The Florida Welcome Center at Yulee is by far the best “welcome station” I’ve ever visited. And I’m not just saying that because I live in Florida. Travelling throughout the country the last several years, I’ve been to over a dozen and the only one that comes close – in a far second place – is the North Carolina Welcome Center on I-26, entering from South Carolina.
Driving into the Sunshine State on Interstate 95, the Florida Welcome Center is a couple of miles south of the Georgia/Florida border on the west side of the highway. It’s always a pleasure stopping in for a free glass of orange or grapefruit juice and visiting with Rissa, Debbie, Laura Gail and Nathan. Very polite and pleasant staff. Always very quick to help or answer a question.
Did I mention that Nathan is also known as Storm Master Nate? On my last stop to the Florida Welcome Center, my daughter and I listened to Nate as he provided an extended forecast for the Sunshine State. It had been raining for days and we wondered when it would stop.
Displayed by region, thousands of flyers, travel books and brochures are available. Walking through the Welcome Center, I was amazed at the travel and hospitality options available throughout the state. Coupon books, maps, travel guides, and even free State of Florida postcards are available. A person can get lost for hours in the brochure center just trying to figure out what to do and where to go.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have always been visible and on patrol during any of my visits. Nighttime security is also visible. For those wanting a photo of their visit, a “Welcome to Florida” sign is available and free Shutterfly coupons are available to memorialize your visit.
Plenty of parking is available and the facility is well lit. A dog walking area is available for those wanting to exercise and water Rover. The Florida Welcome Center is extremely kid friendly.
Clean bathrooms with over a dozen stalls offered in dual men and women’s restrooms. Not gender neutral, but I prefer to take care of business in private. Never out of soap and plenty of soft toilet paper available.
Vending machines are offered in an air-conditioned room. Cookies, candy, ice cream, soda, water, coffee and lots of other goodies are offered. A change machine is available for those needing to break a twenty.
For those needing a Sunpass, a vending machine is available with instant loading of funds. If you don’t already know it – a Sunpass allows discounted travelling along any of Florida’s toll roads. It’s a few bucks, but if you’re travelling the entire state or vacationing for a while, it’s worth the investment.
Are you into the Pokémon craze? If so, this Florida Welcome Center has not one – but five – Pokestops. I missed this little gem, but my 11 year-old daughter Kate brought it to my attention.
By far, this is not a “complete” review of all the available options at the Florida Welcome Center in Yulee. I’m sure that I missed something, but that’s why you must stop. Check the place out and report back on your findings.
Bill Lewis
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Driving east to west and back and forth on State Road 60, I’ve had the opportunity to drive through Lake Wales, Florida, on occasion. When doing so, I’ve frequently stopped at Spook Hill, a popular gravity hill located on a significant range of sand and limestone hills. When parked in neutral “on the white line,” your car will appear to “roll up” the spooky hill while actually moving in reverse.
More about the story than the actual experience, my kids and their friends enjoy it. Not something I would drive out of my way to visit, Spook Hills is a fun 30 or so minute distraction while driving through Lake Wales. An off-beat and fun attraction, it’s free, you can take a few photos, and the kids will talk about it for hours. I often find myself riding the white line 3 or 4 times for the benefit of the kids.
Spook Hill is located directly across the street from Spook Hill Elementary School, which conveniently adopted “Casper the Friendly Ghost” as their school mascot. In this day and age of “political correctness,” I’m surprised no one has forced a name change of this attraction.
/s/ William E. Lewis Jr.
Vero Beach, Florida