Trip planning: Florida in January

Bugsy fetching sticks on the beach in St George Island State Park
Bugsy in St George Island State Park

Are we officially snowbirds? Wikipedia’s definition includes us: “A snowbird is a person who migrates from the colder northern parts of North America to warmer southern locales, typically during the winter… A significant portion of the snowbird community is made up of recreational vehicle users (RVers).” So then yes, we’re happily snowbirds, leaving gloomy Virginia in gloomy January for sunny Florida. Why Florida, you ask? Especially when you obviously are in love with sunny locations like West Texas and Arizona, you ask? Well, friend, Florida is a lot closer to Virginia, we have just one month to travel, and we are looking to maximize our sunshine. Plus, we’ve not really done that much in Florida (other than Eastpoint/Apalachicola twice, Bronson/Ocala, St Augustine, Destin, and Pensacola Beach) and there’s a lot more to see and do there. We’re taking our road bikes and plan to do more cycling than hiking this trip. Bugsy’s aging little legs won’t mind the decrease in mileage.

Here’s our rough itinerary. Thoughts? Additions? Warnings?

  • Quick stops in Asheville, Atlanta, and somewhere in Florida on the way down to…
  • Key West for several days, including a few with our moms. We’ve made some dinner reservations: Blue Heaven, Louie’s Backyard, Santiago’s Bodega, A&B Lobster House
  • Everglades National Park
  • Myakka River State Park
  • Dunedin, a cute little town, and nearby Honeymoon Island State Park
  • Try to see friends in Tampa
  • The Homosassa / Crystal River area to see manatees!
  • Return to Black Prong Equestrian Village in Bronson, the nicest campground we’ve ever stayed at
  • Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
  • Return to the super campground outside St Augustine
  • Fort Clinch

That seems like enough to keep us busy for the month. Please let us know if you have suggestions for great things to do in Florida!

UPDATE: Here’s where we ended up going!

18 Replies to “Trip planning: Florida in January

  1. You guys are not yet snowbirds, rather aging out birds…. Take it from me, it’s a slippery slope once you start down it.. Enjoy that Florida sun and be sure to stop at a local Cracker Barrell and pick up a couple of those very nice rocking chairs.. They’ll work well while you toss toys for Bugsy to chase..

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