Categories
Costa Maya Cruise Travel Mexico

Relaxing in Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya

Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula is a quaint cruise port known as Costa Maya. Costa Maya, or Puerto Costa Maya as it is known locally, is one of the most diverse ports in the Caribbean. The land was developed by Carnival and opened in 2001. It was later rebuilt in 2007 after it was devastated by Hurricane Dean.

Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.

Costa Maya is one of the Carnival ports where you can get away without booking an excursion. Other ports like this include Mahogany Bay, Nassau, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and Half Moon Cay.

Wait…what do you mean I don’t need to book an excursion here?

Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.

When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.

What are the highlights of Costa Maya?

  • Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
  • Souvenir shops
  • Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, Carlos and Charlies, etc).
  • Tequila Bar
  • Aviary
  • Fish Spa
  • Kakaw Chocolate
  • Dolphin Encounter
  • SCUBA diving

What is there to do nearby?

At the rear of the complex, you can catch a cab into “town” where you will find more restaurants, shops, bars, and beaches. There really isn’t anything within walking distance.

When you’re on the ship, looking at the coast, you’ll see a building built to resemble a Maya temple. This is the Lost Mayan Temple Adventure Park where you can spend the day zip lining, zooming down water slides, or relaxing in the pool.

Consider…

  • Visiting the Lost Mayan Temple Adventure Park
  • Explore the Maya Ruins of Chacchoben
  • Venture of to the Mahahual Fishing Village
  • Tour the Spanish fortress at Bacalar

How do I access the beach?

Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.

My Thoughts on Costa Maya

Costa Maya is a great port to kick back and relax. I enjoy browsing through the stores and sampling the local beers. Each time I’m in Mexico, I pick up a bottle of vanilla for baking season. Mexico is also a great place for linens, pottery, ceramics, and silver.

It is important that if you decide to venture away from the port that you pay attention at the taxi stand when they go over the map. I’ve never had any problems in Costa Maya, but like any tourist destination, there is some crime.

Sometimes, it’s great to have absolutely nothing to do. That’s what I love so much about visiting Little French Key– there’s no timeline and no agenda. Costa Maya is the same way, really. You can just mosey around, popping in and out of stores, visit bars, maybe grab a bite to eat. It’s just so relaxing!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Huguenot Park- The Locals Favorite Summer Hangout

When people think of Floridians they think of a bunch of rednecks that hang out at the beach all day, am I right? Believe it or not, until we adopted the kids we actually didn’t spend a ton of time at the beach. At one point we lived 5 blocks from the ocean and rarely ever hit the sand. Now that we have kids, however, we’re at the beach every weekend. It’s the perfect way to wear them out. Huguenot Park is the beach that we visit most frequently. The fact that you can drive on the beach makes it super convenient when you have little ones.

What is the Huguenot Park?

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

The park was named after the French Huguenots that arrived in this area in 1562. The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

On his second voyage to the Americas in 1565, Ribault and his men were shipwreck near St. Augustine. The crew encountered the Spanish Governor, Pedro Menendez, at the Matanzas Inlet. The Governor feared that the French were encroaching on his territory and killed Ribault and his men.

There is a memorial plaque honoring these men at the entrance to Huguenot Park. The park is formally named Huguenot Memorial Park in their remembrance.

Things to Know…

  • Bicycle entry is $3, vehicle entry is $5 per car for up to 6 people, $1 for each additional person.
  • The beach is open from 6 AM until 7 PM (6 PM after we fall back)
  • The entrance gate closes 1 hour prior to closing time.
  • The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water; St. Johns River, Fort George Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The sand is extremely soft when accessing the Atlantic Ocean side of the beach. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended.
  • Family Beach is accessible by 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
  • Pay close attention to the tide signs at the front of the park. The high tides can get super high- you DO NOT want to get your car stuck in the high tide.

Where is Huguenot Park located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive near Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island.

The physical address is: 10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Huguenot Park Highlights

  • Paddle boarding and kayaking at Family Beach
  • Fishing (everywhere)
  • The “hidden beach” on the opposite side of the jetties
  • Camping
  • Birding
  • Surfing and body surfing on the Atlantic side
  • Being able to drive directly on the beach
  • Scoping out the naval ships across the river at Mayport Naval Base

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs right back Huguenot Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border all the way down to the Florida Keys!

Our Experience

Considering we spend nearly every summer weekend at Huguenot Park, I think it’s safe to say we love this place. We bought an annual pass for $100 and it has been well worth the money! There are some weeks where we visit twice.

The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. When we visit we tend to gravitate to two different areas: the jetties (the Atlantic Ocean side) or Family Beach (the Fort George Inlet side).

The ocean side is great for fishing, searching for crabs, surfing, and boogie boarding. Growing up, we LOVED climbing the jetties. There’s a “hidden beach” on the opposite side (the St. Johns River) which is an excellent place to go to get away from people. Since the jetties are an easy landmark, it’s a popular place to meet up with others. Since accessing this part of the beach requires navigating through soft sand, 4WD is strongly recommended.

Our favorite place to go, however, is Family Beach. The water is super calm and there is a sandbar that you can walk to/paddleboard out to depending on the tides. This is a popular place for paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also closer to the campsites so many of the campers fish in this area.

Our Huguenot Beach Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

What is there to do nearby?

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Updated 12/20/2021

Categories
Aruba Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

What to do With One Day in Aruba

Waves Crashing

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a new destination on the blog. I’ve blogged a lot about my time in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico but I haven’t really touched on many other countries I have visited. Over the last ten years, I have visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. One of my favorite countries has been the small 70 square mile island of Aruba.

Aruba in a Nutshell

Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean. This island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands), it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then it has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.

What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.

If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island.

What did we do in Aruba?

We booked a tour with ABC Tours Excursions and had the absolute best time ever! From start to finish, it was absolutely incredible! The tour includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and adventure! You are carted around the island in a customized 4×4 Land Rover that will take you off-roading through the desert and skirt along the gorgeous, rocky coastlines. It is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done- and I’ve done some awesome things!

Our tour visited an Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formation, Arikok National Park, the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Ruins, the Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Light House.

Ayo Rock Formations

Our first stop was the Ayo Rock Formations, once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians. The natives used to visit the rock formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms. The caves are filled with paintings, or petroglyphs, which you are able to glance at. A walking trail and steps have been set around the rock formation so you are able to explore this natural wonder.

California Lighthouse

One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the California Lighthouse. It is open to the public to climb up to the top for panoramic views of the northern point. The lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

One of the coolest things we did while in Aruba was to visit an ostrich farm. Yes, an ostrich farm. In Aruba. If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop in. The ostriches are super excited to greet you and love the attention! You can even feed the ostriches, which was a neat experience.

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.

Natural Bridge

One of the most visited attractions in Aruba is the Natural Bridge. Although it collapsed in 2005, visitors still flock to the area for the incredible views. The arch, which spanned 25 feet, was the remnants of an ancient cave. The pools around it are absolutely stunning and offer stunning views of the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island.

Buhirbana Gold Mill Ruins

One of my favorite stops was the Buhiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This stunning structure is what is left of a Gold Mill built by the British in 1872 during the Gold Rush. Although you probably won’t find any gold here today, you will find absolutely incredible views and one of the most picturesque locations on the island.

Aruba is absolutely stunning and “small-town friendly”. I was so in awe of my surroundings throughout my entire visit. I cannot wait to go back to this incredible little island.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

While You’re in Aruba…

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to pin this information for your trip! Give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more great cruising and travel information. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Getting in Touch with Nature at Tree Hill Nature Center

Tucked away in the middle of the Arlington suburb of Jacksonville, Florida is a quaint 50-acre nature center that is working to preserve environmentally sensitive flora and fauna. The Tree Hill Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, a nature center, a learning laboratory, gardens, nature trails, and animal enclosures. It is the perfect place to take the kids for a few hours outdoors.

What is the history behind Tree Hill Nature Center?

Since 1971 Tree Hill Nature Center has worked to educate the public about the importance of taking care of our environment. The center encompasses 50 acres of hilltop forest, wetland areas, swamp, and a fresh water stream.

Tree Hill Nature center has partnered with Duval County Schools to educate the youth about the local flora and fauna.

What are the highlights of Tree Hill Nature Center?

  • Interactive Exhibits
  • Learning Laboratory
  • Indoor Nature Center
  • Hiking Trails
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Goat and Chicken Coops (Goat food is available or $1/cup)

The park consists of 7 easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods.

Sabal Palm Trail: 488 ft and wheelchair accessible
Red Bay Branch Trail: 1670 ft
Longleaf Pine: 2620 ft intermediate trail
Howland Creek Trail: 2160 ft intermediate trail
Boardwalk Trail: 721 ft boardwalk
Happy Trail: 1263 ft easy/intermediate trail
Stable Loop: 1690 ft paved trail

Where is the nature center located?

Located just a few miles from Downtown Jacksonville in the Arlington suburb.

Physical address: 7152 Lone Star Road Jacksonville, FL 32211

Our Thoughts on Tree Hill Nature Center

We arrived at Tree Hill Nature Center just after 9 AM so we could beat the early-September Florida heat and hopefully avoid the mosquitos. First, we checked in at the indoor Nature Center and began exploring the interactive exhibits. The exhibits consisted of both live animals and stuffed animals that are local to our area. At the top of the ramp, there is a Learning Laboratory where you can view tanks full of snakes and turtles. The kids loved being able to touch the turtles and watch them swim about.

Next, we made our way over to the goat enclosure. The goats have TONS of things to climb on and even a cool “goat walk” that soars over your head and crosses over the trail. The goats were extremely friendly and super excited about being fed a little snack. Several chickens strutted over greet us.

Afterwards, we hit the trails. We took the Sabal Palm Loop to the Boardwalk Trail to check out the maze and community garden. The maze was a bit overgrown so we skipped it and followed the Stable Loop to the Happy Trail. The Happy Trail was easy to navigate for our family of 5 (including the twins who are 2.5 years old).

On our way out, we said goodbye to the goats and chickens and made our way through the gorgeous butterfly garden.

All in all, we had a wonderful time at the Tree Hill Nature Center. The kids enjoyed being able to run around on the trails and absolutely loved the goats. I mean, who doesn’t love goats? We strongly recommend being bug spray and some bottles of water along with you. Mosquitos are out in full force for much of the year here in the Sunshine State.

Our Tree Hill Essentials

OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

What is there to do nearby?

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

A Recap of our August Adventures

August in Florida is hot. Dreadfully hot. We’re talking about sweat pouring, swamp ass, triple-digit hot. It is absolutely beyond miserable so we didn’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as we did in July.

August also brought a huge change our way- we went back to school and work for the first time since March. Re-entering civilization has cut into our adventures but we still managed to cram quite a bit into the 31 days of August.

We kicked off the month with a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Our zoo has an AMAZING little splash park that is a godsend in the summer months. That same day, we also hiked through the woods to one of our favorite isolated beaches, Blackrock. I know what you’re thinking- hiking in August? We must be crazy! The trail leading out to Blackrock is covered in a canopy, which helps keep it a little more cool. Plus, since it dumped out at the beach- we were able to take a dip in the cool salt water.

  • Largo Well Park
  • Lillian S. Davin Park
  • Landon Park

Smiley and I also checked out a super-hip, totally modern playground called Landon Park. Smiley loved playing on all of the innovative structures and enjoyed strolling through the butterfly garden. While we were in the San Marco area we also checked out three other small parks, Lillian S. Davin Park, Largo Well Park, and Riverfront Park.

  • Southbank Riverwalk
  • MOSH
  • MOSH

Later that week, we went downtown to check MOSH (Museum of Science and History) and the Southbank Riverwalk. The museum focuses on local history and animals. I had the opportunity to teach Smiley all about our cities history. She was fascinated by the Timacqua people! While we were there, we were able to check out their annual dinosaur exhibit. It was really neat to see the robotic dinosaurs.

Catty Shack is a wildlife sanctuary that cares for lions, tigers, and other big cats that have been rescued. Since it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our house, we popped in one afternoon to check out the felines. It was so hot that most of them were dozing away in the shade.

  • Sheffield Park
  • Huguenot Beach

We spent every weekend at our favorite beach, Huguenot Memorial Park. The beach sits right across the river from Mayport Naval Base. The naval ships, and passing cargo ships, serve as a really cool backdrop for this family-friendly beach. This is one of the few beaches that you can drive on in our area so it makes it easy to take the kiddos. We park in an area that is perfect for paddleboarding. Our goal this summer was to get the kids used to water and I think it’s safe to see that we were successful! All three kiddos love paddleboarding, kayaking, and playing in the saltwater.

While researching things to do in Jacksonville, I learned that I have unknowingly lived near a set of waterfalls for nearly 30 years! Waterfalls are a rarity in Florida since we’re such a flat state. Bulls Bay Preserve has 2 sets of waterfalls! While both of them under 5 feet, it’s still a pretty cool sight to see.

We ended our month with a visit to a local ice cream shop. It is the only indoor place the boys have visited since March (with the exception of Disney Springs). The ice cream shop, Mayday Ice Cream, has such a hip outdoor space they didn’t mind the fact that we ate al fresco.

 The best way to follow our daily life and adventures is on Instagram. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Categories
Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich- A Glimpse into Belize’s Ancient Past

I’ve been to many Maya ruins in the past, including some throughout the country of Belize but Xunantunich is my ultimate favorite. Located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City (where you would pull into if you arrive by cruise ship). The journey from Belize City to San Ignacio, where the ruins are located, will take you about two hours by motorcoach. The bus ride will give you a truly accurate picture of life in Belize. Some may not think it’s the most scenic drive but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it’s gorgeous!

Fun Fact: Belizeans don’t have to pay taxes on their homes if they are not 100% complete. Therefore, many of the homes are left unfinished to avoid having to pay taxes.

Xunantunich Pronounciation

Say it with me shoe-nan-too-nich. Shoe-nan-too-nich. Or… just call it Tuna Sandwich and the locals will totally know what you’re talking about…oddly enough.

Where is Xunantunich located?

This ancient Maya archaeological site is located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City. The journey will take you about two hours by motorcoach.

Xunantunich Map

The physical address is: 40 Park Street, Belize

Once you arrive in San Ignacio you’ll come to the Mopan River where you’ll see the cutest ferry. It’s a hand-cranked ferry! The ferry platform is on a cable and is moved back and forth by a hand-crank. So awesome! After crossing the river, you’ll be in the gorgeous park area. It’s just a short walk to the ancient ruins.

All About Xunantunich

Xunantunich means “Sculpture of Lady” in the Mayan language. The first modern explorations began in the mid-1890s. Since then, archaeologists have excavated the site and uncovered many structures including El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize. The site was built during the Classic Period (250 to 900 AD) and is made up of six major plazas and features more than 25 temples and palaces- and counting!

El Castillo, is the main focal point of the site and has been partially restored and is famous for the frieze carvings that cover it. Want to know something even cooler? You can walk in the steps of ancient Belizean’s and climb to the top of this 130-foot tall structure.

This place ain’t Disney World!

Let me just tell you that this climb is not for the faint of heart! It will totally get your heart racing! There are zero safety features installed on the structure, to help preserve it in its original state, and there will be points where you literally have to press your back against the rock and shimmy your way across to make the climb to the top. It is freaky! In fact, many of the people who started the trek up had to turn around because they couldn’t take it.

It is totally scary but totally worth it! Ashley and I somehow summoned up enough courage to climb to the very top and were rewarded with some of the most incredible views! From that vantage point, you could see Belize, Guatemala, and even get a glimpse of Cahal Pech, another ancient ruin I have visited.

Belize-it-or-not this place is still under excavation! Archaeologists have discovered new chambers and structures as recently as 2016 when a burial chamber was discovered! This burial chamber was attached to a large building and held the corpse of a young male (between 20-30 years old), and relics such as knives, jade pearls, ceramic vessels, and animal bones. Totally cool right?

If you ever get a chance to check out Xunantunich, I strongly suggest that you take advantage of the opportunity. This place is definitely an incredible marvel and the perfect glimpse into the ancient past. It requires a lot of courage and exercise to get to the top but it is absolutely incredible. It is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and worth the anxiety and long bus ride!

What is there to do nearby?

Our Ruins Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

While You’re in San Ignacio…

 

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram or Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Updated: 10/25/21

Categories
British Columbia Canada Cruise Travel

A Carriage Ride Through Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia

Our cruise to Alaska took us to some incredible places, from the Endicott Arm & the Dawes Glacier to Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Our final stop on the cruise was Victoria, British Columbia. We were in port for strange hours. Getting off the ship at 7 PM and getting back on board at 11 PM didn’t leave much time for us to really get out there and explore. However, we made the best of what little time we had in Victoria.

4 Hours in Victoria, British Columbia

As soon as we got off the ship, we walked towards the taxi stand and hired a cabbie to take us to the downtown district. Outside of the Parliament building, there’s a company that offers horse and carriage rides around the downtown area and surrounding parks. The ride was an hour-long which was perfect for our short time frame.

First, we left downtown and headed for Beacon Hill Park in our carriage. The park is massive! It is home to stunning gardens, manicured lawns, cricket pitches, a petting zoo, and several different trails.

Next, our tour took us down Government Street which led us past Emily Carr’s Home (Canadian artist and writer) and other stunning examples of Victorian architecture. Paint was a status symbol during the construction of these homes. Any home with 3 or more colors was a sign of wealth.

This vibrantly painted house was one of my favorites! I think it is safe to say that the homeowners were making bank!

Lastly, our tour ended right back in front of the Parliament building. We spent a bit of time perusing the area and watching the sunset over the harbor. Victoria is an absolutely stunning city/island when the sun goes down. It was interesting visiting a port a night, and for such a short period of time. Many of the buildings are lined with bright white lights. It reminded me a lot of St. Augustine, Florida– the oldest city in the United States. It was definitely a cool place!

While You’re in the Area

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Bulls Bay Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Y’all, I have lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and I had no idea that I lived within 20 miles of waterfalls until just a few weeks ago. Yes, actual waterfalls in this flat ass state of ours! In 2019 the city of Jacksonville opened one of their newest parks- the Bulls Bay Preserve. The Preserve was established to protect the swamp-land and the tributaries leading to some of the major local rivers.

What is the history behind Bulls Bay Preserve?

Although it wasn’t until 2019 that the preserve was easily accessible to visitors, the area is full of historical significance for locals. Once known by the misnomer Paradise Plantation from the 1820s until the Civil War. This plantation belonged to one of Jacksonville’s founding fathers, Isaiah D. Hart.

Hart was a plantation owner, slaver and founder of Jacksonville. After moving to the area from Georgia, he began platting the town in 1822. He established his own plantation just a few miles away from what is now known as downtown Jacksonville. Hart went on to serve as a postmaster, judge, and a member of the Florida Territorial Senate.

Historians believe that one of the waterfalls on the property may have once been used for a gristmill where grains were ground into flour.

 Isaiah’s son Ossian Hart, later Governor of Florida, wrote of the natural beauty of the place:

“In the open pine woods, I loved to wander all day long, and while driving the cows home, admiring the tall towering Pines that rose boldly from their footstool earth, and reached high up into the air-amongst which no intruding undergrowth obstructed the view of their noble trunks upon whose smooth flakes of bark, as smooth to the touch as the velvets of the north, you might write your name; or a complementary to your Lady Love.”

The land for the Bulls Bay Preserve was set aside in 1999. The Preserve consists of 1200 acres of the Bulls Bay Swamp that serves as the headwaters of two different tributaries to the St. Johns River, the Cedar River, and Sixmile Creek. One of the tributaries features a small, picturesque waterfall.

What are the highlights of Bulls Bay Preserve?

  • Waterfalls
  • Hiking/Biking Trails
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • It’s pet friendly!

The park consists of 5 short and easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods. The Waterfall Loop features something you don’t see often in Florida; a waterfall. Although it’s only about 4 feet tall, it’s still a pretty cool sight for our low, flat state.

Where is the preserve located?

Located just eight miles from Downtown Jacksonville and less than a mile from I-10 and I-295, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Florida.

Physical address: 8017 Old Plank Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

Our Thoughts on Bulls Bay Preserve

Bulls Bay Preserve has a lot of potential. The park offers restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills.

There are 5 short, easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for hiking and even better for biking! The narrow trails could use a little more signage, especially at the waterfall. Parts of the trail were uneven or steep, which was a challenge for our toddlers to navigate but they handled it like champs. Older visitors shouldn’t have trouble navigating through the woods. I think as time passes and this park becomes more and more popular, the trails will be beaten down more and will become easier to navigate for all.

Unfortunately, the creeks are filled with trash which takes away from the natural beauty of the area. I’m sure most of it was carried down the creek, however, there is plenty of evidence of people coming to the preserve to “party” (if you know what I mean). We recommend bringing some bug spray and maybe a trash bag to help keep this park clean.

I have a feeling we’ll be checking this park out again, in the future to see how it evolves. I think with proper care and maintenance, this place has the potential to be one of the better preserves in Jacksonville.

What is there to do nearby?

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Castaway Island Preserve as kid-friendly destinations.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

There are so many fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you enjoy museums, the beach, or spending time at the park, the Bold City has it all!  In fact, our city has the largest urban park system in the county! With more than 80,000 acres of parks, beaches, preserves, and green space there are endless opportunities for fun!

Fun Things to do in Jacksonville

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens. The kids love being able to feed the giraffes, stingrays, and goats. The zoo also has one of the best tiger and primate exhibits in the country. Even better? The zoo has a super-fun splash park where your kids can splash around.

Blackrock Beach

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

One of the best ways to enjoy Jacksonville is by hitting the beach. Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation! We are home to 22 miles of beaches and 40 miles of Intracoastal Waterway. Many of our beaches, such as Jax Beach, are free to the public. Some of our favorite beaches are Huguenot Beach, Blackrock Beach, and Little and Talbot Island State Parks.

Castaway Island Preserve

Hit the Parks!

Jacksonville is home to the largest park system in the country! Our parks offer everything from hiking trails to splash pads, kayak launches, totally rad playgrounds, and stunning gardens. Some of our favorite parks include the Jacksonville Arboretum and Garden, Castaway Island Preserve, Landon Park, Riverside Park, and Memorial Park.

Catty Shack Ranch

Visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the COOLEST places in town is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The ranch is a non-profit organization that offers a safe home for rescued exotic animals. Their goal is to educate the public about the dangers of owning exotic animals; you know- lions, tigers, and cougars…typical “house pets”.

MOSH Mural

Spend Some Time at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

MOSH, one of the top museums in the city, offers many hands-on exhibits geared towards older kiddos. Smiley loved the Atlantic Tails exhibit which highlights many of the marine animals that live off of our coast. She also enjoyed learning about the Timucua people and the history of our hometown. This stop can easily be paired with the Riverwalk (see below).

Check Out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer is one of the largest fine arts museum in the region. Smiley is really into art so she enjoyed checking out their sizeable collection. The museum also boasts incredible gardens that are perfect for enjoying a picnic on the river.

Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island

Spend the Day at the Timucuan Preserve

  • Our home is situated right on the border of the Timucuan Preserve. The preserve is a 46,000 acre National Park site that is home to countless parks, trails, and historical buildings such as Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. Some of our favorite parts of the preserve include Fort Caroline, Kingsley Plantation, Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, Cedar Point, and Pumpkin Hill.

Hit the Water with Kayak Amelia

If you want to enjoy the Timucuan Preserve from the water, Kayak Amelia is the way to go! They are the official outfitters for the Talbot Islands State Parks. They offer kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours.

Explore Downtown with Go Tuk’n

Want to check out all of the amazing public art in our town? Join a Go Tuk’n tour for a unique way to explore the sites! There are several tours available including the Art Tour which takes you through historic neighborhoods such as Riverside and Avondale.

"Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself?" Mosaic on the Southbank

Enjoy the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk can easily be paired with a visit to MOSH. The Riverwalk is a three-mile stretch of land along the St. Johns River. From here you can check out Friendship Fountain, hop on a water taxi, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 11/2/21

Categories
Alaska Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

Stunning Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska– Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’m sure it is high up there long a lot of people’s lists. After years of dreaming of making the trek up north, my dreams finally came true. We booked a family cruise to Alaska! During our Alaskan cruise, we visited Endicott Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and my favorite stop on our cruise, Ketchikan.

Isn’t it glorious? I could totally see myself living here. As soon as I saw this place, it was love at first sight! The turquoise water, jagged green snow-capped mountains, and massive evergreen trees are like something you’d see on a post-card. The town itself was very charming and there was a ton of things to do near the cruise port. Ketchikan is seriously the ideal Alaskan town.

Our Day in Ketchikan

We booked the Orca Beach Nature Trail excursion through Carnival. We took a bus out to gorgeous Knudson Cove where we caught a rib boat to a neighboring island for a lovely little hike. The boat ride out was stunning and the air blowing through our hair was so relaxing. In fact, the ride out was probably the highlight of the excursion! The views were absolutely jaw-dropping. We were on high-alert hoping to see a humpback whale but didn’t have any luck. We did spot a ton of bald eagles, however.

The “hike” turned out to be more of a 3/4 mile walk on a rustically constructed boardwalk. Considering how much walking we had done this week, it was actually a welcomed relief! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us information about the island and the plants and animals that inhabit it.

The natives used to strip trees, like the ones pictured above and used the bark for the construction of canoes. When they stripped the trees, they only took the bark from the side of the tree that is facing away from the water. By doing this, they were able to preserve the tree. Pretty responsible, right?

Oh…. and I also kissed a banana slug and walked around the woods singing, “I kissed a slug and I liked it” to the tune of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It)”. It was a dare…I couldn’t pass it up. Apparently, kissing a banana slug is supposed to bring you good fortune.

We enjoyed a light snack of smoked salmon, cheese, and crackers before we headed back for Knudson Cove. Our rib boat was manned by two of the most charming guys I’ve ever met. They were so sweet, fun, and easy-going! We spotted a humpback on the way back to the cove so our captain circled back and sat for a bit so we could watch the giant creature.

He also pointed out an active eagles nest, pictured above. The nest was about 6 feet wide and housed eaglets.

Our Thoughts on Our Tour

This was hands down the best tour we have ever taken through Carnival. Someone owes these guides a beer! After the tour, we headed into town to do a little shopping before we sailed off for Victoria, British Columbia.

Watching the sunset on Ketchikan as we sailed away was the perfect way to end the day.

Ah, I just can’t get enough of this place! Take me back! This must be what heaven looks like! I apologize for all of the teeny-bopper exclamation marks.

While You’re in Ketchikan

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Exit mobile version