Live Oak, FL

Live Oak, with a population of approximately 7,000, is the county seat of Suwannee County.  Established just before the start of the Civil War in 1858, the town was located at a junction of two railways:  one operating between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, and the other running north to Georgia.  A large live oak tree was located near the junction which functioned as a gathering spot for railroad construction workers and gave the city its name. 

Live Oak has a vibrant downtown with several good restaurants and specialty shops.  The 90-acre Heritage Park and Gardens on the eastern side of town provides walking trails, a disc golf course, horseshoe courts, landscaped gardens, a children’s playground and covered picnic tables.  Special events at the park include the Civil War Reenactment in November and Christmas at Heritage Park which includes tours of the beautifully decorated house and numerous events for children.

In addition to the special events at Heritage Park, Christmas on the Square, held downtown in late November/ early December, is an outdoor Christmas festival reminiscent of a European-style Christmas market.  The nearby community of Wellborn hosts a Blueberry Festival in early June.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground is located just eight miles from downtown.  The music park hosts multiple music festivals throughout the year drawing people from all over the United States as well as Europe.

Bicyclists may enjoy the Suwannee River Greenway in nearby Branford or one of the three loops of the Suwannee Century bicycle route which provides looped routes from Live Oak to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, the Suwannee River State Park, and the Stephen Foster Memorial State Park.

Several hotels are located in Live Oak at the intersection of Interstate Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 129 for those looking for accommodations.  For visitors interested in exploring the nearby area, the Suwannee River and the Suwannee River State Park, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, Little River Spring, Ichetucknee Springs State Park and the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park are located nearby.