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Fall in Love with Florida Feature in Condé Nast Traveler

Whether you’re a history lover, food fanatic or adventure-seeker, there are so many ways Florida can steal your heart. So when Condé Nast Traveler asked me to curate a few of my favorite Florida experiences and places to stay for the magazine, I couldn’t wait to share what I love most about the Sunshine State.

Luxurious Landmarks

Learn about the origins of the Sunshine State’s legendary hospitality with a genteel Old Florida-style stay in a historic hotel. In South Florida, The Breakers is the centerpiece of Palm Beach. Nearby, the quaint and charming Seminole Inn in Indiantown has been owned by the same family since 1926. On the Gulf Coast, enjoy the classic comforts and spectacular sea views of St. Petersburg’s beachfront Don CeSar, the iconic “Pink Palace” built in the 1920s, or settle in at the cozy St. George Inn or the Mediterranean-style Casa Monica after a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets of historic St. Augustine.

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(Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach. Photo by Kara Franker)

Tantalizing Tastes

From fresh seafood to ethnic eats to five-star indulgences, Florida cuisine is deliciously diverse-and a draw for foodies. In Tampa, savor Cuban specialties in the historic Ybor City district or enjoy an evening straight out of the Prohibition era with cocktails and dinner at Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club. Be sure to ask for the catch of the day at beachside restaurants all along Florida’s coastline. At Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, a secluded resort on Little Torch Key, you can have a romantic picnic on the beach enjoying a basket filled with baguettes, artisanal cheeses, and wine or take a seaplane to a private island for caviar and champagne. A trip to Tampa Bay will give you the chance to enjoy an array of sights and attractions not found in many American cities. Tampa Bay is the ideal city stop on a Florida fly drive between Orlando and the beaches of St. Pete – a city where the retro vibes meet the modern. There is lush tropical vegetation throughout and it almost feels like an island rather than a peninsula. You can visit https://yoursouthtampahome.com/south-tampa-points-of-interest/ for more information about the major attractions in the area.

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(Photo by Little Palm Island Resort and Spa)

Endless Experiences

With unlimited options for fun, relaxation, and soaking up the sun, your love affair with Florida never has to end. Whether your passion is golf or shopping, the Turnberry Isle Miami resort has packages perfect for your interests. Charter a yacht at Capt. Anderson’s Marina in Panama City Beach to enjoy a day of fishing or dolphin-watching near Shell Island. On unspoiled Amelia Island, explore nature trails and go for sunrise horseback rides on the golden sand. Near Fort Myers, watch unbeatable sunsets from Lovers Key State Park‘s beaches and bike over breezy causeways and through wildlife preserves.

amelia-island-beach-shot
(Photo by Amelia Island Tourist Development Council)

Hidden Gems

A bevy of mermaids put on an enchanting show in the clear spring waters at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, located just north of Tampa. Nature lovers should head to the nearby Plantation on Crystal River for its lush grounds, stately oaks and abundant wildlife-you can even swim with manatees in the warm springs.

manatatee-plantation-on-crystal-river
(Photo by Plantation on Crystal River)

Insider Tip: Pick up the latest issue of Condé Nast Traveler for more great Florida travel tips from yours truly. And check out VisitFlorida.com for all your Florida travel planning needs.

Conde-Nast-Traveler-VF-Kara-Franker

(Photo by Kara Franker)

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this great article along with the amazing pictures of Florida. You definitely captured some of the gems in the great state of Florida. Love reading your blog!

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