The term "unspoiled" isn't used too often when describing areas in Florida anymore. While we've written about the natural island of Caladesi before, which is probably one of the most unspoiled places in Florida, what about places where you can actually live? This one particular beach town is often overlooked, especially since it's so close to the famed St. Petersburg beach. But it might just be the ultimate beach community you've never heard of.
At the very southern tip of St. Pete Beach, in Florida you’ll find the tiny town of Pass-a-Grille.
The Remote Town in Florida We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of
LaBelle Florida is a lovely small town that has the natural beauty of a river town mixed with the cowboy history which creates a unique small town we love.
I don’t typically picture cowboys when I think of the Sunshine State, but in LaBelle, Florida, that is a rich history that can still be seen today. It is a small town all about natural beauty and embracing the cow-herding era of old. This charming small town in Florida is filled with little surprises, from beautiful nature walks to proximity to some of the state's top locations. There is a lot to love about this little town, so allow me to take you to a bird's eye view of what makes this such a great place to explore.
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It is hard to imagine Florida as a place where cowboys raised their cattle. Picture the flat lands of this coastal state without tall skyscrapers, busy highways, and Disney World, that is what life used to be like for the cowboys known as the crackers. They were known by that name because of the sound their whips made while riding their horses. This history was prevalent in LaBelle, and still to this day, it is a very active part of the community. The LaBelle Rodeo Arena hosts shows that celebrate this rich history of the town.
Animal trainer walking a horse back to the farm
To dig further into the town's history, you should visit during the Swamp Cabbage Festival. This family-friendly event celebrates the sabal palm, the Florida state tree that also goes by the name swamp cabbage palm, hence the festival's name. This event is the pride of the town, with live music, a parade, delicious food, talented vendors, and, of course, the great community of this small town.
The town is known as “The City Under The Oaks” for all of the oak trees that line the landscape. This makes for a pleasant place to walk as you explore downtown and dip in and out of the unique shops and restaurants. One of the best places to walk is the LaBelle Nature Park. This small park will immerse you in nature and be surrounded by the natural beauty that this small town prides itself on.
The charm is undeniable and you will be tempted to stay and soak up the valuable time in this town. I have good news for you, you don’t have to leave because you can book a stay in the LaBelle Vie. This Airbnb rental offers 3 stunning acres right on the Caloosahatchee River. The water in the area is part of the charm of LaBelle and you can enjoy the calming current of the river without having to even go anywhere else in a hurry.
You can even use the laid-back and peaceful town of LaBelle as your home base for other Florida adventures. Fort Myers is just to the east, Lake Okeechobee is to the west, and (my personal favorite) the Everglades are to the south. There is plenty to see and do surrounding this small town, but you might just fall in love with the area and not want to leave. I wouldn’t be able to blame you.
LaBelle Florida embraces its historical cowboy roots and celebrates the natural beauty all around them. From a pleasant walk under the trees to a rodeo there is plenty to do in this lovely small town.
Plan on an upcoming trip? Make sure you check out our ultimate road trip packing list to get all of the essential items you will need to make your travel as awesome as possible.
Just because it isn't likely to snow in Florida this year doesn't mean we can't have some amazing Christmas celebrations. All across the state, towns light up with holiday spirit, making Christmas in Florida a truly festive experience. Some of those towns, however, really go all-out during the most wonderful time of the year; we're talking Christmas carols, tons of lights, community spirit, and maybe even a visit or two from Santa Claus himself. Take a look at the best places to spend Christmas in Florida to consider adding to your bucket list this year or next:
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1. St. Augustine, Florida
City Hall and The Lightner Museum illuminated for the annual Nights Of Lights , St. Augustine, Florida, USA.
The nation's oldest city is lit up in one of the greatest holiday displays in the country. There will also be various events throughout the entire holiday season, but it also is rewarding just to walk around the city at night and enjoy the holiday illumination. St. Augustine is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in FL. Head to the Visit St. Augustine website for more holiday event information.
2. Captiva Island, Florida
Hands-down one of the best Christmas towns in Florida is a little place called Captiva Island. This tropical southwest Florida island hosts festive extravaganzas of sight and sound throughout the holiday season, including a luminary, boat parade, holiday singalong, and golf cart parade. It's sure to be Christmas in paradise. Head to the SANCAP Chamber for more event info.
3. West Palm Beach, Florida
Sandi Land: "Sandi" is a 35-foot Christmas tree made of sand. That's right, we said sand. Come see how this giant sandcastle remains standing throughout the month of December. The event features light and music shows every night, as well as holiday concerts throughout the season as well. Visit the West Palm Beach website for more holiday event information.
4. Sarasota, Florida
Every year, Sarasota, Florida puts on quite the holiday show from decorating St. Armands Circle to lighting up Marie Selby Gardens in the most magical way. Various events take place throughout the holidays, every extending into January with the annual pineapple drop! This is certainly one of the most festive Christmas towns in FL. Head to the Visit Sarasota for additional event information.
5. Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the best places in the state to celebrate the holidays. First, you have Santa's Enchanted Forest: The World's Largest Holiday Theme Park, featuring over 100 rides, shows, games, and attractions. Then, you have Zoo Miami, which features the ultimate holiday light show with your favorite zoo animals. Head to the Greater Miami & Miami Beach website for updated event information.
6. Tampa, Florida
Tampa Sign Downtown Tampa
Tampa, Florida will be lit up throughout the holidays, from residential homes to community areas. If you want to get a true dose of Christmas in Tampa, visit Ybor City for the epic decorations. But also keep an eye out for other holiday events in Tampa, from Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to Busch Gardens Holiday fun. Head to the Visit Tampa Bay website for more event information.
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7. Homosassa, Florida
At Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park there is a celebration of lights each year that brings together the whole community. Enjoy a spectacular synchronized light and sound show, as well as other entertainment and refreshments taking place on certain days throughout December. This is one of the most enchanting holiday festivals in FL. Visit the Discover Crystal Rivers website for more.
8. Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne, Florida has a ton of events taking place throughout the holidays depending on where you go. Space Coast Light Fest in Wickham Park is a great way to see millions of lights in one drive-through experience. Meanwhile, the Brevard Zoo also usually hosts some holiday events and excursions for the whole family. Visit the City of Melbourne website for more on the town's holiday events.
9. Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood beach and boardwalk empty on Christmas morning
Hollywood, Florida is a wonderful place to enjoy festivities for the holidays. For example, every year, Hollywood Beach puts on its Candy Cane Parade, which happens to be one of the longest-running holiday parades in the entire country. Happening for over 60 years, visitors and residents alike get together to enjoy one of the most exciting times of the year. Visit the City of Hollywood, Florida website for more.
10. Pensacola, Florida
Some fun events take place in Pensacola during Christmastime that are always worth the visit. Winterfest, for example, brings holiday performances, trolly rides, hot chocolate, and falling snow! Meanwhile, the annual Christmas parade and Santa tours are other great ways to experience the holidays in the city. Head to the Visit Pensacola for more.
So, what do you think of this list of the best places to spend Christmas in Florida? Have you visited any during the holidays? Make sure to let us know in the comments section what some of your favorite festivities of the season include! And if you want to get your fill of Christmas lights this season, consider this road trip to the best Christmas lights in Florida!
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