ALMetro360 April 18

patches of cottontail, eelgrass, laurels, hyacinths and other plants. Overhead, eagles, egrets and herons soar. Linger longer and enjoy all the venues on land. A café serves traditional Fish Camp fare that includes the best fried gator tails around. (Yum!) Sit and sip in the Lazy Gator Bar with stunning views of the lake. And don’t leave without an unforgettable photo-op holding a baby alligator. In 1923, a traveling circus didn’t knowwhat they were start- ing when they gifted a rhesus monkey to the Elks Club in San- ford. Interest grew as the Sanford Fire Department got on board by acquiring a squirrel, a bulldog, a skunk, an opossum, a raccoon and another monkey. Over the years more animals were added until the city had a zoo. Today, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is still in Sanford, but now there are over 400 animals that include over 100 species, and it’s a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It’s also a non-profit wildlife, education and conservation resource for the entire family. Visitors can get close to many animals, such as feeding a giraffe or touching a one-horned rhino. There are entertaining and educational shows, and staff members stroll the grounds showing off non- threatening animals. All paths lead through the lush foliage. Professional horticul- turalists maintain the tropical gardens which feature specific categories: Health and Wellness, Butterfly, Wildflowers and Spiny Plants. Part of the zoo’s appeal are the other activities and events, like zip-lining, climbing through trees and the popular Brews Around the Zoo in April. If walking, jogging, hiking, biking or horseback riding is more your speed, choose from one of three recreation trails that cut through Sanford, Oviedo, Longwood, Winter Springs and Lake Mary. It’s an opportunity to enjoy some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. Savory and Sweet The adventure continues when dining out around Orlando North. Diverse tastes are satisfied with menu offerings of eth- nic, fusion cuisine, farm-to-table and Southern favorites. People literally eat their way along Sanford’s First Street. The Willow Tree Café found a new life in 2009 when Theo and Find us on Facebook and Instagram APRIL 2018 21