Take A Virtual Vacation to Monticello and Jefferson County, Florida

Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida

Spring 2020 has brought a sllowdown to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential visitors, from near and far, take care of themselves, and dream of coming to visit us when the “fever” breaks. In the meantime, take some time to peruse our special “edition” of Virtual Vacations in Natural North Florida. This post is an another in that series. More, featuring highlights of our 15-county region will follow, each including links to local highlights, where “Nature Is Our Theme Park“

**Monticello is the county seat of Jefferson County, located at the crossroads of US90 and US19 in Natural North Florida**

Located just east (and a short drive from) Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, Jefferson County and Monticello, its county seat, is an excellent destination for visitors wishing to visit a vibrant small town. Jefferson County is mostly rural, but Monticello, near I-10 and at the crossroads of US90 and US19 is active, with a laid-back lifestyle, historic homes, an opera house and lots of great things to eat.

**A walking or cycling tour of downtown Monticello will reveal many historic homes**

**Many historic homes have been repurposed as Bed and Breakfast Inns**
1872 John Denham House Bed **and** Breakfast Inn

**Welcome to the** **Avera-Clarke House Bed & Breakfast**

While you explore Monticello, don’t forget to take advantage of some of the many restaurants, scattered throughout the downtown.

**Click** **HERE** **for a listing in dining options in Monticello**

Monticello offers a variety of shopping options, especially in its specialty shops and antique markets

Monticello and Jefferson County are well known destinations for parades, festivals and bicycle events.

**Watermelon Festival Queen and Princess**

Monticello is only about 20 miles from Tallahassee and has become an comfortable bedroom community with many cultural activities. Many are centered around history and the Monticello Opera House, located on the town’s main square.

**A local production of The Music Man at the Monticello Opera House**

Another Jefferson County highlight is the county park at the headwaters of the Wacissa River. Known as North Florida’s most lively and diverse body of water, the Wacissa River and its springs are a must-see when in Jefferson County. Along the river are 22 different springs to explore. The Wacissa River is recognized as a state paddling trail, making it safe, clean and frequented by nature lovers of all kinds, including bird watchers. The water is remarkably clear, allowing visitors an intriguing look at native aquatic flora and fauna. For more information, visit: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/explore-northwest-florida-wacissa-river-airboat.html

The springs at the headwaters of the Wacissa River are an old-fashioned swimming hole, popular with locals and visitors

There are some excellent aerial views of the Wacissa River and springs HERE in this short video.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief tour of Monticello/Jefferson County and their tourism offerings. And we hope you’ll add the area and our Natural North Florida region to your list of places to visit soon.