schoolmarm

Spring break in northern Florida was a bit chilly! Walking on the beach wearing 4 layers of clothing, gloves, and a scarf was not a lot of fun, but we made the most of it. We saw the sun for a total of two hours. The town of Fernandida Beach was fun (historic district) , especially on St. Patrick's Day at the Irish pub. Did the typical tourist visit to Ft. Clinch which was interesting. Walked the 1/2 mile fishing pier in the blistery wind and cold. Best meals were at Barbara Jean's and Joe's 2nd Street Bistro. Took a day trip over to Cumberland Island aboard the Lucy Ferguson and had a day pass to the Greyfield Inn. Rode bikes around the island and had a picnic, probably the highlight of my trip. We stayed at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (thanks to recs from this board) and were not disappointed. Wonderful inn directly on the ocean, lovely happy hour each evening with wine and cheese, delicious full breakfasts daily. They have a chef on staff and you can order food 24 hours a day, pretty unusual for a b and b. The owner David makes it a point to visit each guest, a nice touch.

Last day before flying back home we drove 2 hours north to Savannah because I'd never been. Too short a time, especially since it was our only nice sunny day. I'll go back I'm sure since we only had time for a walking tour of the historic area.

I think next trip to the FL coast will have to be in summer when it's warmer!

Bowsprit

We were in Ft. Myers this past February and have sworn off Florida visits any earlier than April. We weren't wearing gloves, but it was chilly. In fact, it felt a lot like mid to late September feels in the Northeast! We had a lovely time, but it wasn't a beach vacation, that's for sure.

schmerl

Weather this year was out of the ordinary in many places in the US.
I live in the Phila. area and our weather the past few days has been warmer than FL.

SAnParis2

I'm not sure you can 'grade' your recent trip as the norm for that part of the country. I visit that area most every year in the 'off season' & have been in the ocean in January (but that isn't the norm either). Spring Break & October are typically excellent times to go. Last year we were there for Spring Break & we were in the water every day but one.

Bowsprit

If I didn't have to follow the school vacation schedule, I'd have booked our trip to Florida for mid-Sept. or October. I think Florida weather is more reliable at that time, am I right? (assuming there aren't any hurricanes coming)

We were in Orlando some years back, between Christmas and the new year, and wore everything from shorts and t-shirts to winter coats and gloves!

Ackislander

Bowsprit wrote "I think Florida weather is more reliable at that time, am I right? (assuming there aren't any hurricanes coming)"

That's a pretty big assumption. If you book in hurricane country in hurricane season, you should buy travel insurance to cover your costs is you can't stay in your hotel and your flight is cancelled. Remember, the airline is not responsible for food and lodging if the flight is cancelled because of weather.

Bowsprit

True enough, Ackislander.