Sun-Kissed☀️💋 at Eureka Springs Conservation Park
By Leah Burdick
Have you ever played hide and seek with nature? How about I-spy?At Eureka Springs you can spend hours trying to pinpoint every part of nature that you are trying to find. During my time I spent most of my journey hiking looking for alligators because the signs say they can be common. I looked and looked and looked and still have yet to see one. I examined every body of water to look for movement.
However, I did find a few turtles playing tag with one another. Funny how nature has more fun with our childhood games than we do now. The journey doesn’t stop after you complete the bridge walk through the woods. There is a beautiful garden with flowers you might not see anywhere else, or at least I have not. These delicate pieces are so strong and sharp to our eyes. Some flowers you can notice from far away thats how strong and powerful they are. You can feel the warmth and calmness when you travel through this area. The light breeze keeps you content as you take deep breathes to smell the nature. I love how you can live next to a city or heavily populated area, but just a few miles away you can be taken into a zenful atmosphere. If you don’t like hiking, there are wooden picnic benches where you can read a book or do some work, allowing you to still be apart of nature. This little park has lots to offer if you take a step back to appreciate all that is in it.
By: Emily Bobowski
Sun-Kissed☀️💋 at Eureka Springs Conservation Park
By: Destiny Jewett
Went to Eureka Springs State Park, and it was such a peaceful little escape from the craziness of Tampa. The gardens were beautiful with tons of colorful flowers, tropical plants, and these winding paths that make you feel like you’re in your own secret jungle. The greenhouse was really pretty, too, with all the orchids and palms. It’s not a huge park, but it’s perfect for just walking around, taking photos, and slowing down for a bit. Definitely one of those hidden gems you don’t expect to find in Florida!
My friend and I came here to get out and get some fresh air! The gardens had so many pretty flowers, and they were attracting a lot of butterflies! We were hoping to see an alligator, but we seems to miss him lol better luck next time! We will definitely be back!
By: Sam Benoliel
A couple of months ago, during the summer, we took our engagement photos at Eureka Springs Park in Tampa, and it couldn’t have been a better spot. The park is full of lush greenery, tropical plants, and peaceful boardwalks — it honestly feels like a little hidden paradise tucked away in the middle of the city.
What I loved most was how every part of the park had its own vibe. There’s a long wooden boardwalk surrounded by tall trees, a greenhouse filled with flowers, and open garden areas where the light hits just right. We found quiet little corners by the pond that felt so peaceful — it made the perfect setting to just slow down, laugh, and enjoy the moment together.
We spent the afternoon wandering around, taking breaks to explore, and just soaking in that golden summer light. Even though it was hot (classic Florida summer), it didn’t matter — the whole day just felt easy and fun.
Looking back at the photos now, I love how they captured exactly how that day felt — relaxed, happy, and full of love. If you’re ever in Tampa and want a beautiful place to explore or take pictures, Eureka Springs Park is such a gem.
Sun-Kissed☀️💋 at Mote Science Education Aquarium
By: Leah Burdick
Today I became a little fish. I had the ability to immerse myself with aquatic animals. I witness a side of beauty that I am usually too afraid to see in nature. I got to say hello to sting rays and sharks as they swam above my head, smiling down at us. It's funny how the string ray had a painted smile as it looked like it was waving to me. The sharks were peculiar. Why did they swim around with a confused look on their face?
They must of thought about how we got into their habitat. This was my favorite part of the entire aquarium. I felt like I was under the sea. Even when you looked up, you saw light beaming down, which made it seem like the sun was looking down at you.
At Mote, I was able to touch three different species of sharks. I touched sting rays and starfish. It was one of the most interactive aquariums I have been to in Florida. What I especially loved was not only how they made you feel one with the aquatic life, but you were able to see the employees' laboratories where they were working with coral populations and jelly fish. It felt transparent. I like knowing that these locations are helping nature and not just removing them from their habitat. There were two large sea cows as well. One had no tail from a boating accident, and the aquarium took him in after he spent some time recovering in Orlando.
It was a great way to spend my Saturday. Watching the penguins play and the seahorses flutter across, just reminded me how beautiful nature is. We all share the same Earth, and it's a great reminder that we can coexist.
