Located in west central Florida, Wesley Chapel is a growing community whose roots date back to the 1840s. Four pioneer families received land grants for the area, and following the Civil War, a new influx of residents swelled the population.
In Wesley Chapel, visitors can spend the morning on the links and an afternoon in the spa at Saddlebrook Resort. Saddlebrook offers two Arnold Palmer-designed courses and a 20-acre practice area. Features include a red clay station that helps players perfect contact in their swing.
Planning a visit? Stay at Beginning Point RV Park.
Take advantage of a sunny Florida afternoon and take the family to Wesley Chapel District Park. This 120-acre recreational park offers a fitness trail, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields as well as picnic tables and charcoal grills for cookouts.
Cypress Creek Preserve is a haven for several species of birds as well as a destination for peaceful hiking through acres of cypress trees, slash pine, longleaf pine and palmetto. Bicyclists can tour the preserve on five miles of paved or unpaved trails. During high-water times, fishing along Cypress Creek is permitted.
See Florida from a new angle on a hot air balloon ride, courtesy of American Balloons. One-hour rides take travelers over Wesley Chapel and nearby communities, and upon landing they can enjoy a champagne brunch at the company’s headquarters.
If you’ve got the extra time, spend an afternoon exploring nearby Zephyrhills, home to the Museum of Military History. Learn about the Army pilots who came to the area to train in the early days of World War II. Rail history buffs should stop at the Depot Museum, where a model train layout and educational displays are just a small part of the story told here.