5 Reasons I Love Florida

We just returned from a glorious few days in beautiful, sunny Florida & I couldn’t be more in love – or more homesick – for my home state. While I was born in Cleveland, I spent my most formidable years in the Sunshine State, spending afternoons riding roller coasters at Busch Gardens, weekends soaking up glorious Gulf Coast beach, & evenings stuffing my face with Cuban food. There are many warm, semi-tropical places to visit in this country, but none is better than the 27th state.

Here are 5 reasons why I love Florida…

1. You have the Gulf & the ocean & they couldn’t be more different

I grew up a proud “Gulf side” Tampa girl, with the calm waves lapping the shore, the dynamite nightly sunsets & an endless amount of Gulf shrimp & grouper. In fact, during the years I lived in Florida, I only visited the “ocean side” a few times, mostly on school trips to the Kennedy Space Center or Orlando.

But then, after college, a good friend of mine moved from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale & I went to visit him the first time. Turns out the other side of the state is just as great! Huge waves to jump in on the white sand beaches & pretty sunrises to wake up to.

I still like the vibe on the Gulf side better – I think it’s more chill & the shelling is better & the nightly sunset celebrations is something that never gets old. But the east coast is definitely growing on me.

2. All that amazing food

Florida is such a mashup of cultures, it’s no wonder that the food scene here is legendary. From right off the boat grilled seafood, to some of the best Cuban food outside of Havana, this state has it all. You can venture into the northern part & stuff yourself silly with southern classics like gumbo & freshly baked biscuits.

Of course, there are all those poolside & beachside drinks to sip…

And, duh, Publix subs.

3. Gorgeous sunsets & sunrises

This state has got them both!

4. Outdoor activities year round

Hiking in the interior of the state, amongst the rolling hills & in the state forests, will have you in disbelief that you’re in the sunshine state. SUP has become the big thing & kayaking has always been a big thing. And then, of course, there’s beach strolling, which is a year round sport.

5. It’s both the south… & the north

Hardly anyone in Florida is from Florida (I’m thinking through my Florida friends & exactly one of them was born there). I’m not just talking about snow birds! Like me, many of us who claim native status were born in the north & fled south to escape the winter. Beyond that, though, the state is incredibly diverse geographically. The seven hours that separate Tallahassee from Miami mean an entirely different ecosystem.