Eden Gardens State Park
The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley House inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. The park is part of the estate owned in the 1800s by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. Guided tours of the house are available hourly Thursday through Monday (including holidays). Visitors can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and picnic area daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
Eden Gardens is a particularly unique treasure of a spring time park due to its Garden. Springtime at Eden Gardens State Park is the single most photographed property in Walton County. Early spring sees the camellias blooms peaking, overlapping into middle spring, as the azaleas peak. Then, in come the roses first bloom of the year, followed by the blooming of the Great Southern Magnolia’s and Florida buckeyes, to name but a few of the many springtime gifts Eden Gardens has to offer. Eden Garden’s nature trail also offers some of the best fragrances and sights northwest Florida’s native plants offer. Even if you just spend a lazy day picnicking on Tucker Bayou, the experience at Eden Gardens brings you back to a less hurried lifestyle that few experience any longer but many yearn to return to.
(Park is located in Point Washington, off US 98 on CR 395. For further information, call 850-231-4214.)
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Located on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is named in honor of American composer Stephen Foster, who made the river famous when he penned the line, “Way down upon the Suwannee River.” The 888-acre park celebrates north Florida’s unique natural beauty with trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Visitors can take a canoe or kayak excursion or hike along the river’s limestone bluffs. In springtime, wild azaleas crowd the ridgeline, bounded by lush ferns, hardwood canopies and the gnarled roots of the baygall. The park is a gateway for the Suwannee Wilderness Trail, a 207-mile water trail that extends to the Gulf of Mexico.Graced with antebellum-style architecture, the Stephen Foster Museum includes hand-detailed dioramas of the composer’s most popular tunes and a collection of rare musical instruments. Foster’s music plays throughout the day from the 97-bell Carillon Tower, the world’s largest tubular bell instrument. A children’s playground is located near the gift shop where crafts, toys, books, jewelry and Foster memorabilia are for sale. Shaded picnic tables, special events, and demonstrating craftsmen invite leisurely stays. Overnight visitors can camp in the oak-shaded campground or stay in a well-equipped riverside cabin.
Spring events include an Elderhostel program (March), the Antique Tractor and Engine Show (early April), a First Saturday Coffeehouse, the Florida Folk Festival (in late May), and other programs.
(Park is located on US 41 in White Springs. For further information, call 386-397-2733.)
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park has long been a favorite playground for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. With its beautiful maritime hammock, four miles of white sandy beach, and Salt Run -- a tidal lagoon that serves as a natural hatchery for fish and other sea life -- together they bring an abundance and variety of bird life to the park. Threatened and endangered species call the park home, including the Anastasia beach mouse, which can only be found on Anastasia Island. Ancient Live Oak trees provide a scenic canopy for the park's 139 campsites.
Anastasia State Park's historic Coquina Quarry was quarried in 1565, by the Spanish to build the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Ranger programs are held on the first Saturday of every month. Volunteers lead interpretive program on other Saturdays.
(Park is located on A1A, 1.5 miles north of SR 312. Historic Saint Augustine is a short drive away. Call 904-461-2033 for further information.)
