I’m certain lots of you could have been to Wakulla Springs State Park, however it had been 5 years since my final go to and my son and his spouse had by no means been there. Although it was a cloudy day, we took the 25-minute trip to Wakulla on Sunday (Jan. 21).
We fortunately walked across the grounds, watching courageous teenagers — and one reluctant dad — bounce off the highest degree of the statement deck regardless of the brisk breezes into the gleaming springs. Simply fascinated about it now nonetheless makes me shiver.
After taking the boat trip, the place we noticed a couple of manatees (a minimum of their tails) and some gators (together with Joe Jr.), plenty of birds and moss-covered bushes, we ate in the The Edward Ball Dining Room on the The Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
There’s a retro soda fountain serving ice cream cones, sizzling canine and informal meals, however we determined to have a heartier lunch as a substitute. The menu has a superb mixture of appetizers, handhelds and entrees.
My household was impressed at first with our order of uncooked oysters, a tacky tomato pie and enormous wedge salad (with bacon, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese dressing).
Lodge does a effective job on its fried rooster. My dish introduced half a rooster — moist and flavorful with a golden crisp crust — mini beignets and two sides. I had a sense the mini beignets would disappoint as a result of it’s laborious to recreate the enduring New Orleans snack. They have been OK however certainly denser than true beignets. However each of the perimeters I picked — the creamy mashed potatoes and perky cole slaw — have been each actually good.
We additionally appreciated our entree of jambalaya, with rooster, sausage and crawfish, crushed tomatoes and okra in a vibrant sauce.
We have been stuffed however couldn’t resist the scrumptious, old style coconut cream pie (right here’s my son about to have a chunk). One other deal with: the new chocolate with a hefty dollop of whipped cream.
Due to my daughter-in-law, Julia, for these fantastic photos.
One other good factor: The eating room is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Buffets can be found on Easter, Mom’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
