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Great night at the Blue Spring State Park Firefly Event! These photos were taken before sunset—when the fireflies dazzled us with their twinkling lights.

It’s not the kind of moment you capture with photos or videos. It’s one to slow down for. To watch. To breathe. To feel.

It’s a time of reflection and connection—and I’m so grateful I got to experience it with betanya777.

#BlueSpringStatePark
#FloridaNature
#FireflyMagic
#SlowDownAndBreathe
#NatureMoments
#FloridaOutdoors

✨ Hiking is for everyone. ✨

No matter your experience, fitness level, or mobility, there’s a way to enjoy the outdoors that works for you. You don’t have to tackle tough trails to experience the beauty of nature.

In my latest blog post, I’m sharing practical tips to make hiking enjoyable at any ability—whether you’re just starting out, need accessible trails, or simply want to slow down and soak it all in.

Check it out at WalkAndPaddle.com (or hit the link in my bio!) and let me know—what’s your favorite kind of hike? ⛰️💙

#hikingadventures #optoutside #hiking #getoutdoors #outdoorsy #naturelover #womentwhohike #outdooradventures #hikingtrails

A few moments from the Florida Wildlife Festival at Lyonia Environmental Center this past weekend.

It was a fun event.

Did you go? If so, let me know your favorite moment in the comments.

#visitwestvolusia #meetthewestons

Guess what? 🎪✨ We’re at Cirque de Paris—our first-ever circus experience, and we’re so excited for the show to begin tonight!

This classic French circus is kicking off its all-new 2025 tour right here in Orange City and DeLand, FL—their first stop of the season!

We’re waiting under the big top, popcorn in hand, ready to take it all in. Can’t wait to see the magic unfold!

Have you ever been to a circus? Let me know in the comments! 🎭🎟️

#CirqueDeParis #ClassicCircus #FrenchCircus #BigTopMagic #visitwestvolusia

We know how to have a good time! Being on the water just hits different—such a peaceful and unique perspective.

Have you tried paddling? Or is something holding you back?

I waited way too long to start paddleboarding, and even when I did, I was so nervous. But the more I got out there, the more comfortable I became. Now, it’s my favorite way to slow down and soak in nature.

If you’ve been wanting to try but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got beginner-friendly routes and tips waiting for you! Stick around—I’ll help you get out there too.

#standuppaddleboard #paddlelife #standuppaddle #paddleboardinglife #paddleflorida #suplifestyle #paddleboardingadventures #paddlegirl

A gorgeous, foggy morning at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. It’s been over 25 years since I last visited, and being back feels so special.

#VisitWestVolusia
#MeetTheWestons
#LakeWoodruff
#FloridaNature
#FoggyMorning
#WildlifeRefuge
#ExploreFlorida
#NatureLovers

Happy birthday to this guy right here! 🎉 Forever my adventure partner, my safe place to grow, my best friend, my hilarious partner-in-crime, and my gorgeous husband—he’s everything and more.

I’m so thankful he was born and that he came into my life. 💗

Join me in celebrating him today and give him a follow at rm.phoblograph to see his amazing photography.

I love you, baby! 💕

#HappyBirthday
#AdventurePartner
#LoveOfMyLife
#OutdoorCouple
#CelebrateLove
#PhotographyLife

Had a great time at trilogycoffee today with lindawphotography and floridaspringscouncil ! 💙 I even got to bring the family along, which made it even more special.

Just realized I didn’t get any photos with the Florida Springs Council crew—I was too busy chatting and enjoying the moment! 🙃

Such a fun and inspiring day. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our springs and celebrate this beautiful art!

Thank you for the photos rm.phoblograph

#FloridaSprings #VisitWestVolusia #MeetTheWestons #TrilogyCoffee #floridaspringscouncil

Lyonia Environmental Center has been part of our family for years. We started visiting when my kids were little – just a toddler and baby – and it’s been a place where we’ve all learned so much and made great memories.

It’s such a cool spot with hands-on exhibits and a focus on Florida’s unique scrub habitat. And right outside, the Lyonia Preserve trails offer the chance to explore and maybe even spot some Florida scrub jays!

Have you been here before? I’d love to hear what you thought, or if it’s on your list to visit! 🌿

#VisitWestVolusia
#MeetTheWestons
#WingsOfTheWest
#ExploreFlorida
#FloridaNature
#LyoniaPreserve
#FamilyAdventures
#LoveFL

Just me, my husband, our dog, and… some cows! 🐄 Hiking next to a cow field isn’t the usual, but honestly, I don’t mind. I love cows, and as long as I’m on the trails, I’m a happy girl. 💕🥾

Anyone else had some unexpected hiking companions like this?

#hikingadventures #optoutside #hiking #getoutdoors #outdoorsy #naturelover #coupleswhohike #outdooradventures #hikingtrails #visitwestvolusia

Winter in Florida is the perfect time to hike during the middle of the day—especially when the temps are cooler.

This hike took us through the Florida scrub, a habitat that’s sunny, sandy, and so uniquely Florida.

My favorite thing about Florida scrub is the Florida scrub jay. These curious, adorable birds are only found here, and because their habitat is disappearing, they’re in trouble.

Every time I see one, I feel a little hope that the work being done to preserve their home is making a difference.

Have you ever spotted a Florida scrub jay? Let me know where! 💙

Photographer: robertomein

#visitwestvolusia #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #hikingadventures #hiking #getoutdoors #outdoorsy #womentwhohike

Great Light Up DeLand event!!!

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

Some snapshots from the Wild Florida Art Under the Hammock at Highland Park Fish Camp. 🌿🎨 It was such a lovely and calm event filled with wonderful people. We got to connect with new folks, and of course, it was a family outing—our kids love art, so I knew they’d enjoy it.

There were so many talented artists there, but I didn’t end up taking as many photos as I would’ve liked—I was too busy soaking it all in!

We also got to chat with the folks from Mighty River Recovery (mightyriverrecovery ), a non-profit working to improve fish and wildlife habitats on the St. Johns River and bring together outdoor enthusiasts. Loved learning more about what they’re doing!

I still can’t believe this was the 5th year and we hadn’t heard of it until now!

Have you been to this event before? If not, would you go next year? Let me know!

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay
#florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

You guys! We got to attend the 5th Annual Wild Florida Art Under the Hammock event, and my heart is so full. 💕 I spent most of the day with my family and even ran into some friends—it made the whole experience even better!

It combined so many of my favorite things: art, the woods, dogs, free food & drinks, and quality time with loved ones. I can’t believe I didn’t even know this existed—it completely blew my expectations. 🎨🌿🐾

Have you ever been? If not, add it to your list for next year—it’s such a special event!

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay
#florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #artinthewoods
#MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

Great day in DeLand for the Fall Festival of the Arts. So great that I hardly took any photos at all! If you missed today, you can still check it out tomorrow!

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

Our hikes are becoming more like shinrin-yoku—the Japanese practice of forest bathing. We first experienced it during a guided session at Lyonia Preserve (thanks, Shari!). Instead of focusing on miles, we slow down and take in the scents, sights, and even textures around us. Sometimes, we even slip off our shoes to feel the soft sand underfoot. 🌲✨

Have you ever tried forest bathing?

#forestbathing #ShinrinYoku #MindfulHiking #NatureTherapy #HikingFlorida #LyoniaPreserve #ConnectWithNature #NatureHealing #SlowDown #ForestTherapy #MindfulnessInNature #OutdoorMindfulness #FloridaHikes #NatureImmersion #ExploreWildFlorida #BarefootInNature #NatureMeditation #VisitWestVolusia #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

If the first photo doesn’t give it away, maybe the second one will. 🥰 We’ve been exploring these trails for more than a decade. Maybe one day I’ll explore with my grandkids. Ok, now I’m getting way too emotional here. 🤣

Do you have a favorite family tradition or place you keep going back to?

#hikingadventures #optoutside #hiking #getoutdoors #outdoorsy #naturelover #womentwhohike #outdooradventures #hikingtrails #hikingfamily #visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #wingsofthewest

Out on the town doing the cool craft summer world tour!! If you are local come on out tonight to Sidecar and get a boarding pass and get into a cool giveaway!!

Our stops so far:
sidecar.market
thetableabovedeck

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #CoolCraftSummer #coolcrafttrail

A few of my favorite moments from this week, exploring my hometown with friends.

Now that we are settled, it’s given me opportunities to explore where I live. I’m still finding new places and my love for home keeps growing.

What are your highlights from this past week?

———-
1️⃣ Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (iwer_stetson )
2️⃣ DeLand Cat Cafe (delandcatcafe )
3️⃣ St. John’s River paddle from Hickory Bluff Preserve

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

🌞Take the kids to the DeLand Cat Cafe before summers out (delandcatcafe 🐈

During our visit we:
🐾 pet cats
🐈 played with cats
🐈‍⬛ gave the kitties treats

And don’t worry about the heat – the whole place has AC! 🧊 You can even grab a cool drink from trilogykitchen next door!

It was a fantastic visit and the kids loved it too!

Are you keeping up with all my summer faves?
1️⃣ Lyonia Environmental Center (lec.friends)
2️⃣ True Trail Farms (truetrailfarms)
3️⃣ The Create Space (thecreatespacedeland)
4️⃣ Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (iwer_stetson)

Catch you on our next adventure! 🚀✨

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #SummerFun #catcafe #catrescue #summerfun

🌞 Still looking for summer activities for the kids? 🌞

Visit the FREE Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center (iwer_stetson)! 🌿🌊

During our visit we:
🪴explored their rain garden
🔬used microscopes to see insects up close
🌎learned all about our local environment
⭐️and more! I don’t want to give it all away!

And don’t worry about the heat – there’s AC to cool down! 🧊

It was a fantastic visit and the kids loved it too!

Are you keeping up with all my summer hits?
1️⃣ Lyonia Environmental Center (lec.friends)
2️⃣ True Trail Farms (truetrailfarms)
3️⃣ The Create Space (thecreatespacedeland)

Catch you on our next adventure! 🚀✨

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #SummerFun #FreeActivities #outdooradventures

🌳 Do you have a favorite Florida State Park? 🌳

With over 150 state parks in Florida, I haven't visited them all...yet! But it's totally on my bucket list. 🌟

Starting with the ones closest to me, here are some of my faves so far:
1️⃣ Blue Spring State Park
2️⃣ DeLeon Springs State Park
3️⃣ North Peninsula State Park
4️⃣ Bulow Creek State Park
5️⃣ Wekiwa Springs State Park
6️⃣ Hontoon Island State Park

What's your go-to state park adventure? Share your favorites and help me add to my must-visit list! 🗺️💚

#floridastateparks #exploreflorida #FloridaNature #visitflorida #FloridaAdventure #lovefl #FloridaOutdoors #NatureLovers #OutdoorFlorida #StateParkLife #DiscoverFL #FLParks #WildFlorida #ParkHopping #FLStateParks #EcoFlorida

We had so much fun tonight at Jazz in the Alley at Artisan Alley! The kids too! And yes, it was rainy, but it made for a nice breeze and cooler temperatures.

It’s a free event and family-friendly.

We grabbed dinner at Bake Chop and then checked out Nest.

Have you been out to a Jazz in the Alley night?

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia

Happy Sunday everyone! Today we are having a family and friends’ day swimming and playing lacrosse.

What are your plans for today?

#familytime #sundayfunday #sundayvibes #precioustimetogether

Cool moments from forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) out at Lyonia Preserve. Although the temperature is climbing, you can still go early in the day and enjoy the trails.

This is something that you can enjoy with the kids this summer. Best part - it’s free!

Get details on the blog. Link in bio!

All the trails are soft sand (like at the beach) so plan accordingly.

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #WingsOfTheWest

Heritage Day at De Leon Springs State Park. It was a warm day so swimmers were also out and about.

Today we learned a lot about the history of the park and De Leon Springs area. I enjoyed flipping through lots of old photos.

And an eco tour was definitely a great idea. Saw quite a few gators, kayakers, and boaters.

We will be sharing about the park on the blog! Stay tuned.

#visitwestvolusia #oldfloridanewvibe #getawayandplay #florida #pureflorida #visitflorida #lovefl #floridatravel #discoverflorida #floridaexplored #hashtagflorida #sunshinestate #loveflorida #exploreflorida #MeetTheWestons #WestonsVolusia