A tree covered boardwalk leads led to one of the most impressive sights, “The Senator,” a 3,500-year-old Cypress Tree. Unfortunately, it was lost to fire in 2012, and I was even more heartbroken to learn it was an act of vandalism. “The Senator” was one of the oldest and largest cypress trees in America. The Native Americans living in the area used this tree as a landmark while making their way through the swampy marsh. Serious sad face 🙁 I just…
Inhabited for more than 6,000 year by Native Americans, De Leon Springs became a popular tourist destination in the late 1800's as it was believed to be Ponce de Leon's famed Fountain of Youth. …
This diverse state park offers a whole lot of nature and history, beginning with the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oaks in the South. It has stood in this very spot for over 400 years; just imagine the things it has seen, hurricanes, wars, floods, fires, and droughts, oh my. The Fairchild Oak marks the beginning of a 6.8 mile hiking trail, leading to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. While I love hiking trails, 6.8 miles seems…
Last week Florida experienced winter for the first time in 4 years, at least that’s what the news was reporting. I’m sure you probably saw the memes floating around social media: Floridians can handle category 4 hurricanes, but not winter. But hey, human beings weren’t the only ones struggling. Iguanas were literally falling from trees it was so cold, and manatees were making their way to warmer waters to get some cuddle time in. Blue Spring State Park is a…
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost Steinhatchee, Florida could be described as the road less traveled by, unless it’s scalloping season. This quaint fishing town is definitely for those looking for a place to relax, unwind and explore natural Florida. Ideal for a weekend getaway. Although I am a native Floridian, the Northwest Gulf Coast of Florida is an area I was pretty unfamiliar with. It’s not…
I think one of the reasons people are so stressed nowadays is because we feel everything has to planned out, when in fact, that is what takes the fun out of the adventure sometimes. A planner by nature, I always feel I have to have the course completely mapped out before I set forth, but that only causes stress and anxiety, whereas just going with the flow is fun and exciting. This weekend for example, I had a few wedding…