A Quiet Hidden Corner Of West Florida Offers Crystal-Clear Springs, Manatees, And A Large Flea Market

Florida is home to a variety of landscapes, ranging from the panhandle's rolling hills to the coastal plains, and from the southern Everglades to the East Coast beaches. Beauty surrounds every part of Florida, but one small, hidden city in the western portion of the Sunshine State is a natural paradise, complete with manatees, moss-covered cypress trees, and clear blue springs boasting year-round warm waters. 

Chiefland, the "Gem of the Suwannee Valley," is the gateway to Manatee Springs State Park, a water paradise that manatees come back to each year. Even though they are just here seasonally, the manatees are a big draw to the area. The animals enjoy the year-round 72-degree water during the winter months, escaping colder temps elsewhere. While guests can kayak beside these gentle giants, swimming with them is not allowed. Fortunately, travelers can go snorkeling with manatees at nearby Crystal River, Florida, about 46 miles away. 

In addition to various nature and water activities throughout the town and park, there are unique stores and attractions on dry ground as well. The Chiefland Farmers Flea Market is a hot spot for a good bargain. Additionally, guests can peruse a quilt museum, visit a specialty gift shop called The Busy Bobbins, or unwind at the Chiefland Billiards & Sports Bar. If flying into Chiefland is your preference, Jacksonville International Airport is about a two-hour drive (120 miles) away.

Manatee Springs State Park (open 8:00 a.m. until sundown daily) is a nature lover's playground, offering a range of activities. Admission costs are based on head counts and vehicle specifics; tickets are $6 (as of this writing) per vehicle carrying two to eight people. Once inside, hiking, diving, cave diving, and open-water activities are included in the admission fees. 

Glamping (glamorous camping) lodging is available, with an average cost of $120 per night. Each glamping site houses a queen bed and can fit up to four people; plan to bring air mattresses or cots for the kids. Towels and other comforts of home are provided within each glamping site as well. Single and tandem kayaks, SUPs, and hybrids are available for rent for a two-hour block or a full day. For guests spending the night, there's an option to pay an additional fee to keep the rented equipment overnight. Leashed dogs are allowed, but the park's pet policy strongly recommends excluding them from water journeys for their safety and to protect the surrounding wildlife.

The park offers more than 8 miles of hiking trails, and the Suwannee River is open 365 days for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing (a fishing license may be required). Strolling through the 900-foot boardwalk will provide views of the first-magnitude springs and plenty of wildlife, as well as the cypress swamp. For more manatee magic, consider this unique manatee viewing spot in Florida, located near Tampa Bay.

The Chiefland Farmers Flea Market is a must-visit spot in the city, open on the weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors can freely browse handmade, one-of-a-kind treasures to carry home as a souvenir or a gift for a loved one. While not as large as this giant Florida flea market, Chiefland's offers plenty of shopping. From fresh fruits and veggies at Debbie's Veggies to the Candy Lady booth, Plant Lady, and Russ Tools, there's likely something for everyone here. Other booths include Dragons & Fairies, James the Computer Guy, Fun with Fudge, and This Ain't No Museum.

Once shopping has worked up an appetite, peruse the food menus at Southern Eats and Dixie Eats & Beverages before resuming the booth surfing. Food trucks, like Tammy's Munchin' Sandwich Shop, are also at the market on various days. To learn about a specific weekend, follow Chiefland Farmers Flea Market's Facebook page.