25 Best Natural Things to Do in Columbia County

by Jo Clark

A 12 foot tall waterfall with water flowing over the limestone edge in a natural setting — Falling Creek Falls

ColumbiaCounty is rural and filled with natural freshwater springs, rivers, andfriendly people. Lake City, once called Alligator, is the county seat and wasthe first home of the University of Florida—bet you didn’t know that! FortWhite is the other large town in Columbia County.

At this point, I’m starting to feel like theproud parent of a baker’s dozen. And you’ve just asked me who my favorite is!All these counties are my “favorite”—it just depends on what day you ask!Suppose you want to be outside in the Florida sun, breathing in the freshestair in the South, with a big ole smile plastered across your face. In thatcase, Columbia County is the place you ought to be. Sshhhh, don’t tell theothers.

1. Rum 138

Rum 138 isthe go-to spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing the Santa Fe River.They will sell you equipment, or just rent it to you for the day. They will evenshuttle you to the river (and back again!) And there is an art gallery thatfeatures regional art created by local artists.

Man on kayak in blue spring — Paddling the Santa Fe led to exploring springs

It is an excellent venue for performers too. On the back of the property, there is a stage, built to look like a cave! I missed the Sweet Sounds of Jamaica Music Fest by three days! So be sure to check their events calendar, then you won’t be sad (like me.) Food is available on the grounds only during live music events.

Rum Island is so named because of its sweetwater spring. Add sugar cane, and you have the perfect place and product for aprohibition business. Maybe this is why Al Capone had a place just up the road!

Woman kayaking in green spring — Paula enjoying a day of paddling on the Santa Fe

2. Plaaaay Ball!

Maybe you’re headed to Columbia County for abig sports tournament. The Southside Sports Complex is a 500-acre soccer complex, but it doesn’tstop there. There are 26 diamond fields for softball and baseball. Youth sportsevents draw teams from up and down the east coast. When I say it is a bigplace, you don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at the parking lot.Southside has 827 paved parking spaces, but don’t panic. You won’t have to walka mile to the field; they are spread out in four different locations, close tothe various activities (and they do run a tram.) If you’re in the area, checkout their schedule—you just might watch the next Hank Aaron playing!

3. Marion Street

Entrance to restaurant, with original tile floor for the 1920s J. W. Lanier Drug Store — Entrance with original tiles

Marion Street is a hot spot for locals, serving lunch anddinner. It is a bistro and brewhouse, but it has a fine selection of mixeddrinks and wines, too. On Saturday nights, local musicians perform a variety ofmusic genres.

4. Sugar, Sugar!

chocolate bomb in a tiny cup — Holly showing off one of her creations

I happened upon the Sugar Dessert Shoppe by accident. Like Bob Ross says, it was a “happy little accident.” The shop is in the same strip mall as Phish Tails Restaurant—how convenient! It has a display case that is sure to delight, and the chocolate bombs are, well, da bomb! Stop in and see what Holly is up to. She’s always trying out new ideas, and you may be lucky enough to taste one! Don’t live anywhere nearby? No problem, she ships!

5. Float on Down the River

two kayakers coming down river, blue sky and reflecting on water — A paddle on the Ichetucknee with new friends

IchetuckneeSprings State Park haslots to offer. You can paddle the river in a rented kayak or canoe, stand upand paddleboard, or just float along on a tube. Your choice. They don’t call itFlorida’s Natural Lazy River for nothing! You can spend the night (or all week)at the park in a cabin. There is an interactive display in the Education andExhibit Center so you can learn more about Florida’s natural spring waters.

two kayakers on the river, seen between trees — Paddling on the Ichetucknee

The Ichetucknee Head Spring is a National Natural Landmark. Along with eight other springs, it feeds the Ichetucknee River and keeps the water at a comfortable 72 degrees. You can swim or snorkel at the Head Spring or Blue Hole Spring, both at the North Entrance. Blue Hole also offers scuba diving year-round, but you must be cavern or cave certified.

clear blue spring surrounded by natural beauty of autum — Natural clear blue spring

You’ve heard the term, “Share the road” which means cars must share the road with bikers. Well, in the springs you have to “Share the spring” when you paddle in from the river you have to watch for divers who pop to the surface unexpectedly.

two divers surfacing in the spring in front of a kayak — Share the Spring!

There are two “planned” trips available atthe park. You can paddle 3.5 miles (about 2 hours, depending on how fast theriver is running) and take the shuttle back to the North Entrance. Or, you cantake the extended trip for more experienced kayakers and go down theIchetucknee into the Santa Fe. This 9-mile (4-6 hour) trip ends at the bridgeat WilliamGuy Lemmon Memorial Park inSuwannee County.

6. Enjoy the Music Man

OK, maybe you won’t be as lucky as me, but ithappened like this…(really! I can’t make this stuff up!)

I was staying at the LakeCity Holiday Inn—very nice,by the way—and on my second night, I was standing out front waiting for my hostto pick me up for dinner. I noticed a guy checking into the hotel with a guitarcase on his luggage cart. Naturally. I said, “What time’s theconcert??” And he says, “What time do you want it?” Always afast thinker, I said, “7:30! I’m going out for dinner now, but I’ll be back bythen.” It turned out he was on his way to record a conga track for his newrecord. (THE best conga player, Wayne Maxwell, lives in Florida—who knew!?) andhe wanted to practice that night anyway, so he asked the bartender if he couldset up and play for free that night. Of course, she said yes! So that is howthere was a private Jo Clark’s Paul Jones Concert! To hear him for yourself,just check out BootleggersMusic Group!

Man playing guitar and singing, next to a christmas tree — Paul Jones belting out an original tune

I’m from South Carolina, and he is from Ohio,but his daughter graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, SC, last year. Iknow ONE person at the Citadel, and she will graduate this year, and…wait forit…they were in the same company! What are the odds??

view inside hotel looking over the inside balconies to the lobby — View from my balcony

Moral: ALWAYS talk to strangers!

Now, about the hotel. It was fresh, clean,quiet (well, except for the concert, which they cut off at 9:30 so it would be quiet for the residents.) There was a largeindoor pool, and you could order breakfast. And there was a nice bar with beer,wine, and even mixed drinks…and live music that night! *smile*

7. Take a Tour and Pick Your Brew

Repeat after me: Oatmeal Raisin Stout. Justremember to repeat that to your bartender. Oh. My. Goodness. It is sodelicious. Like dessert in a glass (or a can if you buy some to bring home! Notthat I did that!)

Halpatter Brewing Company in Lake City has a remarkable variety of beers. Holly and Jonny Frazier run the brewery. I’m a self-proclaimed wine lover, but I did a full tasting at Halpatter and found more than one tasty brew to refill my glass! They have a helpful menu that lists all the beers—nearly 30 in all! And the list also shows two columns of numbers: the ABV (alcohol by volume) amount and the IBU (International Bitters Unit.) Now, for the first time, I know why I don’t like beer—it is too bitter! Casey helped me discover that I was a happy drinker as long as that IBU was under 20!

Supposeyou happen to have a tea-totaler in the group (or a designated driver). In thatcase, they also make a mean cream soda and a pretty tasty root beer!Interesting tidbit: Halpatter means alligator in Seminole, and the brewery isnamed for Halpatter Tustenuggee, the best known Seminole Indian in the area.

There is a lite fare menu, too, so you don’thave to rush off to get dinner somewhere else. And most weekend nights, thereis live music outside on the bandstand. So go, stay, and enjoy! It’s a shortwalk back to The Blanche.

8. Spend the Night withBlanche

No, Blanche isn’ta person; she is a fabulous, recently renovated hotel in downtown Lake City.She has been a landmark for over 100 years. Downstairs areas are used forgatherings, meetings, dinners, receptions, or dances, with access to a lovelyoutdoor courtyard. There are separate retail spaces along the front and side ofthe block. There is a grand stairway that people “rent” to use for portraits.Upper floors hold business offices, conference rooms, and hotel rooms.

hotel lobby with tile floring and crystal chandelier — The Blanche is a stunning lady

9. Down Upon the River

The Suwannee River flows lazily through the three-countyarea of Suwannee, Hamilton, and Columbia. The area is known as the SuwanneeRiver Valley. There are outfitters who will rent equipment to you, or plan theentire day and provide everything, including a guide. You can spend a day onthe famous river while soaking in the sights of old Florida.

The 246-mile Suwannee originates in Georgia and flows to the Gulf of Mexico. 170 of those miles make up the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and connect preserves and wilderness areas to Florida State Parks.

The Suwannee has so many twists and turns you lose your mental “map” of just where it is and where it’s going. My artist friend, Ann, invited me to come back and visit her when she could take me on a long hike in the woods behind her house. That turned out to be a major hiking trail along the Suwannee. What a beautiful place to live! And there was a small waterfall there. I’m keeping this one our little secret!

small waterfall on the Suwannee River in the woods is natural beauty — A small waterfall on the Suwannee River – natural beauty

10. Fishing

Fishing in the local rivers means pulling inLarge Mouth Bass, Suwannee Bass, Mullet, Blue Gill, Sun Fish, and ChannelCatfish. Fishing in Alligator Lake has similar offerings, with a few freshwatercatches.

11. Natural Cuban Cooking – Food Truck Café

The TKO Cuban Café is a food truck. You can’tmiss the red truck in a vacant lot in Fort White. It is a great place to stopon your way to paddle the Ichetucknee River. And they have several items thatare easy to carry out and eat in just one hand. And don’t forget dessert—themaduros (sweetened fried plantains) are a delight!

Bright red food truck serving Cuban food — TKO Cuban Cafe ready to take your order

12. Dining Out

Phish Tails Bar & Grill is a favorite spot with locals. They have a wide selection of dishes for lunch, from phish philets to mahi bites to a chicken topped salad.

Prohibition! I know, it sounds like it should be a bar, and itis, but it is also a great place for small plates. It is a “fine drinking”establishment with entertainment and food. And, it is right in The Blanche! How’s that forconvenience? The oysters on the half shell were divine, and the wine selectionmade me smile!

13. Visit a Local Gallery

The Gateway Art Gallery is an exhibit center for over 50 North Floridaartists and artisan crafters. You will find paintings, sculptures, mixed media,photography, pottery, and jewelry in the shop. Plus, you’ll meet some of theartists because they take turns working in the gallery!

Each holiday season, the gallery also holdsreception for new galley openings and a large Mistletoe Magic Craft Market.

Local artists also offer classes, which areannounced before the beginning of each month. Recent learning opportunitiesincluded alcohol ink painting, acrylics, woodcarving, and jewelry making.

Birds in the birches – under construction
Birds in the birches – finished

When I visited, I was captivated by beautifulmetal wall hangings. I was invited to meet the artist, Ann Opgenorth, who cutsthe metal, welds the shapes using Oxy-Acetylene welding, and then paints thefinished products. She is also a talented sculptress, artist, stained glasscraftswoman, and quilter! I shadowed her for a day while watching this amazingwoman work. And, she is a fascinating conversationalist, too!

Woman wearing goggles, welding with sparks flying — Ann welds a piece of the log that the turtles will be climbing on

The finished wall hanging of turtles climbing on the log — The finished log with turtles

14. Shopping on the Square

On the square around town, there are severaleclectic shops. Furnishings on Marion sounds like a furniture store, but it holdsfarmhouse and antique furniture, gift items, jewelry, and even goat’s milksoap. Stop in and browse!

Just up the block is The Blue Goose Studio, where you will find those one-of-a-kind gifts.From handmade soap to hand-painted furnishings to the kitchen sink, you willhave a great time looking through the nooks and crannies of the store.

15. Walk Up an Appetite

Walking and hiking trails criss-cross the county. At Ichetucknee Springs, you can hike to Blue Hole Spring two ways—along the river or by way of Pine Ridge Trail. The park’s North Entrance has three trails to pick from, and at South Entrance, you have two choices. All offer a variety of birdwatching since it is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. You will have a chance to spot water birds, American kestrels, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls. You’ll also see lots of turtles.

Log in river with several turtles on it in the sun — River Turtles arming in the sun

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park has aone-mile trail. It has interpretive signs that follow the battle lines. You canget in your exercise, enjoy nature among the longleaf pines (and look forseveral colonies of red-cockaded woodpeckers,) and expand your mind!

path beside Alligator Lake, underneath the oaks and spanish moss — Alligator Lake’s path along the dike

At Alligator Lake, there are twelve miles of trails that start near the restrooms or playground and wind along the lake and through 1,000 acres of wetlands and forest. The longest is the Montgomery Trail loop that begins at the canoe launch and circles the lake.

Of course, you can always just stay in townand use the pedestrian lanes to walk around Lake DeSoto. And you can set a linehere and try for a bass or bluegill!

16. Eating on the Square

There are also several spots for a meal on the square around town. Stop in at Frankie’s Place. This locally owned restaurant is in the old DeSoto Drug Store. The Italian cuisine is fantastic!

17. It’s A Family Affair

Like I’ve said, the people in Natural NorthFlorida are just downright friendly. The “love thy neighbor” kind offriendliness. When I was spending time in Jefferson County, I crashed a ChamberAfter Hours gathering(yes, I admit it—it was tons of fun, too!) Anyway, while chatting with allthose friendly folks, I was “ordered” to go get morning doughnuts atJohnston’s. When I met Mr. Johnston a few minutes later, he learned that I washeaded to Lake City the next day. His excitement was evident, and he said,“Then you have GOT to stop and see my friends Dell and Cindy Dicks at FifthGeneration Farms!”

I’m so glad I got that tip. The “farm” isactually a big store—the farm is down the road a piece (as we say in theSouth). Delbey and Cindy Dicks have lots of their own produce and meats. Theyalso partner with other family farms and local businesses to carry an extensivelist of specialty products. Everything from raw honey to peanuts to clamchowder to wine!

I visited just before Thanksgiving, and theywere sampling all the tasty items you could order for your own “home-cookedholiday.” It was all delicious, but I kept reaching for “just one more”cornbread casserole and *sigh* another piece of Pecan Praline Pie! Is yourmouth watering yet? Oh, and their pulled-pork BBQ? Well, some of it made it to my next stop!

They have another generation coming alongnicely. I see a name change in the future!

A black, brown and white marbled duck with red hooded face in front of lake — Lake City’s Lake DeSoto resident

18. Life in the Slow Lane

Take a ride on one of the two on-road bicycle trails. Youcan use the bike lanes to circle Lake DeSoto downtown. It is a popular spot forbiking. You will probably spot this family of ducks on your ride.

Anotherpopular biking spot is Alligator Lake, with several paths, and a loop aroundthe entire lake.

19. Enjoy an Alligator Hunt

Alligator Lake is nearby, with most of it inside the city limits! Yes, it has alligators (this is Florida), but on this fine fall day, there wasn’t a single one in sight. I did spot a snake, but mostly I was there to enjoy the walk and birding. The anhingas were having a great afternoon fishing, and the egrets were taking it all in. The lake has a small boat ramp, and there is a 2-mile walk on the dike.

lake viewed beneath the moss hanging in the trees, with sea grass at the bottof of the scene — Alligator Lake

Duck hunting and fishing are popular on thelake. You could expect to catch Largemouthbass (a 13 pounder hasbeen recorded on the catchand release site), Bluegill, Redearsunfish, or Blackcrappie.

20. Mr. B’s BBQ

Open 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner, Mr. B’s is a favorite among locals. The servings are large, so if you are paddling the next day, those extra ribs will feed you and your friends at lunchtime. (Take my word for it!)

Dinner plate of ribs, baked beans and texas toast — Ribs and Beans – who could ask for more?

21. Osceola National Forest

A cypress swamp and pineland preserve of morethan 200,000 acres lie between Columbia and three other counties, Hamilton,Bradford, and Baker. But about half of the forest is in Columbia. The forestincludes campsites and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

22. Historic Battlefield

The Battle of Olustee was fought here in February1864. The battle resulted in nearly 2,800 soldiers’ deaths, mostly Unionsoldiers. To learn more about this historical place, you can read about it or come to the battlefieldin February for the re-enactment. History comes alive when you see it in actionon President’s Day Weekend. Scenes for movies such as the 1989 movie Glory havebeen filmed during the re-enactment The Olustee Battlefield Interpretive Centerdisplays artifacts from the battle and shows a short video.

23. Historic Church

TheFalling Creek Methodist Church and Cemetery are near Falling Creek Falls. The logchurch started its life as a Baptist church, and in 1866 the Methodist congregationtook over the building. In the 1880s the log church was replaced by the wood framebuilding you see today. The church is still holding regular services andvisitors are welcome.

old unpainted natural weatherd wood church among oak trees and moss — Falling Creek Methodist Church

24. Falling Creek Falls

waterfall in teh woods — Falling Creek Waterfall

At Falling Creek Falls, you will view one of Florida’s few waterfalls. Falling Creek Park has picnic tables and an elevated boardwalk which gives you excellent views of the 12-foot waterfall. The water is stained sweet-tea color by the natural river tannins and spills over a limestone ledge.

There were very few people at the falls when I visited with my artist friend, Ann. She says that very few people come because they don’t know there is a beautiful waterfall in Florida!

Long wooden boardwalk through natural swamp — Elevated boardwalk over the natural swamp at Falling Creek Falls

25. Join in the Festivities

Events are plentiful in Columbia County andthe surrounding area. SpringR Us tries to keep themall corralled on their website, so periodically check their listings! Some ofthe highlights to watch for are: