This diverse collection of day trips in Central Florida was compiled from suggestions by residents of ‘The Villages,’ who shared their favorite attractions with author and travel writer, Gillian Birch. Whether you are a Florida resident or a visitor, this book is all the inspiration you need to discover hot springs, historic homes, classic cars, museums, and wonderful state parks that are ideal for all ages. More adventurous visitors will find local opportunities to hand-feed elephants, get up-close and “chuff’ with beautiful big cats, or spin through 360 degrees on a wild airboat ride! Enjoy trolley tours, boardwalks, and wildlife parks where you can see manatees, wading birds, and even a hippo with special Florida citizenship, all just a short drive from your home in ‘The Villages’. When I asked residents of The Villages to send me suggestions for their favorite days out, I could never have imagined the overwhelming response I would receive. I had no idea just how innovative, widely traveled, and fun-loving 'The Villages' residents are! The days out that people submitted covered some fabulous places to visit, including state parks, animal sanctuaries, museums, gardens, stately homes, airboat rides, historic cities, walking tours and far more. Inevitably, many people suggested the same places, so generally I gave credit to the first person to come up with the attraction. Some used their own name; others preferred to use an alias. However, their personal comments make this a warm collection of days out recommended by your friends and neighbors within 'The Villages' community.  Favorite Days Out in Central Florida from 'The Villages' Residents is a comprehensive compilation of days trips to local attractions within easy reach of 'The Villages'. Following the success of her first book, Days Out in Central Florida from 'The Villages', author Gillian Birch asked local residents to send their suggestions for their favorite days out in Central Florida. The response was amazing and led to the publishing of this collection of day trips, all recommended by local residents and snowbirds. Flip through the pages of this informative book for inspiration, tips and ideas on where to go, from hot springs and historic homes to animal sanctuaries and wildlife parks. Enjoy walking on nature trails, take a trolley tour, appreciate a historic home, admire classic cars, or visit an authentic Greek fishing village. The more adventurous visitor may want to feed carrots to elephants, get up-close and "chuff' with beautiful big cats, or spin through 360 degrees on a wild airboat ride. Whatever you enjoy, you will find plenty of ideas in this informative resource. This diverse collection of day trips in Central Florida was compiled from many suggestions by residents of 'The Villages,' who shared their favorite attractions with author and travel writer, Gillian Birch. Whether you are a Florida resident or a visitor, this book is all the inspiration you need to discover hot springs, historic homes, classic cars, museums, and wonderful state parks that are ideal for all ages. More adventurous visitors will find local opportunities to hand-feed elephants, get up-close and "chuff' with beautiful big cats, or spin through 360 degrees on a wild airboat ride! Enjoy trolley tours, coach safaris, boardwalks, and wildlife parks where you can see manatees, wading birds, and even a hippo with special Florida citizenship, all just a short drive from your home in 'The Villages'. Gillian Birch is a freelance travel writer and published author. As the wife of a Master Mariner, she has traveled extensively and lived in some exotic locations all over the world, including Europe, the Far East, and the Republic of Panama. Her love of writing led her to keep detailed journals which are a valuable source of eye-witness information for her many published magazine articles and destination reviews.   Describing herself as having "endless itchy feet and an insatiable wanderlust," she continues to explore Florida and further afield with her husband, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and attention to detail.   Gillian has a Diploma from the British College of Journalism and is proud to be a member of the International Travel Writers' Alliance and the Florida Writers' Association. Learn more about her writing as YourTravelGirl at gillianbirch.com