Kissimmee woman at Cypress Cove  honored for 30 years of promoting nudist lifestyle

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  •  Carolyn Hawkins
    Carolyn Hawkins
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Submitted by Cypress Cove

Unbeknownst to many, the nudist movement in North America has been quietly and steadily growing since its introduction to our shores in the early 1900s.
In recent years, there has even been a considerable uptick of interest and participation by newcomers to au natural recreation, thanks to the work of nudist proponents like Carolyn Hawkins, who recently received the nudist movement’s Hall of Fame Award recognizing her 30 years of promoting clothing-free living. Hawkins lives and works at Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Kissimmee.

It might be surprising to learn that such an award exists. After all, nudism is kind of a fringe lifestyle, right? Seriously. How many people even do this? 

Actually, quite a few, and you might even know someone. Nudism encompasses more than just a desire to throw off the shackles of clothing and with it our inhibitions. It is really a philosophy of living that prefers the freedom of a natural existence, no matter what you happen to be doing. 

“People do very normal things in the nude,” Hawkins said. “They skinny dip in their pools and hot tubs, clean the house, sleep nude, garden, and sun in the privacy of their own backyards. Then you have nude travel and vacations, going to nudist resorts, nude camping, hiking, and even nude cruises.”

Hawkins has more than 30 years of experience explaining just why people would want to take off their clothes in mixed company. And she is quick to point out that it is not about being sexual.

“Quite to the contrary, it’s simply about being comfortable in your own skin and enjoying the freedom of basking in the sun and being stress-free,” she said.

 According to Hawkins and other nudist advocates, social nudism is not about sex. Rather, it is about being able to be your real self in a safe, pressure-free, family-friendly environment.

So why has Hawkins worked in nude recreation for over 30 years? 

“Because it’s something that I fully believe in,” she said with conviction. “I found my niche in sharing my nude recreation experiences with others. Quite frankly, I enjoy the freedom and fun of it.”

It was those 30 years of fun that have kept her going, and her skills as a public relations professional still put her in the public spotlight quite a bit. 

“I’ve been interviewed in so many publications over the years,” Hawkins recalls. “Also, on TV, radio, and I attend important government conferences like the National Conference of State Legislatures and, in Florida, the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Florida Tourism Day where I visit with state lawmakers. Recently, I was in a New York Times article and interviewed on National Public Radio. My job keeps me pretty busy.”

Hawkins’ ability to put others at ease about a topic that makes most of us quite nervous is one of he strong suits. Her calm and disarming nature have made her a perfect source when other nudists have needed someone as an ambassador. Her willingness to spread the ideals of a clothing-free way of life for so many years earned her recognition as one of the nudist movement’s greatest champions in modern times.

“The Hall of Fame Award is given to people in the nudist community who go above and beyond with advocacy and support of nudism,” Hawkins said. “The American Association for Nude Recreation - Florida Region presented me with this award at their July convention, which had to be held virtually this year. I was totally surprised and very honored when I heard my name mentioned.” 

Hawkins herself is a testimony to how women find freedom through participating in nude recreation and vacationing. At Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, she sees single women, couples and entire families partaking in the freedom of clothes-free living.

“You can find people from all walks of life at a nudist resort,” she said. “From bankers to bus drivers, housewives, judges, attorneys, celebrities, pretty much everybody. Nude recreation can be for anyone, all you have to do is take off your clothes.”

Hawkins makes it sound easy and she has a point. When you are in the company of people who are all about genuine openness, the attraction to social nudity is easy to understand. 

In nudism, awards are not given for best-dressed or best-body; they are given to people who promote the freedom of a healthy body image. Carolyn Hawkins is an example of a woman who appreciates an honest and natural way of life. Nowadays, that is worthy of a nice award. 

For more information about Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, visit cypresscoveresort.com or call 407-933-5870. 

  Since 1964, Cypress Cove Nudist Resort has been the premier family-friendly, clothes-free vacation destination in Florida for visitors from around the world. Conveniently located in Central Florida near all the Orlando attractions, the 300-acre family-owned resort boasts 84 luxurious villa hotel rooms and apartments, a modern RV park, campsites, a 50-acre lake for water sports, 2 sparkling pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a residential community. With weekly entertainment, themed weekends, and annual special events there is always something fun happening at Cypress Cove. Enjoy Florida naturally! Visit CypressCoveResort.com or connect with us on Facebook @cypresscove and on Twitter @covenudist.