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
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
Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters With Florida’s discovery dating back to 1513 and thousands of years of Native American occupation before that, there’s no shortage of history to be found on our state’s lands. Where there’s history, there’s bound to be ghost stories. We’ve all heard tales of the supposed apparitions haunting the streets of historic places like St. Augustine and Ybor City, but Read More » Continue reading Hunting for a Haunting: A DIY Ghost Tour of Amelia Island
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
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
Text and Photos by Kelsey Walters This month, I wanted to finally go somewhere that I have always been wanting to visit. I came to Florida every year on vacation as a kid before moving here. The allure of theme parks and attractions always pulled us in, but there is a park that was around long before Disney showed up in 1971. Fun Family Things Read More » Continue reading Florida Mascot & Menace
Juniper Springs Recreation Area All photos by Kelsey Walters It’s a new year, and that’s supposed to mean new you, right? Whatever you’re trying to renew this year, this decade in fact – even if it’s just your sense of adventure, Florida has plenty to offer. Now proud owners of a rambunctious toddler very fond of her newfound skills of running, jumping and climbing, my Read More » Continue reading Into the Woods
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
Q&A with Co-Owners Alonda McCarty & Chelsea Preston Interview by Tiffany Evers // Photos by Kelsey Walters Q: When did you open your doors? A: June 2019 Q: What exactly is The Florida Local? A: The Florida Local is a happy little sip and shop artisan market and specialty coffee bar focused on selling Florida-made products and brands. We represent over 50 different artisans from Read More » Continue reading INSIDE LOOK: The Florida Local
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis, FL Does the thought of strolling through a wintery forest to carefully choose your own Christmas tree sound like the ideal holiday to you? While I can’t promise a snowy wonderland, there is a spot in Florida that allows you to cut your own Christmas tree, plus tons more fun to get your family in the holiday spirit. Holiday Read More » Continue reading Walking in a Winter Wonderland
