Rosie, I think the towns that are inland certainly have more of the 'old Florida' feel but anything near the beach is all built up and tourist-y. Here in Sarasota, we can drive 10 miles inland to Myakka City and it is very "small town".
That being said, when the tourists go home in the spring, the feel comes back and things get quieter and more homey even in the big tourist centers.
Are you looking for a vacation or thinking of moving here?
