Last Updated on May 31, 2023
Authentic Florida is proud to announce a new and exciting partnership with the nine-county Central Florida PBS station, WUCF.
Beginning on September 15, 2022, the WUCF hit show Central Florida Roadtrip will become Florida Road Trip and debut a brand-new 8th season.
Authentic Florida is along for the ride for this historic season that takes its adventures on the road throughout the entire Sunshine State.
“The new program expands beyond Central Florida and explores the history, culture and quirks that make all Florida neighborhoods unique,” said Jennifer Cook, Executive Director of WUCF. “Authentic Florida was the ideal partner to go beyond the show and encourage our viewers to visit these amazing Florida destinations by providing five specific, value-added travel ideas per episode.”
The team at Authentic Florida will be writing a blog post that includes the Top 5 additional places to visit, eat, shop or stay in each destination from a local’s perspective and other important things to know before you go.
As with all the past and now new episodes, viewers will take a ride through history, discover some of the most interesting people and places in Florida, learn the incredible backstories and experience a new side to the cities, towns, and roadside attractions in which they live and visit.
In season 8, Florida Road Trip will be traveling to Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa, the Everglades, St. Pete, and some unusual Florida attractions.
This season is hosted by Buddy Pittman, a beloved veteran Central Florida broadcast journalist/producer, and quintessential storyteller. Buddy was also the producer of Central Florida Roadtrip.
Jacksonville is the first stop in the new season. 2022 also happens to be Jacksonville’s bicentennial celebration which means this is a great time to visit Jacksonville and explore its history firsthand.
On the Jacksonville edition of Florida Road Trip, viewers will visit the Treaty Oak where one of the oldest Florida tourist attractions once lived. Then, WUCF captures the city’s rich film and music past, and raises the curtain on the historic Florida Theatre … and so more!
Florida Road Trip airs Thursdays, beginning September 15th at 8:00 p.m. on WUCF.
For full episodes and to learn more about each city on the special WUCF/Authentic Florida blog, visit floridaroadtrip.org.
- Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville
- Top 5 Things to Do Near Gainesville FL
- Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa
- Top 5 Things to Do in the Florida Everglades
- Top 5 Things to Do in St. Pete, FL
- Top Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions
Additionally, follow the fun on social media – TikTok: @floridaroadtrip.org and on Instagram: @WUCFTV. #JoinTheRide
ABOUT WUCF
As the sole-service PBS member station, WUCF serves 4 million people across the nine-county Central Florida area, bringing PBS favorites in the areas of education, STEM, news and public affairs, and arts & culture.
In 2019, WUCF provided more than 35,000 hours of high-quality programming across four channels. WUCF’s primary channel is ranked the #6 most-watched station in Orlando’s 500+ channel environment.
WUCF is one of the few entities in Central Florida that provide free, accessible, quality educational programs and services, reaching more than 500,000 people every week.
ABOUT AUTHENTIC FLORIDA
AuthenticFlorida.com focuses on the best places to visit across the Sunshine State. From beautiful beaches to small-town treasures, Authentic Florida seeks out free, affordable and fun places to visit that go way beyond the large theme parks Florida is known for.
Whether it’s taking a scenic drive or providing the best stops for a day trip or an epic Florida road trip, Authentic Florida has it covered.
Established in 2011, Sarasota native Robin Draper wanted to share the simple and delightful pleasures of Florida living and created the AuthenticFlorida.com blog.
In 2018, Melanie Lentz-Janney took ownership and began adding a kitschy spin as well as more favorite places to eat, shop, and stay. She also expanded other areas such as conservation and put a spotlight on supporting small businesses during the COVID pandemic.
Authentic Florida has won several awards and has been praised by many as being a fun, off-the-beaten-path Florida Road Trip Guide and the inspiration behind memory-making Sunshine State travel adventures.
Looking for some suggestions for your next Florida road trip? Check out:
- A Road Trip to Southwest Florida’s Best Shell Destinations
- A Road Trip to Florida’s Best Independent Bookstores
- A Road Trip to 5 Vintage General Stores in Florida
- A Road Trip to the 9 Best Mini Golf Courses in Florida
- A Road Trip to 8 Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Florida
- An Authentic Florida Irish Pub Road Trip
- Our 9 Favorite Must-Have Travel Accessories for Any Road Trip
- Mango Mania! An Authentic Florida Road Trip
- An Authentic Florida Upper Keys Road Trip (Key Largo)
- 27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your Bucket List