Episode 401
Dry Caving / Sangria / Manatee Encounter
Show description: Discover Florida’s mysterious inner world with Chad Crawford as he explores dry caves in Ocala. Plus Chef Justin Timineri shows you how to make Florida-style Sangria, bursting with fruit and flavor. Then, Chad’s diving into the sparkling waters of Crystal River for some face-time with Florida’s beloved manatees.
how to Do: Dry Caving
When: Dry Caving is a year round activity and caving tours last about an hour. At Zip The Canyons, caving tours start in July.
Where: You can find several dry caves throughout the state. Zip The Canyons is located in Ocala Florida northeast of Orlando.
How Much: The caving tours are $35 per person. The rate for a day on the zipline course is $89.00 per person. This includes 2 guides, gear, rope bridges, a rappel and a nature walk.
What you’ll need: Courage! Other than that all your gear is provided. You may want to bring some snacks or lunch to eat at the picnic tables in the park.
Resource links: Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours
Florida Cooking: Florida Sangria
Yield 10-12 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of Florida fruit wine
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Splash of orange juice or lemonade
- 2 shots triple sec (optional)
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 2 mangoes, diced
- 4 cups ginger ale
Preparation:
- Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the lemon, orange and lime wedges into the wine.
- Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds) and pineapple, then add sugar, orange juice and triple sec.
- Chill overnight.
- Add ginger ale, berries and ice just before serving.
- If you’d like to serve right away, use chilled red wine and serve over lots of ice.
how to Do: A Manatee Encounter
When: The Crystal River Manatee Tours are offered from 7:30 am to 11:00 am. For the best possible experience it is recommended that you go in the colder months when the manatees tend to group together.
Where: There are many different manatee tours but Plantation on Crystal River is located on Crystal River in Citrus County northwest of Orlando.
How Much: Snorkeling Packages range from $55.00-$99.95. You can also choose a River Tour on a cruise for $15.00. Each package is different but almost all of them will include all the gear needed for your tour.
What you’ll need: You will want to wear your bathing suit under the wetsuit and bring a towel as well. You may also want to bring a small bag for your belongings or any snacks you want to have.
Resource Links: The Crystal River Manatee Tours