FLORIDA IS SO MUCH MORE THAN DISNEY!

Many families traveling through Florida to Disney World forget to consider the many hidden treasures in the state.  I am not talking about the beautiful beaches either.  Waterfalls? Caves? Pristine spring fed swimming holes?  Did you know all of these can be found in the "sunshine state" and not far from your path when traveling to and from a visit to the home of your favorite mouse!  Whether you are planning your next trip to Disney World or just a trip to to Florida, consider the offerings below! Your Frugal Family Travelers will not be disappointed!

Many of our readers already know how our Frugal Family Travelers feel about state parks.  Many unique places are under the purview of state governments and Florida is no exception.   While known for its beaches and of course, Disney, Florida is also home to many pristine spring fed swimming holes which provide unique opportunities for outdoor fun.  Our Frugal Family Travelers have visited one of these locations but the one featured in this post was actually suggested by a reader and friend!  

Madison Blue Spring State Park features an amazing 82 ft wide and 25 ft deep spring fed swimming hole.  This is truly an oasis like something found on a tropical island. 

Cost:  Florida State Park Fee Schedule 

Directions: 

8300 NE State Road 6

Lee, FL 32059

(850) 971-5003

Madison Blue Spring is approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Madison on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. Madison is located not far from the I-10 corridor between Tallahassee and Lake City.  From Madison, drive east on SR 6 to the Withlacoochee River. Turn south on the west side of the bridge at the park sign. Spring is 525 ft (160 m) south of the highway.

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Falling Creek Falls is quite the unexpected location, particularly when thinking about Florida.  It is part of the Suwannee River Water Management Area in Columbia County Florida and is located just outside Lake City.  Our Frugal Family Travelers  really enjoyed our visit here! 

Cost: Free 

Directions from Lake City:

Travel north on US 41, pass under I-10, turn right on NW Falling Creek Road; travel 1 mile. The park is on the right before crossing the creek.  

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Our third suggestions for "off the beaten path" travel is the Florida Caverns State Park.  Not only will a beautiful cave with limestone formations be found here but one can also hike, bike, canoe and golf! There is something here for Frugal Family Traveler in your group!

Cost: Florida State Park Fee Schedule

Directions: 

3345 Caverns Road

Marianna, FL 32446

(850) 482-1228

Click on ALL underlined text for access to more information regarding each location above!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

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Three Neat Places to Make a St. Francisville Getaway Come True!

If you are looking for something to do on a long weekend or holiday that will provide great fun, while at the same time highlighting some great Louisiana history, consider visiting some of the neat locations in St. Francisville highlighted below.

Historic sites, including plantation homes, are abundant in the St. Francisville area but what many do not realize is that there are a few which are actually run by the Louisiana State Park System.  For this reason, I highly suggest purchasing a State Park Pass and visiting the sites featured below to capitalize on the savings.  A pass is $80 and allows ALL traveling in your vehicle admission to all state parks and state historic sites.   It will certainly pay for itself by visiting the sites suggested below.   The pass is good for a year which will give you time to explore other offerings in Louisiana (See our blog posts outlining other exciting Louisiana State Parks).  Our Frugal Family Travelers have certainly made memories while visiting these sites and yours are sure to do so as well.

Featured in the pictures below is the Audubon State Historic Site located at Oakley Plantation in the outskirts of St. Francisille, LA.  The famous wildlife artist, John James Audubon, lived here for over three months in 1821.  While hired as a tutor for the daughter of the Pirrie family, he painted over thirty of his famous bird paintings.  Oakley Plantation was built circa 1800 and is an excellent example of a Federal period plantation home.   After touring the home, take a leisurely stroll on the grounds to explore the garden, nature trail, outdoor kitchen, and slave cabins or rock on the porch while playing a game of checkers.  You might even run into a friendly peacock! 

Address:

11788 Highway 965St. Francisville, LA 70775

The next place on our Frugal Family adventure was Centenary State Historic Site in the nearby town of Jackson, LA.   All that remains of the original buildings from the 1800's are the west wing and professor's cottage.   Both buildings contain period furnishings similar to the types used by students in attendance at the college in the 1800's. We were particularly fascinated by the well-preserved graffiti walls created by students (see picture below and note the date).   Due to low enrollment after the Civil War ended combined with a desperate need for repairs, Centenary College closed and was eventually relocated to Shreveport, LA.  Fortunately, the state was able to purchase the property and designate it as a historic site for all to enjoy!

The Porch on the Professor's Cottage

An Old Typewriter

The West Wing of Old Centenary College

Graffiti left by One of the Students! 

Address:

3522 College St.Jackson, LA 70748

The Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders and Old Hickory Railroad are housed at the same location in Jackson, LA and are right down the road from the Old Centenary College site featured above.   Unfortunately, the passenger railroad which took riders on a journey around this historic town has not reopened.  However, according to the workers at the site, it set for a possible reopening in July.   Follow the updates on their web-site for a definite date.   If your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy model trains, be sure and stop by.   An extensive number of train displays, including steam and electric powered, are open and running on the second and forth Saturday of each month from 11-4:00 p.m.  Admission is free.   When the passenger train returns to service, a fare will be charged for riders.

Restored Passenger Train

One of the Many Train Displays!

One of the Steam Powered Model Trains!

TIPS:  Combine this with a visit to Clark Creek Natural/Nature Area  and Port Hudson State Historic Site for added fun and excitement!!

Don't Forget to purchase your State Park Pass!!

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover

Water trails and Boardwalks: Joyce Wildlife Management Area

This is an amazing time of year to experience the great outdoors in south Louisiana!    Spring is definitely in the air and can be seen in the beautiful blooms of the red bud trees and the bright white flowers of the wild mayhaws, which can be found soaking up the water in wetland areas.   Frugal Family Travelers recently visited a hidden treasure well "off the beaten path" in Ponchatoula, Louisiana in the Joyce Wildlife Management Area.  In our attempt to located this scenic boardwalk, we stumbled upon something in the refuge that piqued our interest and will definitely require another visit for exploration!  This sight is called "Kliebert's Ditch" and is a water trail "hand-dug decades ago", according to the literature provided by the refuge.  Accessible by canoe or pirogue, this trail is miles long and provides a unique way to experience the wildlife in the refuge!  If you own a canoe or kayak, this would be a neat opportunity for your Frugal Family Travelers to get up close and personal with nature!

Our next stop brought us to the "swamp walk" which was the inspiration for the  visit to the refuge and we were not disappointed.   While not a long walk, the boardwalk trail through the swamp offered all sorts of surprises.   With frogs, nutria, cypress trees, and water plants, the swamp was alive and filled with opportunities for exploration.  The pictures below are definitely worth a thousand words!  Consider an outing here with your family!  You won't be disappointed! 

Cost:  Free

Tips: 
Bring sunscreen, water and bug repellent.  

Plan a visit to nearby Pontchatoula for awesome strawberries and a noteworthy antique district.
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  

Note:   There is no admission into the refuge. However, you must sign a card at one of the stations provides to check-in and out of areas you visit.   If you plan to canoe Kleibert's Ditch, check with the refuge headquarters regarding water levels to make sure it is accessible. (Click here for their web-site and contact numbers.)  Canoes are not provided on site.  You must therefore supply your own. 

Directions:

I-55 exit #22 at Highway 51

Pontchatoula, LA

Entrance to Kleibert's Ditch

On our way to the Swamp Walk!

Great example of camouflage! Can you find the frog?  

Reflections on the water!!

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover