If you’re making summer plans, here are some exciting places to visit this summer near Tampa, Florida. All of these activities are great for kids and most are budget friendly! Whether you’re a Tampa Bay local or just visiting, there’s something for everyone on this list! 1. Anna Maria Island Anna Maria Island is one …
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, FL feels like stepping into another state. On the trails you’ll encounter elevation changes, two suspension bridges, stone stairs, roots, observation platforms, and more. But what the park is best-known for is the spectacular azalea bloom each February. Azaleas line the entire ravine, blanketing the trails with pink blossoms. …
Tarpon Springs is a city in north Pinellas County known for its sponge diving industry and Greek population. The city started to boom in the 1890’s when divers from Greece came to harvest the plentiful sponges. To this day, Tarpon Springs still remains one of the most prosperous natural sponge markets in the world and …
Anna Maria Island is a quaint beach town on Florida’s west coast. This hidden gem is reminiscent of coastal old Florida. The pace is a little slower on Anna Maria Island – you will truly feel like you’re on Island Time. You’ll get to experience a relaxing Florida beach vacation without all the hustle and …
Gainesville is a city in North Central Florida best known as the home of the Florida Gators at University of Florida. But Gainesville is also a nature hotspot with some amazing parks. Gainesville has four completely distinct Florida State Parks within the city limit, a State Trail, and several other county parks, gardens, and even …
St. Petersburg, Florida has such a fun and eclectic restaurant scene. Tampa’s smaller, more laid back sister city is home to amazing restaurants, bars, and unique dining experiences. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, and there are hundreds of amazing restaurants to try in the area. After living in St. Pete for …
One of the oldest and largest Florida State Parks, Myakka River State Park offers a wide variety of activities and experiences that are sure to be an adventure. Just south of Tampa in Sarasota, this surprisingly wild park is just miles away from some of Florida’s best beaches. Alligators, birds, deer, otter, and more can …
There are a ton of Tampa Bay Christmas events happening this year to get your fill of Christmas spirit. From lights displays to musicals to ice skating, there is something here that everyone will enjoy! Tampa/Hillsborough County Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park This classic Tampa holiday event features local shop pop-ups, cafe and sweet …
Shopping for holiday gifts can be difficult if you’re looking for stocking stuffers, budget gifts, or a fun experience for the “person who has everything.” These gifts are perfect for the Florida-lover in your life, Florida-lover approved! By the way, these gifts are great any time of year! Shop my guide for birthdays, housewarmings, Florida …
O’Leno State Park is a beautiful park in North Florida, but it also has a very unique feature – the Santa Fe River flows completely underground in a sink and then reappears above ground three miles away in River Rise Preserve State Park. O’Leno was one of Florida’s first state parks. It opened in 1940, …