Category: United States

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date July 10, 2021
No Comments on 12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Let me start by saying how impressed we were with all of the awesome things for kids to do at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC. We were blown away by the amount of activities and amenities that the park offered. Our kids stayed busy from sun up to sundown. They loved the character meet and greets, the ice cream socials, the arts and craft activities, and the parties. The jump party on the pillow pad was a huge success.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen our kids have so much fun. This truly was an amazing place for a family vacation!

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Interactive Waterpark- Your kids will love the waterpark! It is perfect for kids of all ages! There is a small section with a couple of slides for toddlers, but the bulk of the park is built for the big kids. There are more than a dozen water blasters, 2 water cannons, a large tower that dumps 750 gallons of water out, water slides, and loads of interactive elements.

Ranger Smith Pool- There is a large swimming pool for those who don’t want to deal with all of the craziness of the waterpark.

Take a Hike- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Water Rentals- Be sure to take advantage of the water craft rentals! The park offers kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for $5 an hour.

Mini Golf- Take a break from the water activities and hit up the putt-putt course. The course has 18 holes that are just as challenging as they are fun.

Lazer Tag- Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.

Jumping Pillow & Pad- Brace yourself…. there are two massive inflatable that are perfect for a family jump-party!

Water Zipline- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!

Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining. Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.

Awesome Playgrounds- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.

Arts & Crafts- Our seven year old loved the arts and craft activities! Each morning after breakfast we’d sit down together to do an activity. The kids favorite activity was designing boats out of cardboard boxes and then racing them at the lake. It was such a blast!

Hit the Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks

Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

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Post Updated: 11/7/21

Tags NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Golden Valley, North Carolina

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date July 7, 2021
4 Comments on Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Golden Valley, North Carolina

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina. This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.

What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?

We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park. From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!

Water Park with slides and a splash area
Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
Lake
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddle Boarding
- Pedal Boating
- Fishing
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
Gem Mining
Putt Putt Golf
Laser Tag
Zip Line
Hiking Trails
Playground
Jump Pillow & Pad
Planned Activities

The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.

The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast. Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.

The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch. It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM. They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.

Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern. Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.

The Attractions

Water Park– The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area. There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.

Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub. The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax. Rental cabanas line the pool area. The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.

Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.

Obstacle Course- New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake. Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!

Putt Putt Golf- Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf? The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.

Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.

Zip Line- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!

Hiking Trails- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.

Jumping Pillow & Pad- While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours. And yes, grown ups can jump, too.

Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park. These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!

Our Experience

We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be. We were super impressed!

The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake. We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat. I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard. I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!

We really enjoyed swimming at the lake. Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock. It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.

Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities. We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day. We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts. Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake. Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.

Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented. We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.

Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?

Address:

182 Jellystone Pkwy
Bostic, NC 28018

Day Trips from Jellystone

There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park. Here are some of our favorites:

South Mountains State Park (20.6 miles)
Lake Lure (33.5 miles)
Chimney Rock (36.8 miles)
Linville Caverns (41.9 miles)
Biltmore Estate (54.6 miles)
DuPont State Forest (64.7 miles)

For more information about Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, check out the parks official website.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure Today!

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Post updated: 6/17/22

Tags NORTH CAROLINA, USA, YOGI BEAR'S JELLYSTONE PARK

Seattle United States Washington

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 23, 2021
No Comments on Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Seattle, Washington is one of the most gorgeous cities in the United States. We visited the Emerald City for a few days before heading out on our Alaskan Cruise. The city certainly photographs well, and on our trip, we scouted out the best spots to find the best views of Seattle. Get your camera ready, Seattle is ready to shine.

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Queen Anne Blvd

We came across this park while I was stalking Meredith Grey. Relax, no fictional characters were harmed during *this* visit. Once we saw her house (and the current homeowner who was staring at me out of her kitchen window as she did the dishes), we just had to drive around and check out this charming neighborhood. It was absolutely incredible! While driving around we couldn’t help but fall in love with the neighborhood! It was full of eclectic houses, immaculate gardens, a ton of dogs, and practically no stop signs. Can someone spot me a few million so I can move here?

Queen Anne Blvd is loaded with charming little parks. These views are from Kinnear Park, Betty Bowen View Point, and Parsons Gardens.

Kerry Park

This park isn’t much of a secret. Looking at the pictures, I’m sure you can see why this park was jam-packed with tourists. Kerry Park offers the best view of downtown Seattle with the extremely photogenic Space Needle starring as the crown jewel. Although the park itself is small, it is definitely worth stopping by, even if it’s just for a few photos.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park was probably my favorite park that we visited in Seattle. The site once belonged to the Seattle Gas Light Company and still contains remnants from the plant that operated until the 1950s. The area was re-purposed as a park in 1975 and has been a local favorite ever since. The park was covered with people enjoying picnics, reading, or hitting the water. We had so much fun wandering around the old towers, climbing the earth mound, and checking out the sights.

Space Needle

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle…or even the United States, for that matter. You can head to the top of the Needle to grab a delicious meal and take in the scenery.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.

The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

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Updated: 10/27/21

Tags SEATTLE, UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON

Georgia National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 5, 2021
6 Comments on Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island is one of the places that I will never grow tired of visiting. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests. It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.

The island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.

Getting to Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat. There is a ferry that leaves from St. Marys, Georgia. The Cumberland Queen Ferry runs three times a day from March to September and twice a day from October through November. During the months of January and February, the ferry runs twice a day but only leaves Mondays through Thursdays.

The National Park Service limits the number of visitors to 300 per day. Campers may remain on the island for up to one week.

Getting Around Cumberland Island

Plan on doing a lot of walking while visiting the island! There are no paved roads or trails on the island and the use of vehicles on the island is limited to private residents, contractors, and National Park employees.

One way many visitors choose to get around Cumberland Island is by bicycle. Bikes are allowed on the ferry for a $10 fee, but space is limited. You can also rent bikes on the island for $16/day. Bikes are only permitted on certain parts of the islands (you’ll see signs). Several spots on the island are hard difficult to navigate by bike because of the thick sand.

On our most recent visit, we hiked just over 7 miles and we stuck to just the southern tip of the island!

What is there to See on the Island?

The Ice House Museum was once one of the original Carnegie service buildings. Today the small museum houses original artifacts (and replicas) from the island’s prehistoric, colonial, early-American, and Gilded Era history.

The crown jewel of Cumberland Island are the Dungeness ruins. James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) first built a hunting lodge on the island in 1736. He named the lodge Dungeness.

Afterwards, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene acquired 11,000 acres of the island in exchange for a bad debt. He moved to the island with his wife, Catharine Littlefield Greene. After his death, she built a four-story tabby mansion over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the British, who occupied the island, used the house as a headquarters.

In 1818, Major General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee, came to the island and stayed in the Greene house until his death later that year. He was buried in the Greene-Miller cemetery. The home was abandoned during the Civil War and later burned to the ground.

In the 1880s, the property switched hands again when it was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He built a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds which he also called Dungeness. After his death, in 1886, his wife Lucy continued to live in the mansion and built other estates on the island for her children including Greyfield, Plum Orchard, and the Stafford Plantation. The Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 and the home was burned down in 1959.

The historic district comprises of the main house, servants quarters, utility buildings, laundries, cisterns, and other structures like the Nathanael Greene home.

The beach on Cumberland Island is absolutely stunning! There is sixteen miles of white sand that wild horses roam alongside sea turtles and horseshoe crabs.

While most day-visitors tend to stick to the south end of the island, there are other sites on the island. These include Greyfield (now the Greyfield Inn), and Plum Orchard.

The 5-6 hour long “The Lands and Legacies Tour” will take you to the north end of the island and visit sites such as Plum Orchard and The Settlement where John F. Kennedy Jr got married in the First African Baptist Church.

Things to Know Before Visiting...

There are no stores and very few amenities on the island. You’ll need to pack in and pack out everything that you’ll need for a day trip. Pack in and pack out means that you’ll need to take it with you when you arrive, and take it with you when you leave. Even garbage cans are hard to come by on the island!

Make sure to pack plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need- especially during the hot months!), and lots of food and snacks. You’ll be surprised at how hungry you’ll get doing all of that hiking or biking!

To answer your question; yes, there are bathrooms on the island! There are 4 bathrooms available on the south tip of the island. You will find one at the Sea Camp Dock, one in the Historic District, one near Sea Camp Campground, and one by the Greene-Miller cemetery.

The Horses of Cumberland Island

Perhaps even more famous than some of the humans that have inhabited the island are the wild horses that now call this paradise home. Horses have lived on Cumberland Island since the 1500s. They were left behind when the homes and plantations on the island were abandoned.

Cumberland has the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast that is not managed- no food, water, veterinary care, or population control.

Staying Overnight

Camping

Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance with a limit of staying up to 7 consecutive nights. Sea Camp is the most developed campground on the island. It is located half mile from Sea Camp Dock. There are four additional campgrounds on the island. A permit is required to camp.

Upscale Lodging

Thomas and Lucy Carnegie built Greyfield for their daughter, Margaret. The home was converted to an in in 1962 by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson. The Greyfield Inn is the epitome of sophisticated, Southern charm.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Learn more about Georgia’s 11 National Parks!

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!

**This post contains affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you**

Post Updated: 11/7/21

Tags GEORGIA, NATIONAL PARK, USA

Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

Madison Blue Springs- Voted #1 Swimming Hole in the USA

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 2, 2021
2 Comments on Madison Blue Springs- Voted #1 Swimming Hole in the USA

Madison Blue Springs- Voted America's #1 Swimming Hole

Madison Blue Springs is one of the first springs that I ever visited. The springs shockingly beautiful vibrant blue water and overall chill atmosphere is what drew me to visit as many springs as I could! The snorkeling, swimming, and paddling here is top-notch. There’s nothing quite like spending the day floating at the spring!

About Madison Blue Springs State Park

Madison Blue Springs was voted as the Number One Swimming Hole in the Country by USA Today. This instant family-favorite is a fantastic place to spend the day! It is popular for swimming, tubing, and cave diving.

What is there to do at Madison Blue Springs?

The park is well known for its swimming and diving opportunities. The first-magnitude springs are a great spot for snorkeling. Certified cave divers from all around the world come to explore the expansive underwater cave system. There are over 26,000 feet of underground passages.

The springs are also a great place for paddling. Visitors may launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from the river side of the spring. There is no vehicle access close to the river so you’ll have to tote your vessel about 175 yards from the parking lot. There are no rentals at the park.

Tubing is also allowed at the spring and adjacent river. Visitors must bring their own inflatable or rent one from a private vendor that operates within the park on weekends from May through September.

Madison Blue Springs State Park has a trail that follows the Withlacoochee River.

Visiting Information

Madison Blue Springs is a popular park from Memorial Day to Labor Day- especially on weekends and holidays. Plan on arriving to the park early as it will close when it reaches full capacity.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. The cost is about $5 per vehicle.

Location:
8300 N.E. State Road 6
Lee, FL
2059

Nearby Springs

Pot Springs (3.5 miles)
Peacock Springs (38 miles)
Royal Springs (42 miles)
Troy Springs (50 miles)
Little River Springs (49 miles)
Turtle Spring (64 miles)

Our Spring Essentials

Are there Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

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Tags FLORIDA, SPRINGS, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES

Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Awhile back I took to Instagram to ask my followers what their favorite Florida spring is. Many people responded that Gilchrist Blue Springs was their #1 choice. Obviously, we had to make the trek out west to check it out. Let me just say that it did not disappoint.

About Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park. This means that even bigger and better things will be happening at this natural beauty. They are expanding the campground, building a bathhouse, and making road improvements. Of course, the highlight of the park is a large second-magnitude spring that pumps out 44 million gallons of water each day. The park is also home to Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.

What is there to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs?

Obviously the main attraction at the park is Gilchrist Blue Spring. We didn’t get a chance to check out the other springs (Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring), but we will definitely scope those out next time!

The springs are a great place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel. There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the property.

We sure to wander past the ropes (if you have a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe). You won’t regret it!

Visting Information

The park is open from 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year.

The cost is $4 to $6 per vehicle.

The park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles west of the town of High Springs and 25 miles south of Lake City.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

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

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Nearby Springs

Rum Island Springs County Park (12.8 miles)
Poe Springs (2.7 miles)
Ichetucknee Springs State Park (20.3)
Troy Springs State Park (33.4 miles)

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

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!

**This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience**

Tags FLORIDA, SPRINGS, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES

Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

The Ultimate Florida Springs Packing List

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 22, 2021
No Comments on The Ultimate Florida Springs Packing List

Florida Springs Packing List- Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.

Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.

In order to make the most out of your visit, you need to pack a few essentials, plan accordingly, and be prepared to totally unwind. Our Florida Springs Packing List will help ensure you bring along the essentials!

Click here to order this awesome float!

What is there to do at the springs?

Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.

In fact, the springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.

Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.

Our kids love floating down the spring runs. The current slowly takes you from the launching point to the ending point. Once you get used to the cold water, it is extremely relaxing! Of course, you can paddleboard, kayak or canoe on top of the water to avoid getting wet, all together!

Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours that give you a unique view of the springs and the animals that inhabit them.

As I stated above, the springs are a year-round attraction in Florida. During the winter months, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs. Since the water is a constant 72 degrees, it is warmer than the nearby rivers. Blue Spring seems to be a favorite for the West Indian Manatees. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020!