Florida Fail: What Not to do When Going to the Springs

I grew up in Florida my whole life and never went to a spring until I was in my late teens. Maybe it’s because my parents weren’t Florida natives and the sound of going to a spring inhabited by gators on the outskirts of your swimming area was really off-putting. That being said, locals know where to go to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these vital ecosystems BUT you better be prepared because entry can feel exclusive.

Many springs offer water activities like kayak and paddle board rentals.

Springs and the Floridian Aquifer

There are over 1,000 natural springs in Florida and each gives a sneak peak into the Floridian Aquifer, a reservoir of water deep below the state that provides over 90% of the our drinking water. The temperatures tend to range between a chilly 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit which balances well with Florida’s scorching summer heat. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to visit. Start with https://springsinflorida.com/ to explore springs by distance and ammenities. It also provides useful information regarding hours and cost of entry.

Beautiful cypress trees support the Florida ecosystem and are known for their “knees” or root outgrowths.

Story Time – The Early Bird Catches the Admission

The springs have been a source of recreation for families for generations- offering fun and entertainment in the beautiful outdoors for a reasonable price thanks to our state parks. When you compare the alternatives like theme park tickets, you can understand how many parents pack up the kids for an affordable distraction. Social media has taken notice of these natural wonders and influencers have been posting about hidden gems in Florida like Kelly Park, King Springs, and anything that allows them to take a instagram worthy selfie with a eye-catching, crystal-blue water backdrop.

For many reasons, the springs can get crowded fast. We packed up and planned to visit Kelly Springs, known for having a natural lazy-river to enjoy. We went on Juneteenth, a Thursday. We arrived around 9AM with the park opening at 8AM. We were very disappointed to learn the park was not only full, but they already passed out their 50 additional tickets that you can redeem later in the afternoon when some of the park visitors leave. Even a nearby house outside of the entrance to Kelly Springs gave a hit of their popularity because they had comical skeletons dressed in summer attire either lounging on lawn furniture or leaning against a paddle board with a sign facing the road for all spring visitors to see that said “Is this the end of the line yet?”

The Rock Bar and Grill features an outdoor lawn with ping pong table, lawn games, and a concert stage.

Disappointed, we pulled over at Rock Springs Bar & Grill, which was sort of a restaurant, bar, outdoor venue that rents out inner tubes for your floating needs. When you step in, it’s a very small bar with several claw machines that caught our eye and a counter to place orders for breakfast sandwiches. When we walked in, it was obvious we were lost and I’m sure they see it everyday. They gave us homemade sausage (obviously the regulars like to start the day early at the bar with some protein) and gave us some words of wisdom, “You need to be here in line by 8AM to get in and at least 6AM if it’s a weekend”. We nibbled sausage, grabbed a beer, and sat out in the very nice outdoor venue to plan our next move.

Wekiva Falls RV Resort

From there, we headed to Wekiva Falls RV Resort, a recommendation from the wise locals of Rock Springs Bar because it was a bit pricier to enter and not well known so it was unlikely to hit copacity. We arrived to check in at the entrance and then we parked in a side grass lot before walking to our oasis which was a solid 10 minute trek to the water area. Several tiki huts surrounded a large stadium that circled around a spring with concrete edge. Full center was a huge water fountain and floating dock with water slide. Leading away from the spring was a winding river that was shallow enough to walk through and offered some shading while you explore. The drawback was this was a sulfur spring so it did take a little getting used to but we came, we found a spring, and we conquered.

Tips to Not End Up Like Me:

Get Up Early: Plan to be at the springs to be in line by opening time. Also check out the springs website and see if they have a online page where you may be able to pay ahead or sign-up for a late pass if you don’t make the cut. Some sites will send you an email notification if they can squeeze you in later in the day. Be on the lookout for QR codes by park entrances to sign in.

Featured is Poe’s springs that fills up by noon

Pack Smart: Some of these springs include a bit of a walk so don’t treat your body like a pack mule. Foldable carts are amazing and can fit in your trunk to fit everything for your day at the springs without breaking your back.

This spring had a quarter of a mile walk to the entrance

Dress to Impress: I highly recommend water shoes. These springs can have rocks, slippery moss, and just questionable stuff that tickles your toes and messes with your imagination. Good snorkeling googles is also a plus since you’ll be swimming in gorgeously clear water which will allow for some lovely underwater sightseeing. Also, the Florida heat is no joke. Bring wide brimmed hats and consider a long-sleeve, lightweight cover up to prevent a pesky sunburn.

Fun Gadget: If there’s one thing that that can drive me crazy, it’s flies! You just want to enjoy food out in nature but they want you to share. To prevent non-stop swatting, try this adorable Flower Fly Fans that does the work for you without messing with your picnic aesthetic.

Jacksonville, FL to Savannah, GA Day Trip

For a fun day trip from Jacksonville we love to escape to Savannah, GA which is known as the Hostess City of the South for good reason. It’s a fun trip where you can admire their manicured parks, blooming azalea bushes, and towering oaks as you explore their thriving art scene, history, and Southern charm.

Enjoying a colorful walk through Savannah

Shopping in Savannah

First, we stumbled upon Vintage, a colorful clothing store with a selection of vintage outfits as well as modern designs celebrating the city which make for better souvenirs than a typical tourist magnet. They offered a custom creation station where anyone can decorate a bag or wallet with patches or buttons for a fee. My daughter was excited to make her own wallet which I felt was a fun, hands-on memory but also act as a functional souvenir.

Next we visited the Book Lady Bookstore which felt like walking into someone’s English home with shelves of books from floor to ceiling. The exposed brick wall and colorful arm chairs scattered around made it feel historic with a touch of cozy. I found a corner filled with thrillers and went home with a collection of scary stories- one of my favorite souvenirs to collect on my travels.

Stepping down into the oldest independent bookstore in Savannah

King Street and the Stone Stairs of Death

I feel like a visit to Savannah isn’t complete without a stroll along King Street. Known for being a lively hub of music and entertainment, King Street holds restaurants, bars, and candy shops for whatever craving you may have as you walk along the riverwalk to observe the rushing waters of the Savannah River. The trek down to the water front is a steep one and the various stairs that get you there have been nicknamed the Stone Stairs of Death. They are not only notorious for their uneven footing but also for being the favorite path for inebriated tourists. You can actually join the Facebook group about unfortunate visitors who take on The Stone Stairs of Death with sometimes comical consequences.

Mead Tasting at Savannah Bee Company

If you survive the stairs, check out the Savannah Bee Company for a mead tasting! Mead is fermented honey and brewers are not as wide spread as craft beer. For about $15-20, you can sample a variety of meads at their mead bar. The options are between their standard meads and elevated options. Go with a friend and you can sign up for a tasting of each to sample them all. Mead can be as versatile as wine so this is a great chance to learn what options are available while catching a small buzz for your walk along the river.

Oysters and Terrapin

We were on a mission to find some oysters because nothing says vacation more than oysters on the half shell. We got our fix at The Fiddler’s Crab House where we sat on their second floor patio and enjoyed some of the best fried fish I’ve had in a while. The restaurant is nothing fancy but I admired the exposed brick walls which were adorned with old newspaper articles. One in particular caught my eye about Terrapin Soup.

Once thing I love about traveling, is the opportunity to learn about quirky trivia of the past and this trip lead me down the rabbit hole about turtle soup. The diamondback terrapin was once commonly found along the East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States and was considered a normal part of the Native American diet for centuries. Even the name “Terrapin” came from a combination of various indigenous words meaning “good-tasting turtle”.

Initially, terrapin stew was just an affordable meal popular along costal communities and especially in the South. Then, seemingly overnight, turtle stew became a gourmet dish on the menus of the top restaurants in the country. With increase in popularity came the rise in demand, jump in value, and, sadly, decline in population. Surprisingly, Prohibition may have saved the small, coastal turtle by eliminating an important ingredient of Terrapin Stew- liquor.

Our trip was short, but you could easily spend several days enjoying all the Savannah has to offer. If you live in Jacksonville, it makes for a great day trip where you can find a park, pack a picnic, and enjoy the open-container law with a cocktail in hand as your admire the city!

Trying the Savannah Honey-Bee on my walk!

Burnt Glassworks- Glass Blowing in Jax, FL

Ever wanted to learn to blow glass? I discovered you can learn the art of glass blowing right here in Jacksonville, FL and recently took a class at Burnt Glassworks. Read on to learn more about my experience at Burnt Glassworks, and what it is like taking a glass blowing class.

The Art of Glass Blowing

Glass blowing has been high on my bucket list for years. I was always fascinated by the colors and shapes that could be formed from dust to glass. When I got my first job working as a security guard for an art museum in my teens, I would admire the glass sculptures by the famed glass blower, Chihuly, that sat in our gift shop and vowed to save up enough money to buy one.

When looking for a college nearby, there was one university that offered glass blowing glasses, but it was not the best option financially, so I had to pass it up. Now as an adult, I still admire Chihuly’s work and even got to see some of his famous installations in Las Vegas at the Bellagio hotel.

glass sculptures in las vegas — Chihuly 2019 Las Vegas

Burnt Glassworks Review and Experience

Fast forward to now and I’m still drawn to the art, and I was finally able take my first glass blowing class right her in Jacksonville, FL at Burnt Glassworks.

This local studio offers a wide range of classes that focus on making one individual item for you to be able to take home with you. These could include glass orb ornaments, hearts, flowers, starfish, or a wine glass.

Most classes range from $40-67 per person and last anywhere from 10 min to 45 min in length depending on difficulty. It includes one-on-one instruction form a glass professional to ensure you go home with what you create in the studio.

You can also take a couple’s class which makes for a fun date night. If you’re feeling especially inspired, Burntglass now offers glass blowing workshops to become a true master of the glass art!

It Starts with Sand

When you sign up for your class, the first step when you walk in the studio is selecting your sand. These sands are made up of different minerals that offer a wide selection of colors in every hue you can think of.

My buddy and I made stemless wine glasses to celebrate my birthday, and my feminine side was drawn to a combination of pink and white sand that reminded me of Valentine’s Day while my friend chose a lovely purple hyacinth.

Our instructor was very fun and detailed in his instructions making it easy to follow without fear of burning ourselves in the process.

We also got the option of making a traditional wine glass or using one of their molds to add “pineapple-like” texture to our creation. With repeated movements from in and out of the kiln to balancing the rods on bases to roll and blow our melted glass into full-blown wine glasses, it was a fun and exhilarating process to take part in.

One-on-One Glass Blowing Instruction

Our instructor provided individual instruction by reading the needs of the glass as is formed right in front of us. The process can be a delicate one requiring varying levels of force when blowing or pressure when shaping for the correct results.

I had a miscalculation when it came time to tap, and even when I messed up, my instructor was able to salvage my piece into something I love to look upon.

In fact, I love to look for the mistake I made on my glass whenever I use it because it reminds me that even mistakes can lead to something beautiful.

See my video below of my creation from Burnt Glassworks:

Check out their website and facebook for upcoming events!

Fun Things to Do in Jax- Mayport Ferry

A beautiful sunny day in Jacksonville can pull you to the beach and make you dream of spending time on the water. One way to accomplish this without breaking the bank is rolling up to the Mayport Ferry for quick cruise over the St John’s River followed by a seafood dinner at for the whole family.

You can start your day at Huguenot Memorial Park for some fun in the sun. This beach does allow car access to get access to the Atlantic Ocean but 4-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended to avoid getting stuck in the sand. Otherwise, there is parking on the Family Beach with designed parking areas. Afterwords, follow Heckscher Drive towards Fort George Ferry Landing to get in line for your trip on the Ferry.

Open daily, times frames vary but normally open between 6:15-7:15AM and close at 7:15 PM on weekdays and 8:45 Fri-Sun. One car would cost $6-$7 depending on the day and departs every half hour.

Once on board, you are permitted to get out of your vehicle for a better view of the River where you may spot dolphins and pelicans along the way. There’s also a chance to watch as huge freights transport their cargo as you pass the river which can dwarf the ferry and be pretty exciting for any children to see.

Once across the river, Singleton’s Seafood Shack is next door to the Mayport Ferry Landing and makes a great final destination to grab some fresh fish after spending a long day in the Florida Sun.

Singleton’s got a history. Found in 1969, Singleton’s is family owned and features the largest overwater deck in Jacksonville. The outside is decorated with murals by local artist Gary Mack and the inside offers a wooden boat museum created by the Captain Ray, husband of Miss Ann, who first started cooking fish from their charter fishing operation and led to what we know today.

We treated ourselves with the oysters including Oyster Rockefeller, Parmesan Crusted and Key Lime Panko Crusted. Then our family shared the Fried Mariner’s Combination for Two which included a combo of shrimp, oysters, scallops, clam strips, fish, & two deviled crabs with your choice of two sides. For $55, this fed a family of 3 with leftovers! They also offer a full bar with some specialty cocktails such as Rays Pride, Duval Teal and St John’s Slinger.

With summer coming around or with friends from out of town, the St John’s Ferry and Singleton’s Seafood Shack make for a unique way experience Jacksonville, FL any time of the year.

Fun Things to Do In Jax- Check Out a Show at The Florida Theater

If you live in Jacksonville, FL, you know our downtown are is…well…lacking, but if there is one place worth visiting- it’s the Florida Theater . Located at the corner of Forsyth St and Newman, St stands what was the largest theatre in the State of Florida when it first opened in 1927 and now acts as a nonprofit arts center with old-world charm.

A HISTORY

Along with the charm, The Florida Theater brings some historical notoriety. In 1956, it’s believed Elvis Presley himself performed on stage with his infamous gyrating hips which led to public concern from city officials and congregations around the country. This didn’t effect tickets sales as the theater sold out every one of his shows.

Now in the present, the Florida Theatre’s mission is “To enhance the quality of life in North Florida by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences and by maintaining a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.” It is also one of only three theaters in Florida left from the 1920’s with the same elaborate and vintage theater aesthetic.

A here’s just one example of the memories that can be made when you visit the Florida Theatre. My mother grew up in the 60’s with artists like The Turtles, The Cowsills, The Little Anthony, and The Vogues,and playing their music on the airwaves

I wanted to surprise her with tickets to the Happy Together Tour to relive those childhood memories. She was so excited, she went and bought a new dress for the date. It was not until we were in front of the theater that I noticed what my mom was wearing. She called it her “palm-tree dress” and I had to explain to my very innocent mother that those were not palm trees.

Happy Together Tour

Beyond Monet The Immersive Experience

Beyond Monet, the fully immersive art exhibit featuring the works of Claude Monet, will take you on a whimsical stroll through the artist’s life where the artist’s life’s works comes alive around you in a story of brush strokes and paint splatters.

This new style of installation was created by the Paquin Entertainment Group, and prior exhibits include Van Gogh and King Tut which I heard were amazing as well. They create the magic by projecting images on smooth walls and columns with a soundtrack to match the mood and moving elements of the paintings. If you want to get your culture on but find it hard to embrace the quiet focus required for reading a book or plaque, this may be a fun way for you to learn more about art.

Here’s what to expect at Beyond Monet:

Starting off in the lobby, the mood is set with a dark entrance with the only light coming from large lit displays of several of Monet’s painting to exclaim you are in the right place while also serving as a perfect photo drop. Next room holds a small bar to splurge on a cocktail. I got the themed drink, Th Water Lilly Harmony, which came in, what we called, souvenir “adult sippy cups” to prevent those inevitable spills that occur regardless of age.

Speaking of accidents, the security guard made it very clear before we enter to fight the urge of leaning on the walls because they are in fact sheets that will result in altering the show for everyone and most likely an embarrassing tumble.

Once inside the exhibit, they do a good job making you feel like your walking into a painting with large frames to pass through, sheets of translucent colors to guide your way, and even a bridge to cross as you read how Monet’s gentle appearing Impressionism was actually considered a form of artistic rebellion in a time when carefully planned perfection was considered the rule.

The main room is where the magic starts. Imagjne a large auditorium with walls that smoothly transition from painted seas to busy railways to lush gardens. The floor ripples with colors and a light melody plays as paintings come to life- sometimes brush stroke by brush stroke. There are a few small benches lined around the room to sit and admire but I preferred sitting in the middle among friends to and watch the history unfold.

Finally, after you’re through, you can move on to the lounge where you can grab a bite to eat or cocktail while you share your experience among one another. An element I appreciated about this lounge was their thoughtfully designed kids area complete with child sized furniture and their own Monet coloring pages.

My experience was had with a great group of friends and I look forward to including my daughter soon for a fun way to introduce her the world of art history

Beyond Monet- Find it in a City Near You

Florida Life- De Leon Springs, Florida

For my daughter’s eighth birthday this year, I took her to De Leon State Park for a day of swimming, learning, and pancakes! My daughter had never visited a spring before which had to be fixed- especially being a Floridian. It’s a totally different experience than a trip to the beach. We felt more submersed in nature and Florida history and had a blast playing in the sun. Here’s what we did, what we saw, and what you should know if you too would like to jump in the spring known as “The Fountain of Youth”

Before any trip, I did my research. The spring is open 365 days a year, open at 8AM-sunset, and costs $6 per vehicle. The park has a designated swimming area which is 500 feet in circumference and the water is a crisp 72 degrees, but if you go on a hot-summer day, the cool water is a welcome relief on you sun-kissed skin. Separating the swimming area from the gorgeous Spring Garden Run is a concrete walkway that leads to rental area, Eco/Heritage Boat Tour, and small history room. The swimming area was not too deep for myself so we rented one raft for my daughter, brought our towels, checked out the concession stand for a snack, road the boat tour, took a quick tour of the museum on site, and dined at the Old Spanish Museum.

Rentals Fees

Canoe & Kayak Rentals: $22 first hour; $11 for each additional hour
Single Kayak:$15 first hour; $7.50 for each additional hour
Tubes: $5 all-day

Eco/Heritage Bout Tour

For $15 per person, the tour is a 45 minute long boat ride and gives you the opportunity to see some beautfiul, native flora and fauna. We saw plenty of gators swimming by our boat and they boast potential sightings of otters, manatees, deer, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and black bear. I’d have to say, this was the most informative tour i’ve been on. From the history of the park and how its changed over the years to the medicianal uses of marsh plants, I felt I learned a lot. My favorite bit of history were about mallow flowers that native Americans used to make marshmallows.

History Museum

The history museum was a very small room with a few children running around as they took a small break from enjoying the spring. Despite its size, I did enjoy reading about the Mayaca who lived at the location for at least 6,000 years. The spring has a unique history with involvement in the Civil War before becoming a tourist attraction. In the early 1900’s, there was a hotel and casino at the site and even a passing circus with a water skiing elephant!

Building on far side of the spring with bathrooms and small history room

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

As I’m writing this entree, I just learned the Old Spanish Mill is official closed as of September 12! I am both sad to learn such a wonderful and fun piece of history is gone but I also feel so blessed we got to experience it. The restaurant is located in a 100-year-old replica of the 1830s sugar mill, features cook-your-own pancakes at the table and freshly made bread and cookies. We loved making our own pancakes on the table griddle and topping with chocolate chips and homemade peanut butter.

Old Spanish Mill Restaurant

What To Know Before You Go

Visiting a spring is a nice change from the beach. I felt very safe with my daughter in the water with no rip currents to be wary off and a clear sepration from the spring for anyone worried about access from alligators. It was a busy summer day but still felt we had a comfortable distance from other visitors.

Bring what you would typically bring to the beach (towels, sunscreen, tube, packed lunch, water) but some visitors may feel umcomfortable with the natural growth on the spring’s floors so I’d consider bringing water shoes as some spots are very slippery. A person that day told me she slipped on the steps going in and injuried herself so severely, they had to call their trip short early so be cautious! Otherwise, pack up a lunch and the kids to check out a spring before the last of Florida’s heat has passed!

De Leon Springs State Park

Florida Shark Teeth Hunting

When most people think of Florida, the beautiful beaches are one of the first things that come to mind. People think of sand, waves, and fun in the sun. For me, the beach brings to mind one of my favorite things- shark teeth!

Shark teeth hunting is a favorite past time shared with my family and I love teaching my daughter about all the teeth and fossils she can find! I often find people from Flordai who say they’ve never found a shark tooth. My family loves helping newbies out, and I love educating people on how they can join in. So here are my tips for finding your own teeth or fossils on your next beach trip.

Timing

You can go any time of the year which is another thing I love about shark teeth hunting. Whether the hot summer or chilly winter, the beach can be enjoyed and the hunt is on! It’s the time of day that plays a bigger part for me. The tides switch between high and low every 6 hours. We have our best luck at low tide so try going 1-2 hours before low tide (google low tide for your beach) so the water is pulling back while you search. It gives us a wide space of sand to explore and it exposes a nice new layer of beach cleaned by the waves.

Summer or Winter, you can’t pick a bad time for beach combing.

Prioritize

You can occasionally find a shark tooth sitting prettily on a smooth span of empty sand, but I tend to have the best luck in the clusters of shells that gather in spots at random. No surprise, there will be thousands of shells in these groups so focus on two things.

Color. Though shark teeth may come in a variety of colors (white, brown, gray, black), most are black. I focus on that color against the majority of white and tan sand and shells.
Shape. Look for triangles and points. If you have not noticed, teeth are pointy! Narrowing your search to black triangles will hopefully help look for the tooth among the shells.

Take it slow

There are a lot of teeth out there but they are hiding. It’s a game of Eye Spy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sand between your toes as as you search the sand for a prize. You never know…you may find “the big one”!!

My best find so far. A broken megladon tooth on New Years Eve

Tips #1 You never know where shark teeth will show up, but you may want to try less populated areas that have had less human activity for more luck. Try a local park with beach access to explore instead of the busy beach full of spring breakers.

Might even find rare porcelain from a sunken ship??

Tip #2 Don’t forget to bring something to carry your treasures. Our family recycles old gum and mint containers which are perfect to not lose a tiny tooth you try keeping in your pocket.

As I mentioned before, besides shark teeth, you can find sting ray barbs , puffer fish mouth plates, and vertebras!

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful word! It is a wonderful way to spend quality time and teach our children something new without spending a dime! Do not forget to keep the beach clean so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist

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