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

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

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

Just Horsin’ Around @ Cheyne Ranch, Oveido, FL

Photos by Kelsey & Scott Walters  Our toddler, Avery, is head-over-heels in love with horses (I mean, what little girl isn’t at some point in her life?). Like a lot of parents, we’re spending more time at home lately and looking for activities that are both engaging and educational, while staying safe.  Fun Family Things to do in Oveido, Florida Cheyne Ranch in Oviedo offered Read More » Continue reading Just Horsin’ Around @ Cheyne Ranch, Oveido, FL

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

Summer in Bloom

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 Read More » Continue reading Summer in Bloom

Treetop Trek – Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure

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 Read More » Continue reading Treetop Trek – Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure

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