A Local’s Guide to Florida’s Extraordinary + Quirky Treasures (Things to Do. Where to Eat/Stay/Shop. Events to Attend) Circa 2011. The kitschier the better!
Support Small Publishers by visiting our website, subscribing to our newsletter, & using BING as your default search engine. Authentic Florida is devoted to putting a spotlight on unique, fun, and affordable Florida-based experiences (old and new) from a locals' point of view. We shun most chains (unless they were birthed in Florida) and look for interesting mom-and-pop establishments, things to d
o, places to visit, eat, shop, stay, and any remaining roadside attractions. With easy planning and a moderate budget, we provide an uncomplicated journey that hopefully will enhance a genuine appreciation of the Sunshine State and inspire others to explore more of what Florida offers its residents and visitors alike. Our goal is to provide a road map for creating lifelong memories. Be sure to sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter at AuthenticFlorida.com. Also, socialize with us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. AuthenticFlorida.com was established in 2011.
01/03/2026
Music legend Billy Joel made a surprise appearance at The Village of Wellington's New Year's kickoff, delighting residents and visitors as the village celebrated the 30th anniversary of its incorporation.
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Joel joined Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel on the amphitheater stage for an impromptu two-song set that organizers called an unforgettable highlight of the evening
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Read more at the link in the comments.
01/03/2026
Happy 115th Birthday to the City of St. Cloud, FL! 🥳🐊🍤⛳️
01/02/2026
Happy 90th Anniversary, Cypress Gardens! 🌸💦🌳
From legendary water ski shows to graceful Southern Belles, this was Florida beauty at its finest.
Today, its legacy lives on at LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven.
01/01/2026
Flamingos. Mermaids. Manatees. 🦩🧜🏻♀️ 🌊 Must be 2026 in Florida. 😎
Sending cheerful, new year’s greetings from AuthenticFlorida.com.
12/29/2025
Brrrrrrr! Get ready, Florida! 🥶❄️
12/26/2025
Up next: NYE 2026! 🎉🍾
Fireworks, funky traditions, or a classic Florida-style countdown? 🌴✨
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Authentic Florida is an award-winning website that celebrates the Sunshine State’s unique (and sometimes kitschy) treasures. We share recipes using "fresh from Florida" products while covering charming Florida towns/communities, restaurants, places to stay, events, artists as well as fun Florida finds/products (old and new). Our eyes are always scouting one-of-a-kind mom and pop establishments and we love to recommend great getaways around the state.
Whether you live here or vacation here, we hope you will become a part of our #AuthenticFloridian family.
With easy planning and a moderate budget, our readers will take an uncomplicated journey that enhances their genuine appreciation of the Sunshine State and hopefully inspires them to explore more of what Florida offers its residents and visitors alike.
Native Floridian Robin Draper started AuthenticFlorida.com in 2011 to share Florida in its simplest form – one that has always been there, yet is often forgotten. She wanted her readers to witness "real" Florida through travel stories, pictures and video. Whether kayaking through the mangrove tunnels', discovering uninhabited islands, walking beaches for prehistoric shark's teeth or hiking lesser known State Parks and trails, her goal was to share lots of tips and ideas for your next adventure.
Fast forward to 2018 ... Melanie Lentz-Janney, who moved to Central Florida in the mid-1970's, took over Authentic Florida Media (AuthenticFlorida.com) as its Owner/Chief Experience Officer. Melanie is very passionate about Florida and gravitates to all things Florida Kitsch in addition to the simple and delightful pleasures Robin so eloquently shared. Melanie has been a marketing/public relations professional for 25+ years as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker. She has ambitious ideas for AuthenticFlorida.com and is thrilled to be able to use her skill set and passion to enhance the Authentic Florida brand.
Be sure to sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter at AuthenticFlorida.com. We share a link to our latest feature article each week in our e-newsletter.
Also, please tell your friends and family to socialize with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. We thrive on being a grass-roots community and love when new people find us.
If you want to get get more involved in recommending great treasures around the state, be sure to join our private Facebook Group: Authentic Floridians Rock.
If you have any thoughts/comments or are interested in becoming a partner or advertiser, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Thank you and may all your days be authentic ones!