Eden Gardens State Park

There has been so much sadness and political strife this week that I felt the need to get away from the computer/phone and TV. So Rob and I got in the jeep and headed out to Eden Gardens State Park. This park is great for a HOT sunny day because it is very shady. The huge old oak trees, pines and magnolias are so beautiful and provide a lot of shade throughout the park. There is a great short nature trail to hike through the woods and connect with nature. It goes along the water, through the gardens and across the lawn as well as throughout the woods. 

Not long after we started on our walk through the woods we came up on a really big woodpecker. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of the woodpeckers in this area. They are about the size of a small hawk. 

Pileated Woodpecker

Not long after the woodpecker, we made our way to the part of the gardens where my favorite of the bronze statues are. There is a small little pond under the statue with a beautiful purple lily.

The trail continues to the lawn and down toward the water.

Looking out toward the water, there are picnic tables, a small stage and a fishing pier.

If you turn around there is the beautiful Mansion and fountain draped by the massive oak trees covered in moss and ferns. 

Wesley House

After going down by the water and walking toward the house on the lawn, we headed over to the front of the house. 

After taking a quick break on a shady bench in front of the house we continued toward the gardens.

The rose garden, the roses were in bloom, but they were small and a little wilty today. Did I mention it was really hot today? 

The hydrangeas were up against the back of the house right outside the gift shop and entrance for the house tour.

If you are ever in the Panama City Beach area or Destin, this park is a great quiet place to get away from the crowds and experience a little of the old Florida.  For more information on the Park check them out here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Eden-Gardens