Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge

Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge Review

Built in 1937, this is a beautiful, intriguing, and well-preserved piece of Florida history on the grounds of Wakulla Springs State Park. There's a huge fireplace in the lobby; broad, painted, Moorish-style beams across the ceiling; and cozy, if spartan, rooms. It's at the head of Florida's largest spring, so you can dive right in or take a $8 narrated nature cruise downriver. The dining room (¢-$$) serves three meals a day in a sunny, simple setting that seems little changed from the 1930s. Schedule lunch here to sample the famous bean soup, home-baked muffins, and a slab of pie. In the soda shop, order a "ginger yip" (ice cream, whipped cream, and ginger ale) or buy a wind-up toy alligator as a memento of your stay.