Savoring life is about more than just eating. It’s about slowing down, stressing less and spending more quality time with those you care about. Fortunately, a lot of those activities also involve food and drink.
If savoring life is on your to-do list for 2015, here are a few ideas to help you stay the course on your resolution:
Cater to your sweet tooth. Trade the mass-produced confections for some homegrown goodness. Check with your local bakeries and chocolatiers for tours, candy-making classes and more. Jacksonville’s Sweet Pete’s of “The Profit” fame serves up courses for everything from hand-pulled lollipops to truffles, cordials and chocolate bars.
Pair up. From Whole Foods to Dahlia’s Pour House, many establishments host events where various cheeses are paired with either beer or wine. Use these events as an opportunity to see try on several different varieties with fellow connoisseurs without breaking the bank.
Take your taste buds on tour. Planning a long weekend or quick getaway? Find a destination that includes plenty of attractions for your palate. Noteworthy food festivals, located within two hours or less from the Nocatee community, include:
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Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Disney World may be all about the kids on most days, but during the fall, Epcot comes alive with a culinary adventure of global proportions. More than 30 international food and beverage marketplaces pop up throughout the center, and nightly concerts are provided through the Eat to the Beat series.
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St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival - This festival is a big deal in St. Augustine every year, as the nation’s oldest city celebrates its Spanish heritage, food and of course, wine. If you haven’t ventured down there for the celebration, 2015 is the year to do it. It’s also the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine, so the party and the food are sure to be bigger, better and tastier than ever.
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Savannah Food and Wine Festival - another fall favorite is the Savannah Food and Wine Festival. This festival lasts nearly a week and is comprised of several special events from dinners, tours, private tastings, brunches and more.
Explore your wild side. Here in the South, there’s no shortage of deep-fried delicacies. If you’re feeling really bold seek out a local favorite and dive like Clark’s Fish Camp, which offers adventurous eaters a wide range of wildlife, including snake, alligator, frog legs, turtle, kangaroo and more. Other fun “southern-flare” places to explore in Ponte Vedra – Barbara Jeans Fish Camp and LuLu’s Waterfront Grille.
No matter how you choose to savor life throughout 2015, be sure to enjoy every last bite.
To learn more about affordable homes in Nocatee, visit nocatee.com or call 1-800-NOCATEE.
