SEE’s Foodie finds Old Spanish Sugar Mill

You can smell the sweet aroma before you step inside the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant at De Leon Springs State Park. In this friendly, family-style dining room, delectable pancakes sizzle to a golden brown on a griddle right in the middle of your table. But the best part is you can make them yourself!

The batter arrives at your table accompanied by a choice of several flavored syrups or honey. Everyone makes their own and children can help by adding extras like blueberries, chocolate chips and banana slices. The menu also offers eggs and sides of sausage or bacon for a meal that will keep you powered up all day. Breakfast at the Old Mill is a popular way to start the day at this park. But get there early because they fill up fast and typically have a long line of hungry patrons.

At the springhead, the main attraction is swimming and relaxing in the shade. The naturally clear water surges up from deep within the aquifer and stays a cool 72 degrees all year long. It is incredibly refreshing once you make the plunge.

Exploring the spring is as easy as renting a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or personal watercraft, which around here is a tube. Or take the Eco/History boat tour and learn about the wildlife and the thriving winter resort that was here in the 1880s.

Nature trails include a paved walkway suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Birds and deer are often seen on the four-mile trail through pines, oak hammocks and cypress stands. Whether you choose to explore the creeks, lakes or trails in this 18,000-acre park, you’re sure to be inspired by the variety of natural environments around the spring.

~Georgia Brown

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant is open for pancakes or lunch from 9-5 on weekdays and 8-5 on weekends, serving until 4. For restaurant and rental information, call 386-985-5644.

De Leon Springs State Park – Located at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Burt Parks Road, west of US 17. Ponce de Leon, Florida

Park info: 386-985-4212

Click here to view DeLeon Springs State Park Listing