Would you like to take a trip to a town full of natural beauty, history, and maybe even some ghost stories? This small town in northwest Florida only has around 9,000 residents, but there's plenty to see and do, making it the perfect destination for a fall trip.
Marianna is known as "The City of Southern Charm," due to its historic downtown and many impressive homes dating back to the early 1800s.
Plus, unlike other areas in Florida, the panhandle gets more fall foliage and actual changing leaves, especially in the late fall.
Nature lovers will enjoy swimming in the springs and exploring the caverns.
Florida Caverns State Park offers the only public tours of open-air caves in the entire state. The park is open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle, and cave tours cost $8 per adult and $5 for children ages 3 to 12.
Scenic Jackson Blue Springs has been drawing humans to its clear, blue water for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, the swimming hole at Blue Springs Recreational Area is only open in the summertime, but visitors can still enjoy the nearby spring-fed Merritts Mill Pond. Hunters Fish Camp Landing is a free access point where you can launch your canoe or kayak, and Arrowhead Campground is a great place for fishing, camping, and boating (for a fee).
History buffs will discover that the town has a charming historic district and many other historic sites.
Marianna marks the southernmost Civil War battle in Florida. The fighting took place throughout the town, and a brochure for a self-guided tour of the significant sites can be found at the Russ House Visitors Center.
If you're looking for a special Halloween trip to take this fall, many of the town's historic sites also have fascinating ghost stories.
Probably the most famous example is the Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail, which is a half-mile trail that ends with a view of pretty creepy looking 1914 bridge. It is supposedly haunted by a Southern belle named Elizabeth Jane Bellamy. The trail offers ghost walks every year in late October.
If you decide to spend the night in Marianna, consider the Hinson House Bed & Breakfast for a unique place to stay.
This quaint 1920s home is walking distance to Marianna's historic downtown and a short drive from the Florida Caverns.
For a delicious lunch, head over to Bistro Palms.
As Marianna's only jazz bistro, the colorful building is even more colorful inside, with the walls covered in art.
Whether you're in the mood for a gourmet sandwich, salad, or a wood-fired pizza, you'll find a new favorite at Bistro Palms.
Do yourself a favor and don't skip the dessert! Bistro Palms is open weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We guarantee you'll fall (get it?) for this charming small town, but we also want to know what your favorite places are to visit in autumn. Let us know in the comments!
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