INTRODUCTION

Marco Island isn’t new to me. We’ve been here before, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would feel the same this time around. But the moment we crossed the bridge and I saw that familiar stretch of white sand and clear blue water, I knew it would be just as special as the first time.

There’s something comforting about coming back to a place you already know. You don’t have to figure out where to go or what to do—you already know the rhythm of the place. Marco Island feels like slipping into a favorite sweatshirt—familiar, easy, and exactly what I needed.

It’s funny how returning somewhere you’ve already been can teach you something new. The first time we visited, it was all about discovery—trying new foods, finding the best beach spots, and figuring out how to avoid the mosquitoes. This time, it was different. Even though we were still balancing school and travel, Marco Island gave me space to breathe. It reminded me that you don’t have to put life on hold to enjoy the moment.

Sometimes, the best kind of adventure isn’t going somewhere new—it’s revisiting a place that already feels like home and realizing that you can keep learning and growing even while slowing down to take it all in.

Beach Days at Marco Island – Relaxing and Unwinding

Marco Island beaches just hit differently.

The white sand is so fine it feels like powdered sugar under your feet, and the water is that perfect shade of turquoise that looks straight out of a travel magazine. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, listening to the waves roll in, and never get tired of the view.

We set up camp on the beach—umbrellas, snacks, and all—and somehow it never felt boring. And honestly? I got lucky that day. Since homeschooling gives me so much flexibility, I was able to skip school for the day. (Shoutout to my teacher—you’re the best!)

Kids were building sandcastles nearby, and families were laughing as they splashed in the shallow water. The sound of the ocean mixed with the chatter of beachgoers created this steady, peaceful rhythm. It reminded me that learning doesn’t always have to happen at a desk. Sometimes it happens while your toes are in the sand, and the ocean breeze is tangling your hair.

Marco Island made it easy to see that you don’t have to choose between work and rest—you can have both. And honestly, doing school with that ocean view wouldn’t have been bad either.

Buggy but Worth It – Why the Trip Was Still Amazing

So… Marco Island isn’t perfect.

The second we stepped out onto the sand that evening, the bugs attacked. We’re talking mosquitoes, noseeums—everything. At one point, I’m pretty sure I saw my dad doing some kind of swatting dance to keep them away. Honestly, it would have been funny if we weren’t so busy trying not to get eaten alive.

But, it didn’t ruin the trip. We found some bug spray (thankfully!) and powered through it. And you know what? It was still worth it. The beach was so peaceful that it was easy to forget the bug situation once we settled in. The sound of the ocean and the feel of the cool sand under my feet made it hard to care about a few mosquito bites.

Not every adventure is perfect, and that’s okay. Sometimes you have to deal with a few annoyances to get to the good stuff. And Marco Island delivered on the good stuff in every other way.

So yeah, the bugs were rough—but looking back, it’s not the bugs I remember most. It’s the ocean breeze, the salty air, and that feeling of just being in the moment. Totally worth it.

Catching the Best Sunsets – A Lesson in Stillness

Marco Island sunsets are next-level.

We got lucky with clear skies that evening, and the sunset didn’t disappoint. The sky turned this mix of deep oranges, soft pinks, and streaks of purple that stretched out over the water. It’s hard to describe how peaceful it felt—like the whole island was just holding its breath, waiting for the sun to disappear below the horizon.

We found a spot on the sand and just sat there, watching the colors shift and fade. The ocean was so calm, the waves barely making a sound as they rolled in. People gathered nearby, but no one was loud. Everyone just seemed to know that this was one of those moments where you don’t need to say anything.

It made me think about how rare it is to be that still. Life usually feels so fast—especially when you’re balancing school, travel, and everything else. But in that moment, nothing felt rushed. The sun wasn’t in a hurry to set. The ocean wasn’t in a hurry to move. And for once, I wasn’t in a hurry either.

I think that’s why sunsets are so captivating. They remind you that it’s okay to slow down—to just be still and watch the sky change. If I could bottle up that feeling and take it with me everywhere, I would.

Spiritual Reflection – Trusting God’s Timing

As I sat there, watching the last streaks of pink and gold fade from the sky, I kept thinking about this verse:

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

It’s easy to feel like I always need to be doing something—studying, planning the next stop, figuring out what comes next. But that sunset reminded me that sometimes the best thing you can do is just stop.

The sun wasn’t rushing to set, and the ocean wasn’t forcing the waves to roll in. Everything moved at its own pace, steady and calm. It made me realize that maybe I don’t have to have it all figured out. Maybe it’s enough to trust that God’s timing is always right, even when life feels uncertain.

That’s the thing about sunsets—they don’t fight for attention. They don’t try to impress. They just happen, quietly and beautifully. And that’s how God works too. Sometimes He speaks through the quiet moments, when you finally stop long enough to hear Him.

Marco Island reminded me that God’s presence isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s in the steady rhythm of the waves or the quiet glow of a sunset. Trusting Him means being okay with the stillness—knowing that even when I’m not moving, He’s still working.

Grouper and Chips – A Must-Visit Stop

After a long beach day, nothing hits better than good food. And let me tell you—Grouper and Chips is the spot.

We’d been here before, so I already knew it would be good. But somehow, it tasted even better this time. The grouper was perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. But the real star? The crabcakes. I’m not even kidding—these are the best crabcakes I’ve ever had. Crispy on the outside, packed with flavor, and honestly so good I could have ordered another round.

The restaurant itself is tiny—and it’s always packed. We were lucky to grab a table, but honestly, the wait would have been worth it. Despite the rush, the employees were incredibly kind. They made us feel welcome, checking in with us and making sure we had everything we needed. It felt less like a tourist spot and more like a local favorite.

There’s something about finding a favorite spot on a trip that makes you feel connected to a place. Grouper and Chips wasn’t just a meal—it was part of the Marco Island experience. And if you ever find yourself in Naples, trust me—order the crabcakes.

Are You Ready to Take a Break?

Marco Island reminded me that adventure isn’t always about discovering something new—sometimes it’s about returning to a place you love and experiencing it differently. This trip wasn’t about chasing excitement. It was about realizing that you can keep learning, growing, and finding joy even while slowing down.

That’s why I love how Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) makes that balance possible. Just like homeschooling gives me the freedom to explore while staying on track with school, NCC allows students to keep learning without putting life on hold. Whether you’re traveling, working, or figuring out your next step, NCC makes it easy to stay on track. 📚 Click here to request more information about NCC and start your own learning journey today!

As I think back on this trip, I remember sitting on the beach, the sound of the waves mixing with the laughter of kids playing nearby. I remember the feeling of the cool sand under my feet, the salty breeze in my hair, and the sight of that sunset melting into shades of pink and orange. I remember the bugs (unfortunately), the crisp taste of grouper, and the warmth of the crabcakes fresh from the fryer. But mostly, I remember how it felt to slow down and notice the little things—the moments that might have slipped by if I had been too focused on the next big adventure.