Slither into Summer: The Reptile Discovery Center

Photos by Scott and Kelsey Walters  Summer is here and for a lot of us, that means more time outdoors, enjoying the beach, springs and waterways while we soak up the sun. Living in a coastal community, it’s easy to forget about Florida’s other non-oceanic ecosystems and the abundance of wildlife we are surrounded with on a daily basis.  The Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand Read More » Continue reading Slither into Summer: The Reptile Discovery Center

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  Living in a peninsula like Florida, we are surrounded by water and ocean life, but it’s rare that we get to see the animals beneath the waves face-to-face. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota combines adventure with education to provide the opportunity to meet hundreds of marine species from in and around our coastal communities.  Mote Marine Read More » Continue reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Botanically Speaking

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  McKee Botanical Gardens – Vero Beach We’ve been very fortunate this past winter in Florida to have mild weather with just a few dips into the colder temperatures but no hard freezes. Because of this, crops and plants everywhere are thriving and even blooming a little earlier than normal.  Thanks to our sunny days and comfortable temperatures, anything outside Read More » Continue reading Botanically Speaking

The Wild Side of Florida

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  Florida is home to a number of wild creatures. Although animals like alligators, bobcats and the elusive Florida panther may be plentiful in our state, they can be a challenge to spot in the wild (and from a safe vantage point).  Wild Florida – Kenansville, FL  Wild Florida offers the chance to see not only native Florida wildlife, but Read More » Continue reading The Wild Side of Florida

Florida’s Winter Tourists: Manatees

Photos by Kelsey Walters  When the beginning of the year rolls around, you probably aren’t thinking about a trip to one of Florida’s many natural springs, of which there are over 700. The chilly water is a great way to cool off in the sweltering summer, but not exactly a winter warm up. There is, however, one group spending their winter vacation in the cool Read More » Continue reading Florida’s Winter Tourists: Manatees

magic of lights tunnel

A Magical Tour: Magic of Lights @ Daytona International Speedway

This article was originally published in December 2017. Some aspects of this attraction, including pricing and times, are subject to change. In November, Daytona International Speedway opens the gates to the county’s annual holiday attraction, Magic of Lights. The first of its kind for this area, Magic of Lights offers a drive-through light display experience that’s sure to delight the whole family. In addition to Read More » Continue reading A Magical Tour: Magic of Lights @ Daytona International Speedway

Lions, Tigers and Bears…Oh, my!

Down a long dirt road, in the middle of nowhere in Melrose, lies an animal lover’s paradise. If you happened to be driving by, you would find a simple wooden fence with a “Tiger Crossing” sign attached and wonder what could possibly be behind those gates. I promise you it’s worth investigating. Single Vision Wildlife Sanctuary in Melrose, FL Single Vision, Inc. is a 274-acre Read More » Continue reading Lions, Tigers and Bears…Oh, my!

Epic Encounter – Amazing Animals in St. Cloud, FL

I’ve spent my entire life as an animal lover. I’m raising our daughter, Avery, to be just as caring and loving towards animals as well. Our evenings and weekends are often spent outdoors looking for critters to study and learn from, catching toads and raising caterpillars.  When we heard about a place offering a chance to meet some animals that we have only seen from Read More » Continue reading Epic Encounter – Amazing Animals in St. Cloud, FL

Flutter By

Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter  Coming out of quarantine and heading straight into hurricane season can make Florida feel like a real downer these days. As Floridians take it all into stride, it’s nice to know that it’s not all gloom and doom. It’s also peak butterfly season!  Butterflies like it hot, so our state offers the perfect weather Read More » Continue reading Flutter By

Home on the Range

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – FL’s First State Preserve  All photos by Kelsey Walters If you’ve ever visited the Gainesville area, or even just driven through, you may have noticed a huge expanse of undeveloped land.  Things to Do Outdoors in Florida The sleepy little town of Micanopy, located just south of Gainesville, is home to an array of antique stores and quaint cafes…as Read More » Continue reading Home on the Range