Maclay Gardens in Full Bloom

One of the most spectacular sites in the South can be found less than a one-hour drive from Jackson County each spring.

Maclay Gardens State Park, located only one-half mile from Interstate 10 in Tallahassee, reaches full bloom in March and the flowers remain quite beautiful into April.

Planted by Alfred B. and Louis Maclay beginning in 1924, the gardens are considered a "masterpiece of floral architecture." They cover dozens of acres along the shorts of Lake Hall and feature dogwoods, azaleas, camellias and a wide array of other blooming trees and shrubs. Donated to the people of Florida in 1953, Maclay Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To reach Maclay Gardens from Jackson County, just head east on Interstate 10 until you reach Tallahassee and following the U.S. 319 Exit (Thomasville Road). Turn left as you come off the exit and the state park entrance is only one-half mile ahead on your left.

To read more about Maclay Gardens and see additional photographs, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/maclaygardens1.