Saint Augustine Day Trips: White Sulphur Springs

Just because the springs dried up doesn't mean there isn't anything to do in White Springs, Florida. Hmm? I wonder why they left off the word "sulphur" when they named the town? Either I75 or I10 will take you almost to the front gate of this sleepy town of about a thousand people.

Reminiscent of one of those sulphur spring towns in West Virginia that we used to frequent when we lived near D.C., White Springs is complete with hills, twisted roads, and Victorian architecture. And this picturesque town has more than a few attractions. Of course there's the Suwannee River, the Stephen Foster State Folk Cultural Center, and The Historic Telford Inn and Restaurant (which inexplicably has no website). But we also found the Visitor's Center to be as commodious as anyplace else in the entire town. Staffed this day by two very knowledgeable and friendly people, the building is flanked by huge porches. One to keep an eye on the non-existent road traffic, and the other to watch the lazy Suwannee River float by. We chose the latter and spent the better part of an hour reading some of the voluminous amounts of local cultural, historical, and sightseeing literature offered for free. There are locally-crafted quilts and other artistic exhibits. The hanging porch swings are the nearest I've come to perpetual motion machines, with just the right height and angle for some serious "sitting-up" sleeping. Just listening to the river will knock you out quickly.

The biggest draw here are the Big Shoals of the Suwannee River. Purported to be the only Class III whitewater in the State of Florida, raft and canoe enthusiasts from around the region migrate here like geese in the wet spring.

There's a wild azalea festival in March which we have every intention of attending. So come back to my ActiveRain localism site for an update, and perhaps then I can provide more information about accommodations and dining at the Telford Inn.

Patsy Ittner, RN, Broker/Owner, Little Fox Realty, www.LittleFoxRealty.com, 904-687-3665, serving the real estate needs of Saint Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida.

2/09/2008