Winter in Florida?

[judy]

I have been thinking about going to Florida for a month in the winter. I love it here, but the winter is just too darn long! I was going to put if off until October or November, but a friend advised me that if I wait, it will never happen. You know how you keep putting things off, until it's just too late!

I do not know if I can afford it. The car needs a checkup. It's making some noises, the emergency and regular brakes need fixing, and I may get studded tires. That will cost! Then, of course, you never know what else will come up!

I think I am going to take my friend's advice though, and book a place and plan out a vacation. A lot of people get cabin fever depression and SAD up here. I know I do! I don't know where to go in Florida. I want Southern Florida because it's just about the warmest place I can drive to. I need a nice area where there is a beach, is dog friendly, and some shopping, etc. I would like a one room, or one bedroom condo with cooking facilities on the beach, preferably where there is a common area. I don't need to make friends for a month, but it would be good to see people to say hello to.

I looked at Key West - way too expensive! I'm looking at Sarasota now - I'm not sure of the neighborhoods, but it is less expensive, and supposedly a nice, active place to go to. I don't know if I want the other coast. Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, etc. are too fancy, and I don't think I want to be at a seniors condo.
I am 63, but I just don't feel like it.

It is a scary prospect...driving down, with the dogs, staying in a strange place where I don't know anybody,etc. I'm also used to living in such a safe area. In my younger days, I would have just jumped in the car and gone!

[JJJ]

I have only been to Disney World and I did not venture out so I am useless in giving you some advise. But I am glad you are planning a vacation and not stuck in your cabin. Who knows you might get homesick :rolleyes:
Enjoy life while you can.

[DIANE W]

Hi Judy..... I have to agree with your friend, i totally believe that you must not put off doing things until later - Judy there are always going to be other things that need our money, time and attention etc.

I understand it is a scary prospect, but it will really break up the winter for you, and you will enjoy yourself - i am sure of it.

I am always saying to my friends, that i honestly believe life is too short, and it is only ourselves that can change/improve things. Why let life pass us by?
Dont put things off if you can help it.

I hope you have a fabulous time, i will keep my eye on this post - now dont be putting it off now will you!!!!!!!!!:D

[gja1000]

I don't know much about FL - I'll say that up front - but I have heard that the west coast is really nice - the beaches are nice and I don't think it is quite as heavily populated - which might make for lower rents. I also know that are lots of communities with park model homes - some for rent, some for sale. Janet might know a lot more since her mom has wintered there for quite a while now.

My sil's parents lived in FL for several years in a park model home park and really loved it there. They lived closer to the west coast, but not next to the beach though.

I really think you should plan to go down for a month this winter. I'd go in January or whenever the winter gets really rough in NY. Gary's aunt and uncle go to South Padre Island the day after Christmas with their family and they stay till spring break (when it gets crazy down there). In the summer when it gets really hot, they go to the mountains of New Mexico for a month or so. I'd try it if I were you!

[Janet]

Mom lives in Bradenton during the months of Jan, Feb, Mar and April, that's on the west coast just north of Sarasota. She lives in a mobile home park but has added on to the home. She is also in walking distance of the beach. It can't be too expensive there because Mom is tighter than bark on a tree...believe me..lol. Go for it Judy. I wish I wasn't such a big baby at driving very far.

[DianaB]

Judy, I think that's a great idea!!! I think that I'd wait until after the holidays to avoid some of the worst weather. Maybe you should ask Janet's Mom if she would like to rent out her mobile home for a month......it wouldn't hurt to ask!!! I hope that everything works out for you!!!

[paula1961]

Judy..that sounds wonderful! I lived in Fl for a few years but I lived in Gainesville which is in northern Fl so in the winter mths, we had to dress in layers. By noon you are down to your short sleeves but I wore a light jacket or a sweat shirt of the night and early morning. And the nearest beach was in St Augustine which is about an hour away. I was young then and there to work not vacation lol!! I have an aunt that lives in Tampa, she has been there ever since she graduated high school. She loves it there...she is in her 60's.
I really think you should go for it!! Hey..if you don't like it...you can just not go back next year lol!! I bet that you would love it!!
Diana had a great idea about Janet's Mom's place if she isn't going down this year. Keep us posted on your decision.:)

[Blueyes]

Around here everybody goes to Destin, Fla. during the summer. I don't know how populated it is in the winter, but the beaches are beautiful white sand. I think you are brave, Judy!!

[Janet]

Judy...I think you just need to stop by and pick Mom up and she'll show you the way....lol. I doubt very seriously if she'd let someone stay there without her. When she leaves she has to use this stuff to help keep moisture out. Not sure what all she has to do, but to me....sounds like a hassle.

Anyway...if you want to borrow Mom for a month....you're more than welcome. Boy would you have stories to tell.....LOLOL

[DIANE W]

Hi Judy...... Have you decided yet, if you are going?

I keep on looking for updates.

[Janet]

What cha gonna do Judy???

[judy]

I'm trying to decide on a location. I'm thinking about Sarasota or Ft. Lauderdale.
I want the warmest weather, and the calmest beaches.

I have to call my aunt. She had a place in Ft. Lauderdale and can probably steer me in the right direction. I have a friend who has a place in Sarasota and she can help me decide too.

It's still research time, but I think Lauderdale is best. I better pick soon because I want to go in February, and places get booked now!

[Janet]

Yes....I wouldn't want to wait too much longer. I'm glad you're thinking of getting away from winter for a bit. I would if I could.

[DIANE W]

Good luck with deciding Judy, it is important to get the right place and get everything you want from your holiday.

Keep us informed wont you?

[Janet]

Are you still planning on going Judy? I bet you have done lots of researching. I don't think around the area you are talking about is too awful expensive, if it was....Mom wouldn't be staying there....lol. She is really tight with her money....I mean really tight.

[judy]

I haven't decided for sure. It would just about wipe out my savings, and I don't want that. On the other hand, it does sound soooo nice!

I think the Ft. Lauderdale area is the spot though. It's warmer and cheaper.

[DianaB]

So, Judy........what have you decided?

[Janet]

Judy...if you decide to go, just know it can be a little unnerving driving that far alone. I do know that I'll never drive as far as I did to Diana's again, but I will fly anytime. Live and learn...lol.

[Marilyn]

Melissa and Garrett plan to move to Cocoa Beach, FL after he finishes college. His parents plan to retire there in about 3 years. This past summer they rented a place there for a month and loved it. They said it's really beautiful and not too expensive compared to some of the other locations. Just thought I'd mention it.

Hope it all works out for you. If I was single, retired and had the funds, I'd so do it!!

[judy]

I am afraid of the drive Janet. I also just found out that the dentist wants a few thousand dollars, although he has been telling me for the past year and 1/2 that I don't have to pay. ??????? I have to go down to the City and talk with him. My car is going to the mechanic today for an assortment of noises, glitches, etc., and it is raining.

Right now I am thinking of joining a Gypsy Caravan!