White Springs, FL

White Springs got its start as a popular 19th-century health resort along the Suwannee River, when travelers arrived by train to soak in the natural mineral waters. The ruins of the historic stone springhouse still overlook the water, serving as a reminder of the town's early days. Today, quiet residential streets, moss-draped oaks, and vintage Florida cottages give the community a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.

Outdoor recreation is a major part of living here, with two state parks practically in town. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park offers miles of wooded trails, riverfront canoe launches, and carillon concerts, as well as the annual Florida Folk Festival every Memorial Day weekend. Just upriver, Big Shoals State Park features the largest whitewater rapids in the state, giving local paddlers and hikers easy access to some of North Florida's best scenery.