Scott Fais, Florida On A Tankful
Each winter when the mercury plummets, people flock to Blue Spring to get a good look at manatees.
Although manatees don't say much, if they could, the sea cows would explain their love of the 72 degree waters.
As summer heats up, Blue Spring State Park is the perfect place to picnic and cool down.
"I don't think we even have anything man-made like this in Miami," said Kimberly Kivi from Miami.
We're a long way from Deco Drive in the woods of Volusia County. The picturesque background plays host to eating and floating an afternoon away.
"We're kinda trying to make it a family tradition to hit the Florida sites with the spring,” said Kivi.
“You’re staying cool, but you’re not hot,” said Judy Debose from Ocala.
The head waters of the spring feature wide steps, which are perfect for your dismount into the water. You can just pull up here and sit down. But be ready, it's a balmy 72 degrees.
Scuba divers enjoy plunging into the 110-foot deep hole where clean water boils forth from the Florida Aquifer.
"There are rock formations that are kinda bulgy,” said David Birencwaig, a diver. “And then you get to 60 feet there is a sign warning you not to go any lower.”
You'll want to look out below since the bottom can be rocky.
"A lot of sharp rocks,” said Kivi. “You'll want to wear shoes."
Canoeing and fishing are other popular pastimes. Out of the water, accessible walkways that lend themselves to gazing at nature.
"I enjoy doing the nature walks with the nature walks and pointing out the wildlife for the kids," said Kivi.
There's enough here to keep the entire family occupied for the whole day.
For more travel adventures with Scott Fais, go to Central Florida On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 300. Select Entertainment/Travel and then scroll over to Florida on a Tankful.
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Blue Spring State Park
What:
A natural spring boils up from the Florida Aquifer below creating a river perfect for tubing and just lounging around.
Where:
West of Orange City
Volusia County
Hours:
8 a.m. to sundown
Open 365 days a year
Cost:
Admission:
$5 per car load (up to 8 passengers)
$3 single drivers
$1 Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers
Tube Rental:
Free: if you bring your own
$10 per day if you rent one from the concession stand
Nightly Camping Fee:
$20 (plus tax)
Nightly Cabin Fee:
$85 (plus tax)
Phone:
(386) 775-3663
Address:
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, Florida 32763
Longitude & Latitude:
(28.954437395792567, -81.33358955383301)
Parking:
Free
Web sites:
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/
Central Florida Directions:
Expect about a 45 minute drive when using downtown Orlando as a reference point.
From your part of Central Florida, hit Interstate 4.
Those traveling from Daytona Beach will need to head southwest on I-4 West.
Those traveling from Orlando and Sanford will need to head northeast on I-4 East.
Take exit 111B toward Orange City.
Next, merge onto W CR-4146 West, also called Saxon Blvd. Travel for 1.3 miles.
Then, turn right at Enterprise Rd. Motor for 2 minutes.
Take a slight right at U.S.17-92, also known here as South Volusia Ave. Travel for 2.0 miles
Turn left at West French Ave.
Stop at the guard house and pay your entry fee.