Last year we celebrated Christmas in St. Augustine with family and friends, but this year, due to COVID-19, we are staying close to home. Lee and I feel that some of Florida’s best adventures are found out of doors in the lovely natural environment. A walk in the woods, the park, or a walk on one of the many boardwalks or beaches, all make for great socially distanced days. Did you know that Florida has a town called Christmas? If not, this may be the perfect time to take a ride and visit Christmas, Florida. Christmas is a real town located between Orlando and Cape Canaveral and was given the name “Christmas” in 1837 during the Seminole War. The locals host lots of activities and exhibit lots of Holiday Spirit. If the grandkids are with you, Visit the Christmas Post Office and post a letter to Santa. Lee and I recently enjoyed a visit to the Fort Christmas Historical Park. It was a break from the usual. Very casual but enjoyable. We packed a picnic, a few books, and enjoyed a walk around the reconstructed fort. Picnic tables and BBQ’s are available, plus a playground for the grandchildren. During COVID-19, we both feel the best way to enjoy a nice day, while being safe, is to enjoy a day out in the beautiful fresh air that blows through Florida all winter long. Following is a link I think you will enjoy. It is a great source for exploring the US, and a great source for exploring Florida. Once you have gone to ScenicUSA.net, go to the archives by state and explore the areas that interest you the most.
Tour America’s First National Wildlife Refuge
Nature and history combine for a unique wildlife experience in Indian River County. Indian River County is home to America’s first national wildlife refuge. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Vero Beach was the first federally protected nature reserve to be designated as a wildlife refuge. It was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 to protect egrets and other birds from extinction. Today, hundreds of species of animals, including birds, fish, and mammals, call this 3-acre island and its surrounding 2.5 acres of protected waters their home. You can experience this small, but important piece of history for yourself through guided and self-guided tours. Other activities on the island include fishing, environmental education programs, and three hiking trails to explore the animal and plant life on the island. Please don’t forget your camera so you can bring back memories from this incredible wildlife experience. Take a free Tram Tour with a park ranger by reservation. Visit Pelican Island Virtually to plan your visit. www.fws.gov/refuge/pelican_island
Solivita Neighborhood Activities, Socially Distanced but closer to home:
Lee and I enjoyed a Golf Cart Concert in Solivita. This was a fun event. Solivita is blessed with inventive, talented folks and a concert on a golf cart was a good way to be socially distanced and have fun while remaining safe out of doors. Easy to attend. We Grabbed a bottle of wine, our masks, and hopped on our golf cart. Our host set up in his driveway and about 10 golf carts parked 6 feet apart enjoyed a great afternoon filled with the joy of friends and the sound of music.
Take a Virtual Class on Zoom or Webex:
Recently my Mom, Sister and I took a Holiday Decorative Wreath Making Class sponsored by Brian and Richard of AtHome Design Solutions in Solivita. Brian shipped all the supplies, beautiful ribbons, and required tools to us in advance all wrapped up neatly and tied with a bow. On Class Day, Brian and Richard walked us through assembly, step by step, during a live teaching class. It was fun, creative, and a great family activity PLUS we each have a beautiful wreath to hang on our front door, AtHome is donating 10% of all class proceeds to Toys for Tots, making this class a WIN, WIN for us all. You can reach Brian and Richard at 863-496-7393 or reach out to them at www.athomedesignsolutions.com
Recently, two of our friends took an Acrylic Painting Class on line at https://learn.brit.co/collections and had a blast; plus they both feel that they discovered a bit of hidden talent within. This site has lots of online classes, and since we all seem to have a bit more downtime at home, why not cease the moment and see what talent lies within. This site has classes from business to beer making, and painting to gardening. Lots of creative ideas and classes to keep busy and entertained while staying safe.
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