Road Trips

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Picking Florida Oranges

The Florida orange season will be coming to a close soon, so it’s time to pick your favorite citrus or visit your local grove

03/26/2014 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida's Siesta Key

Siesta Key's sugary white sand, temperate Gulf of Mexico and gentle breezes will soothe the savage beast.

03/19/2014 By Robin Draper

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Where to Find Florida's Manatees

Now is a good time to see Florida's gentle giants before they scatter to warmer waters

03/12/2014 By Robin Draper

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Best Places to See White Pelicans

There are plenty of things to love about Florida, but white pelicans are one of the most spectacular sights to behold. See them before they migrate north

03/03/2014 By Robin Draper

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Simply Divine Tangerine Pudding

Nothing tastes like Florida more than citrus - especially this sweet, tangy divine dessert

02/24/2014 By Robin Draper

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Authentic St. Augustine

Only one American city can hold claim to the title of “oldest city”, and St. Augustine wears its “nearly 450 year-old” title well

02/16/2014 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida Strawberry Jam

Looking for a special way to say “I love you” from Florida? Strawberries are in season and Valentine's Day is a great time to create a special gift

02/11/2014 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida Voted Best Food Blog

Authentic Florida, created by Sarasota native Robin Draper was recently voted Best Food Blog by the 2014 Florida Bloggers Conference in Orlando.

02/05/2014 By Robin Draper

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Florida Carrot, Orange and Ginger Soup

Time for some hot soup? Try this Florida Carrot, Orange and Ginger soup, a flavorful combination of veggies and citrus using fresh Florida ingredients.

01/29/2014 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida: Behind the Gates In Ocala

Many consider Ocala the "horse capital of the world". But this “behind the gates” industry is not easily accessible to the public....except when you know how to find it.

01/22/2014 By Robin Draper

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Florida Orange Pound Cake with Strawberries

This mouth-watering dessert packs double freshness from Authentic Florida

01/15/2014 By Robin Draper

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Where Cowboys Roam: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

Florida cowboy tradition continues in the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve with more than 100 miles of trails for horse riding, hiking or biking, and equestrian camping.

01/08/2014 By Robin Draper

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Refresh and Renew in 2014

Ready to start the new year with re-newed inspiration? Check out Authentic Florida's tips for getting off to a re-energizing start...

12/30/2013 By Robin Draper

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Edison Estate Sparkles for the Holidays

For the month of December and into the New Year, holiday lights and decorations sparkle and shine in the homes and gardens of the historical Edison and Ford Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.

12/18/2013 By Robin Draper

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The Christmas Express

Visitors can jump aboard a full-size train pulled by a lovingly restored bright red locomotive festooned with twinkling lights that tows three passenger cars jammed with giddy, happy children

12/11/2013 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida's Sour Orange Pie

When my husband tried my Authentic Florida sour orange pie, he claimed it was better than my Key lime pie. So, I knew I was onto something.

12/03/2013 By Robin Draper

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Florida's ECHO Farm

As Thanksgiving nears we think about gratitude and our blessings. But did you know over 925 million people who go hungry every day around the world? A sad and tragic fact. But, take heart. There is actually a Florida farm doing something about it.

11/21/2013 By Robin Draper

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Authentic Florida Gardening Tips: Dig In

While the rest of the country is preparing for colder weather, we in Florida are fortunate to have a much longer growing season – actually two seasons, fall and spring. Here are some gardening tips for your own home.

11/20/2013 By Robin Draper

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Clyde Butcher

I remember the first time I saw a Clyde Butcher photograph. It was a defining moment for me as my website Authentic Florida was beginning to take shape.

11/13/2013 By Robin Draper