Whether you’re looking for tropical holiday touches or a Sunshine State version of a winter wonderland, there’s a Florida hotel or resort where you can be filled with the holiday spirit. From giant Christmas trees and realistic-looking snowfall to over-the-top gingerbread displays and sweet treats galore, the festivities are in full force at these hotels located all over the state. Here are 14 Florida hotels and resorts offering lots of holiday spirit and magic for special Christmas season getaways. The world’s largest Marriott goes all out for the holidays. Here, elves sing carols at Orlando ..read more

Tucked up on the West Coast, just an hour and fifteen minutes north of Tampa and surrounded by 600-acre Kings Bay, Crystal River is the essence of old Florida. When you arrive in Crystal River, you’re greeted by charming, classic Florida-Cracker style architecture among mature trees draped in Spanish moss. This special place evokes the quaintness and simplicity of a bygone era but with all the modern amenities and creature comforts you’ve come to expect when traveling around Florida. Hailed as the “gem of the nature coast” as well as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River is a nature ..read more

What’s better than a leisurely weekend brunch at a fun restaurant with your friends when visiting Florida’s third largest city? One that’s served with bottomless mimosas in Tampa. There’s just something about that combination of bubbles and juice that makes the morning-into-afternoon meal taste even better and most definitely more celebratory—especially when there are refills at the ready. Here are 7 great places for bottomless mimosas in Tampa. Ava Soho–best for weekend bottomless mimosas in Tampa and banana pancakes Bottomless mimosas in Tampa with a side of banana panackes? We won’t say no ..read more

Halloween is lurking around the corner and that means we need to start planning the spooky festivities! From family-friendly events to horror-filled haunted experiences, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Halloween in Orlando and across Florida.  Celebrate Halloween in Orlando at the Happiest Place on Earth through November 1. (photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween in Orlando Head to the Magic Kingdom for Halloween in Orlando through November 1 to party with your favorite mouse and his friends! The enchanting atmosphere during Mickey’s Not-So-Sca ..read more

Curious about the best things to do in Homestead Florida? We’ve got you. Miami’s recent growth spurt has resulted in the city sprawling in all directions, including into its southwestern reaches and towns like Homestead and Florida City. Once just a small town filled with verdant vegetable farms and fruit orchards, Homestead has become a hot spot for travelers and locals to find respite from the hustle and bustle of Miami and surrounds--not to mention the influx of year-round  residents looking to stretch their dollars when it comes to South Florida’s spiking real estate costs.  Half ..read more

If you’re wondering where to find the best Florida springs near Tampa, you’re already ahead of the crowd — dipping in gorgeous Florida springs makes for one of the state’s most iconic and memorable experiences. While Florida may be known for its world-class beaches and endlessly sunny days, there’s a world of beauty waiting to be enjoyed among the state’s best freshwater springs near Tampa. And some of the best ones in all of the state happen to be within an easy day trip for fun with friends or family from Tampa and St. Petersburg, too. Natural beauty abounds at Florida’s best springs near T ..read more

If you’re looking for the best water park hotel in Orlando, you’re not alone. When traveling with kids to Walt Disney World and the theme parks, chances are an address where they can get wet and wild day into night is on the bucket list. You could shell out and take the whole family to one of the many water park options in the region–an undoubtedly fun way to spend a day. Or you could book a room at the best water park hotel in Orlando and have access to all the action throughout your entire trip. The Orlando World Center Marriott rolls a hotel and water park into one package. There’s no need ..read more

The weekend is always a good excuse to meet up with friends for a leisurely brunch. And here in my hometown of Jacksonville, there’s no shortage of great, local restaurants serving up brunch favorites. When the fall season comes around, football fans get ready for the big games with a hefty brunch and cocktails, myself included. Here’s a look at some of my top picks for eight of the best spots for a Jacksonville brunch. Raise a toast to a Jacksonville brunch at Biscotti’s. (photo courtesy of Biscotti’s) Biscotti’s — best Jacksonville brunch spot for early birds There’s nothing wrong with ..read more

Florida is renowned for its beautiful and secluded beaches and warm climate, but sometimes the scorching sun can leave you searching for a refreshing escape. Look no further than Florida’s enchanting natural springs! The best Florida springs offer a perfect remedy to beat the heat while enjoying the state’s breathtaking natural beauty. Let’s explore how you can make the most of your summer by cooling off and unwinding at the best Florida springs. Juniper Springs, within the Ocala National Forest, feels like something from a fairytale and is one of the best Florida Springs to seek out. (photo ..read more

Let’s dive headfirst into the waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast for a unique summer snorkeling pastime that’s sure to quickly become an annual tradition: scalloping in Florida. As summer days lazily stretch on, spend those extra hours of daylight scanning the seagrass for scallops, a natural treasure that are as interesting to see underwater as they are delicious to eat. Before heading out on the water, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got everything necessary for a successful harvest. Luckily, there’s not a whole lot more to it than bringing along a good mask, snorkel and fins — things just ab ..read more