Get to Florida Now - Before the Melting Summer Heat!

A special guest post by @mebrickley, a twenty-something blogger in Chicago.  She reflects on her recent trip to Florida [Been / Want To Go] and why now is the best time to visit! 

Though summer is nearly upon us and all Floridians are getting ready to crank up the AC, remember that Spring Break isn't the only time that Florida can show you a good time - there is still time to escape to the Sunshine State for a little R&R before the scorching heat of summer truly sets in. When northerners think of sunny Florida, retirees shouldn't always be the first thing to come to mind  - even though the state is laden with them...

Standard Florida vacation spots might include Miami, South Beach, Orlando or the Florida Keys, and while there is plenty of fun to be had in these Spring Break, Disney World and Margaritaville towns, it's not all the state has to offer.

Last week I was in South Florida, spending time between Stuart, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound and a little place called Lake Worth. While all of these places would be great for a relaxing Floridian getaway, I want to focus on the latter...

 Photo: Google Maps

Lake Worth is a small town right on the eastern coast of Florida – but I'd hardly call it 'quaint.' From its beautiful beaches and pier to its lively restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife, Lake Worth has got it goin' on! It's not a typical tourist town, which makes it all the better for the seasoned traveler. Less crowded – and less expensive!

 Photo: Lake Worth, FL.

For such a small city, Lake Worth offers amazing diversity. No matter who you are or what you like, there is some coffee shop, bar, bookstore or boutique that will tickle your fancy to a tee. If you'd rather just sit around and look at scenery, there's plenty of that too. The town square is a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by – and go by the world does. If you're a people watcher, you'll catch some great action in Lake Worth. Since it's on the east coast of Florida, the pier is a fab place to catch a sunrise – whether you're up early and out for your morning jog, or still up after a long night of partying at Dave's and Igot's, head to the beach for some truly stellar views. When I was in town last week, I enjoyed some great drinks and some great company on the sidewalk-facing bar talking to passersby at Igot's Martiki Bar – where a Lake Worth resident told me the bar got its name from the phrase “I got crabs,” but that's just hearsay... Oh, Florida.

Photo/Rhonda Vanover

So if you're looking for a last-minute spring getaway, check out South Florida's east coast between Stuart and Lake Worth. The weather is great, and the water is fine – at least for the next four to six weeks before the hurricanes, humidity and 95+ degree days set in...
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