Cross Creek and Micanopy

Tour Overview

Step into a world where time stands still as we journey to the historic Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, the former home of one of America's most celebrated authors. Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from park rangers dressed in authentic 1930s attire, who will guide you through this remarkable piece of literary history. Explore the preserved cracker-style home where Rawlings wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'The Yearling.' The house stands as a testament to her life's work and her friendship with literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost. As you walk through the farmyard, grove, and nature trails, you'll understand why Rawlings was captivated by Cross Creek's exotic flora and fauna, and its enchanting remoteness. The authenticity of Rawlings' life is preserved in every detail - from the wood-burning stove where she cooked to the cypress table and deer skin chair positioned near her typewriter. Marvel at the French doors installed to capture Florida's natural light, and see the citrus grove still growing from her original rootstock. This is more than a historic site; it's a window into the soul of a writer who found her sanctuary in the heart of Florida. After immersing yourself in Rawlings' world, we'll continue to Micanopy, affectionately known as 'the little town that time forgot.' This oldest inland city in Florida captivates visitors with its unhurried pace and historic charm. Stroll through streets lined with an eclectic mix of antique shops, folk art galleries, and unique collectible stores. The town's natural beauty is enhanced by nearby Orange Lake and Paynes Prairie, offering stunning vistas and a peaceful escape from modern life. In Micanopy, you'll find yourself embraced by the warmth of friendly locals and the simple pleasures of small-town life. Whether you're browsing through vintage treasures, enjoying local cuisine at Blue Highway Pizzeria, or savoring a famous Whoopie Pie at the Wilderness Sweet Shop, each moment in Micanopy feels like a step back to a gentler time. This tour offers a perfect blend of literary history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. As Rawlings herself once wrote about Cross Creek, it offers '...such beauty and grace that once entangled with it, no other place seems possible to us.' We invite you to become entangled in the magic of these historic Florida treasures.