CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL takes you off the Interstate Highways and onto the quieter roads that defined this region in earlier years. Millions of people visit Central West Florida every year and never really see it. Everything looks pretty much the same from Interstate 4, Interstate 75 or the Suncoast Parkway. The same old billboards, gas stations, chain restaurants and tacky tourist traps call out to you as you speed along. This guide will rescue you from interstate monotony and take you off the beaten path to what is called Old Florida. This part of our fast growing state is still a place of serenity, natural wonders and historic places. The guide is organized into several different sections so you can browse what you'd like at your convenience. Several historic Central West Florida towns are profiled including Arcadia, Bradenton, Cortez, Dade City, Englewood, Homosassa, Plant City, Sarasota, St Petersburg, Tampa and Venice. The history of each town is discussed and photos are shown along with an antique postcard now and then. If a town has a good restaurant, the guide will mention it along with some favorite lodging choices. Although Central West Florida is noted for its major cities - Tampa, Sarasota and St. Petersburg - the area is also famous for white sand beaches, vast agricultural lands and older quieter tourist attractions. This guide will show you where the best ones are. You will also learn about several Florida State Parks. These parks are quiet treasures that will make your visit even more interesting. Florida heritage and history are important parts of the culture of Central West Florida. The guide tells you about festivals, including art shows, and gives you times and places so you can enjoy them during your visit. You will also find a list of all Central West Florida heritage sites, and will learn about the interesting history of this part of Florida. Last but not least, CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA BACKROADS TRAVEL has a section on Florida day trips. You will be given recommended driving routes along with maps to help you enjoy your wanderings around this interesting region of Florida. The guide is written by Mike Miller, a 50 plus year resident of Florida. Mike is a graduate civil engineer from the University of Florida and has traveled all over the state on both business and pleasure. He writes for and publishes his own website, Florida-Backroads-Travel.com. Much of the material from this guide is from the website.