I’m in my early twenties and have only been able to claim “college grad” status for 10 months. I earn an unsteady – albeit enjoyable – living as a freelance writer. I spend most week nights watching Netflix, since that’s about all I can afford.
So, you connect the dots: this girl’s expendable income is questionable, at best.
However, these twenty-something financial woes (basic white girl problem, anyone?!) haven’t stopped me from discovering fun – and ideally, FREE – weekend pastimes. And nothing recharges my batteries quite like some physical exertion.
Fortunately, near my stomping grounds, there are several inexpensive and off-the-beaten-path activities, just waiting for a broke girl to take advantage of.
Exhibit A: hit up a local farmer’s market.
Exhibit B: explore a seaside nature preserve.
I’ll start with Exhibit A. First, here are some photos from my stroll among South Florida’s gloriously organic, locally-sourced, and seasonal produce (a.k.a. an au naturel lover’s dream!):
eat organic!!!
downtown Bradenton, FL locally grown fruit/veggie stands
downtown Bradenton, FL fair trade product stands
organic plants, holistic remedies, and homegrown spices/herbs
my sister sipping homemade guava and sugar cane lemonade
Call me a “foodie” geek, but I just love the pulse of a downtown farmer’s market – even on a small-scale like this one I visited.
The air surrounding these produce stalls feels fresher somehow…more invigorating. The fruits taste juicier, and the vegetables crisper. There is an easy-breezy vibe and tight-knit sense of community.
It’s the textbook definition of autumn.
Which brings me to Exhibit B. I only live 10 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico (rough life, huh?), and there’s a 487-acre nature preserve near the Anna Maria Island beaches.
This breathtaking coastal and wetland habitat is probably the area’s best kept secret, but I’m among the lucky few, who have stumbled upon its pristine beauty.
So, enjoy these snapshots from my Sunday afternoon spent hiking along winding waterfront trails, lined with postcard-perfect palm trees and marsh grass lazily lolling in the breeze. (Can’t help the alliterations…I am a writer, after all! Sorry not sorry.)
Gulf of Mexico inlet
natural wetland habitat
trail to the 360-degree view observation tower
view of the bay from the observation deck (St. Petersburg Skyline Bridge in the background)
view of the wetlands from the observation deck
another view of the wetlands
that’s me on the tower’s top level
Gulf of Mexico with the Skyline Bridge in the background
view of the Gulf of Mexico from behind a mangrove
coquina path through natural foliage
inlet with overhanging mangroves
Gulf of Mexico beach with sailboats in the background
This regionally protected environmental gem features several recreational – and yes, absolutely free – opportunities, from hiking/biking trails to canoe/kayak launches. The diverse scenery reminded me of an African savannah or a deserted tropical island.
For awhile, I even forgot this was still my hometown.
Whether you’re a Southwest Florida resident or occasional vacationer, if you ever find yourself tooling around these parts, I highly recommend a Robinson Preserve pit-stop.
And, next time you’re looking for cost-efficient weekend fun, check into local farmer’s markets or nature preserves in your own backyard. Both are fantastic ways to get moving without breaking the bank!
