Moments with Gwen

On our latest adventure, we visited  Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center  in Palm Beach, Florida. This donation-only attraction is one of the best spots in the area to learn about and (hopefully!) see Florida’s gentle giants, the manatees. In my full YouTube video, I take you along as we explore the grounds, enjoy the peaceful views, and spend some time looking out over the water for manatees and fish. Even when the manatees don’t make an appearance, the lagoon itself is a relaxing place to stop, unwind, and appreciate Florida’s natural beauty. What Is Manatee Lagoon? Manatee Lagoon is a public education center created by  Florida Power & Light (FPL) . It’s located next to their Riviera Beach Clean Energy Center, which releases warm water into the lagoon. During the colder months (November through March), manatees are drawn to this warmer water, making it one of the best spots in Palm Beach to see them. The facility offers: Indoor exhibits  about manatee...

The River Center If you’re exploring  Jupiter, Florid a  and looking for something  relaxing, educational, and budget-friendly , I highly recommend a stop at the  River Center . It’s a  free nature center in Jupiter FL  that offers  interactive exhibits , local aquatic species, and hands-on learning experiences for all ages. Admission is  donation-based , making it another great  family-friendly activity in Jupiter ! And yes… I may have fallen in love with a  balloon fish , also known as a  pufferfish . 🐡💙 🌊 Walking Into the River Center As soon as we stepped inside the  River Center in Jupiter , I was surprised by how much there was to explore. You’re welcomed by bright, engaging displays that highlight the beauty of the  Loxahatchee River , one of Florida’s most iconic wild and scenic waterways. We began our visit at the  aquatic tanks , where we saw: Eels hanging out   gracefully in the water Freshwater tur...

Huck Tom and Becky on the Fence Saying Goodbye to Tom Sawyer’s Island: A Disney Classic Closes Forever For decades,  Tom Sawyer’s Island  has been a hidden gem at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, offering guests a chance to step into a world inspired by Mark Twain’s classic tales. With its tranquil atmosphere, winding caves, barrel bridges, and the iconic Fort Langhorn, this attraction has been a favorite for families and adventurers alike. But all great adventures must come to an end. Disney recently closed Tom Sawyer’s Island, to make way for a brand-new  Cars-themed area , promising fresh excitement for guests. While we’re eager to see what Disney has in store, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for this beloved slice of Americana. In my latest YouTube video,  " Saying Goodbye to a Disney Classic: Tom Sawyer’s Island ,"  I take one last journey across the Rivers of America to explore the magic of this iconic attraction. From its charming details to its sense of timeless ...

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Looking for a meaningful, family-friendly Florida adventure that won’t break the bank? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem we recently visited:  Busch Wildlife Sanctuary  in  Jupiter, Florida . This beautiful sanctuary combines  wildlife rescue, education, and nature trails , making it the perfect stop for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to explore the real Florida. The best part?  Admission is by donation , so it’s budget-friendly while helping the animals too! 🕒 Hours, Admission & Accessibility Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is open  7 days a week  from  10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , excluding major holidays. There’s  no admission fee —just a suggested donation to help support the animals and the important work they do. ✔️  Wheelchair and stroller accessible ✔️  Restrooms available ✔️ Allow about  at least an hour to explore  all the outdoor habitats ✔️ Great for all ages! A Florida Panth...

                                                  Planning a Disney vacation but feeling overwhelmed by the cost?  You're not alone. As a single mom, I know exactly how stressful it can be to balance your budget while trying to create magical memories. But here's the good news:  you can do Disney without draining your bank account —I've done it, and I'm here to share how. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for ways to stretch your dollars even further, these are my honest, real-life tips for how to travel to Disney on a budget—as a single parent, or really any parent trying to save smart. 🎯 How I Saved Before the Trip The savings started  before  we even packed our bags. ✅ Disney Gift Cards at Target If you're a Target RedCard holder, you can buy Disney gift cards and get  5% off every purchase —ev...

Have you ever needed a moment of calm—but also a touch of wonder? My recent visit to the  Loggerhead Marinelife Center  in Juno Beach, Florida, was exactly that. This inspiring place offers more than a look at adorable sea turtles. They also have jellyfish, lion fish and a shark! The best part is -  Admission is free (donations  are always welcome!)  🌊🐢 In my new YouTube video, I take you on a peaceful walk through the center. You’ll see rescued sea turtles recovering in their tanks, learn about their stories, with the soothing atmosphere of the ocean and nature all around. There are very nice volunteers ready to talk about each turtle being taken care of. Don't be shy, ask them your questions. The video is part of my  "Travel Moments with Gwen"  series—but this one has a special touch of calm, perfect for anyone who needs a gentle mental reset. 🎥  Watch here:   My Visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center This experience inspired me to reflec...

Are you a nature lover? Do you enjoy biking? If so, then the Shark Valley 15-mile loop in the Florida Everglades National Park is the perfect place to visit! This unique paved biking trail, offers a scenic adventure through the beautiful and diverse Everglades amongst the wildlife that call the Everglades home. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it an ideal experience for bikers of all skill levels.  Just remember that the wind will be blowing in the opposite direction after you leave the observation tower. However, it is important to remember to stay alert and keep a safe distance from the wildlife. You will see alligators all along the trail and some beautiful waterbirds.  It really is a great place for nature lovers to visit. I know this picture is not perfect, but the sunrise looked so pretty from our car window as we traveled down to the Everglades National Park. The morning was really looking good. Sunrise This was my third visit to Shark Valley i...