Google “Businesses that Every Small Town Should Have”. On the list at #19 is Bed and Breakfast and Green Cove Springs does have a fine one indeed.
Historic Site
Remembered by some as the Appleseed Antiques building, it became River Park Inn in 1997. Already a contributing site to the Green Cove Springs Historic District on the National Register, the Clay County Preservation Board recognized the property in 2018 with a historic marker for the Dr. Applegate House, a Florida Heritage Site.
River Park Inn was formerly the home of Dr. Applegate, proprietor of the famous Clarendon Hotel.
Pleasant Retreat
The subheading of a “Features” article about River Park Inn in the “Clay Today” from October 2, 1998 is entitled “a pleasant retreat from the plastic experience”.
Genuine Experience
As true now as when it first opened, the key word is experience. At River Park Inn guests experience an updated version of what it was like a hundred and forty years ago. In the late 1800’s Dr. Joseph Applegate, the proprietor of the Clarendon Hotel, located where City Hall is today, lived in the building with his wife Jenny and housed his private patients.
Postcard Picture from early 1900’s
Amenities
But be not alarmed, today’s guests will enjoy a strong Wi-Fi signal, in suite bathrooms with indoor plumbing and reliable climate control year-round. Despite these modern amenities, the 6 fireplaces, antique furniture, heart pine flooring, high ceilings, balcony, porch swing and transoms above each interior door will take you back to that earlier time.
Heart Pine Floors and Beautiful Antiques
Breakfast
A delicious full hot breakfast is also included in that experience as is the chance to meet and talk to people from other places. As an innkeeper, one of the joys of having the inn has always been the chance to talk to people from other parts of the world about their state or country. I love to listen from the kitchen as they get to know each other at breakfast.
Delicious Breakfast with Omlets, Bacon, Hot Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Juice and Coffee
Although breakfast seating has been modified to accommodate social distancing, it is still part of a great experience. The inn was closed for ten weeks at the beginning of the pandemic. Cautiously, it has reopened without the usual hugs and with all recommended measures in place.
Location
The location, across from Spring Park with the spring fed pool and St. Johns River waterfront, could not be better for a short getaway and change of scenery.
Spring fed pool offers breathtaking view of Spring Park and St. Johns River
Another Reason to Stay
Most repeat guests have family in the area. However, we have recently hosted two day meetings online with guests attending virtual conferences close to home yet away from family distractions.
The Inn offers an Escape from the Distractions of Working at Home During the Pandemic
During this pandemic, cabin fever, reluctance to be in large crowds or fly have been unexpected advantages to small properties off the beaten path like River Park Inn.
Consider a “staycation” in Green Cove Springs and remember River Park Inn to your friends.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Book Direct Bonus
Book direct with a phone call and mention that you read this blog for an extra night after 2 paid nights.
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