Quarantine, if anything it really made me see all the things right in front of me that are sometimes taken for granted. Although THAT is a long list, I wanted to start with a place here in Flagler County, where I usually go to clear my head, watch my husband fish, collect pine cones and acorns and other things with my daughter or even just sit on the rocking chairs and BE STILL.
If you have been to my instagram page you may recall seeing some pictures from Princess Place Preserve on my feed. We also participate in the Creekside Festival with my husbands art every year in the fall. This is our go-to place to “take a ride” or stop to throw a line in between appointments.
When we heard about the beaches closing, then the trails and finally the parks which included Princess Place, we had a huge sense of sadness. The restrictions started to set into our minds feeling like we really had no escape or outlet. I am happy to report that Princess Place Preserve is now open again with the social distancing guidelines in place. Which brings me to the point of this post. I want to share this special place with you in the hopes that you will one day visit and find Peace there as well. Looking at photos of memories has really helped make quarantine easier for us as a family.
The long dirt road into the park is quiet and sometimes you can spot deer in between the trees. There is lots of wildlife at PP from birds, turtles, deer, and we have seen snakes, otters too! Miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking and horse back riding. If you are traveling to PP just to see the sights you will not be disappointed. The roadway and trails are lined with beautiful live oak trees and palms.
Within the beauty of Princess Place you will also find history.
“This beautiful 1,500-acre preserve is situated in the northern part of Flagler County. It was purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886 and passed on to his widow Angela Mills Cutting Worden, who eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince. Angela assumed the title of princess and it was then that the once named “Cherokee Grove” came to be known as “Princess Place.” The original lodge, built by Henry Cutting, stills stands as Flagler County’s oldest intact structure. It is also home to Florida’s very first in-ground swimming pool.” – Quoted from the county website. For the full brochure with park hours and map please click here.
I hope you enjoy some of my memories in the form of these pictures we have taken over the years at Princess Place. Pack some lunch, load up the kids and the dog and go have a picnic right here in Flagler County. I PROMISE you, if you have an appreciation for nature you will fall in love with Princess Place just like I did many years ago!
Thank you for joining me today! If you have Princess Place photos you would like to share please comment them below. I hope during this time of quarantine you find time to relax, appreciate nature and reflect on the beauty right here in our own backyard.
Until Next Time!
-Niki Luther
Heart into Your Home 