Living Where Others Vacation

Living in Florida means experiencing the state beyond vacations and bucket lists. Beaches, parks, small towns, and natural spaces become part of everyday life here. Of course, we have to deal with the heat and humidity, but it’s a small price to pay when you think about all the things to do in Florida for locals. With that, we know Florida is not built like other states, so it’s important to have items on hand that are essential for every Florida home. Bug spray, sun block and flip flops are obvious, but grabbing products in preparation for hurricanes and crazy weather is necessary too.

Whether you are looking for quiet and secluded places with no tourists, unique weekend getaways, or low key adventures close to home, Florida residents have the luxury of living where many people only vacation. The Sunshine State is full of places that don’t show up on most travel lists; true hidden gems in Florida. The Florida food scene is also growing, with Michelin rated restaurants popping up, offering more than the usual staples.

As Floridians, we’re lucky to be able to hop in the car for spontaneous day trips and easy escapes that don’t require flights or long planning. There is always something new to explore when you start looking at Florida through a local lens. Sometimes that means familiar places, like Disney World, or for us, the wetlands, and other times it means planning a Florida staycation to enjoy what’s been around the corner all along.