Deleon Springs, Florida is where we are heading this morning
for a brunch at the Sugar Mill Restaurant located in the park itself. Our long
time friend Patty Schwarze is proprietor of said restaurant and is always a joy
to see when we have the opportunity to stop in for a bite and a swim.
 |
The springs themselves are historic, beautiful, popular and
well tended, making this a “must see and swim” stop on anyone’s route through
north central Florida. If you have never swum in a spring, you don’t know what
you’re missing. It’s better than a pool because there isn’t any chlorine, it’s
like swimming in a cold lake but you can see through the water clear down to
the sandy bottom. I grew up swimming in a spring fed lake. Ours was warmer than
a typical spring, which is always 72 degrees year round, because it was
stretched out over a greater surface area. The comparative warmth was wonderful
in the cooler seasons, but not so “cool” in the hot summer where it was like
taking a luke-warm bath in a room with a heater on! Still, it spoiled me to
swimming in water I can’t see through. I love swimming in springs and am lucky
enough to live only a 20 minute drive from one.
Today though, my two “Frenchies” and I are in north central
Florida and will “spring hop” our way back to south Georgia. We plan to see
Blue Springs, Deleon Springs, Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs and Silver
Glen Springs. Maybe, if we have time we’ll also go by Madison Blue Springs.
Seems only the females in the party will be swimming as our one lone man
doesn’t like “cold” water! |
| Alexander Springs |
I mustn’t finish this without expounding upon the historical
building and tasty treats at the Sugar Mill restaurant. It is, as the name
implies, an old wooden sugar mill building, complete with water wheel, grinding
stones and melting pots. If you are lucky enough to get a table, there you will
find a griddle where you make your own pancakes, bacon, eggs, etc. if you’re
having breakfast, which is about the only thing I eat there. The pancake batter
is specially made and heavenly for those of us who are pancake connoisseurs. I
swear I’ll bet you’ve never tasted better. If you ever get a chance to visit
this magical place, with its beautiful spring and great food, you won’t regret
it, I promise. I’m off to swim!
Photos courtesy of:
fs.usda.gov Alexander
Springs
orangecitytoday.com Blue Springs
best-orlando-getaways.com Deleon Springs
