Designing Our Cape San Blas Homes for "Blessed Chaos"
One of our guests recently described her family's week at Good Fortune as "blessed chaos," and the phrase immediately resonated with us. It wasn't a phrase we had in mind when we designed our homes, but it perfectly captured what we were hoping to create. Family vacations are rarely quiet or perfectly organized. They are filled with grandparents, parents, children, cousins, meals around the table, shuffleboard tournaments, game nights, fishing trips, and countless stories shared throughout the week. We didn’t design homes to eliminate chaos. We designed homes that embraced it.
How to Discover Nature on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
One of the things I love most about the Forgotten Coast is that nature isn’t something you have to seek out. In many beach destinations, wildlife experiences are scheduled excursions that require reservations, guides, and planning. Here, some of the best encounters happen when you’re doing absolutely nothing at all. Things happen when you slow down enough to notice what’s around you.
Our guests often tell us about spotting dolphins from the deck while drinking their morning coffee. Others talk about paddling quietly along St. Joseph Bay and discovering starfish, sea turtles, and schools of fish in the crystal-clear water. Some return from a simple drive down Cape San Blas Road, excited about seeing a bald eagle soaring overhead or even a bobcat slipping through the vegetation along the side of the road. Others come back from a walk through the state park with stories that become the highlight of their entire vacation.
While there are countless ways to connect with nature on the Forgotten Coast, these are the three experiences I find myself recommending most often. They capture everything that makes this area special: dark skies, abundant wildlife, and a sense of peace that’s becoming harder to find.
Read more about discovering nature on Florida's Forgotten Coast here
Paddleboarding on St. Joseph Bay:
One of My Favorite Ways to Experience
Cape San Blas
There’s something special about being out on the water early in the morning when the bay is calm, and the only sounds you hear are birds overhead and your paddle dipping into the water. It's one of those experiences that instantly slows you down and reminds you why people love the Forgotten Coast so much.
Beyond Sunscreen and Swimsuits: 10 Things I Always Pack for Cape San Blas
After years of spending time on Cape San Blas and hosting families at Beach Camp, Good Fortune, and Sweet Necessity, I’ve learned that the most important things to pack aren’t always the obvious ones. Everyone remembers swimsuits, sunscreen, and flip-flops, but over the years, I've discovered a handful of items I never leave home without because they make our trips easier, more comfortable, and a lot more fun. I thought I’d share my personal Cape San Blas packing list in case it helps you plan your next visit.
Embrace Authentic Travel: Discovering the Charms of Cape San Blas
In a world where vacations often revolve around simply lounging on the beach with a drink in hand, Cape San Blas stands out as an ideal destination for those seeking a more enriching and authentic travel experience. Touted as a hidden gem on Florida's Gulf Coast, Cape San Blas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and opportunities for local immersion, making it perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the ordinary.
How Booking Direct Can Save Money on Your Cape San Blas Vacation
At the beginning of this adventure, VRBO/Homeaway was my primary method of connecting with families looking for a vacation rental home on Cape San Blas. It was an easy-to-use website for travelers and owners, enabling us to connect and communicate easily and efficiently. In early 2017, however, as Good Fortune continued to be filled with guests, and building was going smoothly at Beach Camp, things started to change at VRBO/HomeAway.
