Beautiful, serene and rooted in community, North Central Florida is a hidden gem for Florida retirement. The 16-county region stretches from Tallahassee to White Springs and from Gainesville to the remote fishing villages of Cedar Key and Steinhatchee on the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s home to the largest collection of natural springs in the world, amazing sunsets, wonderfully quiet recreational rivers and trails, and breathtaking nature and wildlife.
As you wander along the tree-lined, scenic roads through the region, you’ll forget that you are in the third largest state by population in the U.S. At the heart of it all, you’ll also find Live Oak a charming small town with the amenities of a much larger area. Whether you’re planning to make a day trip or make it your home, here are just a few of the memorable experiences to enjoy in Live Oak and Suwannee County.
When staying in Live Oak, be sure to plan a picnic, kayaking trip or bike ride at Suwanee River State Park.
The breathtaking Suwanee River provides visitors opportunities for bicycling, birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking and more. Along this river, locals refer to an iconic sandbar at Advent Christian Village as White Sands. It can be found along the nine miles of nature trails maintained by ACV and is a popular quiet spot for enjoying God’s creation during any time of year.
If you’re looking for an afternoon the whole family will enjoy, look no further than Heritage Park. This beautiful space features over 90 acres of breathtaking gardens. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of outdoor areas including walking trails, a disc golf course and a picnic area. There’s also a Heritage Park playground, so don’t forget to bring the grandkids!
Is teeing off at noon more your speed for Florida retirement? Be sure to visit the Suwanee Country Club for a superior golfing experience. Located on White Lake, the club includes a scenic nine-hole course and a driving range, in case you need a little practice first. A historic location, the country club first opened its doors in 1923. It’s the perfect place to invite a few friends and make an afternoon of it.
Finally, there are several can’t-miss shopping and dining experiences that make Live Oak popular. A few local favorite restaurants include Lopin’ Gopher Deli, Big Wood BBQ, The Brown Lantern, Dixie Grill, Robbie’s Café, Downtown Café, and Live Oak Sub Shop.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can browse antiques at Big Wheel Market Place or Live Oak Antique Mall. You can also find a new outfit at Diva Daisies or Kraves Boutique. Each shopping experience shows off the flavor of the town through carefully curated items and unique finds.
For even more ideas during your visit, check out the following websites:
Each resource offers additional insight on how to make the most of your time in beautiful North Central Florida.
Between the natural landscapes, exciting attractions and local flavor, it’s no surprise that Live Oak is a growing destination for Florida retirement. Advent Christian Village, a faith-based senior living community, is full of beauty and excitement year-round. You’ll experience a community where neighbors truly care for one another, and you can age with meaning and purpose.
Want to experience a new kind of retirement for yourself? Call today to schedule a tour.
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