Created in 1975, Canaveral National Seashore is the most extended area of undeveloped land along the East Coast of Florida and is federally protected. You can experience wildlife, rocket launches, nature, and nude bathing at pier 13 if you're into that kind of thing. Growing up on Florida's space coast, this is a valued treasure with stunning sunrises and lifelong experiences filled with memories. I took these video clips in the past year and hope it gives you insight into the beauty of this natural land and makes you want to preserve it for future generations to come.
We have been to DeLeon Springs Park a few times and usually start the morning hiking the half-mile nature trail. There's a forest with cypress, water, and wildflowers along the path—the short nature trail loops along a creek that flows out of the spring.
The park also has the Sugar Mill Restaurant, where you can cook your pancakes, eggs, and bread at the table equipped with a grill. The restaurant was built in the early 1900s on the foundation of an 1830s mill. Near the building is the Fountain of Youth. After our early morning activities, we spend time in the swimming area where the water is crystal blue and a constant 72 degrees year-round.
Since we have the kids, we rented tandem kayaks on-site and launched for our two-hour paddle. The basin where we launch leads to Spring Garden Lake, and our journey began through lilies into the open water.
The trip was quiet, with occasional spotting of alligators, others, deer, and birds. After our paddle, we used the picnic tables at the park to eat before heading home for the day.
We spent a girl's weekend in rustic cabins on the Santa Fe River at Bowman's River Landing in Fort White, Florida. Along with your rental, there is a private dock at the river with canoes and kayaks that you are free to use. You can also bring a tube to float the river.
Our cabins had a kitchenette, shower, bathroom, pull-out couch, and bedroom with access to air conditioning. Our host was accommodating and easily accessible when we needed more firewood and had questions about the nearby springs.
We spent time exploring and relaxing on the river and ended the night cooking delicious kabobs over the open fire. It was the perfect way to spend time in nature and enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
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| Lake George State Forest is over 21,000 acres of woodlands, swamps, and depressions that provide a corridor and roaming area crucial to the survival of the Florida black bear population in the area. |
There's something about leaving everything behind to enjoy nature and the things we take for granted. Lake George State Forest was a great place to escape.
Our trip was during Florida's winter month in January, and the temperatures dropped to 30 degrees at night. It quickly warmed up as the sun rose in the early morning, and the cool air was perfect for our hiking trips. We set up at River Road Campground, a primitive area with no electricity or water. Both the kids have been camping this way since they were born. There was hiking, horseback riding, picnic areas, wildlife, and plenty of nature to photograph.
Since birth, the kids have been on ventures, road-tripping across the United States. They were not old enough to remember trekking the Grand Canyon or the petrified forest, but I continue to prioritize these experiences. We spent many days backpacking through east Tennessee, exploring trails, searching for waterfalls, camping with wildlife, and listening to running creeks as a soundtrack, driving hundreds of miles to unforgettable journeys.
We found several natural areas passing through Harpeth River State Park, which has 40 miles of river. Three trails with a half-mile bluff overlook included a steep ascent offering a panoramic view of the Harpeth Valley. After hiking a half-mile-long trail, we found ourselves at a small waterfall, the site of one of the oldest man-made tunnels today, Montgomery Bell. We walked through wildflower meadows and picnicked along different waterways.
I hope the kids learn that the best experiences in life come from stepping outside their comfort zone and going on adventures.
