Sharon's Blog

What a fun time we had visiting the vendors, eating scrumptious Bar-B-Q and curly fries and watching the parade! It was honestly like stepping back to my childhood.

Here are some photos of the activities in and around Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs FL yesterday.

Frank and I enjoyed visiting with Sherry Faye who was helping her daughter run a booth for her Flower and Gift shop on Highway 16. We tried to convince her to buy one of our historic listings! Either one would be perfect for their shop.

There were dozens of booths with home  made crafts, art work, jewelry and food. There is a $50 fee to reserve a space for the day. Each vendor supplies their own tents, tables, etc. In 1999 there were only 8 booths participating, so they have really come a long way.

Walnut Street is quaint with the kind of brick buildings you would expect in a town settled in the late 1800s. They house a bookstore/coffee shop, restaurants, even a naval architecture firm.

Across the highway there is a Starbucks that has been open about a year. Nearby is the Clay Theatre, an opera house turned movie theatre in 1936. If nostalgia is what you're seeking, it's a great place to see a movie. The theatre was renovated a few years ago.

Folks were sitting in front of 'Mama and Papa Gus' home on Walnut Street. Mama and Papa Gus Gustafson owned the Gustafson Dairy just outside Green Cove. We met a woman at the parade who is 81, and she had fond memories of buying eggs, milk and butter from Mama Gus when she was a little girl. She said Mama Gus was the sweetest person she ever met.  The dairy land is slated for a development.

Southern Living magazine wrote about Christmas on Walnut Street in the November issue. The article also mentioned Clay County's 150th Anniversary celebration.

Hundreds of people lined Palmetto and Walnut Streets waiting for the 2pm Parade. The crowd was very friendly and we enjoyed the combination of fire trucks, floats, antique cars and marching bands. Florida has a lot of festivals, but this is one I would definitely attend next year.

Join us for an Open House during the Christmas on Walnut Street Celebration in Historic Green Cove Springs today. 

The time is 11-1 pm.

520 Palmer Street Green Cove Springs FL, corner of Pine and Palmer Streets.

This home has been gutted and most of the hard work has been done. It is zoned C1 and would be a perfect restaurant, professional office, or it could remain a residence.

The owners were planning a restaurant, so much of the renovations were done with that in mind. The home has a rare double lot with huge shed on the extra lot.

With over 4000 sq ft under roof, this home has many options. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, plumbed for 2 more, and is offered at $299,000.

713 Spring Street Green Cove Springs FL.

This home has been completely restored during a two year process and would be a beautiful bed and breakfast.The owners renovated with this in mind, so there is a separate entrance, parlor upstairs for guests, and three bathrooms and three bedrooms upstairs.

Zoned C2, this home could also remain a residence, or you could have a business and live in it also. The possibilities are endless!

This home has almost 2500 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. It is offered at $389,000.

Stop by to see these grand old homes in the Historic area of Green Cove Springs FL in Clay County. Let us tell you about all the exciting developments that are planned for this charming town.

This weekend we celebrate the 42nd Annual Christmas on Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs FL. The sleepy town of Green Cove Springs in Clay County comes alive for this annual event.

Friday, Dec 5 from 5-10 the Lighting of the Trees takes place on the east side of Highway 17 in the Green Cove Springs Park. Trees line the sidewalks which have been decorated and dedicated by families to their loved ones, organizations and businesses. 

Saturday, Dec 6 from 9-5 pm, the celebration moves west of 17 to Walnut Street where vendors and shop owners alike offer their best in food, crafts, and Holiday Cheer to visitors.

This year the Celebration was mentioned in "Southern Living" so it has garnered some extra attention. If you are in the area, come join us! We will be holding an Open House for some historical homes from 11-1 at 520 Palmer Street and 713 Spring Street.

Come join the 42nd Christmas on Walnut Street! More photos to come!