Visiting Florida and Uncovering Something New
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.
Table of Contents
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.
32 Comments
Tammy Bell
i haven’t been to Florida since i was 5, would love to take my daughter.
paula schuck
She would find so much to do here in Stuart and area.
Liz Mays
Oh wow, you get to try so many fun things! This is going to be such a great trip!
paula schuck
I am so excited!!
Amber Nelson
I have not been to Florida yet, but it is on my list to visit.
Judy Cowan
It has been years since my last visit to Florida. Would love to go back for a holiday, maybe someday if we can get all these unexpected expenses to stop!
Gord
I have never visited Florida but would love to some day.
Florence C
Visited Florida a couple of time but have not been for years now. Love to go back to take the grandchildren. Martin County sounds like a great spot to visit.
Victoria Ess
I’ve never been here before! What a great sounding destination!
Robyn Bellefleur
I have not been there before but it sounds like there is lots to do there.
Lynda Cook
Sounds great and a lot to do too, never a dull or boring moment!!
Lisa Rios
Florida is such an amazing place to visit & I agree you never get bored going for a repeated visit. I would love to visit again sometimes soon with my kids & explore the best out of it this time around.
heidi c.
We often just think of Orlando and Miami but there are so many other interesting places in Florida to visit!
Marielle Altenor
That is true, a lot of Canadians visit Florida often. And to think that I lived in Florida for 7 years and had never been to those spots!
Ann Bacciaglia
I go to Florida a few times a year. I hope to retire one day and move to Florida i love it there. I will have to check out the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge next time.
Elizabeth Matthiesen
I’ve been to Florida a few times and loved it, I can completely understand the ‘snowbirds’. I’m sure you’re going to have a fabulous time and I can’t wait to read all about it. 🙂
angela m
I have never been to Florida, but it is on my list of places to visit.
Cheryl
I have only been in Florida once but dream of returning!! So much to see 🙂
Victoria Ess
Some of these are great “off the beaten path” attractions!
Alison Braidwood
I’ve been to Panama City Beach, Orlando, and Pensacola, but not this area. Looks fab.
wobbles13
always wanted to go!
Cheryl
Thanks for the list!! I dream of taking our kids to Flordia in the next few years 🙂
Angie
I was in Florida about 12 years ago – I am looking forward to the next time which will be Disney with my kids.
Amanda Fontaine
I am from Canada and I have never even crossed to border to the states yet… One day though.. One day!
Silvia D
would love to go to Florida one day!
Jennifer P.
I’ve never been to Florida but have always wanted to go! Mostly I have wanted to go to Disney World, but this review of a different side of Florida sounds lovely and I would like to explore it too!
angela m
I have never been to Florida but would be the perfect place to take my family.
Stephanie LaPlante
I’ve never heard of these places before. They all sound amazing!
Darlene Schuller
I’ve only been to Florida once, St Petersburg, it was fabulous and I had such a good time. The people were very friendly and the weather was incredible.. I would love to go back again!
Victoria Ess
I’ve never been here before but it sounds like a great place to vacation!
heidi c.
I have visited Florida and enjoyed it!
Athena
Florida is a great place 🙂