Spent Time Along the Sponge Docks….

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I had a fabulous week spending some time in this little part of the world.There is  so much life and passion, the sponge divers have such an amazing local trade, and the bakeries will not disappoint. My only warning there is, if you’re sharing your greek canoli with someone else…you will be fighting over the fork. I had such great experiences with shop owners, and restaurants, I can’t wait to share the whole story on my blog. Tarpon Springs the whole adventure on it’s way! Where will you wander dear reader?

-Wanderology Girl

If You Ever Meet a Pelican….

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One of my favorite parts of visiting the Gulf of Mexico towns, are these amazing creatures. I just stopped and watches a pelican, flap his enormous wings through the air, over the shimmering water, and soared down into a graceful landing, to glide upon the water near the sponge dock, where I was standing. You have to really experience an up close, and personal encounter, to feel you have been truly, and formally introduced and amazed by this enormous bird. More Tarpon Spring’s adventures on the way! -Wanderogy Girl

10 Tips for Exploring a Beach Town

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Hello World! Are you ready to follow Wanderology Girl on her Florida Beach Tour. Here is 10 fabulous tips for exploring new beach towns. Whether your visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer, these tips can make the most memorable, fantastic, wandering experience. Below are some pretty awesome ideas how to be a nomad, beach bum, or at least a relaxed beach drifter.

#1Pack Light

Take a minimal amount of travel essentials to truly be free to wander. Don’t be tied down to all your belongings. Think nomad, drifter, simple, and essential. It doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable….the idea is comfortable. It’s about being a being a savvy packer. I will be posting my (packing like a wanderer) list soon.

#2 Backpack It My Friend

Find a great backpack and you’re set. You will find it difficult walking down cobblestone streets or wandering through beach shops, or skimming through sandy shores, with a giant tote bag or even dragging suitcases around.

#3 Find a Host

Getting to know the culture and learning more about a town can be greatly accomplished by staying with a host family at the beach. You will make new friends and learn much more about relationships in this enviorment. You may not always feel comfortable, but from this experience you will always feel grateful.

#4 Keep a Travel Diary

It may seem obvious how meaninful this tip is, but you would be suprised those who miss out on this. Even if you only keep track of places, visited, feelings felt, people you meet…your favorite discoveries, that will suffice. It will be a treasure to you for years to come.

#5 Explore Farmer Markets and Local Cuisine

Some beach towns have delectable cuisine. Find fun, trendy places to eat. Explore Farmer or Fresh Markets for a taste of local delight and to find recipes to try back home.

#6 Meet the Locals

Don’t be afraid to make conversation and ask locals questions. You will be suprised who you can spark up a new friendship with and get great tips for interesting thing’s to do in the area. The locals are at the heart of a beach town.

#7 Take a Class

Many little towns have classes on local gardening, preservation, cooking, or customs. On weekends some shops even host how to classes in art or crafts. Find something new to learn during your breeze through beachy towns.

#8 Check Out Calendar Events

Most little towns will post current events on a monthly calandar. You can usually get this information by just searching the towns current events. You might be there the perfect time for a parade, arbor tree planting, a festival. Check it out!

#9 Go Shelling

Some Florida beaches are known for shelling. You can kick your toes through salty water and sugary sand to find some great little shells to bring home. This is so relaxing with waves breaking and the ocean breeze in your face. It’s a form of meditation for me.

#10 Explore Like a Nomad Not a Tourist

Don’t just stick with trip advisor or tourist books. Let your soul wander shops and local little hidden gems. Remember not all treasures are easy to see or publicized…some treasure is buried. Your job is that of an explorer….now go discover something special for yourself.

My last and very important tip is always bring strong sunscreen. Florida will be friend or foe to you depending on this cruicial essential. She can help you unwind or scorch you.

Happy Travels!

-Wanderology Girl