Authentic Florida

by Robin Draper

Overview

“Authentic” Florida is everywhere. The stillness of a kayak ride through a Florida mangrove tunnel, a dip in the world’s deepest fresh water spring, a swamp walk through the Big Cypress, a visit to a real cracker cattle ranch, scalloping on the Nature Coast or lobstering in the Florida Keys, a hike through towering pine flatwoods of the Ocala National Forest or visiting a true Florida fishing village.

So often in our lives, “down time” excursions are trips to the mall, a movie, a sporting event, or other things that may give us a release, or even fuel our mind, but how often do we pursue activities where we recharge our “core” being? The travels in this book have lifted me and I hope they will do the same for you.

Whether looking for a half-day, full-day, or weekend excursion, the Authentic Florida traveler experiences Florida in its simplest form – enjoying the Florida that has always been here, yet often forgotten. With moderate planning and even the most limited budget, the authentic traveler can enjoy the best that Florida has to offer.

Authentic Florida travelers seek, discover and rediscover Florida– and are passionate about living a fuller life in a state with so much to enjoy. Join me as we discover the Florida of our past, present and future.

Authentic Florida awaits you.

Author’s Note

In addition to discovering the “places” of Authentic Florida, I love to find ways to incorporate Authentic Florida into daily life. My kitchen bustles with creative dishes using fresh Florida ingredients - creations such as Florida Roasted Shrimp Salad, Tomato-Mozzarella Tart, Fresh Key Lime Pie, Orange Cream Pie, and loads of freshly caught Florida lobster, crabs, fish, oysters or scallops - and everything in between. I relish my time in a Florida garden growing and creating a yard that looks and feels like Florida. A Florida yard will attract wildlife, look beautiful and still yield bushels of fruits and vegetables for the kitchen. I curl up with fascinating books written by Florida writers and become inspired with art and artists who bring me closer to my home. I love the simplicity of smart Florida homes that incorporate old ideas that work in our environment and I love to visit authentic neighborhoods.

For more visit my website at www.AuthenticFlorida.com

Product Details

BN ID:	2940015798180
Publisher:	Authentic Florida
Publication date:	12/02/2012
Series:	Authentic Florida Collection , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Robin Draper

Florida native Robin Draper is the creator of AuthenticFlorida.com, a travel and lifestyle website devoted to the simple and delightful pleasures of Florida living. Authentic Florida is intended to inspire people to discover the accessible, yet often under-appreciated reaches of the state. Authentic Florida also invites readers to embrace the concept of simple living – whether traveling, cooking, gardening, enjoying art and authors, or finding ways to “uncomplicate” their lives at home, in the neighborhood or throughout the community.

Inspiration flows from Robin’s life experiences. She grew up on the barrier island of Siesta Key, off the Gulf Coast of Sarasota. She was blessed to have had a unique upbringing where she was able to enjoy a simple, if not idyllic life of sunsets, beaches, fishing and plenty of freedom to roam. She left the Key for college but the life she had known continued to saturate her soul. Following graduation from American University, she spent two years in the Peace Corps on a remote island in Micronesia, where she developed a sense of adventure, and deepened her awareness of simple living. She returned to the United States and spent the next 20 years as a fundraiser and manager with the United Way, Sonoma State University and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation – all organizations with a strong sense of purpose.

Even though she had left home, home had never left her. With the AuthenticFlorida.com website and this book Robin reclaims her authentic Florida heritage and documents her lifelong passion for Florida and its enchanting treasures. Some of these treasures, like old photographs, are imbedded in her memory, but many more are just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the journey as you join in discovering Authentic Florida.