Dog Friendly? Woof!

On our Florida coast the weather invites outside entertainment and dining all year round. If you are a dog owner, you might appreciate being able to bring your pooch along for lunch or dinner, as well as to the beach. However, who really knows where you can take Fido? Better to know ahead of time than to be turned away. 

 

Beaches

If you think you can just take your dog to the beach to frolic in the waves, think again. Beach patrol will quickly inform you that your dog is not welcome. BUT! In Flagler, there is a beach where your dog can feel the sea breeze in her fur as she races along the sand and surf! Well, as long as she’s on a leash. North of Gamble Rogers State park to 13th Street South is the beach area in which dogs are welcome.

Ponce Inlet Dunes Park also welcomes leashed dogs.

Restaurants

In New Smyrna Beach, there are lots of places to bring your dog! Spanish River Grill, Dolphin View Seafood Restaurant, Third Wave Café and Wine Bar, Café Heavenly, Norwood’s Seafood Restaurant, and a few more. Moreover, you can bring your dogs to the NSB Farmers Market on Saturdays, both at Old Fort Park and at Norwood’s Restaurant.

In Port Orange you can enjoy outside dining with Fluffy at Boondocks on the river, at Hidden Treasure on Rose Bay, the popular Aunt Catfish, also on the river, and TGIF on Nova and Dunlawton Avenues.

In Ormond Beach, Lulu’s Oceanside Grill, Lagerhead’s Bar and Grill, the famous Hull’s Seafood, the upscale Vince Carter’s, and Black Sheep Pub are all dog friendly!

In Daytona Beach, the Blue Grotto is open to you bringing your canine friend. In Ponce Inlet you can visit Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill (same owner as the Hidden Treasure in Port Orange) also welcomes dogs.

Your best bet is to call ahead, of course. Also check out Bring Fido for your area, which has fairly up-to-date listings of where dogs are welcome. 

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Third Wave Cafe

Located down on Flagler Avenue near the bridge, you will find Third Wave Café and Wine Bar, which has become THE new hot spot in New Smyrna Beach. The two-story building is utterly charming and unique, the food is good, and the service is wonderful.

Upstairs is the café part where you can either sit inside or out on the deck overlooking Flagler Avenue. A large selection of coffee and tea drinks is posted on a blackboard inside. In addition to pastries, Third Wave offers delicious crepes, various hashes, frittatas, and more for breakfast. The atmosphere is so relaxed you can sit with a latte and the paper for quite a while and feel yourself unwind. 

Downstairs is the wine bar, but as of late, you can also enjoy breakfast and lunch there. You enter through ancient looking gates and walk along a mosaic path that is flanked by rich vegetation. The space is completely outside, surrounded by lush bamboo and mature trees, giving it a very cozy feel. The hand-crafted wood tables and contemporary metal chairs lend an urban feel to the place. At night, an array of twinkle lights give even more atmosphere, along with a fire-ball sculpture in the middle of a fountain! Large fans keep guests cool and the air circulating.

The menu is simple and made with very good ingredients. Sandwiches, salads, tapas, and famously – the pizza, are all winners. For dinner you can enjoy steak and chicken options, which are imaginatively prepared. The wine and beer bar offers a nice selection. Occasionally you can also enjoy sangria around brunch time.

Third Wave is privately owned and operated. They have struck a nerve with people in the central Florida coastal area and we hope they continue to thrive.

Third Wave Website

204 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 386-402-7864

Third Wave is open: Monday: 7am–10pm, Tuesday: 7am–3pm, and Wednesday–Sunday: 7am–10pm.

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Central Florida Springs

Florida is the state with the most springs in the country, and mostly in the world. The Highly porous limestone that can hold vast quantities of water underlies most of the state. Combined with relatively high rainfall amounts and subsurface water flow, the two are responsible for the occurrence of so many springs in Florida. All of Florida’s springs are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round!

As visitors and/or residents we can all enjoy some of the beautiful Central Florida springs that feed our rivers. You can swim, snorkel, dive, boat, kayak, hike, picnic, camp, take boat rides, enjoy wild life and just overall experience the beauty of Florida. 

Blue Springs

Blue Springs State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. During manatee season, which approximately runs from mid-November through March, several hundred manatee can be viewed atop the spring’s overlooks. The spring and spring run are closed to all water activity while manatees are present during this time.  Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted.

The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner during our designated swimming season. Fishing, canoeing and boating are also enjoyed along the St. John’s River.

A self-guided tour inside The Historic Thursby house, built in 1872, can also be experienced. In addition the park has plenty of picnic areas as well as three covered pavilions. Air-conditioned cabins and a full-facility campground are available for visitors interested in staying overnight.

Blue Springs Website  2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

De Leon Springs

 

 

The outstanding feature of the De Leon Springs 625 acre park is the spring, overlooking beautiful Spring Garden Run, producing 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year-round.  The swimming area is accessible by stairs, ramp, and a swimmer lift. 

Snorkeling is a popular activity but access into the cave is prohibited.  Canoes, paddleboats and kayaks may be rented from the park's concession.  The park's paddling trail provides access to the 22,000 acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes, creeks and marshes to explore. 

Picnic tables, grills and a playground are available under the grand live oak trees, with four pavilions available for rent. Visitors can hike the 4.2 mile Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail or take a leisurely stroll on the one-half mile paved Nature Trail to see the 600 year-old cypress tree.  The Butterfly Garden has about 500 plants for the benefit of resident and migrating butterflies and hummingbirds. 

De Leon Springs Website 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Silver Springs

Silver Springs State Park combines the charm of a historic Florida attraction with the crystal clear beauty of one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state.
 
Enjoy the headspring from a viewing deck, walk along the river on paved trails, see the ornamental gardens, and enjoy an easy stroll through the Real Florida. Visitors can enjoy a meal from the restaurant with a view of the spring. Glass bottom boat rides and canoe and kayak rentals are offered through the concessionaire. 

Visitors can paddle down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch the wide variety of birds and wildlife.The picnic area features three pavilions available for rental with grills and a playground nearby. For overnight stays, the park has a 59 site full facility campground and 10 modern cabins.

Silver Springs Website 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site