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Florida Has One Of The Best Zipline Courses In America

A man on a Zip Line Experience through a rainforest

At some point, everyone has thought about or dreamed about having the superpower to be able to fly. Aside from skydiving and hang-gliding, the closest human beings can get to actually being able to fly freely through the open air is ziplining. Vacation Idea recently listed the 20 best zipline courses in the country, and a Florida location was named.

"Soaring above the treetops, attached to a thick wire and propelled by gravity, is a fantastic way to get an adrenaline rush and to see some of the surrounding area, whether you’re in the mountains, flying through a thick forest, or above a death-defying canyon," they say.

Each of those scenarios is possible when you partake in ziplining at the places mentioned in the feature. Regardless of the atmosphere you are zipping through, many zipline attributes are attributes are the same no matter where you go. In fact, most of these adventure centers allow guests of all experience levels. From first-timers to zipline enthusiasts, many of these courses also have their lines set to certain experience levels, similar to that of a ski mountain.

It starts with a tutorial on how to get properly set up and handle the gear. Then, it's imperative you understand how to climb the tree or platform to which the zipline is attached. Once you have reached the top, connecting your harness to the zipline properly is another element to flying safely. These two steps can often be the most challenging parts. So now that we are atop the two-foot platform on the 100-foot tree, let's explore this Zipline course in Florida that was named among the best in the country.

The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park - Ocala

Located at 8045 NW Gainesville RD. The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park offers much more than Ziplining. At this adventure center paradise, you can explore by air, land, or sea. For ziplining specifically, there are four primary options. The most popular is the Big Cliff Canyon tour. This contains nine zip lines, two rope bridges, and a rappel. It takes roughly three hours to complete. Furthermore, this zipline in Florida is where you fly over Lost Spring Lake in the Big Cliff Canyon.

The TreeTop Express is then a five-line tour that includes two rope bridges as well. Then, there's the SkyHigh three zip tour, gliding 1,150 feet long and 155 feet off the ground. Lastly, you can even zip at night under the stars. The Full Moon Night Zip takes you on the TreeTop Express tour during dark night hours.

Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries

Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.

"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.

French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).

French Fry Fun Facts

In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.

French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.

For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.

The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.

Broken Shaker - Miami

Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.

The Polite Pig

"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.