Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest

As a general principle, I hate dirt.  I don't ride 4-wheelers; I don't go "mudding;" I don't walk barefoot if the ground is dirt.  (Beach sand and grass are different--they're clean.) With that said, the idea of camping has always turned me off.  I don't like feeling dirty.  I can't stomach the idea of bath houses and port-o-potty type facilities.  There's just something gross about all of it.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a girly-girl; I'm not a prima donna; I'm certainly not a "princess." Simply put, I don't feel clean when I camp and I don't get clean in showers that other people have used (and done who knows what in!).

On the flip side, I do like sitting by a fire pit in the evening with a glass of wine or beer.  I love sleeping in a tent, listening to the crickets and frogs. However, I can't have ambiance without dirt, so camping just isn't for me.

Buying a Camper

After being rained out (flooded would be more like it) of our Fort DeSoto camping weekend, we began discussing a pop up camper.  After looking at a used one on Craigslist, we stopped in at a Camping World just to see what a new pop up would cost.  During my quick trip to the ladies' room, Jeremy & the saleswoman hit on the small travel trailer idea.  You know me...immediate answer, "NO."  We don't have the space for a travel trailer, and I'm certainly NOT going to pay that much for a toy.  Two hours later, we'd decided to buy a Coleman 15' travel trailer.  Between the cost, amenities (no dirt, AC, my own bathroom and shower) and the promise to buy me an outdoor carpet, we decided it might be a great way to travel with the kids and dogs. 

Let's Go Camping

Less than a week after buying our new travel-trailer toy, we set out on our first camping trip to Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest.  I've lived in Florida my ENTIRE life, and I've NEVER heard of this place...and for good reason.  They don't even have cell service...or a stop light...or a McDonald's...or anything else that signifies civilization.  Oh well...

After a three hour drive up, we arrived and were set up in less than 10 minutes.  (Tent camping always took nearly an hour...hauling stuff from the car, laying out the tent, setting up the tent, prepping an area to cook, airing up mattresses, putting sheets on...uugghhh.) I was able to grill chicken outside and steam veggies on my stove.  We ate, were able to wash dishes in a sink, and were sitting by a fire before dark.  So far...not so bad!

The Springs

The initial reason we chose the national forest was for the kayaking and the springs.  Once we got to the campground and spring area, we abandoned the idea of kayaking and decided to play in the springs all day.  Salt Springs in one word...WOW!  Absolutely Beautiful! (ok...so that was three words)  We walked from our campsite to the springs.  The swimming area opened at 8am, and even when we got there around 9am, there were only a handful of families.  We attempted getting in to just swim around and float, but at 70 degrees, it was a bit chilly.  Luckily, the camp store sold tubes, and at $19 each, it was still worth it.  We floated around the swimming area/springs

all day.  We left around 1pm to get some lunch, but came back immediately and floated until nearly 4:30pm.  Honestly, we were thirsty, and since beer is only allowed at your campsite, we called it a day.  Even at the peak of the day, there were less than 50 people swimming in the springs.  A half dozen boats were anchored at the entrance to the spring area, but they stayed on the other side of the buoyed ropes. One of the boat captains played music all day, which made the entire day feel like a party.

Two deer and a BEAR!

After dinner our second night, we decided to walk back down to the springs to take pictures and check it out at sunset.  Again...absolutely beautiful!  It feels and looks like a secluded, secret pond.  We walked around the spring area for just a few minutes before another couple alerted us to a bear in the picnic area beside us.  I was thrilled to see the bear, but he wasn't as thrilled at my excitement and he ran off...bummer!  On the walk back to the campground, we came across two deer--a young buck and a fawn.  We took a side trip to the over flow parking lot.  Unknown to my dear husband, I was still looking for the bear...and I found him.  However, this time, we heard him in the bushes and he ran out near us.  Jeremy quickly recited the "Bear Beware" pamphlet to me, and we decided that where there is a young bear, his mother may not be too far behind, so we sped up our trip back to the campsite.

All in All

First of all, my opinion of camping has changed.  With the amenities and comforts of a travel trailer, it's not so bad.  In fact, we're planning another trip this weekend.  

Second, Salt Springs is a definite encore trip.  The entire time we floated around the springs, I thought about the boys swimming & snorkeling.  As it is now, we're planning on Spring Break.  We can walk to the springs, float as long as we want, walk back to the campsite, and disconnect.  Remember, when I said no cell service?  Yep...none!  No Wifi either.  If you want to use Wifi, you can walk to the camp store/ranger station, but other than that, you can hang up communicating with the outside world.  Over the entire weekend, I picked up service once and it lasted all of 10 seconds.  There is either no service or AT&T hasn't heard of Salt Springs yet.

Saving Money This Summer

As a native Floridian, and moreover, the daughter of penny-pinching parents, who made Scrooge look like Donald Trump, I've grown up learning how to save money in Florida.  As an adult, I've fine-tuned my deal sniffing, and now, can proudly say that I can find some of the best travel deals on the market.

Travelling in Florida can get expensive, and travelling in Central Florida can break the bank.  Most of us have heard that two of Orlando's major attractions just hit the $100/day threshold.  For a family of four, with hotels and food, that's an insane amount of money for ONE day!  No, I prefer to travel a bit differently; my kids never realize their travelling on a budget, but my husband (and his wallet) certainly appreciates my deal-finding skills.

Like I said, I'm a native Floridian, and over my 40+ years in Central Florida, I've found attractions and vacation ideas that are often just outside the radar of many visitors, so consider the following...

Florida Vacation Auction

I stumbled on this one about five years ago.  The company, based in Fort Myers, auctions hotel stays and attraction tickets from destinations across the state, in exchange for advertising.  In other words, the hotel gives FL Vacation Auction a multi-night stay in exchange for advertising.  I'm not sure what other legal mumbo-jumbo might be involved, but I really don't care, as long as I get the deal.

Tips for using Florida Vacation Auction:

1) Read the fine print.  Some hotel stays are only valid on certain days of the week.  Likewise, so tickets and hotel stays have expiration dates.  If you're purchasing them for use during WFC, make sure the expiration date is after November 10, 2015.

2) Set up your account early.  Setting up your account takes a little time, and you don't want to lose out on an auction because you waited.

3) Set reminders.  Florida Vacation Auction allows guests to "watch" the price of an auction, and will send you an email on Sunday to remind you that the auction is ending that night.

4) Swoop in & Steal. Don't bid until the last 15 minutes.  Auctions end every Sunday night at 10pm.  Log in, go to the auction you want, and wait.  In the last 15 minutes, enter your maximum bid; the system will only increase in $5 increments, so if you bid $20 over the current bid, it won't allow someone else to bid unless they out bid you.  Likewise, if there are no current bids, the auction will show an "opening bid" price, which means you could pick it up for the bare minimum.

Groupon & Living Social

By now, many people have discovered both deal websites and have probably purchased a "voucher" for something.

1) Check Out the "Getaways" and "Hotel" Features. Many people don't know is that both deal sites offer hotel stays in Kissimmee, Orlando, and throughout Central Florida.  Some are for single nights, and can be grouped for multi-night stays, and others are for week long stays.  The really cool thing is that both sites have deals for the Kissimmee area that are valid through November 2015, so purchasing and booking now can save you lots of $$ as hotel rooms begin to fill and are at a premium.

2) Try a New Restaurant. If you've never been to the metro Orlando area, you have no idea just how many restaurants there are.  Due to the sheer number of restaurants in Kissimmee-Orlando, there's a ton of competition, and many restaurant owners are using Groupon and Living Social to attract new customers.

3) Take a Break.  Competing is hard work, so why not take a break while in town.  Groupon and Living Social both offer huge discount vouchers for massages, golf packages, movies, skydiving, and even hot air balloon rides.

4) Don't Forget the Kids.  Your kids don't have to go to the theme parks to have a great time while in Florida.  Both Groupon and Living Social offer kid-themed vouchers for indoor trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, movies, go-kart racing, mini-golf, zoos, aquariums, dinner theaters, and just about anything else you can imagine.

4) Set Up a Profile and City Notifications.  You may not live in Orlando or Tampa, but you can certainly get notifications for specific types of deals in the area.  When you set up your account on both sites, you will start getting email notifications of deals that match your preferred city.  You will get plenty of emails, and you never know when something really cool comes up, so don't get in the habit of absentmindedly deleting them before reading.

Vacation Rentals By Owner(VRBO)

This site has been around for years, and it keeps getting better.  The Central Florida area is HUGE for rental properties and time shares.  If you need more space and options than what a hotel can offer, consider renting a whole house, condo, or apartment.  If you break it down by the number of rooms you would need for your family/team and the price per night, you'll probably find that a rental is cheaper.  Likewise, private pools, hot tubs, and room to spread out is always nice on a vacation.

Air BnB

Here's my new fav!  We tested it this summer on our bike ride of the Outer Banks, and I can't stop singing the praises of it.  The concept is simple.  Owners rent out their entire home or just a bedroom in their home, offer breakfast, and huge savings.  On Air BnB, you can find everything from single rooms, single family homes, castles, lighthouses, campers, and even sailboats.

Tips for using AirBnB:

1) Market Yourself.  Air BnB hosts have the right to refuse a rental, so you need to make yourself look good.  When you set up your profile, use a picture that portrays you as honest, fun, and trustworthy, and write a bio that tells hosts who you are and what you do.

2) Check the Reviews.  Every AirBnB host has a review listing, % responses, and % approvals.  AirBnB travelers are typically candid and honest in their reviews.  If the host has been less than wonderful, you need to know before you book.

3) Read the Fine Print.  AirBnB hosts can charge extra for cleaning and pets, so know before you book. Likewise, hosts can stipulate the gender of guests, whether or not they allow children, and whether or not they have pets in the home.

4) Be Open.  If you decide to use AirBnB, you have to be open to all sorts of possibilities.  You are not in a hotel with a staff.  You are in someone's home with them.  You may or may not see your host.  Your host may or may not want to hang out & chat.  In the end, you may meet some really neat people along the journey.

Skip the Big Beaches...Try a Lesser Known Shoreline

When non-natives think of Florida, they imagine a state of nothing but Mickey Mouse and beaches. And when they think of beaches, they picture Dayton, Clearwater, South Beach (Miami), and Panama City...full of bikinis, packed with people, beach volleyball, celebrities, lots of skin, surfers, and the list goes on and on.  As a native, I'll agree.  Those beaches are great...for tourists.  Those beaches are the epitome of the Florida tourist, party beaches, but if you want the real Florida beach, you've got to head where the crowds aren't.

Here are a few of the best...and our favorites

Anna Maria Island (Holmes Beach, Coquina, Bradenton beaches)

This is where my mom always took us when we were kids.  I never understood why this was her beach of choice, but as I got older, it was obvious.  This place is completely un-touristy. Unlike Clearwater Beach, you don't spend half the day looking for parking or walking a mile from your car to the beach or paying $30 to park in a private lot near the beach.  No, the beaches of Anna Maria have plenty of free or super cheap parking, and if you don't want to drive from your hotel/motel, then take the trolley...it goes to the BEACH!!!  How cool is that!?!?  

Aside from the parking, the beaches of Anna Maria also look completely different. It's not a beach in the middle of a touristy town with high rise hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and dinner cruises.  These beaches still have trees, and there are NO HIGH RISE HOTELS! Most, if not all, of the beaches along the island are still lined by huge Australian Pines, providing shade for picnics and naps.  

If all of this isn't enough, and probably, because of the lack of touristy crap, the beaches of AMI are still fairly low key...no blaring music, no massive crowds, no chance of your kid getting lost in a sea of sun bathers, swimming without bumping into the person next to you...

This is the beach we go to for a simple day out with the kids.

Manasota Key (Englewood Beach & Stump Pass State Park)

This was another family favorite as a kid.  When we took our annual family vacation to the beach, it was always to Englewood.  Back in the day, there were no high rise hotels, most of the island was either private resorts or private homes, and not a single restaurant on the water.  Today, nearly 30 years later, it's still the same.  The public beach is still relatively small, the shoreline is still lined with trees, private resorts, and private homes, and the closest restaurant is across the street from the public beach.  At the very south end of the key (island), Stump Pass State Park allows you to kayak the bay side and swim

in the Gulf on the other.  Like Anna Maria, there are no crowds, no wild parties, and no loud music. Instead, you have absolutely blue water, white sand, families, and lots of peace and quiet. And for the adults in the group, because so much of the island is private (homes & resorts), you can have your cooler of Coronas and Sangria on the beach without a single problem...as long as you clean up your bottles & cans.

Still in the same neighborhood, but a little north of Manasota Key is Casey Key and Venice. While I haven't stayed in either, my friends do and claim that it's the exact same way...quiet, relaxing, and uncrowded.

AKA...The Sandbar

Gasparilla Island (Boca Grande & Little Gasparilla Island) 

When McDonald's gives away free breakfast on testing morning, parents line up around the block. People love free stuff. If something is free, everyone lines up.  If you actually have to pay for something, it tends to keep a certain crowd

away.  That is Gasparilla Island.  What makes Gasparilla Island and Little Gasparilla so popular and fabulously private is that it is not free.  You actually have to pay to get on the island or you have to have a boat to get on the island.  For a great many people, that's an instant turn off.  HOWEVER, that also keeps out the garbage.  That $6/car toll is the key to the island staying perfect.  Well, add to that the fact that you aren't allowed to park along the side of the road, there are no chain hotels, no chain restaurants, and no beach front bars, so the whole island breathes an air of privacy.  Little Gasparilla is nearly the same...no hotels (all private homes & rentals), no restaurants, no bars, and if you don't have a boat, no entry.  There are no roads to Little Gasparilla, so the crowds are non-existent.

For the boaters & kayakers, one of the best parts of the island areas is the sandbar.  The sandbar between the two islands is heaven. The perfectly clear, blue water is between ankle and knee deep (depending on the tide), full of shells, starfish, sea urchins, and the occasional sting ray, and just at the edge, it's not uncommon to see dolphins and manatees swimming by.  When we want a day away, Jeremy & I paddle out, park our chairs, and chill out until the beer runs out or the tide comes in.

Egmont Key & Anclote Key

No these two aren't side by side.  They aren't even close to each other. Both are considered Pinellas County, but one sits at the northern end and the other at the mouth of Tampa Bay on the southern end.   However, they both have something similar to offer...privacy.  Both are only accessible by boat--private or ferry. Anytime you have an island that's only accessible by boat, and as we know, boats aren't free, the island and its beaches will be quiet, natural, and peacefully wonderful.  Both Egmont and Anclote are state parks,which means there's a bit more to offer than just a quiet beach. Egmont Key is home to Fort Dade, built and used during the Spanish American War, and a lighthouse.    Anclote Key, on the other hand, is a preserve.  There are no provisions whatsoever on the island, which means if there is

something you might need or want while on the island, you better plan to take it...this includes food and water!

Getting to and hauling your own stuff might be a pain and an inconvenience, but what you get in return is pure paradise.

Destination: Fort DeSoto

Located at the very southern end of Tampa Bay, Fort DeSoto is actually a county park operated by Pinellas County.  I’ve been camping at Ft DeSoto since I was a child.  The most vivid memories I have of Ft DeSoto involve insanely talented racoons, hunting rabbits Elmer Fudd-style, and swinging on the playground.  Now that I’m an adult, fun at Ft DeSoto is slightly different.  There are still racoons, and I’m sure they are just as skilled at opening coolers and Tupperware.  The playground is still there, as are the rabbits, but now, we kayak, tour the old fort, swim at the beach, and venture into St. Pete for goodies.  The kids love the adventure; we love the quiet; it’s unbelievably affordable (averaging $35-$40/night for a camper/RV)…a win-win-win!

Our Suggestions:

1)  Make reservations early OR go online at 7am on Friday morning to get a spot.  The campground reserves a certain number of sites for “walk up” visitors—a throw-back policy from the early days of the park.

2)  Make plans to visit the fort.  It’s free with admission to the park or camping.  The view from the top deck is fabulous.  You can see out to Fort Dade (aka Egmont Key), all the way to Manatee County (Anna Maria Island to the south), and over to the Skyway Bridge.

3) Check out the beaches…they are BEAUTIFUL. Tripadvisor rates it 4 ½ stars out of 5 for good reason.

4) Stop in at the Bayway Country Store and Butcher Shoppe before turning onto the island.  HUGE selection of gourmet goodies, fresh seafood, homemade sausages & fish dips, and a meat selection that is second to none!

5) Visit the local breweries.  All are kid/family friendly, so don’t shy away.  3 Daughters, Cycle, Green Bench, and Mad Beach Brewing are all within a few minutes-drive, so head in to “town” for the evening.

6) Check out St. Pete Beach.  Yes, the beach is nice, but I’m talking more about the town.  There’s still a 1960s vibe of old-school motels and kitschy shops along the beach.  Very cool stuff and GREAT eats too!  Larry’s Ice Cream is a MUST! Be prepared to wait…there’s always a line.

Key West, FL Things you MUST know before you go!

I remember the first time I went to Key West, back in 2001.  I'd done NO research; I figured that I would drive onto the island and everything that I wanted to see and do would be right there...as soon as I passed the city limits sight...in a nice neat little package.  Nope.  In fact, if you don't know what to expect in Key West, you WILL miss something or you WILL NOT fully enjoy your time there.

Where to Stay

It dawned on me this morning, as we drove off the island, that if I didn't know WHERE to stay in Key West, then our trip would have been completely different, and possibly, quite a headache. 

You see, Key West is like many tourist towns.  The closer you are to the attraction, the more it will cost you...or does it?  Not necessarily.  As you arrive on the island, there are plenty of brand name, chain, and discount hotels.  However, those hotels are a few miles away from Duval Street, Mallory Square, the attractions, and the nicer beaches.  While in many destinations, this might not be a problem, but in Key West, parking is a premium and "free" parking doesn't really exist. Basically, you can save some money or have the comfort of your chain hotel brands, but you're going to have to drive down to Duval Street everyday and night, and spend sometimes $10 just to park on a muddy lot on some back street.  OR, you can take your chances and park in a residential spot and either have your car towed or rack up a nice $35 parking ticket.

Another potential tourist problem is that most non-Florida visitors expect ALL of Florida to be a beach.  Even in Key West, where you're surrounded by water, the island is not one big beach. In fact, some hotels that look to be directly on the water really aren't, and what looks like a "beach" isn't.  Most "beaches" in Key West aren't what many people think of when they think "beach." Waves are minimal at best; grass & sea weed are common; water clarity isn't always great. Don't get me wrong...beautiful beaches in the Keys do exist.  You just have to know where to go.  Staying directly on the water with a beautiful beach comes with a nice price tag.

Tip:

I've been going to the keys for years, so here's my suggestion.  Stay down town.  Stay within walking (3-4 blocks) of Duval Street.  There are plenty of small hotels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and private homes for rent.  No, they aren't part of some massive chain, but that's what makes them so fantastic.  The quaint, Key West-style bed & breakfast can be more personal, more romantic, more fun than any Best Western, Holiday Inn, Marriot, Sheraton-style hotel.  Likewise, by staying within walking distance, you can ride your bike, rent a scooter, catch the trolley, or even just walk to all the restaurants, attractions, the beach, and the marina.  We suggest trying a few of the following...BedandBreakfast.com, AirBnB, VRBO.com, Homeaway.com.  We normally stay at the Blue Parrot Inn, but this last trip was a condo rented through 1800Atlantic in their "Old Town Properties" section.

Where to Drink

It's not advertised, but Key West is a walk & drink town.  Once you're on Duval Street, you'll notice everyone walking around with adult beverages, and you'll be sure to want to join them. However, plan on spending some money doing so.  A single frozen beverage from Fat Tuesday's will set you back at least $7.  Margaritas at Margaritaville can be over $15, depending on the size.  I'm by no means saying don't drink.  I'm saying be smart about it.

Tips:

1) Stop at Publix, Winn Dixie, or any number of liquor stores on your way into town and buy your own.  Pack a plastic cup, water bottle, or sleeve of Solo cups, make your own beverage, and walk around town with your own.

2) Years ago, Millie's was the only place doing it and everyone realized how smart it was.  Now, several stores offer bottles & cans of beer and other adult beverages.  Many of them will even give you plastic cups.  Millie's, at the end of Duval Street, heading toward Mallory Square sells everything from beer and wine to frozen key lime pie on a stick.  They won't open your beer for you, but they'll point you to the bottle opener attached to a wooden post at the door.  A beer at Millie's will set you back $3-4.  

Where to Eat

Restaurants in Key West are by no means hard to find.  However, not all restaurants are created equal.  I have a theory that if a restaurant has to have people stand out on the corner passing out coupons or hawking their "specials," then they need the business.  In turn, if a restaurant parking lot is full or locals recommend it, then it usually is going to be great, and they don't need to pass out coupons and freebies.

Tips:

1) Half Shell Raw Bar: This one epitomizes the fresh & local-everyone eats there-it gets packed at peak hours-rule.  This one is also nothing fancy.  It's an unassuming wooden building at the marina; it's open air, with basic wooden tables & picnic benches.  However, the food is top notch.  During lobster season, you can get several lobster specialties. Jeremy always eats the Lobster PoBoy--lobster is flattened and deep fried before being loaded down with cheese and cole slaw on fresh bread.  As for me, I've eaten everything from a steamed lobster dinner to lobster blt to fried oysters.  You really can't go wrong here.

2) El Siboney: This is an accidental discovery, and honestly, I think the locals are trying to

 keep it a secret.  We found it while riding bikes one day, and noticed that at 9am, the smell of Cuban pork roasting was so thick, I stopped my bike in the middle of the road.  We asked a lady at our bed & breakfast, and she quickly recommended it as a local favorite.  El Siboney is located on Catherine Street, several blocks off of Truman (US 1), and will be the freshest Cuban food you will ever eat.  Oh, and make sure you're hungry when you go, because a single plate of roast pork, black beans, rice, and bread will feed a small army.  Again, it's nothing fancy, but it's worth the hunt.

3) Croissants de France: This is an easy find.  It's on Duval Street, and you really can't get fresher pastries anywhere in Key West.  Croissants filled with everything from chocolate and raspberry to ham & swiss or spinach & feta.  Gigantic beignets are filled with Nutella or key lime. The pastries are made fresh daily, and later in the afternoon, they discount the daily baked goods by 50%.  My suggestion is to have breakfast there at least once.  Treat yourself to something decadent.

4) Glazed Donuts: This one is a bit harder to find, but definitely not hidden.  Located on Eaton street, just a few hundred feet off of Duval, they make donuts with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.  It's a simple concept done right.  They make donuts; they make them huge; they make them right.  It's a no-brainer.  If you're willing to have fresh croissants one morning, then you have to indulge with fresh donuts one morning.