Juniper Springs State Park: Exploring the Majestic Beauty of Florida's Natural Springs

Juniper Springs is a beautiful natural area located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities to enjoy, including swimming, hiking, camping, and more. Here are some of the top things to do and see at Juniper Springs:

 

Swim: The highlight of Juniper Springs is the beautiful, clear-water swimming hole, which is fed by the Juniper Springs Run. The water is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a refreshing escape from the Florida heat.

Canoeing and Kayaking: The Juniper Springs Run is also a great spot for canoeing and kayaking. The run is a narrow, winding waterway that meanders through the forest and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, turtles, and alligators.

Hiking: Juniper Springs offers several hiking trails that wind through the forest, including the Juniper Springs Trail, which is a 7.3-mile loop that passes by the swimming hole and offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

Camping: Juniper Springs offers several camping options, including primitive tent camping and RV sites with full hookups. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the Ocala National Forest up close and personal.

Historic Millhouse: Visitors to Juniper Springs can also explore the historic millhouse, which was built in the 1930s and served as a hydroelectric power plant. The millhouse is now a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area.

Juniper Springs is a beautiful natural area that is perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the beauty of Florida's wilderness. With its clear-water swimming hole, winding waterways, hiking trails, and historic millhouse, Juniper Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Central Florida.

Address:

26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

 

Hours:

8AM -6pm daily

 

Admission:

$9 per person on weekdays

$12 per person on weekends

Happy Travels!

       Sherri

      

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Kelly Park Rock Springs in Florida

Kelly Park Rock Springs is a hidden gem located in the heart of Apopka, Florida. This beautiful park is known for its crystal-clear springs, which flow into a natural lazy river that winds its way through the lush forest.

 One of the main attractions of Kelly Park Rock Springs is tubing down the natural lazy river. Visitors can rent tubes at the park and float down the river, taking in the scenic views and enjoying the cool, refreshing water. The river is relatively shallow, making it safe and fun for all ages.

In addition to tubing, visitors can also swim and snorkel in the springs, which are home to a variety of fish and other aquatic wildlife. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors.

Kelly Park Rock Springs is open year-round, and the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a refreshing escape from the Florida heat. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the river or an adventure in nature, Kelly Park Rock Springs is a must-visit destination in Florida.

 

Address:

400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

 

Hours:

8am -8pm daily

 

Admission:

1 - 2 people is $3, 3 - 8 people is $5. Busses are $10 for the bus plus $1 per person.

Enjoy your trip!

       Sherri

Discovering the Greek Heritage of Tarpon Springs, Florida

Located on Florida gulf coast, Tarpon Spring is a known for it’s world famous sponges and amazing Greek food.

Tarpon Springs has a heavy Greek influence as evident by its restaurants, markets, and bakeries. It also has highest percentage of Greek Americans in the United States.

The downtown area is where we spent the morning.  It is located waterfront to the Sponge Docks and is the main hub of the town. It is the best place to find sponges, grab some Greek food, do some shopping, or catch a boat tour. We recommend Hellas Restaurant and Bakery for some great food and pastries!

We came across a man making roses out of palm fronds for donations. We were so impressed and had to have a couple!

The Sponge Docks is the perfect place to sit and rest for a while. If you are there at the right time, you can see the boats as they return from their sponge gathering.

Address:

Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

We spent the afternoon exploring the two beach areas.

.

Fred Howard Park Beach has a nice long wide beach with tons of parking. Beaches are also located along the causeway.  The area was very clean and quiet.

 There is a place to rent kayaks to the right as you are leaving the causeway towards the beach. 

Sunset Beach is another beach in Tarpon Spring. It is a popular place to watch the sunset. We arrived before sunset and people were already getting their chairs set up. It was also very clean.

If you have time or are staying for more than a day, St. Nicholas Boat Line has a sponge diving exhibition boat tour where you can learn about the history and harvest of sponges.

Adults $12, seniors (65+) $10, Students (ages 6 – 12) $5, 5 and under free 

Call for reservations:    (727) 942-6425

Address:

693 Dodecanese Blvd.

P.O. Box 382

Tarpon Springs, FL

Lodging

We stayed at the QUALITY INN & SUITES in New Port Richey. I am very picky about hotels and this one had the best reviews online. It was actually nice and clean, but they do have an outside bar that plays loud music until 10pm. I would recommend it if you were going to stay in the Tarpon Springs area for the night.

The hotel is 6 miles from the Sponge Docks.

Address:

5316 US-19, New Port Richey, FL 34652

Tarpon Springs is a great place to explore for both kids and adults. We have been there a couple of times and loved both trips!

Tarpon Springs is located 13 miles north of Clearwater and is about a two hour drive west from Orlando.

Happy Travels!

Pier 60 Sunset Celebration - Clearwater Beach, Florida

Every time I go to Florida, I find myself in Clearwater Beach to watch the sunset. There is just something about the feel of the place that makes me happy!

On my last visit, I decided to pay attention and try to figure out why this place keeps drawing me back. What I noticed was:

An extremely wide beach with sugary white sand! It feels amazing to walk on! So soft!

The water is a beautiful turquoise blue.

The people are all so friendly. I love to meet new people and this place always has the best!

There are places to eat, shop, and stay all up and down the beach walk. So everything is within walking distance. Even though there are lots of buildings and people, it never seems crowded for some reason.

The gulf side and the bay side of the island are only about two blocks apart and both are beautiful!  And guess what I discovered on the bay side….. A beautiful sunrise! 😊

Pier 60 holds a nightly sunset celebration.

It is similar to the one in Key West with artisans, crafters,

and street performers.

Good times!

And of course the sunsets are amazing!!!!

So go enjoy Clearwater  Beach and let me know what you think.

I know you will love it! 😊



Happy Travels!