Agricultural Corridor & River Region
Local farms supply area restaurants with fresh produce
Alpine Grove Park on the St . Johns River
Experience Inland Nature
Although the beaches of Florida ’ s Historic Coast are on every visitor ’ s “ must experience ” list , there is another fascinating and fun area that offers something truly different . Located west of St . Augustine and the Beaches , this area extends to the magnificent St . Johns River — a destination in its own right — and includes hands-on farming experiences , scenic parks , biking and special events sure to create fond memories for every family member .
Going west on SR 207 , travelers soon find themselves in big-time farming country centered on the quaint town of Hastings . Established in the late 19th century to ensure Henry Flagler ’ s wealthy resort guests would dine daily on fresh , flavorful vegetables , the town now sends its renowned farming products nationwide . Wesley Wells Farms and Sykes Farm welcome visitors and provide a close-up look at modern agriculture at its best , with seasonal special events that attract visitors from near and far .
The nation ’ s first cowboys lived and worked here — in the late 16th century ! Part of the area ’ s original settlers , these Spanish vaqueros managed large herds of cattle whose descendants are still here . Known as Cracker Cattle , these sturdy animals are featured in the annual Cracker Day
Festival held in October at the St . Johns County Fairgrounds on SR 207 in Elkton .
The St . Augustine – Palatka Bike Trail , one of the region ’ s most popular , parallels SR 207 for more than 19 miles . This paved trail is 12-feet wide and perfect for the entire family . It ’ s also part of the 260-mile-long St . Johns River to the Sea Loop Trail — the longest , multi-use trail in the Southeastern United States .
Running north to south along the St . Johns River , CR 13 is a scenic highway named for famed naturalist William Bartram . Today the 17-mile route offers many of the same views he enjoyed in the 1770s . Numerous stops highlight the region ’ s natural attractions including Alpine Groves Park , Rivertown Park , Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina , St . Johns Botanical Gardens and Saturiwa Conservation Area .
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