Few people get to say their home is their castle, but that’s exactly what Howard Solomon did. A world-renowned artist and sculptor, Solomon’s Castle is adorned with over 80 stained glass windows and dozens of metal sculptures. One of southwest Florida’s best kept secrets, you’ll find 90 acres that have been converted into a fantasy area that draw visitors from all over the world. In addition to a gallery featuring his work converting and repurposing salvaged materials, you’ll learn more about the man who built this amazing structure one soup can at a time. One of the best parts of Solomon’s legacy is his love for art and the beauty that comes from taking discarded items and making them into something spectacular. Open every day except Monday, you can also eat at the on-site restaurant, the Boat-in-the-Moat, and follow the nature trail for an outside view of the property.

You might need more than a day to experience everything included at The Ringling in Sarasota. Built by the circus magnate John Ringling in 1927, this magnificent institution contains 21 art galleries featuring sculptures, paintings, and artwork from around the world. Included in the minimum four-hour tour of the grounds is the Ringling mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, a Venetian Gothic-style building with multiple gardens and walkways. You can see the world’s largest miniature circus display and tour the grand theater building. If you’re a train enthusiast, the Wisconsin, the private Pullman train car used by John and Mabel Ringling when they traveled to New York City, is also on display. This 65-ton, 79-foot wooden train car is one of the last remaining of its kind since they were banned from use in city tunnels. Brought back from the brink of ruin from lack of care, the site was revitalized and given to the state as a legacy to history. You can purchase tickets online to save time and Mondays are free. Stop by Ringling Grillman and enjoy lunch or dinner for a special treat.

Bradenton is another welcoming spot in the Sunshine State that offers something for everyone. There are outdoor activities like boating where you can take a leisurely cruise or rent a house boat, pontoon boat, or sail boat. If something more quiet and relaxing appeals to you, fishing spots abound at several local piers and bays. Are you a foodie? No problem! You have your choice of waterfront eateries like the Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant and Bamboo Island Bar. For something more casual, check out the Bad Ass Café or the delightful O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar. Family-friendly restaurants include Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food and Scarpino’s Family Restaurant. If you’re a night owl and looking for something fun to do this summer, visit Bradenton and check out the Bishop Planetarium in Bradenton. If you’re a novice at star gazing, you can learn about general astronomy, telescopes, and common terms and symbols. If you want to take your fascination with the great beyond further, you can attend one of the many cool events and star parties that focus on solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and planetary conjunctions. And if you’re totally sold out on the solar system, you can look at the night sky by joining one of the local groups of sky observers.

A nature lovers paradise, Cedar Key is the perfect place to visit for the day, a weekend or longer. The island city has a national wildlife refuge where you can spot eagles and other birds, and there are plenty of trails to explore. There are beaches for swimming and soaking up the rays for sun worshippers. And history comes alive in this quaint little town of under 1,000 residents because it’s Florida’s second oldest town. Once a busy seaport, Cedar Key is an off-the-map kind of place where you can bike around the island, rent a kayak, and eat some delicious seafood at the popular Island Hotel built in 1859, also a great place to stay overnight. Check out the Indian mound, visit the ghost town at Atsena Otie Key, and stop by the Neptune Bar for a peek at some scandalous paintings. Whatever you decide to do, you won’t be disappointed.

Located in the central part of the state, Mount Dora is not far from Orlando with the look and feel of a place where time stood still. Visitors can stop by the Mount Dora Museum of Speed that has displays including a 1940s gas station, classic cars, and other memorabilia of days gone by. Gilbert Park, Palm Island Park, Elizabeth Evans Park, and Sunset Park are great places to spend the day with kid-friendly playgrounds and boardwalks along the water. Put on your hiking shoes or take your bike and take the challenging journey on the Mount Dora Trail. Climb the Grantham Pointe Lighthouse for a spectacular view over the water. Pack a picnic from food purchased at the Goblin Market or eat at one of the great restaurants nearby like the Magical Meat Boutique or the Bavarian Haus. Take a daytime or sunset boat tour on one of the many lakes in the area or plan your trip to celebrate one of the more than 30 festivals that take place there each year. And no visit to Mount Dora would be complete without stopping by the Windsor Rose Restaurant and British Team Room to sample fresh scones and authentic teas.