Cool fun for all in Washington County, Florida
WASHINGTON COUNTY, FLORIDA—SEPTEMBER 2020—Washington County welcomes visitors to enjoy its surprising number of outdoor attractions in the cooler temperatures of the season. Just off Interstate 10 and only an hour north of Panama City and Gulf beaches, Washington County is known as a special place for paddlers and those who love to cool off in the area’s pristine springs. But there are other attractions here that appeal to the outdoorsy types, as well.
Off roading and mud riding, hunting and fishing and hanging out with some amazing creatures are all great ways to spend a getaway in Washington County. Check out these outdoor adventures.
- Falling Waters State Park (1130 State Park Road, Chipley, Florida 32428) is home to Florida’s highest waterfall. Surrounded by fern-covered sink holes, the falls, at 75 feet, is Florida’s highest. The pine and hardwood forest offer a beautiful setting for hiking and camping. The park is also a great place to fish or just enjoy scenery at its two-acre lake with a white sand beach.
- Hard Labor Creek Plantation (P.O. Box 739, Chipley, Florida 32428) has made outdoor Southern traditions it’s specialty. The plantation offers quail and deer hunting as well as bass fishing expeditions. There’s no better place for recalling the stories and sharing the spoils of the trip than the beautiful lodge, which overlooks the 85-acre lake.
- Orange Hill Gator Farm (3172 Orange Hill Road, Chipley, Florida 32428) gives its visitors an up close and personal encounter with one of Florida’s most famous creatures, the alligator. Here, they get an education, as well, as they interact with gators of all sizes and learn about their growth, habits and habitats and also about conservation efforts to ensure their sustainability. The farm has nearly 200 gators in residence and is also home to coyotes, tortoises and other amazing native species.
- Pine Log State Forest (5583-A Longleaf Road, Ebro, Florida 32437-1227) has more than 7,000 acres for visitors to enjoy, including miles of hiking and equestrian trails amid its lush native flora. Florida’s first state forest, Pine Log’s habitats include sandhills, flatwoods, cypress ponds and titi swamps. These are found amid its streams, lakes and ponds. Hunting and fishing are popular in their seasons and full hook-up and primitive campsites are available.
- Seacrest Wolf Preserve (3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley, Florida 32428) offers an experience like no other, one of the rarest opportunities in the world for humans to interact with wolves. This is the largest preserve of its kind in the country. While providing a safe and humane sanctuary for this misunderstood species, the preserve offers guests an unforgettable experience through its group encounters and VIP tours.
- Sunny Hills Golf Club (3634 Country Club Boulevard, Sunny Hills, Florida 32428) is said to be the panhandle’s best value in golf. This old-style, 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi. It offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels and is open to the public seven days a week. Facilities include a pro shop, practice facility and bar and grill.
- Sunshine Riding Trails (2273 Rolling Pines Road, Chipley, Florida 32428) offers access to over 10,000 acres of Florida sandhills and preserved forest to explore on rides atop majestic Tennessee Walking Horses. Rides range from one to four hours. Here, riders of all skills will find the right option among the slate of basic riding lessons, guided trail rides and overnight camping packages.
- The Swamp Off-Road Park (3690 Mobile Swamp Road, Chipley, Florida 32428) is an off-roader’s dream! With miles of trails and a challenging new obstacle course, it welcomes adventurers to bring their own wheels and hit the course. Slip n Slide, The Pit and Swamp Mountain are just some of the obstacles to overcome. Open the first and third Saturday of each month, this family-friendly venue has vehicle wash stations, hot showers and food vendors.
Where to eat
Washington County, true to its Southern culture, will not allow visitors to go hungry. Good home cooking, amazing barbecue and ethnic favorites are the fare here, all in a casual atmosphere. Skins & Bubba’s BBQ (458 Main Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) offers finger-licking-good ‘cue along with Southern favorite sides and a dollop of hospitality. Cancun’s Mexican Grill (1511 Main Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) is a favorite for south-of-the-border cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Always a favorite, Colonial Restaurant (686 5th Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) is a decades-old Southern-style restaurant in downtown Chipley with a hearty buffet featuring all the favorites.