How to set off the new year right in sunny Florida Gulf Coast of Nokomis is my travel inspiration emphasized on whole well-being. Our family has been planning the trip since my sister and her family moved to the small Florida’s Gulf coast town of Nokomis two years ago. We missed them so much that when winter break hit, we couldn’t wait to dive in the promise of sun, R&R, and a break from Connecticut winter weather.

We decided to make the trip into a driving adventure covering nine states from Connecticut to Florida and it proved to be the adventure we needed to set off the new year right with no passport required. We stopped in Maryland to visit my best friend and her family, then North Carolina for a visit with my parents before heading for sunny Florida. We are truly thankful for being well taken care of along the journey and back with another wonderful stop to visit lifelong friends in Jacksonville, FL. The girls were so excited to see palm trees and I couldn’t help smile thinking that it’s exactly why our family loves building a net worth of WELLthy MOMents together.

Bordered by the beautiful cities of Sarasota and Venice, Nokomis is home to my sister and known for its beautiful seashore, many shopping opportunities and cultivated residential areas. In addition to the attractions in nearby Sarasota, Nokomis offers lovely Gulf beaches and fishing for visitors, as well as its boat launch ramp and beautiful shoreline. Visitors like us can enjoy small-town living and a relaxed beach town atmosphere, while also experiencing all that Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer.

How to set off the new year right in sunny Florida Gulf Coast of Nokomis involves winding down from 2018 and recharging for 2019 in the ideal setting of Nokomis to venture in search of WELLthy MOments and adventures without the crowds at time. Here’s how to get the best out of a trip to the sunny Florida Gulf Coast of Nokomis and why it was the self care our family needed to set our new year off right.

A Very Merry Christmas in Florida

A very merry Christmas in Florida was the perfect way to celebrate all the things we love involving family, food and plenty of fun memories to last us a lifetime. Nokomis Christmas season ran with temperatures reaching between 65-80 degrees just about every day, making this locale an ideal warm-weather escape. Top that with the tranquil pace of the laidback, low-key feel of the area and it’s obvious why Nokomis was the perfect self-care safe haven to celebrate our Christmas and set our new year off right.

Enjoy The Natural View

Because of the location of this triangle-shaped town, pretty much anything you do in Nokomis will inevitably involve a lovely water view. Most restaurants, parks, etc will show you one of the Bays, Gulf, or Intercostal. Casey Key and Nokomis Beach are no exception, of course, located on the lovely Gulf of Mexico. However, unlike its popular beach neighbors Venice and Siesta, they are far less crowded, while still giving visitors a glimpse of the clear turquoise waters this coast boasts.

My sister suggested after a day of shopping at nearby Ellenton Premium Outlets to catch the sunset at Nokomis Beach and I am so glad we did because sunset and water pretty much make everything better. Nokomis beach is also a great beach on which to take a long walk, sunbathe, picnic, or just enjoy a beautiful day on this family-friendly beach or the sights and sounds of nature and wildlife.

Whether it’s watching the majestic, prehistoric looking Pelicans dive from the sky into the water for a fresh fish snack, or catching a sunset, or enjoying family fun nights on Wednesdays or Saturdays, you’ll love the view all around you on one of the Sun Coast’s finest Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Indulge in Family, Food and Fun Memories

My sister lives close to restaurants, bars, shopping, and local attractions but we opted for more time together at home cooking and eating, playing board games and/or puzzles, watching movies and basically filling our family memories tank. My sister is a foodie at heart just like me and boy did she take her gift of hospitality and homemade meals to another level because our bellies were beyond happy if not overfull.

Christmas was the yummy highlight with all our girls going to bed with their Christmas pajamas the night before and waking up to a delicious breakfast of my sister’s decadent pull apart bread, frittata and fruit salad. We then got ready for some sunny fun outside before starting Christmas dinner. We indulged in warm rolls, her famous macaroni and cheese, delicious turkey with stuffing, Ivorian Tchep Djen (I will share the recipe in another blog post), fried plantains and fish with desserts to last us for days. The simple thought brings a smile to my face and I thank God for the gifts of family, food and fun. It’s truly the trifecta.

With all that Florida has to offer, from touristic destinations like Orlando to low key and coastal Nokomis, it’s hard to believe that more travelers don’t take advantage of mixing things up. What’s your favorite hidden Florida destination? Do you know of a hidden gem in Florida that would make a wonderful vacation destination? Let me know by submitting a comment below and Happy Healthy New Year to you and your family!