On the banks of spring-fed Lake Santa Fe, sits Melrose, Florida a town that makes good use of this proximity.

Boating and fishing are excellent here, especially anglers looking to hook black crappie, bluegill and redear. Two to four pound largemouth bass are common, with six to eight pounders possible for you dreamers. Though many homes surround the lake, fish habitat is outstanding with many areas of cypress and healthy maidencane grass beds.

Off the water, two galleries form the artistic backbone of Melrose. The Melrose Bay Art Gallery is a co-op gallery showcasing some of North Central Florida’s best artists and craftspeople. The other, Bellamy Road Fine Arts, Literature and Film Gallery, features a broad array of quality used books along with artwork, a wifi lounge, specialty coffees, literary events, lectures, musical performances and classic and experimental films.