Welcome to another edition of Cozy Cabin Chat! Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable travel influencer and creator who has turned her love for Southwest Florida into a vibrant online presence. Joining us is a Southwest Florida local Laura Barto-Virgil who, along with her husband Steven and their adorable pup, Lati, has been showcasing the hidden gems, sharing delicious foods and recipes, and unforgettable experiences this beautiful region has to offer.
Let's start with getting to know you better! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you're currently located?
My husband and I live in Southwest Florida with our lil pup, Lati. He has lived here since 2007 and I have since 2009.
What inspired you to start showcasing Southwest Florida? It gets the reputation as being the relaxed coast, which is definitely is but there’s also SO MUCH to do here that a lot of visitors, and locals alike, don’t know about.
When did you start sharing your love for Southwest Florida? As soon as I moved here!
What is your favorite part of living in Southwest Florida? The sunny days and nice people.
What are your top three hidden gems in Southwest Florida that tourists often miss? Hogfish Harry’s, the entire town of Bonita Springs and Angelina’s Happy Hour.
Are there any local delicacies or restaurants that you and Steven believe are must-tries? If you are here during the season, mid October to May, stone crab! Our favorite thing to do is buy them somewhere local and have them with champagne at home. The perfect date night.The Bubble Room in Captiva, hopefully reopening soon🤞🏼 Boops, their cafe, is currently open serving their famous cake! The Turtle Club, recently reopened after Hurricane Ian. One of the few places to dine waterfront.
What are the best beaches for a serene sunset experience? Any and all! In Naples, 33rd and 32nd avenue or Barefoot Beach Preserve are our favorites
Do you have any recommendations for outdoor activities or adventures in the region? What do you and Steven like to do outdoors ?
Spending the day on the water, rent a boat from Bayfront and adventure out to Keewaydin Island!
Paddleboard and Kayak rentals are available at Naples Outfitters, a great store too!
If you are looking for a true outdoor experience, we like to camp at Koreshan State Park which now offers “glamping” through Timberline Glamping!
What’s one thing you MUST have with you when traveling? Steven’s credit card, I guess Steven too 😉 But on a more serious note, noise canceling headphones and a few good books!
💭Let's chat about your airstream camper!
What inspired you to invest in an Airstream trailer? Can you tell us about the journey of restoring or customizing your Airstream?
Very very long story short, we missed traveling during Covid. I saw an airstream one day while scrolling instagram and I mentioned it to Steven saying I thought it was cute. We found a vintage 1977 airstream in north Florida, we drive up to get it and had plans to restore it. We got a little in over our heads and eventually sold that one but I still wanted to try “glamping” so I said let’s just buy one that didn’t need as much work.
He took full advantage of this and left the next day, driving up to Mississippi to get one that was immediately available. He said he didn’t want me to change my mind. Now here we are 4+ years later with 2 airstreams, a 16ft Bambi and a 23ft Flying Cloud. We are currently towing the larger one up to Michigan for the summer.
💭I know that you rent out your airstream, can you give our readers some details on features and where they can learn more about the possibility of renting!
What are some of the unique features or amenities your Airstream offer to renters?
Airstreams are a specific brand, recognized as true “Americana”. They are very well built and super cute, if I do say so myself. I have never camped before embarking on this journey, I was so surprised at what I was missing out on that I knew I wanted other people to experience it as well.
A lot of our past renters have stayed in touch and even bought their own because of their trips. I love being able to create a new memories for families.
Each airstream is stocked with the necessities and a few not so necessities, such as coffee makers and even a bidet haha.
Do you have any favorite spots in Southwest Florida where you love to take the Airstream or that guests choose to go? What tips would you give to someone looking to rent an Airstream for the first time?
Koreshan State Park and Collier Seminole State Park. We also live Myakka River in Sarasota and Bahia Honda in the Keys.
How do you market your Airstream to attract renters and ensure it stands out? Where can our readers find out more about how to rent your airstream?
Outdoorsy and RV Share
💭I’ve been following you forever and I absolutely love all of your easy and delicious recipes!
🔗Don't forget to follow Laura on instagram for her amazing cooking tips and tricks!
What inspired you to start sharing recipes and food experiences along with your travel?
A few years back I lost a significant amount of weight but I was trying to find fun ways to make food healthy, I fell in love with all things cooking.
Do you have any tips for cooking delicious meals in a small space like an Airstream trailer?
Get creative! We try and cook a lot outdoors as well, when weather permits.
Can you share a recipe that’s perfect for a beach picnic in Southwest Florida?
My current favorite is any and all chilled salads such as a Greek orzo pasta salad or watermelon feta salad.
Do you have any future plans or projects related to food and travel that you’re excited about?
Currently driving up to Michigan and will be making some pit stops, I will be cooking with local produce as much as possible and finding some new farmers markets along the way too!
🗨️We love to end the interview with few fun questions! Our readers want to know.....
In the great breakfast debate, where do you stand: waffles or pancakes? And what's your ultimate topping combination for your choice?
Waffles, always! I love them plain with just maple syrup or loaded with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries and kiwi.
When it comes to flying, are you a window seat, aisle seat, or middle seat person? And what’s your go-to in-flight activity?
Window for me! All about the views. I either catch up on a few shows, usually Food Network or Bravo. I also like to get a lot of recipes written down. I bring that recipe notebook with me everywhere!
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the sun-soaked area of Southwest Florida with our incredible guest. Laura’s passion for this region, from its hidden gems and delectable foods to unforgettable outdoor adventures, shines through in every word.
Whether you're a local looking to explore more of your backyard or a visitor seeking the best experiences, her insights are sure to inspire your next adventure.
For more on Southwest Florida and other captivating destinations, be sure to check out our related blog posts below. Each one offers a unique perspective and additional tips for making the most of your travels.
Stay tuned for more interviews and stories from inspiring travel influencers and creators, right here on Cozy Cabin Chat.
Until next time, happy travels and bon appétit!
Comentarios