Wander Florida
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Hi there! I'm Cristina (Cris) Vanthul, the creative mind behind Wander Florida. I started Wander Florida because there is much more to this beautiful state than beaches, theme parks, Miami, and weird people. Each part of Florida is unique and fascinating with activities, food, and a history that reaches far deeper than many visitors (and residents) realize.
Wander Florida
1w ago
Spring is a time when nature bursts to life, with Florida wildflowers blooming and wildlife coming into view. From colorful fields of wildflowers to rare glimpses of manatees, it’s the perfect time to head out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, here ..read more
Wander Florida
2w ago
Spring in Florida isn’t just about warm weather and blooming citrus trees—it’s also sunflower season! Across the Sunshine State, sprawling fields of golden sunflowers stretch toward the sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for photography, family outings, and peaceful strolls. If you’re looking for a unique way outing one spring weekend, these 10 sunflower farms in ..read more
Wander Florida
2w ago
If you’re visiting the Tampa Bay area and want to experience something a little further afield than beaches, sports, and theme parks, perhaps one of the unique small towns near Tampa will entice you. There are tons of small towns in or near a metro area like Tampa, of course. The ones I’ve chosen to ..read more
Wander Florida
1M ago
When I think of a Valentine’s Day getaway, I think of romantic historic towns. You know the ones – quaint B&Bs where you enjoy morning coffee on a cute balcony surrounded by soft light; cobblestone streets lined with small shops, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting down the street; stunning architecture that evokes daydreams ..read more
Wander Florida
2M ago
When I think of hiking trails, I most often think of beautiful, nature-filled trails where I’m stopping every five feet to take a photograph of a flower, tree, or animal. This is why most people avoid hiking with me. For those of us who love history (almost) as much as nature, historic hiking trails offer ..read more
Wander Florida
2M ago
The Florida State Parks system as we know it today kicked off in 1935, thanks to a federal Depression-era program aiming to put America’s out-of-work youth to good use. Even back then, someone thought, “Hey, maybe we should actually preserve a few things.” And so, the idea of protecting Florida’s historic sites under the state ..read more
Wander Florida
3M ago
Are you looking for the best airboat tours in Florida? Feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices and not sure which ones are worth the money? You’ve come to the right place! As a lifelong Floridian, I’ve ridden many airboats and taken many Everglades airboat tours. From all-day Everglades tours which pick you up at ..read more
Wander Florida
3M ago
The Anclote River winds and twists along 29 miles in Florida’s Pinellas and Pasco counties. Its headwaters are located in Pasco near the Suncoast Expressway, and it empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Tarpon Springs. Along its route, the Anclote coils through and adjacent to a few residential areas, though the majority of its ..read more
Wander Florida
3M ago
The sandwich board on the sidewalk read “Holiday Lights in the Gardens” with dates and times. Beside the sign, a boardwalk split off from the sidewalk, an arbor over the entrance to the boardwalk topped by a lighted “Happy Holidays”. The boardwalk wandered through the wetlands that surround McKay Creek, white and blue snowflakes blinking ..read more
Wander Florida
3M ago
Perico Preserve in Bradenton begins at Manatee Avenue just before crossing over to Anna Maria Island and meanders north towards Robinson Preserve. It is, in fact, accessible from Robinson Preserve by foot or bicycle along an unpaved trail. This newer nature preserve had been on my radar for a couple of years, but bigger and ..read more