Hidden Treasures of North Florida
Leon
County
Background: Tallahassee is well known for its canopy
roads. Valued by citizens, the roads offer a peaceful alternative
to the typical city view of asphalt, cement, signs and visual
clutter. Tallahassee has a long history of protecting trees, going
back to the 1843 fire that destroyed the downtown area. When the
fire was put out, the citizens made two decisions: to rebuild the
buildings using brick and to plant more trees. Maclay Gardens is on
one of the canopy roads in Tallahassee—Thomasville Road.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens. Alfred Barmore Maclay, a talented
botanist from an affluent New York family, bought the estate in
1923. Designed to be in bloom throughout winter and early spring
when the Maclay family was present, the gardens showcase a mixture
of indigenous and exotic plants with the intent to soothe the
senses and conjure feelings of serenity. Today, Maclay Gardens
hosts 150 varieties of camellias and 50 varieties of azaleas.
These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by
Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for
their winter home. A masterpiece of floral architecture, the
gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden
azaleas. Lake Hall provides opportunities, a reflection pool, a
walled garden, and hundreds of camellias and for swimming, fishing,
canoeing, and kayaking. Only boats without motors or with electric
motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lake shore
provide the perfect setting for a picnic. For walking enthusiasts,
two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the
lake. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can enjoy five miles of
multi-use trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake
Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. High
blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in
mid-to-late March. During these months, the Maclay house is open
daily, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Located one-half mile north of I-10 on
U.S. 319.
- Hours of Operation: Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m.
until sundown 365 days a year.
- Park Fees - Admission Fees - $4.00 per group for up to 8
people. If you ask nicely and explain why you are visiting, they
might waive the fee but if I were you, I would explore the park- it
is worth the visit
This cache was placed with the express permission of the park
officials.
This cache was placed by a member of the
Northeast Florida Geocachers
Association
