BY EMILY FIESER
Arguably one of the best kept secrets in Santa Rosa Beach is Eden Gardens State Park , a 163 acre estate devoted to the restoration and preservation of the 19th century Wesley homestead and its grounds . This serene retreat invites those looking to better understand the history of the area to venture back in time to a place where stately southern trees , grandiose gardens , and landed gentry reigned . Located directly off of Tucker Bayou and just a short 10 minute drive north of Seaside off of Highway 395 , visitors will learn why this Florida State park is truly enchanting .
I had already lived in the area for three years before I first visited Eden Gardens . It never dawned on me to venture north when the Gulf and Florida ’ s larger state parks sit just south of highway 98 ! Most friends I know who visited the park were either wedding guests or went there to take family photos . When I finally pulled through the wrought iron gates down Eden Drive , I suddenly realized what the big fuss was about : a complete and utter sense of tranquility beset in a late 19th century backdrop , foliage and all .
The most notable feature on the entire property is the Wesley homestead , an 1897 antebellum mansion built by William Henry Wesley . Set in neoclassical design and adorned with white columns and wrap around porches , the home stands surrounded by majestic oaks , pines , and magnolia trees all draped in Spanish moss . One feels as though they stumbled on to a movie set . The site , though now a peaceful retreat , was once the bustling headquarters of the Wesley Lumber Company that included a sawmill , a paper mill , and a dry kiln to aid in shipping lumber all over the world . The Wesley Lumber Company would continue production until shortly after World War I . Then in 1953 , Wesley ’ s wife , Katie , died and the family decided to sell the home and its land . It wasn ’ t until fifteen years later that the property would then be donated to the State of Florida and become what we now know as Eden Gardens State Park .
Today , if you visit , I recommend giving yourself at least an hour to explore , perhaps two if you plan to take their tour of the Wesley home and view an impressive gathering of antiques , or maybe even three if you decide to hike on the trails or fish or picnic . Be sure to pick up a few park brochures , located on the southern perimeter of the property near the park office , as these provide invaluable information about the grounds as well as offer some notable features to keep an eye out for ( I personally enjoyed viewing the kissing and wedding trees ). These are also informative as to when to see certain flora and fauna at its peak and when their celebratory events , like Eden Garden ’ s Annual Christmas Candlelight Open House , take place . There is a nominal fee to enter , which as of printing is $ 4 per vehicle and $ 2 per pedestrian or bicyclist with home tours at just $ 4 per adult and $ 2 per child , but the park is open 365 days year from 8 am to sunset .
Whether you are looking to trade the 30A traffic during the summer months for some peace and quiet , or simply seeking refuge to hike , read , or walk the dog ... next time you are in the area , take a detour up north to experience this true Floridian treasure . You won ’ t be sorry you did !
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