Eden Gardens

IN A SOMEWHAT SECLUDED SPOT, not far from the coastline of northwest Florida, is a place of quiet contemplation and tranquility - as well as eye-popping natural beauty. Situated on 115 acres of land adjacent to Tucker Bayou - a part of Choctawhatchee Bay - is Eden Gardens State Park. This is a leisure destination which offers an opportunity for real relaxation and enjoyment in "the real Florida."
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Eden Gardens is located between Destin and Panama City Beach. From U.S. Highway 98, County Road 395 North leads to the community of Point Washington, and signs direct visitors to the Park entrance.
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What was once a lumber mill and historic homestead has now become Eden Gardens State Park. In a setting of moss-draped live oak trees - one over 600 years old - an 1895 mansion reminds visitors of a prosperous era before the virgin forests of long leaf pine and cypress were mostly diminished in this part of the state. The mansion, surrounded by lawns and gardens, has been restored and furnished with remarkable antiques and period pieces. A reflection pool provides a glimpse back into time, and numerous flowers provide colorful accents in the nearby gardens.
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An ornamental garden, a butterfly garden, and separate gardens for camellias, azaleas, and roses are all a part of the landscape. The peak bloom season is probably mid-March. Also included on the grounds are fountains, statuary, hiking trails, picnic tables, a seawall, places to fish, and a gift shop located inside the mansion.
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In the early 1890s, the site was literally buzzing with business activity. It was hub of the Wesley Lumber Company. It included a saw mill, a planer mill, and a dry kiln. A dock which stretched out into Tucker Bayou was used for loading lumber on barges for shipment. Some 20 company-owned houses, plus a commissary, were also located on the property. The company was in operation until after World War I. When the lumber mill burned for the third time, it was never re-built. The mansion - called the Wesley House - had 5600 square feet of space, and was occupied by members of the family from 1897 until 1953.
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In 1953 the Wesley House and property were sold by the family. New owners, however, allowed the building and grounds to fall into a state of disrepair over the next ten years. In 1963, Lois Maxon purchased the former Wesley mansion and surrounding land, and a renovation process began. Although Maxon made changes to suit her own needs, she restored the structure and acreage to much of it's original splendor. In 1968 Maxon donated the entire estate to the State of Florida in memory of her parents.
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Eden Gardens State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year. The entrance fee is $2 per vehicle. Tours of the Wesley House are available for a small additional fee from 10 to 3 Thursdays through Mondays. Various special events are scheduled each year including an Easter sunrise service and a Christmas candlelight tour. Numerous weddings, family reunions, and picnics are also arranged throughout the year.
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Eden Gardens is one of those special places where many visitors want to return again and again. My wife and I visit the Park several times every winter. It's also a place where we like to take guests who come to our home. Therefore, it's easy for us to suggest this hidden Florida treasure as an ideal leisure destination. Most people we know would be happy to discover Eden Gardens!

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-- In the photo above, the Wesley House is seen in the distance at Eden Gardens State Park.