My Neck of the Woods

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Gulf County. All opinions are 100% mine.

Because parenting is so universal… I don’t talk about our family too much. What we like, what we do in our spare time, or where we live. That’s normal and right. And it also makes me very excited when I’m able to talk more about those things and talk about things near and dear to our heart and location.

Earlier this year we took a trip to Gulf County. Our first trip as a family of 6 with a little baby! We had an awesome time, and I know it’s a place we’ll be returning to as the kids are older and able to actively participate in so much the areas has to offer. I hope it becomes a regular tradition. For us, it’s close enough for a weekend away and both my husband and myself loved the feel and vibe of the area where we stayed in Cape San Blas.

Before I get into some fun things to do with your family, here is why I think it’s important to choose a getaway destination well and things I like to look for. This is for us personally, but I’ll explain why as well.

• Things to do, but not it’s not manic. I like laid back places where we can rest, relax, and then explore and adventure. Huge tourist destinations will come later – when the kids are older – but for now I don’t want the pressure of having to see and do tons of “must see” things without any margin.
• There is nature around. I’m a country girl and the kids embrace the outdoors. I’m sure in later years we’ll have to fight the TV or a gaming system (if they’re lucky and someone buys it behind my back), but for now we try to spend as much time as we can outside. I want our getaways to be the same and to actually offer even more outdoor opportunity than home.
• New things to see. There are some beach destinations that pretty much offer three things: the beach, restaurants, and shopping. While this has its place, it’s definitely not as much fun or exciting as places that are not geared towards consumerism, but are geared towards activity and adventure. While the kids are still young and in the imagination phase, these are my goals.

We’ve been there in person ourselves, but if you haven’t, you can check out Gulf County’s adventure guide to see all they have to offer. Here are a few of the adventures they have that I believe could become yearly traditions for our family. I’ve heard of many families who have yearly vacations to the same place and it becomes something of a compass each year, a week to look forward to that they remember even as adults. I would love those touchstones for our family.

1. Kayaking through the Dead Lakes.

We didn’t do this when we were there this April, mostly because there are too many kids and they were too young, ha. But both my husband and myself like this type of thing. Particularly if it isn’t too too strenuous ;). I think doing actual physical activities are such an awesome way to enhance an experience. You get to do something, see something, and smell something. This is the #1 thing I’d plan to do with the kids when they are old enough.

2. Shark fishing. 

How fun to be able to catch a shark. Particularly for boys, what a bragging right to have a photo in the home with you and a big fat shark on a hook! And, don’t worry, you release it afterwards. The boat trip is an evening one, it’s safe for kids, and you have everything you need on board. Can you imagine how cute it would be to have yearly photos of kids standing beside their shark catch? Going to cry now at the thought of my kids growing so fast….

3. Seahorse water safari. 

If your children love sea life and swimming, this is a good activity. There is a specific water safari company that helps you book and go on snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and scallop trips. I think seeing local wildlife enriches the local experience. I lived in Australia and seeing the Aussie animals was one of the most exciting things about traveling there.

If you are considering going on a beach getaway with your family, but want to go to a destination that is rich in adventure, outdoor activities, and wildlife, then check out Gulf County. You can look at the Gulf County Adventure Guide as well for more information. And if you do, drop me an email and maybe we can meet up :).

Gulf County is giving away a $50 gift certificate to have an adventure in your own town as well! For those that can’t get away on vacation, vacation at home :). There will be ten giveaways per week until October 25th so best of luck!