Bright Lights, Winter Nights

All photos by Kelsey Walters This time of year, there’s nothing quite like the magic of twinkling lights. We live in one of those crazy Christmas light neighborhoods that does it up big each year. I love to stroll around the block and see what all our neighbors have come up with. A spot in north Florida, however, puts us and every other light display Read More » Continue reading Bright Lights, Winter Nights

NOW OPEN on Flagler Avenue: Shades of New Smyrna Beach

Q & A WITH MARY FRANCES STAGE, OWNER Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN SHADES OF NSB?  A: I have always wanted to own a boutique along Flagler Avenue. So, I spent some time visiting the shops and businesses from the river to the ocean. I wanted to see what kind of shop I could open that would add to the shopping experience. I decided Read More » Continue reading NOW OPEN on Flagler Avenue: Shades of New Smyrna Beach

‘Tis the (Camping) Season

All photos and text by Kelsey Walters With our recent taste of cooler weather, Floridians everywhere are flocking to the outdoors. With the promise of days ahead that won’t feel like they’re being spent on the surface of the sun, my family is gearing up for camping season and we kicked it off with a trip to a fun riverside spot for plenty of fresh Read More » Continue reading ‘Tis the (Camping) Season

INSIDE LOOK: Bagel Barn Cafe & Deli

Volusia County is filled with an abundance of wonderful eateries, created by driven individuals with passion and dedication, who want nothing more than to share their talent and culinary vision with our community. This is why locals love living here and others are excited to travel from surrounding cities to experience our unique and delightfully tasty towns.  Well, it is time to add another restaurant Read More » Continue reading INSIDE LOOK: Bagel Barn Cafe & Deli

A Haunting We Will Go

Photos by Kelsey Walters Like any city or town with a long history behind it, St. Augustine is no stranger to scary ghost stories and unusual happenings. Seeing as it lays claim to the title of the oldest established city in the United States, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of chronicles of sordid ongoings throughout the city’s cobblestone streets.  In fact, on any given Read More » Continue reading A Haunting We Will Go

Get to Know: Michael Zaharios III

People who work with Michael gain both the knowing and the feeling of how to realize their inner entrepreneur potential.  “I believe in a world where everyone embraces their inner entrepreneur to unlock a higher level of our fullest potential. I’m blessed to say I have successfully unlocked my inner entrepreneur and it has provided me with a mindset of taking action to gain positive results in Read More » Continue reading Get to Know: Michael Zaharios III

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

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