Uniquely Florida Attractions T-Z

Titanic: The Experience - Orlando.  This is the first permanent museum dedicated to the doomed liner Titanic and the only one in the world with full scale re-creations, including the Grand Staircase.  There are over 200 artifacts on display, some for the first time, as well as memorabilia from various movies about the ship.  Admission.  7324 International dr., Orlando, FL 32819.  Phone: (407) 248-1166.

Venetian Pool - Coral Gables.  Originally a quarry pit, this one time eyesore was transformed in 1924 into what the City of Coral Gables says is "the only swimming pool of its kind with its vine-covered loggias, shady porticos, spanish fountain, three-story observation towers and cascading waterfalls that spill into a free-form lagoon complete with coral rock caves and palm-fringed island."  It's 800,000 gallons are drained each night and replaced daily by its natural aquifer.  Please note that children under age 3 are not permitted. Admission.  2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134.  Phone: (305) 460-5306.

Water Ski Hall of Fame - Polk City.  Officially called the American water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum, the museum documents the history of waterskiing and the acomplishemnts of its participants.  Exhibits include the first pair of waterskis, antique engines, a research library and the hall of fame.  Admission.  1251 Holy Cow Rd., Polk City, FL 33686.  Phone: (863) 324-3996.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - Weeki Wachee.  Newton Perry, a former Navy Frogman, built an underwater theater in 1947 at this natural spring to showcase its beauty.  His creation was famous for its "mermaid" shows, in which women dressed in mermaid costumes performed and even ate underwater.  It has been host to a number of TV shows and movies over the years.  In 1966, the park, and its resident employees, incorporated into a city, one of the smallest in the nation (current population 9).  The mermaid shows continue to this day, and the park also now has Buccaneer Bay water park and glass bottom boat rides.  Admission.  6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606.  Phone: (352) 592-5656.

World Erotic Art Museum - Miami Beach.  The World Erotic Art Museum showcass an extensive collection or erotic art for "liberated art lovers" including sculpture, tapestries, and artifacts dating to 200 B.C.  Parental discretion is advised due to the nature of the material.  Admission.  1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139.  Phone: (305) 532-9336 or (866) 969-WEAM.

World's Largest McDonald's - Orlando.  Ranked #2 by The Travel Channel as the world's best McDonald's to play in, this is a must see during any visit to Orlando, especially for kids.  Mickey D's, as this location is known, offers the worl's largest playplace at 25,000 square feet, 100 arcade games, a 500 gallon aquarium and even fresh cooked gourmet food such as wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta, and it's even open 24 hours a day.  It's located just off International Drive in the heart of Orlando's attraction zone.  6875 Sand Lake rd., Orlando, FL 32819.  Phone: (407) 351-2185.

World's Smallest Police Station - Carrabelle.  Located in the small Panhandle town of Carrabelle, a phone booth served for many years as the official police station for the town's lone deputy until vandalism forced the city to remove it from the street.  It is now on display at the city's chamber of commerce and is worth a photo if you're in the area.  Free.  105 St. James Avenue, Carrabelle, FL 32322.  Phone: (850) 697-2585.