What we’re about
Ladies, we live in paradise! Let's get into VAY-CAY mode, get outside, and enjoy nature - together!
WHAT WE'RE ABOUT
Women 50+ getting outside, enjoying paradise, and making real connections!
WHAT WE DO
Activity-focused gatherings (not food/drink centered):
🏖️ Beach days & sunsets
☕ Coffee & conversation
🚶♀️ Nature walks
🎨 Crafting & painting
🚢 Boat cruises & local adventures
🌊 Pool days & kayaking
OUR VIBE
✨ No drama, no gossip, no cliques
✨ No forced sharing - you can be quiet!
✨ Kind, direct communication
✨ Everyone's welcome exactly as they are
HOW IT WORKS
📅 RSVP honestly - update RSVP if plans change (3 no-shows = removal)
🏠 Home/pool events require 2 public events first (safety!)
💬 All communication stays on Meetup
⏰ Inactive 90 days = removed (tell me if you're a snowbird!)
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Must be female, use real name, and profile photo must be a headshot (face visible)
Life's too short for a boring social life! Let's get outside and enjoy paradise together! 🌴☀️
Upcoming events
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🎄 LIGHTS IN BLOOM - Magical Holiday Evening at Selby Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL, US2 million twinkling lights, tropical gardens & holiday magic - let's go together!
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### WHEN & WHERE
Friday, December 12, 2025
Meet at: 5:15 PM in the outer lobby with the hanging orchid garden
Location: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota
Event runs until: 9:00 PM (stay as long as you like!)
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### WHAT IS LIGHTS IN BLOOM?
One of the most spectacular holiday light displays in Florida! More than 2 million lights illuminate the tropical gardens and walkways. Ranked #6 in USA Today's Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country!
Think: Twinkling palm trees, glowing orchids, festive photo ops, and pure holiday magic. 🌴✨🎄
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### TICKETS & COST
Early Entry (5:30 PM) - WE'RE DOING THIS!
- Non-Member Adults: $44
- Member Adults: $39
- (You purchase your own ticket in advance)
🎟️ BUY TICKETS HERE: https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/lights-in-bloom/
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Buy tickets IN ADVANCE - walk-up admission not guaranteed! Tickets are selling out fast for peak dates.
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### THE PLAN
5:15 PM - Meet in outer lobby by the hanging orchid garden
We'll find each other, everybody gets a complimentary Christmas light necklace so we can find each other in the dark lol, then explore together (or split up and wander - whatever feels good!)
What we'll do:
- Stroll through 2+ million lights
- Take photos at festive spots
- Maybe grab food/drinks (available for purchase)
- Soak up the holiday magic
- Stay as long as we want (closes at 9 PM)
Perfect for: ✨ Anyone who loves holiday lights
✨ Photography enthusiasts
✨ People who want magic without the stress
✨ Those seeking joyful holiday vibes
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### WHAT TO BRING/KNOW
📱 Your phone for photos (free photo ops throughout!)
🎫 Your ticket (digital or printed)
💳 Cash/card if you want food/drinks
👟 Comfy walking shoes
🧥 Light jacket (December evenings can be cool)
Parking: Limited on-site parking. FREE trolley service available from nearby lots (runs 5-9:15 PM). Check website for trolley locations.
Food: Multiple vendors on-site - donuts, coffee, popcorn, full dinner available!
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### MEETING UP
Look for our group at 5:15 PM sharp in the outer lobby near the hanging orchid garden.
Can't find us? Text/message organizer or check event comments for day-of updates.
First-timer nervous? Don't be! Just say "Paradise Pals?" and we'll welcome you right in. We’ll all be wearing Christmas light necklaces - you’ll get one too if you rsvp - We might even coordinate matching Santa hats or something fun. 🎅
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### WEATHER
This is a rain or shine event! Gardens only cancel for hazardous weather (you'd be notified by email by 3 PM).
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### CARPOOLING?
Sarasota is about 45 minutes from Port Charlotte. Anyone interested in carpooling, coordinate in the comments below!
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This is going to be MAGICAL, Paradise Pals! Who's ready for some serious holiday sparkle? 🎄✨🌴
RSVP "Yes" and get your tickets ASAP - they sell out!3 attendees
Past events
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