By Lauren Gibaldi
This past weekend, the film Eat, Pray, Love, based on the book by Elizabeth Gilbert, hit theaters and ranked number two at the box office. What does this tell us? Women want to travel alone. While jetting off to places like Italy, India and Bali sounds amazing, it’s not always economically possible. But it IS possible to have a smaller-scale sojourn right here in Florida.
Eat
While Italy may have its pasta, Florida is known for its scrumptious seafood. Big food chains like Red Lobster may be famous for their dishes, but they don’t even compare to the small, seaside restaurants that boast freshly caught entrees. Apalachicola has a rich maritime culture, as it was once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. The town itself dons wide, tree lined streets and historic homes with early nineteenth century craftsmanship. But most importantly, the city is known for its remarkable seafood.
Apalachicola harvests over 90% of the oysters in the state. Fishing vessels dot the gulf, producing daily batches to be shipped out, or cooked up right there at the local restaurants. Each November, the Florida Seafood Festival, the state’s oldest maritime event, is held there, and along Franklin County.
Travel around the Apalachee Bay to Steinhatchee, the small fishing village, for all the scallops – and for those wishing to work, scalloping – desired.
Pray
St. Augustine is a city full of mighty fortresses, epic explorers, fabled tales, and utter tranquility. Finding oneself isn’t hard in a place where it’s possible to almost travel back in time. History lines each street corner, with powerful landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monument, two structures that exhibit the true strength of the city. The Colonial Spanish Quarter lets one reminisce and relive days gone by, while the St. Augustine Lighthouse and museum lights the path for the future.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine is considered America’s first Parish. Founded on September 8, 1565, it was destroyed numerous times until finally restored for the last time on March 9, 1966. Ten years later, on December 4, 1976, Pope Paul VI raised the Cathedral to the status of minor basilica, making it only the 27th American church to be honored. The cathedral’s undying quest to continue serving the people shows a resilience anyone could be inspired by.
Love
It’s nearly impossible to not fall in love with Florida’s beaches, especially those in Sarasota County. Known for their soft white sands and aqua waters, these Gulf Coast beaches sparkle under the sun. If it were possible, some people may marry Siesta Key, which was once again named one of the best beaches in the country. Along the eight-mile barrier island, find beautiful sands, a relaxing tide, and a cute seaside town, with restaurants, quaint shops and more. For the adventurous, sail out from the marina on a jet ski, or go fishing from a pontoon boat. Fly through the sky while parasailing, or tour the town by bicycle. There’s a lot to do – and a lot of people to meet – around the town.
Play
An additional category, sure, but who doesn’t want to play while traversing Florida? Key West is best when it comes to local entertainment that’s sure to take one far from where they started. Duval Street is an eclectic street made up of local galleries, restaurant, bars and shops. Music flows from Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where live acts frequently set up shop, as waves crash upon the shores. Watch various entertainers perform around Mallory Square as the sun sets over the horizon. At sundown, the real party starts and Duval Street is transformed into the small key’s own Bourbon Street, where everyone becomes friends, and music and drinks flow as easily as conversation.
Florida differs from many states due to its vast ecological environment and differing communities. From small, seaside towns to large theme park clad cities, there’s so much to do and see within the state, that touring it is an adventure within itself. While Florida may not seem as exotic as India, or romantic as Italy, it’s got its fair share of places to explore. And, who knows, maybe one day someone will make a movie about eating, praying, and loving around its beautiful lands.
As the summer months continue on, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are teaming up and encouraging students to head outdoors and read. To further promote this initiative, the DOE created a 2010 recommended summer reading list, full of nature-based literature. The reading list is part of the DOE’s Just Read, Florida! mission.
