One for the Bucket List: Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida
The end of November brings a chill to the air in the colorful coastal town of Crystal River, Florida, and with it the arrival of manatees. Tucked in along Kings Bay off the Gulf of Mexico, Crystal River prevails as an ecotourist’s dream. Home to the largest manatee migration in…
Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art
“Who is there that conveys, in form and colour, the magnificent dynamic energy the 19th century is again becoming aware of? I know of one man, a lone pioneer, struggling on his own in the depths of darkest night. His name, Vincent, will go down to posterity. There will be…
NOLA’s Mardi Gras Few Seldom See
Stands of ladders painted in purple, green, and gold topped with booster seats line the street where kids dart back and forth throwing flashing Frisbees and bouncy balls caught during last night’s parade. The savory smell of grilling boudin drifts from someone’s courtyard and the upbeat blare of Jazz trumpets…
Harmony Not Hate: Eradicating Xenophobia Through Meaningful Travel
Hello, my fellow gypsies! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pike, the dull "rooted" one of this whole Rooted Gypsy partnership. As you may know, Jessie recently posted a request for guest writers to contribute here at the Rooted Gypsy blog. The responses continue to come in, and we…
Here’s Your Chance to Launch Your Blogging Career: Call For Writers
May I be the first of many to wish you and yours a thrilling New Year! Today marks the third anniversary of The Rooted Gypsy Travel Blog and 2019 looks to be another stellar year. And I want YOU to be a part of it! Do you love discovering those…
Awesomely Authentic Adventures with Airbnb Experiences: San Diego
So imagine this. You've never even touched a surfboard until an hour ago. And yet you, drenched in the cold salt waters of the Pacific, just managed to ride a crashing wave all the way to the shallows. Just yesterday, you were down in Mexico eating octopus street tacos while…
Discover Sarasota’s Artistic Side When Beaches Aren’t An Option
If you travel far enough and often enough, its only a matter of time before your ability to roll with the punches will be tested. Even the best-made plans fall prey to forces out of our control. Canceled flights, a government shutdown, and, more often than not, Mother Nature, just…
Latest News: The Rooted Gypsy Featured in Roy Stevenson’s Latest Book
Heads up, this post contains affilate links to products I love. Click here for more on those. Aflame. Delighted. Eager. Fired up. Ecstatic. Thrilled. Electrified. Astounded. Giddy. Anyway you put it, I'm stoked to share such awesome news with you! A week or so ago, I hinted on Facebook of exciting upcoming…
Portrait from Cowboys of Color: Spotlighting America’s Overlooked African American Cowboy Culture
“I'm not black. I'm not a cowboy. These photographs are of real people. They have real lives with real joys and sorrows. The formal portraits taken at the Cowboys of Color Rodeos give us a window into their lives and personalities while they are pursuing their passion of the cowboy…
August: A Month of Zydeco Lunches at Blue Dog Cafe
Beneath the glaring, wide-eyed stare of dozens of original Blue Dog paintings, the dance floor churns with dancers jitterbugging to the irresistible Zydeco beats. Dulled from countless hours of use, the silver washboard and spoons nevertheless catch the morning light as the musician strummed along with the accordion, drums, and…