During our trip to the Florida Panhandle, swimming in a natural spring was a highlight for me. We went to Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.
The natural spring is 68 degrees year round. It felt like ice dipping my toes into the water. I took over an hour to immerse myself in the waters. My toddler kept jumping in, screaming, scurrying out and then jumping in again. She was unable to comprehend why it was 90 degrees outside yet the water felt so cold. As one of the patrons said you “numb up” after you get in. It was true. Once you got over the initial shock of freezing water my body did numb up and I enjoyed swimming in the beautiful spring. It was so crowded but despite the crowds it was an enjoyable experience.
Continue after the jump to see more of our little trip to the Florida Panhandle.
This is a continuation of our trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. You can see the first post here.
The candy class and tour at Sweet Pete’s were so much fun. We took the class in the summer of 2015 with my in-laws. My mother in law had heard of the candy store from the show The Profit. Sweet Pete’s is located in downtown Jacksonville and is three stories tall.
Sweet Pete’s
As soon as you walk into the store, you sense you are in a whimsical land akin to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. On the lower level are the sweets made on location and the restaurant. The second level is more candy (not made on sight) and the ice cream shop. The third level the location of the classes and birthday parties. The whole building is so nicely decorated. I recommend walking up the stairs and going out on the balcony to see the brightly covered chairs. Even the bathrooms have unique decor and furniture.
Blow Pop Class
We took the blow pop class at Sweet Pete’s. Our kids were too young to have their own blow pop station. However, they were allowed to watch and help add sugar to the gum part of the blow-pop. The instructor was so enthusiastic about her job and was so kind to us. I’m not much of a blow pop eater but I liked to experience the process of making the blow-pops.We chose a watermelon flavor.
The instructor said one of the best classes at Sweet Pete’s is the hand-pulled lollipop classes. After taking the blow pop class, I can see why she would recommend the hand-pulled lollipop class. I’ve seen chocolate being made, I’ve melted my own chocolate before but I’ve never seen hand-pulled lollipops being made. Even though I think I would prefer to eat chocolate over a lollipop I would want to experience a class where I couldn’t do it at home.
To see more pictures continue after the jump
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