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Here in Florida, we enjoy warmer winters than anywhere else in the United States. Without ice and snow to slow us down or keep us huddled inside, we’re free to gather with neighbors, snowbirds, and tourists to admire the creativity on display as vessels motor along one after the other in a quintessentially Floridian holiday boat parade.
If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays in the Sunshine State, check out the holiday boat parades happening this year!
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Hey cruise lovers! Did you know Florida has SEVEN different ports you can sail from? That's right – seven! I discovered this when planning my first Caribbean getaway and was totally overwhelmed by all the options. Miami or Fort Lauderdale? Tampa or Jacksonville? What's the deal with Port Canaveral anyway?
After five cruises (and counting!) from various Florida ports, I've learned each one has its own personality and perks. So I've put together this guide to help you figure out which Florida port matches your cruise style. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned sailor, let's find your perfect jumping-off point for adventure!
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BBT609, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Beautiful beaches, vibrant flora, fascinating fauna, thrilling theme parks—Florida is known for many things. One thing we’re known for that isn’t so great is how difficult it can be to get around my beloved, oddly-shaped home state. Anyone who’s driven on I-4 knows exactly what I’m talking about!
Thankfully, Florida travel—at least as it pertains to Central and South Florida—has a bright side: Brightline! I recently had the pleasure of riding Brightline from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale, but if you haven’t yet, read on to see if it’s for you!
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Autumn’s arrival means football season is around the corner! You already know the Noles, the Gators, the Rattlers, and the Knights have claimed national championships, but we have many other colleges also gearing up to tackle another year of college football. Whether you’re looking to catch a game on the screen or in the stands, check out the full line-up of Florida schools’ football season below! Just click on a college’s name to be taken to that college’s site where you can see live updates, get tickets, and more.
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Hey Disney fans! Who's ready for some fall magic? 🍂✨ If you're anything like me, you've been counting down the days until Walt Disney World transforms into an Autumn wonderland. From August to October, the parks come alive with both fall-ish and spooky fun that'll leave you will all the cozy pumpkin vibes. So, let's brew up all the reasons that makes # AugustWeen the right time to put those autumn dreams into action!
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Hurricane season is upon us!
Every year, from June through November, your social feeds get the occasional inundation of Jim Cantore and weather radar memes from your Florida-dwelling friends and relatives.
Unfortunately, hurricanes are rarely lighthearted matters. They can bring devastation to entire cities, counties, and the state. That’s why, if you live in Florida or plan to visit during hurricane season, it’s imperative you know how to access your county’s emergency management offices.
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Gorgeous caladiums come in many varieties. Visit the Lake Placid Caladium Festival to explore the world of caladiums.
I’m a big believer in the idea that beauty is everywhere if you know how to look for it. The great thing about the Sunshine State is that you don’t have to look hard at all to find beauty, and not only do Floridians know it, they literally cultivate it! For proof, look no further than the “Caladium Capital of the World” right here in Central Florida!
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Between theme parks and bustling beaches, Florida has no shortage of thrilling ways to spend your summer. If you’re in the mood for a more mellow pastime, one of a million—or should I say meowllion?—ways to unwind is by visiting one of the cat cafes that have been popping up all over the Sunshine State in the last few years. If you’ve never been to one before, a cat café is exactly what it sounds like. Before or after you enjoy the cafe’s offerings, you can bask in the company of friendly felines in an attached room. More often than not, these kitties are rescues, so your presence helps the cats get socialized and prepare them for adoption into a loving home.
Interested in experiencing a cat cafe for yourself? I’ve collected the most popular cat cafés in some of the most-visited Florida cities for you!
Read moreAnyone who’s ever snuggled a puppy, watched an old dog learn a new trick against all odds, or seen one of those happy-tear-inducing viral “baby’s furry protector” videos knows our animal companions are more than just pets—they’re family. And they deserve vacations, too!
Read moreThe Strawberry Festival is over, and it won’t be too long before summer cools into autumn. In the meantime, I’d like to turn your attention to another Southeastern U.S. fruit you won’t see on just any supermarket’s shelf. Meet the American beautyberry, a berry with a vibrant magenta color that lives up to its darling name.
Read moreHere’s a fun springtime fact for you: the name Florida comes from Ponce de León landing on Easter Sunday, the spanish “Feast of Flowers,” or Pascua Florida. So, long before we became the Sunshine State, we were named after flowers!
And Florida’s famous blooms are still flourishing today, as evidenced by our dozens of botanical gardens and arboretums. Before you plan your visit, scroll through my list of gardens you must see!
Read moreAll about this safe haven for Florida’s marine life. Clearwater Marine Aquarium has a lifesaving mission that is open to the public to learn, explore, and support.
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Florida’s Sweetest Spot: Plant City & the Florida Strawberry Festival
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Florida television and movies to binge until we leap into Spring
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Tarpon Springs: A Season of Epiphany, A Video Tour, and my Greek Heritage
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Florida is filled with lots of fun ideas for holiday giving that only Florida can deliver!
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While many might think there isn’t a fall in Florida, they’d be wrong! Florida’s fall is the gateway to our legendary winters. Rent a cabin, pitch a tent, and take in the Florida night skies.
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