Treasure Coast, Florida – Just What the Name Says

Paula — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:19:33 +0000

If you have yet to hear of Treasure Coast, Florida, we will forgive you. With a quirky mysterious history and stunning beaches it might not be one of the most common Florida areas, but it is definitely worth a visit. Covering three counties and some of the most natural environment in the state, Treasure Coast absolutely lives up to its name. There is no better place to enjoy the beauty of nature and the magic of coastal living than this part of Florida. Treasure Coast is a State Treasure This area of Florida is as beautiful as its name implies, offering both natural and man made beauty and attractions. It boasts a laid back atmosphere, amazing fishing and fun watersports, and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the US, along with some of the most beautiful parts of Florida’s geography. So let’s take a look at this treasured area. The Area This area of Florida located on its Atlantic coast is comprised of three counties – Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin. Within these counties is no shortage of natural beauty, fun adventures, great fishing, and a generally laid back atmosphere. Geography Shielded from the Atlantic Ocean by narrow sand bars and barrier islands which protect shallow lagoons, rivers, and bays, Treasure Coast is rich with beaches. There are beaches on almost every block it seems and beaches are notably they are pretty safe due to the natural barrier of the geography. Family Friendly Many beaches such as Bathtub Beach and Stuart Beach in Stuart are perfect for families. Shallow waters and pristine sand makes these a great spot to learn a new sport too. Make your way inland, and you’ll find pine and palmetto flat lands along with a preponderance of lakes and rivers dotting and crisscrossing the entire Treasure Coast region. This area is also bordered by the Atlantic leg of the Inter-coastal Waterway. Flora and Fauna The Treasure Coast boasts some of the most beautiful flora of the entire state. No matter where you go, you’ll find vibrant colors of the region’s blooms and the rich texture of its foliage. With everything from ferns to palm trees, this area of Florida is a gardener’s dream. If you love wildlife, there’s plenty to see in Treasure Coast, as well. The area is a bird watcher’s heaven with dozens of colorful species. In addition, you can see deer, alligators (of course), and the always adorable manatee. The ocean angling is great as is fishing in the lakes and streams. Take a Polaroid or Two Treasure Coast is a photographer’s paradise. Tonnes of crabs play on rocks and near estuaries, and the fish can easily be spotted jumping as you dine at a waterfront restaurant. Herons and pelicans are commonplace. Snap pictures of them while dolphins play nearby. How to Spy Dolphins I learned a trick while paddle boarding and kayaking one day. Pay attention to the pelicans over water. When they skim the water, you can predict where the dolphin pods show up next. When pelicans want food they will steal it practically right out of a dolphin’s mouth. That makes it easier to tell where to stand to take a picture. The Cities of Treasure Coast The Treasure Coast isn’t just about wildlife. It’s also about the vibrant communities waiting to be explored. All of these communities boast excellent dining and shopping opportunities to begin and go from there. They also have a laid back atmosphere that can help relax even the most tense of individuals. The major cities of the area are: In addition to these cities, you can find smaller cities and townships with no less to offer in the way of culture and dining. Stop by a local restaurant to experience authentic fresh southern Florida seafood or hit one of the local shops for some funky finds. Travel Tip: Look for the waterfront restaurants and your reward will be with photoworthy scenery While here there are many things to do and I will talk about that in another post. But because this is the Treasure Coast, you have to make time to visit McLarty’s Treasure Coast Museum. Details: The museum is located at 13810 Highway A1A, on Orchid Island, Sebastian Inlet not far from Vero Beach. It is inexpensive and educational. Admission was $2. This museum tells the history of Treasure Coast and how it came to be named. The Shipwrecks There have been many shipwrecks over the years off this coast which of course is why it is called the Treasure Coast. In 1715, a storm sank a fleet of wooden Spanish ships carrying treasures and jewels of the Queen. Visit McLarty’s Treasure Museum on Facebook for more information. The jewels from the shipwrecks are still being found today. Divers come from many areas of the world to try to locate some of the lost treasures. Just last year a treasure hunter found a haul worth about $4 million US. About 20 % of the artifacts have been claimed by the state of Florida and will eventually be displayed as artifacts. Mel Fisher also has a Treasure Museum in Vero Beach area but I ran out of time and was only able to visit McLarty’s while in the area. McLarty’s exists precisely on the spot where survivors washed ashore and set up camp. Treasure Coast, Florida – Exactly What Its Name Says Treasure Coast, Florida is exactly worthy of the name and it is a treasure. This area of Florida has some compelling history and a laid back atmosphere that makes it perfect for decompressing from life’s daily stresses. Whether you’re a nature buff, a beach lover, an active sporty adventure traveler, or a person who enjoys a little food and wine, Treasure Coast, Florida has something for you. I was a guest of Martin County and Indian River County, Florida recently and as such I received compensation, flights, some meals, accommodations, and other perks to share travel stories here and on my social media channels. My opinion is honest and always truthful.

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Visiting Florida and Uncovering Something New

Paula — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:04:24 +0000

The beauty of visiting Florida is that you can travel there every year and still uncover something new and fresh and inviting on each trip. When I was younger I thought everything in Florida centred around Disney. Last year, I visited Florida 5 times and I can tell you that I was wrong. Florida is something new every time you visit. Last year was a wonderful year for travel here and 2016 is poised to eclipse that. Next week I am heading to one of my favourite states. This time I will be seeing Martin County and Indian River. This month I look forward to visiting Florida and seeing Martin County and Indian River County, two spots I knew very little about until I started researching for this trip. This time around I have a jam packed schedule and I can’t wait for this adventure. Martin County and Indian River are otherwise know as the Treasure Coast. The Treasure Coast is on the Atlantic Coast and includes Vero Beach, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound as well as some spots like Sebastien, Stuart and Palm City. The Treasure Coast gets its name from historic shipwrecks of 1715. A fleet of ships ran into rough weather and apparently capsized and their treasures sank with them in the 1700s off the Atlantic Coast near this area of Florida. Some estimates indicate that treasure might be worth as much as $500 million USD today. Visiting Florida is always a treat. Canadians hold this travel destination close to their hearts. We are some of Florida’s biggest fans and repeat travellers with good reason. Florida is easy to reach by plane or by car and its climate is worth celebrating. Many Canadians make a second home in various parts of Florida during the winter months. I am not one of those snowbirds but I can certainly see that appeal too. Next week while visiting Florida, I have several new activities planned. I am trying some new things that are sure to be exciting and fun for me. At least one of these activities scares me a bit, and that’s okay. Adventures Await Visiting Florida It’s a good thing to occasionally be scared into doing something outside your comfort zone. Like surfing. For me, that’s a big deal and a total challenge. There’s so much to do in Indian River County and Martin County my head is spinning already! Eight Adventures Waiting In Indian River County and Martin County. Paddle boarding I have been wanting to try this for years now. Shortly after I arrive in Indian River County I am going to learn how to paddle board. WOOT! I suspect it is harder than some people make it look. I should have some fun stories about this soon. Hobe Sound Hobe Sound local beaches are some of the world’s most important nesting sites for loggerhead seat turtles. I will be looking for some loggerheads nesting. But I might have trouble getting pictures because I have read that flash photography is not allowed when turtles are nesting. It interferes with the process. Downtown Stuart This downtown area is beautiful and iconic. It was the first town in Florida to be named Coastal Living’s Happiest Seaside Town in America. It is the #9 Most Beautiful town in America, as declared by both Country Living magazine and House Beautiful. It sounds so lovely I might need to take a lot of pictures and do a bit of shopping. In downtown Stuart you can take a solar powered tram ride. I think this sounds like a great spot to take some photos. Take a River Cruise I hear there are a few options in the area of Indian River County and I hope I have the chance to take a short one. It is on my itinerary. Take a Sea Turtle Nesting Tour Did you know that these are late at night? I didn’t actually realize that until I received my schedule. I will blame that on being Canadian. No sea turtles up here. Treasure Museum Well, you can’t leave the Treasure Coast without seeing the Treasure Museum, right? Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge The first National Wildlife Refuge in the US. That’s right, the first. Amazing history here and so exciting. Surfing Lessons and Surfing Camp for Kids Surfing is on my list. I’m sure I will not be great at this but why not? I have always wanted to try or even just to learn the technique involved, so away we go. Disclosure: As a guest of Visit Florida, I’m sharing the many attributes of travel in the region. I’ve received perks and compensation. This is the first post in a series of posts about the area. My opinion is all my own and it is 100 % truthful. Stay tuned for more adventures throughout the month. Follow along with #LoveFL hashtag.

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Treasure Coast, Florida – Just What the Name Says

Visiting Florida and Uncovering Something New