We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for the Florida Botanical Gardens, visiting countless times over the years with family and friends. After moving back to the area last year, I finally had the opportunity to give back by joining the volunteer program.
Now in my second year as a volunteer, it’s deeply rewarding to work alongside other volunteers who share the same passion and to watch the gardens flourish, knowing I’ve played a small part in their care. Each season brings new lessons—about plants, gardening techniques, and the quiet dedication required to keep this hidden gem thriving.
Walking through the gardens, you’ll encounter winding paths shaded by towering oaks, vibrant flower beds bursting with color, and serene waters reflecting the sky, teeming with wildlife. Hidden nooks and charming benches invite you to pause and soak in the beauty, while meandering trails reveal native plants, butterfly gardens, and fragrant herb beds. Every corner offers something new to discover, making each visit a fresh and enchanting experience.
Light Bulb Clerodendrum, a spectacular flowering shrub
Here are a few photos I took just days before a cold snap rolled in — 39°F this morning! I’m hoping the sudden chill didn’t cause too much damage to the plants and flowers.
Volunteers at work
Can you smell the lavender already?
Giant milkweed
Quintessential Florida scenery
The Florida Botanical Gardens is dog-friendly, so your leashed furry companions are welcome to explore and enjoy the gardens with you. This hidden gem is slowly being discovered—and it likely won’t stay hidden for long. Of course, being a “hidden gem” is a double-edged sword: you want others to experience its beauty, but not at the expense of crowded paths, trampled plants, or worse—the audacity of people stealing them!
Click here to see hours and upcoming events at the Florida Botanical Garden.
I’m probably the worst person to look to for inspiration when it comes to holiday rituals. I’ve always been the family rebel—the one who manages to bend or outright break tradition🙂
The only ritual my significant other and I truly stick to is Thanksgiving, celebrated on the last Thursday of November. It’s a major U.S. holiday when most companies shut down, making it easier for friends and families to gather no matter how far apart they live. Of course, the lure of Black Friday sales doesn’t hurt either.
That said, I’m deeply sentimental. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to capture countless photos and videos, preserving moments and memories that mean far more to me than any formal tradition. When we sold our house and moved aboard our boat, Mai Thai, we gave away many of our belongings — including Christmas ornaments, lights, and other decorations.
One thing I couldn’t part with, though, was my collection of shells. We are beach lovers, after all.
One of our favorite beaches is Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde, Florida. In 2005, Dr. Beach named Fort De Soto the number one beach in America—and that very same year, Mai Thai was docked at a marina in Tierra Verde. Being just minutes from the beach gave us endless opportunities to wander the shoreline, comb the sand for small treasures, slow down, and take in the natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The photos you see here were taken over the years at Fort De Soto, capturing the moments that continue to draw us back.
birds galore at the fishing pier
These sand dollars were collected over the years on Fort De Soto beach.
This year, those sand dollars have found new life as holiday ornaments, carrying both memories and meaning into the season. Even the captain joined in, adding a touch of nautical spirit along the way. I’m officially hooked—this just might become a new tradition.
Well… sort of. It still feels like summer here in West Central Florida, with daytime temps lingering in the mid-90s °F. Thankfully, the early mornings and evenings have started to cool down, dipping into the low 70s, which feels great.
This past weekend, St. Pete hosted a Free Museum Day, with eight local museums participating. You can check out the full list here.
The Imagine Museum offered free admission for two days instead of just one. We decided to skip the Saturday crowds and visit on Sunday instead—and it turned out to be a lovely day.
The Imagine Museum offers a truly breathtaking collection of contemporary glass art. Featuring works by artists from around the globe, the museum showcases a wide range of styles, techniques, and creative expressions in glass. We were amazed by the artistry and innovation on display — as you can see in the photos below.
Before our visit, the only glass artist we were familiar with was Dale Chihuly. During our time at the museum, we learned a little more about him and his mentor, Lino Tagliapietra — a Venetian glass master whose influence can be seen in the exquisite glass boats that seem to float from the ceiling at the museum's entrance. These delicate, gondola-like forms are a stunning tribute to Venice’s rich glassblowing heritage and set the tone for the incredible experience that awaits inside.
glass boats hanging in the ceiling greet you at the entrance
Japanese glass art
Venetian glass
Chihuly's signature blown glass
Amazing number of Buddha heads
Next time you’re headed to the popular Clearwater Beach, consider making a quick detour to nearby St. Pete for an arts fix — the city is packed with amazing museums, including the Dali Museum and the Florida Holocaust Museum, just to name a couple. If you’re a fan of glass art, you’re in for a treat: the Imagine Museum and the Chihuly Collection are both must-visits. They’re just a few blocks apart, so it’s easy to see both in one trip.
Fun fact: the Chihuly Collection is less than a mile from downtown St. Pete, and you can either walk or hop on the free Looper Trolley to get there.
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