Green Springs Park and Gemini Springs (Enterprise, FL)

Green Spring

What a cool place this is!  The park is small with various short hiking paths.  The paths are various degrees of difficulty, but anyone should be able to get to the spring viewing area. 

Green Spring Hiking

This blog is going to be mostly pictures, because what can I saw except green, green, and more green!

What makes this spring special is its milky green color.  Apparently this color is caused by green Sulphur and there aren't other publically accessible springs like it around any longer.  It is very beautiful and peaceful. 







Coral Snake

Do beware of snakes while you are there (or anywhere in Florida).  We saw this beautiful, but dangerous Coral Snake underneath the viewing platform.

There is no swimming in this spring.  There is a play ground and a couple of nice pavilions.  It would be a really unique place to have a wedding, but I don't know if you can actually do that there.



Gemini Spring

If you would like a longer outing there is a Spring to Spring trail that goes from Green Springs to Gemini Springs.  Gemini Springs is a larger recreational area with fishing and kayaking/boating as well as a dog park and playground.  The two springs at Gemini are pretty, but traditional clear water.

Tips:   The terrain isn't rugged, so sturdy sandals are fine for walking...except, well, snakes. 

Website Green Spring:  http://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/green-spring-park.stml







Website Gemini Spring:  http://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/gemini-springs-park.stml

Swamp House River Front Grill (Debary, FL)

While we were out exploring we stumbled upon this place.  Well, we actually used a smartphone app, because you would be really unlikely just to accidentally find this place out driving around.  For one thing, it is at the end of the road.  For another, it doesn't really look like a public restaurant until you are parked and walking in.

This place is pretty unique.  We were there on a Saturday afternoon.  There was a man playing good country music.  Not too loud, just right.  They actually grill their burgers outside on a real grill.  And I'm here to tell you they are delicious.

They have a specialty drink called a Rum Bucket.  I watched the bartender pour 4 types of rum in and then a bunch of other stuff too.  Only 9.99 for the first one and 7.99 for refills.  This drink is NOT for the driver!

The restaurant sits right at a harbor where there are lots of boats parked and reserved parking for diners who wish to arrive by boat.  The country store sells fishing and boating supplies, some oddities, and also rents Pontoon boats for cruising up and down the St. John's river.  You only need a drivers license to rent one.
 

If you are up visiting the Springs, the Sanford zoo, Debary Historic House, or just in the area, it is worth stopping by here on a sunny day.

Tips:  Outside tables at the bar are first come first served, so be prepared to stand or wait or go upstairs to the inside restaurant.

Website:  http://www.swamphousegrill.com/

Andretti Thrill Park (West Melbourne)

There aren't many places in Florida with hours of entertainment for families that are as great of a bargain as Andretti Thrill Park. 

So what is it?  Well, a little bit of everything.  There are several go cart tracks (the original purpose of the place).  But there is so much more.  A not all inclusive list:  Rock climbing, mini-golf, paddle boats, batting cages, laser tag, aerial rope course, kiddie rides, picnic area for events, video games, and more.

How does it work?  They have one of the smartest pricing systems I have seen.  The price for children is based on their height, not their age.  Why?  Because the taller you are the more things you can do (safety).  So you pay less for the little ones that can't drive the big carts or do some of the other activities. 


The second great part of their pricing is that the cost is by the hour so you can spend two or three hours without feeling pressured to spend the whole day because leaving early feels like wasting money.  There is an all day price as well if you want to stay longer. 

What else makes this better?  No lines!  Or very short ones.  I have never been there when the line for any attraction was more than a few minutes.  No need for fast passes or 90 minute wait times.  (Of course I would like to see a little bit bigger crowds, this is a treasure that we would like to keep in Melbourne). 

There is a snack bar and the food is typical unhealthy park type food, but hey, who cares?  And you won't pay outrageous prices for that either. 


And birthday parties too!  Skip Chuckie Cheese (although there is one of those in Melbourne as well) and do your kids party at Andretti.  The equivalent in food, but so much more to do and a smaller price!


You can have other events there as well.  My office had a very nice corporate gathering there one year.  Less expensive than most outings and everyone had a great time. 

Tips:  This is a good place for kids of all ages, but the smaller they are the less there is to do.  If you have a wide spread of ages, make sure you have enough adults to accompany the little ones.

Website:  http://www.andrettithrillpark.com/index.html

If you have a little extra time in the area, take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens at Florida Tech campus.