Scenic Route 41

Route 41 cuts straight through the country from west to east along the northern edge of the Everglades. It connects the two coasts from Miami to Naples. It's a really scenic drive, with plenty of stops along the way to take a closer look at the nature and wildlife. Alligators are everywhere! They lounge in the canals that run alongside the road, and you quickly get used to spotting these creatures all the time. Unfortunately, the Everglades are suffering due to massive development, which disrupts the natural flow of water that's vital for this wetland area. Back in the day, the Everglades got its water from lakes and rivers up north, especially during floods after heavy rains. These days, artificial water supply is necessary. The Everglades are alive, but it's a manufactured kind of life. Along Route 41, you'll find the Miccosukee Indian Reservation. You can visit a Native American village and check out their crafts. Unfortunately, it feels more like a set than a genuine experience. There's not much left of the original way of life and culture. The Miccosukee people fled to the Everglades after years of conflict and battles with European settlers. Those who remained, the survivors of the struggles, moved here hoping for a peaceful life. Naples is an expensive place to stay. I’d recommend heading a bit north to Ft. Myers, where the prices are much more reasonable. You can also use coupon books to negotiate hotel rates. If a hotel sees that other places are cheaper, they sometimes agree to lower their prices accordingly. It never hurts to ask with a smile!