Welcome to 50 by 50 where I highlight one state each week and what to do when visiting. This week is Florida, that joined the union on March 3, 1845 and is known as the Sunshine state because the abundance of sunshine and warm temperatures.
The three main cities to base your travel out of. Tampa, along the Gulf, is known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Orlando, located in the middle of the state is a popular destination due to the many theme parks in an hour radius. Miami with its Latinex flair and Atlantic beaches, is the seventh largest metropolis in the country.
If you want to get out of the cities though, then head to the Everglades with 1.5-million-acre of wetlands preserve that is home to hundreds of animal species.
Looking for the ideal beach? Seaside located on the Gulf panhandle is so picturesque you may recognize it from a few movies. Or how about going to the Caribbean without leaving the US Borders. Key West is as close as you can get!
Are the kids looking for something? You could head to Orlando to choose from the many theme parks and activities there. And trust me there are a few! I also happen to specialize in a couple of them. If you want to explore Florida outside of the parks then start your day at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, an 1830’s sugar mill located in a state park where you can cook your own pancakes at the table! As long as you can flip a flapjack, you’re in for a treat. After shuttle over to Cape Canaveral and visit the NASA space center. You may also be fortunate enough to see a launch or landing—or both! Or visit Kelly’s Park—a natural park where there’s tubing, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs. There is also a playground and picnic grounds.
Ok Foodies get ready! Because Florida has quite a few.
There's no way we could make a restaurant bucket list without Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. This legendary establishment has been around in some form since 1913 and has served Florida stone crab since 1921. Joe's was the first place to attempt to serve this dish, which has become a beloved Florida delicacy.
Blue Heaven is an iconic beacon of Key West culture. It has a whimsical atmosphere with folk art, live music, lush foliage and cats and chickens roaming free. They also lay claim to the best Key lime pie on the planet.
TacoLu in Jacksonville is a place every North Florida foodie worth his salt would recommend it in a heartbeat. Not only is the food to die for, the place itself is really cool. The only problem is its popularity, so plan your visit wisely.
This list would not be complete without Florida's oldest continuously operating restaurant. Columbia Restaurant in the historic neighborhood of Ybor City has been serving succulent Spanish and Cuban dishes since 1905. It has since branched out to Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach and Orlando, but nothing can replace a visit to the original.
And for the most Romantic dinner nothing is more memorable than Victoria and Alberts. With a host of accolades, including Best Chef in the South, Scott Hunnel’s team treat you to the ultimate fine dining experience with seasonal flavors and the finest of ingredients. To make it more memorable, add the wine pairing and book a reservation in the Queen Victoria room or the private Chef’s table that can sit 2 to 12.
And for a romantic stay, head to Key West’s Adult only all-inclusive Bungalow Largo offering an intimate tropical location with stunning sunsets all without the need of a passport. There are only 135 bungalows on 12 acres it offers 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a zen garden spa, water sports, yoga, and floating tiki boats! It is also located within walking distance of many other local attractions. What ever you decide to do while there, get ready to lay back in luxury.
Want to learn more about Florida? Contact Me. Or you can let me know your favorite places to visit below. Also subscribe to my YouTube channel and blog for ideas on vacations to other destinations.