From Corporate Work Life in the Midwest to Florida Living on a Homestead

cold day at the beach Embarking on a new chapter in life, we started our Florida Living adventure as empty-nester transplants from the Midwest. Wanting a change from the cold and snow we found our new home in the sunny state of Florida. Our journey has been one of both excitement and challenges. Filled with memorable outings around the state and the rewarding but demanding endeavor of starting TnF Farms as new homesteading farmers.

Moving from the Midwest to Florida brought about a significant change in our lives. Leaving behind familiar landscapes and the bustling pace of city life. We were drawn to Florida’s warm climate and the promise of new adventures. Being empty-nesters meant we had more time to explore the wonders of our new state.

We’ve embarked on countless outings to discover the beauty and culture of Florida. From its pristine beaches and lush nature reserves to vibrant cities and charming small towns. These experiences have allowed us to forge a deeper connection with our adopted state and create cherished memories along the way.

TnF Farms, established 2022

However, our journey didn’t stop at exploration and leisure. We embarked on the challenging path of starting TnF Farms. Our dream of becoming homesteading farmers. This endeavor has been a labor of love. Marked by a steep learning curve as we grappled with the demands of tending to livestock, cultivating a large garden, and managing a sustainable farm.

The challenges have been many, including the hurricanes, understanding the nuances of animal care and mastering the art of sustainable farming practices. Each day has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of hard work.

Join us on our journey as we navigate the joys and challenges living the homesteader life. Explore the diverse landscapes of Florida, and building up TnF Farms on a plot in the rural woods of rural Florida. We look forward to sharing our experiences, the knowledge we gain, and the fulfillment that comes from embracing a life of adventure and sustainable farming in the Sunshine State. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of change and the endless possibilities that come with each new chapter in life.

Boost Income With Tourism

06/02/2026/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

Rural business owners often rely on a narrow set of customers and seasonal demand, which makes cash flow and staffing hard to stabilize. Tourism income diversification offers a way to earn from existing land, facilities, and know-how by converting them into agribusiness opportunities that attract visitors. When guests arrive, the visitor spending impact extends beyond the farm gate to nearby shops, services, and lodging, reinforcing local economic development. The core challenge is choosing visitor-focused offerings that fit local capacity and protect day-to-day operations.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island

12/01/2025/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

So who’s up for a little day trip? Nestled along the picturesque Georgia coast, Jekyll Island stands as a testament to the intersection of natural beauty, history, and conservation. Known for its serene beaches, moss-draped oak trees, and a rich history dating back centuries. Jekyll Island has evolved from a private retreat for the elite to a public haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Today’s visit had us captivated by the beauty and sheer amount of driftwood on Driftwood Beach.

How to Start and Monetize a Small Urban Farm

11/10/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living/by Jill

Starting a small urban farm sounds romantic — but it’s really about systems, not sunshine. It’s for city-dwellers who want to turn unused spaces (balconies, rooftops, or backyards) into living income streams. Whether your dream is to grow microgreens for local cafés or to run a compact CSA, the process blends planning, patience, and creative monetization.

Growing Potatoes in Your Florida Backyard: A Step-by-Step Guide

10/20/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

If you’re dreaming of harvesting your own spuds right from your Florida backyard, you’re in for a treat! While Florida’s warm climate and sandy soils can make growing potatoes a bit tricky, it’s totally doable with the right know-how. Potatoes love cooler temps and fertile soil, so with some planning, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Here’s everything you need to know to grow potatoes in the Sunshine State, from planting to plate.

Being an Urban Farmer

09/15/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Urban farming offers countless benefits: access to fresh, organic produce, reduced carbon footprints, and stronger community ties. In cities where green spaces are scarce, growing your own food can improve mental health, lower grocery bills, and contribute to food security. Plus, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, even amidst skyscrapers.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

09/08/2025/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

The story of the St. Augustine Lighthouse begins long before the recognizable black-and-white spiral tower was built. The site’s origins date back to the late 16th century, when Spanish settlers erected wooden watchtowers on Anastasia Island to keep an eye on enemy ships. By 1737, a more formidable coquina stone tower replaced those first fragile structures, serving as a beacon to seafarers and, according to records, possibly the first “lighthouse” in North America. After Florida became a U.S. territory, the U.S. government formalized its role as a lighthouse in 1824, fitting the old tower with new lamps and reflectors.

TnF Farms Goes Pure Electric

09/01/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Did we get a BMW i8 for a new farm vehicle? I wish! Let me be the first to say, EVs are not for everybody, nor do they work in every situation. For us, electric vehicles have taken center stage as our next vehicle of choice. Nearly every major automaker—and several rising challengers—are offering compelling new models. We’ve been shopping for an EV this year, and the options have felt overwhelming. From the ultra-efficient to luxurious and SUV choices, the field has been crowded to settle on a sound decision.

Persimmons: Native Flavor, Southern Charm

08/25/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Persimmon trees offer significant benefits to local ecosystems, attracting bees and other pollinators with their spring flowers and providing fall fruit that deer, birds, and small mammals enjoy. Their shade and vibrant fall color also make them an excellent addition to native plant gardens and food forests. When it comes to eating, persimmons—whether from wild American trees or cultivated Asian varieties—offer rich flavor and nutrients. The Fuyu type can be sliced and eaten raw like an apple or added to salads, while the Hachiya should be fully soft before being used in puddings, muffins, or smoothies. American persimmons are best when ripened on the tree or picked when jelly-soft, ideal for traditional Southern dishes like persimmon pudding or cookies. For storage, keep ripe persimmons in the fridge for up to a week, freeze the pulp for baking or smoothies, or dry slices into chewy, candy-like snacks.

5 Easy Crops Anyone Can Grow

08/18/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Faith

Living in Jacksonville, Florida offers more than just beautiful beaches and bustling city life—it also provides a great climate for growing your own food right in your backyard. Whether you’re in a small bungalow in Riverside, a suburban home in Mandarin, or even an apartment with container space on the Southside, Jacksonville’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it possible to grow a variety of crops with minimal fuss. Here are five easy crops that just about anyone can grow in their backyard garden (or even on a sunny patio) in Jacksonville.

Edible Flowers A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

08/11/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Cultivating edible flowers in Florida is a rewarding way to combine an abundant garden with culinary adventure. Thanks to the state’s warm, often humid climate and lengthy growing seasons, gardeners have the unique opportunity to grow a dazzling variety of blooms that aren’t just beautiful, but also safe to eat and delicious. Focusing on the process of growing these flowers highlights the joy and simplicity of turning your own backyard into a vibrant, edible landscape.