Tag: USA

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Georgia Golden Isles United States

Summer Waves- Jekyll Island’s Exhilarating Water Park

Summer Waves Water Park is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the Golden Isles.  The park is known for it’s tranquil lazy river, riveting waterslides, and their bodacious wave pool.  The water park, located on Jekyll Island, offers amazing views of the Jekyll River and is the ultimate place to cool off during the summer months.

Attractions

Summer Waves Water Park has something for everyone whether you’re looking to just float down a lazy river or get your heart pumping on one of the exhilarating waterslides.

Shark Tooth Cove- This fun and interactive kids’ zone boasts a large shallow pool, super fun slides, and other water features your kids will love.  Our favorite part about Shark Tooth Cove was the 360° seating, it made it easy to monitor the kids.  The boys didn’t want to leave this area!

Splash Zone– The Splash Zone has a handful of  giant water buckets that periodically tip to create a torrential downpour.  There are also water guns where your kiddo can take aim and douse their peers.

Frantic Atlantic- This was my favorite feature as a kid so I was really glad to see that it’s stood the test of time.  The Frantic Atlantic is a 500,000 gallon wave pool that produces waves over 2-feet tall.  Grab and inner tube and prepare to ride the waves!

Turtle Creek- I suppose I’ve always been an old lady at heart, but because I also always loved the lazy river growing up.  😂 The only thing missing from this 1/2 mile, slow-moving lazy river is a fruity cocktail.  

Nature’s Revenge- This 40-feet tall duo of waterslides features several twists and turns that send riders into a spiral before dumping them out into a small pool.  Smiley loved this ride (and it was my favorite, too!).  Minimum height:  42 inches

Force 3- This 32-feet tall double inner-tube ride spirals around 350 feet of twists and curves.  There are three different waterslides that are intertwined and will keep you entertained all day long!    Minimum height:  48 inches

Pirate’s Passage- Man, I remember when this slide opened I was absolutely terrified of it.  Okay…I should probably admit that I am still terrified of this damn thing.  This double inner-tube slide launches riders down a five-story pitch black enclosed tube.  It’s fast.  It’s terrifying.  It’s an absolute freaking blast.  Minimum height:  48 inches

Man o’ War- The park unveiled a brand-spankin’ new slide in 2022 called Man o’ War.  Four vibrantly colored slides are intertwined creating the ultimate waterslide experience!  The ride features two tube slides and two full-body slides.   Minimum heigh:  48 inches

Visiting Summer Waves Water Park

The waterpark is located at:

210 S Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA

 

Summer Waves is typically open from 11 am to 6 pm, however, the hours do vary.  Be sure to check out their official website while planning your trip.

Admission to the park is $25/person Monday-Thursday and $28/per person Fridays- Sundays and Holidays.

Children ages 3 and under are admitted for free but must have a swim diaper (available for purchase at the park).

Our Summer Waves Water Park Essentials

What is there to do Nearby?

Jekyll Island is part of a chain of islands known as the Golden Isles.  This little corner of the Peach State is a haven for vacationers.  There is an $8/vehicle access fee to enter Jekyll Island.  The fee for oversized vehicles is $10.  Some of our favorite things in the area include:

Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica

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Categories
Florida Gainesville United States

Finding Shark Teeth with Mudslinger Tours in Gainesville, Florida

Sharks teeth discovered with Mudslinger Tours in Gainesville

Believe it or not, we have found more shark teeth in central Florida than we found on sandy beaches!  Despite being about an hour and a half from the nearest beach, Gainesville, Florida is a hot spot for finding shark teeth.  We recently went shark teeth and fossil hunting with Mudslinger Tours and we were absolutely blown away with our experience!

I’ve had several of my friends’ book tours with Mudslinger Tours over the last few years and they have all ranted and raved about their experience.  I’ve been wanting to go for years now but wanted to wait until the twins were old enough to really enjoy it.  Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait!  We walked away from our four-hour tour with about 100 shark teeth!

In all honesty, I didn’t have much hope of finding shark teeth.  I’ve never been very good at spotting them on the beach.  It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I actually found a shark tooth on the beach…and that was only because it was a megalodon tooth so it stuck out like a sore thumb. Aside from that treasure, I have only managed to find a dozen or so teeth on our beaches.  I guess,  I either don’t have the eye or the patience for it.  The fact that we found over 100 in less than four hours was pretty damn cool.  

It turns out, in order to find shark teeth…I had to leave the beach!

How Are There Shark Teeth in Central Florida?

For millions of years, Florida was underwater meaning you can find shark teeth pretty much all over the state.  Most fossil shark teeth are found in sedimentary rock- which was once the bottom of the ocean!  The best places to find shark teeth are at the beach during low tide and at the edges and bottoms of creeks and rivers.  Water erodes the harder sedimentary layers and helps to expose the fossil shark teeth.

Our Experience with Mudslinger Tours

We booked a half-day morning tour with Mudslinger Tours.  The morning tour lasted from 9 AM until 1 PM, which is more than enough time to get soaking wet in the creek and to find a plethora of shark teeth and fossils.

We left our house in JAX early in the morning and headed inland to Gainesville.  When we arrived at the home where the tours depart, we were immediately greeted by two of the guides and shown a collection of shark teeth and fossils that have been found in the nearby creek beds.  After a quick introduction and rundown of some rules, we walked about 150 yards down the road and down a narrow path in the woods until we reached the creek.  From here, our guide, Rob, split us off into groups.  We were all stationed far apart from each other in the creek, which was great because it gave us plenty of space to work and play.

Rob quickly showed us how to use the scoops and gave us some pointers to help us find the shark teeth.  The key is to dig at least elbow deep, so we found a hole and got to scooping.  We found teeth with pretty much every scoop of gravel we dug out of the creek.  It was absolutely incredible!  The whole creek bed was filled with teeth and fossils.

We worked out a system where one of us would scoop the gravel into the sifting pans, the boys would sift out all of the sand, and Smiley and whomever wasn’t scooping would go through the pan looking for teeth.

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to establish a discard pile so that you don’t scoop through gravel you’ve already searched through.

Once we got into the groove, it was really easy to spot the shark teeth.  They ranged in size from being small enough to slip through the mesh on our sifters to being the size of a dime.  

The four-hour tour was a tad long for our little guys.  They’d scoop and sift for a while and then randomly abandon their equipment to splash around in the creek.  They had an absolute blast and all of that playing in the cool waters wore them out by the end of the day!  On the other hand, our eight-year-old was perfectly content scooping and searching through our pans.

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to pack a snack or a light lunch along with plenty of liquids. 

Booking a Tour with Mudslinger Tours

To book your own tour with Mudslinger Tours, visit their Facebook Page.  Tours must be booked at least a week in advance.  A deposit is due at the time of booking and the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival.

The company operates out of a residence located at:

1414 NW 43rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605

Our Tips for Shark Teeth Hunting

The banks of the creek are filled with sharks teeth!  Unfortunately, shark tooth and fossil hunters are unable to dig in the banks.  In fact, you can’t use shovels to hunt in the creeks at all!  Instead, you have to wait for mother nature to erode the banks naturally. 

Here are some tips we learned from our pals at Mudslinger Tours:

  • The best spots to find the teeth are along the waterline at the creek.  This is because the rainwater erodes the banks and washes the shark teeth and fossils into the creek.
  • Find a hole and start scooping! The deeper down you can get, the more successful you’ll be.  We found that by moving a rock, or by finding a pre-existing hole, it cut down on some of the scooping.  The goal is to get in an area that is between elbow and shoulder deep.  If you reach clay, you’ve gone too far.
  • Establish a discard pile. Dump all of your excess gravel in the same pile.  This way, you don’t keep searching through the same bits of gravel.
  • Try scooping with your hands. The folx at Mudslinger Tours will provide you with a super sturdy metal scoop.  It had holes in it that allowed for the sand and water to exit the scoop.  Super handy!  Speaking of hands…you can also use your bare hands to begin establishing your digging hole.  You’ll be surprised by how much sand you can scoop with just your hands!
  • Make sure you’re not scooping in someone else’s discard pile. Your guide will suggest that you find a natural pile of gravel and start your hunt there.  If after a few scoops, you notice you’re not coming up with very many shark teeth or fossils, chances are you’re going through someone else’s discard pile. Move on.

Our Shark Tooth Hunting Essentials

Our kids wore their galoshes into the creek and they had to keep pouring out boot fulls of water and gravel.  In retrospect, we should have packed their water shoes.  Mudslinger Tours provides scoops, sifters, and baggies to collect your treasures.

It is forbidden to use shovels to extract shark teeth and fossils from the sediment.

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Categories
Florida National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores UNESCO World Heritage Site United States

Everglades National Park- Voted One of the Best National Parks in the USA

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park has consistently been ranked as one of the top national parks.  It is one of the prime locations for wildlife viewing- after all, where else can you see alligators, crocodiles, dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, and fish?  There’s more to do at the Everglades National Park than just scope out the awesome wildlife, it’s also a great place to hike, paddle, camp, and take a boat tour.

The Everglades is a true American treasure!  So much so that it is also a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. 

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the park is on the water.  The swamp is full of narrow mangrove tunnels making parts of the Everglades impossible to explore unless you’re in a kayak.  

If you’re feeling slightly less adventurous, you can also book a boat tour.

The park is massive and there are no public transportation options.  You’ll definitely want to make sure you have access to a vehicle.  Since the park is so large, it is hard to see all of it in one day so if you’re limited to just one day, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do.  It is smart to plan your day based on the park entrance you’re closest to.  Everglades City is to the west, Homestead is to the south, and Miami is to the northeast.  

What is there to do at Everglades National Park?

There is no shortage of adventure in this 2,400 square mile park!  Popular activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Biking (rentals are available)
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Tram tours

Park Highlights

  • Shark Valley –  This section is prime gator country.  You’re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds here.  There is a 15-mile paved loop trail where you can walk, bike, or take a tram tour. There is a 45-foot observation tower that you don’t want to miss.  Bike rentals are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.  (Accessible via the Shark Valley Visitor Center).
  • Snake Bight Trail- This 1.6 mile (one way) trail follows a canal through a tropical hardwood hammock.  The boardwalk is great for bird watching.  (Accessible via the Flamingo Visitor Center).
  • Long Pine Key Trails-  Hike or bike a system of 22 miles of trails.  (Accessible via the Ernest Coe Visitor Center).
  • Flamingo Marina- Here you can rent canoes, kayaks, or bicycles.  You can also book a boat tour or enjoy a hike.  (Accessible via Flamingo Visitor Center).  

Camping in the Everglades

There are two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park.  Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground both accommodate tents and RVs.   Flamingo Campground accepts reservations for some sites during the winter months.  Long Pine Key is first-come, first-served.  

The Flamingo Campground offers eco-tents for a glamping experience.  Availability is limited so be sure to book these well in advance, especially during peak season.

Primitive camping is available throughout the park and requires a permit.  

Airboat Tours

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades National Park is by booking an airboat tour.  You definitely won’t regret it!  There are three authorized airboat businesses that offer tours inside Everglades National Park.  These tours take you deep into the Everglades for an up-close and personal visit with the wildlife.  The expert guides know exactly where specific animals (such as alligators) tend to hang out.  

When is the Best Time to Visit?

November to May is the best time to visit.  Not only does the humidity dip down a little bit, but the mosquito population also drops.  Since it is dry season, the animals tend to gather around water holes making them easier to see.  

The “Wet Season” is from June to October.  Afternoon thunderstorms are basically an everyday occurrence due to the high humidity.  Temperatures skyrocket to 100 and mosquitos, yellow flies, and other biting bugs are prevalent.  

Visiting the Everglades National Park

The park is so massive that it has several different entrances.  Shark Valley Visitor Center and Gulf Coast Visitor Center are located on the north end of the park.  Ernest Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo Visitor Center can be found on the south end.  

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 consecutive days.  Other fees:  $15/cyclist, $25/motorcycle

How to Visit the Park For Free

Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter.    This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person. 

The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free!  Learn more about these days.

If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free!  Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family!   Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov

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Categories
Florida National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. Augustine United States

The Iconic Castillo de San Marcos- The Crown Jewel of St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Imagine a stone fort capable of completely absorbing cannon balls. No, this isn’t the space age, this fort was actually constructed hundreds of years ago! Castillo de San Marcos is the crown jewel of the historic city of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.  The historic district is filled with charming shops, top-notch eateries, and, of course, historic landmarks.  At the center of all of this is Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

The fort is probably the most famous attraction in the city of St. Augustine.  The fort was constructed over 400 years ago (in 1672), and it is in remarkable condition.  It stood the test of time and managed to overcome battles, hurricanes…and tourists!

Castillo de San Marcos is right on the waterfront and offers breathtaking views. When I went to school at nearby Flagler College, I would frequently spend hours sitting at the fort studying for my exams.  It’s one of my favorite places to spend time in the Ancient City. 

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

History of Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador, Pedro Menendez de Aviles.  Nearly 100 years later, construction began on the fort.  Coquina stones for the fort were gathered from present day Anastasia State Park.  Castillo de San Marcos is one of the only two fortifications in the world built out of this semi-rare form of limestone.  The other coquina fortification is Fort Matanzas, found about 14 miles south.

Typically, when a cannonball hits an object it create a significant amount of damage.  This unique stone has the ability to absorb mechanical stress causing it to essentially swallow the cannonball!

When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763, St. Augustine became the capital of the British East Florida and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark.  Twenty years later, the territory was transferred back to the Spanish and the fort’s original name was restored.

Not only was the fort used as a stronghold during the 1600s and 1700s, it was also used as an army base (for the US) named Fort Marion  in the 1800s.  The fort became a National Monument in 1924.  It saw 251 of continuous military possession before it was deactivated in 1933.  In 1942, Congress reenacted the fort’s original name, Castillo de San Marcos.

The fort saw its fair share of dark days.  For starters, some slave labor was used to construct the stone fort.  In addition, the fort was attacked several times, and was besieged twiced.  The fort was also used as a military prison to imprison Native Americans (including the famous war chief Osceola).

Visiting Castillo de San Marcos

The history of the fort is fascinating!  Even if you’re not a fan of history or forts, you’ll enjoy visiting Castillo de San Marcos. It is definitely one of those places that the whole family will enjoy!  

The chambers on the lower level of the fort are filled with artifacts, interactive displays, and other relics.  You may even run into a living history character!

On the upper part of the port, there are cannons galore!  You’ll also find plenty of benches so that you can kick back and enjoy the beauty of St. Augustine.  Keep your eyes out for manatees, egrets, and osprey!

Address:  11 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL

Visiting Hours:  The fort is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.   Castillo de San Marcos is open from 9:00-5:00.  

Admission:  $15 per person for visitors 16 and older.  Ages 16 and under are free.

Things to Know Before Visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Best Time to Visit Castillo de San Marcos 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

Entrance for adults is $15 per person.  Children 15 and under are free.

Cell Service

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

Parking

There is a pay-to-park lot directly in front of Castillo de San Marcos.  You may also be able to find street parking.  

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed inside the fort of Castillo de San Marcos.  Pets must be kept on a leash at all times on the outside sections of the park.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Jacksonville, FL – 60 miles
  • Orlando, FL – 90 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 180 miles
  • Miami, FL – 320 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 420 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 440 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 500 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

What is There to do Around the Fort?

We suggest starting your day off at the fort and then crossing the street to visit the Spanish Colonial Quarter.

There are plenty of other great shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars in the Spanish Colonial Quarter.  The historic quarter is also dotted with other historic structures like the Oldest School House and the Old City Gates.  We suggest spending some time popping in and out of the businesses that line the historic quarter.

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Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Florida Orlando Peppa Pig Theme Park United States Winter Haven

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

Everglades National Park

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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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

6 National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2025

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 2025

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.  Visitors will be required to obtain timed entry tickets between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day, except from July 7 to Aug. 27 or if they have another camping or tour reservation or special use permit.

Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are released three months in advance in monthly blocks.  

Glacier National Park

From June 13 to September 28, 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.  Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov with each area of the park requiring a separate reservation. These reservations are free but incur a $2 processing fee.

A separate ticket is also needed to enter the Polebridge Ranger Station in the North Fork area.

More Information

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 23 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.

Travelers will be able to enter within two hour periods, but there will be no set time for departure. Reservations will be free, except for a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

 

Yosemite National Park

The California park will require reservations to visit 24 hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 8 through Feb. 23, 2025. Reservations will also be required on Washington’s Birthday on Feb. 17. Further reservation details for the summer will be announced at a later date.

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 2025, Zion will be continuing their lottery permit program to hike Angels Landing.  The lottery opens 2 months before your potential hike.  It costs $6 to apply for a permit, which covers an application for up to six people. Each permit costs $3 per person.

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.

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program invites visitors to explore, learn about, and protect national parks. Participants complete activities in a special Junior Ranger booklet, then take an official pledge and receive a Junior Ranger badge or patch.

🗺️ How It Works

  1. Visit a National Park
    Head to a participating national park, monument, historic site, or recreation area. You can ask a ranger at the visitor center for a Junior Ranger activity book.

  2. Complete Activities
    Activities vary by location and are tailored to the park’s unique features. Common tasks include:

  3. Meet a Park Ranger
    After completing the booklet, kids (and adults!) show their work to a ranger. They may ask a few questions or have a quick chat.

  4. Take the Junior Ranger Pledge
    Participants promise to protect parks, learn about nature, and share what they’ve learned.

  5. Earn a Badge or Patch
    Every park has a unique Junior Ranger badge, making it a fun collectible!

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Updated:  1/2/2025

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

 

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

 

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**

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