Hidden gems that are worth the trip, according to a longtime resident.



<p>Getty Images/Sean Pavone</p>
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<p>While Florida’s beaches and theme parks lure millions of travelers, some of the best places to visit include under-the-radar destinations. From Gilded Age mansions, lighthouses, and prehistoric caves to authentic dude ranches, wineries, and historic limestone pools, off-the-beaten Florida adventures beckon travelers away from the crowds. </p>
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Courtesy Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Glamp it up at this 1,700-acre authentic dude ranch, located one hour south of Orlando, with accommodations ranging from Luxury Glamping to Luxe Conestoga Wagons. You’ll get a taste of Old Florida (before Mickey Mouse moved in) to experience the beautiful Florida wilderness. Overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, the property packs in tons of outdoor fun, so no need to even leave the property. Go horseback riding (obvi!), enjoy the award-winning rodeo every Saturday night, go on a hayride, take the kids to the petting farm, try bungee jumping, play a round of golf, cast your line to fish in the river, take an airboat road to spot alligators, or try your hand at archery. Plus, in 2022, the resort debuted a “ranch chic” steakhouse using locally sourced ingredients and dishing out steaks and seafood, naturally.



<p>Courtesy of <a href="https://www.stetsonmansion.com/scrap-book" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Stetson Mansion</a></p>
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<p>Built on a 300-acre orange grove in Deland for famed hat-maker John B. Stetson in 1886, Stetson Mansion is Florida’s most historic home and only Gilded Age mansion. Dubbed “the house that hats built,” this carefully restored property has changed hands over the years and is actually a private estate (not a museum) today, where the current owners still reside. Take a guided, small-group tour (reservations required) to walk through the three-story, nearly 10,000-square-foot mansion, which blends a mix of cottage, Tudor, Gothic, Polynesian, and Moorish architectural details. Inside, you’ll find an original Edison-installed fuse box, more than a dozen mosaic parquet wood floors, 10,000 panes of antique glass, period furnishings, and intricate, hand-carved wood embellishments. Outside, explore the serene gardens, fountains, gazebos, pool, patios, and a quaint guest house (located in the property’s original on-site school). Visit November through January for the annual Christmas Spectacular.</p>
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