“Butterflies are self propelled flowers.” ~R.H. Heinlein
Florida's Nature Coast is most definitely a hidden gem in Tampa bay's treasure chest. One of the less traveled areas of the West Coast of Florida is Homossasa, and one of the least crowded places to go on a Saturday (or any day) is Homosassa's Butterfly Garden.
Butterflies seem to bring endless smiles to both young and old. Their beauty often brings a peace like nothing else on our precious Earth can. Photographers, children, Moms and Dads can add some peace, beauty and fun to their day by visiting this hidden treasure among a myriad of gems on our gorgeous West Coast.
Those of us blessed to be living in Florida, especially in the Tampa bay area, definitely have many advantages (besides the warm weather and beautiful beaches), as there are over 20,000 species of butterflies that can be found here.
Not only is the warm weather a good thing for us, but did you know that butterflies can not fly unless their body temperature is above 86 degrees? That is why butterflies sun themselves, to stay warm so they can fly. Just another reason to love the gorgeous temperate climate.
Since Homossasa is such a small friendly community and just a short trip north from Tampa, Homossasa's Butterfly Garden in Citrus County Florida is a perfect place to take your camera, the kids and even Grandma and Grandpa. There is so much to enjoy there, for both young and old, everyone will have a good time, for only a minimal admission fee, while the photographer in the family will be thrilled with the climate controlled photo-ops.
The Homossasa Butterfly tour starts with a short movie on a butterfly’s life cycle, from egg to caterpillar and chrysalis to adult (FYI; the entire process of their life cycle only lasts from between one month and one year depending on the species).
Then everyone moves on to the exhibition area, with a guide who shows the group around the stages of a butterfly's life in living color through live exhibits in each room, plus answer any questions. Most times the audience will witness a few species of butterflies emerging from a chrysalis stage as many are on site. A very informative guide is always available for any questions about any of the caterpillars, pupa, chrysallis, butterflies or their habits.
After a tour of the inside, the guide takes everyone outside to the small outdoor butterfly garden greenhouse which is filled with a myriad of flora along with hundreds of butterfly species, a Japanese bridge, a tiny waterfall and even a little stream for the local fauna. Tons of photo opportunities are available at every minute so bring the extra camera batteries.
Butterfly garden flowers and plants can be purchased outside the greenhouse to bring home for a personal butterfly garden. They also have a gift shop for those who only want “non-living” keepsakes. The whole experience is a real treat for boys, girls, Moms, Dads, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and even Grandparents; everyone will love this excursion.
Stay tuned for more insider info from the Nature Coast.
Email; info@homosassabutterfly.com for more information at Homosassa Butterfly
Homosassa Butterfly
Place page
6991 West Cardinal Street
Homosassa, FL 34446-3055
(352) 628-6362
Get directions
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”~Maya Angelou
@homosassabutterfly.com>
RESOURCES:
http://www.homosassabutterfly.com
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