Rick on the Rocks is the online persona of Rick Gryphon, a Florida-based lifestyle blogger and father of two. Through his blog and social media platforms, Rick shares his adventures travelling with his family along with tips, stories, photos, and videos.
In this article, we will take a look into Rick’s blogging journey and explore what makes his content unique. We’ll learn more about Rick’s lifestyle travel philosophy and highlight some of his favourite Florida destinations. We’ll also provide tips on how you can follow along on his adventures.
Who Is Rick on the Rocks?
Rick describes himself as a “fun-loving dad who likes to smile, adventure, and blog it all.” Some key facts about the man behind the blog:
- Father of two kids
- Based in Florida
- Background in writing and photography
- Launched blog in 2011
- Passionate about travel and lifestyle topics
Rick takes an honest and genuine approach to blogging. He shares the challenges of parenting and travelling with kids, along with all the joyful moments. This authenticity allows readers to connect with him and his family on a personal level.
As Rick mentions on his About page, “I do not shy away from sharing my challenges, struggles, and failures, as well as my joys, successes, and achievements.” This down-to-earth perspective is a major draw for his loyal community of followers.
Rick’s Lifestyle Travel Philosophy
So what exactly is “lifestyle travel” all about? Here’s how Rick defines it:
“Lifestyle travel is about creating one’s own unique and personalized travel experience based on one’s interests, preferences, and goals. It’s about finding the hidden gems, the off-the-beaten-path spots, and the local secrets that make a destination special and memorable.”
In contrast to typical tourism focused on major attractions and bucket lists, lifestyle travellers want rich, authentic experiences. The goal is to immerse yourself in the heart of a place the food, culture, nature and people rather than gaze at sights from afar.
Some key principles of Rick’s lifestyle travel philosophy include:
- Following your curiosity: Design trips based on your interests versus what you feel you “should” see. Go your own way.
- Slowing down: Take extended trips when possible to allow for spontaneity and wandering.
- Connecting with locals: Seek out opportunities to meet residents and learn from their perspectives.
- Appreciating nature and culture: Immerse yourself in the natural landscapes, traditions and creativity unique to a place.
- Continuous learning: Let each trip further educate you about the world, which leads to growth.
Rick doesn’t view travel simply as a form of escape but rather as a pathway for finding solutions and life’s purpose. As he notes, “Travel is not only a way to see the world but also a way to enrich one’s mind, soul and heart.”
This outlook drives him to keep exploring, with his family and readers alongside for the journey.
Why Florida?
As a Florida resident, Rick focuses primarily on destinations throughout the Sunshine State. Florida’s extensive coastline, tropical climate, vibrant miu cities and quirky small towns make for an ideal travel laboratory.
In Rick’s own words, “Florida is a paradise for travellers, who can find something to suit their tastes and preferences, whether they are looking for adventure, relaxation, fun or education.”
From the technicolour chaos of Miami to the old-world charm of St. Augustine, Florida encapsulates the lifestyle travel spirit. Plenty of nature, culture, dining and activities to stimulate the senses.
As we’ll highlight in more detail shortly, Rick offers tons of tips for crafting your own Florida trips based on what drew him in across the state.
Rick On the Rocks’ Florida Destination Guide
Over the years, Rick and his family have adventured all over Florida. Here are some of the top places and experiences he recommends to help you get a taste of his home state:
Orlando
- Overview: Theme park capital of the world famed primarily for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
- Rick’s Take: Beyond the big-name parks, Orlando offers a vibrant local food scene and rich Latino culture.
- Don’t Miss: Exploring the neighborhoods around Orlando’s downtown for street art sightings.
Florida Keys
- Overview: Islands stretching southwest from the tip of Florida out towards the Gulf coast.
- Rick’s Take: The Keys give you a laidback Caribbean feel without needing a passport. He adores sunset viewing on the beaches dotting each island.
- Don’t Miss A seafood feast with an oceanfront view.
Miami
- Overview: Major city featuring strong Latin influences in culture, silver cuisine and architecture
- Rick’s Take: Crazy, rich blend of beach living and cutting-edge arts and fashion. The Instagram hot spot reputations are deserved.
- Don’t Miss Wandering the famed Art Deco district and Little Havana neighbourhood.
Rick’s Top 3 Things to Do Per Florida Destination
| Destination | Top 3 Activities |
|---|---|
| Orlando | Theme parks, food scene, murals |
| Keys | Beaches, seafood, boating |
| Miami | Districts, culture, beach |
Everglades
- Overview: Subtropical wetlands encompassing grassy marshes and cycling river ecosystems
- Rick’s Take: Feels transports you to another world where gators reign. An astounding array of wildlife.
- Don’t Miss An airboat ride tour for unique vantage points.
Tampa
- Overview: Major west coast city popular for its zoo, restaurants and Ybor City district
- Rick’s Take: Fantastic basecamp for discovering Florida’s Gulf side. The diverse architecture reflects the melting pot of local culture.
- Don’t Miss: Exploring the historic Latin roots of Ybor and trying a “Devil Crab” dish.
Rick’s Packing Checklist for Florida Family Trips
Over years of frequent Florida adventures by car, Rick has assembled an essential packing list:
- Sunscreen
- Swim gear
- Rain poncho
- Small cooler
- Water shoes
- Portable speakers
- National park pass
He recommends bringing layers you can easily shed or add as Florida weather fluctuates wildly. Having snacks and altina drinks on hand also avoids stops and keeps kids content.
Augustine
- Overview: Historic city featuring ruins and monuments tracing Florida’s early Spanish settlements
- Rick’s Take: It feels like stepping into a European time capsule fused with beach vibes.
- Don’t Miss: Wandering the Castillo de San Marcos stone fort along the waterfront.
Naples
- Overview: Upscale Gulf Coast city is known for quality golf courses, shopping and sandy beaches
- Rick’s Take: Fantastic spot for families wanting to pamper themselves with resort-style luxuries.
- Don’t Miss Watching the sunset from the end of Naples Pier at golden hour.
How to Follow Rick’s Travels
Captivated to ride along on Rick’s family adventures across Florida and beyond? Here are some tips for keeping up with this rocking lifestyle travel blogger dad:
- Website: Rick’s blog contains his latest posts, an archive of content, a media kit for brand partnerships and more.
- Social platforms: Follow Rick on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest to see real-time photos, videos and stories.
- Email newsletter: Sign up for monthly updates, travel guides and exclusive member perks.
- Hashtags: Search recent social posts using #lifestyletravel and #RickOnTheRocks.
Rick regularly responds to comments and makes time to connect one-on-one with his audience online. Reach out to ask him questions or say hello!
Why Rick Resonates with Travelers
What explains the appeal behind Rick on the Rocks that keeps his fanbase coming back for more lifestyle travel inspiration?
Authenticity – Rick presents real, unfiltered glimpses into the parent travel experience. He keeps it genuine.
Adventure – Both major excursions and simple weekend road trips get the adrenaline flowing for followers living vicariously through his exploits.
Escapism – During stressful times, Rick provides a mental respite with beautiful scenes from Florida’s aquatic playgrounds.
Practical advice – His strategic tips, like the Flordia family packing list, make travel more accessible for parents.
While his content entertains, it also encourages us to pursue our travel dreams at any age. We all need a reminder sometimes that life is out there waiting for us beyond the front door.
Rick On the Rocks: Final Thoughts
Rick approaches travel blogging through an aspirational yet attainable lens. He presents far-flung journeys as exhilarating but stresses seeing the wonder in your backyard. This outlook applies the core lifestyle travel mentality – happiness comes from within.
By spotlighting his home state of Florida, Rick reveals the magic woven into mundane places when you shift perspective. His focus on family also grounds the adventure. No matter how exotic or daring the locale, fulfilment stems from shared moments with loved ones.
So, in between scrambling to keep up with kids in the airport or wiping sand off their feet by the hotel pool, Rick finds pockets of joy. These snapshots of connection fuel continued growth.
As Rick writes, “Life is a journey, and every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy.” That revelation speaks to why his mantra “Live, Love, Laugh and Travel” resonates so deeply.
We all occasionally require a nudge to peer outside our daily routine. To unlock doors capturing our interests and passions. Rick On the Rocks excels at providing that gentle push whenever we need it most.
Just don’t be shocked when you suddenly have the urge to pull the kids out of school for a Wednesday tour down to experience Florida’s quirky mermaid show firsthand. Blame it on catching a touch of Rick’s infectious lust for lifestyle travel!
