You may be surprised to learn Cedar Key is not located near Key West. Hidden on the Northwest coast of Florida, Ceder Key is a close-knit community famous for miles of clam farms and fresh seafood. Although it is tucked away, it is accessible by all modes of travel; land, water, and air. I first [...]
Vacations to Florida are often filled with white sandy beaches and theme parks. However, a few days spent in Ocala will provide the same adventurous weekend at a fraction of the cost. If you’ve traveled I-75 through Florida, you’ve likely passed Ocala to get to your destination, and maybe you didn’t even realize it. Located [...]
Driving under the moss-covered road to the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm was like entering a romance novel. The dusty dirt road led to a pristine black-and-white barn that starkly contrasted the green oak trees. Small clusters of the prized Gypsy Vanner Horses stood in the pastures, unfazed by the arrival of the new visitors. Gypsy [...]
December Rose & Thorns – A monthly recap of the highs and lows experienced each month. Rose: The Simple Things If I describe my holiday season in one word, it would be - calm. I didn’t rush into any store to pick up a last-minute gift or stress about what to bring to dinner. I [...]
November Rose & Thorns – A monthly recap of the highs and lows experienced each month. I haven’t written an opening paragraph to a Rose & Thorns post in a very long time. However, I wanted to point out that there will not be a thorn this month. At the beginning of each month, I [...]
Located an hour North of Tampa, Florida, Brooksville isn’t the picturesque touristy beach town that comes to mind when you think of Florida. In fact, it doesn’t have a beach at all. What it lacks in giftshops selling t-shirts and shells, it makes up for in the serene, untouched forest and a deep history dating [...]
Amber Brooke Farm is the ideal place for kids and adults to enjoy life on the farm. As the change in seasons brings more comfortable temperatures, the demand for outdoor activities soars to a seasonal high. It may not be sweater weather quite yet, but that shouldn't stop people from participating in fall activities. Getting [...]
September Rose & Thorns – A monthly recap of the highs and lows experienced each month. Rose: Olive You This summer was rough. Many outside stresses were happening throughout July and August that left me not feeling like myself. However, September has felt like I’ve turned a corner for the better. Maybe it’s the change [...]
Ybor City is a historical city built on the ambition and dreams of migrant workers who moved to Tampa seeking a better life. Ybor City's residents created an environment to raise their children, establish businesses, and follow their dreams. Today the ironwork balconies, brick-paved streets, and towering marble and granite social clubs continue to tell [...]
Over the course of visiting farms around Florida, a common thread between all types of farming is the reliance on family. Passed through generations, the pride of caring for the land and the product created is undeniable. On a gloomy day, I visited the Dakin Dairy Farm. The sky may have been gray, but the [...]
