Savoring the Flavor of Your Florida Vacation

As a teenager, an airboat operator told my family a glide through the Everglades would be the "highlight of your Florida vacation." Now an adult living and often vacationing within the Sunshine State, I've discovered the must-eat foods to enjoy during a Florida vacation. Following is my short list:

Florida Orange Juice
A Florida vacation is off to the right start when entering the Sunshine State by car. Stop at one of Florida's five Welcome Centers to receive a complimentary cup of Florida orange juice. Florida Welcome Centers are located just after the state line at: I-10, I-75, I-95 and US231 and in the State Capitol Building in Tallahassee. Florida orange juice is available daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with the exception of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Apalachicola Bay Oysters
Tourists looking for an authentic Florida vacation should look to Florida's Panhandle, specifically, Apalachicola. This part of Florida has an old-time, authentic Southern charm and is referred as "Florida's Forgotten Coast." The area produces the meatiest and sweetest oysters called Apalachicola Bay Oysters. If Florida's Panhandle isn't in your Florida vacation itinerary, chances are these oysters will be served somewhere you're visiting. Ninety percent of the state's oysters and 10% of the country's oysters are harvested from Apalachicola Bay. (Source: www.apalachicolabay.org)

Conch Fritters
The Florida Keys are a popular Florida vacation destination, especially Key West. Sites to see during your vacation include the Southernmost Point in the United States, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Mallory Square's Sunset Celebration. With many seafood dishes to select, conch fritters are the must-eat food in the Conch Republic.

Conch is the meat from a large spiral-like shell, diced up and mixed into a batter with onions, peppers and spices then deep fried. Conch fritters taste best fresh out of the deep fryer and dipped into a spicy sauce. [Tip: To avoid sounding like a tourist during your Florida vacation, "conch" is pronounced like "kahnk."]