Ripe for the Picking: Spring Garden Vineyard

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  Considering Florida’s reputation as a tourist trap, you don’t often think of the state’s agricultural business when you cite the state’s popular attractions and money-makers. Sure, we obviously have our citrus industry as a cash cow, and you-pick blueberry season is increasingly popular in the spring.  I bet you don’t conjure up sprawling vineyards when you imagine Floridian agriculture, Read More » Continue reading Ripe for the Picking: Spring Garden Vineyard

Wild Florida: A New Ride on the Wild Side

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  You may recall earlier this year, our family visited Wild Florida, just south of Orlando. We had an amazing time there and were thrilled when we were invited back to try out the wildlife park’s newest experience, the VIP Safari Tour.  Wild Florida offers the chance to not only see native Florida wildlife, but exotic creatures as well, in Read More » Continue reading Wild Florida: A New Ride on the Wild Side

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

Chasing Waterfalls at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  When you picture a Floridian landscape, what do you think of? Perhaps sandy beaches, sprawling flatlands…maybe some wooded forests?  Rolling hills and tumbling waterfalls probably didn’t come to mind, right? In Williston, just south of Gainesville, you’ll fi nd just that. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a gardener ’s dream project over 100 years in the making.  Cedar Read More » Continue reading Chasing Waterfalls at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

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

crystal river and Homosassa things to do

History Right Beneath Your Feet

Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters Crystal River Archaeological State Park  Given Florida’s rich history, it’s likely that just about everywhere you explore has a bit of a past. Dating back to prehistoric times, much of the land we live, work and play on today was once a site of significance to Native Americans.  Ancient middens dot the state’s landscape, with the most notable local Read More » Continue reading History Right Beneath Your Feet

African Adventure on a Budget

Lion Country Safari – Loxahatchee, FL Please note, due to COVID-19, only the drive through safari is available at this time. Finding ways to beat the heat during Florida summers can be tough, especially after you’ve exhausted every water park, pool and spring within a 100-mile radius. There are other ways to have fun without getting those wrinkly, raisin fingers or even leaving the comfort Read More » Continue reading African Adventure on a Budget