This shop/post has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #BecauseICan #ThirstyForMore #CollectiveBias

I absolutely love my job – blogging for theMRSingLink (TML). And they say if you love what you do, you’ll never actually work a day in your life. How about them apples? Then I guess I haven’t worked a day since 2016. But in reality, the blog isn’t everything. There’s an entirely different part of my life people rarely get to see behind the computer screen.

When I’m not blogging, where can you usually find me? Likely in the sand, trees or water. I enjoy my life the same way I enjoy my Diet Coke®: adventurous. And with their bold, yet refreshing new flavors, I can find adventure anywhere. Diet Coke is breaking out of it’s shell and yelling from the mountain tops, “Because I can!” I mean, have you seen the new sleek cans? I feel like their new look exudes confidence – standing tall to show it all off.  But not to worry, Diet Coke is still the same great taste behind that new makeover – why mess with a good thing? Am I right, or am I right?

Allow me to introduce the exciting, adventurous flavors that are sure to break you out of your own adventurous shell: Diet Coke® Feisty Cherry, Diet Coke® Ginger Lime, Diet Coke® Twisted Mango, Diet Coke® Zesty Blood Orange, and of course the one and only Diet Coke® (click to learn more).

Psst, my favorite is the Diet Coke® Ginger Lime! One sip nearly knocks my socks off – it’s so crisp and zingy! And when I’m in the great outdoors, it literally makes me feel like I’m connecting with nature (shh, don’t tell me I’m crazy). But honestly, I love them all – mainly because they each inspire me to try something new! So next time you’re out and about, be adventurous and try them all. The sleek new look and flavors are available at Florida retailers. I picked up the single cans of Diet Coke® at my nearest Winn Dixie – you can try all the new flavors that way and they’re grab on-the-go. But you can also get them in packs of 8 in the soft drink aisle.

Now let your flavor choice of Diet Coke® take you where you want to go. In this blog post, I want to show you a little slice of my life outside the blog. It’s where most of the excitement happens! If the weather is warm, drinks are cold and fish are biting – these outdoor, adventurous hot spots in Central Florida are usually where you can find me.

9 adventure hot spots

in central florida

[my lifestyle beyond the blog]

florida state/county parks

Lake Louisa: Noted for it’s beautiful lakes and rolling hills (in Florida?!), this State Park is packed with fun for the day, or more! With camping, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and swimming. The park has remote cabins on site – perfect for “glamping” – or more primitive camping sites throughout it’s 4,500 acres. The hiking here is definitely a strong suit, with over 20 miles of nature trails within the park. For a day filled adventure, I load up my two pups and set out for a day of hiking and sight seeing. 

Blue Springs: In the summertime, this state park is known for it’s crystal clear spring. Perfect for snorkeling and tubing on a hot day, as the boil pumps out on average 102 million gallons of water each day. I repeat, the snorkeling is worth while, as you will see many species of fish swimming within arm’s reach. In the winter, tubing and swimming is not permitted as wild Florida manatee make their way to warmer waters. Visitors come each year to relish in the hundreds of manatee that gather and huddle together in the spring’s crystal clear waters. It’s a sight to see no matter what season you’re in!

New Smyrna Dunes Park: Located at the northern tip of the peninsula of New Smyrna Beach, this park is surrounded by the flow of the Indian River and Ponce Inlet, as well as the waters of the Atlantic. Secluded from the general public, this park is also dog-friendly. I enjoy taking my pups here for a day of fun in the sun. With fishing, shelling, bird watching, nature trails and an observation tower – there’s always something to enjoy when you’re at the beach!

nature hiking trails

Tibet Butler: West of Orlando, the Tibet Butler Preserve is actually within ears distance from Magic Kingdom (if you can believe it). So if you listen closely, you can hear the sounds of the train! The trails are a canopy of pine trees and well groomed landscape for bird watching. It’s definitely not your typical theme park in the attractions area, but it’s a peaceful nature walk among the chaos of Kissimmee.

Little Big Econ State Forest: The Little Big Econ Trail runs along the cliff side of the Little Big Econ River and through the State Forest. With only being a short 15 minute commute for me, it’s the perfect way to enjoy dense nature not too far from home. If you’re lucky, you’ll definitely catch an alligator sighting along the river’s bank! The river is perfect for fishing and kayaking, and the trails are exotic (with many views of the river).

Black Bear Wilderness: This trail feels like a real woods adventure! Robust trees, windy narrow paths and tons of wildlife (though I have yet to actually see a black bear). It comes into contact with the St. John’s River, which offers a variety of species in their natural habitat. This 3 mile loop is definitely a rustic adventure off the beaten path. 

kayak fishing

Lake Maitland: If you’re ever in the Orlando area, be sure to make your way to Winter Park and take the chain of lakes scenic boat tour (you won’t regret it). Lake Maitland connects to a chain of smaller lakes, which you are able to pass through by boat. But the eye catcher are the beautiful mansions that border the lakes. Lake Maitland is perfect for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and bass fishing. 

St. Johns River: Known for it’s alligator and manatee infested waters, the St. Johns River is a staple in Florida nature attractions. It’s also a river that flows north, if you didn’t know! From air boat rides, scenic tours, and kayaking to fishing and exploring. Many of Central Florida’s natural springs run off the St. Johns, so the river brings many boaters and visitors year round.

Mosquito Lagoon (Canaveral National Seashore): Hands down one of my favorite places. Mainly because there is a little bit of everything mentioned above wrapped into one place. This narrow peninsula is pristine beach on the east side, and beautiful bay waters on the west (also known as Mosquito Lagoon), with various small hiking trails and sight seeing on premises. And since the park is part of NASA, it’s the perfect spot to see a rocket launch. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a boat or kayak, you might be missing out on half the fun, as there are many islands and waterways to explore throughout Mosquito Lagoon. This is where I go to kayak, fish and explore the flats for shells and wildlife.

It doesn’t take much convincing that Florida has many outdoor adventures, and so much more. So grab your favorite flavor of Diet Coke and see where your adventures take you! And right now, through March/April, earn $1.25 with the purchase of 1 Diet Coke 8-pack, 12 oz. cans (any variety), along with any brand of avocados (any variety, any size) with this Diet Coke Ibotta offer. Both products must be purchased on the same receipt to receive credit for this rebate.

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