The Ultimate Florida Summer Bucket List: 25 Must-Do Experiences

marissa covitt July 13, 2023

Despite the scorching heat and bustling crowds, Florida offers a plethora of thrilling activities and enchanting destinations that are best enjoyed during the hottest months of the year.

Whether you call Florida home or are just passing through, let this be your guide to over 25 fun-filled experiences and breathtaking locations that are sure to make this a summer to remember.

1. Dive into Aquatic Thrills: Snorkel with manatees, explore vibrant coral reefs, or take a thrilling jet ski ride along the coast. There is much fun to be had in Florida’s many waterways. I detailed a manatee tour I took in this post if you’re looking too swim with some gentle giants.

2. Unwind on World-Famous Beaches: With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida provides endless options for beachgoers seeking fun in the sun. So pack your sunscreen and spend a day at the beach and enjoy what Florida is most famous for.

3. Embark on a Kayaking Adventure: Within Florida's diverse landscapes, a world of options awaits.

Do you wish to paddle through enchanting mangrove tunnels, immerse yourself in the crystalline depths of natural freshwater springs, or seek solace in serene coastal estuaries?

The choice is yours, and each option promises a tranquil escape from the summer's heat.

4. Explore Theme Parks: If you’re feeling up to braving the crowds, Florida is home to over 30 thrilling theme parks, providing unparalleled adventures for all.

From the magical wonders of Walt Disney World to the adrenaline-pumping rides at Universal Orlando Resort, there's an experience waiting for everyone.

5. Take a Wildlife Safari: Embark on a unique safari drive and familiarize yourself with the incredible wildlife in a natural habitat. We love Wild Florida and detailed about the park here in this post.

6. Discover Florida's Springs: Swim in the cystal clear and refreshing waters of Florida’s natural springs. My personal favorite playground can be hard to get into in the summer season. I recommend my detailed spring guide and scoping out some lesser known springs.

7. Go Fishing: Cast your line in Florida's abundant fishing spots, whether it's deep-sea fishing, freshwater angling, or pier fishing.

8. Seek Thrills at Water Parks: Cool off and make a splash at water parks like Blizzard Beach, Adventure Island, or Volcano Bay.

9. Enjoy Water Sports: Try your hand at surfing, paddleboarding, or parasailing for an adrenaline-pumping experience on the water.

10. Visit Museums or art galleries: If the brutal heat or afternoon summer storms are keeping you indoors, this is the perfect time to explore history, science, and art at renowned museums like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or the Salvador Dali Museum. Florida is littered with an array of remarkable attractions and an abundance of roadside ‘museums’ filled with treasures.

11. Indulge in Waterfront Dining: Enjoy delicious seafood or tropical cocktails at waterfront restaurants with stunning ocean or river views. So fancy!

12. Witness Bioluminescent Magic: Take a night kayaking tour in the Indian River Lagoon or Mosquito Lagoon to witness the captivating glow of bioluminescent organisms. I wrote a bit about my experience with bio glow here in this post.

13. Embark on an Airboat Eco Tour: Glide through marshes and witness Florida's unique ecosystem while spotting wildlife like birds, gators, turtles, and more. If you’re not quite south enough to make it into the everglades, check out my post covering Wild Florida located in central Florida.

14. Attend Festivals and Events: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Florida’s many festivals such as the Florida State Fair, Strawberry Festival, or the Key West Lobster Fest.

15. Discover Artistic Enclaves: Explore the vibrant art scenes of Miami's Wynwood Walls, St. Petersburg's Art District, or Sarasota's Ringling Museum of Art.

16. Go on a Biking Adventure: Pedal through scenic trails like the Legacy Trail in Sarasota or the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades for a picturesque journey.

17. Cruise Along Scenic Waterways: Embark on a boat tour through the Intracoastal Waterway, St. Johns River, or the Florida Keys, enjoying breathtaking views. I personally love the glass bottom boat tours at Silver Springs.

18. Attend a Baseball Game: Cheer for the Miami Marlins or the Tampa Bay Rays and experience the excitement of America's favorite pastime.

19. Visit Botanical Gardens: Stroll through the stunning landscapes of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or Bok Tower Gardens.

20. Explore Historic St. Augustine: Wander the charming streets of the nation's oldest city, visiting historic sites and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

21. Swim with dolphins: We had a blast during our dolphin encounter at Marineland, which I share more about in this post. If you ask the kids, it’s tied with snowtubing in North Carolina as their favorite adventure yet, and we have been on many! Nothing screams summer vacation in Florida quite like swimming with a dolphin!

22.Snorkel, scuba, snuba or free dive:I don’t know about you, but due to the heat, I don’t want to be very far away from water in the summer.

Plus, there is so much to be seen submerged under the surface of Florida’s springs and oceans that you do not want to miss! From the only reefs in the continental US to limestone caves to statues of Jesus. Yes, really!

If you're seeking a refreshing adventure, grab your mask and embark on an exploration of any these remarkable destinations.

23. Go Horseback Riding: Experience the magic of horseback riding along the sandy shores of Amelia Island or Cape San Blas.

24. Witness Sea Turtle Nesting: Join a guided tour to witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting and hatching along Florida's coast.

25. Enjoy Live Music: Attend outdoor concerts, jazz festivals, or beachfront music events to soak in the vibrant music scene of Florida's summer nights.

26. Savor the Season: Stop by a Local Fruit Stand: Experience the vibrant taste of Florida by visiting a local tropical fruit stand.

Allow me to introduce you to a remarkable fruit stand that deserves a spot on your summer bucket list: Los Pinarenos Fruit Stand. Located at 1334 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana.

They have a variety of fresh tropical fruit and, if you ask nicely, they will even help you open your coconuts to drink!

As we reach the end of our bucket list journey through the best of Florida's summer activities, one thing is clear: this state is a haven for unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're soaring through the sky on exhilarating rides, encountering diverse wildlife in the untamed nature, or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene, Florida has it all.

So grab your summer essentials, and see how many of these items you can check off this year.

Wild Florida - Drive-through Safari, Airboat Tour, and Zoo!

marissa covitt November 4, 2021

As soon as I heard about Wild Florida, I knew I had to visit. I have come across many unique attractions, but this drive-through safari is something brand new to me.

There’s so much more to experience at Wild Florida than just the drive-through safari. Some zoos you can breeze right through, but prepare to spend the day here when you visit.

Let’s see what there is to explore at Wild Florida.

~ Gator Park and Zoo

Wild Florida calls this walk-through part of the zoo the Gator Park, but there are many non-reptiles living here. Some of the exhibits you will find in addition to the gators and crocodiles are deer, sloths, bobcats, foxes, and Florida panthers.

What I love about this side of the zoo is that peacocks roam free. They weren’t in mating season when we visited, but their feathers were still impressive.

~ Drive-through Safari

The main attraction at Wild Florida is the drive-through safari. I’ve never seen anything like this in Florida!

In the comfort of our own car, we traveled through 85 acres of open natural animal habitat. This part of the park is how I wish all modern-day zoos were set up. No cages!

The safari park is massive and there were not a lot of people condensed to one area with room for people to drive around you, so you really could go at your own pace without feeling rushed by anyone behind you.

It was truly an experience to see the animals as they would be in the wild, running free as fast as they can, playing and swimming.

~ Airboat Tour

This was actually my first time on an airboat. We opted for the hour-long airboat ride and I suggest this option as half an hour would just not be enough time.

We zoomed through the lake and over vegetation, stopping to watch birds fly by and catch glimpses of gators in the brush. It was the first cold day of the season and not ideal for gator sightings, but we still saw a handful!

In addition to the beautiful nature views, the tour was also educational. Our tour guide, Ken, was very knowledgeable about all of the different animals we saw and was happy to answer all of our questions.

~ Gator Feeding and Encounters

Gator feeding is always fun. I love seeing their cute little heads and mouths open trying to eat. It’s even wilder when they start making noise. Did you know alligators are one of the most vocal animals? It’s true!

You have two options for feeding, you can throw protein pellets into the bigger gators’ mouths or feed the smaller gators hot dogs off a metal pole similar to fishing but with no harmful hook at the end.

~Animal Shows

We were able to catch the exotic animal show where we were introduced to poisonous toads, snakes, and gators. Following the show were invited to hold the animals and get our photos taken.

There is no additional price for handling the animals, but we did purchase the full flash drive with all our photos. We typically skip this type of add-on, but we really wanted these photos to look back on many years from now. Holding a snake was one of my personal highlights from the visit.

~ Walk-in Aviary

I think this was my favorite part of the park. When we walked into the aviary, the birds flew onto our arms up to four at a time to feed off the popsicle sticks covered in bird feed. This was a really unique experience.

We loved having birds on our arms and having them fly and land just like in a movie. It’s not every day that we see something like this. Gator feeding is popular in Florida but this experience really took the cake as a collective family favorite.

~ Walk-in Petting Zoo

Who doesn’t enjoy a petting zoo? The baby animals are adorable, petting their soft little heads is always humbling, and I love to see them stick their heads through the fence and nibble away.

Well, not unsurprisingly, Wild Florida also takes the typical petting zoo experience to the next level. You can actually walk into it! Yes, we were able to walk into this giant pen and play with the goats, pigs, and ducks.

~ Giraffe Feeding and Selfies

This was the activity I was most looking forward to. I wanted to feed the giraffe and get a silly giraffe selfie! This exhibit is the only exhibit in the safari park where you can get out of your car and stretch your legs to enjoy.

You can feed the giraffe lettuce for only $5, so it’s super affordable for such an eccenstric memorable experience!

~ Chomp House Grill

In-between visiting the gator park and the safari, we stopped for lunch at Wild Florida’s on-sight restaurant, Chomp House Grill. Here you can order food from a window and eat your meal at picnic tables under the trees. I tried the catfish and gator bites, because how could you not?

The real star of the show were the slushies and ice creams that come in souvenir jars. The fruity option was a mix of vanilla and mango and tastes exactly like sunshine if you can imagine how great that tastes!

Later this month, Wild Florida will be having their yearly black Friday sale and you do not want to miss it!

As you can see, we had a blast at Wild Florida’s Safari Park. This is a stop to not miss on any Florida vacation or day off, for the locals! With so many animals, encounter options, and thrilling add-ons, you will not be bored at Wild Florida. Where would you head first?

The Ultimate Florida Cave Guide

marissa covitt October 29, 2021

Florida never ceases to amaze me. We have wonderful waterfalls, freshwater springs, and even caves. I didn’t step foot in my first cave until 2020 and I’ve been hooked on hunting down these hidden natural treasures ever since.

I love how each cave is so different and you never know what you’re going to find inside. Will the cave be dry or will it be completely submerged underwater? Will you see bats, spiders, or salamanders?

While some caves are so perfectly hidden that you can’t see the opening from 10 feet away while others have open and obvious roofs, like Devil’s Denn. Whatever lies inside, it’s always an adenture.

Let’s get to the caves!

~ Florida Caverns State Park

This is the only Florida State Park with air-filled caves open to the public. I was surprised to see how many ‘rooms’ there were all and the variety of different shaped structures. These caves are truly fascinating structures.

The colored lights make for a magical experience and enhance the natural shadows, textures, and shapes of the cave walls. If you’re lucky, you may see tiny sleeping bats and salamanders.

~ Devil’s Den

Devil's Den is one of the most prehistoric places in North America and is essentially a sinkhole that opened up exposing a spring. This cave is very reminiscent of a Mexican cenote.

I had a blast snorkeling and observing the cavern-like structure, but I think the dancing rays of light under the water were my favorite part.

If you plan to check it out, make sure to bring full snorkel and fin gear in order to gain access to the swimming area or rent them on site.

~ Blowing Rocks Preserve

These huge chunks of limestone on the coast make for a beachy cave that is unlike anything else on my list. This would be the perfect cave in Florida to watch a sunrise or sunset.

~ Warren's Cave

Inside Warren’s Cave, you will find four miles of underground passages, making it the longest dry cave in Florida. This is one of the most unique cave experiences in Florida as this cave is completely primitive. That’s right no railings, lights, or walkways. A lot of my more adventurous readers will enjoy the freedom of Warren’s Cave.

I could not find any photos of Warren’s Cave to use so I will direct you to good ol’ Google.

~ Dames and Peace Caves

Located in the Withlacoochee State Forest are Dames and Peace Caves. Ruined (or enhanced) by amateur wanna-be graffiti artists, the cave’s natural beauty still shines through. These caves are separated by a roughly five-minute walk. Bring a flash light but leave the spray paint and enjoy a self-guided tour of Dames and Peace Caves.

~ Leon Sinks Geological Area

Leons sinks is one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. It’s connected to Wakulla Springs. Up to twelve miles of this underwater system have been mapped and surveyed, which is amazing! This is one cave in Florida to explore both dry and wet.

~ Gator Hole

This is Florida cave off Mett Mill’s Pond that was exposed due to construction and the river being dammed. It is now underwater again and can only be explored that way. We will all have to wait until the next drawdown or explore it underwater.

Underwater Caves

Due to the way that Florida has formed, there are endless caves, cracks, and crevices to explore under the surface. You can find cave systems at almost any spring. The list of underwater caves in Florida would truly be endless.

In addition to my list below, here is a really good resource for underwater caves in Florida.

~ Ginnie Springs

~ Peacock Springs State Park

~ Blue Grotto

~ Volusia Blue Springs

~ Buford Springs

~ Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Did you know Florida had so many caves? If I missed your favorite, let me know below!

Source: caves-in-florida

Castle Ottis: Florida’s Irish Castle

marissa covitt October 27, 2021

If you’ve been following me on Instagram you may know I have had a bit of a castle obsession recently. Given our state’s history, it’s not surprising the number of forts and Spanish-style castles that can be found here in Florida, but did you know we also have an Irish-style castle?

Castle Ottis (pronounced Ah-tis) is located just a stone throw’s away from the Atlantic Ocean in St. Augustine, FL. From inside, you can hear the ocean waves crashing against the shore across the street and from the roof, you can see the most glorious of ocean and treetop views. It definitely reminds me of a real-life sandcastle.

I do want to point out that Castle Ottis is not a tourist attraction and is located on private property. I visited with Dorothy and we were able to join a guided group tour for donation. If you’re lucky, you can call and do the same.

The castle, with its gorgeous architecture, is also a popular location for music videos, photoshoots, and intimate wedding ceremonies.

Let’s meet our tour guide, owner and one of the original designers and builders, Rusty. Rusty was born in Bermuda and has traveled and lived throughout the world. He resides on the property when he is in the country, though not in the castle itself.

The tour was really fascinating and really gave me such appreciation for every inch of this beautiful castle of worship.

Rusty taught us about the construction, laying of the blocks, and nearly perfect woodworking inside Castle Ottis. He knew everything about everything inside and outside. He knew all the fun facts about the location in relation to Jerusalem and the pyramids of Egypt, along with the strong reference to the holy number three. He even knew where the wood came from, the history of it and he knew the person who turned it into the artwork it is now.

It’s not very often that tours are guided by someone that had a hand in the planning, construction, and accusation of a property so this was a real treat. You could really feel Rusty’s passion and love for the castle and Jesus Christ. That kind of energy always rubs off on me and gets me even more excited and intrigued about a location.

When planning the interior, cypress wood was chosen for its durability as the castle is open to the elements. There are no screens or glass in Castle Otti’s windows.

Many religions and cultures are honored inside the walls of Castle Ottis. As you can imagine, it is quite a sight to be seen and enjoyed. Most notably, is a whole room dedicated to mothers with a Mother Mary statue and painted umbilical cord detail on the ceiling.

We had such a blast roaming these grounds. We stayed much later than anyone else engaging with Rusty and picking his brain, one of my favorite things to do when I come across a sweet soul!

If you’re looking for magic in Florida, give Rusty a call and check out Castle Ottis.

Top 10 things You Must Do in Florida

marissa covitt October 1, 2021

This post was inspired by a follower who was moving to Florida and asked for my top recommendations of things to do in Florida.

Here in Florida, we have so many beautiful springs, animals, and parks to explore all offering their own magic. It’s was hard to choose just ten favorites.

I think this list is a great place to start if you are new to Florida, just passing through, or want to make sure you see the best of your home state.

~ Spring Hop

Florida is famous for its beautiful sandy coastlines, but the real magic is at the springs. Snorkel, tube, kayak or just take a swim in these cool crystal blue waters.

Check out my Springs Guide and Map for more recommendations and photos.

~ Become a Cave Dweller

You really can’t go wrong with a cave adventure. Anytime I visit a new state, I want to check out the cave systems and formations as they vary so greatly in material, shape, size.

The cave above is located in the Florida Caverns State Park, which I visited when I explored the panhandle. I documented that trip here Exploring Florida’s Panhandle: Caves, Waterfalls, and Springs.

~ Chase a Waterfall

Waterfalls are spectacular natural wonders. Luckily, Florida is home to several waterfalls despite our mostly flat terrain. Check out my Guide to Florida’s Waterfalls.

~ Swim with a Dolphin

This activity just creams “Florida” Visit Marineland and treat yourself and your loved ones to one of Marineland’s dolphin encounters.

I promise you they will make lifelong memories they will tell everyone about! Read more about our Marineland trip here.

~ Swim with a Manatee

Manatees are beautiful peaceful creatures and we are so lucky to have them coexist with us here in Florida. I love seeing their cute faces in my feed often munching on grass or swimming with their babies.

Add swimming with manatees to your Florida Bucket list for a swim to remember.

The colder weather in the winter months causes these mermaids to seek warmer water in many springs, so that’s one of the best places to see them.

To increase your chances of swimming with a manatee, book a tour with Manatee Tour and Dive.

~ Pick Fresh Florida Oranges

Florida is well-known for its delicious juicy oranges. They are even pictured on our license plates. I personally love fresh-squeezed orange juice as it’s sweet and has fewer added chemicals so why not pick your own?

The best time to pick oranges is in the fall and winter and you can find a farm near you to pick from here.

~ Visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom

I think everyone, everywhere knows Florida is home to the most magical place on earth, Dinsey World. No Florida vacation would be complete without visiting at least one of the parks. Reconnect with your childhood or let your kids enjoy theirs at Disney World..

~ Snorkel a Reef

I have snorkeled in the keys several times. For about $50 a person, you can take a boat ride out to a reef. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a sea turtle amongst the fish and jellies.

Check out 24 hours in The Upper FL Keys for more information.

~ Zipline over live Gators

You can’t visit Florida and not see a real-life gator! Why not make Florida Man proud by doing something as crazy and ziplining over a pit of possibly hungry gators?

I suggest you check out Gatorland for this wild experience.

~ Visit a Beach

Don’t immediately shoot this recommendation down. You can’t visit Florida and not hit the beach. Even if you’re not a fan of the beach, you can not deny the beauty of our beaches.

If you’re looking to spend some time on the coast, you will usually find the most unique beaches in our State Parks.

Check Out: Dry Tortugas, Ponce Inlet & Lighthouse, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, Fort De Soto, Destin, Cocoa Beach, Anastasia State Park, Daytona Beach and Pier, Flagler Beach and Pier, Bahia Honda State Park, Sanibel Island, Marco Island

I hope you enjoyed this list! With so much diversity, unique nature scapes, amusement parks, and attractions, this list could go on forever.

What are your top recommendations for things to do in Florida?

Source: topthingsflorida

30 Best Things to do in Florida in the Fall

marissa covitt September 27, 2021

It doesn’t seem like we get much of a fall season here in Florida, as the weather doesn’t shift much and the leaves don’t change colors. Just because the ground isn’t covered with rainbow leaves and we usually don’t even need a sweater until January, there are still so many ways to enjoy this season in Florida.

If you are looking for the best things to do in the fall in Florida, look no further. I’ve compiled a list of the best activities, locations, and festivals best enjoyed during this time of year.

Even better, I’ve organized this list into categories: The Great Outdoors, Halloween Specific, At the Parks, and Festivals. You’re guaranteed to find a handful of things you will want to do in Florida in the fall on this list.

The Great Outdoors

~ Visit a Springs

The springs are usually less populated in the colder months, so that’s my favorite time to visit them. Some springs are especially pretty in the fall as their banks are lined with trees that are changing colors which perfectly set the mood for the fall season right here in Florida.

Check out: Alexander, Gilchrist Blue, Royal or CLICK HERE for more my Florida Spring Guide.

~ Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Pumpkin picking is without a doubt the most quintessential fall activity for adults and children alike. Whether you’re picking out the perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern with your kids or just choosing a festive decor piece, you will be sure to get into the fall spirit.

A lot of patches are unnatural and the pumpkins are brought in on trucks, but if you want this to be a truly authentic experience plan to visit a farm that grows their own pumpkins.

Check out: Southern Hills Farms, Santa’s Tree Farm, or visit Pumpkin Patches and More to find a location near you.

~ Get Lost in a Corn Maze

In the fall, farms shape their corn husks into intricate mazes. Take your pick between a haunted maze if you feel like being chased by a man with a chainsaw or a more family-friendly option if you’re looking to take some photos and enjoy your walk.

So long as you go in on a dry day to avoid mud, you’ll have a blast getting lost and finding your way out of a corn maze this fall.

Check out: Harvest Fields, Harvest Holler, Corn Maze Orlando, or try Haunt World, Maze Play or Corn Mazes and More to find a location near you.

~ Take a Camping Trip

Fall is the perfect time to start camping season here in Florida. As the weather cools down, many find it more comfortable to spend a night in a tent or hammock. You really don’t need more than a spot to sleep to go camping, but feel free to glamp in a camper if that’s more your style. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, just unplug and get outside!

Check out: Reserve America, Hip Camp, Florida Hikes, Visit Florida, Florida Backroad Travel

~ Perfect Your Outdoor Chili Recipe

If you do end up going camping, AND YOU SHOULD, why not perfect your campfire chili recipe? Even if you make it at home and take it to-go, spice it up a bit.

Experiment with different spice combinations, meats, and beans. Have fun experimenting and try and hone in on your perfect recipe to have ready when it does finally get cold in Florida in January.

Start with one of these epic recipes:

Mom’s Easy Vegan Chili Recipe (5-Ingredients!)

Easy One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac

White Chicken Chilli

Campfire Chili

~ Remix the Original S’mores Recipe

S’mores are a favorite camping treat you can easily make at home in your backyard or in the microwave. Get creative switching up the standard s’mores ingredients.

Don’t be afraid to remix your s’mores recipe by swapping the typical chocolate bar for a Reese’s or the graham crackers for a waffle cone or banana.

Check your local grocery store’s baking aisle for fun-shaped and flavored marshmallows. Are the flat marshmallows really better for s’mores? Only one way to find out.

Check out: 6 S'mores Remixes and Chocolate Covered S’Mores Snack Mix

~Pick Sunflowers

Several sunflower patches are ready for picking again in the fall. This is one of my favorite activities to do and the pictures are beautiful. They are usually only a few dollars a piece and the perfect souvenir to bring some home to your friends and family.

Check out: Sunshine Ranch, Sledd’s, or click this link to find a farm near you

~ Pick Squash, Tomatoes, Corn, or other veggies

I am a huge u-pick fan. I love picking and eating fresh produce while spending some time outdoors with my family.

Check out: The crop calendar for Florida, Vo-LaSalle Farms, Southern Hills Farms, Ever After Farms, DeLand Blueberries, Meadors Blueberry Farm, Artisan Acres, Far Reach Ranch, Pappy's Patch U-Pick or click this link to find a farm near you.

~ Hunt Down some Fall Foliage

If you happen to tire of green leaves and palm trees, hunt down some fall foliage this fall. Yes, there are spots in the state that will make you double-check your location!

Check out: Torreya State Park, Three Rivers State Park, or Suwannee River State Park.

~ Take a Weekend Trip to Providence Canyon

This isn’t technically in Florida, but it’s the perfect weekend trip to take in the fall. I recently visited Province Canyon this summer, but love to visit in the fall when the leaves have all changed color. It is so beautiful! and the perfect fall setting as most of the canyon is shades of red and orange.

Halloween Specific

~ Take a Haunted Hayride

Most locations offering pumpkin patches and corn mazes will also offer hayrides. Like the corn mazes, some are haunted and some are family-friendly. I love these during the day to get enjoy the expansive peaceful views around a farm and love the creativity of a good haunted hayride at night

Check out: Haunt World and I Love Halloween to find a haunted hayride near you.

~ See a live Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture show is an older popular cult classic movie. The live show is fantastic and very interactive. Watch a trailer here.

If that looks like a fun way to spend an evening, I highly recommend finding a local live show with actors. Beware, it’s a tradition that if you’re a virgin (their word not mine!) to the live show, they will mark you with big red Vs in lipstick - if you’re lucky.

Check out: The Florida Theatre, Dr. Phillips Center, or the official Rocky Horror Picture show, website to find a location near you

~ See a Scary Movie

If Rocky Horror Picture Show isn’t your jam, take your pick from any of the Halloween and scary movies currently playing near you.

Check out The Adams Family 2, Candy Man, Don’t Breathe 2, Malignant, or this list showing upcoming releases or 2021 and beyond.

~ Do a Home Movie Night

Still, want to see a movie, but don’t want to leave the house? In these times, who can blame you? How about doing a home movie night? I shared a bit about our recent movie night here for some inspiration on how you can go all out at home.

Check out these lists for some great movies to watch at home:

-65 Greatest Horror Movies of the 21st Century - Rolling Stone

-57 Best Kids' Halloween Movies

-35 Classic Halloween Movies to Watch for a Scary Evening In

~ Check out a Haunted Location

Explore some of the most haunted locations in Florida. Take a tour, learn a little history and get ready for the possibility of a real ghost encounter. Who doesn’t like being scared?

Check out: The Devil’s Tree, Fort Pickens, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Robert the Haunted Doll, Witch’s Grave, Biltmore Hotel, Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, The Cuban Club, The Devil’s Chair, Greenwood Cemetery, Cassadaga, The Devil’s School, Bellamy Bridge, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College or check out these links to find a spooky location near you: Haunted Places, Fright Find, or Haunt World.

~ Go on a Ghost Tour

I love ghost tours. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, these tours are basically history tours with a spooky twist that won’t bore you to death.

Check out Ghosts & Gravestones Tour in St. Augustine or click here to find a ghost tour near you:

~ Zombie Runs

Zombie runs and zombie games both involve being chased by ZOMBIES and look so fun!

Check out: Zombie Fun Run or Zombie Run 5K

~ Find a Scary Espace Room

This might sound like the plot of a horror movie, but scary and murder mystery escape rooms are a unique way to spend a night this fall, especially if the weather is bad outdoors. See if you and your friends can beat the clock and escape!

Check out Haunt World to find an escape room near you.

~ Find a Local Group

I use local mom groups/websites to find small events such as wildlife walks and festivals held by local businesses and churches. We have found so many fun activities from these resources. This year we will be going to several local pumpkin patches, a Candy Land Festival and to see a movie in the park.

At the Parks

Most Florida theme parks, zoos, and attractions have Halloween special events. Here’s a bit about the top choices.

~ Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horr Nights is my favorite Halloween park event. In my younger years, I would get the Frequent Fear pass and visit every single Friday for the whole season plus opening weekend. This would be my recommended way to experience Halloween Horror Nights.

My top reason for going multiple times is that they change the houses. Not just adding a few scare actors, they CHANGE the houses so much as the season goes on that it’s really worth multiple trips.

What’s there to see at Halloween Horror Nights? Enjoy the haunted houses and scare zones in addition to live shows, and several rides, restaurants, and shops are open.

~ Brick-or-Treat

Brick-or-Treat is Lego Land’s Halloween bash complete with Halloween Lego characters, Brick-O-treat trick or treating Halloween shows, and fireworks.

~ Mickey’s Not to Scary Halloween

Mickey's Not so Spooky Halloween is Disney’s Halloween celebration. The park is decked out in Halloween decor, the characters are in their Halloween costumes, you can watch themed cavalcades and of course, there is trick or treating.

This event is perfect for smaller children to enjoy as the title says, it’s not so scary. One thing you may not know is that Disney offers several options for treats you can receive in your treat bag so if you have an allergy or dietary preference they can probably accommodate you,

To experience this event at the magic kingdom, you must purchase a ticket in addition to the normal day pass.

~ Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream

Busch Garden’s Howl-O-Scream is an even scarier, though a smaller, version of Halloween Horror Nights. The park is turned into a terror zone after dark complete with haunted houses, terror-tories, sinister shows, and party zones.

~ SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is another family and personal favorite event. SeaWorld hosts a darling “fatasea” event complete with characters in costumes, games, trick-or-treating, meet a mermaid and a live DJ.

~ Boo at the Zoo

Similar to the events above, most zoos also get into the Halloween spirit and offer special trick-or-treating and more Halloween fun.

Check out: Brevard Zoo, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Naples Zoo or click here to find a zoo near you.

Festivals

Several festivals take place in Florida in the fall. Here’s a list of the top festivals.

~ Epcot Food Festival

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival is a yearly event offering a plethora of options for entertainment including live bands, both food and wine tastings, and demos with famous chefs.

~ Oktoberfest

Many locations here in Florida have Oktoberfest celebrations modeled after the German volkfest. There is lots of beer, German music, authentic German food, and costumed party-goers.

Check Out Oktoberfest Florida

~ Biketoberfest

Biketoberfest is an enormous motorcycle rally hosted in Daytona Beach, but celebrated in many surrounding areas. If you like barhopping, riding, and getting your bike washed by ladies in bikinis you will love this celebration. I’ve been out to this before for the food trucks as the food is great!

~ EDC

Electric Daisy Carnival is an epic music festival for all kinds of electric dance music. If you like that at all this is the one festival to go to. Lights, fireworks, costumes, great food, and amazing music. It’s an epic experience but you must go VIP for the ease of access to food, water and restrooms.

~ HULUWEEN

Hulaween is a similar festival to EDC, however, it’s more laid back. Enjoy camping in the woods with giant art pieces and sculptures at Hulaween for a unique music experience.

I am really excited about all the outdoor things; the return of camping, pumpkin picking, and celebrating Halloween this fall. What are you most excited about this season?

Cave Waterfalls, Castles & Canyons: A Cross Country Road Trip

marissa covitt August 26, 2021

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a road trip planner

I recently flew to Connecticut to meet up with my good friend, Naty, and we road-tripped cross country down to Florida together. In between lots of driving and less than 5 hours of sleep each night, we had a blast exploring cave waterfalls, castles, canyons, and more in four different states. I can’t wait to show you all the cool places we visited.

~ Testimonial Gateway, New York

Our first stop was added to the trip itinerary last minute. Lately, I have been super inspired by castle/renaissance/princess and royal core aesthetics. A Google search for local castles led me to this adorable archway. The Testimonial Gateway tower was constructed in 1907 and formally served as the entrance to Mohonk Mountain and now sits on the Mohawk Preserve. The gateway was the most adorable little castle of sorts and my unexpected favorite stop of the trip.

If you plan to visit, please note that the few reviews online seem to be outdated. There was no fee to enter and there was a parking lot with restrooms.

~ Minnewaska State Park, New York

Our next stop was Minnewaska State Park. We planned to hike to the bigger waterfall here, but the rain sent us back to the car almost immediately. We did get to see this tiny waterfall, however, it was already raining when this quick picture was taken and we did not want to risk our gear.

~ Devil’s Bathtub, Virginia

We stopped in Virginia on the second day of our trip. We didn’t end up getting into the woods until late in the day, which was beyond stressful. It was raining a good portion both ways and getting dark on the way back so were SURE we were going to get stuck out there in the dark. Luckily we made a mad rush after our photoshoot back to the car and made it before sundown. Since it was just before dark when we arrived at the Devil’s Bathtub, this allowed us to take our photos in private, so I’d say it all worked out.

The hike to Devil’s Bathtub is not for weak hikers. The bathtub is located on a 3-4 mile looped trail marked with yellow markers, very reminiscent of the yellow brick road. Unless you’re up for the 7-mile hike, make a left at the second creek crossing. There are roughly 13 creek crossings and a lot of climbing on this trail.

The Devil’s Bathtub itself is a kidney-shaped bathtub-sized natural pothole filled with a pool of blue-green water. Be warned - it's cold, dark and deep once you get in it! There is a waterfall behind it as well. If you’re up for the hike, the views are spectacular and unique.

~ Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Our next stop was Ruby Falls, a 145-foot waterfall located inside a cave. Ruby also happens to be the largest of its kind open to the public in the United States. If you've never been on a cave tour, this is the one to see!

The tour is around an hour long and starts with ride in a glass-front elevator 260-feet into Look Out Mountain. During the tour, we were lead through the caverns while learning about the different structures and history of the Ruby Falls.

A series of very well-done videos conveyed even more about the history, discovery, acquisition and construction of Ruby Falls. The videos are quick and educational and really bring Ruby Fall’s founder, Leo Lambert's, vision to life. I love learning fun facts like the fact that the castle-eque exterior of the building was actually created using limestone removed from the cave, always makes it seem so much more special.

Near the end of the tour, we were lead into the main cavern space. It was dark and music was playing to set the mood for the reveal of the waterfall. Not long after, the colored lights came on and illuminated and enhanced her natural beauty. Cheers echoed through the cavern, making the experience even that more awe-inspiring.

Tours of Ruby Falls are timed and you must purchase your tickets ahead of time online. Included with your ticket, you will also receive access to Lookout Mountain, where a colorblind viewfinder is located. This viewfinder allows those with colorblindness to also be able to enjoy the colors of the mountains on this scenic lookout. We opted to take the daytime cave tour but if you’re looking for an even more unique experience, the same tour is offered at night by lantern.

If you can fit this into your travel plans, it's a must stop!

~ Downtown Chattanooga

After Ruby Falls, we wandered around the shops in downtown Chattanooga, specifically around Frazier Street. For locally made and sourced goods, Locals Only Gifts & Goods is the spot. For the new age group, All Things Groovy. For Chattanooga/TN gear we shopped at MoonPie General Store, Boxcar General Store, and I can't forget to mention the smoothies from Tienda La Antigua. For lunch, Mamacita had a wide variety of Mexican flare with delicious vegan and vegetarian options, which are hard to find.

~ The Englund Estate, GA

For our lodging in Georgia, we stayed at the Englund Estate. The England Estate is a restored 1840 Greek revival-style home and event venue. The highlights of this beautiful home were definitely the antique tub and backyard boxwood garden. We grabbed bath bombs and facemasks and Rounding down the trip here was the perfect restful activity between driving and hiking.

~ Providence Canyon, GA

We spent the final day of our trip at Providence Canyon. Nicknamed Georiga’s Little Grand Canyon, these huge craters and cliffs were actually caused by improper farming practices. It’s really beautiful at Providence Canyon and in the south, we don’t have landscapes such as this. We had a blast exploring the miles of trails and little caves.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about our cross-country road trip! I was so fortunate to be able to take time away to enjoy this epic adventure with Naty. If you’re ever traveling along this route do yourself a favor and stop at as many of these locations as you can. You will not regret it.

Which destination do you most

want to visit?

24 hours in The Upper FL Keys

marissa covitt August 20, 2021

I was inspired to write this post after spending a few days in the upper keys around Tavernier, Key Largo and Islamorada. All of the keys are beautiful with plenty to offer visitors, yet the upper keys often get overlooked in favor of Key West. These are my suggestions of things to do and places to dine if you happen to find yourself with some time to explore the upper keys, either on your way down to Key West, or as your main destination.

The one stop you must make along the way

I despise navigating the roads around Miami, but Los Pinarenos Fruteria is worth any amount of traffic you could find yourself in. I like to get mamey sapote here; a tropical fruit with bright red flesh that tastes most like a sweet potato with a hint of caramel flavor. Los Pinarenos has a great selection of tropical fruit, but the most fun thing about Los Pinarenos is that staff will hack open a coconut for you to drink from! I highly recommend making this stop for a fun touristy way to start your keys vacation.

Grab Breakfast at Pinecrest Bakery

Pinecrest Bakery is the sweetest Cuban bakery and cafe. Not only do they have indoor and outdoor seating, but they even have a drive through! Inside Pinecrest you will find cases full of decadent pastries and cakes. If you’re not into feeding your sweet tooth first thing in the morning, fear not as they also offer standard breakfast favorites.

Take a stroll on Anne’s Beach

Surprisingly, the beaches in the upper keys aren’t what you might be used from other parts of Florida. It’s hard to find a great beach where you can set out a blanket and enjoy the water. Nevertheless, Anne’s Beach is a charming beach and the perfect spot to take a walk before the sun gets too hot.

Shop for souvenirs at Shell World

I stop at Shell World for souvenirs on every trip to the Keys. They have everything you could think of from toys to key lime juice to home décor. I can usually find something for everyone on my list at Shell World.

Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina

There is a lot of hype around Robbie’s being the number one must-stop tourist attraction in Islomaraoda. Robbie’s has a restaurant, bar, food trucks, souvenir and art shops along with fun water sport options such as parasailing, kayaking or snorkeling. However, the main attraction here is the marina. For just $4, you can buy a bucket of fish and hand feed the (seemingly) giant tarpon. Pro tip: it’s way more fun if you scream when the fish jump up and grab the bait! I’d have to agree that it’s worth the hype and defiantly worth a visit.

Grab a quick & delicious lunch at Leaning Tower of Pizza

I have to admit that I wasn’t too excited to try pizza on my vacation, but I was not disappointed. I ordered the seafood calzone with scallops, lobster and shrimp. I don’t ever eat calzones, but I had to try their seafood calzone and let me tell you - it was bomb! Their pizza offerings all sounded delicious and the Greek salad is out of this world. I will definitely be going back to Leaning Tower of Pizza.

Snorkel a reef & swim with sea turtles

Snorkeling is another activity you must do when visiting the keys. I specifically wanted to see a sea turtle on this trip. I went out with Sundance Water Sports and they took us to a local sea turtle hot spot. I got super lucky and saw two sea turtles, lots of beautiful sergeant anglers and rainbow-colored parrot fish. Snorkeling never gets old and the water was just the right temperature for a mid-day swim. Sundance offers a morning and afternoon snorkel tour as well as a sunset cruise and snuba diving.

Grab an early dinner reservation at Chef Michael’s

Chef Michael’s is an upscale seafood and american fare restaurant in Islomarada. Chef Michael’s offers several locally caught fish options prepared several different ways, along with a sampler. For appetizers, the ceviche was beautifully presented in a hollowed out coconut, adored with star fruit and filled with fresh shrimp. I opted to try the hogfish as my entree as it’s a popular local white fish. For dessert, the creme brulee was highly recommended so I decided to give it a try. If you never had creme bruelee, like I hadn’t, it’s a very sweet dessert of cream topped with a thick layer of delicious burnt sugar. Make sure to snag an early reservation a few days in advance to ensure a meal of one of their famed specials.

Hunt down the best key lime pie

No trip to the keys would be complete without a slice or two of key lime pie. I feel confident saying that Bayside Gourmet has the best key lime pie in the area. I tried several pies that were way too tart and bitter. Don’t get me wrong, I know its supposed to be tart, but Bayside Gourmet’s pie was the perfect mix of buttery crust, sweet whipped cream and tangy key lime filling. You could taste every individual ingredient in this pie. It was so good, I took one home for the family.

Enjoy a rainbow sunset Pierre’s

Pierre’s Restaurant is an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor beach scene and the best mulit-colored sunsets. The best way to end the night is with an epic beach sunset.

I hope you check out as many of these gems in the upper keys as you can on your next trip. You are bound to have a blast. What are your favorite places to visit in the upper keys?

Best Places to Visit in Florida in the Summer

marissa covitt July 12, 2021

Even though summer in Florida is hot and crowded, there are so many exciting activities and places to visit that are best enjoyed this season. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite activities and places to visit for those seeking adventure during the hottest months of the year.

~ Spend a Day at the Beach

With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida provides endless options for beachgoers seeking fun in the sun. While it seems all of Florida is packed during the summer, the beaches are still far less crowded than the springs. For this reason, I would suggest visiting the beach over a spring during peak season. So pack your sunscreen and spend a day at the beach and enjoy what Florida is most famous for.

Recommendations: Dry Tortugas, Ponce Inlet & Lighthouse, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete, Fort De Soto, Destin, Cocoa Beach, Anastasia State Park, Daytona Beach and Pier, Flagler Beach and Pier, Bahia Honda State Park, Sanibel Island, Marco Island

Trip map created using Wanderlog, a road trip planner

~ Snorkel, Scuba or Free dive

I don’t know about you, but due to the heat, I don’t want to be very far away from water in the summer. There is so much to be seen under the surface from reefs, to caves to statues of Jesus. If you are looking for a ‘cool’ adventure, grab your mask and hit up a few of these spots: Christ of the Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Bahia Honda, Crystal River, Point of Rocks, Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail, Twin Ledges, Peanut Island, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Venice Beach, Coral Cove Park, Bathtub Reef Park, Fort Pickens, Alligator Reef, Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Biscayne National Park, Regina Shipwreck, Fort Zachary Taylor, Indian Key, St. Andrews State Park, Navarre Beach Marine Park, Shell Key, Sombrero Beach, Red Reef Park.

~ Visit a Waterpark

If you’re feeling up to braving the crowds, but not the heat, water parks are fun for the entire family and have something for folks of any age to enjoy. My recommendations: Adventure Island, Aquatica, Disney's Blizzard Beach, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, LEGOLAND, Buccaneer Bay, Daytona Lagoon, Big Kahuna, Rapids Waterpark, Volcano Bay, Sunsplash, Shipwreck Island, SailFish Splash, Island H20, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Grapeland Water Park.

~ Set up Camp

Camping is a guaranteed good time year-round. A lot of the springs have camping as well as state and national parks. Here are a few resources to help you find and reserve the perfect campsite: Reserve America, Hip Camp, Florida Hikes, Visit Florida, Florida Backroad Travel

~ Swim with Dolphins

We had a blast during our dolphin encounter at Marineland, which I share more about in this post. If you ask the kids, it’s tied with snowtubing in North Carolina as their favorite adventure yet, and we have been on many! Nothing screams summer vacation in Florida like swimming with a dolphin!

~ Kayak or Tube Down a Lazy River

Kayaking and tubing are great ways to sight see, enjoy nature and socialize while still remaining close enough to water that you can jump in to cool down throughout the day. Hunt for a private launch spot or pick one of my recommendations below.

Kayaking: Winter Park Chain of Lakes, Tampa Bay, Shell Key Preserve, Tarpon Springs, Jupiter, Crystal River, Rainbow River, King’s Landing, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla River, Little Talbot Island State Park, Ocklawaha River, Bulow Plantation Ruins, Tomoka River State Park, Juniper Run, Santa fe River, Silver Springs, Three Sisters or try Paddle Florida

Tubing: Ichetucknee River, Ginnie Springs, Rock Springs, Blue Spring State Park, K.P. Hole County Park, Dunnellon Blackwater River State Park, Holt Madison Blue Springs, Weeki Wachee.

Where will you be heading this summer?

Florida's Waterfalls

marissa covitt June 21, 2021

Are you familiar with that popular TLC tune advising us not to go chasing waterfalls? It’s a catchy tune, but it’s just plain terrible advice. My advice is to chase down every last waterfall.

Although Florida is not known to have the typical terrain that creates natural waterfalls, it is home to a several cascading falls. Check out the following locations to get your waterfall fix in the sunshine state.

Map thanks to Wanderlog, a trip planner app

~ Ormond Memorial Gardens, Ormond Beach

This small botanical garden is located near the intersection of Granada Boulevard and A1A in Ormond Beach. The best part of the Ormond Memorial Gardens, besides the waterfall, is that it is free to enter. The garden shares grounds with an art museum and is a popular spot for photoshoots among locals due to it’s beauty. Although it’s manmade and not in Bali, the photos could fool you.

~ Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon

Rainbow Springs is a former zoo/amusement park and is home to several manmade waterfalls. Admission is only two dollars per person and after enjoying the ‘waterfall walk’, as I like to call it, you can jump in the refreshing blue spring or paddle out to Rainbow River.

~ Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, Williston

This enormous botanical garden has several waterfalls scattered throughout the grounds, some smaller and some larger. I love wandering through this whimsical garden wonderland. I previously shared more about Cedar Lakes in this post.

~ Falling Waters, Chipley

Located inside Falling Waters State Park, this 73- foot waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Florida and is actually a sink hole. The waterfall’s flow was considered to be low on the day we went, but it is frequently fully flowing. We visited Falling Waters when we explored the panhandle. Check out this post for more recommendations in the area.

~ Falling Creek Falls, Lake City

This charming 10-footwaterfall looks like it’s in the mountains, but it’s actually located off a short path in a public park. Please note that we did have to climb down to get these photos. Check out this post for more recommendations in the area.

~ Steinhatchee Falls, Taylor County

Formed by tannic waters carving their way through limestone, Steinhatchee Falls is the widest waterfall in Florida. I personally have not visited this location, but it’s on my list! This photo was graciously provided for use in this post by Kevin Giese who also allowed me to edit it! Thanks Kevin! Let me know if you’ve been here.

~ Green Springs, Deltona

This ‘waterfall’ is more like a downward flowing creek, but I prefer to view it as a baby waterfall. You can find it hidden off a trail at Green Springs. It is not well marked but located to the left of the playground from the main entrance. Just keep an ear out for the sound of the cascading water to guide your way.

~Bull’s Bay Preserve

Believe it or not, located in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Jacksonville, is a small preserve. The preserve has about a mile worth of biking and hiking paths around a lake, a small bridge, and a waterfall! This is the perfect spot to bring the family for a quick easy hike with a secret hidden natural Florida Waterfall.

Did you know Florida had so many waterfalls? I’d love to know if I missed any and which one is next on your list.

Pick Your Own Fruit & Flowers at Southern Hill Farms 🍑🌻🫐

marissa covitt May 14, 2021

Picking your own tree-ripened fruit is a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, time outdoors with your loved ones and a healthy treat. We recently visited Southern Hill Farms, where we picked our own blueberries, sunflowers, zinnias and peaches.

Know before you go:

Arrive early to beat the crowds and mid-day heat.
Before visiting, check their website to see which crops are available.
Southern Hill makes picking easy. You will be provided with scissors, cardboard boxes, buckets and bags with water to collect and store your fruit and flowers.
Bring or rent a wagon for $8 to save yourself from tired arms and multiple trips to your car, which is not the ideal place to leave your fresh produce between pickings. The wagons are first come first serve, so this is another reason to arrive early.
U-pick blueberries are $5/lb, peaches are $4/lb, zinnias are $1/flower and sunflowers are $2/flower.
Pre-picked fruit and flowers are available for purchase along with green beans, zuchini, yellow squash and sweet corn.
Flower field passes are required to cut your own flowers for $5 plus tax for guests 10 and older or $2 plus tax for guests 3 to 9.
Reservations and tickets are not required for entry to the farm.

Let’s get picking!

I suggest you start with picking the peaches first. Compared to the blueberries, there are naturally fewer ripe peaches at a time but we were still able to find some ripe peaches high in the trees well into the late afternoon. Peaches are ready to be picked when they are soft to the touch, large, rounded and blood orange in color. This is important to remember as peaches will ripen, but not sweeten once picked.

Next, I would recommend picking the blueberries. Strolling through the blueberry bushes sampling the berries was easily my favorite part of the day. It was very peaceful and relaxed compared to my usual adventures swimming, hiking or kayaking. When picking blueberries, pay attention to the coloring. You want them to be deep blue/purple and avoid any that still have spots of red, pink or white.

This is my biggest tip! Pick your flowers last as they are extremely fragile. We picked our flowers first and the zinnias wilted quickly in the heat even in a jar of water.

Food trucks and a children’s area with bounce houses, jump pads, slides and carnival rides provided even more fun at Southern Hill Farms. I had an epic smoothie bowl from Absofruitly while the kids played. It was as delicious as it looked.

We had a blast at Southern Hill Farms & can’t wait to go back for pumpkin picking in the fall & strawberries in the winter!

Marineland’s Dolphin Encounter 🐬

marissa covitt April 26, 2021

Opening in 1938, Marineland was the world’s first oceanarium. Eighty-three years later, Marineland continues to operate as a favorite family attraction. Marineland offers several options for guests to learn about Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, sharks and turtles. Even more exciting, Marineland offers several options where you can get up close and personal with the dolphins.

We participated in the dolphin encounter where we joined the dolphins in their habitat to learn more about how they communicate and behave. The encounter took place on a raised underwater platform, making it ideal for those who do not wish, or are otherwise unable, to swim.

During the encounter, a staff photographer took our photos and we had the option of viewing and purchasing them afterwards. Here are the photos after I edited them.

I love this pose as it looks like they are laughing and dancing.

The picture of Scarlett above looks like she is getting a dolphin kiss!

At the end, we were able to rub her back and belly as she swam back and forth.

Playing in the water with a real dolphin was fun for the whole family and we enjoyed making memories the kids will have forever! Marco couldn’t wait to tell all of his friends at school he pet a dolphin!

Thank you so much Marineland for having us out! If you are looking for a unique family activity your kids will never forget, I highly suggest you check out Marineland’s multiple animal encounter offerings.

The Essential Guide to Florida's Natural Springs

marissa covitt April 14, 2021

It’s no secret that I love the springs. I am often asked what my favorite spring is or if I can recommend a spring that fits a certain criteria. Living in Florida, I am lucky enough to have hundreds of springs to visit. With so many beautiful and unique springs, these are hard questions to answer! I usually respond with my quick suggestions and refer to the interactive springs map and my individual spring Instagram highlights, but I felt it was time to do one better and write this post that I can simply link to.

A few notes:

~ Please keep the health of the spring and the animals that live there in mind when you visit.

~ This is not an exhaustive list. This list includes only some of the more well-known springs. I also included some sinks on this list that I think are worth visiting.

~ If you are looking to avoid the crowds, want to skinny dip or discover springs not easily found or well-known, I highly suggest booking a guided springs tour for a unique, educational and personalized experience.

~ Under each photo are two links: directions (opens the spring in google maps so you can get the address and see how far away it is from you) and the official website (takes you to the spring’s website). Please refer to the websites for additional information including entrance fees, a complete list of amenities and hours of operation.

Please also note that due to the pandemic, not all springs are open for swimming or renting kayaks/canoes/tubes.

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a journey planner app