Have you ever wanted to go somewhere to just decompress? A place where your stress just seems to drift away and the craziness of life seems like a distant memory? I’ve found this in Wakulla County Florida, a secret destination for many! For years my friend and fellow blogger, Bohemian Babushka, has been wanting me to visit, so when my daughter attended the Florida Youth Commission Retreat in Tallahassee, I took her up on her offer. Now I’m sorry I took so long to visit!
Why did I wait so long to visit Wakulla County when it is ONLY 30 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida’s capital. Founded in 1843, the county is proud of its history and vast natural beauty. Wakulla can’t be beat if you are a nature lover. With national parks and historic sites all throughout, the simplicity of another time surrounds the very air. Of course, being in the outdoors is sure to open your appetite, and Wakulla can definitely please you there too.
Seafood is one of Wakulla’s specialty. Panacea, one of the towns of the county, is “a coastal area steeped in rich maritime history, shaped by generations of proud families, who still work the water in the time-honored traditions of boat-building, shrimping, crabbing, and fishing.” I was a guest of such a family and had a marvelous lunch at their restaurant, Posey’s Steam Room & Oyster Bar. Shirley and her staff made me feel at home with their hospitality and down home cooking.
Also in Panacea is the place to visit if you want to know all there is to know about the county, the Wakulla County Welcome Center . Volunteers lovingly share the history and current activities of their county and invite you to “go around back” to enjoy the view. Quick to point out the animal visitors and insights of the day, they truly do exhibit that old fashioned southern hospitality.
Now, don’t mistake old fashioned to mean out of date. Wakulla’s proud of its history and heritage, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have modern conveniences!! The marvelous Patels, owners of the Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites were gracious hosts and shared with me the various awards their establishment has won. Very well deserved awards; their rooms are beautiful! Simple but elegant , with plenty of space for a wonderful rest. (pics) But you don’t have to rest if you don’t want to. There are amenities you’d expect in higher priced hotels that are included in your stay. A gym, pool,free wifi and free breakfast are all part of the their great hotel. (pics)
After a good nights sleep, Babushka and I went to enjoy the free breakfast, and then on our way to the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Open all year round, the park and the Wakulla Springs Lodge are a must see when you @VisitWakulla. Built in 1937 the lodge is a throw back to the opulence of the day. Historic and with handcrafted details throughout, the lobby takes you back to another era. So does the “World’s Largest Marble SodaFountain Counter”, 70 feet of marble ready to show off its specialties.
The beauty of the springs made it a favorite of movie makers. The Tarzan movies starring Johnny Weissmüller as well as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, was filmed in this park. Now there’s a lovely boat tour that shows you the different species of “locals” who make their home there.
The days trip is one more element of relaxation Wakulla brought to me. Maybe it was the history, or the non hurried atmosphere, or maybe it’s because Wakulla County is filled with true “Old Florida” nature, that the very air calmed me. Whatever the reason is, there is no maybe about me revisiting. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Wakulla and my friend Babushka!
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Tell me, have you visited this part of Florida?
So glad you enjoyed my little town “Up North in The South” ! jehe Now that you know BB wasn’t being “Cuban” y exaggerated, look forward to your next visit. Abrazos y BB2U
I have never been to this exact location, only in the norther part of Florida. It looks like a nice place to check out! Thank you for the review.
Wow. That place looks awesome! I love the pool area right behind you, that looks so inviting!
I love nature and live in the country in Wisconsin. I cannot believe how “country” it looks there. You are right that it would be a good place to visit if you like nature and things like that.
The rooms and the total atmosphere look very inviting right there. Thanks for posting these photos!
That is a lot of soda fountain counter space! The food looks good from what I can see in the photos.
When you think about Florida, as I just did, you do not necessarily think about it in the way that you are presenting it. Great job, for those that have never been there, you do a great job of allowing them to see all aspects it has to offer.
It looks like you had a great time! With so much to see and do with that National Park open year round, how could you get bored, right?
That is really cool that you got a history lesson from the trip. “Old Florida” is rich in history and having lived here for many years, I always recommend others see it for themselves.
What a great review! Thank you for posting these types of things for us readers 🙂
It looks like you had a great time. It is a litter easier on the wallet when you travel with Best Western I have noticed 🙂 That is the type of scenery that I like to see myself!
Being from the Midwest, I see a lot of locations like this. Very relaxing and “decompressing” like you say. It is nice that I could head to Florida and get the same treatment 🙂
Thank you for the review Myrah! You do such a good job at that! It looks like you had a good time and covered a lot of different things which makes a vacation even better!
I have been to this area! WOW, it was such a good time and I cannot wait to go back. Glad you enjoyed it as well!
That looks like a very relaxing place to visit. The food looks especially yummy!
I have been a rewards member of the Best Western for some time now and LOVE the I can earn free nights and things like that! That is a great way to travel anywhere in the country and save money at the same time!
I love Florida. Ever since my family took me there for my 18th birthday I have been traveling back ever few years. Great place to relax, you are right about that!
Awesome! That all looks like a great time!
Seafood is awesome there! I have visited this area before and loved it as much as it seemed you did!
If you were looking for a great place to relax, it looks like you did just that. Great work on the blog post! I love being a regular reader here, there is so much information!
Great job! Awesome location with amazing scenery and that national park is a top notch place to visit for sure! Love it!