Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Proximity to local attractions such as wineries, entertainment, sports facilities, shopping and restaurants will help bring guests to your property. [Country Heritage Winery, Laotto, Indiana] Thinking of Renting Out Your Primary Home? Checklist of 15 Considerations Prior to Placing Your Primary Property on the Rental …
Price, location, view, pet friendly and availability are all deal makers. They're also the deal breakers. However, there's more to it than that. It's the nuances of a particular rental that may or may not work for snowbirds.
Recently, I was asked to tag along on a tour of a potential rental for two Wisconsin-based snowbird friends with an adorable Golden Retriever named Cooper. My friends decided to take a look around at the options because they weren't entirely sure about returning to their current place. Their rental rates were increasing and they had other concerns about the place. Not only did they gain valuable insight to what matters to them, the tour opened my eyes to mistakes by owners. To my astonishment, after touring several properties and considering everything, my friends decided to stay where they are.
This is an account of what the deal breakers could be and why owners should listen carefully to the feedback from potential guests. It can save a ton of headaches for both parties.
Snowbirds in general, like to plan way in advance. As in a year or more. My neighbor, Elaine and her husband and pooch have always stayed in the same unit for the month of January. She said finally -- two years from now in 2026 -- they will be staying for January AND February. It has taken that long to get a booking for the full two months. Past availability was not a deal breaker in this case, but for many it easily could have been. Elaine didn't say, nor did I ask, if the current February occupant is aware of what is happening. Snowbirds, always stay connected with your property manager and/or owner so they can work with you on your future plans. No one wants to be blindsided.
On the flip side, Wisconsin Terri was told it was "too soon" to reserve the unit she was considering for next year. This is exactly the opposite of how I think. Again, not allowing to book a year in advance would be a solid reason for many snowbirds to keep looking.
Owners: if a guest wants to book for next year, take the reservation! If you have qualms about a cancellation, request a significantly larger deposit of a minimum of $1,000 and extend the pay-in-full due date to be 90 or 120 days in advance instead of 60 days or whatever the standard policy is for weekly rentals. It's a huge commitment for snowbirds and owners to pledge 60 consecutive days vs. the usual 7 days, but each party needs assurances they will have a solid deal.
Snowbirds: Make sure there is a solid, written contingency plan if an owner cancels your reservation or sells the property before your arrival. If you book through a management company with a large property portfolio, get it in writing that you will be rebooked into a similar or better property in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It is essential all deposits and pre-paid funds will be refunded if the owner and/or PM do not have a suitable property available.
Unfortunately no one is aging backwards which means at some point weather, distance and transportation increasingly become a problem for snowbirds.
Several friends are facing this issue due to age, health and concerns about driving to and from their snowbird communities. Dee from Colorado relies on her son to bring her to and from her southern home in Northwest Florida. He has asked her to consider a closer location in Arizona to make it easier for him. Except there are no beaches in Arizona, which understandably puts Dee in a quandary.
The weather this winter has been one of the worst for as long as many can remember which doesn't help Dee's decision. Time will tell if distance and weather are the deal breakers for Dee.
I've personally witnessed an increase of doorbell cameras installed on the exterior of rental properties. For some, this could be a deal breaker simply because they don't want to be photographed every time they come or go. Nor do they want their belongings, packages, guests and deliveries to be documented. Not that there's anything illicit happening, it's simply a lot for guests to accept and it could make or break a rental to snowbirds or anyone else for that matter.
Snowbirds typically stay for at least 30 days and usually 60 or even 90+ days. They may book by the week or by the month, but it's a totally different set of needs than the weekly vacationers who are in and out in seven days.
Therefore, what might be just fine for a family who is not going to be in the unit all that much for a week in peak season compared to snowbirds who have an extended stay and accordingly bring a lot more clothing and "stuff."
I kid you not, a friend toured a property that had a locked closet in the second bedroom. Presumptively it was full of the owner's possessions. Guests are expected to put their clothes on hangers dangling from three or four racks mounted at a 90 degree angle on the bedroom wall.
No! As in, "Are you kidding me?" Absolutely there is no way I would want to spend 30-60+ days looking at clothing dangling from the walls. My friend and her husband do not share a bedroom and her husband would be the one with his clothes decorating the walls. The owner refused to make accommodations and ultimately, this was the deal breaker.
Vacuum cleaners, mops, pots and pans, utensils, cleanliness, decor and more matter. Even beyond that, the details, large and small, can make or break a snowbird's willingness to rent a unit.
I know of a snowbird who didn't like the mattress in the primary bedroom. She said it was very uncomfortable and she tried every possible option to improve the situation, including sleeping on the unit's bunk bed. Worn out or sagging furniture is also another potential deal breaker.
Features such as very short vanity cabinets in the bathrooms may not be noticed in photos, but could be a problem for tall guests.
Snowbirds who can take a tour of a potential place should do so, it's worth the time to do so because you can pick up so much more than seeing photos. If it's not possible, ask a lot of open-ended questions. Prepare a list of potential deal breakers, then be honest about what your non-negotiables are. Know your limits and be patient. It can take time to find just the place. Once you find what works for you, protect your investment and plan accordingly.
-- Michael Bliss, Canadian Historian and Author
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In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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-- Dory, "Finding Nemo," 2003 American animated comedy-drama adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Plan your travel bags so each person knows exactly how much space they are allotted for clothing, kitchen, bath, office and pet/s. Packing 101 Quick Tips for a Shorter Stay If you’re like me, packing is a pain and a task I have yet to …
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At the end of summer when the weather starts changing and there's a lull in the seasons, it's the heart of the off season for snowbirds. I've found myself caught between the daily grind of my Northern home and planning ahead for the next snowbird season. It's not quite time to get caught up in the excitement of spending a winter away and there's still a lot to do to get to that point. Unfinished plans, unexpected commitments and personal goals are just a few of the barriers between now and the prospect of escaping to our beloved warm weather community. For me, bridging the off season gap is super important and I've found books to be therapeutic in many ways.
Books have always been a favorite past time and they bring many calming memories of reading by the lake, in the car as we travel or just sitting on the sofa in the evenings. Over the years I've collected local and regional cookbooks as well as beautiful coffee table books about my snowbird community. Each book is a prized possession because you can't just buy them anywhere. They are more special because they are exclusive to the southern community that we call home. Each one carries a memory: finding his and her local cookbooks in a charming downtown bookstore of the Walton County seat; browsing local books in The Henderson Park Inn's gift shop area after our anniversary dinner and shopping with the ladies in Seaside, a charming beach community of Northwest Florida.
I've included an overview of favorite books in my collection and I encourage you to find your own personal local and regional books. New and used book stores, gift shops, local markets, online and everywhere in between, there's an array of books just waiting to be found. Books are more than just bound paper with ink. They transform, inspire, calm, inform, provide history, stories and entertainment as well as solace no matter where you are.
One of the biggest comforts of either my Northern or Southern home are my growing collection of local and regional books. Each one is special with it's own story of how I acquired it. Not only do I purchase books for myself, I also look for books to leave behind for someone else to connect with and enjoy. I encourage each of you to find your own collection of meaningful books and share what makes them extra special.
Of the books featured in my collection, the most personally meaningful is "Florida's Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise," because the author included two of my original graphics in the book. Robert Reynolds found my original map of Florida's Emerald Coast that I created specifically for my Midlife Snowbird blog and now the revised map is immortalized on page two of his latest book. Upon the author's request, I created a second map of Walton County Florida's rare coastal dune lakes and that map is featured on page 32 of Mr. Reynold's book. To say it is an honor is an understatement. I have read the first edition of "Pathway to Paradise" cover to cover and highly recommend Mr. Reynold's books for anyone who loves Northwest Florida and wants to know more about the "History, People Walton County Communities, Highway 30A and Nature."
Author: Kent Whitaker
Pages: 287
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Great American Publishers, Brandon, Mississippi
greatamericanpublishers.com
Overview:
Sizzling Starters
Serious Grilling
Something Extra
Introduction:
"My grandparents in Alabama and Mississippi grilled over pecan, charcoal and other woods. My dad mastered the art of campfire cooking and back yard grilling.... My career in culinary writing and writing cookbooks began after I won the Emeril Live/Food Network Barbecue Contest.... In this book I share with you 250 of my favorite recipes for grilling, barbecuing and tailgating. It is my hope that if nothing else, you will have FUN cooking from my book, and, of course, cook some great food. A common theme in my writing is history, and this book is no exception." -- Kent Whitaker
Author: Lucy Buffet
Forward by Jimmy Buffet
Pages: 264
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Grand Central Life and Style, Hachette Book Group, New York, New York
grandcentrallifeandstyle.com
Overview:
Cocktail Hour
Gumbo Love and Other Deep South Soups
Sassy Salads
Sandwiches and Such
Sweet Things
Party Favors: Dinner Party Menus
Introduction:
"LuLu's Kitchen is Lucy Buffet's culinary guide to classic Southern coastal cuisine and features more than 120 signature recipes from her famous Gulf Coast restaurants, LuLu's. The greatest passion of this self-proclaimed gypsy rebel and reluctant entrepreneur is cooking food for the people she loves.... She currently serves more than one million guests a year at her two LuLu's locations. LuLu's Kitchen is brimming with authentic family recipes, humorous stories and plenty of wit and wisdom."
Author: Eleanor Lynn Nesmith
Photography: Jean Allsopp
Pages: 221
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Design 360, llc, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
design-360.com
Overview:
A Place Called 30A
Santa Rosa Beach
Grayton Beach
Watercolor
Seaside
Seagrove
Watersound
Seacrest
Rosemary Beach
Alys Beach
Introduction:
"Along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, a string of picturesque towns known collectively as 30A... offers a retreat. Featuring hundreds of images, 30A Living explores nine of the the colorful towns that enliven this unique twenty mile stretch of beach and takes a rare glimpse inside eighteen inspiring homes from Santa Rosa Beach to Alys Beach. From the outside these homes are remarkable... Step inside where design cues and details reflect the area's strong architectural traditions..."
Executive Editor: William Hagerman
Pages: 287
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Dunavant Gulf, LLC, Memphis, Tennessee
Overview:
Breakfast on the Beach
Beachside Picnics
Sunset Toasts
Starlit Dinners
Sweet Evenings
Introduction:
"What's exceptional about Henderson Park Inn is the unforgettable experience created by the snow white sandy beach, emerald Gulf waters, nature's preserve at Henderson State Park, and rustic manor of the Inn, which are complemented by the tasty foods at Beach Walk Cafe, and the other Great Destin Places that continue to provide a lifetime of warm memories for their guests... whom they call family."
Author: Kent Whitaker
Pages: 192
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Great American Publishers, Brandon, Mississippi
greatamericanpublishers.com
Overview:
Starters and Soups
Sandwiches
Seafood/Fish
Sides and Sauces
Introduction:
"Join renowned cookbook author Kent Whitaker on a tasty scenic journey along the five coastal states of the Gulf of Mexico... Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Along the way, experience some Gulf Coast history while reading profiles about beautiful places to visit in the area and enjoy expert tips.... Best of all, you will enjoy delectable southern seafood recipes... to please everyone."
Author: Robert O. Reynolds
Pages: 161
Photos: Yes
Publisher: Emerald Waters Press, LLC, Tucson, Arizona
emeraldwaterspress.com
Overview:
Early History
The Highway 30A Corridor
Walton County Communities
The Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County and Choctawhatchee Bay
Plants You'll See on the Emerald Coast
Communities Along Highway 30A
State Parks and Trails on Highway 30A and the Emerald Coast
Creatures of the Emerald Coast
A Timeline of Events in the Development of the Emerald Coast
Life on the Emerald Coast and Scenic Highway 30A, Present and Future
Introduction:
"This book tells the story of Florida's Emerald Coast with an emphasis on Walton County, and roads including Scenic Highway 30A, an iconic road that has been important in the development of the region... You'll meet a diverse set of characters, the people who planned, developed and managed the range of communities contained in the story... I will discuss the rare and beautiful coastal dune lakes that help to make the region unique... Florida's Emerald Coast is a place that gets in your mind and makes you want to return, as I continue to do for cherished vacations." -- Robert Reynolds
-- Stephen King, American author
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
An example of prime beachfront property, the units are directly accessible to the sand at ground level. Miramar Beach, Northwest Florida. Beachfront, Ocean Front, Ocean View What to Know About the Nuances of Beach Rental Terminology Snowbirds looking for a place with “beachfront” in the …