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Get outta town....and have some fun! Most of these destinations are only a few hours away from the First Coast and make for a full day of fun! Cumberland Island Visit Cumberland Island National Seashore for a natural experience: sun and sand, beautiful vistas and relaxing atmosphere. Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia, offering guests over 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches. Wild horses and other island wildlife roam freely throughout the ruins and along the beach. Glimpses of the Carnegie lifestyle can be easily imagined throughout the ruins of Dungeness, abandoned luxury vehicles, Plum Orchard, and Greyfield Inn (which offers overnight accommodation with reservation). The island is located just off the coast of St. Marys and has 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its sea turtles, wild turkeys, wild horses, armadillos, abundant shore birds, dune fields, maritime forests, salt marshes, and historic structures. There are little supplies available on the island, so be prepared by bringing everything you will need for the day, including food, water, and bug repellent. This is a great destination for hiking and nature-watching. Cumberland Island is accessible by a concession operated passenger ferry that departs from St . Marys St. in St. Marys, GA. Directions: From I-95, take Exit 3 and follow directions to Historic St. Marys. Phone (888) 817-3421 (912) 882-4335 (912) 673-4452 (fax) Okeefeenokee Swamp National Refuge Located near the Florida-Georgia border, the Okeefeenokee Swamp National Refuge is a wonderful opportunity to experience the "Land of the Trembling Earth" and see alligators, birds, snakes, and other wildlife as well. A fun day that is well worth the trip! U.S. 1 South • Waycross, Georgia 31501 912-283-0583 Click here for General Info and Directions Location: Okefenokee Swamp Park is located 8 miles south of Waycross, Georgia off U.S. 1 South on Highway 177. Look for our Bill Boards in Waycross, GA. From I-95: (Exit 29) In Brunswick, GA take Highway 82 West Exit 6 (Mile Marker 29) Go approx. 45 miles and take Hwy 177 From Jacksonville, FL: Take U.S. 1 North in Jacksonville, FL and Travel approx. 67 miles to the entrance and take a left onto Hwy 177. Silver Springs Silver Springs is a 350-acre nature theme park that surrounds the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River, the largest artesian spring formation in the world. Located just east of Ocala, Florida. Here you can view the underground springs from the famous glass-bottom boats, where you’ll see fish, shellfish, turtles and alligators in crystal clear water that’s up to 80 feet deep. Stroll the beautiful grounds and experience the natural habitats of Florida’s largest alligators, endangered bears and panthers, Kritter Korral petting zoo, plus an entertaining variety of wildlife shows from Birds of Prey to snakes and reptiles. There are rides and exhibits for all ages in a natural setting of stunning beauty. Click here for Directions, Map, and Hours Adjacent to Silver Springs is the Wild Waters Park. In the Tallahassee area... Town of Havana Havana is a quaint little town just north of Tallahassee that is known as North Florida's Arts and Antiques Capital. Browse through more than 30 shops offering antiques, art, antique furniture, books, jewelry, collectibles, and gifts and then treat yourself to lunch at one of the local cafes. Directions: Take I-10 west to Tallahassee and then take U.S. Highway 27 north for about 18 miles. Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Tallahassee, FL The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool, a walled garden, and hundreds of azaleas and camellias. Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Only boats without motors or with electric motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lake shore provide the perfect setting for a picnic. For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can enjoy five miles of multi-use trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. High blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. During these months, the Maclay house is open daily, 9: 00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 3540 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, Florida 32309 Phone: 850-487-4556 Hours of Operation: Open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Driving Directions: Maclay State Gardens is located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319. Go West... Cedar Key Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Long admired for its natural beauty and abundant supply of seafood, it is a tranquil village, rich with the almost forgotten history of old Florida. The waterfront area is host to a variety of seafood restaurants, quaint shops, and a pier. You can stroll this small village and meander in and out of shops full of treasures just awaiting your discovery. Directions: Cedar Key is a city on a group of islands located 50 miles west of I-75 at Gainesville, Florida, via State Road 24, four miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, accessible by bridges and causeways. Farther south... Town of Micanopy Spend a relaxing day strolling through the shops of Micanopy (pronounced Mick-can-oh'-pee) brimming with antiques, collectables, folk art, and decorative fare. You will truly experience the atmosphere of "Old Florida." Micanopy is located 1 mile off I-75, 25 minutes away from the University of Florida in Gainesville and just a few hours drive from Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine. Click here for Directions and Map Pioneer Florida Museum Experience Pioneer Life in Florida through restored buildings and a collection of tools used by the early pioneers. The museum holds several festival events during the year. One mile north of Dade City off Highway 301 North, east on Pioneer Museum Road 352-567-0262 Click here for Directions and Map |
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Daytrippin' |