In a sea of resort vacationing, I invite you to look elsewhere for your vacationing needs. I think we’ve all had our fair share of spa days, 18th floor water views, and ocean-front dining. Tucked away in Florida’s panhandle you will find Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa County. While you can find vacation rentals and affordable hotels, there are also some fun and old-Florida experiences that will stay with your family a lot longer. I have found the best place to stay in the Florida panhandle and I think you’ll agree.
Disclosure: Visiting Coldwater Gardens was part of my trip with Navarre Visitors Bureau. Monetary compensation was not provided for this review.
The Best Place To Stay in the Florida Panhandle
Get back to nature and connect with your family more than ever before. With 6 different accommodations depending on how adventurous you are, 3 large sandy beaches with direct access to Coldwater Creek, plenty of activities ranging from fishing and kayaking. And of course, if you stay at Coldwater Gardens, I know you’ll will leave refreshed and relaxed. I’ll be walking you through 3 of the accommodations available as well as what else you can enjoy on property (for an extra cost).
GLAMPING TENTS
Love camping but not sleeping on the ground? *raises hand!* Situated on a gentle slope overlooking a pine savanna, these glamping tents are outfitted with amenities that make your experience much more relaxing. There are six glamping tents on property.
Each tent is outfitted with:
- Two Queen Size Beds with linens
- Mini-Fridge
- Coffee Maker
- Water Boiler
- Fans
- Lights
- Outlets
- Flatware
- Outdoor Sink
- Outdoor Shower
- … and more.
Each cottage sleeps 4 but I found that if you needed to add a pack ‘n’ play or toddler cot, there’d be plenty of space to do so. Two night minimum on weekends. $85 / night on WEEKENDS. $75 / night on WEEK DAYS. (prices do not include tax.) . Book your stay here.
ECO-DESIGN COTTAGES
Quaint. Quiet. Calm. Get away from it all with a private cottage. These beautiful dwellings are just the thing for a relaxing get away. There are four cottages on property.
Each cottage is outfitted with:
- king size tempurpedic bed
- full kitchen (with gas range)
- pots & pans, flatware, silverware, glasses, wine glasses for four
- coffee pot, fair trade coffee, creamer & sugar
- pull out sleeper sofa (with pillows & linens)
- large bathroom
- …and more
Each cottage sleeps 4 but I found that if you needed to add a pack ‘n’ play or toddler cot, there’d be plenty of space to do so. Two night minimum on weekends. $170 / night on WEEKENDS. $150 / night on WEEK DAYS. (prices do not include tax.) Book your stay here.
MODERN TREEHOUSE
Elevate your nature experience with this privately located treehouse situated among a dense magnolia canopy. There is only ONE treehouse so check the availability calendar asap if you’re even remotely thinking about booking your stay. Accommodations include:
- two queen beds
- full bath
- equipped kitchen
- covered deck with dining table and chairs
- sun chair
- private hot tub
- storage benches in bedroom space
- and a fire pit on the ground level.
- All enclosed rooms have heat and AC.
The treehouse sleeps 4 but I found that if you needed to add a pack ‘n’ play or toddler cot, there’d be plenty of space to do so. Two night minimum on weekends. $190 / night on WEEKENDS. $170 / night on WEEK DAYS. (prices do not include tax.) Book your stay here.
YOGA
While visiting Coldwater Gardens we had the opportunity to practice yoga. This isn’t something that is offered everyday to guests but it was definitely the perfect setting.
FRESH PRODUCE
Of course, what would Coldwater Gardens be without gardens. Coldwater Gardens implements several unique growing methods to produce food. From aquaponics to Shiitaké mushroom cultivation, and much more in between, there’s a little bit of everything to enjoy. Visitors are welcomed to tour the gardens on their own or schedule an in-depth guided tour.
We enjoyed a gorgeous vegan lunch spread after our guided tour. Again, this is something that is not offered but was provided to us during this time.
AGRICULTURE & THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
Coldwater Gardens grows certified naturally grown gourmet produce year round. There are also chickens on property which I loved talking to. These beauties eat all organic feed and scratch and lots of scraps from the gardens. They have six different varieties that lay a wide spectrum of eggs.
Shiitaké mushrooms have been a fantastic crop at Coldwater Gardens which we had the pleasure of consuming at lunch in the form of “Shiitaké mushroom “bacon”. They cultivate the mushrooms on oak logs harvested from the property and are able to produce eight months of the year.
Location: 7009 Creek Stone Rd., Milton, FL 32570
Phone: 850-426-1300
E-mail: info@coldwatergardens.com
Website: http://www.coldwatergardens.com
