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Heather Brok
Hi! I’m Heather Brok, Marketing Director for East Coast Tour & Shuttle. I wanted to share my thoughts on the places I’ve discovered in our great state of Florida over the last six months.
We all think of Florida as the land of theme parks and sandy beaches, but beyond the roller coasters and coastlines lies another Florida; one canopied in greenery, steeped in history, and humming with the quiet magic of springs, wildlife, and memories of a varied and interesting past. As the newly minted Marketing Director for East Coast Tour & Shuttle, over the last six months, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time exploring some of our state parks and natural treasures across the state, and what I found was a deeper appreciation for the layers of Florida: its vibrant ecosystems, its complex past, and the tranquil beauty hidden in plain sight.
Just outside of Deland, DeLeon Springs is where history meets nature in one of the most serene spots in Central Florida. Once the site of a plantation and later a health resort in the 1800s, the springs now invite visitors to swim in its crystal-clear waters or cook their own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill (a local legend). The spring pool is lined with cypress and palms, creating a jungle-like atmosphere.
Pro tip: go early and sit in the car line for two reasons, first the park fills up quickly and second, if you want to enjoy the "make your own" pancakes, which is really a must-do event.
My kids used to love this activity and I have to say it's still a lot of fun even without young kids!
Only a short drive from DeLeon Springs, Blue Spring State Park is best known as a winter refuge for hundreds of manatees. During colder months, the spring run is packed with these gentle giants, lounging in the constant 72°F water. Beyond manatees, the park’s boardwalk meanders through towering oaks with multiple areas where you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the springs, even seeing some of the boils bubbling up. There’s something deeply humbling about seeing wildlife thrive so close to suburban sprawl, a reminder of what Florida was, and still is, if we let it be.
An overnight trip to Fort Clinch State Park, Kingsley Planation, Amelia Island, and Cumberland Island proved to be one of my favorites. Each stop provided a completely different experience, but each one was memorable in its own way.
Located close to Fernandina Beach is Fort Clinch State Park. Walking through its red-brick corridors feels like stepping into another time. Volunteers and staff were roaming the grounds when we visited, bringing stories of soldiers to life. Construction began in 1847, however the Civil War broke out before it was completed. It was maintained by the Army, but when the Spanish-American War broke out it was used as barracks and an ammunition depot. Today, it stands restored thanks to the New Deal proclamation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Kingsley Plantation is one of the oldest surviving plantation houses in Florida. The preserved slave cabins give a visitor a raw, troubling view of the enslaved people who inhabited the land. This site doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable history of the plantation. As I walked the grounds and read the various placards about what transpired here, it made me think about how cruelly the slaves were treated. And that this happened not all that long ago in the history of the United States. Their quarters were appalling. Juxtaposed against the beauty of the surrounding landscape it’s still somehow hauntingly beautiful. It’s a place of reflection more than recreation, and it lingers with you.
We continued our drive to Fernandina Beach. Fernandina Beach offers beach town charm with great shopping and excellent restaurants. All within walking distance. We enjoyed a great meal and found some good donuts the following morning. Our hotel, the Hampton Inn, was lovely and the staff was cordial and helpful. One of our exciting future tours would continue on to Cumberland Island.
Our next day trip took us to Micanopy, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, and whoopie pies and a Black Cherry soda at Sweet Jane”s Candy Store
Nestled south of Gainesville, Micanopy feels like a place where time slowed down. Oak-lined streets, antique shops, and quiet cafes give it an old-Florida feel that’s nearly vanished elsewhere. We wandered around this adorable little town, stopping in each little shop to see what the local artists and shop keepers had for sale. We stopped in the Mosswood Bakehouse and enjoyed a homemade empanada.
A short drive from Micanopy is the preserved Cross Creek home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling.Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park transports you to the 1930s, when Rawlings wrote about the lives of Florida’s rural folk and the deep bond between people and land. You can tour her home, stroll through her orange groves, and imagine what life was like before paved roads and electricity. It’s quiet here; the kind of quiet that breeds creativity. The volunteers here are very informative and you can tell they enjoy spinning the tales of a time gone by. The old car sitting on the property is just another touch of authenticity in a placed filled with authenticity.
We ended our day by stopping on the way home to pick up a Black Cherry soda and some whoopie pies at Sweet Jane's Candy Store. It’s a must do if you are driving the blue roads of Florida, especially on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway (aka SR 40).
Thanks for coming along with me!
Florida has so much more to offer beyond the beaches and amusement parks. Whether you're traveling with East Coast Tour & Shuttle or planning your own road trip, I hope these spots inspire you to slow down and explore the hidden gems of the Sunshine State.
See you on the road!
— Heather Brok
