Laura Loves Local

Do you sometimes wonder what to do with a weekend in Florida? Maybe you have a weekday off and are looking for a fun day trip? I would consider New Port Richey to be on your list!

I was surprised when I searched online there wasn’t as much showcased of this beautiful city and the surrounding areas. Based on my recent weekend getaway, I thought I would share some great ideas (maybe an itinerary?) in just 90 seconds!

What in the video catches your eye? I’d love to hear in the comments!!

When looking for Asian food in New Port Richey, look no further than Zen Kitchen & Bar. They offer various Asian cuisines (Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and more). Plus they have specials that showcase other cuisines, we saw Malaysian and Peruvian while we were there!

My big tip of getting the Gulf Shrimp as the Protien for your meal, it’s the best shrimp I’ve ever tasted! Also, make sure to try one of their yummy cakes for dessert, ever if you have to take it to go like we did cause we enjoyed so much of our meals!

Want to know the best kept secret in New Port Richey? It’s definitely Main Munchery!

When I stepped in I was welcomed by the sweetest staff, most of them were related to each other as this is owned and operated by three generations!

(shoutout to Alaina who was kind, informative, and took our order perfectly!)

I enjoyed their “Munchable” Panini, which was so flavorful and I loved the meat to bread ratio! I also enjoyed freshly baked pesto focaccia and carrot cake scones! I had never had a carrot cake scone before, and now I find myself craving it at least once a week! If only I wasn’t two hours away!

You can’t miss out on their espresso drinks though! Jessie the Barista has done a lot of research on the espresso beans they use and she is making her own homemade syrups weekly! I never drink two coffees in a day, and I ordered the banana bread latte back to back!

When in New Port Richey, definitely go stop by this cozy cafe and give this amazing local business some love ❤️

While out adventuring in Volusia County, I found myself craving some Thai food. Enter Ichinisan Asian fusion Ramen & Sushi Restaurant. They are not only known for their Thai dishes, but also their curry ramen and sushi.

Of course I had their pad Thai. It was good, I have never had red onions in mine, but otherwise I truly enjoyed it and felt it satisfied my craving. So when in Daytona or nearby it, go and give them a try!

Are you a Birria fan? Have you ever thought - “man, I wonder what Birria pizza would be like?” Or “what if I stuffed Birria into an egg roll wrapper and fried it?”

Well, Antojitos Loco’s has got you covered on those thoughts, and more. They recently had me out to visit and try various dishes, and I have to say my favorites were the Birria spring rolls with the consume and the Birria Ramen!

I also had never had tajin with a soda before, and having a lime jarritos with it turned out to be a perfect flavor profile.

So for anyone who’s a Birria fan, or if you just like Mexican food, I encourage you to make a visit at Antojitos the next time you’re in the Ocoee area!

When adventuring around the coast recently, I was recommended by a friend (shoutout to The Global Wandress) to check out Gold Leaf Coffee Co. whenever I got to Ormond Beach.

This place is such a nice local hangout, with a decent amount of seats, helpful staff to guide you to the drink of your desire, and delicious coffee and teas. I tried their Iced Dirty Banana Chai with oatmilk and it was wonderful! They actually make the chai in house with cinnamon sticks, and I could definitely feel the warm spices with every sip!

They have seasonal drinks, plus classics that people know and love. If you’re an artist, they have local art hanging on the walls available for purchase. If you had to look up a coffee shop that is all about supporting local and community, then this is a must stop on your next trip to the east coast!

This past weekend Eustis had its first ever Japanese Festival! I really enjoyed this as there was not only food stalls and gift shops, but also free interactive experiences with art, dance, games, and even learning to speak Japanese! I hope we continue to have fun events like this in my hometown!

Want to make sure you don’t miss events? Make sure to follow the City Of Eustis Events & Tourism page to keep up on what’s going on in Eustis!

We’ve lived in Eustis for a few years and to see that we now have a Farmer’s Market in this town has me over the moon! 😍

Happening every Wednesday Night from 5PM-8PM, Fresh Market at Ferran created by Whimsy Market offers a variety of items (food and retail) that is beautiful and fresh, also I would say unique because you can’t find these local vendors at your local grocery store!

I got to check out many of the vendors and they are showcased in this video BUT know there is WAY more than these businesses at this market! The only way to see them all is to come out and visit for yourself! Hope to see you there! 😁

Recently I was invited to come and experience Caribbean cuisine from the US Virgin Islands, and wow was the food amazing!

When you can find a good coffee shop that offers a variety of beverages and a great atmosphere to get work done, hang out or have some me time, I know I can’t gatekeep it! This is , located in downtown Leesburg Florida :)