Vacation 2014: Florida State Parks

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Florida State Parks, Steven Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, FL

Barbara and I ended our trip this year with a stop at one of Florida's most interesting State Parks, Seven Foster Folk Culture Center. Located in White Springs, FL just north of I-10 just 4 miles east of I-75 Steven Foster has a special charm of it's own. The historic Suwannee River flows through the park creating a peaceful landscape surrounded by tall Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Stephen Foster has a gazebo located on the banks of the Suwannee with marble steps leading down to the river. A tall clarion tower rings out each hour anchoring the park with it's tall stately presence. Nearby is the cultural center where arts and crafts are displayed at certain times. There is beautiful museum on property that is opened daily depicting the history of the area through Steven Fosters influence via his songs and biography adding to the parks lore. There are campgrounds surrounded by plentiful shade, clean restrooms and full hookups to provide for a comfortable stay. The park has canoe rentals as well to make a first visit adventurous with a paddle on the majestic Suwannee River. The park is home to the Florida Folk Festival, the largest folk festival in the country during late May of every year.

Florida Folk Festival 2015

Steven Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is a special part of Florida's history past and present with all the charm that is fitting for such a special place on the banks of the Suwannee River.

The Suwannee River

The Gazebo on the banks of the Suwannee River

The Clarion bell tower at Stephen Foster

The Stephen Foster Museum

Cousin Thelma Boltins Gift Shop & Craft Square

Steven Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

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Sunday, June 29, 2014

Floirda State Parks, Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach, FL

Barbara and I had a great time at Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island. Fort Clinch is a popular park with sites that must be booked months in advance to secure a spot. The Fort is fun to roam around in and is host to a reenactment event the first weekend of every month with soldiers who really stay in character all the time. We missed the enactment this year however a couple of years ago we were there for the event and even went to a candle lite evening presentation that was really fun. Fort Clinch has many hiking trails, mountain bike trails and fun beaches to roam on making it very popular to visitors. We enjoyed walking out the long pier that is adjacent to the Amelia River inlet extending into the ocean for over a half a mile. There are many historical places to visit in nearby Fernandina Beach with a harbor that is filled with visiting boaters who come in the Amelia River inlet to get supplies and fuel. We enjoyed eating lunch at Trays a local burger joint that serves yummy hamburgers for a great price. We also had lunch at Sliders that had beach side Tiki bar. We parked right on beach close by and set up for a early afternoon visit at the Amelia islands public beach enjoying a lovely summer afternoon with cool breezes coming off the ocean. Fort Clinch State Park is great place to plan a trip as it has so many great activities to keep you busy during your stay. We will certainly plan another trip there in the future.