level tells you you're rolling backward uphill, it's lying. Have it exorcised.

[regarding an amusement park ride] "Kind of reminds me of what I had for breakfast," I said.

The first half of this book describes the natural areas. Parks, swamps, and marshes. Absolutely great for my purposes, which is to find places to go. I can only hope I enjoy them as much as he did. The second half goes more pedestrian, with food, landmarks, and other human history attractions. Also good and also very funny, but less valuable to my research.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and fun book on touristy places to visit in Florida that are not terribly expensive. He tells us about out of the way places that a long time Floridian would know. Toward the end, he has several airplane nut places. He keeps the wit coming as well as the locations.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's normally hard to get excited about tourist guide books, but this one is a gem. Wiggins, who wrote for various Florida newspapers, went all over the state visiting its natural wonders, which are many, and its museums, stately homes, and miscellaneous oddities. He combines a puckish sense of humor with an obvious love for the state to produce a series of brief, but illuminating, snapshots of each place he visits. There's something for everyone, and even if you don't go visit them, you'll come away from this book with a better understanding and appreciation for the variety and richness of a much-maligned state.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent little travel book for Floridians wanting to get to know their state better. It felt like he wasn't nearly as personally interested in several of the locations as he was others. Was he possibly just trying to make the book a bit longer by including them?
That being said, the first half of the book was really great and I've added a few more places to my "must see" list.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read. We're planning a month-long stay, so I was looking for fun places to go. The author is entertaining. Sometimes, though, I wished for maps or more information. I made good use of the internet to locate some of the places.

[Steven Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amusing and informative

Lots of information about Florida, historical and current as of 2012 or so. A pleasure to read, learn some new things and have some fun, thank you!

[Candice Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource to use for exploring Florida. A lot of places that I have never heard of and can't wait to see.

[Sally Motley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the different interesting towns and attractions in Florida. I'll read this one again. I need a hard copy for my library.

[nancy smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florida off the beaten track of theme parks and beaches.

Great overnight and day trip ideas. Can't wait to go exploring and check out these places. If you live in Florida, you should own this book.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting guide to adventures in Florida on roads less traveled.

[Gene Bowker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good tips for day trips

I enjoyed this book and it gave me new ideas for road trips in the Sunshine state when visiting. Easy read

[Teri R. Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories.

Fun read. Enjoyed the writing style. Mr. Wiggins has a good sense of humor. Would recommend to a friend.

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book before you visit Florida.

Just a fun read about out of the way places in Florida. Some well known some off the beaten path.
This book gave me a few more places to visit and I have lived here in Florida all of my life so far.