Over the past year, I have been fortunate enough to leave my 9-5 and start The Daily Bubbly. Do not get me wrong being an influencer/blogger/entrepreneur is not easy by any means. There are some great perks that come with it and one of them is being able to take a week vacation with my family. 

I usually do not talk too much about my family or growing up but I was a lucky soul who's parents moved to Florida from Ohio and my younger years were filled with sunshine and sand. As a young adult, I gave up the sun and sand to live in the biggest small town, Chicago! (Go Cubs Go) But every couple of years I board a plane (thank you American) and head back to visit my old stomping grounds. My favorite time to visit Florida (Hillsboro Beach to be exact) is in March or April. After May I am out it's way too hot and humid for me. Below I am sharing with you, my favorite places to stay, eat, shop and play. 

If you are as lucky as I am and your parents live in a condo on the beach then stay there... usually they don't charge you for staying there, they have super nice towels, the sheets have a high thread count and the refrigerator is always fully stocked. Plus you can make yourself unlimited Pina Coladas, enjoy a private heated pool, and beach access. Life is good =)  If not here are my favorite hotels in the area. 

Where To Stay: 
1. Royal Blues Hotel (Boutique) 
2. Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach - Resort & Spa
3. Seabonay beach Resort (Best Bang for your Buck) 

Where to Eat: 
1. 2 George's at the Cove
2. Chanson Restaurant
3. Rocco's Taco's
4. Coconuts
5. Back Alley Bar & BBQ
6. The Pirate Republic Seafood & Grill
7. Grille 401

Where To Shop: 
1. City Place
2. Sawgrass Mills
3. Mizner Park
4. Sunset Harbor Shops
5. Worth Ave

Where To Play: 
1. Las Olas Boulevard
2. City Place
3. South Beach/Lincoln Road
4. Riverwalk Ft. Lauderdale
5. Atlantic Avenue/Delray Beach 

On Saturday Night we hit up a great nightclub with an amazing laid back atmosphere Vibe. It's casual the music is great and there is a ton of outdoor seating. Made our Saturday night on Las Olas. 

Group Fun: RiverFront Gondola Tours, Grab a group of friends or family a take a cruise of the New River glaze at luxury mansions, wildlife, and Ft. Lauderdale history while eating, drinking and laughing with those closest to you. 

Fun for all Ages: 
One of my favorite places to visit and walk around surrounded by nature is Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Their mission is to increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, preservation, and conservation. There is so much to see and do for guests of all ages. It's an amazing place with a wonderful history and a strong community backing. 

Tips:
Do yourself a favor: Rent a car there, there is so much to see and do but things in Florida are spread out. So for during the day rent a car, you can Uber but it will cost you about $20-30 a trip and that adds up. Yes, when you are going out for the night get an uber or a designated driver, but for adventuring out get a car even if it's for a day or two. Unless you plan not to leave to beach or pool which is completely understandable. 

Do Yourself a Favor Sunscreen/Water: Don't leave home without it. 

Comment below on your favorite travel spot or memory.