Discover the Hidden Gem of North Central Florida: Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is what I would call the "New kid on the block" in the world of Florida tourist attractions. It has only been opened to the public recently (2014), so not very many people know about it.

It is a botanical garden located in a 100-year-old abandoned lime rock quarry. Dr. Raymond Webber’s love of plants and desire to create a unique garden has led to one of the most interesting gardens in Florida.          

Enjoy an over view from the rim and then descend down steps into the garden for a closer look at unique waterfalls, ponds, plants, and islands. The islands are connected by a maze of wood and concrete bridges.

Need to know:

This jewel is hidden at the end of a rough dirt road, so keep going!

Be sure to wear mosquito spray in the summer months!

If you are into snorkeling or diving, be sure and visit Devil's Den about 1/2 mile down the road.  

Hours:

Open: Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Sunday

Closed: Wednesday 

 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission:

Adult: $12

Children (6-13 ): $7

Free for children under 6 

Address:

4990 NE 180th Ave

 Williston, FL, 32696

Happy Travels! 

Capturing the Beauty of Lake Catherine State Park's Waterfall: A Christmas Day Photoshoot

We spent last Christmas on Lake Catherine and had a blast. It was a beautiful warm day, so we hiked to the popular waterfall and took our photos there. I thought I would share them with you for inspiration on finding a unique place for a Christmas photoshoot.

A waterfall is so such an unexpected place and everyone has loved all the photos!

I love catching those little moments that will mean so much to the cousins in the future.

Some of my favorites are the unplanned ones like this. I think we made a lot of hikers happy with all the hats. Everyone we passed was smiling!

Our youngest family was worn out from all the hiking. I'm pretty sure several of the adults were tired from carrying him too! I noticed he was passed around a lot during the trip.

Lake Catherine State Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Address:

1200 Catherine Park Rd

 Hot Springs, AR 71913

Happy Holidays! 

Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Washington State Park in Arkansas

If you are looking for a unique experience this Christmas, visit Historic Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas.

Step back in time with the 30th annual Christmas and Candlelight on December 10^th, 2016.

Beginning at dusk, hundreds of luminaries are lit to line the walkways between the buildings.

Enjoy musical performances through the park and tours of historic homes decorated with time period Christmas decor. 

Williams' Tavern Restaurant will be serving a Christmas buffet, including turkey and dressing.

Top your visit off with a horse-drawn surrey ride through the streets of this charming village.

 Historic Washington State Park is located on U.S. Highway 278 nine miles north of Hope, Arkansas.

 Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12, free for kids under 6.


Happy Travels! 

The Dallas Arboretum (Pumpkin Houses) - Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre botanical garden located on the shores of White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas.

The Nationally Acclaimed Pumpkin Village is the biggest autumn attraction at the Arboretum. It is one-acre filled with 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, squash, bales of hay and cornstalks skillfully arranged into houses, walkways, and other fun structures.

The village has been featured in magazines such as SouthernLiving and House Beautiful.

The Village was very cute and the Gardens are beautiful, but there were two things that I didn’t like.

We went at 9am on a Sunday morning thinking that it would be the least crowded time. This was defiantly not the case. There were so many people that it was hard to even walk without getting bumped in to!  I asked the lady at the information desk if there would be a better time to come back that it would not be so crowded. She informed me that it was like that all the time and that there was not a good time. She said that they even have to close the parking lot at times. So, keep that in mind!

The other thing that I didn’t like was that in addition to paying $15 a person to get in, you have to pay $15 to park. That probably would not have bothered me so much if we would not have had such a long walk from the parking lot to the entry and if it would not have been so crowded.

The majority of the crowding was around the pumpkin village, so the other areas of the garden were more relaxing.

Location:

8617 Garland Road

 Dallas, Texas 75218

Admission Fees:

Adult general garden admission (13-64): $15

Seniors general garden admission (65 & over): $12

Children general garden admission (3-12): $10

Children general garden admission (2 & under): Free

On-site self parking or parking garage: $15

The gardens are beautiful and the Pumpkin Village was fun. Hopefully your visit will be less crowded and relaxing!   

Happy Travels! 

The Old Mill (North Little Rock) Arkansas

Nestled in the middle a neighborhood in North Little Rock is T.R. Pugh Memorial Park.

It is a small beautifully landscaped area and home to Pugh's Old Mill.

The Mill was built in 1933 and is an authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill.

It is best known for its appearance in the opening scene of the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.

The concrete bridges were built Senor Dionico Rodriguez to look like stumps and entangled wood branches.

The park is open every day from sunrise until sunset.

It is free to get into the park.

The address is:

3800 Lakeshore Dr.
Lakshore Dr. and Fairway Ave.
North Little Rock, AR 72116

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park

Located in Wickes, Arkansas, Cossatot River State Park is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park is known for its beautiful scenery, including rugged terrain, clear water, and stunning waterfalls. One of the most impressive features of the park is Cossatot Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Cossatot Falls is located on the Cossatot River, which flows through the park. The falls consist of a series of drops and pools, which create a breathtaking sight that is sure to impress visitors. The water is crystal clear and the rocks and boulders that surround the falls are beautifully textured, making for a truly stunning natural environment.

To explore Cossatot Falls, visitors can take a hike along the River Corridor Trail. This trail runs along the river, providing hikers with stunning views of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscape. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult, so it is important to be prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.

Another way to experience the beauty of Cossatot Falls is to take a float trip down the river. This is a popular activity in the park, and there are several outfitters that offer rentals and guided tours. Floating down the river provides a unique perspective of the falls and allows visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

For those who want to stay overnight in the park, there are several options for camping. The park has several campgrounds, including tent sites, RV sites, and even a group campsite for larger groups. There are also several cabins available for rent, providing a comfortable and convenient option for those who want to stay in the park but prefer more amenities than traditional camping.

Cossatot Falls in Cossatot River State Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its stunning natural beauty, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for water sports, this park has something to offer for everyone. 

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri