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B lessed by nature and filled with interesting historic spots and a dollop of enjoyable attractions thrown in for good measure, Santa Rosa County's pleasures are naturally beautiful and reflect Florida's small-town charms. DO A visit to Santa Rosa County is not complete without a stop at Navarre Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Florida Panhandle, with the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico, or at Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of only 10 such seashores in America. And Blackwater River State Park promises a view of unspoiled, primeval Florida. At each of these special places, you can combine natural beauty with a host of recreational options. Santa Rosa County doesn't lack for modern attractions. The 50-acre Gulf Breeze Zoo highlights the region's wild side and provides shelter to animals from around the world. The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station and Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center both offer great family fun with immersive hands-on experiences. SHOP If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind treasure to bring home from your trip, head for the shops in the historic town of Milton, where walking the streets is akin to walking through a living history book. EAT AND PLAY Later on, when you're hankerin' for some rib-stickin' food, take your appetite to Texas Roadhouse or the aptly named Pork and Spoon, both located in historic Milton. LOCAL TRIVIA Impress friends back home with a piece of trivia about Santa Rosa. The colorful town of Milton apparently carried some more descriptive names in the past. Among them were Jernigan's Landing, named after an 1830s pioneer named Benjamin Jernigan; Scratch Ankle, which referred to the results inflicted by briars growing along the banks of the Blackwater River; Hard Scrabble; and eventually, Mill Town, because of the lumber mill that employed many citizens, which was eventually shortened to Milton. HIDDEN Gems BY STEVE WINSTON VISIT SANTA ROSA COUNTY S A N TA RO S A CO U N T Y Santa Rosa County Tourism Development Office: floridasplayground.com Blackwater River State Park: floridastateparks.org/park/Blackwater-River City of Milton: ci.milton.fl.us Gulf Breeze Zoo: gulfbreezezoo.org Gulf Islands National Seashore: nps.gov/guis Navarre Beach Marine Science Station: navarresciencestation.org Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center: navarrebeachseaturtles.org Texas Roadhouse: texasroadhouse.com FEATURED LINKS TOP: Paddling with Adventures Unlimited in Santa Rosa County. CENTER: Hippos at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. 128 2017 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA