FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - April '08 - Palatka, Fl - Rustic ParadiseBy: Robert Candler Photos: Robert Candler
 Boasting celebrity names from the late 1800's, such as President Grover Cleveland and James R. Mellon, Palatka, Florida was a bustling metropolis. Seven steamboat lines operated continuously up and down the St. Johns river, bringing passengers, mail, and cargoes. By 1890 Palatka had grown to prominence with world class facilities including eight first class hotels and fine dining.
It was at this point that Palatka started a slow decline. First, the "Great Freezes" of 1894-1895 hammered the citrus industry. Then with the emergence of Jacksonville's port system, it began to overshadow Palatka's. The steam ships became less frequent and tourists pushed farther south to Naples, Ft Myer's and Cape Coral.
Move forward just over a century and many signs of Palatka's early royalty still exist. The wonderful Victorian homes with expansive porches, the simple brick paved streets, and the charming waterfront all help to move you back in time. There is so much to do, you should plan at least a day, if not two to try to immerse your senses, while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
As you work your way down SR-17 or Reid St in downtown Palatka, you'll notice you have two Historic districts to drive through, the North or "Reid's Garden" and the South, "The Hammock" Both have huge homes, most of which are over 100 years old. Many have been completely remodeled and display the splendor of their time
Once you've driven the charming streets and seen the remarkable homes, take a break and head back to Reid St and hit Angel's Diner for a well deserved lunch.
 Established in 1932, Angel's is one of those places that locals come to for a cup of coffee to hear the day's gossip, the weekenders come for the ambience, and the lunch crowd can still pick up a meal to go. Originally built in an old passenger rail car with a black and white checkered floor that slants past the 1950's barstools and menu filled with local flair including fried pickels, Angel's brings all of the rustic charm of Palatka into one place.
Now that you've had a hearty down-home lunch, drive the 1/2 mile over to the Amtrak station and enjoy the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society's Museum. It's complete with "The world's largest mobile scale model railroad", a static caboose exhibit, and historical railroad artifacts and memorabilia.
Tucked into the South Historic district is a small piece of paradise, known as the Ravines Gardens. I wasn't sure what to expect, but bring your camera a pair of tennis shoes and let nature indulge your senses.
Built during the Great Depression, the Ravines Gardens is a limestone, brick and stone wonderland that leads down into the heart of Florida, an area filled with Live Oaks, Elephant ears, and and bountiful flowers and Azaleas. Their is a 1.8 nature hike around the park, or as mentioned, walk right though it and enjoy the scenery.
As the day is getting a little long, plan on staying over at the Azalea house Bed and Breakfast, just off Reid and 3rd St. The 1878 Queen Anne Victorian has been beautifully redone and Doug and Jill are wonderful hosts, that also cook up a delicious morning meal.
Palatka is by far, one of the North Florida's hidden treasures. Step back in time, enjoy the history, and plan on a relaxing weekend.
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