Daydreaming of a time where the ocean was outside your window and the powdery white sand just steps away? While life at home has its joys, it certainly struggles to top vacation days spent in New Smyrna Beach. Before you come down with a case of the beach blues, we’ve brainstormed 5 fun at-home activities that will help ease your NSB separation. While it’s not quite the same as the sand and sea, you’ll find yourself feeling a bit closer to paradise.
1. Pull out the Sunscreen and Swimsuit
The Atlantic may not be in your backyard, but the sun sure is! Pull out the below beach essentials and set up your own mini oasis outside. We’ve listed our complete at-home beach set-up that takes minutes to create and hours to enjoy. Save it to your phone or computer for future reference!
2. Treat Yourself to Seafood Dining
Good seafood isn’t limited to only Norwood’s or Flagler Tavern, you can make your own buttery shrimp or zesty salmon delicious enough to rival their menu. We’ve listed two easy and YUMMY recipes with simple steps and ingredients found in your local grocery store.
Sheet Pan Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa
Who doesn’t love a recipe that only uses one dish?! This sheet pan salmon is loved by chef and novice like as it looks and tastes gourmet… just without hours of hard work! This recipe’s ingredients stick to on-hand basics such as spices, herbs, potatoes, and citrus- the only thing you’ll likely need to purchase is the salmon. Click here for the full recipe.
Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp, bell peppers, and a white wine-olive oil sauce? Yes, please! This skillet-only recipe takes a seafood staple and livens it with fresh veggies and colorful spices that will keep you coming back for more. It’s hearty, healthy, and only takes 25 minutes from start to finish. View the full recipe here.
3. Decorate Your Home with the Sea’s Treasure
Even if New Smyrna Beach is miles away, you can still experience the calming presence of the ocean… in your own home! Search through your last trip’s souvenirs and pick out the prettiest seashells you saved. Nature’s gems make for beautiful home displays; channel your creative side and DIY beach décor with materials you have at home. Explore creative beach crafts here! If you don’t have seashells on hand, you can recreate your favorite beach scene with canvas and paint or simply print and frame one a beautiful NSB picture.
4. Make Your Own NSB Bucket List
If you can’t get the beach off your brain, you’re not alone! Instead of pining for lost sunny days in the sand, put your daydreams to use by writing them out as a bucket list. Scribble down all the places you want to visit, things you want to do, restaurants you want to try, and shops you want to frequent the next time you stay. You can even browse our beach vacation rentals and list the top 5 you plan on vacationing in in the future!
5. Follow and Support Us Online
From videos of the rolling waves to inside peeks of our vacation condos and homes, our social media brings New Smyrna Beach to wherever you’re at. While community is currently hindered in the real world, it’s increasingly crucial (and easy!) to connect, share, and support each other in the online world. Local businesses such as Great Ocean Condos and Homes are greatly impacted when you take the time to leave a quick review on our Facebook and Google pages. Not only does it make our day, but it helps future travelers in making the decision to stay with us. While the current times have limited contact with one another, we still want to maintain our relationship with you, our guests! Share on our Facebook page your favorite picture or memory you have from your last NSB visit and include the hashtag #LoveGreatOcean. We can’t wait to see the gorgeous pics and fun times you share!
In the midst of cancelled plans, these 5 activities offer a taste of the beach vacation you’ll be experiencing soon. Spend the extra time at home planning your future beach vacation in one of our condos or houses. You can browse direct oceanfront, luxury, pet-friendly, and homes online or call 386.478.7863 for a professional vacation planner to help you find the perfect rental. Stay safe, stay kind, and keep dreaming of the sunshine days ahead… We’ll see you soon!