Wander Florida Blog
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An native Floridian's introverted guide to the Sunshine State. Wander Florida explores the paths less traveled in Florida. Think nature, history, and small towns which exemplify "old" Florida.
Wander Florida Blog
1M ago
Explore the top 10 hotels in Lakeland Florida with the curated list of accommodations that seamlessly blend Southern hospitality with modern comfort. Discover historic hotels, modern franchise favorites, and everything in between for the perfect stay when you visit this vibrant city. Lakeland, Florida, nestled between Tampa and Orlando, boasts a delightful array of accommodations ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
1M ago
The first time I ventured into Lakeland was years ago on a back roads route from my parents’ home in Miami to mine in Ocala after spending a long weekend with them. It was just another small, somewhat rural town. I didn’t realize then all the things to do in Lakeland FL. It was so ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
1M ago
Any time I travel to a city I haven’t visited before, I have to find a botanical garden. It’s one of my things, and over the years I’ve found beautiful gardens in some unexpected places. In 2023 I visited Lakeland several times, mostly for hiking. It’s less than two hours from home so makes an ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
2M ago
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland opened in late 2022, and I first learned about it through those Facebook ads that pop up every other post. You know… group post | ad | group post | ad | page post | ad | friend post | ad… I kept seeing this beautiful little creek – and ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
3M ago
Early on a Saturday morning in November, I pulled into the parking lot next to Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. This hidden gem in St. Petersburg popped on a map search – my preferred way of finding new places to explore – one night while scrolling across Google Maps. The name jumped out at me. A ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
3M ago
Are you thinking about going hiking at Little Manatee River State Park? If so, you’re in the right place! One of many state parks in the Tampa Bay area, it’s a beautiful hike, and one of my favorite places for hiking in Tampa. When I visited on Thanksgiving weekend, I thought the park would be ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
3M ago
The past year offered many opportunities to get out and hike Florida’s beautiful parks. Though I stuck close to home in the Tampa Bay area for several reasons, we’re blessed to have many beautiful hiking trails in Tampa. From city parks to state parks, I got out for an actual hike (not a city stroll ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
3M ago
The past year offered many opportunities to get out in nature and photograph her beauty. Though I stuck close to home in the Tampa Bay area for several reasons, photo ops still abounded. These are my top photos from 2023. You can always follow my outings on Facebook and Instagram to see more photos from ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
5M ago
The Polk Museum of Art is a private, non-profit art museum in Lakeland, Florida. It is a teaching museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. It is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only fine art Smithsonian Affiliate between Orlando ..read more
Wander Florida Blog
6M ago
The old dirt road led beneath a canopy of oak trees, the morning light casting shadows across the road, dappled light filtering like dust motes to the ground beneath. I had just wandered across a couple of paths in Serenova Tract in Land O’ Lakes, and I was high alert for anything I could photograph ..read more