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Meet Marcea

Hi! I'm Marcea – nice to meet you. I love showing people unique things to do in Florida. I'm working on visiting all 175 Florida State Parks. I also enjoy exploring beaches, visiting Black history sites, and learning more about the state's hundreds of years of history. In addition to writing about Florida, I'll share other travel adventures I take around the USA and the world. Glad you're along for the ride!

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How To Experience Spring Training in Florida

7 Fun Things To Do Outdoors In Tampa Bay

Food, Drinks and History In Ybor City

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mycornacopia

Cultural Explorer✈️ Travel Writer👩🏽‍💻 Foodie🥘 Seen in @tripsavvy @tinybeanskids @tripstodiscover @hopculturemag
📧: hello@mycornacopia.com

“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩

“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙙𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙜𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙.” ⁣⁣When I read that on the first page of the soon-to-be-released book, Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell by Karen Walrond (aka @heychookooloonks), I gave a little cheer! ⁣⁣That’s because I had gotten the impression that I was in the minority to be excited to turn 50 last year. There was nothing that exciting about turning 50, except getting those AARP notices in the mail (if you haven’t read their magazine, you’re missing out - great articles!). But turning a half-century felt right to me. For so long I struggled in my own skin, especially in my 20s and early 30s. Now I feel okay with my body shape, am secure in my thoughts, have found a passion project that I know is perfect for me and refuse to have negative energy in my space that I don’t invite. It’s a good feeling. The things I’ve learned in life have built me into who I am, and I celebrate that. I’ve even put that onto The Child. When someone asks if I get sad that she’s growing up and in high school, my response is always no. Because as she gets older, she is growing into her own person and having her own thoughts and dreams, and that’s a wonderful thing for me to see. ⁣⁣If you’re ready for a rebellion and looking to embrace aging, pre-order Radiant Rebellion, which goes on sale October 17, 2023. I was gifted a copy by Karen and am excited to dig into it. Will give you my honest thoughts about it along the way. ⁣⁣Let me know in the comments if you’re ready to raise a little hell and be a part of beautiful, fun aging. And if you’re not ready yet, that’s okay. It’s important to be honest so if you’re comfortable sharing in the comments why you don’t embrace aging, let us know. ⁣⁣#RadiantRebellion #blackwriters #thisis50 #booksofinstagram⁣

Finally made it to @femalebrewfest and it was wort

Finally made it to @femalebrewfest and it was worth the wait (and my crazy travel adventures!) ⁣40 breweries who had female brewers, employees and owners were on hand serving up samples of their beers. And they didn’t skimp on the styles or levels of ABV! ⁣⁣It was nice to meet so many women in the industry and hang out with friends for the afternoon. Everything from the DJ to the location was great. Can’t wait to attend again next year! ⁣⁣#hosted #LoveFL⁣ #VisitLauderdale #blackwriters #drinklocal #femalebrewfest #pinkbootssociety #floridawriters #exploreflorida #floridabreweries #travelbloggers #ftlauderdale

Almost missed National Beer Day! I’ve always lo

Almost missed National Beer Day!I’ve always loved beer. I remember my dad drinking a Red Stripe when he could find it in the US or a PBR. One of my clearest memories when we moved to Florida is of him drinking baby Budweiser cans. Not sure if they still make those but they always take me back in time.Now with craft beers so popular it’s not hard to find a good brew. But I’m not too much of a beer snob. I love a PBR mixed with lemonade but also love a great local sour. One of my favorite things to do while traveling - visit a local brewery. So here’s to beer! Want to read my article on the founders of @harlemhops? Click the link in my bio. I got to enjoy their Pier 57 lager when I was in New York City a few weeks ago and it was perfect on a hot summer day. #blackwriter #nationalbeerday #harlemhops #redstripe #drinklocal #floridawriter #travelwriter #brewerytourism #beer #beersofinstagram

Happy 904 Day! If you haven’t been to Jacksonvil

Happy 904 Day! If you haven’t been to Jacksonville, FL, you’re missing out. [𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 + 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲]⁣⁣From the arts to the food to the beaches to the Black history, there’s really something for everyone in The River City. My recent visit was my first there is almost 30 years and was it wasn’t anything near the sleepy town I remembered. ⁣⁣My suggestions of places to visit and things to see: ⁣⁣* @estrellajax, @1748bakehouse and @silkiesjax are just a few of the outstanding places to eat and drink in Jax⁣* @cummermuseum for art and beautiful views of the St. John’s River ⁣* @normanstudiossilentfilm, @ritzjax, @durkeevillehistory, @clarawhitemission and @explore_jax_core for excellent overviews of Black history in the city ⁣* Visit @jaxmelaninmarket and the farmers market at @whiteharvestfarms ⁣⁣If you haven’t been to @visit_jax lately, be sure to put it on your list of places to visit. I can’t wait to go back and explore their beer trail, which is home to multiple female brewers and brewery owners! ⁣⁣#hosted #onlyinjax #blackwriter ⁣#jacksonvilleflorida #904day #travelwriter #floridablogger #blacktravel #blackhistory #floridatravel #exploreflorida ⁣

It’s National Skyscraper Day! While not home t

It’s National Skyscraper Day! While not home to the first skyscraper (that honor goes to Chicago), New York City is home to the most iconic ones of the 20th Century. Thanks to @citypass, I visited two of them: @topoftherocknyc and @empirestatebldg. The views from both were fantastic. We went around sunset so it was very busy. Next time I’d love to try them at nighttime. Both are open late into the night but times vary by time of the year, so check their websites for exact closing times. The Empire State Building also has a museum across several floors so add in time for that as well. #hosted #blackwriters #ilovenewyork #empirestatebuilding #topoftherock #rockefellercenter #nyc #travelwriter #blackwritersofinstagram #floridablogger #citypass #citypassnyc

August 2023 recap/photo dump! Had a ball exploring

August 2023 recap/photo dump! Had a ball exploring New York City with my mom, writing a few articles for a new publication, working on a project for another new publication and enjoying the start of school and high school swim season. Oh and we had a hurricane!#nyc #thealgonquin #blackwriter #thealgonquincat #travelwriter #iloveny #RockefellerCenter #floridablogger #familytravel #EmpireStateBuilding #Circleline #statueofliberty🗽

Excited to check off a goal of venturing into writ

Excited to check off a goal of venturing into writing about brewery tourism with my first article in @hopculturemag! Link to the article is in my bio. Visiting and writing about the @visitrichmondva Beer Trail was a delight. I met so many great people who are passionate about beer without coming off as alienating and who also were very welcoming and respectful to a Black woman traveling alone. People have been sleeping on Richmond! There’s so much to do there. And with almost 40 breweries (along with some wine shops), there’s lots of places to explore and get samples. Thanks to the teams at @benchtopbrewing_rva, @pennysrva, @legendbrewingco and @theanswerva who took the time to speak with me. I can’t wait to get back! #visitrichmond #blacktravel #travelwriter #blackbloggers #beertourism #drinklocal #craftbeer #craftbrewery #richmondbeer #richmondbeertrail @richmondbeertrail #rvabeertrail

There’s no better way to get a great overview of

There’s no better way to get a great overview of New York City than taking a @circlelinenyc cruise around the island.Getting a view of One World Trade Center, the United Nations, Gracie Mansion, Yankee Stadium and the Brooklyn Bridge from the water is a unique way to get to know the city and enjoy the outdoors. Circle Line gives you an earpiece to wear too so you won’t miss any of the tour guide’s commentary. Our guide, Dave, was excellent and included information about the immigrants and African Americans who helped build the city from the time it was called New Amsterdam, along with the original indigenous people who first lived here.Want to see a variety of different landmarks up close while in town? Get a @citypass and pick multiple sites in Manhattan - all for one price! We were able to do the cruise along with several other fun activities over our weekend in The Big Apple. Have you ever been to New York City? What was your favorite thing to do there? #ad #citypassnyc #blackblogger #travelwriter #citypass #blackatinbound #nyc #circlelinenyc #circlelinecruise #statueofliberty

I love to travel. Which means that occasionally I

I love to travel. Which means that occasionally I make an error when trying to book things or am going places. The last one I made? It was a few weeks ago when I had a pass to get into a museum and I didn’t remember until I was in the ride share halfway from my hotel 🤦🏾‍♀️The most awful one so far? Booking a hotel for a big trip and not realizing I mistakenly chose the date to check-in as the same date I made the reservation . . . until I saw the charge on my credit card 😫A couple things I’ve learned from my travels - go with the flow, keep lots of notes, make sure my calendar is up to date, use the wallet on my iPhone whenever possible to store reservations/tickets, triple check reservations and not to be ashamed when you’re driven to tears when calling a hotel about reversing charges! What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you when planing travel? 📷: @meganbb84 #travelwriter #visitphilly #floridablogger #blackblogger #philadelphia #travelmishaps

July photo dump! 📍Orlando 📍Richmond, VA B

July photo dump!📍Orlando📍Richmond, VA Busy month of traveling and writing. So far I’m in the seventh month of 2023 where I’m traveling somewhere. It’s the busiest I’ve been with freelancing and things aren’t slowing down. But I’m trying to mindful at spacing out travel and article deadlines for my own mental health. I’ve also joined a group I’m hoping will help keep me accountable and on task to help my business grow. Did you travel anywhere exciting in July? #blackblogger #travelwriter #richmond #orlando #thingstodoinflorida #floridaoutdoors #historicrichmond #lindenrowinn #catsofinstagram #blacktraveler

Literary and horror story fans who visit Richmond,

Literary and horror story fans who visit Richmond, VA need to make plans to stop at The Poe Museum. [𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 + 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲]⁣⁣Although many associate the writer and poet of the macabre with Baltimore, he was actually raised and spend a portion of his life in Richmond. ⁣⁣Home to the world’s largest collection of Edgar Allan Poe artifacts and collectibles, the museum is located in three buildings located in one of the neighborhoods where Poe grew up. ⁣⁣It’s a must stop for anyone visiting the city. Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore, read the placards and see all of the exhibits. ⁣⁣𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮? (mine’s posted in the comments!)⁣⁣#visitrichmond #visitrva #blackblogger #travelwriter #thingstodoinrva #floridablogger #poemuseum #edgarallanpoe #richmondmuseums #thingstodoinva #virginiaisforlovers

I recently discovered two hidden treasures for fam

I recently discovered two hidden treasures for families looking to take a break while in Orlando [𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 + 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲]⁣⁣Located less than 3 miles from Disney Springs and 5 miles from Sea World, @marriottvillageorlando has a Courtyard by Marriott, Springhill Suites and Fairfield by Marriott all in one location. Offering more than 1,000 rooms total, 3 pools, playground, Village Food Hall (froyo anyone?), breakfast buffet and fitness center, there’s something for every family when on a vacation (or staycation!) There’s even a Starbucks inside the Courtyard and you can safely walk to several offsite restaurants, which are connected on via parking lots, including Bahama Breeze. ⁣⁣Before hitting the pool one afternoon (and the pool bar), we went to @buenavistawatersports. Located less than 5 minutes from the hotels at @paradisecoveorlando, once you’re on the lake, you’d never know you’re in the middle of Orlando. We chose to kayak around the lake, but you can also paddle board, rent a pontoon, jet ski or charter a boat for tube rides. Paradise Cove is also an event venue so be sure to call ahead as their times vary. ⁣⁣Honestly even with that many rooms, we didn’t feel crowded at any time. The Village offers a free bus to the Disney parks and is a Disney Good Neighbor hotel, so you can buy tickets onsite. So I’m sure a lot of people were visiting Mickey. The nice thing about staying there is that you can do the parks or take a day off at the pool and the kids will still be happy. ⁣⁣#hosted #visitorlando #marriottvillageorlando #buenavistawatersports #LoveFL ⁣#disneygoodneighborhotel #courtyardbymarriott #fairfieldinn #blackblogger #floridablogger #orlandohotel #familytravels #travelwriters #hotelsinorlando ⁣⁣⁣

It’s SO hot outside - finding ways to cool off t

It’s SO hot outside - finding ways to cool off to beat the heat and keep the family entertained is important. In Florida, a fantastic way to do that is to head to one of the many natural springs in the central and northern parts of the state. ⁣⁣A few facts about the springs: ⁣⁣💧It’s estimated that there are more than 600 springs in the state - the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world⁣⁣💧The average temperature in Florida springs is between 70-75 degree F year round⁣⁣💧The water in the springs doesn’t supply drinking water but their waters do flow through and get filtered by the underground aquifer which makes their waters so crystal clear⁣⁣💧Pollutants like lawn fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate the springs so use sparingly or even better, not at all⁣⁣💧Yes alligators do live near the springs and sometimes get in but they generally stay away from humans and the water is so clear you can see them coming 😂 🐊 Seriously though, the springs monitor alligator movements and I’ve never felt in danger swimming, kayaking or doing a float trip down them⁣⁣I recently visited Alexander Springs in @discoverlakecountyfl and loved how large it was. Surrounded by trees and with water that is so clear, it’s easy to enter and a nice place to cool off. The only place within the Ocala National Forest where you can scuba dive, Alexander Springs also has picnic tables, grills and restrooms with showers so you can comfortably spend all day if you choose. ⁣⁣And bonus - the Alexander Springs Recreational Area also has a campground for tents and RVs. It is a rustic experience with no water or electricity hookups but does have hot showers and access to birding, hiking and biking within the Ocala National Forest.⁣⁣𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖? 𝙄𝙛 𝙨𝙤, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚? 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨! ⁣⁣#lakecountyfl #LoveFL #exploreflorida #explorefloridaoutdoors #thingstodoinflorida #blackblogger #floridablogger #floridatravel #floridaadventures #travelblogger #floridanature #sharemylake #AlexanderSprings

Sliding into the weekend after a holiday break lik

Sliding into the weekend after a holiday break like . . . (No that’s not me screaming - it’s The Child. I screamed going down without recording it 🤣)#thingstodoinflorida #igersflorida #blackblogger #floridablogger #floridatravel #floridaadventures #travelblogger #grandelakesorlando #jwmarriott #visitorlando #orlandoresort #staycation #waterslides

Excellent food options + relaxing resort vacation

Excellent food options + relaxing resort vacation = Grande Lakes Orlando!⁣⁣Located next to Sea World and not far from Universal and Disney, @grandelakesorlando is home to @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando. Guests are able to visit restaurants at either hotel, promising more than 10 choices to enjoy, all without having to get in a car.⁣⁣The amount of options available really gives something for everyone of all ages. Staff are more than willing to accommodate picky eaters while also giving diverse options for true food lovers. Ready for a truly unique dining experience? Head to @primoatgrandelakes, which is Michelin recommended and @knifespoonorlando, which received a Michelin one star rating. Fancy a meal that uses a full local farm-to-table experience? Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen is the choice for the night. There are also plenty of bars, bodegas and breakfast buffet choices (have breakfast at @highballharvest and enjoy the red velvet chicken and waffles!) across the property to enjoy any time of day. ⁣⁣#hosted #blackbloggers ⁣ #exploreflorida #visitorlando #floridaresort #orlandofood #orlandohotels #floridablogger #floridatravel #floridaadventures #travelblogger #floridawriter #blacktravel

June, 2023 roundup reel. What a busy month! Lots o

June, 2023 roundup reel. What a busy month! Lots of events and activities, driving around the state, concerts and good times with friends! 📍 Mount Dora, FL 📍 Orlando (2x) 📍 Tampa📍Clearwater Beach#exploreflorida #realfloroda #explorefloridaoutdoors #thingstodoinflorida #igersflorida #blackblogger #floridablogger #floridatravel #floridaadventures #travelblogger #MountDora #Orlando #blackbloggers #travelwriter #blacktravel

Water slides, private cabanas, great food, relaxin

Water slides, private cabanas, great food, relaxing times. All that and more are available to enjoy at @grandelakesorlando resort! [Share & Save]⁣⁣My family was hosted by @jwmorlando to spend the weekend and enjoy their new Grande Lakes Waterpark. I’ve enjoyed several Orlando hotels that have water parks and large pools. They’ve all been very nice. But Grande Lakes was next level. ⁣⁣Our cabana offered a tv, fridge filled with sodas and water, safe for valuables, and relaxing couch area. Directly outside was a private plunge pool and a fire pit area. We had a server who took our food and alcohol orders from their poolside restaurant, Knife Burger. And we got our choice of popcicles around mid-day along with cold washcloths to help cool down. While the cabana area was sold out, it never felt crowded or over run. ⁣⁣Other features of the water park include: ⁣⁣💧The AquaVenture water course with balance beams and bridges⁣⁣💧 3 water slides for older kids and adults - they were fast and exciting, even for this big kid!⁣⁣💧A lazy river that goes around the water park and gives access to everything there is to do there ⁣⁣During the summer months, the resort is hosting GLO Summer on Saturdays. Cabanas are open to enjoy from 9am to 9:30pm and the resort puts on a fireworks show for resort guests to enjoy. And VIP Cabana guests get s’mores and staff pass out glow sunglasses and rings for everyone to turn on once the sun goes down. ⁣⁣If you’re looking for a high-end resort with a water park area to enjoy, don’t miss out on Grande Lake Resort. Will have another post in a few days about the hotels on-site and some of the great food available! ⁣⁣#GLOSummer #GrandeLakesOrlando #blackbloggers #visitorlando #exploreflorida #travelwriter #thingstodoinflorida #igersflorida #blackblogger #floridablogger #floridatravel #floridaadventures #travelblogger #Floridawaterpark #orlandowaterpark #Orlando #OrlandoFlorida

Happy first day of summer! Where’s your favorite

Happy first day of summer! Where’s your favorite beach to enjoy the warm weather? 📍Fort Lauderdale Beach#floridawriter #ftlauderdale #blackbloggers #visitlauderdale #travelwriters #lovefl #floridabeaches #vitaminsea

Get you some friends who will travel for hours to

Get you some friends who will travel for hours to join you to see your childhood crushes in concert!I’m glad to have good friends from throughout the many chapters of my life to experience different adventures. As I get older, my circle gets a little smaller, but it still holds me up when I need it. #floridablogger #travelwriter #whataboutyourfriends #blackblogger #amaliearena #visittampabay #igerstampabay #travelblogger #freelancewriter

Headed into the weekend like . . . #blackblogger

Headed into the weekend like . . . #blackbloggers #readyfortheweekend #sharemylake #lakedora #discoverlakecounty #floridablogger #travel #travelwriter #sunsets #travelblogger

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