Festivals/Events:
 | Palatka Azalea Festival: usually scheduled during the second week of March. Includes carnival on the waterfront and antique/craft fair in the adjacent downtown area. |
| The Blue Crab Festival: Memorial Weekend - featuring arts and crafts, rides, entertainment, and local blue crab dishes: www.bluecrabfestival.com. |
| Battle at Horselanding: Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. Civil War reenactment on the St. Johns River. Military ball, food, parade, and living history demonstrations. Third weekend in November. |
| Putnam County Historical Society Show and Sale: November. Antiques from local dealers. |
| Riverside Summer Arts Series: April through June. A free concert every Saturday on the waterfront. |
Golf:
Palatka's local golf course was designed by Donald Ross and has been operating, unaltered, since 1924. Call for information: (386) 329-0141
Ravine Gardens State Park:
A 153-acre park created in 1933 by the Federal Works Project Administration. The ravine may be viewed from a 1.8 mile, one-way loop road or by walking the trails which lead around the ravine and along the spring-fed creek. Guided tours are available for groups upon request. Walking the extensive trail system is the most popular way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the ravine. A parcours fitness trail and picnic facilities are also available within the park.
The display of blooming flowers around the formal gardens has been enhanced over the years with extensive planting of azaleas and camellias. The peak blooming season of March and April coincides with the annual Palatka Azalea Festival. Of course, there are many other varieties of flowering and ornamental plants in the gardens. For more information: (386) 329-3721.
Want to Tour the Local Waters?
Not only is it Florida's longest river, but the St. Johns is one of only a few in North America that flow northward. The abundance of bass that inhabit its deep waters has earned Palatka the title of "Bass Capital of the World." Passing only a block and a half from the Azalea House, this majestic river divides Palatka. The Seminole Indians called this place "Pilotaikata," meaning crossing or ford. Early settlers also referred to Palatka as the Gem City.
For those guests who want to learn more about our local waterways and environment, Whole Earth Outfitters offers tours limited to four or less participants (small groups facilitate better wildlife viewing). These trips are tailored to the needs and abilities of the participants. Possible trips could be: half-day St. Augustine, the Oklawaha River, Salt River, Salt Springs, or Lake George. Most of these trips include lunch and range in price from $65 to $85 per person. Go to www.wholeearthoutfitters.com for information.
Antiques, anyone?
Palatka has four antique malls for your shopping pleasure!