Text by Kelsey Walters // Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters With cooler temps and sunny days combining to create the perfect weather, Floridians are flocking to the outdoors this time of year. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the break from the heat. Wildlife everywhere are rejoicing in the milder weather and getting more and more active. All this means that it’s zoo season! … Continue reading Where the Wild Things Are: Brevard Zoo
All photos by Kelsey Walters Orlando and the surrounding areas have no shortage of things for tourists and locals to explore. In fact, it can be pretty overwhelming when deciding what park to visit, where to dine and what to do in between to maximize your vacation, or staycation. Given its close proximity, Orlando loves to flock to our beaches, and in turn, Volusians spend … Continue reading Come Sail Away: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Everyone is invited to explore one of Florida’s natural treasures with the Marine Discovery Center (MDC) by booking a spot on one of their guided ecotours. You can kayak the waters of New Smyrna Beach, or relax on their pontoon boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon. They also offer walking tours where you can learn about Florida’s local flora and fauna, as well as … Continue reading Marine Discovery Center EcoTours
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 … Continue reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve had to do some major soul searching to come to terms with this year’s family holidays. I’ve had to come to terms with this year, period. I won’t be spending it with my children, my grandchildren or friends. Poor me. That’s one way to think about it, or I can completely change my attitude, and discover new possibilities. New Ways to … Continue reading A Very Different Thanksgiving
Photos by Kelsey and Scott Walters Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Gainesville, Florida Back in 1513 when explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon (yes, the same namesake of Ponce Inlet and De Leon Springs), stumbled across our southern state in his search for the elusive Fountain of Youth, he was overwhelmed with the land’ s budding tropical beauty. When he laid claim to the territory for Spain … Continue reading Summer in Bloom
In the heart of Daytona, just down the street from the famed Daytona International Speedway, there’s something lurking in the trees in Tuscawilla Park. Unless you’re as out of shape as I am, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Tuscawilla wasn’t always a go-to destination in the area, but a Central Florida company has brought a new sense of adventure to the park. Zoom … Continue reading Treetop Trek – Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
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 … Continue reading Epic Encounter – Amazing Animals in St. Cloud, FL
Like everywhere else in the world, the local economy in Southeast Volusia County has been decimated by the coronavirus. Until very recently, shops were shuttered, beach access was restricted and many small business owners found themselves on the rails. Many businesses have awakened from their two-month slumber to find that the world has completely changed. Customers are slow to return, restaurants and stores are open … Continue reading Local Entrepreneurs Create a COVID-19 Resilience Plan
At their May 12 regular (virtual) meeting, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission approved another round of preventative measures in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. NSB City Commission approves reopening Farmers Market, postpones 4th of July fireworks The New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market in front of City Hall at 210 Sams Ave., excluding food trucks, may reopen Saturday, May 23 under CDC social distancing … Continue reading NSB Announces Upcoming Changes to Farmers Market, Summer Holidays
