State Park offers a perfect place for a picnic and a cool swim

Just outside the Walton County line is one of the coolest places to take a dip in a spring, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. As the water stays a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, both locals and visitors enjoy this nature-made swimming pool, which is a convergence of two underground water flows, producing 14 million gallons of water daily.
This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513 - as legend has it, in search of the “fountain of youth.”
The park has a long history as it has been facilitated as far back as the early 1900s, and at one time, offered a roller skating rink. The State acquired the springs in 1970.

The spring area boasts an open pool with easy access steps entering the water. The crystal clear water shows bream and bass swimming around below.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. The walk offers a closer look at Sandy Creek, where the springs empties into, and eventually leads to the Choctawhatchee River.
Local flora includes mountain laurel, magnolias, cypress, holly, cedar and oak trees. Snakes, fox, and lizards are a common sight in the area as well.
There are...

Eden on the first day of spring. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Activity fills the park on the first day of spring

One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.
On the first day of spring, the park is full of colorful azaleas in bloom. Bees are buzzing, the water fountains trickling and the feeling of new growth emanates all around.
There is another sound on this particular day, as front-end loaders rumble in the background. The park is going through $1,137,028.74 worth of improvements this year. Enhancements to the park include a new entrance, as visitors will soon access the park directly from CR 395. Four new picnic pavilions, a new ranger office, and parking lot are in the works as well. For those into paddling, there will also be a new kayak/canoe launch.



The focal point of the park is the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family...

An alligator patiently waits for lunch along the Tamiami Trail

A look at wildlife along Tamiami Trail and Key West


I decided this Christmas that I would take a short break for a few days and head south to see family and friends. With family in Key West, and good friends in Sarasota, the two visits were the perfect reason for a journey.
With my cameras packed and enough time to take my time, I took the long road, and headed across U.S. Hwy. 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, stopping along the Big Cypress National Preserve to take in a bit of the local wildlife.


Along the Trail there was an abundance of alligators and birds including storks, ibis, herons, egrets, cormorants and anhingas. A fascinating treat for any nature lover, the Everglades is a sure bet to be chock full of wildlife.

The historic Wesley House decorated through the holidays with candlelight tour Dec. 20


One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in Southern Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this dynamic and historic State Park.
The focal point of the park is a newly repainted mansion – the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. The house is now owned by the State of Florida, and is the centerpiece of the park.
Through the month of December, the mansion lights up for the holidays thanks to a local volunteer group, The Friends of Eden, and other local volunteers who have assisted in decorating the house for the holidays. The house is now decorated and open to view every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 31.

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Eight local groups have decorated each room of the mansion in different themes, The Cultural Arts Association, The Seagrove Garden Club, The Green...

I was hesitant to share my most favorite place to venture, a little bit selfish in a way, wanting to keep this “secret” treasure all to myself. However, the beauty of Camp Helen State Park should be shared and appreciated by everyone wanting to experience the splendor of the area’s biodiversity.

My friend Sherry McCall and I always look forward to enjoying Camp Helen. We both agree, there is no better place to spend a gorgeous morning.

Surrounded by water on three sides, Lake Powell on the east, a salt marsh on the west, and the Gulf of Mexico on the south, this gem of a park is unique in many ways.

There are two paths to the beach from the main park area. You can choose to walk along the lake, or a path through the woods, with a dense canopy of maritime hammock.

My preference is to walk through the woods to the beach, and walk back along the lakeside.


Walking through the canopy of trees, you will spot a variety of flora, including southern magnolia, towering live oaks above and soft dollops of pale green deer moss coating the ground.

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