Explore the old world charm of this Mediterranean-influenced city on the Gulf Coast.
Recent Articles
Lovely Turkey Creek in Palm Bay combines kayaking & hiking
A scenic kayak outing on Turkey Creek takes you to Palm Bay’s Turkey Creek Sanctuary, where you can explore 3.5 miles of trails. Along the way, see dolphins, manatees and other wildlife.
Sunflowers in Florida: ‘Stunning’ fall scene in Immokalee preserve
Miss the change of seasons? Here’s fall in South Florida: Fields of wild sunflowers bloom every autumn, and a preserve near Immokalee is the best place to view them . You must have a ticket — they’re free — for the flower-viewing event Oct. 2-11.
The Yearling: At restaurant near Ocala, eat like a cracker
This historic restaurant near Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park at Cross Creek is a great place to eat like a cracker. It offers an old Florida ambiance and menu.
Micanopy, setting for Old Florida movie, is base for getaway packed with nature and history
Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville, but it feels far away — like a small town in a Florida long gone. That’s why it was site for filming of ‘A Land Remembered,” a beloved Florida family saga.
Peace River Botanical Gardens: A delight in Punta Gorda
Peace River Botanical Gardens in Punta Gorda exceeded my expectations with its whimsical monumental sculptures and lovely gardens in a scenic riverfront site.
Gamble Mansion: Civil War history near Sarasota
The Gamble Mansion has white columns to rival Tara and was the site of a dramatic Civil War event. It’s the only antebellum mansion left in South Florida.
Surf fishing is a fun family outing
There’s no better time for surf fishing than late summer and early fall, when massive schools of mullet run down the coast and game fish chase the feast. Here’s the gear you need, best places to fish and how to fish from shore.
Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration, Nov. 6-7, 2026
The Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration offers tradition like fry bread & alligator wrestling, and celebrates diverse native cultures with dancing, wildlife presentations and music.
Vero Beach: Just enough to do to have a blast and still relax
This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops.
Old Florida
Vero Beach: Just enough to do to have a blast and still relax
This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops.
Road Trips
5 things to discover in Venice, Florida
Explore the old world charm of this Mediterranean-influenced city on the Gulf Coast.
Beaches
Surf fishing is a fun family outing
There’s no better time for surf fishing than late summer and early fall, when massive schools of mullet run down the coast and game fish chase the feast. Here’s the gear you need, best places to fish and how to fish from shore.
State Parks
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West gem with seaweed-free beach
As Florida’s Keys suffer their worst seaweed inundation in years, the beach at Fort Zach in Key West is refreshing clear and welcoming.
Florida Panhandle
Grayton Beach State Park: Jewel of 30-A
Grayton Beach State Park is one of the crown jewels of the Florida State Parks system, and its beach, campground and cabins are coastal treasures.
