White Springs was a popular hot spring location until the spring stopped flowing in 1990. Spanish explorers discovered that native Indian tribes consider the area sacred and a safe place to bathe and heal. Later, White Springs became a refuge during the Civil War. Over the years the surrounding area developed, but not like other parts of Florida. The area is known for the Suwannee River running through it.
White Springs, Florida
It’s a small town, less than a thousand people live here. There isn’t a whole lot to see or do. But it was just what we were looking for.
This was a place for us to relax and recharge with no sightseeing, shopping, or errands to be done. Sandy did catch up on the laundry though. We’ve stayed here before and had been looking forward to returning. Last time we were in White Springs was this time of the year and the rhododendrons and dogwoods were in bloom. This year, spring was a little late.
Lunch (fried fish) at Fat Belly’s along with some of their funny art.
The hardware store has everything and then some, including chickens and live bait.
Even old soda pop bottles, if you are looking for that sort of thing.
Sandy found sticks of dynamite next to the safe and thought about it for a second.
SVR, White Springs
We had full service and good enough WIFI to occasionally stream.
The only downside was that none of the roads or sites were paved, so tracking sand into the Airstream was a challenge. They have a pool heated to 85F and a huge hot tub. There was pickleball, petanque, rustic golf, and hiking trails. Lounging by the pool and pickleball seemed to be the activities most people engaged in. Weekends they had a full-service bar and restaurant and live music.
Best part was seeing old friends and making new ones. In the past there were massive pet rabbits all over the property but we think the coyotes have slowly been dining on them.
Their pet cemetery.
Lake City, Florida
Lake City was only about a 20-minute drive from SVR. We went to their Olustee Festival, which is an arts and crafts show. There were quite a few vendors and food trucks. We enjoyed hot dogs and bought a lemon scented candle to cover occasional dog farts.
Afterwards, we walked the streets and came upon a large mural on one of the buildings depicting a Florida aquatic seen.
We enjoyed our stay at SVR and got our needed fill of sunshine and hot tubs.
Next, our last visits to the southern east coast beaches before heading inland and then northwest.
