is an area of rich history and colorful traditions . Many of the county ’ s current residents are direct descendants of the pioneering families that settled here in the 1800s .
Take a walk back in time and explore the 20 mini heritage museums to view a unique collection of artifacts and community history showcasing the lives and traditions of past residents of the county .
Genung ’ s Fish Camp is an “ Old Florida ” style bait and tackle shop with a small marina , paddle sport rentals , and special event venue
from surrounding counties has been booming at Genung ’ s . During the height of the pandemic their regular weekly visitors started coming two to three times each week and visits from surrounding county residents blossomed . “ Fishing is the original social distancing activity , after all , and being outdoors with your family
felt safe ,’’ said Adam Morley .
Putnam County
Putnam County is home to a variety of historical attractions . The Royal Indian Temple Mound was once a Timucuan Indian Temple and is the largest sand mound in Florida . Another unique attraction , the David Browning Railroad Museum contains documents , photographs , maps , signs and other items donated or loaned by the public and is part of the Palatka Railroad Depot .
Built in 1926 , the Welaka National Fish Hatchery is a warm-water hatchery where 4.5 to 5 million fish are raised annually . It features 41 ponds operated at two locations : the Welaka Unit and the Beecher Unit .
Clay County
One of Florida ’ s fastest-growing counties , Clay County is best known for its events , many of which take place at the Thrasher-Horne Center . Located on the Orange Park campus of St . Johns River State College , the Center is the first major cultural arts and event venue facility in the area .
The Center presents the best of professional music , theatre , dance and meeting spaces . It includes a 1,725-seat Main Stage Theater , offering large-scale entertainment and a 6,260-square-foot , full-service Conference Center . Thrasher-Horne is also home to a studio theater , two visual arts galleries , a full dance studio , a scene shop and modern dressing rooms with full artist amenities .
According to Bob Olson , Executive Director , “ Being a total event center allowed us to pivot
Bob Olson
Baker County
Several attractions that shouldn ’ t be missed when visiting Baker County include St . Mary ’ s Shoals Park , John M . Bethea State Forest and Heritage Park Village . Heritage Park Village was established in 1883 in northeast Florida and
Thrasher-Horne Center in Clay County
| 18 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE