Visitors to Florida during the month of October have a choice of local festivals to try out as an alternative to lazy days on the beach.

Living the American dream of a luxurious lifestyle with sun and sea making lazy days on the beach an even more pleasant experience is the aim of many holidaymakers who fly to Florida from the UK. Sanford airport is just a short drive from a choice of beachside resorts that provide those all important ingredients. But when the body has had enough of complete relaxation, the mind may seek some further stimulation and one of Florida's local festivals may just fit the bill.

During October there are a few choices. One of the largest is the annual craft fair at Mount Dora, which this year is held on 24th October and 25th October. The organisers estimate that visitor numbers will reach 250,000 at this year's 25th running of the fair.

Another large event, although not on the scale of the Mount Dora craft fair, was the three day Music Fest that was held in Winter Garden between the 2nd and 4th of October. This free celebration of music took place primarily on the streets of Winter Garden and showcased many styles of music including jazz, blue grass, opera, classical, rock and gospel.

Another music festival in October is the three day Journey Fest in Tampa Bay. The Charlie Daniels Band are the country stars that headline 35 other acts at the festival which takes place at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Brooksville.

A further 14,000 visitors were predicted for the 12th annual Greek Festival that ran between the 9th and the 11th of October in St Augustine.