5 Florida Playgrounds for Your Summer Bucket List

With Spring in full bloom and temps slowly creeping up, it's time to look forward to sunshine and summer in just a few short months. Seeking a little inspiration for your itinerary? Here are a few of my favorite Florida getaways you simply must add to your summer bucket list for you and your entire family.

As seen on my TV Show Like Love Want Need

1. St. Augustine

St. Augustine is full of historic charm and a popular attraction for families looking for a fun day trip. Located on the coast you are minutes from sandy beaches, tasty seafood, and spectacular shopping. Featured in the pilot episode of my tv show Like Love Want Need, here are a few of my most noteworthy choices. 

Eat Here - Michael's Tasting Room

Chef Michael Lugo has been influencing St. Augustine's culinary scene since the restaurant opened in 2006. Winner of countless awards including Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and Best in St. Augustine, you don't want to miss a morsel of this Spanish inspired Tapas restaurant. Taste authentic Spanish flavors in a city settled by the Spanish. A romantic setting often accompanied by live music, this intimate restaurant is a must visit. 

Do This - Castillo De San Marcos

You can't miss this large historic fort as you enter the Old City. Though it may be an obvious choice, you simply can not leave until you've explored the halls of Castillo De San Marcos. Learn about the strategic position of the fortress and why it was so important to the defense of the city. Both children and adults alike will enjoy this remarkable fortification. 

Watch here

Amelia Island - One of my families favorite getaways

2. Fernandina/ Amelia Island

Amelia Island and Fernandina stand out on my list because of their easy accessibility from Jacksonville, and due to the charming coastal vibe. Experience Southern hospitality at it's finest as you explore a city made famous by pirates, and shrimpers. 

Eat Here - Gilbert's Underground Kitchen

Celebrity Chef Kenny Gilbert and his wife have created a foodie favorite in Gilbert's Underground Kitchen. If you are looking for flavorful BBQ with a unique twist, or elevated homestyle cooking made from scratch, then your tastebuds will thank you after visiting this Fernandina Beach gem. Be sure to make reservations at this casual hot spot, you don't want to miss out. 

Do This - Amelia River Cruises

If you want to learn about the areas diverse background from folks who know, the Amelia River Cruises are the best place to start. Enjoy a tour by water of the sparkling coastal area and hear first hand the history of Fernandina. Treasure hunters, pirates, shrimpers, and lighthouse keepers are all a part of the story of this region. Locals with generations of family from the area will regale you with tales of old, and mysteries anew. Get a unique perspective of a historic fort, wild horses, and beautiful marsh. You might even spot a pod of dolphins on this easy going water cruise. 

Visit the Vacation Capital of the World 

3. Orlando

Orlando is a Florida favorite. Visitors flock from near and far to enjoy the bountiful amusements it offers. Whether you are there to take in Disney, Universal, Sea World, or one of her other colorful offerings, you won't get bored that's for sure. If you find yourself unsure of where to start, or are looking for a destination that is slightly more off the radar and a bit more relaxed, try this escape on for size. 

Eat Here - Forte Grille

As one of Reunion Resort's onsite dining options, Forte Grille is a restaurant the whole family will love. Serving up a warm and friendly atmosphere with flavors inspired by Tuscany, Forte impresses. Enjoy the extensive wine list and don't forget to leave room for dessert! 

Do This - Waterpark

Reunion Resort also houses several pool scapes, but none so impressive as their very own Waterpark. Float down the lazy river, speed down the slides, and get doused as you run through the giant water playground. Lawn games, tropical music, and plenty of food and drink options make this private park and full day escape. Unwind in style and let the kids go wild.

Watch us Visit Forte Grille and Reunion's Waterpark

Enjoy inspired cuisine at Elevage in Tampa

  4. Tampa

Located on Florida's West Coast, Tampa is a city full of fun and culture. If you are a foodie, then you are going to love Tampa's treasures. Art, music, and adventure all await in this sparkling city on the Bay. 

Eat Here - Elevage

For a taste of Tampa's culinary direction, make a reservation at Elevage located in the Epicurean Hotel. You'll get a taste of regional inspiration, creative technique, and the freshest ingredients. Make sure to grab a cocktail. Their bar scene is on point. 

Do This - Epicurean Theatre

If you have gone out of your way to stay at a foodie hotel, then it's safe to say you probably love food culture. If that's the case then don't leave without experiencing the Epicurean Theatre inside the Epicurean Hotel. Touted as a "Food Channel gone live", you'll sit stadium style while you learn from the best how to create spectacular dishes and what wines or cocktails to pair them with. Truly the icing on the cake when you visit the Epicurean Hotel.

Watch us visit Elevage and the Epicurean Theatre

Play the Ocean Course

5. Palm Coast

Palm Coast might be easy to overlook as a destination for your bucket list, however you would be missing out big time if you did. This secluded part of the coast features pristine beaches, and ample things to see and do. 

Eat Here - Delfinos

Of all the dining options at Hammock Beach Resort, Delfinos stands out for it's fresh Italian fare. Make sure to order the Scallops, they are a favorite of the regulars. 

Do This - Golf the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort

Of Hammock Beach's two famous courses, the Ocean Course would have to be the most scenic. Florida holds a limited amount of Oceanside courses, and this one is stunning. Enjoy the Ocean breeze, and play this course on repeat, you'll never want the day to end. 

Watch me visit Palm Coast here. 

How many of these amazing Florida destinations have you checked off your bucket list? How many do you plan on revisiting? I'd love to hear your insight in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com





Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

3 Epic Gingerbread Creations on the First Coast

1. Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Visit the world's largest Gingerbread Pirate Ship at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This 17 foot ship rests in the lobby of the resort throughout the holiday season and greets guests with a crew of ten colorful pirates.

Eight Ritz-Carlton pastry chefs invested around 350 hours to create over 600 pieces of baked gingerbread. Additional help comes through the resort's Community Footprints Program which enlists the aid of aspiring culinary students from local high schools. Students rub colored sugar powder and paint coffee extracts on the fresh gingerbread to create a natural wood grain look. Additional work is completed by the resort's pastry team as they create cargo boxes, treasure chests, and cannon balls. Additionally an overnight chef spends an entire week per crew member piecing together individual pieces of color fondant.

What an epic creation. One worth going out of your way to see!

2.  One Ocean Resort and Spa

One Ocean Resort and Spa happens to be just down the road from our neighborhood. Since it's so close we love including it in our holiday traditions. Kicking off the holiday season each year One Ocean Resort and Spa unveils it's larger than life Gingerbread Creation with live carolers, fresh gingerbread cookies for the crowd, and lots of fanfare! This year the charming scene picturing Santa's Elves resting up on Christmas Eve featured enough sweets to last all year!

Here are the stats: 

160 lbs of jelly beans

150 lbs of sugar

Several hundred lbs of flower

6 pastry chefs and an engineer 

400 lbs of brown sugar

200 lbs of butter

20 lbs of molasses

2,000 eggs

3. Amelia Island Plantation Omni Resort and Spa

Joining the tradition on the First Coast is Amelia Island Plantation Omni Resort and Spa. This year Chef Daven and his culinary team created a giant gingerbread Live Oak inspired by the beautiful oaks that surround the area. Channeling a little bit of inspiration from Keebler a full size elf house sits inside the imaginative creation. Want to know what goes into a majestic tree that's loaded with sweetness? I'm so glad you asked!

Here's the scoop!

100 pounds of oreo “dirt”

400 pounds of flour

800 pounds of sugar

900 eggs

4,000 pieces of bark (gingerbread)

8,000 leaves (cookies)

1,800 hours of Christmas spirit

Make your days a little brighter this Christmas season and seek out these epic creations. It's the perfect family tradition and a great way to slow day and enjoy the holiday with the whole family. Then you can head home and create your own!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Outstanding Lighting Displays on the First Coast | Amy West on The Chat

There is nothing quite like slowing down during the busy Holiday season and taking a moment with the family to enjoy the celebrated tradition of Christmas lights. Jacksonville is a huge city and sometimes it's easy to stick close to home and tour what's nearby. There are so many great displays all over the city, however, and these are some you should really go out of your way to see. So do like our family does and cozy up in your favorite warm pajamas, grab some blankets and hot cocoa and make a night out of it at these festive locations.

Discussing Holiday Light Festivities with the Ladies of The Chat

In Town

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens "Zoo Lights" 

The World Class Jacksonville Zoo puts on a show worth stopping for during Zoo Lights with thousands of LED lights that transform the  Zoo and Gardens into a winter wonderland. You'll see moving sculptures, lighted trees and animal designs, and forests of brightly lit trees. Zoo Lights opens at 6:30 pm December 12-14, 18 - Jan 3rd (closed Christmas Day). It's $8.00 admission for members and $10.00 for non-members. Purchase online for extra savings and for extras like warm weather skating, the train, and carousel. 

Tip- The Zoo recommends taking the train to the back of the park and walking your way to the front. Make sure to stop for S'mores on the lawn!

Jax Illuminations 

Drive through almost a mile of Christmas Lights synchronized to your favorite holiday music you can tune into right on your radio. Jax Illuminations has over 500,000 lights and takes around 8 weeks just to build! The team at Jax Illuminations works hard year around to create this one of a kind magical experience. Kids will love hearing Frozen's "Let it Go" while watching the massive lighting display dance to the beat. 

Jax Illuminations is located at the Morocco Shrine Center 3800 St Johns Bluff Rd S,  Jacksonville, FL 32224. M-TH $20.00 per car and $25.00 on the weekend. 

Tip- Jax Illuminations provides hot cocoa and candy canes to all who enter.

Blackhawk Bluff Neighborhood 

Several years ago this neighborhood adopted a unique method of decorating with lights by stringing them up vertically in the giant trees surrounding each home. The effect is something like a magical rainforest or jungle. Add to that shining stars that seem to float through the air along with Santa's sleigh slipping it's way from house to house and you get an experience like no other. In all the places I've traveled I've yet to happen on a display that scales a neighborhood this large. It's worth a visit but be patient, it's a popular place to be during the holidays. 

Beaches

Ocean Walk Neighborhood

Visit the ornate display at 402 Snapping Turtle Drive E., Atlantic Beach in the Ocean Walk neighborhood. Two houses unite to create one stunning display complete with  well choreographed and lengthy musical numbers the lights are synced to. The owners consider this a community out reach, a way to give back and enjoy chatting up visitors and passing out holiday candy to guests both young and old. In a conversation with the owner I learned it can take up to six hours to sync one minute of music to the lights. Now that's dedication!

Tip- The owners respectfully ask that you park at the top of the cul-de-sac and walk down out of consideration of their neighbors. 

Deck the Chairs

Jacksonville Beaches annual Deck the Chairs display is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays at the beach. Take a walk around the pavilion and explore the dozens of Life Guard Chairs decked out to the nines. Each chair is sponsored by a local business and illustrates the diversity of the beaches community. All proceeds from sponsored chairs, ornaments, and raffles benefit the historic American Redcross Volunteer Life Saving Corps. 

Penman/Seagate Homes

At the corner of Penman and Seagate are several houses in a row who go all out in their Christmas displays with hundreds of lights, animatronics, blow up displays and holiday music. You'll enjoy the gator themes, and looking out for Santa who pops up here and there along the way. 

St Augustine 

St. Augustine Night of Lights 

You simply cannot talk Christmas Lights in the area without mentioning St. Augustines Famous Night of Lights. Voted one of the 10 best displays in the world, St. Augustine celebrates in style. Thousands of white lights decorate the city highlighting ancient architecture and the beautiful Southern Live Oaks. Take a trolley around the city or go by foot and enjoy all the city has to offer on a romantic holiday night out. 

Have any "Best Kept Secret" lighting displays near you?  What about favorite family traditions? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch my segment on The Chat here

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.