Punta Gorda, FL

outdoors

Founder's Square at Babcock Ranch

Babcock ranch is a 27 square mile planned community, that is America’s first solar powered town. They are 100% powered by solar energy, as almost 500,000 solar panels can be found in nearby fields and on the top of commercial buildings.

Englewood, FL

destination

Englewood

Englewood was shockingly beautiful – I wasn’t expecting the West (Gulf) coast beaches to be as pristine as the East (Atlantic) beaches. But I was proven wrong.   I woke up early for sunrise and sat in the sand with my eyes out on the horizon. I saw dozens of dolphins playing in the sea as I listened to the sound of the crashing waves on the shore. Aside from the beach, Englewood had incredible restaurants and a lovely downtown shopping area called Fisherman’s village with tons of shops, cafes and live music.

Everglades City, FL

destination

Everglades City

As we headed South down the West coast, our first stop was Everglades City to jump on board a air boat (powered by a huge fan on back). The boat took us around the Everglades – AKA the swamp where the alligators live! Even though it was the low season for gators (because of the low water level and high concentration of salt) – we did manage to see a few and I cannot believe how big they are.

Naples, FL

outdoors

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

But above all, the highlight of Naples was visiting the Naples Zoo. When most people hear the word zoo, they tend to freak out and over analyze animals being mistreated, etc. But the Naples Zoo does the exact opposite – specifically their rehabilitation facilities for injured or orphaned Florida panthers.   We were about to meet with one panther, named Uno, who was found blind on the side of the road 4 years ago after being shot in the eye. The team at Naples Zoo rescued him, gave him a nice facility and they are now closely looking after him.  Uno is currently living a happy and healthy life, which is crucial when there are only 230 panthers left in existence.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

destination

Fort Lauderdale

We began our experience by attending a mermaid show – where real girls dress up as mermaids and swim in a pool as we all watched through giant windows from inside a bar. It was actually more fun than I thought!

Pompano Beach, FL

experience

South Florida Diving Headquarters

This was actually my first time diving in the states (I’ve been diving more than 5 countries!). Even though the day was quite windy and slightly rainy, the sea life was booming. I did one ship wreck dive and one reef dive, and I saw turtles, sting rays, puffer fish, lobster and more!

Fort Lauderdale, FL

destination • experience

F.A.T. Village Arts District

It’s basically a blocked off street with art exhibits from local artists, food truck vendors, live music and all around good vibes. We loved it. This was so much fun that I think it should be a weekly event, not only once a month!