"Holiday House Restaurant"

I love this! My hubby and I were trying to find some old pics of High Springs, FL (the town we love so much) and found this old postcard. Today, the building is still standing and holds a dive shop and a pawn shop, but this is truly remarkable. The fifties-shaped signs and the those beautiful cars are no longer parked out front by the original building still stands on Hwy 441.

We never knew that the building that houses the Cave Country Dive Shop or the Old Irishman's Pawn Shop was actually a restaurant at one time. We were able to place the location of the Holiday House Restaurant by the building next to it in the photograph. It says on the back of the postcard that there are 5 motels within walking distance and that is still true today, though only 3 are opened for business, one is for sale, and one houses apartments.

This is truly charming to see and I've a new love for my town. So much history in one place it's overwhelming, infused with the beauty of the springs and rivers, High Springs really is a great place to be since 1883.

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Happy Travels,

Jeanette Pekala

Pictures of Downtown Main Street & Springs in High Springs

 Beautiful Downtown Main Street in High Springs, FL with its quaint friendly atmosphere. Little shops and restaurants. Perfect weekend getaway or shopping after the springs.

A nice place to be since 1883

 The gorgeous crystal clear springs waters of Ginnie Springs. It's a private park and it costs $14/person. 5 and under free. They give Military discounts! Camping is wonderful there too! Great sites, plus tubing all day and night. Just ask my brother-in-laws who have gone tubing at 2 in the morning. Sorry boys, dusk is where I draw the line.

 Train Station in downtown High Springs, FL

 Ginnie again!

Blue Springs has got to be my favorite park. It has a beach walk-in so it's great if you have little ones, since most of the other springs in the area are deep. Campsites. An awesome diving platform, which mama loves more than the kiddos. You can rent tubes, kayaks, or canoes and float down the Santa Fe River. You can visit Rum Island Springs across the river. They have snacks and refreshments. Oh, and they give Military discounts too! Otherwise, it's $10/person. 5 and under free.

Meet Jeanette:

I'm also an urban fantasy writer for young adults, check out my website: http://jeanettepekala.com

I also have a book blog: adventuresoflifeandliterature.blogspot.com/

Oh, and don't forget to follow me on:

Twitter: @jeanettepekala

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Pioneer Days 2012 is coming up: April 28-29

I've lived in High Springs almost seven years now and every year, usually the last weekend in April, my family and I take a stroll to downtown and enjoy the Pioneer Days festival.

This year it's on April 28 and 29. This year they are having the first ever parade to kick things off. I'm super excited about that. My kids will love it. I don't have a roster or run-down of what the parade will entail but what they are trying to acheive is to have floats or vehicles of days passed when the High Springs area was being settled. Old tractors, old time cars and trucks, wagons, buggies... It should be pretty neat. The parade will take place on April 28 in the morning. I believe 9am. The festival lasts all day after that and the next day.

It takes place in the nicely shaded area behind city hall around the sink hole. It's spread throughout that area. In years passed it was along Main St., but as of last year they moved it around the sink hole in the center of town.

There is always a old west cowboy-style shoot out, at least twice a day. They have a whole skit they have concocted with characters in full period custome shooting blanks. It's really fun. You get to see glimpses of what life really was like during pioneer days.

There is also an area of the festival where they demonstrate crafts and machinery and some food items the way they were made in the 1800s and early 1900s. The kids love getting a root beer and kettle corn from the vendors in that section.

Speaking of food. There is tons of it. All different kinds. There are also tons of craft vendors selling just about everything.

The farmer's market vendors will be there as well. If you've never experienced High Springs' farmer's market, now is the time to check it out. They have fresh local produce and local artesian items and crafts, plants, flowers, and even seafood.

Come join us celebrate Pioneer Days on April 28th and 29th in Florida's voted "Friendliest Small Town" of High Springs!!!!

See you there!

Splash Park at the Alachua Rec Center

The Splash Park in Alachua, FL is only a few short miles from the heart of High Springs. It's the perfect way to keep the kids busy and to cool off for the next few months. With summer approaching like a freight train, nothing is better than to sit back and catch some rays or read a good book while the kids are safely occupied within the confines of the Splash Park.

There is a shaded seating area for adults with picnic tables or if you're like me...you can bring your lawn chair and hang out closer to the water. It's only a couple of inches deep, so it's perfect even for the smallest toddler.

The entire area is gated in and can only be opened by an adult. With my height being just shy of five feet, I even have difficulty opening the gate, so at least you know your kids can't escape.

They have clean restrooms on site too.

The best part is that it's FREE!!!!!

Free entertainment for when the weather is good which it usually is during the spring and summer months. We've even enjoyed it in the fall months. It's great and convenient....and FREE!

Getting there is a little tricky. It's hidden among the historic nieghborhood around downtown Alachua. It's located in the Alachua Recreational Center Park. There's even a playground and sports fields. Even a skate park for the teens. Here's the address:

14300 NW 146th Terrace
Alachua, Fl. 32615
(386) 462-1610

The hours of operation are:

Monday - Sunday from 9:00am - 6:00pm

It's now open for the season!!!! So go and  have a fun and safe day!

AND REMEMBER....It's Always Sunny In High Springs

Finally Fall has Arrived!!!!!

Anyone who lives in High Springs or has visited High Springs in the Fall season will tell you how great it is. Fall around here means beautiful weather and fall festivals. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. I've traveled the country quite a bit and High Springs in fall is unbeatable weather-wise. You will experience more perfect days that anywhere else. 70s with clear skies is mostly what you will discover during the day. Grab a light jacket for night since it will dip into the 40s, but is still beautiful. Light breezes and leaves turning amber, magenta, and yellow is more of what you'll find. High Springs is where you'll want to be in the Fall.

The Fall festivals around here are unmatched. It's family fun all the way around. From corn mazes to harvest festivals, to halloween themed fun. Listed here is a calendar of events for the High Springs Area:

Calendar of Events

United Downtown
Gainesville, FL SE 1st Street
Sept 16, 30; Nov 18, 25
5:30-10pm
Sponsored by United Way of NCF is a series of street festivals offering family fun, kiddie korner, and face painting, bounce house, arts and crafts, and other children's activities. Get more info at www.unitedwayncfl.org

Literacy Day
High Springs, FL O'Leno State Park
Sept 17
10a-12p
Celebrating Literacy Day with Magic and Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses, local authors, guest readers, nature arts and crafts and games for young readers.

Thornebrook Art Festival
Gainesville, FL Thornebrook Village, 2441 NW 43rd St
Sept 24-25
10a-5p
140 artists and craftsmen around Florida with concentration on the immediate area, musical groups, kids activities. More info, go to thornebrookart.org

Hart Springs Nature Festival
Bell, FL 4240 SW 86th Ave
Sept 24
9a-5p
Enjoy the natural beauty of Florida's springs. Bird watching tour, native plant and tree tour, exhibits, food, nursery, music, vendors, children entertainment. Entry fee is $2. More info at: www.hartsprings.com

Inagural Florida Monarch Festival
Earleton, FL Greathouse Butterfly Farm, 20329 NE SR 26
Sept 24
10a-3p
Monarch butterfly tagging and release, educational program from experts, arts and crafts, t-shirt contest, games, bungee jump, bounce house, children's program, face painting, live music, local food.

Harvest Hoedown
Gainesville, FL 7204 SE CR 234 (In Paynes Prarie)
Sept 25
5p
Knee-slapping hoedown to support Organic Growers, non-profit group promoting organic agriculture and healthy food. Music, food, silent auction. Price is $45. More info go to: www.foginfo.org

Quilt Show
Newberry, FL (@ Dudley Farms)
Oct 1
10a-3p
All types of quilts bring your quilt view some quilts. Enjoy traditional music and quilting discussion on Historic Dudley Farm. More info: www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org

City Wide Yard Sale
High Springs, FL James Paul Park (around the sink hole)
8a-12p
More info: www.highsprings.com

Alligator Fest
High Springs, FL O'Leno State Park
Oct 14, 15, 16
9a-5p
Native American gathering with dancers, artisans, traders, living history. Reenactment of 11 Sept 1836 (Seminole Battle of San Felasco hammock). Fun for entire family. Park admission: $4 per car

MY FAVORITE!!!!!
Coon Hollo Corn Maze
Micanopy, FL 22480 N. Hwy 441
Sept 30-Oct 30
Hay rides, farmyard playground, obstacle course, and "Fort Coon Hollo". There is so much that this farm has. The hay rides bring you up a hill where you can feed cows and spot a gator. There's derby cart races, barrel roller coaster. My kids personal favorite, the "corn jacuzzi", big feeding trows filled with dried corn. Cheap food and tons of fun. We went last year and didn't want to leave. A Blast!!!! More info: www.coonhollocornmaze.com

Newberry Fall Market Festival
Newberry, FL South Seaboard Rd
Oct 15, 16
Times TBA
BBQ Cook-off
More info: www.newberrymainstreet.org

Red, White, and Blue 4 You BBQ
Alachua, FL Women's Club 14656 S. Main St.
Oct 20
6:30p-10p
Dinner Silent Auction, door prizes. $50 admission benefiting the Military Support Group of Alachua County. Let me tell you about this group. I am personally involved and have volunteered with them over the past two years. They are exceptional people doing selfless acts to help others. Every month they send out over 100+ care packages to soldiers deployed overseas, my husband and my brother-in-law included. Come on out and help their efforts!

Butterfly Fest
Gainesville, FL Florida Museum of Natural History
Oct 22,23
10a-5p
Explore bees, bats, birds, and butterflies. In butterfly dome. The museum is also very cool too. Kids will love it. More info: www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Gainesville Pride Parade and Festival
Gainesville, FL Bo Diddley Community Plaza (Downtown)
Oct 22
1p-9p
Pride parade 1pm up University Ave. Local music, vendors, "Kid's space". Free event!

Shop, Dine, Stroll
Alachua, FL Main Street
Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 9, Dec 16
6p-9p
Scare Crow Row (Really Cool!), Carriage rides, shopping, and music in Theater Park on historic Alachua's Main St.

Fall Festival and Car Show
High Springs, FL James Paul Park (around sink hole)
Oct 29
8a-5p
Vintage Cars, Family activities.

Trick-or-Treat on Main Street
Alachua, FL Main St.
Bring the kids to Main Street in beautiful downtown Alachua, shop owners hand out candy. Wear your costumes.

Boo at the Zoo
Gainesville, FL Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo.
Oct 31
3p-7p
Get there early and see the animals. Wear your costume and get candy for the kids.

Black & White Party
High Springs, FL Art Co-op 115 N. Main St
Food, Music, refreshments, black and white themed party. Each co-op member will have an exhibit of two pieces of black and white art. Drawings throughout the night. Art walk.

Harvest Festival
Alachua, FL Main St.
Nov 6
11a-5p
Food, live music, arts and crafts, kids activities, rides, games, and more.

Gator Mud Run
Newberry, FL
Nov 6
10a
5K Mud Run in Alachua County with obstacle course. Cash prizes, music, free t-shirts. Kid's course. need to register at gatormudrun@gmail.com

Downtown Festival and Art Show
Gainesville, FL Downtown
Nov 12, 13
10a-5p
This festival is huge! Over 250 of the nation's best artists. 3 stages of entertainment. Blues concert and free hands-on art activities for the kids.

Open House and Tree Lighting
High Springs, FL Downtown
Nov 18
5p-8p
Tree lighting at dark. Shops stay open late.

There are so many more happenings. I will update this list as they come up. Make sure you take part in at least one of these great events that the High Springs area has to offer. And remember, It's always sunny in High Springs.

"A Day on the Santa Fe"

Living in High Springs, the Santa Fe is a place for fun in the sun. You can boat, canoe, tube, dive, swim, fish, or anything else your heart desires. The Santa Fe river is 75 miles long and flows into the great Suwanee River. The coolest thing about the river is that it sinks and flows underground for about 3 miles and then surfaces again.

One afternoon, my husband and I were lucky enough to snag a babysitter. We didn't have much money to go out to dinner and a movie or hit a local bar, but with $20 we were able to spend a day on the Santa Fe river. We bought a 12 pack of budget beer at the local S&S station and borrowed our neighbor's john boat. We put $12 worth of gas in it and headed out to the Santa Fe River.

We launched the boat off of the boat ramp on US 27. It was a beautiful day. The sun shining and a perfect breeze on the water made for an excellent day to spend outdoors. After loading ourselves (the dog included) and the beer we headed out. Around the first bend we were enchanted with a piece of yesteryear, an old train trestle bridge. The train tracks don't run along it anymore, but the pillars are still erect and rising from the water.

The river was quite shallow that day and we realized just how shallow it was when our boat stopped moving and the dog went flying over the hull of the boat into the river itself. No one was hurt, but it turned out to be pretty funny. We lifted the boat over the shallow spot and kept cruising. There's not much along the Santa Fe, just nature, homes, and a few fresh water springs along the way. The homes range from single-wides on stilts to magnificent mansions along the river. They are all so interesting to look at while cruising down the river. Once we hit another shallow spot we decided to turn around.

We later found out that we should have launched the boat a little further down the river at Rum Island's boat ramp. It's a much more deep part of the river. It's right before you hit Blue Springs and Ginnie Springs. After we turned around we headed the opposite way from the boat ramp. On approaching O'Leno State Park territory, we noticed a family fishing and then noticed another shallow spot. We were deadlocked, but that was no problem. The kids were in good hands and we just wanted some relaxing time together. So we cut the engine and just drifted along. Suddenly, we see our dog perk to attention. We glance in the general vicinity that he's staring and spot a deer in midday crossing the river in the shallow spot, from one side to the other. It stopped right in the middle to take a sip of water. It's always so majestic to see wildlife so undisturbed and natural in its habitat. We just sat back and watched as it joined its family of about 5 other deer on the opposite side of the river.

After floating a while and admiring the sights, we took our paddle and turned the boat around. Still drifting, we spotted a snake bird dive down from the tallest branch of one of the trees and submerge into the watery depths. We kept watching seeing when he was going to poke his head up. It took quite a while and we were wondering if he ever will come back up. He eventually did, but just his head did to where it really looked like a snake. Our dog, Blue, seemed to enjoy watching it.

It was so quiet on the river. We were just enjoying our peaceful quiet, kid-free day. We didn't say much to each other, just pointing out something here or there, but I know we were feeling the same thing, complete relaxation and contentment. We would have stayed all day in that deadlocked part of the river, just admiring the sights and sounds of the beautiful Santa Fe river, but it was time to head back to reality, but we will never forget our Day on the Santa Fe, and can't wait until we can do it again.

For more information on some of the places listed in this blog, go to:

O'Leno State Park

Ginnie Springs

Blue Springs Park

Also check out my other blogs at:

Adventures of Life and Literature

Army Reserves Wife