Latitude 30° N // Green Cove Springs Florida // Exploring Florida Springs
Green Cove Springs Florida is a small-town delight – there’s cute shops, great food, delicious coffee, and, of course, the bubbling springs after which the town is named.
The Spring Head
We visited recently to see the spring. First, we found the source of the spring. It’s impossible to tell just how much water is upwelling from simply gazing at it, or even from following the flow toward the river.
Next, we contemplated the spring-fed pool. At a brisk 72° year-round, it’s got to be refreshing in the summer! We’ve been by in the warmer season and seen it absolutely full of swimmers. You can see the pool there behind the spring – no one is swimming! Brrrr!
Eventually, we traced the flow of the spring to where it enters the St. Johns River, and found the very noisy cascade down some indigenous rocks. With a flow of nearly 2,200 gallons per minute, it’s one of 600 known springs in Florida.
The water boils up from the Florida aquifer, and this is a hydrological spring. These limestone rocks are the only type of rock found in Florida.
Spring Path to the St. Johns River
The spring is surrounded by a park with plenty of room for picnics, playgrounds, and simply room to stroll along the river.
The spring is located in Spring Park, between Magnolia Avenue to the West and the St. Johns River to the East. Walnut Street is to the North, and Spring Street to the South. The path of the spring divides the park, and small bridges cross the spill-off.
Historic Neighborhoods
Many historic homes front the oak-lined streets. This one is the Dr. Applegate House.
Close-by are the Green Cove Springs City Hall, and the River Park Inn, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast.
Great “Off the Chain” Eats
We ate at D’Fontana on Ferris Street. Spring Park Coffee two doors down is one of our favorite coffee shops – we actually had our first date there!
The food at D’Fontana is delicious, and the portions are generous. We always have to bring our own leftovers container!
Cute Shops
I’ve never seemed to make it to the neighborhood before closing time, but on this trip, I finally got to shop in the Pink Seahorse Boutique on Ferris Street. They feature a selection of stylish clothes and shoes, as well as some accessories.
Spring Park Coffee on the corner – it’s a small spot, with huge charm, historic photographs, and slow drip cold brew coffee.
Leave Bottles, Mugs, and Leftover Containers in Your Car!
Tote your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug. And remember to get them filled – take them into restaurants and filling stations with you. If you have them in your vehicle, you are 100% more likely to use them!
- The white, red, black container is a Specialized cycling bottle – they serve many purposes for us.
- We use them for sailing, mowing, traveling, dive trips – not just cycling.
- The container with the finger hole is a Tervis water bottle. I earned mine by passing a Microsoft Industry Certification. The handle is most useful since I can hold a dog leash and this in the same hand while walking.
- To the side is a Starbucks aluminum tumbler. While I haven’t tried it for iced beverages, I imagine it would keep those cold just like the really expensive brands. I’ll have to try it!
- For stocking leftovers containers in your car, I particularly these Square Food Storage Containers Made from Recycled Plastic, 25 Ounce Capacity, Set of 2, Aqua Blue. As soon as you use them, remember to place them back in your car!
- Bill treated us to come Ripstop Reusable Grocery Bags – it’s a set of 5 Lightweight, Washable Foldable Shopping Bags. At first I was pretty amused – until I saw that they take up a lot less room than my totes. I’ll still use mine until they are worn out. But these are great, handles don’t dig into you hands, they have a loop for clipping to other things like your purse, and they are crazy sturdy and handy. There are plenty of brands available besides just these.
When all of my coffee and drink mugs wear out, THEN I will invest in a stainless steel water bottle that doubles as a canteen for hot coffee AND has a top finger hole. Two in one! And no plastics. Before you know it, I’ll be dragging out my old green Thermos – remember those? Who knew your grandparents were so economical and ecoconscious!
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