Destinations

Central Florida a 'Gem'

Known as the “Gem of the St. Johns River,” Palatka, Fla., is the gateway to Central Florida’s best bass fishing andto many of its top attractions, historical sites, arts, culture and year-round events.

“Anglers love to come to Palatka and fish the St. Johns River,” said Diane Northrip, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board. “Some venture to Lake Crescent in Crescent City or to Rodman Lake. Sailing fanatics, wildlife viewers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts also enjoy all Putnam County has to offer,”

The quest for bass is an integral part of Palatka’s history. The name Palatka is derived from “pilotaikata,” the Native American term for “boat crossing.” The original settlers, the Timucuan Indians, fished for bass and mullets and hunted deer, turkeys, bear and opossum. Today, prized largemouth black bass can be found on the St. Johns, designated as an American Heritage River. The area also is home to three of the top bass fisheries in the Sunshine State: Lake George, Crescent Lake and Rodman Reservoir.

But Palatka’s roots run deep off the water as well. The seat of Putnam County played a significant role in American conflicts – serving as Fort Shannon during the Seminole Indian Wars and occupied by Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.

Over the years, the area provided a retreat from northern winters for notables including Thomas Edison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, President Grover Cleveland and the Mellon family. Today, more than 30 larger-than-life works of art, commissioned by the Conlee-Snyder Mural Committee, tell Putnam County’s story through the eyes of school-aged to professional artists. The murals depict the area’s historical, cultural and natural resources – from City Hall to cattle drives to the St. Johns River.

“The murals are a draw for tourists to our area, many of whom follow the ‘Mural Trail’ -- nearly a dozen towns and cities in every part of Florida that feature murals as a part of their attractions,” explained Dr. Judy Rothschild, mural committee chair.

Much of the renowned architecture of Palatka’s historic areas has been restored. Visitors can get a closer look through self-guided, walking tours. Free maps, pointing drivers in the right direction, are also available; one showcases 20 popular tourist destinations while another features local churches built more than 100 years ago, many with Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

The famed Bronson-Mullholland House, an antebellum plantation home built by Palatka’s founding father Judge Isaac Bronson, is open to the public three days a week, and to groups by appointment. Ravine Gardens State Park, which bloomed in the midst of the Great Depression, still attracts visitors year-round. In the late winter and early spring, thousands of azaleas brighten a 146-acre, 100-foot deep ravine. There is also a nature trail and picnic areas. Admission is $3.25 per vehicle or $1 per person, open daily, 8 a.m. to sundown.

“Approximately 150,000 people come to visit the Ravine Gardens State Park each year to view the spectacular park which is a combination of formal and natural gardens. While here they discover the natural beauty of Palatka and Putnam County,” said Wes Larson, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce President.

The Timucuan Indians appropriately called the St. Johns River “Welaka” or “river of lakes.” A ferry service carried troops across the river during the Seminole Indian Wars. Florida’s oldest ferry service still carries passengers and their cars to the majestic Ocala National Forest. Today, Welaka is dotted with Native American archaeological sites and preserved buildings. It also is home to the Welaka Maritime Museum, featuring unique, hand-carved, wooden boats, steamboats, motor launches, vintage engines and outboards. Admission is $5; the museum is open Wednesday-Saturday.

Welaka also boasted medicinal cures in its mineral springs. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town attracted visitors seeking its “healing waters.” Today, Welaka offers another form of relief – serving as a scenic, riverfront retreat for freshwater fishermen and vacationers.

Crescent City, settled in the mid 1800s, is nestled on a wooded bluff between two lakes, one of which is shaped like a crescent moon. There are more than 20 historic buildings in the downtown area reflecting the architectural Golden Age and Victorian-era homes, fine dining and accommodations, gift and antique shops.

The town of Interlachen, or “between of lakes,” was aptly named by Scottish settlers in the late 1800s, as it accommodated the rail line that passed through Interlachen -- between Palatka and Gainesville. By 1894, Interlachen shipped the second largest number of oranges in Florida. The town of Melrose, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits within the boundaries of four counties. The India Transit Company dug a canal that allowed the citrus and vegetable trade to flourish here.

From the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico, the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway began as one of one of Florida's biggest public works projects. Now, visitors can travel by foot, car, bicycle, boat or horse across the Greenway to experience its natural habitats, swamps, trails and recreation areas. The Cross Florida Greenway Land Bridge, a landscaped overpass, allows trail users and wildlife to cross six lanes of interstate traffic safely. Visitors may encounter the call of the wild anywhere along the Greenway – from gopher tortoises and whitetail deer to alligators and manatees.

Putnam County also offers year-round celebrations. There are four heritage festivals. Ring in Valentine’s Day weekend at the annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival with some of the hottest musical acts taking center stage. The Hog Waller Mud Bog and A.T.V. Event revs up in late February-early March each year with races, music and camping.

The Azalea Festival, celebrating more than 60 years, is the oldest festival in Florida. Visitors have been hooked on the Crescent City Rotary’s Catfish Festival in April for more than thirty years, while the Blueberry Festival, held in May in Bostwick, features – what else – everything blueberry. Another annual May event – the Mug Race -- has been held for longer than a half century. It’s promoted as the country’s longest river race, covering 42 miles from Palatka to Orange Park by sailboat.

The Blue Crab Festival is billed as Florida’s largest Memorial Day celebration, attracting an average of 250,000 people to a seafood cook-off, parade, live music, antiques and an arts and crafts show with artists from across the Southeastern United States. The annual Railfest rides into Palatka’s historic Union Station for two days in October, featuring trains, supplies, collectibles, memorabilia and layouts.

At the end of day, visitors don’t have to go far to relax at any of Palatka and Putnam County’s more than 40 lodging and 100 dining options. The Best Western Inn of Palatka is conveniently located just a half block from the St. Johns and only a half mile from downtown Palatka. Unwind with the catch of the day at East Palatka’s eateries on South Highway 17. Stop by Musselwhite’s Seafood and Grill, and enjoy views of the St. Johns at Corky Bell’s Seafood at Gator Landing, while making plans to return to the “Gem of the St. Johns.”

Helpful links

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce www.putnamcountychamber.org/visitor-center/celeb-hist-heritage.htm

Best Western Inn of Palatka http://www.bestwesternflorida.com/hotels/best-western-inn-of-palatka/

Musselwhite’s (386) 326-9111

Corky Bell’s Seafood at Gator Landing www.gatorriverdining.com

Conlee Murals http://www.conleemurals.org/CMC-NEWTourguide-2.html

Ravine Gardens State Park www.floridastateparks.org/ravinegardens

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenwayhttp://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/cfg/default.htm

Blue Crab Festival www.bluecrabfestival.com

Azalea Festival http://www.flazaleafest.com/

Catfish Festival www.floridacatfishfestival.com

Bluegrass Festival www.rbr.org/?page=BLUEGRASS%20FESTIVALS

Mud and ATV Event http://www.hogwallermudbog.com/home.htm

Railfest http://www.railsofpalatka.org/railfest2008