Five Things You Have to Add to Your Itinerary When Visiting Melrose, Florida

With artsy vibes and historic homes lining quiet streets, Melrose, Florida is a great destination for visitors seeking an authentic, laid-back Florida experience. The small town is located about half an hour away from Palatka and Gainesville. You can drive there from Jacksonville or St. Augustine in a little over an hour. It’s easy to add on a visit from any of these towns, and there is plenty to keep you busy when you go. From farm stays to tasty eats, here are a few of our favorite things to see and do in Melrose.

Stop at the Lake Area Welcome Center:

This really needs to be your first stop when you visit Melrose. It is located within The Melrose Center and is a great place to get your bearings and start your Melrose getaway. You’ll find brochures and other information to help you discover the best things to do in Melrose. Talk to the friendly staff there and they will be happy to share some of their local tips. 

While you’re there, make a stop at the coffee shop to fuel up for your day. You’ll find a variety of food items there as well, including many healthy options. They are known for their Purple Sweet Potato and Chocolate Zucchini muffins. 

Pro Tip: There is also a gift shop there, and this is the best spot to pick up souvenirs to remember your time in Melrose. They have a variety of unique items made by local artisans, including greeting cards made by local artist Linda Koreny.

Explore the Area’s History:

Melrose’s history dates back to the 1800s and it is one of the most well-preserved communities in Florida. Florida's first federal highway passed through the area, and a canal connected the community to regional waterways, helping establish it as an important hub. It was a thriving community, attracting visitors and new residents who built beautiful homes. A freeze in 1894-1895 put a halt to its growth, though. 

Many of the original structures have been preserved and there are more than 70 historic points of interest. When you’re at The Melrose Center, be sure to pick up a map of Melrose’s historic spots. It’s easy to take a self-guided tour to see historically significant homes, churches, and more. 

Pro Tip: The Daurer History Museum also has a collection of old photographs and other historical items. The exhibits rotate and a visit there offers a chance to learn even more about Melrose’s past. The museum is open on the first Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the monthly Art Walk.

Check Out Some of the Local Events:

If your schedule allows, plan your visit during the monthly Art Walk. It happens on the first Friday of each month and many visitors start their evening by grabbing a bite to eat at The Melrose Center.  There’s also live music during the event. 

If you’re in town on a Saturday, make time to visit the Farmer’s Market at Midway. It is held in the parking lot at Faith Presbyterian Church. There you’ll find several vendors with various offerings that include local honey, sweet treats, fresh produce, pasture-raised eggs, and arts and crafts. 

Pro Tip: Check out our event calendar to keep up with all of the local events happening in Melrose and the other neighboring communities in Putnam County.

Visit Farm Animals:

It’s hard to resist visiting the residents at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides a forever home to a variety of farm animals – mostly pigs. However, you can also meet goats, sheep, horses, peacocks, chickens, turkeys, and more. You can also book a cow cuddle. It’s exactly what it sounds like – you have one-on-one time with a Highland cow for snuggles and selfies. 

While many people stop by to see the animals when it is open for farm visits, others opt to stay overnight. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary offers one of Florida’s best farm stays. If you have an RV, you can rent one of the campsites there. However, there’s also another unique lodging opportunity, and you can book a stay in a covered wagon. Even though the wagons look like they’re from the olden days, they have all of the luxuries you could need, such as central heating and air, a king-size bed, and a bathroom. 

Pro Tip: Bring a pocket full of quarters. There’s a machine by the onsite pond that dispenses fish food, and it’s fun to feed the resident fish and turtles.

Fill Your Belly at One of the City’s Oldest Restaurants:

Blue Water Bay has been around for more than 30 years and is one of the area’s most popular eateries. This local restaurant offers a menu that spans across culinary lines. They smoke meat every day, but they’ve also won awards for the area’s best burgers and best seafood. There’s also some menu items you would find at some of the best Cajun or Mexican restaurants. They also have great mozzarella sticks, salads, and more. 

It can be easy to fill up on their generous portions, but make sure you save room for dessert. They have multiple options to choose from, but their signature treat is Sour Orange Pie. This tasty indulgence has an Oreo cookie crust, sour orange filling, and a chocolate drizzle. 

Pro Tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but you may want to make a reservation. Taco Tuesday is very popular with the locals, and Fridays and Saturdays can get busy, too. They also have a nice Sunday Brunch, and there’s live music every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Melrose is a charming community that we think you’ll love. There’s more to see and do nearby, too. To learn more about where to stay, eat, and play, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android