Embracing Summer Bliss: A Perfect Florida Beach Day, Family Adventures, and Delightful Grilled Fruit

Ah, summer. The season of long days, warm nights, and endless possibilities. There are those glorious summer days that perfectly encapsulate everything we love about this time of year, and then there are the sweltering, sticky ones that make you question your affection for the season. Days spent hustling through errands when the thermometer nudges triple digits? Not so much. But then, you get a day like today, a truly perfect summer day that reaffirms why we patiently wait all year for these precious months. It was a day brimming with sunshine, laughter, and the kind of simple joys that make life truly sweet.

An Unforgettable Day at New Smyrna Beach with Family

Our adventure began with a quick and scenic 30-minute drive to the beautiful shores of New Smyrna Beach, a gem along Florida’s coastline known for its expansive sandy stretches and inviting waves. As soon as we arrived, the kids were practically bursting with excitement, eager to dive into the ocean’s embrace and feel the warm sand between their toes. We spent a significant portion of the day immersed in the quintessential beach experience: playing in the refreshing waves and molding castles from the golden sand. The vibrant atmosphere of the beach, with its gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic crash of the waves, always brings a unique sense of peace.

Now, I’ll confess, my beach days have undergone a significant transformation since becoming a parent. The leisurely, book-reading, sun-soaking days of yesteryear have been replaced by an entirely different kind of energy. These days, relaxation is a luxury, as I am constantly on high alert, my eyes scanning the horizon and the shoreline with unyielding vigilance. My spirited three-and-a-half-year-old son, with boundless energy, bravely challenges every “monster wave” that rolls in, his giggles echoing over the surf. Meanwhile, my seventeen-month-old daughter, a speedy crawler with an insatiable curiosity, seems to be on a constant mission to explore the beach in the exact opposite direction. It’s a beautiful, chaotic dance – a symphony of joy and mild panic (as I’m sure parents everywhere can deeply understand!).

Despite the constant vigilance and the endless chase, there’s an undeniable magic about being near the ocean. The vastness of the sea, the calming sound of the waves, and the sheer joy radiating from my children somehow merge to create a profound sense of calm. Even amid the delightful chaos, the ocean has a way of grounding you, reminding you of nature’s immense power and beauty. We built sandcastles that were quickly reclaimed by the tide, collected a handful of iridescent seashells, and simply reveled in the precious moments of being together, creating cherished family memories. I always leave the beach wonderfully tired, not from stress, but from the good kind of exertion – feeling completely refreshed and invigorated by the salty air and the sheer joy of it all.

Cooling Down and Deliciously Simple Evening

Later in the afternoon, as the sun began its gentle descent, we made our way home, sun-kissed and happily exhausted. The perfect antidote to a warm day at the beach? A refreshing plunge into our backyard pool. The cool water was an immediate embrace, washing away the last traces of salt and sand and providing a delightful cool-down. After working up an appetite with all that sun and surf, we opted for an easy dinner that never disappoints: taco night! It’s a family favorite – simple, customizable, and always a hit with both kids and adults, making it the ideal meal after a fun-filled but tiring day.

But the day’s culinary delights didn’t end there. On the drive home, with the children peacefully asleep in their car seats and my patient husband at the wheel, I spotted a charming farm stand on the side of the road. It was an irresistible stop, and I quickly picked up some wonderfully sweet, ripe peaches and plums. These weren’t just any fruits; they were destined for a truly special treat: grilled fruit paired with a generous scoop of creamy Vanilla Bean ice cream. The mere thought of it was enough to make the evening feel even more indulgent. Delish indeed!

Recipe: Irresistible Grilled Peaches and Plums with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Grilling fruit is a revelation for anyone who hasn’t tried it. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and creating a tender, juicy texture that’s simply divine. Paired with the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream, it becomes a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly comforting – a perfect summer treat that feels a little bit fancy but is wonderfully simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe peaches and/or plums
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste and fruit sweetness)
• Non-stick cooking spray or a light brushing of olive oil
• High-quality Vanilla Bean ice cream, for serving
• Optional garnishes: fresh mint, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: Start by gently washing your peaches and plums. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each fruit down the middle, separating them around the pit. For peaches, you might need to twist the halves gently to separate them. Remove the pit. You want nice, clean halves, ready for the grill.
2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare for Grilling: Lightly spray the cut sides of the fruit with non-stick cooking spray, or brush them with a very thin layer of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and aids in achieving those beautiful grill marks.
4. Sweeten (Optional): Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the cut sides of the fruit. This enhances the natural sweetness and encourages delicious caramelization on the grill.
5. Grill the Fruit: Carefully place the fruit, cut-side down, directly onto the hot grill grates. Allow them to cook for approximately 4-6 minutes. You’re looking for visible grill marks and for the fruit to soften slightly, becoming tender and juicy. The exact timing will depend on the ripeness of your fruit and the heat of your grill. Avoid overcooking, as you want them warm and tender, not mushy.
6. Serve Immediately: Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the fruit from the grill. Place a few warm grilled peach and/or plum halves into a bowl or onto a plate. Top immediately with a generous, heaping scoop of your favorite Vanilla Bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm, sweet fruit and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply exquisite.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves, a light drizzle of honey, or a pinch of cinnamon. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite! This dessert is best enjoyed right off the grill.

Discovering a Local Gem: The Charming Osteen Farm Stand

Our stop at the farm stand wasn’t just about delicious fruit; it was about discovering a true local treasure. Located right off State Road 415, in the small, unassuming town of Osteen, this charming roadside stand is easily found if you’re traveling between Lake Mary and New Smyrna. It’s the kind of place that embodies the spirit of local community and fresh produce, a welcome sight amidst the journey.

The farm and its stand are lovingly run by a delightful couple and their daughter, who reside right there on the property. Their hospitality was immediate and heartwarming; they were incredibly friendly and genuinely nice, making our brief visit feel like connecting with old friends. Naturally, I was curious about their business and asked if they saw much traffic from beachgoers, given their proximity to New Smyrna. Their response, unfortunately, was a bit disheartening. They shared that business had slowed down considerably lately, primarily due to the persistently high gas prices. This news made me genuinely sad, as their farm is quite a distance off the main thoroughfares, meaning they likely don’t receive a massive amount of local foot traffic. Small, family-run businesses like theirs are the backbone of rural communities, offering fresh, high-quality produce that often far surpasses what you find in larger grocery stores. They rely heavily on the support of travelers and local patrons alike.

Their story reinforced the importance of supporting local businesses, especially those that pour their heart and soul into their craft. If you ever find yourself driving down 415 from Lake Mary towards New Smyrna, please, do yourself a favor and make a point to stop by this wonderful farm stand. You’ll not only pick up some incredibly fresh, seasonal produce, but you’ll also be supporting a hardworking, friendly family who are passionate about what they do. It’s a small detour with a big impact, offering a taste of authentic Florida charm and genuine human connection. Plus, you might just find the perfect ingredients for your next summer dessert!

Cherishing Summer’s Simple Pleasures

This day was a beautiful reminder of why summer is so cherished. From the exhilarating waves of New Smyrna Beach and the delightful chaos of family fun, to the simple pleasure of an evening swim and a quick, satisfying dinner, every moment contributed to a tapestry of summer joy. The crowning glory, however, was that unexpectedly perfect dessert – grilled peaches and plums sourced from a lovely local farm stand, topped with creamy vanilla bean ice cream. It encapsulated everything wonderful about the season: fresh flavors, shared moments, and the warmth of community. These are the kinds of days we live for, the memories we’ll cherish, and the experiences that truly define the bliss of summer. So here’s to more perfect days, delicious discoveries, and embracing every simple pleasure the season has to offer!