WELCOME TO THE REAL FLORIDA!

The Wesley House/Maxon Museum and reflection pool are two of the most attractive features of Eden Gardens State Park. In addition, the park boasts numerous botanical gardens and a great view of Tucker Bayou. The park is located east of Sandestin in Point Washington. "Welcome to the REAL Florida!"

That slogan greets every visitor at the entrance to all Florida state parks, and it could not be truer.

For it is not the towering condominiums or lively water parks, but the spectacular natural setting in which they are constructed that attract millions to Northwest Florida every year.

In fact, Florida state parks attract more than 19.5 million visitors a year.

The natural beauty of this area was here long before us and will remain long after we're gone, so my advice is to immerse yourself in it as much as you can while you're here.

Luckily, there is no short list of great nature preserves in Northwest Florida waiting to be explored!

To be exact, there are 14 state parks located along the Emerald Coast between the Florida-Alabama state line and Panama City, each of which features its unique set of outdoor activities and natural features.

Scott Page/Splash! Magazine The Long Pond at Big Lagoon State Park is an ideal spot to sit back and relax in a completely tranquil setting. The diverse system boasts an array of activities, including boating, biking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming and more. Furthermore, these activities are to be enjoyed on the worldclass beaches, springs, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, caves, lighthouses and other historic and cultural sites protected by the state park system.

So whether you're kayaking on the Blackwater River, strolling through the Rose Garden at Eden Gardens or hiking around the Big Lagoon, the plethora of activities and settings will allow you to fully appreciate the "real" beauty of Northwest Florida.

What's equally attractive is the parks' affordability. Access fees begin as low as $1 for walk-ins or bike-ins and $2 per vehicle.

Also, camping fees are as low as $12 per night. Florida citizens age 65 and older receive half-off the base use fee for camping. Some parks even offer a 10- percent discount for week-long visitors and 30-percent monthly discounts.

Scott Page/Splash! Magazine Witnessing a sunrise in the woods is a perfect way to start any day. I spent a weekend at Blackwater River State Park and the most peaceful and enjoyable experience was the tranquility of the woods just before daylight. The sun's rays are soft and the bird's voices are singing as nature awakens. Many of the state parks in Northwest Florida offer camping, and thus the opportunity for visitors to experience a natural Florida Sunrise! Camping reservations easily can be made by calling toll-free 1-800-326-3521 or by going online to www.ReserveAmerica.com. Reservations are not required, so if you don't have one, simply visit the ranger station at any state park and purchase your spot there.

For brochures, maps, driving directions and a list of available activities at each location, visit www.floridastateparks. org or call the Florida Parks Information Line at (850) 245-2157.

A Sunrise on the blackwater River Florida state parks protect of one of nature's most beautiful creations and I would urge anyone capable to explore as many of these natural treasures as often as they can.

Famous American writer, educator and architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."

Spend some time in the woods and you'll agree.

A delightful melody of singing birds disturbed me from my slumber just before sunrise. I immediately crawled out of my sleeping bag, grabbed my camera and climbed out of the tent. I took a deep breath and was almost intoxicated by the sweet forest air, which was largely untainted by the pollution of civilization.

I made my way through the woods on a small trail that was guarded by spider webs, each one of which groped my face and arms as I passed. I continued down the muddy trail, snapping pictures along the way, until I found a secluded beach on the Blackwater River. That is where I decided I would experience the sunrise.

It was one of the most beautiful and relaxing sunrises I can remember. The sun's warm rays streaked through the tall pines like ribbons of soft light, illuminating the foggy white mist that blanketed the cool flowing water.

The other campers nearby were still tucked away in their tents, and I felt as though I had the whole of the woods to myself. An eternal sense of peace swept away all of the stress and emotional waste I had accumulated during the work week, and I was released from all worry of time, responsibility, money and everything else that governs our "human" lives.

At that moment, I felt as though I was exactly what and where I was supposed to be. A creature of nature embraced by the comforting beauty of nature.

I cannot remember a more pleasant way to start a day.

The preceding text is an excerpt from my journal, recorded one Saturday morning while camping at the Blackwater River State Park in North Santa Rosa County. An experience I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to relive many times.