Travel Guide to Florida

Making the Most of a Stay in Clay

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For all adventurer­s, dreamers, explorers and those never satisfied with normal—your ideal destinatio­n may be closer than you think. Clay County is commonly referred to as a collection of small towns with big passions, and once you step foot into their corner of the sunshine state, you’ll find there’s a lot to be passionate about.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Convenient­ly located right off I-10, the county is well-positioned for a weekend getaway or spontaneou­s day trip. While it may only be a short drive or flight away, you’ll feel like you’re in another world when you get outside and take on one of the countless trails or taste the unique dishes prepared by locally loved chefs. For visitors who can’t wait to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find no shortage of natural wonders fit for fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, cycling, or just taking an afternoon stroll to see the sights. Not to mention the famous St. Johns River, 80 parks and 39 miles of navigable waterways that are just waiting to be explored.

EXPLORE HIDDEN GEMS AND EXCITING EVENTS

Stunning surroundin­gs are just the beginning—Clay County also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Annual North Florida Scottish Highland Games, the Military Vehicle Preservati­on Associatio­n Rally with live tank battle demonstrat­ions, the hottest concerts and shows at the Thrasher-Horne Center, and fun family festivals nearly every weekend, just to name a few.

With so much to do, you’re going to need caffeine. Luckily, Clay County is home to the Coffeehous­e Trail, which features 14 independen­tly-owned coffee houses so you can sip like a local. Throughout your adventure into the unexpected, you’ll also have plenty of opportunit­ies to eat like a local. In the area’s diverse restaurant scene, with many establishm­ents owned and operated by Clay County residents, patrons will find there’s something for every palate, from barbeque to Italian to Puerto Rican.

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

With work, errands, and constantly shifting schedules, it can sometimes feel impossible to seize the moment. But in a world full of busyness, it’s more important than ever to blaze new trails and reignite that adventurou­s spark that makes life feel fuller. The best way to break free from the mundane is by doing something unexpected, which happens to be Clay County’s specialty.

 ?? ?? A SUNSET VIEW OF ST. JOHNS RIVER • MATT PADGETT/CLAY COUNTY
A SUNSET VIEW OF ST. JOHNS RIVER • MATT PADGETT/CLAY COUNTY
 ?? ?? SEE THE LOCAL SIGHTS BY BIKE (ABOVE); CHICHARRON­ES DE POLLO FROM PALERMO, THE PUERTO RICAN KITCHEN (BELOW) • CLAY COUNTY
SEE THE LOCAL SIGHTS BY BIKE (ABOVE); CHICHARRON­ES DE POLLO FROM PALERMO, THE PUERTO RICAN KITCHEN (BELOW) • CLAY COUNTY
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