Travel Guide to Florida

Okeechobee County: Celebrate Okeechobee County

- BY KEVIN FRITZ

Discover the natural side of Florida in Okeechobee County, home of the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. A wonderland for outdoor enthusiast­s and an area with a diverse event calendar, Okeechobee County is an ideal family getaway.

DO

Come and be part of history as Okeechobee County celebrates its centennial anniversar­y in 2017. There will be events throughout the year, beginning with the Centennial Kick-Off event on January 21 at the Historic County Courthouse. At least five bus tours during select months are on the agenda as well.

Okeechobee means “big water” and in these parts of the Sunshine State, it’s the main attraction. Lake Okeechobee’s 730 square miles offer an array of boating and fishing opportunit­ies. Discover the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, a 109-mile multiuse path around the lake. Looking for an exciting ride on the lake? Just call and schedule an airboat tour to experience the lake like never before. And don’t miss the Bassmaster’s Elite Series fishing tournament at the end of February.

While in Okeechobee, make time to shop the quaint boutiques along Park Street and Parrott Avenue to find that special gift for yourself or someone back home.

SEE

The Smithsonia­n is bringing its traveling Waterways exhibit to town December 17 to January 28, 2017, focusing on the relationsh­ip between people and water.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is a great place to hike, observe wildlife and even camp for the evening.

EAT AND PLAY

For a tasty treat, try any of the local familyowne­d and operated restaurant­s throughout the county.

Get your groove on at the Second Annual Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, beginning March 2 at Sunshine Grove. Experience five days of music, yoga, art, swimming and noshing in an idyllic outdoor setting.

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 ??  ?? TOP: Bass fishing at dawn on Lake Okeechobee. CENTER: An anhinga on the Okeechobee waterway.
TOP: Bass fishing at dawn on Lake Okeechobee. CENTER: An anhinga on the Okeechobee waterway.

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