Charley's World

Hillsborough County’s Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is another great place to get and out explore the great outdoors. You'll find winding boardwalks, an observation tower, hiking trails, and lots of wildlife. This is a step back into old Florida.

The pandemic has hit tourism hard. Charley checks in with Visit Tampa Bay to see how they are reacting, as well as with the folks at Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Florida Aquarium.

TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park workers say this is the largest zip line aerial adventure park in Central Florida.

The four-legged students of Southeastern Guide Dogs are going back to school, and they have some new places to learn and exercise here. They have a new aquatic center, complete with a hydrotherapy tank.

The Naked Farmer recently opened two locations, one at 200 Central Avenue in St. Pete, and a smaller version at Tampa's Sparkman Wharf. They set out to help local farmers do better, and help customers eat better.

Croc Encounters started as a non-profit sanctuary in 2005, and became an educational facility open to the public for tours. They are home to unwanted reptiles, birds and mammals.

The Florida Botanical Gardens is a great place to get out, get some fresh air and enjoy gorgeous gardens, while staying socially distant. It’s free to wander through these gardens and a great place to take pictures.

The round robin games begin for the Lightning on Monday afternoon against the Washington Capitals. Here's how you can still be the thunder, but from a distance.

If you’ve ever wanted to go out on a dolphin quest, or pretend to be a pirate for awhile, there's a place where you can do either. A couple took over the boat tours at John’s Pass about a year ago. They had high hopes for their small business, and then a pandemic hit.

Camp Cristina is a good, old-fashioned summer camp, with swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and lots of fun. They are trying to achieve those same goals -- but in the middle of a pandemic.

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, a beautiful park along the Hillsborough River, is home to all sorts of activities, including rowing.

The new St. Pete Pier has been open for nearly a month. Charley visits the landmark for the first time.

Bok Tower Gardens is filled with a wonderful landscape, and has plenty of views to offer.

For those who love to tear up the hills on two wheels -- whether you're a beginner or an Olympian -- the Sarasota BMX Academy has a preeminent track.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is a wonderful place to visit, explore the outdoors, take photos and learn about different plants and flowers. This is also the last week of a special exhibit called 'Salvador Dali - Gardens of the Mind.'

McCormick’s Cable Park is a good activity during this pandemic, as you can stay outside and easily socially distant. People who want to learn how to wakeboard or waterski love training at the cable park...and even experts enjoy coming out here and perfecting their skills. A cable system does the work of a powerboat, pulling skiers around the lake.

Over in Lakeland, you never know what you may find at the Vintage Warehouse. It all started with three women who ran out of room in their own garages, so they combined collections to create a business. The warehouse provides an opportunity for crafters and pickers to showcase their talents and available goods, and a chance for customers to peruse upcycled, repurposed, and vintage wares. Approximately 15 vendors offer hidden treasures that change daily. They are open Thursday to Sunday each week at 4308 Wallace Road in Lakeland.