Florida

Florida

Silhouette of palm trees near body of water during sunset in Florida. Photo by Denys Kostyuchenko

“Florida is different things to different people. To some, Florida is a paradise. It is warm water, sun-drenched beaches, mysterious swamps, and stunning coral reefs..” 

— Perry Chang

 

Welcome to Florida, where every corner has a story to tell. Picture yourself in Miami, dancing the night away at an iconic South Beach club or savoring fresh seafood with a view of the Atlantic. Venture to Orlando, not just for the magic of its theme parks, but for hidden gems like quaint Winter Park, with its scenic boat tours and indie boutiques.

Ever wondered what it’s like to glide through the mysterious Everglades? Meet a gator or two, and learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives there. Or perhaps you’d prefer the laid-back vibes of the Florida Keys, where time seems to slow down and the sunsets paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.

From the historic streets of St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, to the rocket launches on the Space Coast, Florida offers something surprising at every turn. Dive into our travel stories and let the unexpected charm of Florida inspire your next adventure.

 

  • As the summer sun beat down on the emerald waters of Pasco County, Florida, a treasure hunt unfolded beneath me. We glided through the clear shallows of the gulf waters, our eyes scanning the seagrass below for telltale flashes of blue - the tiny eyes of bay scallops peeking out from their fan-shaped shells.

  • When we think of Florida’s statehood, the bustling city of Tallahassee comes to mind. But, Florida moved into statehood in a smaller, less-known place. A convention held at St. Joseph, Florida led to the drafting of the constitution for the Territory of Florida on December 3, 1838, and also to the state’s first constitution. On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state. We’re exploring the wealth of attractions in this historic community.

  • Newspapers have always played a vital part in shaping the history of a place. Often, the now-silent printing presses remain intertwined with their community’s present story. The Panama City Publishing Company Museum in the St Andrews Neighborhood of Panama City, Florida shares one of these stories.

  • Best known as the nation’s oldest city, the mention of St. Augustine, Florida conjures up images of a centuries-old fort, swaying palm trees, glistening beaches, the Fountain of Youth, and an abundance of fresh seafood waiting to be devoured. But there’s so much more to Florida's Historic Coast and much of that lies within the area's Black history.

  • Theatre of Memory in Gainesville, Florida displays one mans collection of memories across a wide variety of topics.

  • Mention Daytona Beach, Florida, and most people will either declare its glory as the birthplace of NASCAR or as the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Daytona Beach and its surrounding communities occupy an iconic piece of Florida’s east coast. It turns out Daytona Beach is a treasure trove of Black history sites and stories.

  • Many people know the story of the African American town Rosewood from the movie about the massacre, but how many of us have heard of Goldsboro, Florida, the second black incorporated city in the United States, which also thrived and was subsequently destroyed?

  • I've driven by the exit off Interstate 4 just north of Orlando, Florida, dozens of times, and always wondered about Eatonville. You can see the sign from the freeway that reads "Oldest Incorporated African American Municipality in America." Recently, I decided to take the exit and finally explore this city of deep significance to our country.

  • The Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia by gathering with family, decorating the house with red couplets and giving red envelopes with money to friends and colleagues. Also known as Spring Festival in China, this 15-day celebration starts on January 22nd and ends with the Lantern Festival on February 5th.

  • Amelia Island is a blend of cultures that lived under eight flags. It was a haven for pirates, con men, and hardworking settlers from many countries. From the Timucuans who met the first French and later Spanish settlers, to the Jim Crow era and the founding of American Beach, where African Americans could frolic freely, it has a unique history and offers a perfect vacation spot with fewer crowds than better known Florida beach towns. 

  • Disney World and Disneyland parks and resorts have long been called, collectively, “the happiest place on earth.” But the joy of Disney parks comes with a large price tag — at the time of print, Disney World Orlando’s Standard Theme Park Ticket is priced at $109.00 per day.

  • pumpkins patch Autumn in Central Florida is a magical time that unveils a different dimension of the Sunshine State. When most think of Florida, images of sunny beaches and swaying palm trees come to mind. However, fall activities in Florida present a varied tapestry that contradicts this stereotype.  The season transforms the landscape, infusing it with warm hues of amber, burnt orange, and gold. These colors drape parks, streets, and homes, beckoning residents and visitors to indulge in the various outdoor events and adventures tailored for the season. From family-friendly pumpkin patches to cozy evening hayrides, Central Florida comes alive with activity, offering experiences that resonate with the young and old alike. One cannot help but notice the increase in community events, local markets, and outdoor festivals that champion the essence of fall activities in Florida.  pumpkin patch And it's not just about the festivities; the temperate climate, [...]