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…
nature
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. …
Sunflowers make me smile, for obvious reasons, so when I heard about a sunflower maze about an hour away from Orlando, I knew I had to check it out. Down a narrow dirt path in Mims, Florida you will find yourself at Sledd’s U-Pick Strawberries. The sprawling yellow fields can’t be missed as you drive up. Corn Maze: Check Sunflower Maze: Check Where will I find myself lost next? It’s a fantastic afternoon activity for families, and of course quite…
I’ve put my nurturing skills to the test. A couple of weeks ago I took a trip to Florida Cactus, a nursery devoted to cacti and succulents. I first learned about this place on Instagram, of course. However, Instagram did not prepare me for how expansive it was. Row after row of succulents, cacti and various other plants filled 20 large greenhouses. If you are a lover of succulents, you will love this place. We checked in at the office…
Lately, I’ve been on the go a lot. Between weddings, anniversaries, family visits, it’s been awhile since I’ve had a quiet weekend at home. It was nice to not have any sort of plans or schedule this weekend and just play it by ear, exploring our own back yard. First up, Greenwood Urban Wetland Park. This beautiful oasis is plop in the middle of Downtown Orlando, but surprisingly quiet and peaceful. Thanks to the recent drought, water levels were surprisingly…
“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 felt like I was in a scene from The Notebook –you know when Allie and Noah are out on the water, in a canoe, and all of a sudden it starts pouring down rain—yes, that happened on a recent trip to Wekiva Springs. Just about 20 minutes north of Orlando lies this peaceful oasis of sorts. A perfect relaxing getaway, ideal for unwinding after a busy week. I was literally forced to unplug since I was without cell service…
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and here are some fun things to think about for your romantic weekend, especially for my fellow Floridians. Wake Up Call: Early It may be early, but what’s more romantic than watching the sunrise as you are floating 1,500 feet in the air? I couldn’t wait to take a hot air balloon ride with my fiancé. The setting was absolutely picture perfect, however after being in the air for about 2 minutes, I…