City ❀ Country ❀ Beach
Visiting Hawaii is something I have always wanted to do and in 2011 it became a reality. I am now in LOVE with Hawaii and all things that have to do with Hawaii. Oahu Revisited is an article consisting of four things that we missed …
Kauai, often called the “Garden Isle,” is a destination brimming with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Among its many attractions, some stand out for their historical significance, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. Let’s delve into some of the island’s highlights and create a Kauai itinerary. …
Traveling is a fulfilling experience that allows individuals to explore new cultures, broaden their horizons, and create lasting memories. As we enter our 50’s, a new chapter in life begins, and with it comes a unique perspective on travel. This post delves into what traveling in your 50’s is like. There are joys and challenges of traveling in your 50’s. Here I highlight the benefits of this life stage. I also address some of the considerations one might face when embarking on new adventures.
One of the advantages of traveling in your 50’s is the potential for increased financial stability. If we’re in our 50’s, we have reached a point in our careers where we have established ourselves. Financial security can provide the freedom to indulge in travel experiences that may not have been possible earlier in life. Whether it’s a luxury vacation, an extended trip to far-flung destinations, the financial stability of this age group opens doors to a wider range of travel options. And, as you near retirement the choices can be endless.
By the time individuals reach their 50’s, children may have grown up and become independent, This allows parents more freedom to pursue their travel dreams. The empty nest syndrome can be transformed into an opportunity for exploration. There is more time and flexibility to plan and embark on trips. The absence of family responsibilities can lead to a sense of liberation and enable one to prioritize personal interests and aspirations.
Traveling in your 50’s can be an excellent opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. With the benefit of accumulated life experiences, individuals have a greater understanding of themselves and their desires. This self-awareness can result in more purposeful travel choices, such as engaging in activities that align with personal interests, connecting with local communities, or embarking on dream journeys. The 50’s can be a transformative phase of life, and travel can serve as a catalyst for self-reflection and personal evolution.
While the 50’s can be a vibrant and active period, it’s also a time when some health issues may begin to surface. Traveling at this age requires careful attention to health considerations. Before embarking on any trip, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals and obtain necessary vaccinations or medications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help ensure that one is physically prepared for the demands of travel. Adequate rest and managing stress levels are also crucial to enjoy a fulfilling travel experience in your 50’s.
As individuals age, travel preferences may evolve, and embracing different travel styles becomes important. Some may still enjoy adventure or relaxion trips or travel that serves a specific purpose. Cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and cultural tours are popular choices for those seeking comfort and convenience. Additionally, extended period in a destination allows for a deeper connection and appreciation of the local culture. The flexibility of the 50’s allows individuals to explore diverse travel styles and find what suits them best.
Traveling in your 50’s also provides an opportunity to nurture relationships. Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends, taking romantic getaways, or planning multi-generational trips with children, travel can strengthen bonds and create shared memories. Exploring new destinations together fosters a sense of togetherness and can draw deeper connections with loved ones.
Traveling in your 50’s offers a unique set of joys and challenges. Financial stability, increased freedom, and self-discovery contribute to the enriching experience of exploring the world at this age range. Personally speaking, we have been enjoying traveling together as a couple and as a family for 25+ years now. And now that we’re in our 50’s, we find it just as gratifying as opposed to when we were younger. This is because our children are now young adults and we relate now on a different level than when they were children themselves. Every age range has it’s perks and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Don’t become a victim while you’re having fun. Have peace of mind. Check out my post on 10 Ways to Secure Your Home While on Vacation!
Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill will make you believe you are on a tropical Hawaiian island getaway. They serve some of the most delicious Hawaiian BBQ Grill on the mainland that will leave your mouth watering when you first see it. While we were in …
The Fairway Forest Resort at Sapphire Valley is one of the most beautiful locations for a resort we have ever stayed at. It is nestled in a great location for your Blue Ridge Mountains getaway and is still a drivable distance away from Asheville & …
If you’re a newbie to North Carolina, like we were, or are just wanting to discover new places, here is my list of North Carolina attractions for families. Depending on the season you’re traveling to North Carolina is up to you, but we wanted to experience what’s it was like during the Christmas season so we went in the month of December. We wanted to get away from the heat of Florida and get a feel of a country Christmas. It was beautiful, chilly, and we had the best time!
Nestled as small towns in the heart of North Carolina are Sapphire & Cashiers. Sometimes the best places to visit are those least known. These two towns surely didn’t disappoint. Here are some awesome places you can visit with your family that will make memories to treasure forever.
This is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina and it encompasses many beautiful scenic spots. There are a lot of waterfalls here!
As you are driving through the Nantahala National Forest, you will want to make a quick stop at Bridal Veil Falls. It is possible to pull over, get out, and take some fun photos.
As you drive through the forest, you will see that there are many spots that you can pull over and view. It’s a great way to see nature at its finest.
If you’re planning on stopping at just one of these falls, this is the one! It is gorgeous! It is a short hike and there are some steps. Get a view of the waterfall from behind by walking down the path! However, be careful if you go in winter because there is dry ice that makes the ground slippery! I actually fell and it scared me so much! I was thankful that there are rails you can hang onto. Wear sneakers that have a good grip and hold onto your littles. Outdoor adventures are fun, but not if you get hurt.
My fall at Dry Falls! Yikes!
Silver Run Falls is one of the easiest paths to walk to get to a waterfall. You might miss the sign though because we had to make a U-turn to get to it. This waterfall reminded me of something out of the Blue Lagoon movie. It was serene & gorgeous!
The whitewater falls viewing area has some of the most beautiful scenery. We went during sundown and it was breathtaking!
This was one of our last stops in the Nantahala National Forest. Sunset here is stunning!
The Zachary-Tolbert House is a registered historical site. It is an 1850’s restored pre-American Civil War house. Unfortunately, it was closed when we went and as it was an unplanned stop, but we pulled into the parking area and explored a bit anyway. We would have loved to go inside, so if you want to go here make sure you look up their opening times.
Visiting Asheville is a must stop in North Carolina. It is about an hour and a half from The Fairway Forest Resort where we stayed in Sapphire. We decided to make a day trip since we had never visited Asheville before. It is quite an artsy town with a nice vibe. It makes for a great destination for families. By the way, it is not hard to catch the Blue Ridge Parkway highway to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Normally, I would never highlight a visitor center, but this visitor’s center was quite big, full of information and the entrance to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. As a suggestion, it is always nice to make a stop first at visitor centers because many have knowledgeable volunteers that love what they do and are there to help you make the most out of your vacation. They will tell you the best places to visit and how you can get the best prices. We love stopping at visitor centers!
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.
https://wolfememorial.com/
It can’t get any quainter than downtown Asheville. Between poets on the streets, murals, and an old-fashion Woolworth with an authentic soda shop, it makes exploring so much fun!
Grove Arcade is not at all an arcade with video games. Sorry kiddos! It is an indoor mall dedicated to just local shops. The upstairs, however, are apartment units. If you want to shop small business, this is the place to do so. And, as you can see, since we visited in December, it was decked out for the holiday.
This lounge is a chocolate lovers dream! You can find chocolate here from all parts of the world. They have 2 sections of the store where you can purchase chocolate. They even have ice cream and hot chocolate. So, it doesn’t matter what season you go, you’ll be in for a treat! Since it was cold I opted for the hot chocolate. Be prepared though to spend a pretty penny here because I did find them to be on the pricier side. My small hot chocolate cost $8. Make sure you stop at Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill for lunch or dinner while in Asheville. It is some of the most delicious Hawaiian inspired food served on the mainland!
The River Arts District is named appropriately because it is near a river and it is artsy. Like I mentioned before above, Asheville is an art filled town. You can park and walk the local art shops, but because we were to be somewhere else at a certain time we just drove by.
This was my favorite part of Asheville! And because it was Christmastime, it was even better! Make sure you park and definitely take your time walking & shopping! I loved the architecture of the entire village and the Christmas Shoppe was perfect timing. We skipped the Biltmore Estate visit since we found it very pricey!
To make your family trip to North Carolina the most memorable you can make it, make sure you go in and explore the most you that you can at a pace where you are most comfortable. Don’t try to rush to just get everything in. I think it would be best to see North Carolina at different seasons, so there’s your excuse to go back and do more! I hope you have found these North Carolina attractions for families helpful and I hope you have the best time ever!
Embarking on a journey with a purpose transforms the way we experience travel. It transcends the conventional notion of visiting destinations merely for leisure, diving deep into the heart of meaningful exploration. As a travel blogger, I’ve had the privilege of discovering the profound impact …
Preparing for a trip can often feel like embarking on a hilarious adventure in itself. As a travel blogger with a penchant for humor, I’m here to take you on a side-splitting journey through the comical and quirky aspects of how to prepare for a …
A Collection of Favorite Hometown Spots by Locals
There are many things to say about getting advice from locals. From the best coffee shops to the best grocery stores, travelers should give more credit to the residents recommendations because they know the reputation of a place and what you can expect. In this article you will be exploring Florida like a local with not just hidden gems, but travel hotspots that you shouldn’t miss based on the advice from the very people who live there. This is for you to experience local travel tips if you’re ever staying at or road tripping through the following destinations. It’s time to travel like a local and enjoy favorite hometown spots by locals!
Written by: Tatiana with Dale, Let’s Travel!
Armature Works is a fantastic place to spend a Saturday near Downtown Tampa! Inside the Heights Market, located in the brick building, you will find a food hall that contains various food options like Mediterranean, Italian, Cuban, Sushi, Pizza, BBQ, desserts, and many others. One of my favorites is Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen, a quick-service restaurant that offers a modern twist on classic Cuban cuisine. I enjoy getting the steak sandwich with fried plantains. Butcher n’ Barbeque is also a great choice if you love BBQ – their loaded brisket fries are delicious! Moreover, there are a few sit-down restaurants like Steelbach and bars like M. Bird & Stones Throw within the establishment as well, making it perfect for any occasion. By the way, M. Bird is a rooftop bar with elevated shared plates and a gorgeous view of the Hillsborough River, the surrounding neighborhood, and the Downtown Tampa skyline!
Inside Heights Market, you will also find Tonella’s Flower Shop, A.W. Mercantile, and a Show + Tell room. The Show + Tell room is an entertainment workshop and demonstration kitchen at Armature Works. They host hands-on activities in this room like cooking classes, wreath-making classes, and many others.
The fun does not stop indoors at Armature Works. There are plenty of activities and entertainment outdoors! For starters, Armature Works is on the North End of Tampa’s Riverwalk. As such, you can hop on the Water Taxi for a nice leisurely ride down the Hillsborough River or sit on one of the many lawn chairs and picnic tables and watch all the boats pass by. Armature Works also has lawn games where you can play checkers or Jenga.
Armature Works holds outdoor events, markets, and festivals throughout the month. Various nights during the week, there is live music or a DJ at one of the outdoor bars or the lawn. Typically, every weekend they have an event like a CrossFit bootcamp class, Rides by the River, a Food Truck Fest, etc. Occasionally, they have a Barre or Yoga class in the middle of the week. The second Wednesday of each month they have a night market, and the second Sunday of each month they have a daytime market with an art walk! The best part is that most of these events are free and open to the public! Certain things require tickets, like when they host Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival during Halloween.
Armature Works is a fantastic place to spend a day, grab a meal, enjoy a workout, join a workshop, pick up some flowers, or grab a drink! Armature Works has plenty of food and entertainment options – there is something for everybody! For more information about Armature Works, check out A Day Out at Armature Works.
Written by: Rebecca with The Mobility Mom
Gainesville Florida is known to many as the home of the University of Florida and the football team, the Gators. It has also given us great people like Tom Petty, Maya Rudolph, and Tim Tebow. However, for me what makes Gainesville special is a little place called Bageland. Bageland is located in a Thornebrook Village shopping center off 43rd Street. This locally owned shop offers its customers a friendly atmosphere along with homemade bagels. Bageland was opened in 1980 and has been running consistently for four decades. Since the beginning, they’ve sold bagels rolled by an enormous, ancient machine in the kitchen, then boiled and baked every morning by J.T. Along the way, they introduced deli sandwiches and eggs, along with house-made croissants, muffins, and quiches, all made by Debbie.
The biggest change to the menu came one day when Debbie and Malay were eating lunch they brought from home. A customer saw the food and clearly stated that they wanted what they were eating. Debbie thought she was kidding, but a lightbulb moment happened and so she started bringing a few dishes to Bageland for customers to try. They quickly became a staple. Now, every Tuesday and Thursday Bageland sells green curry with rice, shrimp wonton soup with roast pork and pho ga which is a Vietnamese chicken soup with rice noodles. The dishes are aromatic and comforting, prepared in Bageland’s kitchen exactly as they are in Debbie’s home, down to the kaffir lime she grows in her garden.
The coffee, which only costs $1.20, is served in one of a few dozen mismatched mugs it has accrued over the years. Bageland is also one of the oldest restaurants in Gainesville. The one thing that hasn’t changed in the 40+ years that Bageland has been operating is the service. On any given day you can walk into a warm, friendly atmosphere. You can also count on Debbie or Malay to remember you and your order. I am always impressed by that because as a mom I am lucky to remember to drink my coffee before it gets cold.
In all of my travels over the years, Bageland is one of my favorite places to hang out. I enjoy bringing my laptop there to work while enjoying a cinnamon bagel with cream cheese and a cup of fresh coffee. Whether you’re a regular to Gainesville or someone just passing through, I highly recommend you stop at Bageland for one of my favorite dishes, a cinnamon bagel piled high with cream cheese. I promise you the food will be good and the welcome warm and friendly. Bageland is located at 2441 NW 43rd St #6c, Gainesville, FL 32606, and is open 7 days a week.
Written by: Vicky with Buddy, The Traveling Monkey
A place that is not well-known to tourists visiting the Miami area is North Beach. It’s about 20 minutes north of popular South Beach. While South Beach is crowded and touristy, North Beach is much less crowded and it’s visited by locals.
North Beach is very clean. The water is clear and it stays shallow for a good distance, making it perfect for families with small children. Families will also be happy to know that there is a lifeguard on duty. There is also a lot of space on the sand to lay out, set up chairs or umbrellas.
To experience this beautiful beach, head to North Beach Oceanside Park. There is plenty of paid street parking in front of the park, although it’s free after 6pm. Once inside the park, you can walk through the park to the beach or hang out in the park. There are picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a kid’s playground. There are also trails for walking, running, or biking. Bathrooms and showers are accessible as well and are open until 6pm.
Once you’ve had fun at the beach, you should visit the nearby town of Surfside. There are many cute restaurants and shops.
Written by: Victoria with Florida Trippers
If you’re looking for unique hidden gems in Florida then you cannot beat Sand Key. After all, this magical beach is located in Clearwater, Florida, and is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the infinitely more famous Clearwater Beach.
With that being said, Sand Key can get busy on weekends. However, it’s much quieter than other local beaches, making it a great place to enjoy pristine white sand beaches, go shelling, watch the sunset, go for a picnic, and more. Although, if you want the place all to yourself, try visiting on a quiet weekday morning.
Additionally, there is an artificial reef program set up at this secluded beach, as well as protected areas where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. So, be on the lookout for these gorgeous creatures as well as herons, spoonbills, fish, sting rays, dolphins, and more. If you’re lucky you might even see some coyotes running along the beach. Just remember to leave before sunset since the park is only open from 9:00 am to sunset every day.
Now, to get here you’ll need to drive south of Clearwater and head across the Sand Key Bridge. However, the entrance can be challenging to find. Therefore, use your GPS or Google Maps when visiting.
This is one of the few beaches in the Clearwater area that is not free to enter. As a result, you will need to pay $5.00 to park your vehicle at the park. However, that fee is good for the entire day! The nominal fee is worth it since you’ll enjoy access to a dog park, a playground, local salt marshes, barbeques, and picnic areas. Plus, your money will be used towards maintaining this beautiful park so I feel like the price is a total steal. Additionally, other facilities that make visiting a real delight include water fountains, restrooms, and kayak/bike rentals during peak season.
Written by: Christine with Live Love Run Travel
Park Avenue in Winter Park is a favorite suggestion for anyone visiting Orlando who wants to get away from the city and away from the theme parks. With great dining options, boutique shops, and a beautiful park, Park Avenue is great for an afternoon & evening stroll or a Sunday brunch.
The park itself often has events going on from the Winter Park Art Festival to movies in the park. At Christmas, several of the top things to do in Orlando at Christmas take place here including the famous Winter Park Christmas Parade that was featured once in a Budweiser Super Bowl commercial.
Even if there isn’t an event going on, the park is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. With blossoming gardens, massive oak trees, and plenty of space to spread out, you can find a bench to sit and relax or even enjoy a picnic here.
If the weather is nice, you can eat along the sidewalk at one of the many restaurants with outdoor dining. If you are visiting in the summer, there are plenty of air-conditioned options, too. Don’t miss the food at Pannullo’s Italian Restaurant. The Briarpatch is a popular spot for brunch or ice cream depending on when you go.
For those who like to shop, you’ll find everything from home décor, boutique clothing shops and popular chains. Walk along Park Avenue and window shop or head inside to see more of what is available.
On your next trip to Orlando, don’t miss a stop in Winter Park and a walk down Park Avenue.
Written by: Erin with The Simple Salty Life
For a super unique spot in a great location add The Garlic to your must-visit list when you’re in Florida! Located right off of A-1-A, this unassuming Italian restaurant is one of the best family things to do in New Smyrna Beach. Open every night of the week starting at 4pm except Christmas Day, locals come for fantastic food and live music in a fabulously, eclectic atmosphere. Most visitors would drive right on by the front door, not knowing what they are missing out on until stepping inside the gates of The Garlic!
The first thing that hits you upon arriving is the fact that what looks like a small spot to dine is really an intricate maze of rooms, courtyards, fountains, fireplaces, bars and patios. Head out back first to put your name in and know that there is always a wait, no reservations (regardless of party size). This gives guests the perfect opportunity to grab a drink at the outside bar, pull up a few chairs, and listen to the live music. Even in the rain (it is Florida after all) the outside courtyard is full of crowds huddling under umbrellas because they know the best is yet to come!
Once your name is called it is showtime. Head inside through the vine-covered twinkling path and let your eyes adjust. You’ll smell the garlic first because it permeates the air and makes mouths start watering. Fresh bread and roasted garlic for dipping will come out first. Your server will bring your menu of the day written on a lasagna noodle, good luck choosing the best authentically-Italian dish. The best way is to have the table each try something different so you can all share! Picture Swordfish topped with baked brie and saffron rice, lasagna made with ground filet mignon, or spinach and ricotta raviolis with scallops. Yum!
After ordering, take time to really look around you. What can best be described as “junk décor” takes on new life when proudly displayed throughout the restaurant. The Garlic calls their style “One of a Kind,” utilizing recycled and vintage objects as centerpieces to an otherwise incredibly upscale and gourmet menu. Dress up or dress down (you are at the beach after all) and enjoy a delectable meal you will be talking about for a long time!
Written by: Cris with Wander Florida
Knot on Main Street in Dunedin, FL is a vintage and antique mall/store with more than 10,000 square feet of absolute delight. It began in a repurposed feed store in the heart of downtown Dunedin a few decades ago, but as they grew and needed more space, they moved to a new location away from Main Street. So the name Knot on Main Street came to be.
The Knot, as it’s affectionately called by locals, is family owned and supports over 100 small local businesses. The space is filled with vendors and dealers who each occupy an open stall-like space. They bring a huge variety of vintage items, handmade crafts, memorabilia and more to their shelves.
What can you expect to find here? A little of everything! The Knot’s vendors sell furniture, clothing, books, sports memorabilia, wall décor, outdoor décor, paintings, jewelry, and anything else you can think of. If you’re looking for something unique, this is the first place to search. It’s also a favorite place for locals to bring friends and family when visiting town, especially in the hot summer as The Knot is indoors and air-conditioned.
Knot on Main Street also supports local not-for-profit organizations. Some vendors are NFP’s (not for profit) and donate all of their proceeds while the Knot also holds drives for donations to other charities, such as collecting vases for Random Acts of Flowers. The store is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Visit at 2424 Bayshore Blvd Dunedin, FL 34698.
Written by: Haley with Fernweh Foreigner
With Florida’s year round beach weather, spending time in the water and discovering what lives under the sea is one of the best things to do in the state. Both West Palm Beach and Jupiter in southeastern Florida are amazing places to snorkel.
Both towns are located pretty close to each other so you can easily spend time at each location in one day or spend a few days discovering each underwater destination. Although no snorkel gear is rented or sold at these snorkeling spots, with your own equipment this is one of the best free things to do within Palm Beach County.
Starting on the north end of Palm Beach County, Cato’s Bridge in Jupiter is the most local snorkeling spot that is not typically advertised to outsiders. The water in this little corner under the bridge is absolutely beautiful and clear, and you can potentially see manatees, sharks, starfish, and tons of fish.
Out on Singer Island in North Palm Beach, snorkeling out off of the beach won’t be quite as clear but you can still potentially swim with sea turtles, manatees, or even an octopus.
The best place to snorkel in the area is at Phil Foster Park on the south side of the bridge in the inlet of West Palm Beach. There are statues, boats, and other structures underwater that were put there to create lively snorkeling or a scuba diving spot which is now home to loads of marine life like stingrays, eels, starfish, barracuda, tons of fish, and so much more.
Try going during high tide on a clear sunny day for the best visibility and bring a pool noodle to make swimming easier on yourself. What you see snorkeling can be different every time you visit so you’ll never get bored here!
Written by: Megan with Red Around the World
The River Rise trail in High Springs, Florida is a unique hiking trail. It’s unique to the point where the Santa Fe River rises out of the ground in River Rise State Park after having gone underground in O’Leno State Park three miles away.
This is an easy three-mile round-trip hiking trail just outside of downtown High Springs that is also popular for biking and horseback riding. The trail is wide and looks like an old road. It’s very easy to follow and while it’s not particularly scenic, it’s a very enjoyable walk through the Florida woods with this unique natural feature not found at many other places.
There are a few other trails that branch off of the main trail. Some trails lead back to it in a different spot and others go all the way to the river sink (where it goes underground) in O’Leno State Park.
After a walk through the woods you’ll come to a clearing where you can see the river ahead of you. It’s not a gradually widening river, either. It’s a full-sized river that looks like it just starts right where you are but it’s actually coming up from beneath you. This is a great hiking trail in High Springs and while you may see a few other people along the way, it’s not super busy so you’ll likely have most of it to yourself.
Written by: Stephanie with Fleurty Girl Travels
There’s a hidden gem in Crystal River that I wanted to keep a secret, but it’s just so good, I need to share! Hunter Springs Park, 104 NE 1st AVE, Crystal River, won a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor in 2019, and it’s easy to see why. A visit to Hunter Springs Park could allow you to swim with manatees during manatee season. Just offshore from the sandy beach, is one of the natural springs that feed into Crystal River, where the manatees seek refuge during the winter months.
The natural springs are crystal clear and a consistent 72 degrees, 26 Celcius, and it’s a refreshing swim. Hunter Springs Park offers a freshwater beach swimming area, restrooms, a wonderful paddle craft launch area, a picnic pavilion, and a boardwalk along the waterway.
My favorite paddle board launch site, Hunter Springs Park’s launch area is sandy and very shallow, with a gradual slope. It takes about 30 minutes to paddle to Three Sister Springs, depending on the wind direction. The park also has a limited loading zone to handle your paddle crafts, before parking.
The picnic pavilion is equipped with BBQ grills and is open to anyone. It is on a first come first served basis and cannot be reserved. The kids can play on the playground while you relax in the grassy area nearby or utilize the picnic area.
The boardwalk along the waterway is a great area to watch the birds, fish, manatees, and kayakers pass by while enjoying a great day at the park.
The City of Crystal River charges a nominal parking fee, plus a nominal fee for launching a paddle craft. The pay station accepts credit cards only. The parking fills up early on the weekends, but is ample during the weekdays.
Written by: Ingrid with Destination Unknown
If you’re visiting Tampa, Florida, there’s one locally-owned gem that absolutely shouldn’t be missed – Gulf Coast Sourdough on Florida Avenue. As a Tampa resident for 18 years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring a multitude of dining options, but Gulf Coast Sourdough in Old Seminole Heights holds a special place in my heart.
What makes Gulf Coast Sourdough an unparalleled dining destination is its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. They have perfected the art of crafting amazing sourdough bread that forms the foundation of their menu. Personally, I can’t get enough of their turmeric and black pepper loaf. The chewiness of the sourdough with the slightest kick and immense flavor is something I’ve not tasted anywhere else. It’s such good bread that I would buy one loaf to eat that week and store a second loaf in the freezer so I didn’t run out!
It’s not just the bread that makes this place a standout. The atmosphere exudes a warm and welcoming vibe with murals, a small gift shop, and café tables for dining, making every visit a delightful experience. Whether you’re swinging by in the morning for a sourdough cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee to kickstart your day or you’re popping in at lunchtime to savor one of their mouthwatering sandwiches, Gulf Coast Sourdough caters to all your cravings.
This restaurant has become my go-to recommendation for friends and even the short-term guests who rent our cottage around the corner. If you’re seeking a dining experience that’ll leave you craving more, visit Gulf Coast Sourdough!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of Florida local experiences. My wish is for you to be adventurous and explore Florida like a local. Many times we follow the crowds to the most touristy places. And, although there is nothing wrong with this, we tend to miss out on some fantastic local travel experiences that we never would have known about. So, go out, vacation like a local, and visit like a local!
For more on favorite Florida locations written by me, Cynthia of Mackintosh Travels™, click any of the below photos!
Navigating travel with a medical condition like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis can indeed present some challenges, but with careful planning and preparation, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy fulfilling travel experiences. As a fellow travel enthusiast and blogger, I understand the importance of …
