We headed out early in the morning to visit this state park and look for some waymarks in Bristol... High bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River make Torreya one of Florida's most scenic places. A lot of artifacts have been found on this site. From the early Seminole Indian Wars to the Civil War.
The park is named for an extremely rare species of Torreya tree that only grows on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Torreya is popular for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Bird-watching is also a popular activity. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park.
Forests of hardwood trees provide the finest display of fall color found in Florida. The main campground offers full-facility campsites and a YURT (Year-round Universal Recreational Tent). We took a few pictures of the camping area which is very rustic.
On the grounds of this State Park is the Gregory House, a fully furnished plantation home built in 1849. The Gregory House, built by planter Jason Gregory, was part of a prosperous plantation before the Civil War. It originally stood across the river from the park at Ocheesee Landing. In 1935, the CCC moved the house to its current location. We took the tour of the house with Ranger Rob Crombee who did an excellent job explaining the history of the home and stories of early plantation life.
It was a fun day and we spent it all there in the park... We even enjoyed a picnic lunch there that I had packed up before we left ~ and I got another stamp in my Florida State Park Passport Book.
Have Fun, Travel Safe & Stay Healthy!!!
13 comments:
We love Torreya State Park. We first visited there when we still lived in Tampa and it reminded us so much of the Georgia mountains...which we love!
I always wondered where the word YURT came from. Thanks :)
What a beautiful plantation...the Gregory House!! Thanks for the pictures I enjoyed the walk through!!
Nice pictures - great post! We may have to try out that State Park when we get to the great state of Florida!
We took a house tour yesterday also but the house we toured was extremely ornate. I like the simple clean walls in this house much better. And thanks for the YURT explanation.
Another nice State park, looks like Florida is still keeping things up in it's parks. Be safe out there, Sam & Donna.....
Thanks for another history lesson--now I know what a YURT is.
Thanks for the tour. We're trying to figure out how we are going to get to Florida to see some of that lovely state! Lost count of the fireplaces in the Gregory House! Was the smaller building built as a kitchen?
I've always wondered what a 'YURT' was - LOL!!
Great pics of the old mansion - just beautiful!
Nice tour and photos..Love that home! I really like your header and blog layout and colors.
This looks like a wonderful place to visit! We can't wait to get one of the State park books! ♥
Florida has such lovely state parks, almost as nice as Oregon it seems. I do plan to winter in Florida one of these years and just wander from state park to state park. Springs, manatees, live oaks, old houses, kayak streams, ahhhh. northern Florida is a magic place.
You are just around the corner. You should drop by. I could use some pointers to get my blog in gear. Your blog is the epitome of RV blogs and I mean that sincerely.
Paul
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