We have finally made it to the start of our adventure.... Our 8 year old granddaughter Alyssah has joined us for the first 8 weeks of our trip and our first stop is at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. It is located in historic White Springs, Florida on the Suwanee River, it is one of our very favorite campgrounds to visit. There are so many things to see & do here in this park and also the surrounding areas... Not to mention that I have family not to far from here.
The campsites are all large with 50 amp electric & water, Firepits...
We even had nice fires at night & not to mention yummy S'Mores...
Ralph & Alyssah enjoying a couple of the many trails here in the park.
The Stephen Foster Museum features exhibits and dioramas that have moving scenes from Stephen Fosters songs as well as a large display of antique pianos.
This is the front of the museum which is fashion after a Southern Mansion and the diorama of "Way Down Upon a Swanee Ribber"
This piano is the actual piano that Stephen Foster wrote Nellie Blye on and a picture of the Springs in White Springs in its heyday....
Also the Telford Hotel which still stands today
The Carillon Tower is also home to the worlds largest tubular bell instrument, constructed and installed in 1957. The tower rings out Fosters tunes in scheduled concerts throughout the day.
Click on picture so you can hear a small snippet of the bell tower
Also in the park is a Craft Square where working craftsmen demonstrate cultural arts and traditions, from quilting to blacksmithing and home canning. The Cousin Thelma Boltin Craft & Gift Shop sells regional foods, crafts, gifts, handmade items by local artists as well as Stephen Foster memorabilia. Also in the park is Nelli Blyes Kitchen where on the first Saturday of the month you can be entertained by local talents... Everything from barbershop quartets to Story Tellers. We did not make it to that this time because it fell on the same day as July 4th. For July 4th we went into Lake City where we met up with my cousin Mary, her daughter Crystal & Family to enjoy the celebration of the cities 150 year birthday.
Ralph & My cousin Mary - Mary & her daughter Crystal
Alyssah & cousin Timothy sharing a funnel cake - Crystal & Alyssah
Alyssah getting her face painted - There were about 25 sidewalk vendors... free watermelon, balloons and things for the kids
The gang & My Sweet Alyssah with her RED Balloons
We have actually been in this park for several days and are heading out to Ocean Pond in Olustee, Florida. It is only 30 miles away but closer to my cousins house. Keep tuned for more of Our Adventures with Tassie
Until Later
Great photos and I love your life! Its so great to spend that time with your grandaughter.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great time! You sure made me want a s'more! Love those things, and it's been years since I had one. laurie
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks like a fantastic park to stay in! Loved the bell tower song too! Alyssa is a total cutie!
ReplyDeleteJustine :o )
Looks like you had a really good time! I'm so happy that your adventure has begun. I love the bell tower, what a neat thing to see (and hear) Can't wait to see more of your travels - virtual travel is better than no travel at all! And more than likely we will be at home if you are planning to be in Central Texas sometime over the winter. Cait start student teaching next January, so hopefully the trips to Denton will slow WAY down lol. Kathy
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! Oh, what a fun time you must have had with all your family! I've entered your name in my giveaway!
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
It looks like everyone was having a great time. You are making some wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh when Willie Nelson was singing on the road again. Perfect!!
It looks as if you're enjoying that grandchild. I love to take just one at a time for an adventure. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat for your sweet grandaughter! I love the park you are visiting right now, such great conveniences and beautiful too!!
ReplyDeleteReally great 4th pictures. Looks like lots of fun. Your grand daughter is precious.
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds as if everyone is having a wonderful trip..
ReplyDeleteStay safe!!
xo bj
Oh Donna it looks like you are having some great road trips as always my friend...loved seeing all the photos thanks...May you have a great and safe weekend...How is Ralph feeling now....Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky girl your granddaughter is, 8 week trip with Grandma and Grandpa!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to enjoy following your trip, I'll have to add the Stephen Foster Museum to my list of places to see in Fl.
That park looks beautiful too! Mary
How fun to have your granddaughter with you for an extended time! I know you are having a blast. Love Stephen Foster - what classic American music! We went to "My Old Kentucky Home" in Bardstown, KY, many years ago and loved it. Linda
ReplyDeleteWay to go....super good summertime fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna! So nice to hear from you and thank you for asking about my Mother! She's doing well, and is adjusting very well to the retirement center! I picked her up for church today and then we took her out for lunch and she was doing good! Thank you so much for asking! Hope you've had a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
What a wonderful time spent with family.
ReplyDeleteGreat video of the Bell tower!
I love smores by the camp fire! Looks like your enjoying your family and granddaughter!!! You are blessed!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Cathleen
Hi Donna, I was so glad to hear from you. What a memory making trip! You are soooo lucky to be able to travel, but I'm sure you already know that right??? Keep us posted, it's so much fun sharing in your adventures!
ReplyDeletewhat a fun time!!! have a good week friend!
ReplyDeleteMorning, Dear Donna! Hope you've had a great weekend! Thanks for popping in to see me!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Looks like you are having fun! Love to hear of all the places you visit. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou really are having an adventure! Your spot looks like a little homeplace. You know Alyssah will never forget this fun trip. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna thanks!!! I appreciate the sweet words and will visit more when this project is finished and I can enjoy the room on the computer! What an awesome life you have fun fun and more fun, I'm envious!!! Enjoy your summer!! XOXOXO!!
ReplyDeleteI bet our G-daughters would get along...Sarah is about the same age and has been traveling with us for some time. Sherri and I will be keeping up with you...
ReplyDeleteGM Donna...thanks for coming by and seeing my little olden stove ha ha!! May you have a great week my friend...how is Ralph feeling...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
ReplyDeleteAfternoon, Dear Donna! Oh, I'm ashamed of complaining! I have so much to be thankful for! You know, Tassie's kitchen may be a bit smaller than mine! :) If I recall, Tassie's kitchen is very lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
shelia :)