Browsing Tag

outdoors

Withlacoochee State Forest

Florida State Parks Travel

Withlacoochee, try saying that three times fast, or even three times correctly. I couldn’t seem to manage that despite how memorable it was.  What made this a memorable experience you ask? Well, it was almost my last*. I hope this blog post helps save lives. First, if you’re going to go off-roading in Florida, be sure you are in the appropriate off-roading vehicle. A Dodge Charger is not one of those.  Second, if you are going to explore the unknown,…

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Florida has old stuff too: Big Tree Park

Florida Like a Local State Parks Travel

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…

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Unique Florida: Solomon’s Castle

Florida Travel

“A man’s house is his castle” Florida, the land of retirees. Everyone dreams of retiring to the sunshine state and building their own castle made of aluminum in the middle of nowhere…oh wait, that was just Howard Solomon. While it may seem kitschy, it was built out of passion and love for art. Using other people’s trash, he built a treasure for himself, and his art. The outer walls, made from the repurposed aluminum printing plate of the Wauchula news,…

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Warm Things Up in Florida This Valentine's Day

Life Travel

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…

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Fall in Love with Nature in Alton, Illinois

Travel

Sometimes you find something in this world that is just so beautiful, it feels almost magical, and you just want to lose yourself in the moment.  That’s the way I felt on my recent getaway to Illinois. Mother Nature has a majestic way of showing off her brilliance, especially during the fall season. Breathing in the crisp air as I hiked through the woodlands of The Nature Institute made me feel alive.  The colors popped more and more with each…

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Not Everyday You Get To Hang with Sloths

Travel

That’s right…on my recent trip to Wild Florida I got to hang out with sloths, lemurs and gators. Bet you didn’t realize I kept such wild company. So, before I made all these new friends, I took a little trip through the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat.  If you have never been on an airboat before, you should.  It is a little noisy, but it’s also peaceful.  I know those two don’t usually go together, but on an…

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Taking in the beauty of Florida at Westgate Resorts

Travel

After a wonderful night’s sleep at Westgate Lakes, in Orlando, FL, I was ready to make the most of the day, after my morning cup of coffee, of course. The hardest part was choosing which activities to do.  There are a variety of water activities, kids activities, mini-golf, bike rentals and more. But, first things first…breakfast.  First stop, Sid’s Deli, in the main lobby. As soon as you walk through the door you can smell the coffee.  They were brewing Starbucks…

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