Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
HARNESS THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS Timely recommendations for everything in your community Country music star Luke Bryan’s Shore Thing cigar bar on 30A is a fun place to spend time if you don’t mind cigar fumes Social media groups that hone in on …
One consideration of buying a second home is whether to retain or down size one’s Northern home [Covington Lake, Northeast Indiana] Pros and Cons of Owning Two Homes 15 Point Checklist Before Buying a Second Property Many snowbirds think about owning a vacation home or …
Many snowbirds rent housing in a warm climate prior to or instead of buying because it is a practical way to check out a community or type of housing without a major long-term commitment. Everyone has different priorities regarding housing, whether it's location, a longer time away, a larger space and the view and type of amenities that are available.
So what are the rental costs of being a snowbird? A lot more than anyone who hasn't tried it may think. There are many options and variables, but the bottom line is to start with a weekly or monthly budget based on your finances. Look at short and long term rental prices, location, size/square feet, features, amenities, decor, distance from your primary home, view and the community. There are trade-offs. Generally, the warmer the climate, the higher the price. The closer to the beach or best mountain views will increase the price. The most desirable properties will command the highest rates and will be booked as much as a year or more in advance.
Most rentals include basics such as a stocked kitchen or kitchenette, patio or balcony, ironing board with iron, heat/air conditioning, parking and basic cable tv / wifi. Check your contract for availability, add-ons and upcharges such as additional parking, pets, upgraded cable, beach service, greens or tennis fees, housekeeping and so forth.
Don't overlook the very important online reviews and, if possible, referrals. Check into whether the property is owner-operated or whether it is professionally managed and if so, by whom? Research so you know if it's a reputable owner or management company and that there is a solid history. Make sure you protect yourself from worst case scenarios. Looking at rental property from photos is a good start, but photos don't tell the whole story. Do your homework and carefully consider all aspects of renting a place if you haven't seen it in person.
Below, I've compiled a comparison of rentals in three different warm weather climates: beach, mountain/desert and metropolitan. The rental rates and descriptions are a snapshot of what is available 60 days ahead of check-in. I was surprised that good options are available at many price points on rather short notice. I enjoyed comparing the very different styles of the properties -- Sedona, Arizona is an artsy community, Orlando, Florida has amazing area attractions and Northwest Florida has gorgeous beaches, but all of the regions have one thing in common. They all feature an outdoor lifestyle, which is a huge reason snowbirds spend so much money and effort to move south for the season.
The information provided below is strictly for general information and is not to be considered as anything more than that.
Below, I've compiled data from an online property rental site to compare rental rates in Northwest Florida. Miramar Beach is a walkable beach community featuring the emerald blue and green waters of the ocean and sugary white sand. All of the properties are located in Miramar Beach, Florida, which is the greater Destin area of Northwest Florida. The dates for each property are from January 1, 2021 through February 28, 2021 for a total of 58 days. Each property allows a pet, although some have further restrictions such as size and number of pets. Rates, availability and other variables are subject to change without notice. Information provided here is for general use and is not to be considered for anything more than that.
Rental information source: vrbo.com as of 10-27-2020
750 SQ FT
$42/night
$3,220 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Side view of ocean from ground floor
FEATURES: Ground floor unit with patio, slider doors from living room
AMENITIES: Heated pool, across the street from beach, barbecue grills, coin laundry on premises, parking
Listing #1009013
575 SQ FT
$76/night
$6,386 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Direct oceanfront, direct ocean view from living room, kitchen
FEATURES: Slider doors from living room, balcony, in-unit laundry
AMENITIES: Private direct access to beach from unit, 1 parking space
Listing #326100
1,140 SQ FT
$81/night
$6,012 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Side view of ocean from 3rd floor balcony
FEATURES: Slider doors from master bedroom and living room, in-unit laundry
AMENITIES: Two pools, across the street from beach, spa hot tub, elevator, fitness center, barbecue grills, tennis, basketball, volleyball, parking
Listing #475503
1,100 SQ FT
$99/night
$7,153 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Direct view of ocean from 5th floor, direct ocean views from master, living room and kitchen
FEATURES: Slider doors from living room, balcony, in-unit laundry
AMENITIES: Two pools, across the street from beach, hot tub, barbecue grills, elevator, parking
Listing #464760
The following data is from an online property rental site to compare rental rates in central Arizona. All of the properties are located in Sedona, Arizona, a desert area that is known for the natural beauty of the red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, pine forests and local arts community. The dates for each property are from January 1, 2021 through February 28, 2021 for a total of 58 days. Each property allows a pet, although some have further restrictions. Rates, availability and other variables are subject to change without notice. Information provided here is for general use and is not to be considered for anything more than that.
Rental information source: vrbo.com as of 10-27-2020
550 SQ FT
$86/night
$5,619 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Red-rock buttes
FEATURES: Ground floor unit
AMENITIES: Pool, common area fenced dog area, picnic tables, basketball, four-square, parking
Listing #221497ha
SQ FT: Not listed
$96/night
$6,053 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Mountain view
FEATURES: Ground floor unit with covered patio, wood-burning stove, in-unit washer/dryer
AMENITIES: Tennis, golf, barbecue grill, parking
Listing #331082ha
SQ FT: Not listed
$118/night
$7,548 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Mountainous area
FEATURES: Ranch style house with cathedral ceiling, sliders from master bedroom and living room, in-unit washer/dryer, fenced patio area
AMENITIES: Carport available, parking
Listing #2095054
2,200 SQ FT
$154/night
$9,626 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Red-rock buttes
FEATURES: balcony/deck, fireplace, in-unit washer/dryer
AMENITIES: Gated country club setting with golf, tennis, heated pool, hot tub, barbecue grill, clubhouse, 2 car garage
Listing #175082
The following data is from an online property rental site to compare rental rates in central Florida. All of the properties are located in Orlando, Florida, a metropolitan area that is known for amazing area attractions and world renowned theme parks. Orlando is popular because it is easily accessible by air, which is essential for many snowbirds. The dates for each property are from January 1, 2021 through February 28, 2021 for a total of 58 days. Each property allows a pet, although some have further restrictions. Rates, availability and other variables are subject to change without notice. Information provided here is for general use and is not to be considered for anything more than that.
Rental information source: vrbo.com as of 10-27-2020
SQ FT: Not listed
$72/night
$5,126 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Lawn/yard
FEATURES: Ranch style house with private yard, in-unit washer/dryer
AMENITIES: Quiet neighborhood located near airport, theme parks, parking
Listing #2086575
493 SQ FT
$79/night
$5,562 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Lake
FEATURES: Covered screened balcony, Jacuzzi bath tub, housekeeping
AMENITIES: Seven pools, hot tubs, fitness center, tennis, golf, sauna, barbecue grill, game room, bikes, canoes, paddle boats, elevator, coin laundry, parking, free shuttle service to major parks
Listing #977684
430 SQ FT
$98/night
$6,257 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Lake
FEATURES: Ground floor, covered patio, butterfly garden
AMENITIES: Lake access, lagoon-style private pool, barbecue grill, parking, coin laundry
Listing #331082ha
1,100 SQ FT
$150/night
$9,556 total including fees, taxes
VIEW: Lake
FEATURES: Covered balcony, fireplace, in-unit washer/dryer
AMENITIES: Common area pool, hot tub, game room, pool table, barbecue grill, parking, located near theme parks
Listing #121204
-- Warren Buffett, Investor, Business Tycoon, Philanthropist
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.
Before becoming an RV snowbird, there’s many considerations including expenses and type of recreational vehicle [Miramar Beach, Florida] RV Snowbirds 21 Considerations Before You Buy a Recreational Vehicle Travel in recreational vehicles, known as “RV’s,” has always been a big thing, but with the 2020 …
Consumables such as beach towels, local craft beverages and specialty food items are great options for someone who is not easy to buy for Snowbird Gift Guide 75 Best Gifts, Souvenirs for Yourself and Your Home Team Shopping for souvenirs, mementos, keepsakes and gifts …
I had never heard of Burns Night until reading a chapter in a European book featuring Burns Night as part of a "year of festivities for families and friends." I have to admit, my first impression of Burns Night was that it's a romantic dinner for two in front of the fireplace on a cold winter night. Burns Night is actually a historical celebration of the life of Scotland's widely revered national poet
and lyricist, Robert Burns, whose most famous work is "Auld Lang Syne," published in 1788. The traditional Scottish Burns Night celebration centers around the poetry of Robert Burns, whiskey and a main course of haggis with mashed potatoes and turnips. My simplified American version of Burns Night features a warm, cozy ambiance, a menu honoring Scottish comfort food and a nod to the history and influence of Robert Burns. Burns Night is perfect for snowbirds with a menu of simple ingredients steeped in tradition and offers an interesting alternative to the typical date night or dinner party.
A few observations of the authentic European Burns Night celebration compared with my
Americanized version. The proper celebration is held on or near Robert Burn's birthday, January 25, but my take is go ahead and host Burns Night anytime during the winter. Setting up a small table next to the glow of a warm fireplace and having a relaxing meal for two or more people is not only romantic, but memorable and distinctive. If no fireplace is available, improvise by placing the table in a cozy corner of your living room. The point is to not sit at your regular dining room table to get a new perspective, as if dining in a quaint restaurant. Scottish plaid tartans, dim warm lighting, a white tablecloth and napkins, flowers or greenery and flickering candlelight make a charming ambiance. Creating an unusual backdrop appealing to all senses is key to emulating the feel of the Scottish Highlands. Why not create your own Burns Night in the midst of the December holidays, on New Year's Eve, an anniversary or any special occasion when darkness falls early on chilly winter nights.
Your menu should offer several courses and closely resemble the simply delicious traditional comfort food of Burns Night, of which haggis is always, always the focal point. After all, Burns' poem, "Ode to a Haggis" is traditionally read aloud to guests when the haggis is ceremoniously brought to the table by the cook, accompanied by a lone bagpiper or Scottish music, which is referred to as being "piped in."
Haggis is a Scottish delicacy composed of minced sheep organs, oatmeal, onions and seasonings stuffed in the lining of the intestine. Because Americans are typically less comfortable eating organ meats and more importantly, because haggis is impossible to buy in the United States (unless you have access to sheep lungs, which are banned from sale), my version of the Burns Night entree features a soup course, then sausage, mashed potatoes and turnips with a whiskey cream sauce, plus a berry parfait for dessert. It takes time to get accustomed to the Scottish terms and unfamiliar food combinations, so don't let it put you off. The meal truly tastes amazing!
A few facts about Burns Night -- it was first held in 1801, five years after Robert Burns passed. Classic celebrations may be elaborate, loud and festive with many guests or quite intimate and cozy. The meal starts with a prayer of Burns' poem, "Selkirk Grace." The haggis is "piped in" with pomp and circumstance, then a whiskey toast is made to the haggis -- which is why a shot of whiskey is presented on each dinner plate. Apple juice is a good alternative to serving whiskey with this meal. Burns' poetry, songs, dancing and toasts to the lassies and lads are central to the authentic celebrations, which always end with guests joining hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.
Creating your own version of Burns Night may be inspiring to learn more about Robert Burns, his poetry and Scottish culture and cuisine. I adapted my recipes from the simple, yet rich recipes on page 164 and 167 of Pippa Middleton's book, "Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends."
Starter: Cullen Skink Soup
Main Course*: Haggis and Clapshot, also called "Neeps and Tatties" with Whiskey Sauce
*Served with a shot of whiskey
Dessert: Cranachan (Raspberry Cream Parfait) or offer a cheese course
Starter: Scottish Winter Soup (Cullen Skink)
Main Course*: Sausage Crumbles, Mashed Potatoes and Turnips with Whiskey Sauce (Clapshot / Neeps and Tatties)
*Served with a shot of whiskey (or apple juice)
Dessert: Raspberry Cream Parfait (Cranachan)
Ingredients
2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, quartered, then halved
1 1/3 cups turnips, peeled and quartered, then halved
6 T. unsalted butter
1/4 cup half and half OR fat free half and half
1 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. fresh cracked pepper
1/4 t. dried parsley or 1 T. fresh parsley or chives (garnish)
PREPARATION TIP: It may seem simpler to cook the turnips and potatoes in the same pot, then mash with an electric mixer. However, I tested the process both ways and it does make a difference in texture to follow the recipe exactly as written: boil potatoes and turnips in separate pots, then mash each separately with a fork by hand. I prefer the method as shown here.
Preparation
Peel turnips and cut into quarters, then in half.
Cut unpeeled Yukon Gold potatoes into quarters, then in half.
Bring two separate medium pots filled 2/3 with water and a pinch of salt to a boil over high heat.
Add cut turnips to one pot and potatoes to the other pot.
Reduce the heat and boil both vegetables until fork tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the water from potatoes and turnips, keeping each vegetable separate from the other.
Add half and half to the potatoes.
Add butter to the turnips.
Mash the potatoes with a fork. Repeat for the turnips. The texture can retain some chunkiness and doesn't need to be pureed.
Gently combine the potatoes and turnips into one pot. Stir in seasonings and keep warm.
Ingredients
12 oz. package sausage (seasoned or plain)
1 shallot, minced
1 t. fennel seeds
3/4 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. fresh cracked pepper
Optional: garnish with one tablespoon toasted oatmeal (in a nod to haggis) and dried or fresh parsley
Preparation
Toast oatmeal in a small sauce pan over medium heat until golden brown. Stir frequently, remove from heat, set aside in a small dish and let cool.
Saute crumbled sausage in medium skillet until browned. Drain excess grease. Add seasonings and minced shallot, stir until combined and shallots are softened. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Ingredients
2 T. whole mustard
2 T. whiskey
2 T. butter
2 T. flour
3/4 cup half and half OR fat free half and half
1/2 t. garlic salt
Preparation
Gently heat whiskey over low heat in small saucepan until alcohol evaporates.
Add butter and flour, whisking until smooth.
Add seasonings and whole grain mustard, whisking until combined.
Stir in half and half in small batches and whisk until smooth.
Reduce heat and keep warm.
Suggested Brands: Jimmy Dean® Reduced Fat Premium Sausage, Yukon Gold potatoes
If available, use a chef's ring to hold the shape of the potato-turnip mixture. Place chef's ring on a plate, then scoop mashed potatoes-turnips into the chef's ring and fill to the rim.
Pull chef's ring up above the edge of the mixture and scoop sausage mixture on top.
Garnish with toasted oatmeal and parsley or chives.
If not using a chef's ring, place a portion of mashed potatoes-turnips on the plate, top with sausage mixture and garnish with toasted oatmeal and parsley or chives.
Spoon whiskey gravy in a circle around the edge of the mashed potatoes-turnips.
Add a shot of whiskey to the plate.
Repeat for each serving.
Serve warm - don't forget to toast the "haggis"
Servings:
Two or three -- there may be extra sausage crumbles and whiskey gravy
Serving Suggestion:
--As the main course for Burns Night
--Main course for lunch or dinner
Equipment List:
--two medium pots
--one small sauce pan
--one medium skillet
--colander
--whisk
--measuring utensils
--cutting board
--knife
--fork
--spatula
--A 3" diameter chef's ring is recommended for stacking the entree, but not required
"My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go."
--Robert Burns, Scottish Poet and Lyricist, 1759 - 1796
Coastal colors of the Emerald Coast of Florida, our Southern home Welcome to Midlife Snowbird Many people dream about escaping the frozen winter for life as a snowbird. And they wonder what it’s really like, how to make it happen, where to go and …