Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Starke, Florida

Approximately midway between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Starke serves as the historic seat of Bradford County. Established in the mid-19th century, this city is enveloped in picturesque rural scenery and is recognized for its strawberry production.

Indeed, there is a yearly festival each spring that honors this fruit, which is my preferred time to visit Starke.

The downtown area features a historic district with two dozen preserved structures, transforming the location into a vibrant space akin to an outdoor museum. It also proudly hosts a first-run movie theater that remains operational.

Starke has significant military associations and is situated adjacent to Camp Blanding, the headquarters for the Florida National Guard.

1. Call Street Historic District

The historic downtown of Starke is concentrated along four blocks of Call Street, positioned between Temple Street and Cherry Street.

The layout harks back to the mid-19th century, with Call Street named after Richard K. Call, the Territorial Governor of Florida (1792-1862).

During my visit to Starke, I observed no vacant storefronts. The wonderful Florida Twin Theatre will be discussed below, alongside a variety of local shops and eateries, offering a range of cuisines from Italian to Thai.

Be on the lookout for the office of The Bradford County Telegraph, which has been in operation since 1879 and is recognized as Florida’s oldest weekly newspaper.

2. Strawberry Festival

Source: Bradford County Strawberry Festival / Facebook

Renowned for hundreds of acres of strawberry fields surrounding the city, the annual harvest has been a staple for Starke for decades. In 1998, local residents initiated a festival celebrating this fruit at the fairgrounds.

The Strawberry Festival occurs over a weekend in late March or early April, combining gastronomic delights with family-oriented activities.

I witnessed bountiful displays of fresh strawberries, jams, strawberry shortcakes, gourmet pies, and strawberry ice cream. Furthermore, the event features live entertainment, arts and crafts, a car show, and a multitude of enjoyable activities for children at the Kidz Zone.

3. Florida Twin Theatre

A remarkable feature of downtown Starke is its operational first-run movie theater. With an elegant Streamline Moderne façade, the Florida Twin Theatre began its journey in 1941 and continues to instill pride within the community.

The interior underwent renovations in the 70s and again in the late 80s when it transformed into a twin facility.

An appealing aspect of this establishment is its reasonable ticket prices—just $7 during my visit. I appreciate the charming box office located on the corner, along with a selection of concessions, including hot dogs, pretzels, and an extensive variety of candy.

4. Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park

The primary reservation and training facility for the Florida National Guard is situated just a few miles east of Starke. Established in 1939, Camp Blanding originated after relocating the main base from Camp Foster in Jacksonville.

It is unsurprising that a facility with over 80 years of history possesses numerous stories, and a museum located in a restored WWII structure provides insights into this legacy.

Visitors can explore the history of the Florida National Guard and Camp Blanding, with displays featuring uniforms, photographs, newspaper articles, artwork, and poignant reminders of Japanese internment, medals, and flags.

I was particularly struck by the outdoor hardware exhibits and the Memorial Park, which pays homage to the nine Army infantry divisions and the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment that trained at Camp Blanding.

5. Andrews Center at Santa Fe College

Source: Santa Fe College Andrews Center / Facebook

An architecturally striking historic building along Call Street is the Old Bradford County Courthouse (1902). It was saved from demolition in the 1980s and subsequently renovated, becoming the Andrews Center, an extension of Santa Fe College.

The center houses the Eugene L. Matthews Historical Museum, located at 201 E Call St, which chronicles the 170-year history of Bradford County in a beautifully preserved commercial building.

This attraction is accessible in the afternoons, Tuesday through Thursday, and it also offers a performance venue that features a schedule of live music.

6. Bradford County Fair

Another significant event on the calendar at the Bradford Fairgrounds is the historic Bradford County Fair, which takes place over five days in March.

By the time I visited, the fair had celebrated over 70 years of operation. In this region of Florida that retains its rural essence, it provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture.

In alignment with this, attendees can participate in livestock auctions and experience numerous 4-H and FFA exhibits and contests. Competitions feature a variety of animals including poultry, rabbits, steers, goats, lambs, and swine.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy the amusement rides at the midway, as well as indulging in delightful fair food such as fried dough. Traditionally, Sunday is designated as Family Fun Day, with discounted admission and offers on unlimited ride armbands.

7. Starke Bikefest

During a three-day span in August, the atmosphere in Starke intensifies as motorcycle aficionados converge on the city. The Starke Bike Festival was first established in 2006 and caters to a substantial community of motorcycle enthusiasts.

For a small town, this event is quite significant, organized in collaboration with the City of Starke and Bradford County. Each year, the event features extensive live music, contests, and numerous vendor booths.

Much of the excitement stems from the opportunity to traverse the serene back roads around the city, far removed from the nearest interstate.

8. Starke Golf & Country Club

Source: photogolfer / shutterstock

Situated east of the city, the Starke Golf & Country Club is a 9-hole course that extends just under 3,300 yards, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick round without committing an entire day.

This par-36 course, established in 1959, is famed for its rolling, tree-lined fairways and manicured greens.

What impressed me most about this facility was the abundance of water features that come into play on seven out of the nine holes. Starke Golf & Country Club operates as a semi-private course with affordable green fees, priced at just $14 on weekdays during my visit.

9. Starke – Lake Butler Loop

In recent years, Starke has emerged as a minor destination for cyclists due to its well-marked bike lanes, grade-separated paths, and dirt trails available for exploration.

A fantastic way to appreciate the expansive longleaf pine forests surrounding the city is by embarking on a 61-mile loop that meanders to the neighboring town of Lake Butler along SR 100, known for its bike lanes.

This route will guide you through the charming, historic community before leading back towards Starke via tranquil backcountry roads that are virtually free of traffic. My favorite segment traverses the secluded farmland between the small towns of Brooker and Graham.

10. Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park

Located on the site of the former WWII Keystone Army Airfield, this motorsports facility features both a road course and seven miles of off-road trails.

Rally driving, characterized by high-speed time trials on paved and unpaved courses, is a niche sport in the United States but commands a large international following. The Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park (FIRM) is one of the rare venues where individuals can participate in this exhilarating experience.

FIRM hosts a rally school that provides European-style instruction, available in durations ranging from one to four days. The skills acquired in this setting can be applied to various driving scenarios, including navigating safely through standing water on roads.

I would recommend checking the schedule for track days, where visitors have the opportunity to pay a fee and bring their own vehicles to the facility.

11. Edwards Road Sports Complex & Splash Park

Marked on the map as simply “Starke City Recreation,” this facility serves as Starke’s premier hub for active recreation. The complex hosts an array of local sports tournaments and features a concession stand that operates during these events.

Among the amenities are six softball fields, a tennis court, a skatepark, a racquetball court, and a playground for children. During my visit, the city had recently installed a splash park, perfect for families seeking activities for their children on sweltering days.

There is ample covered seating throughout the facility, both at the splash park and in the bleachers. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu available at the concession stand, including delightful options such as funnel cake fries.

12. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Source: carsonspringswildlife.org

Located a mere fifteen minutes from Starke en route to Gainesville, this sanctuary houses over 100 animals from approximately 30 rare and endangered species.

The foundation is dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation, yet it opens to the public for tours on Saturdays.

Visitors may encounter iconic exotic animals, including cheetahs, a Siberian lynx, and an Amur leopard, while gaining insights into the importance of global habitat preservation. Feeding demonstrations are included and were the most memorable aspect of my visit.

For a more intimate experience, a two-hour private tour is available, bringing participants as close as possible to the sanctuary’s residents. Additionally, be on the lookout for one of the twice-annual open houses, which permit visitors to self-guide through the grounds.

13. Kingsley Lake

Source: SandraG / shutterstock

Adjacent to Camp Blanding, there exists a lake noted for its remarkably round shape, which has drawn the nickname ‘Silver Dollar Lake’ from pilots.

Kingsley Lake resembles a man-made structure, yet it is a natural sinkhole formed centuries ago that descends 90 feet deep.

Accessing Kingsley Lake presents challenges, as there is no public land along its 5.5-mile shoreline. However, one can catch glimpses while visiting the museum at Camp Blanding, which offers campgrounds and recreational facilities by the shore.

To the north of the lake, Kingsley Lake Park features a small public park slightly removed from the shoreline, including a playground, picnic area, and a tennis court.

14. Ellianos Coffee

Source: Ellianos of Starke / Facebook

Located on US 301, just a few blocks south of downtown, Ellianos Coffee forms part of a regional chain of coffee shops. This establishment was founded by a local couple who were inspired during their travels to the Pacific Northwest, the origin of Starbucks and other renowned coffee brands.

Their inaugural shop opened in nearby Lake City in 2002, and by the time I compiled this overview, nearly 70 locations were operational.

It is noteworthy that the Ellianos Coffee in Starke operates exclusively as a drive-thru, a unique concept I found intriguing. I particularly enjoy their frozen coffees and smoothies; opting for strawberry is recommended when in Starke, as well as their decadent warm chocolate muffin.

15. Cedar River Seafood

Source: Dawna Moore / shutterstock

Cedar River Seafood, a bit more localized than Ellianos, is a chain with six locations across North Florida.

Although the menu is diverse, the specialty is Southern-style seafood, offering dishes such as shrimp & grits, fried catfish, crab-stuffed flounder, fried oysters, and clam strips, among others.

Classic side options include hushpuppies, macaroni and cheese, and fried okra. The chain is especially celebrated for its iced tea, which complements a seafood feast perfectly. Be sure to check the schedule for all-you-can-eat crab legs or shrimp nights.