Sebastian, Florida- Hometown Celebration

Here is a place to explore, especially if you long for a small town old time gathering place. The city of Sebastian, Florida, along the Treasure Coast, offers a unique spot. Make a quiet weekday visit to walk along the Pelican Loop. Or fish from the Pier. Or sit on one of the many benches to enjoy the wind whipping off the lagoon, otherwise known as the Intracoastal Waterway

. Don't worry if the kids tag along, there's a terrific play ground beneath the oak trees, as well as a water splash zone for those hot, summery days.
On the weekend, find yourself enjoying a local festival, art show, or craft fair. The meandering sidewalk through the park is perfect for vendors to sport their wares.
There's history hear, and good food, and friendly places. There's even plenty of parking. Here's a city that wants you to enjoy yourself enough for a return visit.
Sebastian, Florida- you'll be glad you went. It's Florida Natural for sure!

Making the Trip to Porchville

Dad called it "Porchville". At the age of 8, I couldn't wait to find out exactly what this jewel of a vacation spot entailed. He led me to the porch of our home in Philadelphia, where winter glass had been removed and screens put in their place for summer. Chairs were set up, ready for an easy afternoon rocking. Porchville. Approximately 66 steps from my bedroom.
I may not have been all that amused at the time, but today I sit in the wicker rocker that has come down from my grandparents, and watch an afternoon shower water the spread of green that I am blessed to call my yard in Florida. Spanish moss droops from the oak trees. (The best way to see Spanish moss is in the evening hours when the setting sun lights them from behind and they take on a magical glow.)
Rain is a beautiful thing in the hot summers of Florida. For a moment, the blanket of humidity and heat folds back. The sound of water striking the metal roof of the porch becomes a layer in the harmony of rustling leaves in the wind. As long as the rain continues to fall, the temperatures take a dip as well. Respite and refresh.
Of course, the refreshing lasts only as long as the rain. Once the sun revives, a few more wet blankets have been thrown over us and the temperature creeps slightly higher than what it was previously. That's alright. The beauty is in the moment. It's the Florida Natural Way. Something to be admired and enjoyed, even from the rocker conveniently located in Porchville.

Beat the Heat at the Beach: It's Florida Natural

As the wave of heat continues through summer, is there anywhere in Florida to go that doesn’t involve recycled air? Get close enough to the Eastern coast and you just might be pleasantly surprised. Jaycee Park in Vero Beach, FL is the perfect example. With water temperatures in the low 80s, the sweep of cool across your toes will bring a sigh of relief. Get past the crash of waves in the surf, and find the welcoming embrace of rolling waters.

Sitting where the water crosses sand you can lean into the waves that wash across your legs or dip your hands into the timeless deposits of sand surrounding you and build up tiny drip castles until the waves wash them away. The briny scent of salt and sun clings to your skin like expensive cologne. Hours later, even after a rinse of fresh water, those who cross your path will know you basked part of your day on the sunny shores.

Be sure to protect your skin with a layer of sunblock. The heat relief may try to convince you otherwise, but the sun is still caressing you with its cosmic rays. Taking the time to dig your toes in the sand or leap over the occasional wave that rises above you is well worth the effort. It’s another Florida Natural break, one that will leave you refreshed and invigorated for the hot, summer days.

Bok Tower and Gardens

For the scent of summer, you can't beat Bok Tower in Lake Wales, Florida. The mesh of scents in the air evidence of life in full bloom. Come prepared to sweat, but make time to sit beneath the shade of an old oak draped in Spanish moss. The sweet breeze moving through the boughs refreshes. Listen for the twitter of cardinals; the chirp of blue jays. Absorb the flight of a monarch butterfly. Escape the bound of filtered air and embrace the kiss of summer sun on your skin. Wear sunblock and open yourself to the possibility of an afternoon stroll. 

Florida Natural by LaurieLee

It's summertime in Florida, which means hot. I'm used to sticking to the great indoors, cranking the air and swatting at any creepy crawly that tries to sneak its way into the cool. But maybe the great outdoors isn't as bad as I think it is. Maybe malls and movie theaters aren't my only choices of things to do. 
So here I go, outside in the summer sun, to see what Florida has to offer in all its glory. Time to step away from the concrete jungle and discover Florida Natural, the LaurieLee way.