Holidays in Florida always seem to look a little different. Christmas? Sometimes we wear flip-flops and grill out. Thanksgiving? Seafood is a great alternative to turkey! We're used to doing things our own way here. Halloween is around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about how you'll be celebrating. We might not have Fall leaves or chilly air, but we DO have plenty of swimming pools! Did you know, there are lots of ways to make your pool area the hottest party spot in the neighborhood for a scary bash? The best part? You don't have to try very hard or spend much cash to make your pool "spook-tacular".

Here are our favorite ways to bring your pool into the festivities...

Floating Decor

There are SO many possibilities when it comes to items you can float in your pool for decorative purposes. If you want to go all out, carve pumpkins, and float them in your pool after dark with tea-lights flickering inside. Floating jack-o-lanterns take things to a whole new level! If you want something a little easier (and cheaper), opt for the plastic pumpkin buckets available at most stores around the Halloween holiday. Go with all orange for a traditional look, or mix it up and pick an array of colors.

For a spooky glowing effect, blow up balloons with glow sticks inside. Float them in your pool as "glowing orbs". Give it an extra dose of creepy and put glow sticks inside of inflated rubber gloves for glowing hands to disperse in your pool.

Send The Skeletons Floating!
Plastic skeletons are a classic Halloween decoration, but did you know you can kick up the scary fun (and possibly laughs) by taking your skeleton poolside? Pose plastic skeletons in patio lounge chairs with sunglasses, sun hats, drinks, etc. You can even prop one in or on a pool float and send it sailing in your pool. Guests will get a kick out of the newest "swimmer" at the party. The best part? These guests won't eat all the snacks!

Go Big

If you're willing to go farther (and deal with a little more pool cleanup) you can opt for these fun ideas to really impress your guests!

Pool dye won't stain at all, but with one dose you can have a pool full of red "blood", or green "swamp water". After 3 or 4 days, the dye gets filtered out of the system and you're once again left with sparkling blue water ready for swimming.

Fog machines or dry ice are another creepy pool effect that can really amp up the spooky vibe of your party. Place around the exterior edge of your pool and crank up the Halloween tunes, and you'll officially have the best party on your street.

Newton Peach Marketing LOVES the Florida life, and appreciate all the things the make it unique. That includes our local businesses! Are you a small business owner in the Central Florida area? We are so glad to have you as part of our area. Supporting local is a big deal, and our business is built on making sure brands just like yours get the exposure they need to grow and thrive. Are you overwhelmed with managing social media accounts, answering comments, reading reviews, and making sure you’re represented well across the internet? Let us take the load off your shoulders and let you focus on what’s important: keeping your business running well.

Happy Halloween from NPM!

Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast, and that means it's time for some fun in the sun! Whether you're new to the area, a longtime resident planning a staycation, or simply visiting the Sunshine State to soak up some rays, Florida is a hot destination (literally!) for people to enjoy their holiday weekend. It's no surprise of course, thanks to our beaches, theme parks, delicious food, gorgeous lakeside sunsets, and, of course, the variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We have a few tips to make sure your Memorial Day weekend is a success, no matter where you're from or how long you'll be here:

Bring your sunscreen! This is a no-brainer for time outside in Florida. Even if you're just relaxing in your own backyard by the pool, sunscreen is a must-have for time outdoors. Nothing is more miserable than trying to enjoy your Memorial Day vacation with a sunburn! Be sure to get a product that is waterproof, and remember to reapply every couple of hours for the most effective protection.
Go off the beaten path. There are so many places in Florida that are often overlooked thanks to our close vicinity to Disney World, Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach, and other popular hotspots. If you're wanting to see true, native Florida and plenty of wildlife, nearby Circle B Bar Reserve is the perfect place for an afternoon hike. Don't forget your camera...you're SURE to see a variety of birds, lizards, snakes, armadillos, and more than a few gators. If that's not your thing, cool off in the natural springs at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Not only is the spring beautiful and cool to swim in, but there are water slides, "real" mermaids, a fun kiddie pool area, and more. Don't forget local cities like Winter Haven have plenty of well-known restaurants and shops that are great for an afternoon relaxing after spending time on the lake, and you won't have to battle the crowds that congregate in Orlando or Tampa.
Get the best experience by choosing local. Anyone can go to a chain steakhouse or a fast-food joint, but if you truly want to experience Florida, you need to look closely for the beauty right here in our own backyard. Instead of a hotel, choose a rental home, apartment, or condo for your time in Florida. This will let you relax with a lake view, or experience some of the smaller towns outside of the main attractions. Local restaurants often serve seafood and produce from providers right here in our immediate area, giving you the true flavor of the state. Our local shops often sell handmade items, or items sourced from nearby crafters or artists, which lets you take a piece of Florida home with you at the end of your holiday.

We hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and that you spend the time reflecting on the reason for the holiday, and enjoying time with the ones you care about most. If your time in Florida brings you near the Winter Haven area, welcome! We hope you enjoy your time here. If you're new to the area and plan to stay, we'd love to be a resource for you as you adjust to life in Polk County. We're here to answer your questions, even if it’s just to find out our opinion of the best local eateries and dives! If you're relocating your business to Winter Haven, or starting up a brand new one, we’re here to help you make it a success from day one. Call us about building your brand here in our community. Welcome to the Sunshine State!