The Clay County Couple's Weekend Itinerary
Both Orange Park and Keystone Heights supply excellent occasions for romance and relaxation, meaning multiple appealing escapes may be in order. The following itinerary highlights some of the best selections from these idyllic locales.
Where to Stay-
Enjoy Luxury at Orange Park’s Club Continental
Old Florida has always felt replenishing, a welcome respite from the North’s harsh weather and life’s stark realities. The elegant charm and temperate climate are what first drew B.J. Johnson to Orange Park in the late 1880s. The Palmolive founder needed an escape from Wisconsin’s frigid winters, where he had already lost two children to tuberculosis and feared his daughter Karrie might suffer the same fate. The dry air and warm temperature in Orange Park and Green Cove Springs sounded like an ideal solution—after all, their bathhouses and hot springs were long rumored to improve health and quality of life.
The Johnsons began their Clay County extended stay at the Park View House, an ornate hotel near the picturesque St. John’s River. The family then rented the estate across from Orange Park founder Washington Benedict, an arrangement that would host the Johnson family for many winters to come. With time, Karrie grew to adore the seasonal home, eventually convincing husband John Albert Ferguson to purchase the property in 1906. Renamed Winterbourne, Karrie spent the rest of her life in the waterfront house, passing away in her dream estate well into her eighties. While she may be gone her legacy remains, with Winterbourne serving as a tranquil choice for many weddings and special events.
In 1917, Karrie convinced her brother to join the Florida family foray, selling him 20 acres of waterfront property to construct the Mediterranean-themed Mira Rio mansion. Caleb Johnson and his family took up residence in 1923, and the home quickly became a favorite for hosting Northern friends and family looking to escape for the season. With nine bedrooms, Mira Rio was always full of life, hosting glamorous balls, parlor games, and outdoor excursions such as horseback riding, boating, and swimming. Fountains, statues, and ceramic tiles from this illustrious age can still be found on the grounds today.
Caleb Johnson’s grandson, Jon Massee, later inherited Mira Rio, and his vision for the home’s future would change the property’s path forever. Recognizing the need for a private member establishment, Massee turned the home into Club Continental, an exclusive affiliation that brought members access to the elegant, expansive estate. By 1966, the community had a new recreational facility that included tennis courts, swimming pools, dining, The River House Private Club, and 22 stately guest rooms.
Today, Club Continental is managed by Karrie Massee, Jon’s daughter, and membership has grown to include over 700 supporters who appreciate the charming atmosphere of “Old Florida.” Club Continental stands as a luxurious riverfront resort, offering a romantic and intimate destination for its guests and enduring as a testament to the legacy of both the Massee family and its deep roots in the history of Orange Park.
The Allure of Keystone Heights – The Inn at Palmetto
John J. Lawrence, an ordained minister from Pittsburgh, founded Keystone Heights in 1925, naming it after his home state and developing the town as a winter resort destination for Pennsylvania residents.
Pennsylvania artist Leona Clark Caughey and her husband Ed, who was part owner of the Keystone Lumber Company, built such a winter home with the intention of seasonal escapes in the warm Florida sun. Though Caughey never occupied the home, instead letting close family move into the new residence, its completion created what is now Keystone Heights’ only Bed and Breakfast Inn, the historic Inn at Palmetto.
In 2025, The Inn at Palmetto will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Luckily, the owners’ dedication to history shows through in both the home’s preservation and visible ties to the property’s original design. The Inn bestows Southern charm at every turn through its décor including vintage maps, local art, and exposed brick. An Inn at Palmetto stay means experiencing Old Florida but with modern comfort and amenities. Spending a romantic weekend here also means being close to other meaningful experiences.
What to do-
Make a Bet on Bonding and Fun
Feeling lucky and in love? Try your luck with a game of Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Pai Gow Poker, One Card or Three Card Poker, DJ Wild, or High Card Flush at bestbet in Orange Park. Bestbet opened in 2012, but its history began in the 1930s when the Jacksonville Kennel Club introduced greyhound racing to Northeast Florida. Although Florida greyhound racing ceased operations in 2020, the Jacksonville Kennel Club has transformed its newest facility into bestbet, offering the largest poker room in the state of Florida and the third largest in the United States. The fun doesn’t stop with card games; they also have simulcast wagering rooms, dedicated party or event spaces, and even a full bar. Here’s an insider tip: bestbet is also known for its fresh sushi.
Take a Stroll Down River Road
Visitors to Orange Park have long been enamored with the beauty of legendary St. John’s River. One of the best ways to enjoy the soothing scenery involves a romantic stroll along Orange Park’s picturesque River Road, where vibrant sunrises and inspiring sunsets stir the wonder of the natural beauty around you.
While the captivating views alone are enough of a reason to visit, the river itself is steeped in stories. Take for example the Maple Leaf, a ship used by the union army to transport troops to the East coast during the Civil War. In 1864, the ship hit a Confederate torpedo (mine), sinking in the River between Orange Park and Mandarin. The site is designated a National Historic Landmark, but is not a dive site because it is submerged in over seven feet of mud. Despite never being salvaged and resurfaced, 3,000 individual artifacts have been recovered from the Maple Leaf and are on public display at the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History.
Visit the Moon Tree and Picnic at Lake Geneva
Romantic love is often described as being over the moon for someone. Couples can quixotically connect with a visit to Clay County’s Moon Tree. The Moon Tree is a unique piece of history found outside of the Keystone Heights Library next to Lake Geneva. The American Sycamore’s origin story has celestial beginnings, having been grown from a seed that traveled to the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The seed was planted in 1984 and is now a perfect place to find some shade and see something truly special.
An ideal location for some quiet time together can be found at the unobtrusive Lake Geneva. Pack a picnic lunch, sit in the sand, or bring a blanket, and enjoy the serene surroundings of peaceful waters. You’ll find views of fishing, swimming, and beachfront views from the shore, inspiring an endearing experience that makes lifelong memories.
Stargazing at Gold Head Branch State Park
Night arrives with an opportunity for starry-eyed couples to settle into the cosmic ambiance found at Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights. Unobstructed evening skies mean stargazing with your favorite person in this nearly 2,000-acre park, one Florida’s most treasured historic places. Gold Head Branch, one of the oldest parks in the state, has 5.4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail and plenty of pavilions, playgrounds, and picnic tables to relax. City lights cannot be seen on these historic lands, so the heavens seemingly belong to just you and yours.
Where to eat-
Keystone Heights is home to some of Florida’s favorite seafood. With a full-service bar, friendly staff, and plates that resemble full-on feasts, Cedar River checks every ideal date night box (including the much-needed to-go box as well).
Orange Park also hosts Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen, a local fixture for fantastic no-frills Puerto Rican food. Family-owned and serving traditional fare, Palermo is a great date option for those seeking an authentic dining experience. The thoughtful menu brings joy in knowing that every entrée pairs well with their house-made sangrias.
Another thoughtful and distinctive eating experience involves a visit to The Hilltop Restaurant in Orange Park. Sitting on a knoll nestled among towering oak trees, this striking Victorian mansion is the perfect scene to an unforgettable occasion. There’s a reason why northwest Florida residents eagerly book Hilltop for their weddings and events; the atmosphere and dining options are unmatched. Order a diverse spread from their menu or stick with standards such as the Prime Rib or She Crab Soup.
Originality and authenticity are valued characteristics of Clay County, which is why Cultured Collective, a local craft brewery, delivers an intimate gathering place. With an airy, relaxed vibe that is accommodating to anyone, it’s easy to find a quiet corner for a beer and close conversation. Share a few flights together and then fill up a growler to go.
Share your experience!
Whether it’s your traditional weekend escapade or an inspired new getaway, Orange Park and Keystone Heights in Clay County each offer a variety of romantic places to explore. Build your itinerary around meaningful time spent together, whether it’s at the historic club, on a dreamy dinner date, or even under the stars. Be sure to share your own romance-filled Clay County experience with #myclaystory
