Visit Florida - Worth the Drive 2008 - (Page 18) 18 WWW.AAA.COM/ VISITFLORIDA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Day 2: Live Oak/Madison Thank the “Lopin’ Gopher” for Live Oak – the Live Oak, Perry & Gulf Railroad and its Lopin’ Gopher rail car were part of an early 1900s railroad boom that brought this town to life. Explore its history at the Suwannee County Historical Museum (386-362-1776), formerly the Atlantic Coast Line freight depot. Along the Suwannee River, eight miles north of downtown, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (386-364-1683, www.musicliveshere.com) hosts the region’s largest concerts and festivals. Stop by Suwannee Springs (www.srwmd.state.fl.us) to lie on a sandy beach or take a dip in the cool spring. Or check out Suwannee River State Park (386-362-2746, www.floridastateparks.org/ suwanneeriver), where the Withlacoochee and Suwannee rivers merge. Then head west on I-10 toward downtown Madison, which boasts a high concentration of fine Old Florida architecture – more than 30 buildings from the 1800s and nearly 50 historic sites. Hunt for antique treasures or relax at a day spa. Don’t miss a stop at the elegant Four Freedoms Bed and Breakfast (850-973-4343, www.madisonfourfreedoms.com), where an on-site 1850s church boasts the oldest stained glass windows in Florida. Then, enjoy a relaxing walk in the gardens at O’Toole’s Herb Farm Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Florida’s only Class III rapids froth like root beer. Falling Creek Falls (www.srwmd.state.fl.us) is a Suwannee tributary where the creek tumbles in a waterfall over a broad bank. The State of Florida’s Nature & Heritage Tourism Center (386-397-4461, www.floridastateparks.org/ natureheritage) can recommend an outfitter. Make a stop at nearby Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park (386-397-2733, www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster), which expresses Florida’s past through folk art and crafts. The annual Florida Folk Festival (www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest), usually held every Memorial Day weekend, celebrates Florida folk music and culture. At Big Shoals State Park, Florida’s only Class III rapids froth like root beer. Continuing south on I-75, you’ll reach Lake City, established in 1856 on the site of old “Alligator Town.” Park your car and hoof it down Marion Avenue to explore the town’s antiques and specialty stores. Visit one of Florida’s last remaining authentic drug store soda fountains, DeSoto Drug (386-752-1793). A chocolate malt never tasted better. Steinhatchee River http://WWW.AAA.COM/VISITFLORIDA http://www.musicliveshere.com http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us http://www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver http://www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver http://www.floridastateparks.org/natureheritage http://www.floridastateparks.org/natureheritage http://www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster http://www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest http://www.madisonfourfreedoms.com
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