Diversions & Excursions
Where to See Manatees
Every year, as Florida’s Gulf waters begin to cool and the winter air settles in, something magical happens beneath the surface. From November through late March, manatees make their annual pilgrimage from the chilly open waters of the Bay and the Gulf into the state’s warm, crystal-clear springs. Manatees, officially known as Trichechus Manatus Latirostris, […]
Historic Egmont Key
The Sunshine State is filled with history. Florida’s coastline is sprinkled with relics from centuries past, each telling its own story of times forgotten. From shipwrecks resting beneath our tropical waters, historic ruins hidden inland, and more than 300 historic forts and batteries, Florida’s past lingers all around us. Just south of Fort De Soto […]
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
There’s a certain magic in Florida’s springs. I’m not sure if it’s the crystal-clear turquoise waters coupled with the canopy of Spanish moss–draped cypress trees, or the wildlife that calls it home. But few places capture that wild, old-Florida charm quite like Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, a place where education, conservation, rehabilitation and native […]
A Visit to the Capybara Cafe
If you had ever told me that I would enjoy feeding the world’s largest rodents, I would not have believed you. I am not generally a huge animal person, but I have to admit I was intrigued when I learned about the existence of the Capybara Café in St. Petersburg. I decided to experience the […]
A Day Trip Mirada Lagoon
We spent a blistering summer day at Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio, Florida, and it felt like stepping into a Caribbean resort. This massive 15-acre, man-made lagoon is the largest in the United States, and is just minutes away from its sister property, Epperson Lagoon. As I set foot on the soft white sand, I […]
Discover Florida’s Natural Wonders with a Florida State Parks Pass
When you think of Florida, images of theme parks and bustling beaches probably come to mind. Beyond the rollercoasters and resorts lies a hidden treasure trove of pristine wilderness, crystal springs, lush forests and serene beaches, many of which are protected by the state park system. Whether you’re a family of six or an individual […]
Escapology Challenges Even the Most Puzzle-Savvy Players
When my 19-year-old son, Quinn, was young, one of our favorite pastimes was playing the Professor Layton game series on his Nintendo DS. The overarching story was one large mystery, and as we played, we gathered clues to help us solve it. I had wanted to experience an escape room for some time, and I […]
St. Andrews State Park: A Slice of Paradise on the Emerald Coast
Nestled at the eastern tip of Panama City Beach, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the party zone, St. Andrews State Park is a stunning oasis that offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and wildlife encounters. With its powdery white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters, this 1,200-acre park is a gem along Florida’s Gulf […]
Indulge Your Fancy Side at Joseph’s Tea
Walking down a red carpet can make even the most mundane activity or place feel special. Imagine my surprise when some friends and I went for afternoon tea in Clearwater and were greeted by a red carpet in the parking lot leading up to a storefront bedecked with flowers. Joseph’s Tea made a delightful first […]
