Lake City Real Estate

Lake City, in central north Florida’s Columbia County, has been the Gateway to Florida since 1832. Located between Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Gainesville near the intersection of I-10 and I-75, Lake City and its natural beauty and outdoor activities attract visitors year-round. This pristine part of Florida is a natural theme park for outdoor enthusiasts, festival goers, music lovers or those who simply want to spend a little time in a quiet, tranquil setting. Lake City has crystal-clear freshwater springs, rocking music festivals, history, culture, paddling and biking.

With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the majestic springs in the Columbia County area are Florida’s best-kept secrets. Pictures hardly do them justice. The sparkling blue water flowing over colorful reefs add to the beauty. You have many ways to enjoy Columbia County’s springs. Swim, canoe, kayak or fish in the crystal clear water at Rum Island Springs. Jump off the diving platform at Gilchrist Blue Springs, or splash in the clear, sparkling green water at Poe Springs. See the life under the water with snorkeling at Ginnie Springs, or ride the waves with a tubing adventure at Ichetucknee Springs. At Ichetucknee springs, you’ll find the Blue Hole, a deep blue spring that leads to an underground cave system (scuba divers must be cave certified). After you’ve played in these springs, you still have more springs to discover in Columbia County.

Southern charm and hospitality abound in downtown Lake City. It is the heart of Columbia County with fine and casual dining, boutiques and historic buildings. Visit The Blanche, a former hotel where famous guests included Johnny Cash and Al Capone. It’s on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was the first building in Florida to have an elevator. Walk along Marion Street and you’ll see a number of commemorative plaques that describe significant events that took place in Lake City. You can learn more about the area’s past at the Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum. While in town, you won’t want to miss the massive 3D mural depicting the springs at the intersection of Marion and Hamilton Streets. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, Columbia County has a variety of top-rated restaurants and you’ll find many of them in downtown Lake City.

Sources; Columbia County Tourist Development Council,Ray Carpenter Photography,#explore Columbia, www.springsrus.com