We'd been there before, years ago, and honestly, we were looking for a park we had been to that has an amazing Native American monument, but couldn't remember where it was, and craving some history, we ended up at Bulow Plantation.
There is an area with quite a few picnic tables in the first parking area right next to the water, and a screened in building with more tables in case you don't want to brave the elements (read: mosquito swarms) that can ruin a good picnic in Florida - especially during the rainy season.
After our picnic, we headed to the ruins. Here's what the Florida State Parks website says about them:
"The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow Plantation where the Bulow family grew sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Ruins of the former plantation, a sugar mill, a unique spring house, several wells and the crumbling foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins show how volatile the Florida frontier was in the early 19th century. Today, a scenic walking trail leads visitors to the sugar mill ruins, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The park has picnic facilities and an interpretive center that tells the plantation's history. A boat ramp provides access for canoes and small powerboats to scenic Bulow Creek, a designated state canoe trail. Anglers can fish from the dock or a boat."
Really interesting, and the walking trail is not too long for younger children. At only $4 per vehicle, if you're ever in Flagler Beach, you should check it out.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
3501 Old Kings Road
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
I love dates like this with my family too. Lunch looks great and everyone is having fun. You should get out more often!
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