Authentic Florida

Authentic Florida 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! 🥳🐊🍤⛳️

Happy 90th Anniversary, Cypress Gardens! 🌸💦🌳From legendary water ski shows to graceful Southern Belles, this was Florida...
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.

Flamingos. Mermaids. Manatees. 🦩🧜🏻‍♀️ 🌊 Must be 2026 in Florida. 😎Sending cheerful, new year’s greetings from AuthenticF...
01/01/2026

Flamingos. Mermaids. Manatees. 🦩🧜🏻‍♀️ 🌊 Must be 2026 in Florida. 😎

Sending cheerful, new year’s greetings from AuthenticFlorida.com.

Brrrrrrr! Get ready, Florida! 🥶❄️
12/29/2025

Brrrrrrr! Get ready, Florida! 🥶❄️

Up next: NYE 2026! 🎉🍾Fireworks, funky traditions, or a classic Florida-style countdown? 🌴✨Where will you be celebrating?...
12/26/2025

Up next: NYE 2026! 🎉🍾

Fireworks, funky traditions, or a classic Florida-style countdown? 🌴✨

Where will you be celebrating?

Need ideas? https://f.mtr.cool/olguctfyhh

Merry Christmas from the Sunshine State! 🎄🌴Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful holiday.
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from the Sunshine State! 🎄🌴

Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful holiday.

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from AuthenticFlorida.com! 🎄🎅🎉

12/24/2025

Happy Festivus, Florida-style! 🥳🌴🦩

From aluminum poles to sunset skies, it’s a Festivus for the rest of us.

Happy Festivus, Florida-style 🌴🎉From aluminum poles to sunset skies, it’s a Festivus for the rest of us.
12/24/2025

Happy Festivus, Florida-style 🌴🎉

From aluminum poles to sunset skies, it’s a Festivus for the rest of us.

Happy Hanukkah from AuthenticFlorida.com! 🦩🕎🌴Wishing those who celebrate eight nights filled with light, warmth, traditi...
12/15/2025

Happy Hanukkah from AuthenticFlorida.com! 🦩🕎🌴

Wishing those who celebrate eight nights filled with light, warmth, tradition, + a little Florida sunshine. 💙✨🕯️

12/05/2025

“Here comes the sun, and I say it’s alright.” 🌞🎶⛱️

Here’s to brighter days, bluer skies, & exploring the best of the Sunshine State one sunny moment at a time.

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Winter Park, FL

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AuthenticFlorida.com --- Our Story

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.