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Florida Orlando Peppa Pig Theme Park United States Winter Haven

Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida’s Newest (and TOTALLY ADORABLE!) Theme Park!

three kids sitting inside Peppa Pig's house at Peppa Pig Theme Park
The Kids Relaxing in Peppa Pig's house at Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida

Florida’s newest theme park is totally oink-tastic!  In early 2022, Peppa Pig Them Park opened its gates for the very first time.  The theme park is centered around the long-running pre-school animated series featuring the adventures of Peppa and her brother George.  The park is geared towards young children.  It features five rides, sensory play spaces, and other great attractions.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Entrance

Rides at Peppa Pig Theme Park

Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster- The most THRILLING ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park is a kid-friendly coaster that is sure to make their heart race!  

Requirements: Minimum rider height is 36 inches.  Guests less than 42 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Note:  This ride closes down during rain showers.

The Kids Relaxing in Peppa Pig's house at Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida
Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure Ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park

Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure-  Grown ups can ride along with their little ones on this totally awesome dino quest! You’ll pass by smoking volcanoes, and travel through the prehistoric landscape.

Requirements:  Minimum rider height is 34 inches.  Guests less than 43 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

 

Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride-  Take a leisurely boat ride with your little explorer.  Set sail for Pirate Island where you can dig for buried treasure, construct mighty fortresses, or play in the sand.

Requirements:  No minimum height requirement.  Guests 43 inches or under 4 years old must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.-

Mr. Bull’s High Striker- Our kids absolutely loved this kid-friendly drop ride!  You and your family will be lifted straight up into the sky and thrusted back down to the Earth.  

Requirements:  Minimum rider height is 34 inches.  Guests less than 43 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride offers excellent views of the entire theme park!

Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride-  You and your family can soar above this clouds with Peppa Pig in Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloon!  This aerial carousel ride offers the best views of the park and will surely leave your little one giggling with excitement!

Requirements:  No minimum height requirement.  Guests less than 51 inches must be accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years or older.

Note:  This ride closes down during the rain.

Other Attractions

Cinema- Take a break from the hot Florida sun to relax on a beanbag with your little piggies.  Enjoy some of their favorite episodes of Peppa Pig.

Fun Fair- Try your hand at some classic fair games.  When we visited, these games were in pretty bad shape and only included tossing hula hoops over posts.

George’s Fort- Your little ones will love searching through the hedge maze in search of who is making an unusual croaking noise!  Don’t worry- it’s just a frog!

Madame Gazelle’s Nature Trail- Join Madame Gazelle as you hunt for clues to to try to discover who has left tiny foot prints!  Can you solve the mystery?

Granny Pig's Garden at Peppa Pig Theme Park

Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse- This isn’t your average greenhouse!  Your little ones can explore Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse as they climb, slide, crawl, and play on this super-fun interactive outdoor playground.

Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena- Hop on over to the stage area to enjoy live shows and meet and greets!

Muddy Puddles Splash Pad- Be sure to pack your bathing suits!  There’s no better way to cool off than by jumping up and down in “Muddy Puddles”!  

Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour and George’s Tricycle Trail-  Your little piggy will love showing off their bicycling skills on these super fun tricycles!

Peppa Pig’s Treehouse- Climb into the treehouse and join Peppa for a spot of tea!  This fun, interactive playground is a great spot to get out some energy before catching a show.

Pirate Island Sand Play- Dig for buried treasure or build your own sandcastle in this super cool sandbox!

Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground- Bounce, hop, jump, crawl, and climb like a little bunny in this outdoor active play area!

The Park's Restaurant

The park has just one restaurant, which fills up incredibly fast.  If you’re eating in the restaurant, we strongly suggest visiting it as soon as it opens.  The eatery serves up shockingly good pizza, mac n cheese, and sandwiches.  They also have super-fun (and super-sugary) milkshakes topped with cookies and sprinkles.

Know Before You Go

  • Arrive at the park as early as possible.  We got there just before the gates were opened and we did all of the rides, caught a show, did the attractions, and had 2 meet and greets within 2 hours.  The park gets busier later in the day.
  • The restaurant starts poppin’ around 11:45.  The earlier you can get there, the better. 
  • The park allows you to bring in your own drinks and snacks.
  • The park can easily be done in half a day.
The kids with Peppa Pig
  • If you have a toddler or pre-schooler, leave the stroller behind.  The park is so small that you can easily navigate it without a stroller.  We ended up just parking ours and leaving it somewhere.
  • There isn’t much shade in the park- which could be a huge issue in the summer.  Be sure to pack plenty of water and cooling aids.  Shaded/cool down areas include:  the theatre, the restaurant, the splash pad, the bicycle path, and the stage area.

Visiting Peppa Pig Theme Park

One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884

The park hours vary from day to day.  Be sure to visit the official website to confirm the opening and closing times.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Essentials

Our Thoughts on Peppa Pig Theme Park

Our kids really enjoyed Peppa Pig Theme Park.  The park itself was small and can easily be done in 1/2 a day.  Despite it being small in size, it is definitely still worth the visit– if you have young kids.  We found that with the theme park being on the smaller size, it was actually more inviting for our kids.  All of the rides were developed for young kids, so we didn’t really have to worry about whether or not the twin were tall enough for certain rides.  It’ll be interesting to see how the park develops and grows over the years.  

Pairing Peppa Pig Theme Park with Legoland Florida

Legoland and Peppa Pig Theme Park actually share the same parking lot, so it is easy to pair the two of them together. However, Legoland is massive and it will take you all day to do the park.  If you want to do both Legoland and Peppa Pig Theme Park, we suggest adding on at least another 1/2 day to your trip.

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Gainesville State Parks United States

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park- Where Wild Horses and Bison Roam Free

The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most unique parks in the state of Florida.  The park is well-known for being the home to alligators, wild horses, bison, and other creatures native to Florida.  Be sure to stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the history of the area, the animals that call it home, and the people that once resided here.  The Visitor’s Center also has a massive window that offer impressive views of the park.  The 50-foot high observation tower, just behind the Visitor’s Center, is another great vantage point.

When we visited Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, we hiked a handful of trails searching for alligators, wild horses, and bison.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck.  We did, however, see several deer, armadillos, turkeys, and countless birds.

We spent a lot of time in the Visitor’s Center where they had a surprisingly large amount of interactive features in their interpretative museum.  The kids really enjoyed looking through the telescopes at the basin, playing in the kinetic sand to mimic erosion, and learning about the animals and people that called this savanna home.

We’re eager to return to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park to check out the north rim where we hope to spot some more of the park’s famed wildlife!

We strongly suggest visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park during the winter or spring, when the weather is much cooler and the air is less humid.  When you visit, be sure to pack plenty of water and bug spray.

Hiking at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

The park consists of eight different trails that provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

Leashed pets are allowed on all of the trails with the exception of Bolens Bluff, Cones Dike, and La Chua.  These trails have a large alligator population.

The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

At the park, you’ll see plenty of warning signs about snakes.  I know what you’re thinking- this is Florida, of course there are snakes!  This is, after all, one of the most wild places in the Sunshine State. 

 In 2000, a zoology professor counted 765 snakes in just one visit to the park!  That being said, I’m scared to death of snakes and I didn’t let that deter me.  We didn’t see a single snake on our visit- but that’s probably because we travel with 3 very talkative kids 🙂

The North Rim vs the South Rim

The bluff at the north rim of Paynes Prairie is more pronounced.  The star of the north rim is the La Chua Trail, which is known as one of the best places to see alligators in the wild.  You’ll also probably have a better chance of spotting wild horses and bison here. 

The south rim is where you’ll find the visitor center, observation tower, and many of the trails.  If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the bison and wild horses from the observation tower just behind the Visitor’s Center.

Be sure to ask the rangers where they have spotted the bison and horses recently!

Visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Main Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy
Phone: 352-466-3397

The main entrance is open from 8am until sunset, daily.  The La Chua Trail and Bolens Bluff may close before sunset when alligators are most active.  

What is there to do nearby?

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located just outside of Gainesville in the town of Micanopy.  Gainesville is a huge college town (Go Gators!) and has a ton of cool stuff to do.  Some of our favorites include:

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

9 National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Did you know that some national parks requiring reservations?  With more and more people embarking on the Great American Road Trip, the National Park System is moving towards requiring reservations for some of the most popular parks during peak season.  These reservations help to limit the number of people that enter the parks.  

Information About National Parks Requiring Reservations

In 2022, the National Park Service piloted a reservation system that allows for a larger number of reservations per day.  By offering timed tickets, they are able to allow most visitors into the park each day.  The reservations are based on approximately 90% of the park’s parking capacity.  It helps to spread out usage throughout the park and better use all of the parking areas.  

National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024

Acadia National Park

From May 24 to October 22 a reservation will be needed to drive the Cadillac Summit Road. This popular drive  leads to Cadillac Mountain.

More Information

Arches National Park

Between April 1 and  October 31 Arches National Park will require a $2 timed entry ticket, in addition to a photo ID, and park entrance fee, to enter the park.

The timed tickets will have a staggered release.

Glacier National Park

From May 24 to September 8 visitors will be required to book a vehicle reservation to enter the Going to the Sun Road at the West, Camas, and St. Mary entrances. A separate ticket is also needed to enter the Polebridge Ranger Station at the North Fork area.

More Information

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As of 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has required that visitors purchase a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag if they plan on parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes.

Haleakala National Park

Visitors entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. will need to book a vehicle reservation.  Individuals may book one vehicle reservation every 3 days for the sunrise viewing.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Between May 24 and October 20, a timed entry ticket will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National. There are 2 different tickets available. Bear Lake Road, and Park Access without Bear Lake Road Access from 9am to 3pm.

 

Shenandoah National Park

During the time frame of March 1 and November 30 reservations will be needed to explore the Old Rag area, for hikes on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails.

More Information

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is bringing back their “Peak Hours Plus” reservation system in the spring, summer, and fall from 5 am to 4 PM.  Reservations will be required on weekends from April 13 to June 30 and from August 17 to October 27.

Reservations are required 7 days a week from July 1 to August 16.

Reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the park. 

More Information

Zion National Park

In 2024, Zion will be continuing their lottery permit program to hike Angels Landing.  The lottery opens 2 months prior to your potential hike.

A next day lottery is also available for hopeful last-minute hikers.  These slots are released at 12:01 AM MT and close at 3 PM MT.  Winners will be emailed at 4:01 PM MT.

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Updated:  1/7/2024

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Little Talbot Island State Park- Beautiful, Natural, Florida

Little Talbot Island State Park is located on a barrier island in Jacksonville, Florida.  In fact, it is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands remaining in Northeast Florida.  The park offers 5 miles of exquisite, pristine beaches and untouched natural beauty for visitors to explore.  Little Talbot Island offers some of the best beaches in the region.

The park is a popular site for camping, kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, and spending the day at the beach.  The state park is also home to river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and other fascinating wildlife.

Big Talbot Island State Park is situated directly north of Little Talbot Island.  Years of erosion of Big Talbot Island and sand deposition on Little Talbot Island has actually led to Little Talbot becoming the larger of the two islands.

History

Native Americans were the first to hunt and fish these barrier islands.  In 1562, when French Huguenots arrived, they called these indigenous people the Timucua.  Over the next 200 years, the region was inhabited by the Native Americans, French, English, and Spanish before Florida officially became a state in 1845.

In 1735, General James Oglethorpe (the founder of Georgia) named the barrier islands the Talbot Islands in honor of Charles Talbot, Lord High Chancellor of England.  Talbot was a lawyer and politician who served as the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain from 1733 to 1737.     

 The land was acquired by the state in 1951 and opened as a park in 1952.  This stunning corner of the city of Jacksonville is well protected and preserved by the local, state, and national park systems.  Thanks to them, several miles of coastline, marshland, maritime forests, and woodland have been protected giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.

Be sure to pick up a handy shark tooth and shell guide from the ranger!

Park Experiences and Amenities

  • Bicycling– Bicycling can be enjoyed around the park, but we enjoy the 2.5 mile paved trail.  The Park Drive Timucuan Trail is part of the Greenway Trail that goes from Florida to Maine.  There’s also a new segment that connects to Huguenot Park.
  • Camping-This park is super popular for camping. There are 36 camp sites suited for both tent camping and RVs.  The maximum length for campers and RVs is 30 feet. If you’re camping at the park, we suggest bringing your bikes along as the sites are 1/2 a mile or more from the beach. 
  • Fishing- Little Talbot Island State Park offers 5 miles of beaches.  It is a surf fishing paradise!  Try your hand a snagging a flounder, black drum, mullet, sheepshead, bluefish, bass,  or redfish.
  • Paddling- This is one of the most popular water activities in the Sunshine State.  Long Island Outfitters provides canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided tours.

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs through Little Talbot Island State Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.   The greenway connects the park to Huguenot Park and Big Talbot Island.

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!

Visiting Little Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island State Park is open form 8 AM until unset 365 days a year.

The park is located at:
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226

The cost to enter the park is $5 per vehicle.

Our Little Talbot Island Essentials

Beach Wagon– great for navigating in the sand
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

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
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

The Impressive Lincoln Memorial: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.  The memorial is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, DC.  Each year, more than seven million people visit the Lincoln Memorial.  The structure is one of the most recognizable memorials in the world, and is known for being a beacon of hope and inspiration. 

Although plans for the memorial began shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the monument took more than 50 years for it to be constructed and open to the public.  Construction was slowed by World War I and the memorial didn’t open until 1922.

The memorial is modeled after the Parthenon, a Greek Doric temple.  Architect Henry Bacon stated, “a memorial to the man who defended the democracy should be modeled after a structure from the birthplace of democracy.”  Other symbols in the monument represent the union, peace, justice, freedom, and other ideals important to Lincoln.

 The Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for many key points in American history.  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech took place on the monuments steps.   The memorial was also the site of the Inaugural Celebration for America’s first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.

The monument is maintained by the National Park Service.  It was one of the first monuments to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.

10 Things You Didn't Know About the Lincoln Memorial

  • John Russell Pope originally planned for the Lincoln Memorial to modeled after the Egyptian pyramids, rather than the Greek temple style we see today.  He also proposed a traditional Mayan temple or a Mesopotamian ziggurat made up of 8 layers, each one smaller than the next, with Lincoln on top.  
  • Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, attended the dedication.   He was Lincoln’s only surviving son and was 78 years old at the time.
  • Although Lincoln was known as the Great Emancipator, the dedication ceremony was segregated.   
  • The Reflection Pool is actually part of the Lincoln Memorial.  The pool, tucked between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, is formally known as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 
  • The 36 columns that make up the memorial symbolize the 36 states that were in the Union during Lincoln’s lifetime.  
  • Even the building materials are symbolic.  The materials were brought in from Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia to help portray the unity of the nation.   
  • The memorial includes two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches.  Both the Gettysburg Address and the second Inaugural Address are engraved into the wall on either side of Lincoln’s statue.  
  • There are also two murals inside that commemorate Lincoln’s ideals and core principles.  The murals depict freedom, liberty, immorality, justice, law, unity, fraternity, and charity.
  • An inscription etched into the steps of the Lincoln Memorial marks where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to give his I Have a Dream speech.
  • Lincoln was interested in furthering the study of sign language.  He signed the charter for Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf, to be constructed.  A nod to this can be seen on the massive sculpture of Lincoln inside of the memorial.  His hands seem to be signing the letters A and L.

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial

The memorial is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.  

Physical Address:
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW
Washington, DC 20002

Nearest Metro Stations:
Foggy Bottom (23rd St.& I St.NW) & Smithsonian (12th St. & Independence Ave.)

What is there to do Nearby?

The Lincoln Memorial is located in the heart of historical row known as the National Mall.    Nearby you’ll find:

  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • Vietnam Women’s Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Constitution Gardens
  • World War II Memorial
  • Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial 
  • Washington Monument
  • Smithsonian Museums
  • US Botanic Gardens
  • United States Capitol
  • The White House

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Orlando Springs State Parks United States

12 Best Springs Near Orlando

Believe it or not, there is more to Orlando than Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and SeaWorld.  Orlando is home to a ton of natural attractions, too. Some of the best springs near Orlando make for the perfect day trip from this super busy city.  

What better way to break up your days at the theme park than by spending some time in Florida’s crystal clear waters?

Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs.  It has more natural springs than anywhere else on the planet!  Not only are the springs drop-dead gorgeous, but they are super relaxing!  The springs are home to some of Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, turtles, otters, and yes…alligators.  

The springs near Orlando were Florida’s original tourist attraction.  People would migrate from the north to relax in the cool Florida waters.  Silver Springs and de Leon Springs  were once some of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.  

Today the springs offer visitors a space to swim, relax on an innertube, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, snorkel, scuba dive, and even enjoy a boat tour.

Silver Glen Springs

While some of these springs are near Orlando, others require a little bit of a longer drive.  The great thing about some of these springs is that you can often hit more than one spring a day.  For instance, Alexander Springs and DeLeon Springs are really close to each other.  You could easily hit one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.  No matter which spring you choose, you seriously cannot go wrong.  All of them make a perfect day trip from Orlando.

12 Best Springs Near Orlando

Wekiwa Springs State Park

It’s amazing to think that this gorgeous natural wonder is just 14 miles from downtown Orlando.  Wekiwa Springs State Park has fabulous emerald waters, lush tropical hammocks, and miles of trails for your to explore.

The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.  Like many of the nearby springs, it’s suggested that you arrive early as the springs tend to hit capacity early in the day.  

The park is popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and simply floating on an innertube.

You could easily spend the day at the theme park and unwind in the crisp cool water in the afternoon.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

Kelly Park/Rock Springs is 31 miles from Orlando.  This stunning oasis has some of the most gorgeous crystal clear water.  Kelly Park is a nature park that is popular for hiking, swimming, and camping. The lazy river run for Rock Springs starts in Kelly Park and continues over 8 miles outside of the park.  

The cost for Kelly Park is $3 for a car of 2 people or $5 for 3-8 people.  The park is super popular on warm days so we strongly suggest getting there early.  The park often reaches capacity early.  This is truly one of the best springs near Orlando!  We cannot wait to explore this park!

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park

34 miles outside of Orlando, you’ll find one of our favorite hangouts- Blue Spring State Park.  This park is extremely popular on hot days so plan on getting there early!  

What makes it so popular, you might ask?  Not only is it close to the city, but it is literally the most perfect place in the world for tubing.  The natural lazy river is incredibly refreshing- especially during the heat of summer. 

The park is also popular for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, hiking, and biking.  

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.  The park offers inner tube rentals at the park.

The park is equally impressive during the winter months.  When the thermometer drops, the park becomes a sanctuary for manatees.  You can expect to see anywhere between 25 and 500 manatees in the springs!

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park

46 miles miles away, you’ll find one of our favorite springs near Orlando!  De Leon Springs State Park is another site that was once a popular tourist destination.  The site was once home to the Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino which was popular with wealthy northern visitors.  

 By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.  

While the days of water skiing elephants are long gone, this place is still pretty rad.  It features a unique restaurant where you make your own pancakes, and a swimming hole the resembles a swimming pool.  

There are so eco-boat tours available where you can see what the park looks like from the river without having to get wet.

If you don’t mind getting wet, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and hit the water.  The cost to enter the park is $6 per vehicle.  This unique park is one of the best springs near Orlando and definitely worth the visit!

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is one of the largest and most accessible springs in the state.  It is the perfect place for families with young children.  Alexander Springs is 59 miles away from downtown is truly one of the best springs near Orlando. 

The park is well known for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and paddling.  The launch site really close to the swimming hole so it is easy to go back and forth between the two.  

Entrance fees are $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends. 

Alexander Springs

Juniper Springs

68 miles from Orlando, you’ll find one of the most picturesque kayak trails in Florida.  The seven-mile route will take your breath away.  Juniper Springs is idea for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking.  Paddling is popular year round, so don’t feel like visits are limited to just the warm months.  

The cost to enter the park is $7/person on weekdays and $10/person on weekends.  There is a launching fee of $10/watercraft.

Silver Glen Springs

69 miles outside of Orlando you’ll find Silver Glen Springs.  Trust us, this park is well worth the drive!  The aquamarine water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and floating. The water here is super clear and shallow making it perfect for children.  

Like Blue Spring, it is also a refuge for manatee during the winter months. 

Admission is $6 per person.

Silver Springs State Park

Although this park is 80 miles outside of the city, you should still definitely consider visiting it!  Silver Springs State Park was one the state’s first tourist attractions and one of the most unique springs near Orlando. 

 In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park!  The park is famous for its glass bottom boats and kayaking trail.  It is also known for being the winter home to manatees. 

We suggest taking the glass bottom boat tour as soon as you enter the park, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the area.  The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Silver Springs State Park

Although there is no swimming permitted, the park is perfect for paddling.  The park offers rentals, or you can pack your own vessel.  The cost to launch is $4/vessel.  There is also an entrance fee of $2/person.

Rainbow Springs State Park

The name alone makes us want to check this place out!  83 miles away from Orlando you’ll find one of the most stunning springs the state has to offer.  The water here is sapphire blue and the swimming area is massive!  The park features some of the best hiking trails in Florida and features man-made waterfalls and beautiful natural gardens.  

The park is popular for hiking, snorkeling, tubing, paddling, and swimming.    The cost to enter is $2/person.  

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is one of the jewels of the Ocala National Forest.  Located just 85 miles from the city, this unique spring is home to freshwater and saltwater fish.  Blue crabs, turtles, and manatees also call these springs home.  Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and hiking are all popular here.  Admission is $7 /person.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs was rated the #1 Florida spring by our Instagram followers.    136 miles away from Orlando, you’ll find Florida’s newest state park- Gilchrist Blue Springs.  The park is known for paddling, swimming, and snorkeling.  

There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the site.  If you go out for a paddle, be sure to wander past the ropes that mark off the swimming hole.  The river is absolutely remarkable!  

The cost to enter is $4 to $6 per vehicle.  If you make the drive from Orlando, we suggest also making a stop at nearby Poe Springs and Rum Island Springs to make the drive worth your while!  These are also great places to check out in the event that the park is at capacity when you arrive.  

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is 138 miles outside of Orlando, making it just over 2 hours away.  You would definitely need to dedicate an entire day to visiting this state park.  Ginnie Springs advertises itself as a “true slice of pure Florida”.  It is made up of seven springs and several caves.  These caves make the spring one of the most unique freshwater diving spots in the world.  Aside from diving, the springs are also popular for tubing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.  

Admission ranges between $15-$20/adult depending on the season.  Children ages 5-12 are $5.  Although this site is the furthest from Orlando, it is definitely worth the drive!

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 around.

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.

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

We hope this list compels you to get out there and explore the springs near Orlando!  After all, there’s much more to the Sunshine State than theme parks!  Grab a towel and a bathing suit, and get out there and explore the natural side of Florida!

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

Categories
Georgia Hotel Review Lake Lanier United States

An Honest Review of the Legacy Lodge at Lanier Island

This winter we stayed at the Legacy Lodge when we went on our Christmas trip to Lake Lanier.  As part of the kids Christmas present, we got tickets to Snow Island at Margaritaville Lanier Islands.  Snow Island is a winter event that features snow tubing, a giant snow pit for snowballs and snow angels, ice skating, a walk-through light show, carnival rides, and more.

The Legacy Lodge

The Legacy Lodge serves as the main hotel for Margaritaville and Lanier Islands.  This pet-friendly hotel is perfect for romantic getaways, girls trips, and family vacations.  The hotel offers traditional hotel rooms as well as suites.

For our stay, we booked the Legacy Lodge Double Queen Room.  The room was about 300 square feet and super comfortable!  The beds were cozy and we had access to a mini-fridge, TV, and a private patio (some offer private balconies).

Our room was on the first floor which meant we had easy access to the lake (via our private patio), the heated salt-water pool, the bars, and restaurants.  The amentities are all centrally located but spread out across different floors.  For instance, the main bar was on the first floor, the game area was on the second floor with the fitness center and heated salt-water pool with firepit, and the upscale restaurant is on the third floor.

 

Legacy Lodge Amenities

  • Heated Saltwater Swimming Pool
  • Fire Pits
  • Gaming Area
  • Fitness Center
  • Business Center
  • Multiple Dining Options

Helpful Hints About Legacy Lodge

  • We suggest arriving at the Margaritaville complex during the daylight.  We found the property difficult to navigate at night because there was not adequate lighting on the roads, and the signs were not lit up.  Many cars had to brake at the signs in attempt to read them.
  • The Legacy Lodge offers a free shuttle to the Margaritaville water park (which is also where Snow Island is held).  The front desk can provide you with a phone number to call to arrange for this service.  It is super user-friendly and it means that you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot!
  • Parking at Margaritaville is $20 a day, however, this price is included with your hotel stay.
  • The Legacy Lodge offers go-kart rentals which are perfect for days at the lake and driving around the Margaritaville complex.
  • Check in time is at 4 PM, check out is at 11 AM.
  • All purchases at the Legacy Lodge can be charged to your room.

Getting to Legacy Lodge

The Legacy Lodge is located at:

7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518

Phone: 770-945-8787

Our Honest Opinion of the Legacy Lodge

Honestly, for the price, you can’t beat the Legacy Lodge in Lake Lanier, Georgia.  We booked the Double Queen Room and it went for$150 a night (at the end of December 2021).    The room was comfortable and suited our needs.  

The hotel itself didn’t have a lot to offer, but I think that’s because most visitors don’t spend much time at the hotel itself.  Since the main reason most people visit Lanier Islands is to spend time on Lake Lanier or at Margaritaville, most visitors simply use the lodge as a place to rest their head.

Double Queen Room at Legacy Lodge

That being said, I think the hotel has definitely missed out on the opportunity to capitalize on this being a family-friendly hotel.  The amenities are limited to a heated salt-water pool, a fitness center, firepits, and a business center.  None of them are really worth writing home about.  The gaming area is just a foosball table and a pool table.  The hotel definitely has the space to expand and add more amenities (a splash park, playground, mini-golf, etc) that would make the place a bit more enjoyable.

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Amelia Island State Park- A Bucket List Beach

Amelia Island State Park is a quick and easy drive from Jacksonville, Florida.  The park protects more than 200 acres of stunning wilderness located on the southern tip of Amelia Island.  The state park is made up of white sand beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests.  This is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches-making it a popular destination for bucket listers.  It is also an excellent location for a paddling tour.

Amelia Island State Park Experieneces

  • Bicycling
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Beach
  • Swimming
  • Shelling
  • Horseback Riding (see below)

Paddling is one of the most popular activities at Amelia Island State Park.  Kayak Amelia is the state park’s canoe and kayak outfitter.  It is located on A1A between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island, about 6 miles away from Amelia Island.  

They offer rentals or guided paddling tour.  Booking one of these tours, or going out on your own, is an excellent way to spend time at Amelia Island State Park.  Paddling is one of our absolute favorite family-friendly experiences!

Sea Turtles

Each summer, sea turtles grace Florida beaches to nest.  Female sea turtles create their nests, lay their eggs, and return to the water leaving the eggs unprotected.  Rangers do everything they can to keep these nests safe until the eggs hatch 50 to 70 days later.  Please follow posted signs regarding sea turtles. 

Horseback Riding at Amelia Island State Park

Is horseback riding on the beach on your bucket list?  Well, you’re in luck!  Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that offers horseback riding on the beach.  Tours can be arranged through Kelly Seahorse Ranch.  You’ll enjoy a gorgeous trail ride from the ranch to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Kelly Seahorse Ranch is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily (except for on Mondays)- including Christmas and New Years Day.  A one-hour guided beach ride costs $125 per person.

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail and extends 6 miles north and 4 miles south.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.  The  Greenway cuts through Amelia Island State Park.  The greenway connects the park to Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.

Our Amelia Island State Park 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

Visiting Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.

The entrance fee is $2 per person.  The park uses an honor box system to collect fees, so correct change is required.

The park is located at 

State Road A1A North
Jacksonville, FL
32226

What is there to do Nearby?

Amelia Island State Park is located on Amelia Island an area well-known for their upscale shopping and dining.  We also love spending time in the nearby historic downtown Fernandina.  Fernandina also has great shops, a quaint welcoming vibe, and delicious eateries.
 
If you need lodging in the area, we love the Omni Amelia Island Resort.  They have a great beachside pool area and their bars whip up some bangin’ beverages.  The resort also has a top-notch spa. 
 
You’ll also find a Ritz Carlton on the island that has been rated one of the top hotels in Florida and the top hotel in Jacksonville!

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

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores New York United States

Women’s Rights National Historical Park- Paving the Way for Equality

Did you know that the Women’s Suffrage Movement lasted nearly 100 years?  The movement fought for women to have the right to vote in the United States.   It wasn’t until August 18, 1920 that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting women this right.  The Women’s Rights National Historical Park encapsulates many locations that were pivotal in this campaign.

In 1848, a group of abolitionist activists gathered in Seneca Falls New York to converse about Women’s Rights.  They planned a two-day convention to amplify their cause.  This convention would end up changing the course of women’s history in the United States.

In the election of 1920, more than 8 million women made their way to the polls to vote for the very first time.  Unfortunately, the founders of the movement did not live long enough to cast their first vote.  Still, we honor them at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park was established in 1980 in Seneca Falls, New York. The park consists of four properties that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. These buildings include the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the M’Clintock House, and the Richard Hunt House.

The homes that are part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park served as meeting grounds for the drafting of the Declaration of Sentiments and other important historical documents.  The Declaration of Sentiments was modeled after the Declaration of Independence and was the backbone for the Women’s Suffrage Movement that lasted until 1920.  

The Visitor's Center

The Visitor Center houses a massive, stunning life-size bronze sculpture of twenty men and women that attended the first Women’s Rights Convention.  The statue, The First Wave, includes the figures of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Richard and Jane Hunt, James and Lucretia Mott,  Thomas and Mary Ann M’Clintock, Martha Wright, and Frederick Douglass.

The two-day convention took place on July 19 and 20 in 1848 with more than 300 people in attendance.  Many of the attendees signed a “Declaration of Sentiments” which declared that “all men and women are created equal.”

Wesleyan Methodist Church

Wesleyan Methodist Church is part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park complex.  It was constructed in 1843 and was the site of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first Women’s Rights Convention.   It was here that about 300 people came together to hear Elizabeth Cady Stanton demand the right for women to vote.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Houes

This historic home, located at 32 Washington Street, was the home of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton from 1847 to 1862.  The home is now a museum and a cornerstone for the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

The oldest portion of the home, the south wing, dates back to before 1830.  The north wing was added around 1840.  Henry and Elizabeth Cady Stanton eventually moved in 1847.  

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an American writer and activist who led the Women’s Rights Movement.  She was the primary force behind the Seneca Falls Convention and the primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments.  She was also active in abolitionism.

She met Susan B. Anthony, another key social reformer and activist, in 1851.  The women formed a decades-long partnership that was a key to the development of the Women’s Rights Movement.  The women then went on to form the American Equal Rights Association which campaigned for equal rights for people of color and women.

The home was acquired by the National Park Service in 1982 and became part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

M'Clintock House

This historic two-story, Federal style home was home to the Quaker pharmacist Thomas M’Clintock and his wife Mary Ann.  The home was used as a meeting space to write the Declaration of Sentiments, resolutions, and speeches for the Women’s Rights Convention.  Today, the home stands as an important part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.  

Mary Ann M’Clintock and her husband, Thomas, were active in anti-slave movements in Philadelphia.  Mary Ann was one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Female Ani-Slavery Society where she became close to abolitionist Lucretia Mott.  

Richard Hunt House

The Hunt House is located in the nearby town of Waterloo.  This stately home was the residence of the Hunt family.   This home is where Jane Hunt, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Martha Coffin Wright, and Mary Ann M’Clintock planned the First Women’s Rights Convention.

Jane Clothier Hunt was an American Quaker that believed in social reform and equal rights.  Mr. and Mrs. Hunt’s home is thought to have served as a station in the Underground Railroad.  

Votes For Women History Trail

The Votes For Women History Trail was created in 2009.  The trail is a drivable route that links sights throughout upstate New York that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. 

Sites on the trail include:

  • Susan B. Anthon House (Rochester)
  • Mount Hope Cemetery (Rochester)
  • Antoinette Louisa Brown Blackwell Childhood Home (Henrietta)
  • M’Clintock House (Waterloo)
  • Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Fun Fact:  The term womxn has been in print since the 1970s as an alternative to the word “woman” or “women”.  The term was created to avoid perceived sexism in the standard spelling- which contains the word “man” or “men”.

Visiting Women's Rights National Historical Park

Physical Address: 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is open daily with reduced programming during the winter months.  The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.  

All sites and events are free.

Fun Fact:  Harriet Tubman played a role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  She traveled to New York, Boston, and DC to speak out in favor of women’s votings rights. She is buried in the nearby Fort Hill Cemetery and there is a National Historical Park nearby in her honor.

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  • Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
  • Fort Stanwix National Monument
  • Robert H. Treman State Park

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

The Super Charming Celestial Farms

***Celestial Farms is permanently closed. *** 

Celestial Farms, tucked away in Jacksonville’s northside, is truly a hidden gem.  This quaint farm holds a special place in our hearts.  It is a not-for-profit animal rescue and educational center.  The farm takes in neglected and abandoned farm animals.

Celestial Farms doesn’t just offer refuge for these precious animals, they also provide therapeutic benefits for people of all abilities.  Volunteers can help care for the farm, tend to the garden, or work with the animals.  It’s truly a full-service farm where animals and people alike can learn, heal, and grow.  

Due to rising health concerns, the facility is no longer able to accept outside foods.  However, the farm sells feed for about $3 a bag.

This is honestly one of our favorite spots around town.  We visit the farm every other month (or so), and keep coming back for more.  Our kids can’t get enough of the friendly animals that live on the farm.  The love that they can not only feed the animals but also pet and love on them. 

Like most kids, they are obsessed with picking up (or trying to pick up) the animals.  Since the animals that roam around are mostly young animals, they themselves are rambunctious and don’t seem to mind.  In fact, some of the animals sometimes (lovingly) chase after visitors for attention.  Trust me, there’s nothing cuter than a piglet or a goat chasing after your kid begging for to be pet, cuddled, or picked up!

@5suitcases

We spent the morning at Celestial Farms ##celestialfarms ##onlyinjax ##jacksonville ##farm ##animalrescue ##farmanimals ##farmlife ##5suitcases

♬ Green Acres - Theme from the TV Series - instrumental - Charles Fernandez

The Animals of Celestial Farms

Our kids love it when the animals make their way out of their pens and run around the farm.  Obviously, the larger animals stay in their pens (for safety reasons), but the small animals are often free to roam.  It is a great way for children to learn boundaries with animals and to interact with them.

Some animals that you may find roaming around the farm are; bunnies, iguanas, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, piglets, goats, and other small creatures.

Are you curious about what animals you’ll find at the farm?  Celestial Farms is a safe haven for:

  • Cows
  • Horses
  • Donkeys
  • Ponies
  • Goats
  • Opossum
  • Pigs
  • Rabbits
  • Chickens
  • Turkey
  • Ducks
  • Sheep

Some of our favorites include:

Sugar– a beautiful, white, miniature pony with heterochromia (different colored eyes).

BK- a super handsome, black cow.  He is seriously the sweetest!

Rooter- a big bubba of a black pig!

Special Programs & Events

We went to a really fun birthday party at the farm.  The kids all loved getting to meet, play, and interact with all of the animals. 

In addition to birthday parties, the farm is also available for:

  • Weddings
  • Corporate parties
  • Photography
  • Field Trips

The farm also hosts special programs and events like:

  • Family Campouts
  • Spring Fling
  • Herbal Infusing
  • Hug a Farm Animal Day
  • Hispanic JAX Festival
  • Trunk or Treat
  • Christmas
  • Yoga
BK the Cow

Other Fun Things!

Celestial Farms has done an amazing job making this a family-friend space.  While the animals will always be the main attraction, there are lots of other fun things to do at the farm.  There’s a handful of playgrounds, a rock climbing wall, a fishing pond, a butterfly/fairy garden, a tractor ride, a treehouse, and loads of other kid-friendly attractions.

Visiting Celestial Farms

Celestial Farms is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.  

The entrance fee is $5 per person.

 

Celestial Farms is an amazing place that does remarkable things for abused and neglected animals.  Do yourself a favor and make plans to head out to the farm to visit these sweet babies.  You and your family will have an incredible time.  And who knows, maybe you’ll run into us while you’re there?

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