Page 87 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

A DAY IN...
LAKE CITY/
COLUMBIA COUNTY Rise and shine as you greet the morning at Alligator Lake Park, known for its extensive hiking and biking trails teeming with birdwatching and nature encounters. Afterward, it’s time for a stroll through downtown Lake City, filled with eclectic shops, local art and an historic museum. After lunch at the Marion Street Bistro & Brew House, dive into Florida’s cool and refreshing spring waters at the world-famous Ichetucknee Springs. Relax a bit before heading back to downtown Lake City for cocktails and dinner.
GAINESVILLE
Kick off your day with a refreshing dive into one of the area’s natural freshwater springs. After working up an appetite, grab lunch at the award-winningGreatOutdoors Restaurant in High Springs. Discover the past at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida, before heading out into nature at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park or down a 120-foot sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. As the sun sets, head into lively downtown Gainesville for dining options like Dragonfly Sushi or The Top.
TALLAHASSEE
Take a guided tour of the 1845 Historic Capitol, now a museum, and Museum of Florida History. Breeze through Florida State University and Florida A&M University campuses and Cascades Park. Enjoy lunch before exploring Mission San Luis, the only re-constructed 17th-century Spanish mission in the southeast. Zip through treetops and over cypress swamps, tour pioneer buildings and observe native wildlife at the Tallahassee Museum. Dine at an award-winning restaurant followed by a nightcap at the Bradfordville Blues Club.
WAKULLA COUNTY
Begin your day wildlife watching at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Then head over to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and board a river cruiseintotherealnatural Florida. Enjoy a lunch at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge where patrons can order an old- fashioned root beer float soda at the world’s longest marble soda fountain. Round out the day with a kayak trip to explore more of the endless natural resources in the area. End your day at Posey’s Up the Creek Steam Room & Oyster Bar in Panacea to savor some of the best seafood in Florida.
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
YOUR
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPERTS
Alachua County Visitors & Convention Bureau: visitgainesville.com
Columbia County Tourist Development Council: lakecityfl.com
Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce: gadsdencc.com
Hamilton County Tourist Development Council: hamiltoncountyfl.com
Jefferson County Tourism Development Council: visitjeffersoncountyflorida.com Taylor County Tourism Development Council: taylorflorida.com
Visit Suwannee: visitsuwannee.com Visit Tallahassee: visittallahassee.com Visit Wakulla: visitwakulla.com
2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 85