Filed under: eco friendly travel, eco-tourism, Florida Panhandle, outdoors, road trip, state parks, Things to See in Florida, Travelogues, vacation, Weekend Trip
Tales from the Road: Exploring Two Very Different State Parks
No doubt about it, last Saturday’s weather along the Florida Panhandle was perfect. And for me that only meant one thing, time to explore the outdoors. I had two places on my agenda that were must-sees: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Eden Gardens State Park. Both state parks are as different as they can be, but they both represent the nature beauty of the area.
Located on scenic Highway 30-A, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is perhaps best known for having the most intact coastal ecosystem in the state. Here you find coastal dune lakes, marshes and yes, over three miles of those famous beaches that the area is known for.
What’s your pleasure? Hiking? Fishing? Biking? Camping? Well, you can do all of those at Topsail. The state park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Off U.S.98 on C.R. 395, you’ll find Eden Gardens State Park. If you aren’t awe-struck by the moss-draped oaks scattered throughout the property, then you’ll definitely be by the stately antebellum home that is filled with antique furniture. On Thursdays –Mondays, guided tours of the home are given hourly. There’s also a colorful garden to walk through as well.
The park has ample space for picnics that offers views of Tucker Bayou. Not really catering to the more active visitors, Eden Gardens is a hidden gem of sorts, a great place to relax, walk the grounds and take it all in.
photo credit: (middle) Topsail Hill Preserve State Park; (bottom) Eden Gardens State Park. Both collections are personal photos.
