Guest Author - Angela H. Cutrer
When I was growing up, swamp things really existed in my world. As a child living in the bedroom community of LaPlace, La, the marshes held all the wild creatures most people only dream about – or have nightmares about at night.
My family loved dining in Machac, La., where the restaurant’s landing area featured real giant turtles I used to gawk at because they were so fresh from the ocean. They’d lift their heads to look at the visitors and I remember getting goose bumps thinking about all they’d seen in their long lives.
My family also took advantage of other southernfares in the offerings: reptile farms, voo doo tours and the ever-present Six Flag adventures. All kids love annual trips of exciting rides, thrilling shows and preset holiday fares. But when it comes to vacation time, your kids might not have the opportunity to look out their windows at exotic animals awaiting discovery. That’s why sometimes kids need to get down and dirty and what could better than an alligator farm to bring excitement to your children's vacation?
Here are a few ideal places you might want to visit in the southcentral part of the United States if alligators are in your sight (or even if you want them on your plate!)
Everglades Alligator Park
On the edge of the Everglades National Park sits the Everglades Alligator Park, reported to be the oldest of its kind in south Florida. Here in the town of Homestead, kids can hold with their own hands actual alligators and view older gators in a natural habitat. It’s open year-round, except for Christmas.
Insta-gator Ranch
Covington, La., is home to the Insta-gator Ranch, where visitors can see eggs to adults in the alligator world. You can even buy alligator products, which might be a little upsetting to kids with questions about the alligator heads and skin wallets.
Arkansas Alligator Farm
In Hot Springs, Ark., there’s a small outfit called the Arkansas Alligator Farm. The site has much more than alligators, though; there are many different wild species for the kiddies to pet, including deer, big cats and reptiles.
Alligator Farm and Airboat Rides
In Moss Point, Miss., two brothers became famous when Katrina destroyed their alligator farm and scattered their crop. Now with the use of speedboats and elevated decks, the owners offer a unique and authentic view into the alligator life cycle.
Gator Alley Farm
In Summerdale, Ala., the Gator Alley Farm offers visitors the chance to watch gators at feeding time, and tours that feature all kinds of small creatures in the alligator’s environment.
http://www.everglades.com/
http://www.insta-gatorranch.com/
http://www.arkansasalligatorfarm.com/
http://www.airboatswamptoursofmississippi.com/
http://www.gatoralleyfarm.com/
