10 Things You Must Do in Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island
Want to experience a Florida beach town with lots of history and plenty of cool things to do? One of our favorites is Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. A few minutes north of Jacksonville on the Florida Georgia line, this island is unique because it's the only place in America that has had eight different flags fly over it. Today, the community is a popular destination known for its grand Victorian-era houses and yearly shrimp festival. In this video, we show you 10 things you must do in Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.
-
Step back in time and discover 4000 years of life on the water’s edge here on Amelia Island. From the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, from the lawless spirit of pirates to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left an exciting heritage.
Open: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm / Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm
Docent-led tours Monday – Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm / Sunday at 2 pm (included with ticket purchase)MORE INFORMATION:
-
History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or a bit of both, enjoy exploring the unique natural and historic resources of this pristine park.
Hours
The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
The ranger station is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The fort is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Fees
Admission Fee
$6 per vehicle (two to eight people).
$4 single-occupant vehicle.
$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
$2.50 per person for fort admission.
Camping Fee
$26 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. (Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.)
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50% discount on current base campsite fees. (Reservation fee and utility fee are excluded.) Must present documentation at check-in. -
-
-
Beach Accesses in the City limits, listed from north to south:
Main Beach Park. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Nassau Access: #1. No parking.
Amelia Access: #2. No parking.
1st Street Access: #4N. No parking.
Alabama Access: #5. Parking.
New York Access: #6. Parking.
3rd Street Access: #6N. No parking.
Maryland Access: #8. Parking.
Jasmine Access. #9. Parking.
6th Street Access: #9N. No parking.
Wisconsin Access: #10. No parking.
Kentucky Access: #10S. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Colorado Access: #11. No parking.
North Beach Park Access: #12N. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Jefferson Access: #13. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Access #14. No parking.
Madison Access: #15. No parking.
Cleveland Access: #16. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Ferriera Access: #16N. No parking.
Roosevelt Access: #18. No parking.
Seaside Park Access. Parking. ADA accessibility.
John Robas Access: #21. No parking.
B Street Access: #21S. No parking.
C Street Access: #22. No parking.
D Street Access: #23. No parking.
Askins Access: #24. No Parking.
Mizell Access: #25. Parking.
Allen Access: #27. Parking.
North Casino Access: #28. Parking.
South Casino Access: #29. Parking.
Simmons Access: #30. Parking.
Hutchins Access: #31. Parking.
Oklawaha Acess: #33. No parking.
Mantanzas Access: #34. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Manatee Access: #35. Parking.
Suwanee Access: #35S. Parking.
Kissimmee Access: #36. Parking.
Alachua Access: #37. Parking.
Osceola Access: #38. Parking.
Ozello Access: #39. Parking.
Pasco Access: #40. Parking.
Mobi-Mat at Main Beach
The City of Fernandina Beach has a Mobi-Mat semi-permanently installed at the Main Beach boardwalk access ramp. This environmentally-friendly ADA-compliant matting provides safe and easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers to maneuver on the beach sand. The matting is made completely from recycled plastic bottles.Beach Wheelchairs
The Parks & Recreation Department has three (3) upright beach wheelchairs and one (1) Mobi floating beach wheelchair available for reservations at the Atlantic Recreation Center for individuals with disabilities. A refundable security deposit of $100 per chair, paid with a current and valid major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover), and driver's license are required. Rental fees are: $30 per chair for up to 1 week City residents, $38 Non-City. Please call the Atlantic Recreation Center at 904-310-3350 for availability and reservations.
PLEASE NOTE:
Beach wheelchairs may be reserved for up to 7 consecutive days. Reservations may be made up to 1 year in advance.
We offer an optional delivery and pick-up service for our beach wheelchairs to locations in the City of Fernandina Beach limits. Delivery/pick-up fee is $25.
-
-
Best Things to Do in the Sebastian, Florida Area
In this episode, we're showing you the best things to do in the Sebastian, Florida area. From the extremely beautiful Sebastian Inlet State Park and Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge to an unexpected 7-acre manmade paradise full of inspiration you can take back home and a family farm where you can enjoy a sweet frozen concoction made from freshly squeezed oranges. Plus, we'll tell you why this area is nicknamed the "Treasure Coast."
-
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearFees
$8 per vehicle
Location
9700 South Highway A1A
Melbourne Beach FL 32951 -
Location
13180 North A1A
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Vero Beach, FL 32963Hours
10am to 4pm
Seven Days a Week (except holidays)
Admission is $2
Free for children under 6 -
Location
4055 Wildlife Way Vero Beach, FL 32963-9446
Driving Directions
From I-95, take exit 156 to County Road 512/Sebastian BLVD. Make a right on 90th Avenue (which will transition to 85th Street). Continue straight onto County Road 510 towards A1A. At A1A, turn left (north). In 3.8 miles, turn left onto Jungle Trail. 2 Pelican Island NWR Parking Lots and access to hiking trails are along this route.
11455 Jungle Trail, Vero Beach, FL 32963 is the address of the Centennial Trail.
Hours
Sunday - Saturday
Sunrise – Sunset -
Location
1322 US Highway 1
Sebastian, FL 32958
Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm
-
6325 81st Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32967
Call Toll-Free:
1-888-550-5745 -
GARDEN CENTER HOURS
Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm.
Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.
Closed all major holidays.
10% Military Discount with ID at the Garden Boutique. -
705 Cleveland St, Sebastian, FL 32958
Celebration Exotic Car Festival 2022
Something special happens in the Central Florida community of Celebration every spring.
In early April, car lovers from all over America descend on the town that Disney built for the Celebration Exotic Car Festival. Since its inception in the early 2000s, the event has grown to become one of the largest shows of its kind in the world.
More than 300 of the world’s rarest exotic cars, race cars and Hollywood movie cars are on display, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.
The festival spans four days with a number of special events featuring A-list celebrities. Money raised benefits several charities that help children in need, including the Make-A-Wish foundation. Millions of dollars have been donated over the years.
During the day on Saturday, cars line up along Celebration’s lakefront promenade where they’re judged for awards and trophies. Spectators can attend this part of the festival for free.
Best Things to See and Do in Winter Garden
Minutes from the gates of the Magic Kingdom is a city with an authentic Main Street that would make Mr. Disney himself proud.
The Main Street here in Winter Garden is called Plant Street, believed to have been named for the 19th century rail tycoon Henry B. Plant. He was responsible for developing and promoting the west coast and central sections of Florida.
Henry B. Plant, Florida Railroad Tycoon
At one time, tracks ran through the heart of town. But, you won’t find any locomotives coming through the downtown area today. Instead, the West Orange Trail splits the historic district, providing a place where folks can ride bicycles under the blue Florida skies.
Our most recent visit to Winter Garden coincided with one of the town’s most popular annual events, Spring Fever in the Garden. This huge community celebration puts the spotlight on historic downtown Winter Garden with all types of fun activities along Plant Street.
In this episode, we show you around this town we love so much and provide a few tips on what you should see and do when you’re in Winter Garden.
-
Hours of Operation
OPEN
Tuesday through Saturday
11:00am until 3:00pm
CLOSED
Sunday and Monday
Free admission.
Donations appreciated.
Masks are optional.
ADDRESS101 S. Boyd St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
WEBSITE
-
-
CONTACT
407.877.GRDN (4736)ADDRESS
160 West Plant Street
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Things You Can’t Miss in Gainesville
In this episode, we travel to North Central Florida to show you things you can't miss in Gainesville. Best known as the home of the University of Florida Gators, there's much more to this landlocked city than a college campus. There’s a lot to do here from acclaimed museums and points of historical interest to a pizza joint that’s more like an evolving art installation and beautiful natural areas, one with a menacing name.
-
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
1-5 p.m. SundayOpen year-round. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
General admission is FREE, although donations are gladly accepted. There is a cover charge for special exhibits and the Butterfly Rainforest. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.Butterfly Rainforest
Adults $14
Children (3-12) $7.50
-
Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday.Fees
$4 per vehicle, up to 8 visitors. $2 pedestrians and bicyclists.
LocationAddress
4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville FL 32653 -
TOUR HOURS
Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM Tours at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 & 1:15
Sundays 12 PM - 4 PM Tours at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 & 3:15
$5 per person
Children under 12 FREEADDRESS
8500 SW Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608 -
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Open on ALL holidays except for Christmas Day!
DAILY ADMISSION
Adults (Ages 13+): $12.00
Children (Ages 6 - 13): $7.00
Children 5 and Under: Free
All Military (with ID): $6.00ADDRESS
4990 NE 180th Ave.
Williston, FL. 32696
What to See & Do in Crystal River, the “Mantee Capital of the World”
Located about a 90 minutes north of Tampa on Florida’s “Nature Coast” is a community situated around Kings Bay and dozens of natural springs.
Crystal River is proud to say it’s the “Manatee Capital of the World.” This small town of nearly 3,400 residents is home to a national refuge. It was created to protect habitats for Florida’s beloved official marine animal.
Hundreds of sea cows are drawn to the warm spring-fed waters of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs when temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico get too chilly for them to survive.
Adventure seekers from all over the world flock here during winter months not only to catch a glimpse of these endangered gentle giants, but to swim with them as well.
This is only place in the U.S. where vacationers can do so legally.
If you’re looking to spend time in Florida in a spot where you can really get in touch with nature, Crystal River and the surrounding area might just be what you’re looking for.
While there’s an abundance of recreational activities here, you’ll also find intriguing Native American history, a quaint village with locally-owned businesses and a state park with one very famous resident.
On this episode, we’re going to show you just a few of the things you should see and do when you’re in Crystal River area.
Manatees
Nowhere else will you find more manatees than Crystal River, Homosassa and the waters of Citrus County. Anytime between mid-November through March, up to a thousand manatees can seek refuge in this 72-degree year-round hot tub.
Seeing a manatee up-close is quite an experience. And in the Crystal River area, it’s really easy to do.
From swimming with manatees, to kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding and boat tours. Being with them in their habitat can be exhilarating.
You can also see manatees from fully-accessible boardwalks at places like Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.
When you’re planning, keep in mind springs are less crowded on weekdays and be sure to visit early in the day. Manatees are most active and playful in the mornings.
Crystal River Kayak Co. & Dive Center
Homosassa Manatee Snorkeling Center
Helpful Links
Three Sisters Springs (trolley information)
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Things You Can’t Miss in Jacksonville
The largest US city by area in the lower 48 and the most populated city in Florida, Jacksonville is a place worth exploring if you plan to spend time in the Sunshine State. The city’s unique neighborhood commercial districts can’t be overlooked. Many are a direct result of Jacksonville’s former electric streetcar network that operated between 1880 and the mid-1930s.
In this episode, we show you just a few of the neighborhoods and hidden gems that make this city on the St. Johns River so special.
From a vibrant square that looks like something you’d find in Italy and a bohemian neighborhood built around a simple traffic light to an eclectic part of town where you can find Nashville hot chicken and we’ll pay a visit to downtown to a modern-day version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory housed inside a mansion.
DeLand Travel Guide - Best Things to See & Do Now
Between Orlando and the beaches of Daytona is the city that’s known as the Athens of Florida.
The town of DeLand originally went by the name of Persimmon Hollow in the 19th century when it was only accessible by steamboat up the St. Johns River.
Upstate New York baking soda maker Henry Addison DeLand started buying up land here with plans for an agricultural and tourism center. By the turn of the century, he had established an academy here thanks to financial assistance from his good buddy John B. Stetson, the inventor of the cowboy hat.
The campus of Stetson University is one of the most beautiful in America and the college is routinely recognized as one of the best in the nation.
DeLand has come a long way since the days when citrus dominated here. It’s a thriving community that’s increasingly becoming a small town Florida destination for all the fun things you can do here. This video provides some tips on what you should see and do when you visit.
Before You Go
VisitWestVolusia.com (Download the Official Visitor’s Guide)
Florida Stories Walking Tours (Apple)
Florida Stories Walking Tours (Google Play)
Museums
DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum
DeLand House Museum (Undergoing renovations 3/2022)
African American Museum of the Arts
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
Lodging
Courtyard by Marriott DeLand Historic Downtown
Events
DeLand Indie Market at Artisan Alley
DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market
Parks
Best Things to See & Do in Sanford
Sanford, Florida is a community known for its tree-lined streets, neighborhoods with beautiful homes dating back a century, and a downtown full of mom and pop shops, small eateries, and a huge selection of places where you can grab a beer or some wine.
It’s also a festival city that thrives during special events which occur throughout the year.
Our last visit was the same day as Sanford Porchfest, an annual celebration of live music that recalls the days of porch jam sessions. This community-building event serves as the backdrop for our latest episode featuring the best things to see and do in one of Central Florida’s most popular places to live, Sanford.
St. Augustine Spring 2022 Special Events Guide
As the nation’s Oldest City, there’s always something to celebrate in St. Augustine, Florida. Festivals and other special events are bigger and better than ever in 2022. It seems like, especially this spring, there’s something to keep you engaged and entertained going on every weekend.
Links to Events Featured in Video Guide
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
3K Raptor Run at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival
Easter Sunday Promenade - no website available
Best Things to See & Do in Palatka
Established as a trading post in the early 1820s, the northeast Florida city of Palatka is about an hour drive south of Jacksonville. It’s well known as a festival city, holding several big events every year, including the Florida Azalea Festival and the Blue Crab Festival.
If you find yourself in the area the first few months of the year, there’s one place you have to explore.
Ravine Gardens State Park is one of Florida’s natural hidden gems with hundreds of blooming azaleas that burst with color when other parts of the nation are in a deep freeze.
On this episode, we’ll show you around this unique park. Then we’ll make our way downtown to check out some really cool murals, a place where you can learn more about the area’s ecology and a few other points of interest.
Best Things to Do in Savannah
Dating back to 1733 and nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South” for its hospitality, Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in America.
From picturesque streets lined with historic homes and public squares that were part of the original city plan to a French Gothic cathedral that rivals those found in Europe and an ice cream spot worth standing in line for. In this episode, we share the best things to do in Savannah.
Along the Waterfront
Along the Savannah River is where the colony of Georgia was founded in 1733. By the mid 1800s, the original Port of Savannah was the leading exporter of cotton in the world. Large four and five-story buildings between Bay and River Streets along the waterfront served as cotton warehouses more than a century ago.
Historic River Street
Shops and restaurants
World-class hotels
Statues and monuments
Factors Walk
Cluskey Vaults
Public Squares & Parks
Savannah is a very walkable city. On foot is the best way to absorb the centuries that make up this town’s unique story.
Connecting the diverse fabric of Savannah’s rich heritage and what makes it so pedestrian-friendly is the presence of 22 public squares all over town. It was General James Oglethorpe who devised the master plan in the early 1700s.
These quaint green spaces are often used as meeting spots or navigational aides for locals, while statues and historic markers provide an easy, free way for visitors to learn more about the city’s past.
Historic Homes
Savannah would not be the same without its historic homes. There are so many here, it would be impossible to cover them all in this short video. But here are some of our favorites we think you should see.
Green-Meldrim House (next door to St. Johns Episcopal Church in Madison Square)
General William Sherman used the house as his headquarters during the Civil War. It was from within these walls that he gifted Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present.
Telfair Academy (facing Telfair Square)
This mansion constructed by one of Savannah’s most famous families is today the oldest public art museum in the South. It is also the first art museum in America to by founded by a woman.
Sorrel-Weed House (Bull Street & Madison Square)
If you’re into exploring all things paranormal, you want to be sure and check out this house. It’s said to be the most haunted place in Savannah.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (Bull Street & Oglethorpe, across from Collins Quarter)
The name Juliette Gordon Low might be familiar to you. She founded the Girl Scouts in the early 1900s. This house is where she was born. Today, it’s operated by the organization as a museum.
Breathtaking Jones Street
Charming and beautiful. Two words often used to describe Jones Street in Savannah’s historic district. One glimpse down this brick-covered street with its magnificent canopy of live oaks and you’re instantly sucked in to start exploring it more.
Jones Street is a photographer’s dream with block after block of historic row houses, many dating back to the middle and late 1800s.
Places to Check Out on Jones Street
Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room
Clary Cafe
Crystal Beer Parlor
Eliza Thompson House
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The undisputed architectural jewel of Savannah that can’t be missed is the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. One of the best examples of French Gothic architecture you’ll find anywhere, it’s often referred to as “The Sistine of the South” because of its intricate hand-painted murals.
Standing 214-feet tall, its known for its 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles.
The Cathedral is open for self-guided tours Monday thru Saturday.
First African Baptist Church
First African Baptist Church traces its roots to a congregation that formed in 1773 and is said to be the first black Baptist congregation in North America.
The structure overlooking Franklin Square was constructed in the 1850s and served as a safe house for slaves during the time of the Underground Railroad. Inside, you can still see the holes in the floorboards that were used to ventilate the concealed spaces through which slaves traveled.
Haunting Historic Cemeteries
Some of the most beautiful and most haunting places in Savannah are the city’s famed cemeteries. No visit would be complete without taking a few minutes to check out at least one of them.
Bonaventure is the most legendary, brought to national attention in the best-selling novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Once the site of a large plantation, the cemetery located five miles east of downtown is home to an impressive collection of sculptures memorializing many of Savannah’s most notable historical, cultural and political figures.
One of the most visited graves is that of Johnny Mercer, an American songwriter whose hits included “Moon River” and “Hooray for Hollywood.”
Wormsloe Plantation
Over 400 stately live oak trees will transport you to a different era at Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site.
This scenic property belonged to Noble Jones in the 1700s and today is the only standing architectural remnant in Savannah from the founding of Georgia.
Starland District
South of 37th Street you’ll find the hipster creative scene of Starland. A large dairy company once anchored this neighborhood that today is home to an art supply store, brew pubs, independent eateries, boutiques and a food truck venue.
One of the most popular attractions is Graveface Record Store and Curiosity Shop. Offering more than just an amazing collection of vinyl, this Savannah institution features oddball merchandise, creepy toys, Halloween items and bizarre taxidermy. They also operate a museum at Factors Walk.
Byrd’s Famous Cookies Flagship Store
A short drive from the historic district at 6710 Waters Avenue is the flagship store of Byrd’s Famous Cookies.
Out back is a facility where they make the little bite-sized cookies that have become a staple here in Savannah.
As you’d expect, the shop here at the headquarters is larger than the other locations, but has the same charm inside with friendly, helpful employees. Step up to the Cookie Bar where you can try samples of their products before buying a bunch to take home.
Stay at the Thompson Savannah
When visiting Savannah, only the best will do. And that means checking into one of the newest lodging options in town.
Located on Savannah’s riverfront where the historic district meets the Eastern Wharf, the Thompson Savannah is an urban oasis. Here you’re able to relax and rejuvenate while being minutes away from the city’s treasured historic sites.
Nearly 200 rooms grace this luxury hotel including 21 suites outfitted with mid-century modern furnishings.
We booked a King Room on a Sunday night in late January 2022 for $188. With 340 square-feet, this was the most affordable option in their lineup.
Nightlife and Plant Riverside District
Nightlife is plentiful here, with dozens of bars and breweries to keep you busy well into the evening.
We enjoyed spending time at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. This unique hotel and retail complex was at one time a large power plant.
Today, it’s home to a number of bars and eateries, boutiques and art galleries. The lobby of the hotel is like stepping into a natural history museum, with 4 to 5-million-year-old towering geodes and fossils everywhere you turn. They sit underneath an impressive replica of one of the largest dinosaurs to have been discovered.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream is one of the most celebrated cultural landmarks in all of Savannah.
Almost any time of the day, day or night, warm weather or when there’s a chill in the air, you can find long lines waiting to get inside Leopold’s flagship location on Broughton Street.
But Leopold’s unique history dates back a century. Be sure to watch our video above where we visit the original location and go into more detail about its past!
Why Lakeland is the Perfect Day Trip from Orlando
Looking to see more of Central Florida beyond the theme park bubble in Orlando? In this video, we tell you why the city of Lakeland makes the perfect day trip.
Best Hotels in Daytona Beach
So you’re planning a trip to the world’s most famous beach and looking for a good place to stay.
Daytona Beach is home to high-end hotels, low-end motels and a little bit of everything in between.
The most popular lodging options here can book up fast, especially during special event season which starts in early February and can run into early April. Whether you’re visiting Daytona for Speedweeks and the 500, crossing off that bucket list item of attending Bike Week in March or getting away from the chill during Spring Break, there are hits and misses like anywhere when it comes to places to stay.
In this video, we run down the best hotels in Daytona Beach, from the most convenient lodging options near the Speedway to the hottest new properties on the ocean, and one where you can sleep like a rock star.
The Daytona, Autograph Collection
Definitive Guide to Visiting Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
There are lots of attractions in Gatlinburg. But there’s one that has become very popular since opening in 2017.
In the Cherokee language, “Anakeesta” refers to “the place of high ground.” The Anakeesta Formation is a massive rock layer dating back billions of years that encompasses several of the most famous peaks of the Smokies.
It’s a fitting name for the whimsical family adventure park that sits on a mountaintop overlooking Gatlinburg.
For the better part of a century, much of the property belonged to the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity of women. Starting in the early 1900s, the organization operated a settlement school here that gave children something better than the three-month education that had been available.
55 pristine acres that belonged to the fraternity was sold in 2014 and developed into a family attraction that has won many awards from the travel industry.
We first visited Anakeesta shortly after it opened in 2017. Many new experiences have been added over the years, and on a recent trip to the Smokies, we decided to return to take in all the changes.
We want to share with you our guide to getting the most out of your time at Anakeesta and provide some tips on what you can expect when you go.
Admission
Start your adventure at Anakeesta Plaza located in the heart of Gatlinburg at traffic light number five across from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
This is where you can find out more information about Anakeesta and purchase tickets. As of early 2022, general admission for adults is $32.99. Folks 60 and older pay $25.99 while children between 4 and 11 get in for $19.99.
An Express Pass is available online where visitors can choose the day and time they want to experience Anakeesta, bypassing what can be long waits at the ticket booth.
General admission includes many but not all of the activities that await at the top of the mountain. We’ll have more on what’s not included a little later.
Chondola
Admission includes a ride to the top of the 70-acre mountain that’s 600 feet above the city of Gatlinburg.
To get to the summit, visitors utilize a unique Chondola system. You can choose to ride in an open-air 4-person chair with a safety bar or select an enclosed gondola cabin with room for 6 people. The journey to the top is leisurely and scenic with many riders often spotting black bear in the woods below.
Staff members who man the Chondola are always accommodating when it comes to riders who may have physical limitations. The system can be stopped to allow riders extra time boarding and exiting if needed.
Ridge Rambler
If heights aren’t exactly your thing, Anakeesta provides another transportation option that keeps you on terra firma. A large passenger truck known as the Ridge Rambler is available to take you up the mountain. Like the Chondola, this is included with general admission and you can take as many trips as you wish.
Firefly Village
Upon arrival at the top of the mountain, visitors are greeted by Firefly Village. This quaint little shopping and dining area serves as the community space that’s the heart of Anakeesta.
There are three shops where you can purchase everything from rustic home goods and items crafted in the area to soaps, jewelry and candles as well as plenty of branded souvenirs to help you remember your experience.
Enjoy a homemade pie or some ice cream from Pearl’s or indulge in a variety of southern barbecue classics at the Smokehouse where every seat in the place comes with an awesome view of the mountains and Gatlinburg down below.
Black Bear Village
Another retail area is Black Bear Village. There are a few places where you can get some quick eats and enjoy them in this plaza with tables and beautiful vistas.
The centerpiece of this section of Anakeesta is the Cliff Top Restaurant that serves up traditional American fare like cheese curds, burgers, steaks and soups and salads.
Attached to the restaurant is The Mercantile, a modern take on a general store.
Vista Gardens and AnaVista Tower
Vista Gardens is a multi-sensory botanical garden with meandering pathways and manmade waterfalls. The professional landscaping has a flair of whimsy, with one of the highlights being this Twigloo.
One of the newer additions to Anakeesta and the park’s icon is AnaVista Tower. If you look closely, the structure kind of looks like a blooming flower.
After climbing 84 steps, you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the Smokies, and on clear days, you can see as far as Kentucky.
The tower is designed to act as a giant compass, with wooden pillars marking each direction. Interpretive signs identify more than 50 mountain peaks while two glass panel floors allow you to see the gardens 60 feet below.
A large plaza at the tower’s base features plenty of relaxation spots to sit and take in the views along with the Watering Can, where you can grab a sandwich and a drink.
I would call Anakeesta more of an adventure park than a theme park. Think of it as a mountaintop playground designed for all ages to enjoy. There are several individual attractions to keep you busy most of the day.
Treehouse Adventures
Kids can burn all kinds of energy at two separate tree house-based play areas. TreeHouse Village Adventure and TreeVenture feature a series of tree houses connected with rope bridges and include a number of interactive elements.
Included with general admission, the courses range in difficulty from easy to moderate.
Treetop Skywalk
Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature with a trip down the Treetop Skywalk. Anakeesta bills this adventure as allowing you to experience what its like for the birds in the tree tops.
The Treetop Skywalk is easy to navigate and is included with general admission.
Add-Ons
The price you pay to get to the top of Anakeesta includes most of the park. But there are a few add-on attractions you want to be aware of NOT included with general admission.
Dueling Zipline Adventure
Get your heart rate up by zipping over 2,600 feet through the tree canopy side-by-side with family and friends.
Zip lining ticket prices start at $71 for children with adults paying $88. Those prices include general admission.
Reservations are not required, but strongly encouraged.
Rail Runner
Another thrilling experience is Anakeesta’s very own mountain coaster. The Rail Runner has over 1600 feet of twists and turns with a 400-foot elevation change.
Single Rider: $12.99 Tandem Rider: $14.99
Gem Mining
If the kiddos want to try their hand at gem mining, they can do it at Anakeesta. Prices start at $8.
Accessibility
While much of Anakeesta is wheelchair accessible, some sections of the park are not like the adventure courses and Treetop SkyWalk. Also be aware that Anakeesta’s most prominent feature, the observation tower, does not have an elevator.
Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers for your ride to the summit.
With the exception of ADA certified service animals, pets are not permitted at Anakeesta.
Best Photo-Op
Looking for the best photo op on property? That might depend on who you ask. But for many, nothing can match crawling up in the lap of Willow to snap that perfect selfie with this larger than life creature.
Smartphone App
Anakeesta offers a pretty comprehensive smartphone app that will tell you things like wait times, any closures and live music performances that are scheduled. The one thing that could be improved is the map. Unlike most of the larger amusement parks, it’s a flat pdf-style map with zero interactivity. Incorporating wait times, prices of the add-ons, and other information would improve the overall user experience.
Lastly
One thing is undeniable about Anakeesta. The spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains from the summit are what makes this attraction special. They are, in fact, the top attraction at Anakeesta. Everywhere you turn, it seems there’s a comfy spot to soak in the atmosphere. Each season is different. So no two visits are ever the same. It’s definitely a place you should experience when you’re in the area. If you just can’t get enough of the views, annual passes are available.
10 Things You Must Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
There’s something about the mountains of Tennessee that draws people to them. The Cherokee called the Great Smoky Mountains “the land of blue smoke” or “Shaconage.” The constant presence of a haze that clings to the mountain tops can be spellbinding, making people want to return or never leave.
Pigeon Forge was first settled in the late 1700s when the area was governed by North Carolina.
By the 1820s, local businessman Isaac Love had established an iron forge on the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River. A decade later, the Love family constructed a grist mill next to the forge. Fast forward nearly two centuries and the building still stands as the city’s oldest structure and the only building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Old Mill is just one of many things to experience in this popular mountain resort town. Today, we want to show you 10 Things You Must Do in Pigeon Forge.
Visit a Piece of History
We begin where the Pigeon Forge we know today got its start. The Old Mill is the icon of the community and the one thing you have to make sure you see when you’re in town. You’ve probably seen this historic landmark featured in publications all around the world. It’s one of the most photographed mills in the nation.
During the Civil War, the eastern part of Tennessee supported the Union. While the Smokies area didn’t see any major battles, only small skirmishes, the Old Mill played an important role in the war effort.
Secret knitting looms were set up on the second floor of the mill which produced clothing for Union soldiers based nearby where Gatlinburg is today. There was also a makeshift hospital on the third floor.
The Old Mill continues to grind wheat and corn for flour and corn meal using hydropower. Products produced on-site are sold inside a general store on the mill’s main floor. There are also lots of local souvenirs available for purchase.
Next door is a newer building that’s home to the Old Mill Restaurant, consistently ranked as one of the top places to eat in the area.
Watch Pottery Being Made
A collection of buildings adjacent to the Old Mill house a number of unique shopping opportunities including one of my favorites, Pigeon River Pottery. In the 1940s, Douglas Ferguson found the area to be rich with red clay, what he used to make his pottery creations. He purchased an old tobacco barn on the mill’s property and transformed it into a pottery studio. The acclaimed artist died in 1999. But his legacy continues in the workspace he created where visitors can watch pottery being made by talented artisans. These pieces are the best souvenirs I’ve collected from the Smokies over the years.
Take a Blacksmithing Lesson
Across the street is a place that preserves and passes on the traditions of blacksmithing to a new generation.
Operated by the History Channel’s Forged in Fire fan favorite Robby Bowman, Iron Mountain Metal Craft lets you get really close to the action. In fact, you can be a part of the action.
Visitors can actually don an apron and goggles, step up to the anvil, and swing the hammer themselves for an unforgettable experience. Best of all, the finished product can be taken home in the form of a knife or horseshoe.
Kids as young as five can participate in the blacksmithing lessons, which fill up quickly. Visit the shop’s website to learn how you can make an appointment.
Shop at a Whimsical Book Store
Located on Old Mill Street is something you don’t see a lot here in the Smokies. It’s a place that in no way, shape or form resembles the normal touristy souvenir shop.
Step into A Long Story Short and into a carefully curated boutique of the whimsical. Open since 2017, this shop offers vintage and used books, antiques, rustic and garden decor, and local art with a little pop culture and quite a bit of Steampunk thrown in.
The perfect spot for book lovers, every visit here is different. When one piece sells, they replace it with a new creation, gadget, or treasure. Be prepared to spend some time taking it all in.
Go on “Island” Time
The most popular entertainment and retail complex in Pigeon Forge is The Island. Sitting on 23 acres and boasting more than 80 shops, restaurants, attractions, and two Margaritaville lodging opportunities on-site, this is one of those places with more of a resort vibe where you never really have to leave.
Standing tall at 200-feet is the centerpiece, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel that provides riders spectacular views of the area in comfy, all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 people.
The top free thing to do in Pigeon Forge is to see the waters dance at the Island Fountain. Hundreds gather at this cool community spot most evenings, especially around the holidays, to watch the fountains shoot water 60 feet into the air, choreographed to music and lights.
There are a number of amusement park-type rides to keep the younger crowd entertained, along with a ropes course, while we highly recommend experiencing one of The Island’s newest attractions.
Housed in a state-of-the-art building with a Steampunk theme, SkyFly: Soar America is similar to a ride you might be familiar with at Disney’s Epcot in Florida. But here, the journey is six minutes long and simulates flying over some of the most beautiful places in the nation. The film coupled with some special effects make this a must-do ride the entire family can enjoy.
We always stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel when visiting Pigeon Forge. Somehow this property has struck the right balance in design between “parrothead” and mountain chic. The location, amenities, hospitality of the staff and their attention to detail make this an enjoyable stay each and every time.
Ride a Mountain Coaster
If you don’t have time to spend a whole day at Dollywood but still have a need for speed, check out one of the area’s many alpine coasters.
It seems they’re popping up all over the Smokies now days, especially in Pigeon Forge and nearby Wears Valley.
Each one has some feature they like to tout - the longest track, the fastest, most drops. We’ve been on a few and couldn’t possibly single out a favorite. A list with links to the area’s mountain coasters is available on our website to help you in your research.
Take On a Monster
One of the newest entertainment and retail complexes in Pigeon Forge is the Mountain Mile and Tower Shops on Teaster Lane.
Covering more than 170 acres on the site formerly occupied by Belz Outlet Mall, a series of shops and eateries are built around large, open green spaces that promote a sense of community through fun and relaxation.
Adrenaline junkies can get their fix at the Mountain Monster, a 200-foot tower that contains three exciting thrill rides - an aerial drop ride, a freefall experience and a launch where riders are slung 140 feet up into the air.
See a Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge loves to put on a good dinner show. The Parkway has a number of options for live entertainment while enjoying a hearty evening meal.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the most popular, one I’ve experienced a few times. The four-course dinner includes a tender whole rotisserie chicken and down-home sides. A favorite thing of ours to do here even if we’re not seeing a show is to stroll down the Horse Walk, an opportunity to get an up-close look at the real stars of the show.
Other dinner shows include Hatfield & McCoy, the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show, the Biblical Times Dinner Theater, and Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show.
If you don’t care about dinner and just want to be entertained by the local talent, there are options like Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud and the Comedy Barn.
Experience a Quirky Attraction
While Dollywood is the most dominant attraction in this area, there are dozens of other family-friendly spots that will draw you in and give you a thrill, and maybe a chill or two.
If you’ve ever wanted to take a deep dive into the tragic story of the Titanic or try to understand America’s obsession with crime, there are larger-than-life attractions on the Parkway for you. You can get an up-close look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars at a wax museum, experience a science-focused indoor amusement park, take a spin in a go-cart, or brush up on your golfing skills at one of the many putt-putt courses.
Sample Some Hard Apple Cider
Just across the river in neighboring Sevierville is one of the area’s most beloved places to visit.
The iconic structure known today as the Apple Barn was constructed more than a century ago on a 65-acre farm, and at that time the barn was a place to keep cattle.
Today, the barn functions as a general store and cider bar where all types of food and drink products made from apples grown on the property can be purchased. We’re especially fond of the apple salsa which we take home and love to sit down and snack on an apple glazed donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the cider bar.
The barn is the centerpiece of a complex that includes two sit-down restaurants, one inside the original farmhouse, both famous for their homemade apple fritters.
The property also includes a candy shop where you can watch taffy being made, a creamery, a Christmas shop and a winery.
A recent addition is the Apple Barn Cider House where visitors can sample a variety of hard ciders crafted on-site. Here, they use a sterile filtration method taking special care to retain as much of the fresh apple cider taste as possible. The finished product is smooth, clean and crisp, unlike any other hard apple cider you’ve tried other places.
10 Things You Must Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The bustling town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee serves as the doorstep to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Covering more than 522-thousand acres, the park was dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1934 with the promise these mountains would always be free to visit. That’s one of the reasons it is consistently the most visited national park in America.
Gatlinburg is synonymous with the term Smokies. You can’t think of one without the other.
Because of its proximity to the park’s entrance, many travelers make Gatlinburg base camp for exploring the wide array of recreational opportunities available in the mountains. You can find everything from moderately-priced hotels and historic lodges to cabins, chalets and other types of vacation rentals scattered across the mountainsides.
As one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., Gatlinburg is famous for its downtown strip known as the Parkway. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, attractions, and places to stay line this street that only has a few blocks and is less than a mile long.
In the video below, we share with you 10 Things You Must Do in Gatlinburg.
Eat at a Pancake House
The best place to start your first day or any day in the Smokies is at a pancake house. There’s no shortage of these popular breakfast spots in Gatlinburg. You can find an eatery that specializes in flapjacks on what seems like every block.
Ride to the Top
There are more ways than ever to take a leisurely ride to the top of one of Gatlinburg’s imposing mountains.
Anakeesta
A chondola sky lift system is utilized to transport visitors 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Following the 10-minute ride in an open chairlift or enclosed 6-person gondola cabin, visitors can explore two distinct villages with a handful of shopping and dining options, including two sit-down restaurants where the spectacular views from your table make it really hard to leave.
The centerpiece of it all is downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point, AnaVista Observation Tower. After climbing 84 steps, you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the Smokies, and on clear days, you can see as far as Kentucky.
For an additional charge not included with general admission to Anakeesta, visitors can take a ride on a mountain coaster, soar through the forest on a zipline, or go gem mining.
Afraid of Heights?
If the thought of riding in an open chairlift or in a gondola makes you nauseous, Anakeesta has provided a grounded alternative to get to the top of the mountain. It’s called the Ridge Rambler. This huge passenger truck will take you through some pretty forest as it winds to the summit. The Ridge Rambler is included with general admission.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Since the 1950s, vacationers have been hopping on the iconic yellow chairs of the Gatlinburg SkyLift. Today at the top of the mountain you’ll find SkyLift Park and the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
Ober Gatlinburg
Board an Aerial Tram to Ober Gatlinburg’s Bavarian-themed amusement park and Tennessee’s only ski area, which normally makes snow in the cooler months when temperatures on the mountain are under 28 degrees.
Watch Craftsmen at Work
Arts and crafts have a deep heritage here in the Smokies. One of the most enjoyable, authentic experiences you’ll have during your time in Gatlinburg is to make a trip to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community.
This 8-mile loop road is home to the largest independent organization of artisans in the U.S.
Shop at The Village
An archway adjacent to the Pancake Pantry welcomes shoppers to The Village, a landmark in Gatlinburg dating back more than half a century.
The narrow brick-covered sidewalks and Old World architecture transports visitors to a different time and place. I’ve often described it as a Dickens Village come to life with little touches from the old country in the main square.
This is where you can find the Donut Friar, the Cheese Cupboard, Candle Cottage and more than 20 other unique shops and cafes.
Sample the Shine
Moonshine distilleries seem to be outpacing pancake houses when it comes to new openings along the Parkway.
$5 tastings are offered for folks 21 and over. Participants receive a $5 coupon in return, which can be applied to any purchase made in the distillery’s gift shop.
Each tasting gives you the chance to sample a variety of moonshine flavors served in tiny communion cups.
Bartenders make all the difference when it comes to the type of experience you have. So choose wisely.
Do an Attraction
I’m not sure boredom can be a thing in Gatlinburg. The cheese runs pretty thick along the Parkway with all types of carnie attractions like indoor mini golf, mirror mazes and even an earthquake simulator all to keep you entertained when you’re not eating pancakes and drinking moonshine.
Classics like Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum!, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion are good bets.
Go Under the Sea
One of the top aquariums in the nation can be found in Gatlinburg. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features galleries on two floors with thousands of sea creatures. Best of all for families - it’s kid friendly!
View the Burg from Above
Topping out at 407-feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle was the second-tallest tower in Tennessee upon completion in 1969. Be sure to bring your camera for some awesome panoramic photos of the resort town and the gorgeous mountains.
There’s an arcade on the ground floor along with a pretty good pizza joint.
Watch Taffy Being Made
Since the 1950s, tourists have been mesmerized by the taffy-making process at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen.
While the faces have changed over the decades, candy makers dressed in white uniforms still man the machine and offer visitors one of their original old-fashioned taffy logs.
Play Hillbilly Golf
While there are a handful of mini-golf courses around Gatlinburg, there’s only one Hillbilly Golf.
Players travel up a hillside aboard an incline railway where they tackle one of two 18-hole courses. All the way down are hilarious hillbilly-themed interactive props.
In business since 1971, this is the place you have to play putt-putt in the Smokies. But note they normally close in late November to perform maintenance during the winter season.
Top Things to See & Do in Micanopy, Florida - “The Town that Time Forgot”
Between Gainesville to the north and Ocala to the south is Florida’s oldest inland town. Beneath a canopy of ancient live oak trees covered in Spanish moss is a community of just over 600 people we know today as Micanopy.
Records indicate explorer Hernando de Soto encountered a native village on this land in the late 1530s. It was still home to a group of Indians when famed American naturalist William Bartram visited in 1774.
After Spain ceded its Florida provinces to the U.S. in 1821, a surprising thing happened in this small hamlet.
A Moroccan-born Jewish man by the name of Moses Elias Levy bought up tons of land here and established Pilgrimage Plantation, what he saw as a model of communal living, an agricultural utopia. The project was to serve as a refuge for Jews fleeing religious persecution in Europe.
The settlers maintained a fruitful relationship with Chief Micanopy and the Seminoles in the early years, even naming the town in the chief’s honor.
The goodwill and utopian experiment didn’t last long, ending with the plantation’s destruction in 1835 during the Second Seminole War.
The exact location of the first Jewish Utopia in America is mostly lost to time with one of the few reminders being this Florida Heritage marker in the heart of town.
Micanopy is known for many things. From a line in John Anderson’s hit song Seminole Wind to the filming location for Michael J. Fox’s Doc Hollywood. Its rich Jewish heritage is much lesser-known.
The downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for antique lovers. Micanopy’s eclectic mix of authentic rustic storefronts along with its historic homes and old cracker houses give this place a picturesque warmth.
Cholokka Boulevard
The town of Micanopy encompasses just over one square mile and must be appreciated on foot.
Taking your time with a leisurely stroll down Micanopy’s main street gives you a chance to explore the architecture and history of the buildings in town. Almost every building has a plaque telling when it was built and its significance to the community.
Many of the structures house mom-and-pop businesses, some in operation since the 1980s.
Herlong Mansion
The Herlong Mansion is a popular bed and breakfast that has 13 rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or the spot where you say “I do.”
The grounds are exquisite and the hospitality, second-to-none.
Micanopy Historic Cemetery
In its nearly 200 year history, the Micanopy Historic Cemetery has had over 2-thousand burials. The first recorded burial took place in 1826.
Many residents who lived in the 1700s are laid to rest here and over a hundred veterans are interred on the property.
Some of the gravesite monuments are complemented by the twisting branches of massive live oaks and Spanish moss, making for surreal photo opportunities.
The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cross Creek
A less than 15-minute drive from Micanopy will take you to the community of Cross Creek and the estate of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, which is a state park.
Rawlings wrote many of her famous novels while living here, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Yearling.
Her cracker-style home has been lovingly restored to look much as it did when she lived on this property.
The park is open every day and guided tours inside the farmhouse are available at select times Thursday through Sunday (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.).
Wood & Swink Store & Post Office
A short 5-minute drive from Micanopy is a piece of Americana you have to experience while in the area.
It can be found in the tiny community of Evinston, population: 150.
Just about every adult in the community stops by the Wood and Swink Store and Post Office at least once a week.
Since the late 1800s, this old weathered pine building has been the heart of the community, the spot for catching up on the latest news over a game of checkers or shopping for some freshly-picked produce.
Link to Wood & Swink Podcast Episode on YouTube
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Bordering Micanopy to the north is a Florida state park that also has the distinction of being a U.S. National Natural Landmark.
Paynes Prairie is the largest landscape of its kind in North Florida and is home to all types of animals including roaming alligators and herds of wild horses and bison.
Plentiful numbers of bison could be found in this area naturally until the late 18th century. In recent decades, the park service has been working to restore Florida’s natural resources to pre-European settler conditions. Plains bison were reintroduced to the park in 1975 and have been here ever since.
The best place to spot bison, if you’re lucky, is along the Cone’s Dike Trail.
The park’s eight trails allow visitors to explore the park’s interior through hiking, horseback riding and bicycling.
At the visitor center are exhibits that explain the area’s natural and cultural history, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views of this vast 21-thousand acre savanna.
Open 8 am - sundown every day of the year, including holidays. Admission is $6 per vehicle.
Blue Highway Pizzeria
On scenic Highway 441 at the entrance to Micanopy is the original location of Blue Highway.
Open for lunch and dinner, this funky spot is known for hand-crafted, house-made pizzas along with calzones, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and desserts.
This is one of our favorite pizzerias in Florida and we always make it a point to stop when we’re in the area.
