Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair & Pirate Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Gulf Coast’s annual ren fair is back! Come out to the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds on March 2nd & 3rd to enjoy all things yo ho ho, ye olde, and ye haw! This year’s festival is open to those who enjoy renaissance fun like turkey legs and jousting, pirate antics such as excessive drinking and sword fights, AND cowboy culture with lassos and tales of the Wild West. This year also features a Roaring 20s stage that will showcase Irish step dancers, belly dancers, and a swing band. The Renaissance Fair and Pirate Festival encourages visitors of all ages and all costumes. Learn more HERE. 

Caverns Cultural Celebration: Rescheduled

Debbie Roney Smith on

We posted about the Caverns Cultural Celebration last December but the event was canceled due to extreme weather. Luckily, you can still enjoy the event! It has been rescheduled for March 2nd. Come out to learn about blacksmithing, woodworking, beekeeping, flintknapping, candlemaking, and more. There will also be food and interesting vendors selling their rural crafts and other homesteading goods. The Caverns Cultural Celebration will take place at the Florida Caverns State Park. 

Highland Games in the Panhandle

Debbie Roney Smith on

There are two annual Scottish Highland Game events happening in the Florida Panhandle. 

  • Tallahassee Highland Games (Feb. 3-4, Tallahassee): This Highland Game is part of the International Highland Games Federation. That means there are monetary prizes. There will also be Celtic music performances, Irish step dancing, and more. 
  • Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and Festival (Feb. 24, Green Cove Springs): This Highland Game is just for fun! The festival salutes Scotland with Highland dance performances, fiddle playing, food, pipes and drums shows, and more. 

Spring Listing Prep

Debbie Roney Smith on
Organize that junk drawer!

Are you planning to list your home this spring? March 21 isn’t that far away! For homeowners getting ready to sell, now is the time to start prepping. Check out the quick tips below:

  • Straighten up your home! Put things away, organize the junk drawer, declutter the closets, and more.
  • Complete any home repairs. Include everything, big or small. Do a walkthrough and make notes of what needs to be fixed; some things can be DIY but others will require a professional hire.
  • Time to decide on a realtor! Research agents in your area, make a list of possible agents, and arrange meetings.
  • Boost curb appeal! Clean up outside clutter, repaint the fence, add some native plants to the yard, fix the roof, power wash the driveway, clean your outdoor AND indoor windows, repaint doors, or consider upgrading the mailbox. 

Valentine’s Day 2024

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy Valentine’s Day! Try one of these jokes to get your Valentine laughing today!

What’s Cupid’s favorite band? Kiss!

What did one watermelon say to the other on Valentine’s Day? “You’re one in a melon!”

How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend? He gave her a ring!

What Valentine’s message can you find in a honeycomb? “Bee mine.”

Why are artichokes so beloved? They’re known for their hearts.

New Listing in Marianna

Debbie Roney Smith on

There’s a new listing in Marianna! 2815 Wynn Street is a brand new construction built in 2024. Centrally located to all of Marianna’s amenities, the home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a garage. The final construct will also have privacy fencing. There’s a lot to love about this house: beautiful stonework out front, a step-in tiled shower in the Master bath, wood laminate, and gorgeous oak trees around your home (to name a few).

Click here to visit the listing or contact Debbie at (850) 209-8039 to schedule a showing. 

Strawberry Festival 2024

Debbie Roney Smith on

Lake City’s fourth annual Strawberry Festival takes place February 24-25th at the renowned Suwannee County Fairgrounds. The fest features just-picked strawberries in shortcakes, shakes, and more. The two-day event is family-friendly; there will be entertainment and activities for all ages. The fun never ends with live music, axe throwing, Frisbee dog shows, Monster Truck rides, kids’ games, pie contests, arts and crafts vendors, and so much more. Learn more by visiting the Festival website.

Love At First Sight: Let’s Talk Dream Homes

Debbie Roney Smith on

It’s the month of love and falling for a house is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ loves that homeowners’ are searching for. Yet, buying the first house you look at is kind of like marrying the first person you ever go on a date with – not necessarily a good idea. Most professionals in the housing market agree that potential homebuyers view at least three houses, no matter how much you liked the first one you saw. What should you look for when it comes to searching for your dream home? 

  1. POTENTIAL: the house you see is just a house. It’s what you bring to it that makes it a home. Maybe you don’t love the color or the mock layout (why is there 4 bedrooms when you could have a home gym and an office instead?) but those are things you can change. Let your imagination run wild when doing walk-throughs.
  2. FEATURES: identify the home features that keep you coming back. Maybe you absolutely adore the wrap-around porch but everything else feels meh. Put that porch on your list – your realtor might be able to find another listing nearby with a lower asking price or with other features you want. 
  3. RED FLAGS: the first walk-through can feel exhilarating and fast. Maybe there was a bedroom ‘off-limits’ or you didn’t thoroughly inspect the house foundations. Allowing yourself to take some time between the first viewing and your offer means you’re less likely to miss something serious or end up falling for a false ‘love at first sight’ feeling.  

 

Barkus Parade & Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Mardi Gras Barkus Parade and Festival is coming soon to Riverfront Park! Since 2010, Apalachicola’s Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers has hosted this annual fundraiser parade to support the local Humane Society AND the Florida Wild Mammal Association. Did you know approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year? Events like the Barkus Parade help raise desperately needed funds to home those animals in need; animal shelters not only offer housing for anywhere from a few days to a few years but also feed, entertain, and provide health care for the animals in their care. 

So come out to this family fun event and support the wonderful pets of Apalachicola! This year’s theme is Wild West; Git Along Little Doggies. Come dressed in a matching cowboy hat and boots with your precious pup. The parade culminates in two adoptable dogs from the local shelter being crowned the parade’s king and queen. There is also a Fais Do-Do public party after the parade; it includes live music, Cajun food, local seafood, and arts and crafts vendors. The event will take place on February 24th from 11am-4pm. Learn more by visiting the event website.

Field Day Music Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Field Day Music Festival is coming soon! This annual event is a chill music festival held at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Come to Tallahassee on February 25th for a relaxing afternoon of great music, food trucks, field games, and more. Live music will be presented by The Lil Smokies, Sugarcane Jane, and Revival. There will also be a Beer Tent featuring pours from Lake Tribe Brewing. Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to enjoy the festival as a VIP; the VIP tent includes a full dinner, bar, and covered seating areas. Learn more by visiting the festival website here.