A Sunshine State of Mind

I had a revelation today.  This is my last full month in Florida.  Having lived here since 1995, this is kind of a big deal.  In case you haven't heard, Connor has been assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  This means as soon as we're married, that's where we'll be headed together.  With the wedding and the big move being next month, I can't believe my time in Florida is winding down.  It's been 21 years since I've lived anywhere other than the Sunshine State.  In fact, I barely remember living in Pennsylvania. So, it's really got me thinking of everything I'll miss about this little slice of heaven.  I made a list, and narrowed it down (you're welcome) to the five things I'll miss the most.  (Obviously, I'll miss my family and friends and other various people the most.  I just figured that goes without saying.)

1. Publix
   If you've ever had the pleasure of eating anything from a Publix deli, you understand where I am coming from.  There is nothing a Publix sub cannot fix.  A staple to any summer beach trip, a true comfort food, and a college kids dream.  Sure, there are other great places nationwide to get subs, but nothing will ever take the place of a good Publix sub.  Not to mention their fried chicken, and other deli treats, are so good!  And then there's a cake from Publix.  Their buttercream icing is perfect.  Ugh, and the sweet tea.  Publix is just a supplier of some great comforts, and they do not exist too far out of the South.  I also had the honor of living in Lakeland (where Publix was founded), where you can't go more than a few miles without one.  This place is so much more to me than a supermarket.  The brand and company itself has worked it's way into my heart.  I will miss Publix the moment we get to Oklahoma. 
2. The Beach
   This one probably goes without saying.  You get so spoiled living in Florida.  I've never been more than 2 hours from a beach.  Shoot, I even went to college pretty much on the beach for 3 years.  There is something magical about sun and saltwater.  I truly believe it can heal anything. My biggest regret is that over the past year, I haven't had enough time by the water.  And now it'll be awhile before I'm around it again.  Now I know there are lakes and rivers.  But lets be real, those are not the beach.  I don't know if I could pick a favorite beach, but I am a huge fan of the Gulf Coast.  I hope that I can return to it very soon.  Ideally, Key West.  Here's to hoping I make it back to the salty seas sooner than later once the trek begins. 
3. Florida Strawberry Festival
   Okay, I might be partial to Plant City, but the Strawberry Festival is a must every spring.  There is always great food and entertainment, and it goes on for weeks. Last year, it was like a 20 minute drive from my apartment and I wish I would've gone more than once.  Connor and I saw Craig Morgan, and even though we watched from the free bleachers, it was still awesome!  I have a picture of the rides all lit up from where we were sitting just after the sun went down and its one that I will cherish when we're gone.  I love that the festival celebrates agriculture and the local farmers.  Overall, it is a really fun time! There are a ton of rides to play on.  The food is so good and you can get anything you'd imagine in a fried form (even a Recce's cup!). We're just barely missing it this year, but hopefully someday we'll make it back while it's going on!
4. SEC Football
   Go ahead and roll your eyes, I get that a lot.  In my defense, it's been a huge part of my life for the past 20 years (especially this year).  Growing up in The Gator Nation was seriously one of the funnest parts of my childhood.  I remember going to countless football, basketball, and baseball games when I was younger.  Honestly, my love of sports probably stemmed from this.  I love the feel of a college campus on a Saturday.  I say SEC football specifically, because it's all I've ever known.  There's just something about it being 95 degrees out and watching some mid afternoon football.  Not to mention when it's a conference like the SEC whether loved or hated, it's always making waves.  Now, it's time for me to learn a thing or two about Big 12 football. Boomer, sooner!
5. Spring Training
   Alright, I'm sorry for the fact that  two of these five are sports related.  It's what I do, remember?  This is something that is so incredibly unique to Florida though (okay, and Arizona)!  Every February, 15 teams make the trip down to various parts of warm, sunny Florida and essentially begin their seasons.  Even though I didn't really love baseball until last year, Spring Training has always been fun for me. My aunt and uncle would come down in March every year to watch the Phillies in Clearwater, and usually take me to a game or two.  Then, I got to be on the other side and work during Spring Training for the Tigers. The energy you feel at a Spring Training game is so refreshing.  Most "snow birds" will plan whole vacations around a Spring Training schedule.  These fans have traveled far and the players are finally back on the field.  It may be really hot, but it's nothing an ice cold lemonade and hot dog can't fix! My heart breaks that I won't be around to experience this in 2016. 

Now don't get me wrong, I am definitely excited for this new Oklahoma adventure. I've been scoping out some things I'm already excited for over there.  However, my heart will always be here.  My heart will be eating a Publix sub, on the beach, planning my trips to the Strawberry festival and sporting events.  While Florida has a ton of awesome adventures to offer, these are my favorites.  Want to hear about more of them?  Have some favorites of your own? Know anything I absolutely must to do when I get to Oklahoma? Let me hear 'em!

Until next time,
Brandt
(for only 30 more days, but we'll get to that later)

I heart Lklnd.

As my time in Lakeland begins to wind down (*super sad face*), I've thought about all the awesome things this town has to offer.  Most of these things seem to be very overlooked, and its a huge shame. Month after month, I hear people complain about Lakeland and I wonder if they've ever even discovered the gems this place has to offer. So, I decided to compile a list of things I've grown to love about Lakeland to show you what you might be missing out on.

1. THE FOOD TRUCK RALLY!
If you know me at all, you know this is my jam. I am a food truck rally enthusiast, and am a huge advocate for the Lakeland Food Truck Rally.  This blessing happens the second Thursday of every month in Downtown Lakeland at Munn Park. Food trucks from all over Central Florida line up and showcase their unique cuisine. Some months there will be live music or other vendors from around Lakeland. There's nothing I love more than grabbing a ton of different foods, and plopping down on the grass in Munn Park. People bring out their dogs and/or kids and the sun is usually setting. It's easily my favorite part of Lakeland. Be sure to like them on Facebook so you're always up to date on what trucks are rolling in each month.

2. CIRCLE B
Alright, this one only works if you're outdoorsy. Circle B was once an actual cattle ranch, and sits on the shores of Lake Hancock. If you don't mind trail walks or hiking, Circle B is a great place to visit. There's wildlife, a lake, and plenty of trails to discover. Bikes are also welcome if you've got one. Oh, and horseback riding is allowed (bring your own horse). I prefer to pack a picnic and enjoy it in one of the picnic areas on site. There is also a pretty sweet nature center that's open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday. If you're looking for a way to enjoy some nature, Circle B has what you're looking for!

3. JOKER MARCHANT STADIUM
Sorry (not sorry) about the bias on this one. Joker Marchant Stadium is the spring home of the Detroit Tigers.  It also plays home to their Advanced A team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers. So many people miss out on how awesome it is that this is right in our backyard.  Spring training is a little pricey, so it may be harder to experience. However, it is so exciting when the big leaguers are in town! You might even get to catch a glimpse of other celebs like Kate Upton (if her and current starter Justin Verlander remain together). Once the glamour of spring ends, its time for the boys of summer to play America's past time. The Lakeland Flying Tigers are a minor league team that showcases the up and coming talent in the Tigers organization. Not to mention they also have some of the best deals in town. $1 Monday, All You Can Eat Wednesdays, and fireworks shows on Saturday are only a few of the awesome things you can find at a Flying Tigers game. This season is winding down, but there's still a firework show left and a beer festival in October!

4. THE LAKES
Also, this one works if you like being outdoors.  When I was in college, I would bike around 3, sometimes 4, different lakes in a couple of hours and I LOVED IT! Lakeland has what feels like hundreds of lakes (go figure), but they are each so unique. Some of my top favorite lakes: Hollingsworth, Morton, Mirror, and Hunter. So go grab a bike or put on your running shoes and enjoy the scenery and natural beauty this place has to offer!

5. MITCHELL'S COFFEE HOUSE
I seriously dream about Mitchell's favorite breakfast burrito. My knees go weak at the sight of one. I'm not even a huge breakfast burrito fan, but this one is it. Not to mention they also have an almond joy coffee that does wonders for me. That's only the tip of the iceberg though. Mitchell's is locally owned and a huge part of the Lakeland community. Located downtown, Mitchell's is a great place to study, socialize, or just spend some quality alone time. There are tables of different shapes and sizes, and tables outdoors as well. They have books and board games for you to enjoy, and every local magazine you could think of displayed in the front. It's got a cozy, local feel that I love; think less "hustle and bustle" than Starbucks. Mitchell's is definitely a Lakeland gem.

6. BREW HUB
If you have ever passed through Lakeland on I-4, you might have seen this establishment on the side of the highway. Brew Hub is this warehouse-turned-brewery where craft brewers can brew, pack, and distribute their beer. It's a whole new business model that is really changing the game.  Even better? There's a tasting room!!! Brew Hub is such a fun place to go and hang out and enjoy some new beers. They switch up what's on tap depending on what kegs they have in, or what brewers they are currently working with at the time. So, be sure to check out what's on tap before you go by visiting the website or using their mobile app. From time to time, they even have entertainment and it really adds to the environment. I love the feel to this place. It is so unique and different, and is a nice change up from your average bar. It's tricky to get to, but once you've been you'll be glad you took the adventure. I personally recommend the Keybilly Island Ale and Pool Hop Session IPA if they're on tap when you visit.

7. FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Okay, I couldn't write this and not mention my Alma Mater.  Florida Southern College has been placed in the Top 10 Most Beautiful Campuses over and over again and if you've ever visited then you know why. Between the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the gardens, and being on Lake Hollingsworth it is easily beautiful every day of the week. It's not uncommon to find people taking tours just to see the campus. Not to mention over the past few years, new buildings have been added that are just as breathtaking as the older ones. If you visit, stop by the newly renovated Annie Pfeiffer chapel. Also, we are currently home to the D2 Men's National Basketball Champions! So if you visit during basketball season, make sure to catch a thrilling Mocs basketball game!

There you go, some of the things that will have me missing Lakeland sooner rather than later.  Even though I've only been here for two years, this place has taken a huge part of my heart. It may not be as big as Tampa or Orlando, but I think that's where this place gets its charm. This place is the best of Central Florida and if you're every passing through, I recommend you stop to say hi.

Until next time,
Brandt

Swamp Head. Gainesville, FL.

Okay, so the first few blogs were fun.  Now it's time to go on an adventure...well read about one of mine.  For those of you who don't know me, I am originally from a small town called High Springs, FL.  If you don't know where that is, that's okay.  It's basically right outside of Gainesville, FL aka where The University of Florida is located.  So, pretty much I grew up in Gainesville.  Good ole Alachua County is still my "home", and where my parents reside.  This weekend (I finally had a WHOLE weekend off, gotta love 8 game road trips), I made a trip up to High Springs to visit my parents, along with all of my favorite things back home.  Once I turned 21, I discovered Swamp Head at one of my favorite hometown bars (Salty Dog in Midtown).  Since then I had made it a goal to visit the brewery.  Now when I return home, its a must to stop by.

Swamp Head Brewery was born in 2008 and has made its home in Gainesville.  They are all about Florida, and being "Inherently Floridan."  Which is awesome, and a huge reason why I love this beer and this brewery.  They recently moved into their brand new brewery, and it is phenomenal.  The taproom, or The Wetlands, is there as well and has such a great feel to it.  While I've tried quite a few of the Swamp Head beers (and suggest you do the same), Wild Night is my favorite.  Connor loves it as well.  It is just one of their 5 year round beers. You can also find Cottonmouth, Stump Knocker, Midnight Oil, and Big Nose IPA on tap.  Anytime I'm home, I stop by and fill up a growler, or two, of Wild Night to take back to Lakeland with me.

This particular visit was the first time I actually got to sit down and enjoy The Wetlands.  Hot dang! I was not disappointed.  The Wetlands is such a comfortable place, and the prices are on point.  For $4 a pint, you can enjoy one of the Swamp Head brews on tap.  They even pour beers from other Florida breweries, and prices vary on those.  In the actual tap room, there are high top tables mixed in with regular height tables, as well as seats at the bar.  There are huge windows with a beautiful view of the land surrounding the brewery.  There are board games available to play, or you can even bring your own!  The bar is amazing, as it has purse hooks AND power outlets built into it.  It has such a bright and relaxing vibe.  There is an area roped off in the brewery area where you can play cornhole, life-sized connect four, Jenga, or just hang out. On the day Connor and I visited, there was even a food truck out front.  Dos Burros serves tacos and burritos, and it doesn't get much better than tacos and beer!  (Be sure to check out the Events tab on their website to see if there will be a food truck there if you visit.  It's not an everyday thing.)

Then there is the beer.  Like I mentioned before, Wild Night is my absolute favorite.  I love it and it always provides me with some great memories.  Wild Night is a honey cream ale, and since I love light beers it works perfectly for my taste.  Out of the other year round beers, I have also tried Cottonmouth and Stump Knocker.  Both of these are fan favorites and I have to say they are very good.  Cottonmouth is a Belgian Witbier, and Stump Knocker is a pale ale.  If you're into stouts, Midnight Oil is all you.  This is an oatmeal coffee stout with locally roasted coffee!  Last, but not least, is Swamp Head's IPA.  Big Nose IPA has an ABV of 7.3% and is a huge favorite among the locals.

If you can't make it to Swamp Head, but live in the Gainesville area, it's okay!  Swamp Head cans and sells their Stump Knocker and Big Nose IPA.  (Wild Night cans are in the works!)  Don't live in Gainesville?  Hey, that's okay too! Simply head on over to Swamp Head's website and see if its available anywhere in your area.  Right now, its only available in Florida, but everyone needs a reason to visit the Sunshine State!
For more information on Swamp Head and The Wetlands, be sure to check out their website!

If you're ever in town, I would definitely recommend stopping by and having a beer.  (I want you to have fun, and please enjoy responsibly!) If you've been there, tell me what you thought! There are seriously so many cool places around Florida, and I love visiting as many as possible.  I can't wait to share more of my adventures with y'all!

Until next time,
Brandt