Friday, May 30, 2008

Get Out of Town

Today I'd like to share one of our families favorites places to go and hang out. It's close to an hour drive but well worth it. Budget the extra gas money, pack a picnic lunch and make a half day out of it; grab a few Adventures in Odyssey (no matter what your age or kid status these are good) and enjoy being with your family in God's creation.
So what is this place and where is it you ask? Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka.
Our family visited here in November of last year and loved it! I've spoken with people who have been married there and with the beautiful backdrop I can see why. The gardens have 2 suspension bridges, a nice paved drive around the top of the ravine and neat paths that weave their way up hills and down into the bottom. I suggest parking and exploring the gardens by foot and then on your way out drive the loop around the ravine. A park for younger children is positioned about 1/2 way around the ravine and an exercise station is toward the beginning. It's not a very large park, check out the map here. Added bonus: much of the park, ravine and gardens are in the shade.

In a day and age when family time is hard to come by and if your home is like mine it can be hard to break away from TV, Playstation, phone calls and chores. Setting out purposefully, maybe even with cell phones turned off, can really do wonders for a family. So grab some tunes, if Adventures in Odyssey are not an option, and enjoy the ride, the views and the company!

More than just flat ground.


A perfect bench to sit on while the kids run and play. A bottle of bubbles would be fun here!
Who doesn't enjoy a suspension bridge?


It's just a neat place.
I'd love to hear and see pic if anyone make the trek. Let us know!

No comments: