Tag: UNITED STATES

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Florida Springs United States

Alexander Springs- One of Florida’s Most Stunning Springs

Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs

Florida is home to some pretty incredible springs, and Alexander Springs just so happens to be one of the most beautiful!  Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest.  It is well known as a hotspot for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.  Our favorite thing about this spring is the fact that it is super kid-friendly.  It is the ultimate hangout for a sunny Florida day!

Our favorite part about Alexander Springs it that it is totally kid friendly.  There are steps that lead down to the spring.  This is a great spot for little ones to get acclimated to the temperature of the water.  The water is a constant 72-degrees which can be quite an adjustment in the summer months.  Once you’re in the water, it isn’t exceptionally deep (but still deep enough that they can swim).  The launch site is also very close to the swimming hole, making it easy to go back and forth between the two.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Yes! There are most definitely alligators in the springs. And snakes. In fact, a rule of thumb here in Florida is that you should assume that there is an alligator in every body of freshwater.  That being said, alligators typically want nothing to do with you.  They are completely content laying on the bank of the spring catching some rays.  As long as you don’t approach them, you’re typically fine.

Even during the summer, when the springs are jam-packed with people, there will be alligators present.  They tend to situate themselves outside of the run (where you can’t swim or tube) so that they don’t have to deal with you.  Chances are, if you kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you’ll spot a gator sunning on the banks.

Where is Alexander Springs located?

The springs are a part of the Ocala National Forest.  Alexander Springs is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville.

What is there to do at Alexander Springs?

This is an excellent site for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving.  If you bring your own water vessels, there is a handy loading area at the head of the parking lot that makes it easy to unload your equipment.  The park also has carts to help you transport your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to the launch site.  There are kayaks and canoes available for rent, seasonally, at the concession stand.

Swimming, snorkeling, and diving is permitted in the designated areas.  

There is a 0.9 mile interpretive trail called the Timucuan Trail.  The loop consists of a shady boardwalk that travels through the forest along the spring run. 

Nearby Springs

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

When is the Best time to Visit? 

The springs are phenomenal year round!  If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times).  If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months. 

If you’re brave, you can swim year round.  The water temperature is the same all year.  Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter.  We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next.  As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.

Visiting Information

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; may close earlier seasonally. Campers have 24-hour access to the gates with an access code. 

  • Annual Day-Use Pass: $70 + tax
  • Single Day-Use Fees: Weekdays $7 per person; weekends $10 per person.
  • Campground Fees: $28 per campsite per night; $8.50 per extra vehicle per night (after two vehicles on campsite);
  • RV Sewer Waste Station: $8.50 per registered camper; $10.50 per non-registered camper.
  • Parking for Overnight Hikers: $6.50 per vehicle
  • Group Shelter (day use): $51 per day

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

41 Best Day Trips from Jacksonville

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Sure, Jacksonville is pretty great, but sometimes it’s just nice to get away.  If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, look no further.  We’ve got you covered!   Trust us, there are lots of adventures that are less than a tank of gas away.  Some of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville are to St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach, but there’s plenty more to do outside of these popular locations.  From wild horses to ancient natural springs, there’s something for everybody within 100 miles of Jacksonville!

Best Day Trips from Jacksonville

Amelia Island State Park- Did you know that Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that allows horseback riding on the beach?  This makes it a popular destination for bucket listers.

Alexander Springs Recreational Area– Located in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is great for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping. 

Anastasia State Park- One of St. Augustine’s greatest natural attractions is the Anastasia State Park.  The park has 4 miles of sugary white-sand beaches.  This location is great for paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and boating.  There is also a full campground.

Appleton Museum of Art– Located in Ocala, this museum features a permanent collection of 18,000 works including art and artifacts representing the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Pro-Columbia styles.

Big Shoals State Park- Located in White Springs, near the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center Park, is Big Shoals State Park.  This park has the biggest whitewater rapids in the state making it popular for kayaking and canoeing.  There are also 33 miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park– This place is great year round!  Located in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park is home to hundred of manatee in the winter.  During the summer months it is the perfect place to swim, float down the spring, paddleboard, kayak, or take a boat tour.  This is one of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville!

Castillo de San Marcos– Located in St. Augustine, this well preserved fort is the centerpiece of the historic district.  It is the oldest 17th century fort in North America and has the unique ability to absorb cannonballs!  Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see for any history lover.

Cumberland Island- Head north from Jacksonville and cross on over the Florida/Georgia border for an opportunity to explore this magnificent island.  The Cumberland Island National Seashore is home to a population of wild horses that inhabit this mostly undeveloped island.

Daytona Beach– Much like our Huguenot Beach, the hard packed sands of Daytona Beach allow you to drive your car on the beach.  This popular tourist location features beaches, a ferris wheel, tons of restaurants, and a plethora of NASCAR themed sites.

de Leon Springs

De Leon Springs State Park– This park is an absolute must-see!  The site has been home to a plantation, a glamorous hotel, and one of the state’s first eco-tourism sites before becoming a state park.  There are hiking trails, boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and even a super trendy restaurant where you make your own pancakes.  De Leon Springs State Park is a must!

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park- Located in Gainesville, this is the place to go if you enjoy the great outdoors.  The park features a rainforest, trails, and a 120-foot deep sinkhole that draws visitors from all around.

Farm Tours of Ocala– Located in Ocala, get an insider’s tour of Ocala’s working farms and learn why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World”.  

Fernandina Beach– Just north of Jacksonville is one of the oldest towns in Florida.  The downtown area has been meticulously restored and features tons of shops and restaurants.  

Flagler College

Flagler College-Located in St. Augustine, Flagler College was once a bustling hotel known as the Ponce de Leon Hotel.  It was built by Henry Flagler in 1888.  It is free to roam around the campus but we suggest booking a tour to appreciate the site (and my alma mater!).  

Florida Museum of Natural History– Located in Gainesville on the University of Florida Campus is one of the largest natural history museums in the area.  Your kids will love the Prehistoric animals on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History!

Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch State Park– Located in Fernandina Beach is one of our favorite State Parks, Fort Clinch.  This place is great for sharks teeth, shelling, hiking, bicycling, and camping.  Oh…and there’s a really cool Civil War era fort to explore complete with re-enactors.  

Gainesville- Gainesville is more than just a college town, it is home to many great museums, restaurants, and buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gamble Rogers State Park-  This stunning park was named after a famous folk singer that rescued a man from drowning at the nearby beach.  The park has magnificent beaches and hiking trails.  Bring plenty of water and bug spray!

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park–  Meet Florida’s newest state park!  It is still in it’s early development stages however it’s already pretty amazing.  There is a campground, RV park, and a shop to rent canoes and kayaks.  The highlight of the park is, of course, the springs.  The springs are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.  Be sure to hop on a water vessel and paddle out to the Sante Fe River for impressive sights.

Ginnie Springs-  This is one of the most popular summer hotspots!  It is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.  This is also a prime location for divers since there is an extensive cavern system to explore.  The waters here are crystal clear!  There’s also a campground with private cottages.  

Ichetucknee-  Located near Lake City is one of the best place to beat the Florida heat.  This is the place to visit for some prime river tubing.  Get there early, this place gets packed on the weekends!

Jekyll Island- This barrier island in Georgia was first used as a hunting club for the elite.  Today it is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park, and pristine beaches.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens- Located in Gainesville, these gardens are a must-see.  There’s a large scenic lake, bamboo stands, waterfalls, and a play area for kids.  Be sure to pack your bug spray.

Marineland- This spot was once Florida’s largest tourist attraction.  It was originally built so that Hollywood filmmakers could catch underwater shots of marine animals.  Today Marineland teaches about conversation and preservation.  There are also dolphin encounters available.  

Mudslinger Tours- Believe it or not we found more shark teeth in a creek in Gainesville than we have EVER found on the beaches here in Jacksonville!  Join Mudslinger Tours for a day of shark tooth and fossil hunting.

Olustee Battlefield State Park- This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War Battle.  The Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864.  More than 10,000 troops engaged in a five-hour battle here.  The battle ended with 2,807 casualties.  

Sharks teeth discovered with Mudslinger Tours in Gainesville

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park-  Where else can you see horses, bison, and gators all in one place?  Located just south of Gainesville this preserve is a nature lovers paradise.  Be sure to check out the Paynes Prairie State Park’s La Chua Trail for your best chance at seeing wild life!

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse- Located south of Daytona, is the tallest lighthouse in the state and one of the tallest lighthouse in the USA.  The lighthouse and the keepers home have been restored and are open to the public.  Visitors can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for a magnificent view.

Princess Place Preserve– Located in Flagler county, the park has 5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails free to the public.  There are also docks for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.  The preserve once belonged to Henry Cutting.  After his death, his widow Angela married an exiled Russian prince.  The two lived together on the property.

Ravine Gardens State Park- Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida.  Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring.  The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants.    The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.  

Rum Island Springs County Park– Right across from Gilchrist Blue Springs is a county park known as Rum Island.  This park is the gateway to Rum Island Springs, one of the many springs on the Sante Fe River.  This is a great place to launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.  The park is open year round.

Salt Springs Recreation Area- Salt Springs is one of the 4 spring parks within the Ocala National Forest.  The tranquil blue waters are a great spot for swimming, floating on an inner tube, or snorkeling.  Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating is available from the dock adjacent to the park.  The park is also known for camping and features two hiking trails.

Silver Springs State Park– This site in Ocala was once a private attraction.  Today, Silver Springs is a state park where you can explore the springs on a glass-bottomed boat.  This is a popular day trip from Jacksonville since there’s so much to do at this park!

Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park

St. Augustine Alligator Farm-Did you know that this is the oldest alligator attraction in Florida?  Not only do they have gators and snakes, but they also have a sloth encounter and a super rad zip-line!  Check out all of the awesome things they have to offer at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm!

St. Augustine Lighthouse- Are you looking for the best views of the Ancient City?  Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse!

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum- This place is cool for kids and adults alike.  They have interactive maps and exhibits including a 4D mini-show depicting Blackbeard’s last battle. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum also has props from pirate themed movies.   It’s located right across the street from Castillo de San Marcos making it easy to pair the two together.

 

Fort Frederica, Saint Simons Island

St. Simons Island- We love St. Simons Island (SSI).  The island is dotted with a ton of incredible places to explore.  We recommend looking for Tree Spirits at Mallery Park (and other sites), visiting Fort Frederica, picnicking at the Wesley Memorial Monument, and spending some time at Christ Church.  Make sure you also check out the stunning lighthouse!

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park-  This park is a real gem, it’s one of our favorite in north Florida.  They have several trails that are perfect for hiking or biking.  The parks trails offer great views of the Suwannee River Valley.  The park also has a stunning campground.  The is also a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Summer Waves- Summer Waves is hands-down the coolest water park in the region.  They have tons of great water slides, a lazy river, a splash zone, and our favorite- the Frantic Atlantic wave pool.

Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area- Located in St. Augustine, this park has just under 3 miles of trails that are great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park- Tucked in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Within the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden.  Don’t forget a swimsuit and towel so you can hit the beach!

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We hope you enjoyed your list of the best day trips from Jacksonville! 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: 3/5/2024

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Palatka State Parks United States

Tranquil Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida.  Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring.  The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants.    The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.  

When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines.  Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens.  It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures.  The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.  

At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.  

Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines.  The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps.  The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs. 

You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.

 

If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop.  This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems.  You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.

Visiting the Park with Children

This is a great space to visit with your family.  The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic.  Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles).  However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros.  I think it all boils down to experience.

Smiley (7) did great on the trails.  It was an excellent work out for both of us.  At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise).  I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).  

If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop.  Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges.  One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead.  You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be.  The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet.  The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months.  During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea.  This is our favorite time to visit.

Visiting Information

Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.  

$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

$4 single-occupant vehicle

$2 pedestrians and bicylclists

Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?

The park is located in Palatka, Florida.  The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine. 

Physical Address:

1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida   32177

What to Bring Along With You

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Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

13 Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom

Our First Family Ride at Disney- The Mad Tea Party!

Disney World is truly a place for everyone! Honestly, nobody is too young or too old to visit the House of Mouse. There is something there for everyone to enjoy. Many people think that toddlers are too young to enjoy Disney, but boy are they wrong! Since kids under the age of 3 get in for free, they are the perfect age to visit the theme park. In fact, Disney has a ton of rides that will be perfect for your toddler. We’ll be highlighting the Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom.

There aren’t just one or two rides that your toddler will love. We’ve come up with a list of 13 Disney World Rides for Toddlers!

Scoop and Stinky at Magic Kingdom

Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ya’ll! This is my favorite Disney World ride! Blast off into outer space and help Buzz defeat Emperor Zurg and his army of bad guys. This ride is just like being trapped in the middle of a live-action video game. You’ll board a two-seater spaceship equipped with laser guns which you’ll use to blast targets to earn points.

Pro-Tip: Seat your kids on the right to give them an opportunity to score more points. Or don’t and totally kick their butts!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Height Requirement: Any Height

This high-flying, classic ride seats two passengers per elephant. You’ll soar high into the air and gently dip down. This ride is sure to bring out a ton of giggles!

The indoor portion of the ride queue is an air-conditioned play area that will help keep your kiddo occupied while you wait in line.

Pro-Tip: Get a FastPass+ for this ride early in the day. This ride is perfect for photo ops! You can also ride it later in the day when your toddler needs the ability to run around a little bit.

It’s a Small World

Height Requirement: Any Height

Like the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride (below), this iconic ride is a slow-moving indoor boat ride. Take a 10-minute, fully air conditioned, trip “around the world” in this fan favorite attraction. Yes…the song will get stuck in your head but the air conditioning and ability to kickback and relax will be an welcomed relief.

Pro-Tip: Use a FastPass+ and book this ride mid-day. It’s a great way to escape the heat.

Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Mad Tea Party Ride

Mad Tea Party

Height Requirement: Any Height

This was the first ride we rode at Disney World as a family. It was an amazing way to kick off our trip, and introduce our kids to the magic of Disney. On this two-minute ride, you’ll hop into a tea cup and whirl around. Sound sickening? It’s not horrible. Riders control the speed and direction of the tea cups— you’re able to make it slow down, if needed.

Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Height Requirement: Any Height

Similar to the Dumbo ride, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin bob up and down offering you aerial views of the park. The main difference between this ride and Dumbo is that Dumbo seats only 2 people whereas the Magic Carpets seat 4. Also, there is a joystick that allows you to control the up and down movements of the ride. Pretty rad, right?

Pro-Tip: Ride at night for absolutely spectacular views.

In Line at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Height Requirement: Any Height

Seriously, this ride is a gift from the Disney gods! Your toddler will love it! The queue is lined with interactive play areas including drums, a super cool digital wall, and all kinds of Hundred Acre Wood inspired hands-on activities.

The ride itself is a six-seater honey pot “roller coaster” that stars Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, and the gang. There are parts of the ride that are dark, but our toddlers didn’t seem to mind.

The ride is four-minutes long and the lines can get lengthy. With all of the interactive activities, your toddler probably won’t mind.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Height Requirement: Any Height

Climb aboard a flying pirate ship and venture off to Neverland with Peter Pan. This classic Disney tale comes to life as you fly to the home of the Lost Boys.

Pro-Tip: Get a FastPass+! This is one of the most popular rides at Disney. Book your Fastpass+ ASAP.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Height Requirement: Any Height

If your kids are anything like mine, they will love this ride. Our kids are obsessed with boats and pirates! I thought that this ride might be a little too dark and scary for the twins but they loved the slow-moving boat ride and the music that went along with it.

Yo-ho, yo-ho, it’s a pirate boat adventure ride for the entire family! Kids will love the pirate aspect of it and parents will enjoy it too! The ride lasts 8.5 minutes- that’s almost 10 minutes of relaxing in air conditioning.

Pro-Tip: Use a FastPass+ and book this ride mid-day. It’s a great way to escape the heat.

Note: There is a little waterfall drop at the end and the ride is dark compared to most other indoor rides.

Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel

Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel

Height Requirement: Any Height

Listen, I was honestly skeptical about taking the kiddos on the carousel. I mean, we have a carousel at home. But they absolutely loved the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. There is something magical about riding up and down on a gallant steed in front of Cinderella’s castle.

Pro-Tip: The ride lasts less than two minutes and the lines are fast-moving (which is great because it’s not shaded). Visit early in the morning or late in the day for a minimal wait.

The Barnstormer

Height Requirement: 35″

This popular Goofy-themed kid-friendly rollercoaster is a favorite with young kids.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Height Requirement: 32″ to ride, 54″ inches to ride solo

It’s time to hit the track! Zip around the Tomorrowland Speedway in a super awesome racecar! Kids will love the feeling of “driving” around the track.

Pro-Tip: Space Mountain is right next door. If you have someone in your group who is dying to ride Space Mountain, this is a great place for the younger kids to hang out until they are done riding!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover

Height Requirement: Any Height

Growing up this was one of my favorite rides at Disney. It still is, but now for a totally different reason. Parents, let me introduce you to the “Sleeper Mover”…ugh sorry, People Mover. This is the perfect place to unwind, sit down, relax, and possibly catch a quick nap. You’ll go on a slow, 10-minute ride through Tomorrowland. There are even some dark parts (BONUS!) to help your little one relax a bit more.

Pro-Tip: Space Mountain is right next door. If you have someone in your group who is dying to ride Space Mountain, this is a great place for the younger kids to hang out until they are done riding!

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Height Requirement: Any Height

Travel beneath the surface of the ocean as you join Ariel on her quest to meet her prince charming. You’ll join her for five-and-a-half-minutes on board a three-seater clamshell. Toddlers will love all of the vibrant colors, bubbles, and popular songs.

Our Disney Essentials

Mickey Mouse Backpack Safety Leash and Harness
Mickey Mouse Water Bottle with Straw and Lid
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen

As you can see, there are tons of Disney World rides for toddlers! Seriously, this is the perfect age to bring your little ones to Disney World.

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Fort Caroline- Jacksonville’s Great Mystery

Lady Belle enjoying her visit to Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline is one of the places that I have been visiting since my childhood. In fact, it’s only about 10 minutes from the house I grew up in. Fort Caroline is known as the Atlantis of Florida because nobody knows where its actual location truly was. Perhaps, it was actually hidden in the woods in my backyard the whole time!

Firing Cannons at Fort Caroline National Memorial

When most people think about forts in northeast Florida, they picture the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos or the Civil War era Fort Clinch. It is often forgotten that the French had a short tenure in the area before they were almost completely wiped out by the Spanish.

The French in Florida

In 1562, the French landed on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day northeast Florida. The encampment was to be a safe haven for Huguenots who were being persecuted in France because they were Protestants, rather than Catholics.

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).

The French came into conflict with the Spanish who established St. Augustine in 1565. Fort Caroline was ambushed by the Spanish, led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 20th. The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.

What is Fort Caroline National Memorial?

The exact location of the fort is unknown. In 1953 the National Park Service established the Fort Caroline National Memorial along the southern bank of the St. John’s River near a point that commemorates René Goulaine de Laudonnière’s first landing. This structure is a replica of the fort, based on sketches of the 16th-century structure and believed to be a one-third scale model of the original. It is surrounded by hiking trails and other noteworthy historical sites on the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The preserve includes; the Theodore Roosevelt Area, with five different Florida ecosystems visible in one hike; the Fort George Island Visitor Center, which describes the natural and cultural history of the preserve’s island home; and Kingsley Plantation, which includes the oldest standing plantation house in Florida as well as several original slave quarters. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.

Visiting the Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline is easily accessible, although it does require a short walk down a well-beaten path through the woods to access to fort.

Along the way, visitors will pass recently renovated replicas of Timucua structures including two huts and a canoe made out of a hulled-out tree. The Timucua were indigenous people that live in Northeast and North Central Florida and Southeast Georgia. The Huguenots befriended the Timucua and these structures serve as a symbol of their relationship.

The triangular wooden open-air structure is located on the banks of the St. Johns River. Throughout the fort, you’ll find signage explaining the history of the French Huguenots and their short stint in Florida.

Our kids had a blast climbing the steps, pretending to fire the cannons, and running up and down the embankments.

Fort Caroline is pet-friendly. In fact, our pups love hanging out at the fort and spending time on the trails nearby. If you bring your pooch, please make sure they are on a 6-foot leash, and be sure to clean up after then.

There’s an easy-to-moderate 1.3 mile hiking trail that loops from the parking lot, past the Timucua structures, by the fort, through the woods, and back to the parking lot. The trail is easy to navigate and is quite enjoyable

Visitors Information

Physical Address:

12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Phone:

904-641-7155

Learn more about Florida’s National Parks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Fort Caroline

The Best Time to Visit Fort Caroline National Monument

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

There is no fee to enjoy this park.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

Parking for Fort Caroline is plentiful. It can be found directly in front of the Visitor’s Center.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on all trails and outside areas however, they are not permitted indoors.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Orlando, FL – 145 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 225 miles
  • Miami, FL – 355 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 360 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 390 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 505 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

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

Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

How to Meet Characters at Disney

Meeting Disney characters is one of the highlights of a child’s trip to Disney World. In fact, as soon as you tell your kiddo about your trip they’ll probably start dreaming of all of the characters they’ll get to meet.

It takes a bit of calculating to meet characters at Disney these days. I started visiting Disney when I was a kid and I remember queueing up to meet Mickey, Pooh, the Disney Princesses, and other characters. Things have changed since then, you have to be a bit more methodical. In this post, we’ll outline for you how to meet characters at Disney World.

Our Family at Disney World

How to Meet Characters at Disney

The Basics

Chances are, you won’t see a ton of characters wandering around the park. If you do, it not likely that they’ll stop for photos, autographs, or a chat. Instead, the characters at Disney World host meet and greets in fixed locations periodically throughout the day. The locations, and their times, are posted and can be found via the Disney World app.

The Big Wigs

The most popular characters require you lining up and waiting your turn for a meet and greet. You can actually use a FastPass to bypass the line for some of these characters. In fact, we strongly recommend using one of your FastPasses each day on a character meet and greet!

Disney World Meet & Greet Locations with a FastPass

Magic Kingdom
  • Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
  • Cinderella and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
  • Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
Animal Kingdom

The Adventurers Outpost has two greeting rooms that have two identical sets of characters so the lines move quickly. We had our very best character experience here! Mickey and Minnie took their time with the kids, they didn’t seem to be in any rush and they were so welcoming and playful.

Most of the year, this is the only place to meet Mickey and Minnie together at Animal Kingdom!

Character Meals

Character dining is a huge deal at Disney. During a character meet you get to chow down on some tasty (and pricey) food while the characters circulate the room making pitstops at each of the tales.

We got to ride the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with Cinderella’s sister, Anastasia!

Pop Up Greetings

At each park, there are greetings that are a bit more sporadic. They’re typically only listed in the app or times guide. The greets can be as quick as 15 minutes or last for half-hour or more. This is where we’ve met characters like Mary Poppins, Cinderella’s step-sisters, Buzz Lightyear, Goofy, Donald, Chip, and Dale.

Where to Find Information About Meeting Characters

Park Map & Times Guide

Most people’s instinct will probably be to check the park map and times guide for meet and greets. Honestly, this is probably the worst place to start. While, yes, the map does have some character greeting locations listed for the fixed character greetings, it doesn’t give you many details regarding times.

The times guide actually lists out what times certain characters hold their meet and greets. However, it doesn’t include every character. But you do you know what does? The My Disney Experience app.

My Disney Experience App

The app is the holy grail to finding out all of the details on meeting characters in the park. The app is available for iPhones and Androids and is essential to planning out your trip. You can use the app to view the park map, check wait times for lines, book FastPasses, order meals, look at photos, and check out information for character meet and greets.

Character Meals

If you visit the Disney World dining website, you can filter for restaurants offering character meals relatively easily. Just click “Dining Experience” and select “Character Dining.” Be sure to read the descriptions carefully, some restaurants only have characters available during certain meals or time periods.

Dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance. Trust me, you’ll want to book these way ahead of time because they fill up quickly.

When to Meet Characters

Some characters are only available during extremely short windows of time. If that’s the case, and you’re absolutely dying to meet them, you’ll have to plan accordingly. Otherwise, you have a bit of flexibility.

We recommend meeting characters between noon and 6 PM. Why? This is the busiest time of the day at the park. The wait lines get really ridiculously long and you can use this time do other things like eat, meet characters, and catch a show.

Arrive Early. Plan on arriving at least 5 to 10 minutes before the character. Many guests aren’t as savvy as you and might not know when and where the characters will be. As soon as they spot them they’ll haul ass to try and meet them.

Mickey and Minnie Plant Sculptures

Tips for Your Meet and Greet

You’ll want to have these things handy when you meet the characters: a camera, an autograph book, and a large pen. The larger pens make it easier for gloved characters (like Mickey and Minnie) to hold. Not all characters can sign autographs, but it is great to have the pens on hand, just in case.

A professional photographer will be on hand to capture your meet and greet. You’ll be able to view and order these photos via the app.

If there isn’t a photographer, the character’s handler will be able to take a photo using your phone or camera.

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Updated 2/20/21

Categories
Florida St. Augustine United States

St. Augustine Pirate Museum- An Honest Review

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

The St. Augustine Pirate Museum is a must-see if you’re traveling with children. Located in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine is an amazing museum dedicated to the scoundrels who once ransacked Florida’s Historic Coast. The St. Augustine Pirate Museum houses the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate relics including the original jolly roger, treasure, and even movie props from famous pirate movies.

Local Pirate History

In 1586, pirate Sir Francis Drake and his fleet of 23 ships and more than 2,000 crew sailed up the Florida coast after raiding Cartagena, Colombia. The raiders spotted a burning light coming from a Spanish watchtower marking the entrance to the St. Augustine harbor. Out-gunned, out-manned, out-numbered, and out-planned, the Spanish defenders and townspeople retreated into the nearby woods, swamps, and marshes. Sir Francis Drake took everything of value and burned the entire town to the ground.

Fast Forward just over 100 years, when the Jamaican pirate Robert Searles captured a Spanish ship and sailed it until the harbor. Searles and his men pillaged the town murdering anyone that crossed their paths. Among the dead were several women and children.

St. Augustine Pirate Museum

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum houses the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate relics. Visitors are transported into the Golden Age of Piracy 300 years ago in Port Royal, Jamaica. The museum has interactive components such as computers, touch screens, and a replica of a pirate ship.

One of our favorite parts of the St. Augustine Pirate Museum was the Discovery Drawers. Throughout the museum, there are drawers marked with a skull and crossbones. Inside each of the drawers is a small piece of pirate history. The kids enjoyed scouring the room for the hidden treasure.

Just off the Main Deck (a replica of a pirate ship), kids can play with models of cannons. The boys enjoyed pretending to load the cannons and firing them. On the opposite side of the Main Deck is an Interactive World Map of Piracy. Smiley really enjoyed this room and the Interactive Book of Pirates.

Another slightly scarier feature is “Below Deck.” Here, visitors enter a small room, close the doors, and put on a pair of headphones. The lights dim and you hear the story of Blackbeard’s last battle. Disney’s Blackbeard Show is a must if you’re visiting the museum with older kids. It is a bit scary for the little ones.

The St. Augustine Pirate Museum also features props from famous Hollywood pirates.

Our Thoughts on the St. Augustine Pirate Museum

The St. Augustine Pirate Museum is really cool- especially if you’re traveling with children who are interested in pirates. Hell, the museum is cool even if you aren’t traveling with kids. They have done a great job collecting pirate treasure, relics, and pieces of pirate history. There is quite a bit of reading that needs to be done if you really want to absorb everything there is to see.

Our kids loved all of the interactive components. They got a kick out of the touch screen computers and maps.

The St. Augustine Pirate Museum, as a whole, is great. I mean, how can it not be with it boasting the largest collection of pirate swag in the world? I mean, they even have the oldest Jolly Roger and only surviving pirates chest! I will say that our kids were a bit young to truly enjoy the museum. Don’t get me wrong, they loved the St. Augustine Pirate Museum- I just think they would have appreciated it a bit more if they were older.

Other Pirate Events in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is famous for honoring its history and hosting reenactments. Each March there is a reenactment of the Searles raid. You can also check out a reenactment of Drake’s pillage in June.

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation: 10am to 7pm

Phone: (877) Go-PLUNDER (877.467.5863)

Address: 12 S. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is located across the street from Castillo de San Marcos. There is a pay-by-plate parking lot that allows for easy access to the museum.

What Else Is There To Do in the Area?

The museum is located in the heart of the historic district of downtown St. Augustine. There are a ton of things to do in the area.

  • Castillo de San Marcos– The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
  • Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse- Historic cedar-and-cypress building offering a glimpse of school life in Spanish Colonial times.
  • St. George Street– A pedestrian-only thoroughfare, St. George Street is the epicenter of downtown St. Augustine. The historic street is lined with shops and some of the best restaurants in the area.
  • Flagler College– Flagler College, housed in what was once one of Henry Flagler’s most opulent Gilded-Age hotels in St. Augustine, is a private four-year college. It’s also my alma mater! I strongly suggest taking a tour! There’s nothing quite like it.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! deals in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. 

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

 

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Updated: 4/13/21

Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port– Let me start by saying, Ketchikan was one of our favorite places we stopped on our Alaskan cruise. As soon as I opened the curtains leading to our balcony, it was love at first sight. Let me tell you, Ketchikan did not disappoint. The adorable little fishing town is charming and full of great things to do.

Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “first city”, due to its location at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage. This makes Ketchikan a popular stop on most Alaskan cruises.

In addition to Ketchikan, we visited Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. We also sailed through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier.

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Should I book an excursion in Ketchikan?

Firstly, there are so many great excursions available in Ketchikan, but Alaskan excursions are expensive. If you are on a budget, you can easily experience all of the best Ketchikan has to offer without booking an excursion. There are plenty of things to do near the Ketchikan Cruise Port. We had a chance to explore the Salmon Capital on foot and really enjoyed ourselves.

While we were in Ketchikan we did the Orca Beach Nature Trail which took us to an island where we had a chance to hike and become at one with nature. During our trip, we saw whales, porpoises, countless eagles, and tons of other wildlife (including a slug that I managed to kiss…)

A seaplane landing in Ketchikan

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Note: We suggest grabbing a map at the Visitors Center. The map includes 35 points of interest. The entire loop around downtown will take you at least an hour to do.

“The Rock” Bronze Statue, Downtown Ketchikan

Creek Street

The #1 thing to do in Ketchikan is to take a stroll down Creek Street. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and this is the perfect place to spot the salmon swim upstream to spawn. Believe it or not, this is the former red light district. Locals say this is where “both men and salmon came upstream to spawn”. 

Creek Street is about a 10-15 minute leisurely stroll from the cruise port. Signs are posted that will lead you through the town to this popular spot. If you don’t want to risk getting lost, you can stop by the Visitors Center to grab a walking tour map.

Stroll Through Downtown

Downtown is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also lots of really cool totem poles that are scattered throughout the town. If you want to learn more about the totems, you can stop by the Totem Pole Heritage Center.

Walk and Shop at the Boardwalk

The historic boardwalk is a living postcard. It is dotted with colorful shops where you can pick up souvenirs, sample some of the local salmon, and grab a beer. Be sure to peer over the railings to look for salmon!

Sample the Local Cuisine

There are plenty of great restaurants in town. Grab some fish and chips, freshly caught crab and fish at one of the portside restaurants.

Take a Hike

Believe it or not, there are some pretty rad hiking trails near the port. The Deer Mountain Trail, in particular, offers panoramic views of Ketchikan. Word on the street is that this is one of the best hiking trails in the Frontier State! The trail takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete, so make sure you have plenty of time before trying to tackle it.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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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?

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**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.

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