I tried to bring the warmth back with me but the TSA confiscated it along with a jar of marmalade from Davidson of Dundee. Y'know, for your "safety". So in lieu of that, pictures from a place that proves warm weather still exists. Not only that, because we were on a pretty tight budget this go round, we found some really great places that cost hundreds less than a trip to a theme park!

crab seen on the beach
Back to the water, dude! Do I need to sing "Under the Sea" for you?
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We woke early one morning and cruised over to Sanibel Island. The beaches are great and the cafes are actually quite reasonable. And hey, the crabs are fresh (and shiny)!

Bok Tower in Florida
Let's hike!
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Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, about an hour west of Orlando, is the perfect respite from the pace and noise of the theme parks. We first visited a couple of years ago after four straight days at Disney & Universal and this gem of a location really helped ground us. A lovely café on site, enormous koi fish and brilliant views. To boot, a tortoise crossed our walking path on the way out!

airboat ride
airboat rides are fun!
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One thing you have GOT to do should you visit Florida, is an airboat ride at Alligator Cove. We saw buzzards, bald eagles, a leatherback turtle, cows, and-- of course-- gators of all sizes (baby gators are pretty darned cute, I'll have you know).

 

baby in the grass
Does this even exist at home!?
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And sometimes, when snow has ruined your fun up north, you just want to romp in the green grass!

 

 

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