Our First Snowbird Winter: Sunshine, Palm Trees & Newfound Family ☀️🌴
For our first winter on the road, we finally lived out our long-time dream of becoming snowbirds! Instead of snow and freezing temps, we traded it in for palm trees, sunshine, and endless outdoor adventures in Fort Myers, FL.
Settling Into Seminole Campground 🌳🚐
Our home for the season was Seminole Campground in North Fort Myers. We weren’t entirely sure if we’d even fit into our site, but once we did, it quickly became home. Unlike many Florida campgrounds—where you’re often parked on an open slab with a few lonely palm trees—this spot was tucked beneath the shade of majestic live oaks.
Sure, the sites were tight, but we lucked out with amazing neighbors who quickly became family. Over the months, we shared meals, swapped travel stories, and built friendships that will last far beyond our time in Florida.
Exploring Nature’s Best: Preserves, Zoos & the Ocean 🌿🐠⛵
Florida is packed with natural beauty, and we made sure to soak in as much as we could:
- Six Mile Cypress Preserve (Fort Myers): Peaceful boardwalk trails through towering cypress trees and wildlife-filled wetlands.
- JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island): A bird-watching paradise with stunning coastal views.
- Naples Zoo: Because no stop is complete without a visit to the local zoo! 🦁
- Lovers Key & Catamaran Adventures: Nothing beats oceanfront views with the wind in your hair.
And of course, we weren’t just playing tourist. We also got to reconnect with family and friends from Minnesota, making stops in St. Petersburg, Bonita Springs, Estero, and even Key Largo.
Brews, BBQ & Nick’s Culinary Experiments 🍻🍖🔥
As always, food and drink were a major part of our adventures! We made our rounds trying local craft brews and delicious eats, but nothing compared to Nick’s home cooking.
- Homemade Ginger Beer 🍹
- Sous Vide Prime Rib 🥩
- Smoked Pulled Pork (which instantly won us even more friends 😂)
Let’s just say, the man outdid himself.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side of RV Life 🚛⛈️
Of course, not everything was smooth sailing. We had a few unexpected hiccups:
- Storms so strong we had to evacuate to the bathhouse.
- A truck breakdown (hello, surprise tow due to a faulty starter).
But even with those challenges, our winter in Fort Myers was everything we hoped for and more.
Final Thoughts: Blessed & Grateful ❤️🌅
Looking back, this wasn’t just about escaping winter—it was about experiencing life to the fullest. From the stunning landscapes to the unforgettable friendships, Fort Myers gave us a season of memories we’ll cherish forever.
Here’s to many more winters in the sunshine! 🌞✨
