By Christopher Balogh
We have been taught since childhood to wait 30 minutes after eating to take a dip, but in this case, there should be an exception. De Leon Springs State Park, steers upwards from Orlando about 45 miles. This State Park isn't just filled with sweltering hiking trails and birding, the common attractions of a Florida State Park. It has pancakes.
Within the State Park sits the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, which was turned into a restaurant in 1961, even though the chimney of the mill dates back to 1570. The restaurant's inside feels like visiting the Country Bear Jamboree home. Each table is decked out with DIY griddles, where flapjacks are AYCE for $4.50, with toppings galore and two types of batter - 5-grain and regular.
After filling the stomach with syrup and johnnycakes, take a dip in the 72° springs. Might want to wear some floaties, otherwise sinking to the bottom may occur.
