Happy New Year! Thank you for reading!
You, our loyal readers, helped Florida Rambler achieve goals in 2021 that we could not have imagined when we created this web site 11 years ago.
Nearly 3 million visitors read our stories 4.6 million times in 2021 — nearly double our readership from the year before.
We will continue to freshen up our catalog of 600 stories with many new adventures coming your way in 2022.
Thank you!
— Bonnie Gross and Bob Rountree, co-founders
These are the top 10 stories of 2021 based on readership:
As you plan your Florida travels, here are seven towns that I’ve found make great bases for exploring. Each puts you in the center of outstanding places to hike, bike, kayak and explore history. Each is surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Favorite secluded, quiet beaches in Florida
It’s easy to find a beach in Florida. It’s harder to find a hidden beach, a beach where you experience a sense of discovery and delicious isolation. Here, however, I share my favorites, discovered over many years.
3. Anna Maria Island: Things to do in Old Florida beach town
Visiting here, I found myself amazed that places like Anna Maria Island survive — a low-rise beach town with quaint cottages and a spectacular beach. No, you won’t have it all to yourself, but it’s still a special spot to discover.
4.) Top 75 Florida events, fairs & festivals: Updated with cancellations
Florida loves a good festival. Here are 75 hand-picked festivals around the state that range from funky local bashes to huge nationally known cultural events.
5.) Our favorite beaches in the Florida Keys
Beaches in the Keys aren’t as common or as wonderful as many expect, but there ARE some great beaches where you can swim — and snorkel — if you know where to go. Let us take you there.
6.) Six things to do in Cedar Key, a charming, historic, off-the-beaten path spot
It’s a long way from just about anywhere — and that’s part of its beauty. But it’s also a great place to bicycle, kayak, hike, watch sunsets and spot birds. An 1859 hotel, now a charming B&B, plus fresh seafood restaurants add to its appeal
7.) The best little beach towns in Florida
The best Florida beach towns are cozy and quaint, reflecting an “old Florida” ambience. Here are 7 of our favorites.
8.) 2021 Calendar of Florida’s 50 Holiday Boat Parades
A staple in our catalog year after year, Florida Rambler’s comprehensive Holiday Boat Parades calendar provides dates and links to boat parades around the state. To truly understand its popularity, this post ranks No. 8 for the full year with readership concentrated into just two months.
9.) 20 best Florida bike trails: Our favorites for scenic bicycling
Florida bike trails offer great scenery and local flavor. Here are a few great bike trails we’ve tried and recommend statewide.
10.) 2022 Florida Seafood Festivals Calendar
A decade ago, our seafood festivals calendar started out supplementing reader interest in nearby camping, kayaking and hiking. The calendar has since taken on a life of its own and is now the most comprehensive guide to seafood festivals in the state, frequently updated.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Bob Rountree is a beach bum, angler and camper who has explored Florida for decades. No adventure is complete without a scenic paddle trail or unpaved road to nowhere. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 14 years ago.