Milton (Florida) - city in Florida, United States

__Milton__is in the Florida Panhandle.

Understand

Milton was founded in 1844 under the Florida Territorial Acts of 1844. Milton is the county seat of Santa Rosa county, and prides itself on its large variety of outdoor activities. Downtown sits on the banks of the Blackwater River, and the vista of early 1900s buildings overlooking the water is the iconic image of the town. Canoeing, kayaking, and innertubing are available on the rivers just north of town, beaches are located to the south, and a local rails-to-trails project has created an impressive, 14-mile (22-km) bike path beginning in downtown Milton.

A massive fire destroyed large parts of downtown on January 6, 2009. This fire destroyed the historic Imogene Theater and the Mudd Pitt coffee shop, among other buildings.

Get in

• Interstate 10 provides access to Milton, by traveling north after using exits 22, 26, 28, or 31. Driving east from Pensacola, travel time is about 10 minutes.
• Highway 90 travels east-west through Milton, and is the primary thoroughfare through town. Travel time between Pensacola and Milton is about 30 minutes via Highway 90. Locals refer to the highway as Caroline Street while in city limits.
• Highway 87 and Highway 191, known as Stewart Street and Munson Highway respectively, provide access from the north to Milton. Travel time from Brewton, AL to Milton via Highway 87 is about 45 minutes. Travel time from Munson, FL and Blackwater State Forest to Milton via Highway 191 is about 30 minutes.
• Highway 281 is more commonly referred to as either Avalon Boulevard or Garcon Point Road, and travels south from Milton to Gulf Breeze. A bridge provides a shortcut over the East Bay, however, expect to pay a toll of $3.50 for a two-axle vehicle for each use of the bridge, or $7 round trip. Drivers can pay by cash, or using the Florida Sunpass.

Get around

Only a small portion of downtown Milton is pedestrian-friendly, and there is no public transportation available here. A majority of the city must be traveled by car, since walking along the busy Highway 90 is dangerous. Car rentals are available from Enterprise Rent-a-Car, on Highway 90 about 5 minutes west of city limits.

Do

• Adventures Unlimited, 8974 Tomahawk Landing Road. Hours vary, opens 8AM. A popular local company that helps plan and prepare outdoor excursions, mostly within the limits of Blackwater River State Forest. They are most well known for their canoe and kayak trips, which can accommodate trips on the Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, or Coldwater Creek, and may last a few hours, or up to four days. In addition, they offer lodging, camping, outdoorsman courses, and can accommodate large groups. Varies, starting at $25/person

• Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, 5709 Mill Pond Ln, +1 850 626-3084, mbeck@uwf.edu. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. In the early 1800s, a group of men purchased a plot of land a few miles from Milton, dammed Pond Creek to create a retaining pond, and built two sawmills in order to process the timber being harvested from the north parts of the county. The industrial site was later expanded, adding a highly-productive textile factory, a log flume to take the logs to the Blackwater River, and later, adding a railroad for transport. The mill was abandoned in 1855, and was forgotten until a local historian rediscovered it; the site is now administered by the University of West Florida's Archaeology Institute. A small museum showcases artifacts found by local archaeology students, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk showcases the dams and flumes. Call ahead to schedule a tour.

• Blackwater Heritage State Trail, +1 850 983-5338. This popular 10-mile-long (16-km) paved trail begins one mile south of downtown Milton and includes the 2-mile-long Military Trail terminating at NAS Whiting Field. The paved trail is open to cyclists, walkers, joggers, and is handicap accessible; an unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the trail for a shorter distance. The Blackwater Heritage Trail is meticulously maintained by the Florida Park Service, with mile markers, benches, and restroom stops scattered along the length of the trail. The first mile of the trail travels through the old neighborhoods of Milton, and cyclists should be cautious when crossing roads; traffic through the city can be busy. The remaining 6 miles (10 km) of the trail are rural, with few roads or homes, wooden bridges spanning winding streams, and an even, level grade for easy travel. Users of the trail should bring plenty of water since there are no sites to refill.

• Blackwater River State Forest, 30.7329°, -86.8747°, +1 850-957-5700, archert@doacs.state.fl.us. About 20 miles (32 km) north of Milton, the Blackwater River State Forest offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, birdwatching, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, cycling, horse riding, and hunting are all available within the of park land. $2 admittance to some areas

• Coldwater Creek Paddling Trail. Coldwater Creek is a small tributary of the Blackwater River; the two meet about three miles northeast of downtown Milton. The creek is designated part of Florida's state system of trails, and is an alternative to canoeing the Blackwater. The trail begins in Munson, at the intersection with Hwy 4, and ends 18 miles later at the SR 191 Bridge (Munson Rd), though you can continue another two miles to the Blackwater River and land at Downtown Milton instead, just north of the Hwy 90 bridge. During dry spells, this creek can get very low, and you may need to wade to get your canoe past some sandbars. Conversely, the creek floods easily after heavy rains.

• Blue Basket Farms, 8655 Highway 89, +1 850 623-0652. Open June through mid-July: daily 7AM-6PM. One of the last remaining 'U-Pick' farms in Milton is also one of the most popular. During blueberry season, Lundy sells his berries at a dollar a pound, as long as you're willing to pick the berries yourself. Come early in the season; hungry birds and locals often pick the best berries for themselves.

• Blackwater River State Park, 7720 Deaton Bridge Rd, Holt (Fifteen miles northeast of Milton, near Harold, off U.S. 90), 30.7069°, -86.8781°, +1 850 983-5363. A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation. The park has such amenities as birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, tubing, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. The main picnicking area has covered picnicking pavilions, restrooms, and a spacious parking lot. Bring your tubes and enjoy a leisurely float down the river to the Deaton Bridge. It is a short 1 mile hike back to the parking lot to retrieve your vehicle. Very kid friendly park with a variety of areas for swimming.

• Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park, +1 850 983-5363.

• Panhandle Butterfly House, 4966 Henry Street, 30.6156°, -87.0367°, +1 850-623-3868. The largest butterfly house in Northwest Florida, open between late spring and early fall. Entry is free, donations are recommended. free 2023-01-02

Golf

• Stonebrook Golf Club, 3200 Cobblestone Dr, +1 850 994-7171. A small, semi-private golf course. $40-50
• Tanglewood Golf and Country Club, 5916 Tanglewood Dr, +1 850 623-6176. A sister golf course to Stonebrook, small, semi-private. $20-28

Buy

Most businesses in Milton are nationally recognized chains. A few locally owned businesses are noted below.

• Truly Spokin, 5172 Stewart St, +1 850-983-2488. A small bicycle shop that has been popular enough to open a new store in Pensacola as well. They sell a wide variety of bikes under the Giant and Bianchi brand labels, and also offer bicycle clothes and accessories to dedicated cyclists. Located conveniently next to the paved Blackwater Heritage Trail, they offer repair services and rentals for anyone wishing to bicycle the 14-mile round trip path.
• Weber Sports, 6688 Rocky Shores Rd, +1 850 665-4111. A small business dealing primarily with inline speed skating and cycling accessories; a good place to stop before you hit the Blackwater Heritage Trail.

Eat

• Blackwater Bistro, 5147 Elmira St, 30.6213°, -87.0360°, +1 850 623-1105. Delicious down-home southern cooking in a nice, upscale environment by the river.
• David's Catfish House, 5129 Dogwood Dr, +1 850 626-1500. Tu–Th 11AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM. Hidden behind the Milton post office, David's Catfish House is part of a small, locally owned chain. They serve seafood sandwiches, fried shrimp and oysters, hamburgers, steak, and catfish, any way you want it, along with key lime pie for dessert. $10-20
• La Hacienda, 6471 Caroline St, +1 850 623-2558. Serves Tex-Mex food in an impressively nice atmosphere. Formerly housed in a run-down restaurant in downtown Milton, the food was popular enough that they could build a brand new, Mexican-decorated building down the street. The owners have now opened two other restaurants with the La Hacienda name, one in Pace, and one in Pensacola. Their flautas, fried burritos with roast pork inside, are one of their most popular dishes, especially served with agua de orchata, an iced cinnamon-spiced rice drink. $7-15
• Gulf Coast Garage Patio Bar, 6820 Caroline St, +1 850-910-5367. Another small cafe, built in a converted gas station with surprisingly charming results. Most seating is outdoors, underneath a canopy during drizzly weather. Mostly drinks and live music. $10-20
• Saucy's Frozen Treats (formerly Tasty Freeze), 6511 Caroline Street, +1 850-623-0707. Daily 10AM-10PM. Locally owned and operated since 1967, Big T is one of the oldest restaurants in town. They offer home made onion rings, fried green tomatoes, burgers, chicken tenders and steak fingers, as well as frozen desserts like soft-serve, sundaes, banana splits and more. $4-$6

Sleep

Due to the limited amenities in Milton, most visitors choose to sleep in nearby Pensacola. If you want to stay closer to Milton, or the outdoor amenities near the Blackwater River, your options are below.

• Red Roof Inn, 2672 Avalon Blvd, +1 850 995-6100. This chain motel is located at exit 22, Avalon Boulevard, off I-10. It features standard hotel amenities, allows one pet, and has WiFi access. $60-90
• Schoolhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast, 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, +1 850 623-6197. Owned by the Adventures Unlimited canoe company, these lodges are about 15 miles north of Milton. It is the only bed and breakfast in the Milton area, and is popular with visitors who want comfortable amenities near the outdoor attractions of the Blackwater State Forest. Make sure to reserve rooms far in advance, especially if you want to stay in the lodges on a three day weekend, or during the summer. $79-99
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Milton East I-10, 8510 Keshav Taylor Dr, +1 850 626-9060. 2022-03-14
• Milton / Gulf Pines KOA Holiday, 8700 Gulf Pines Dr, +1 850 623-0808. Cabins with an outdoor pool and hot tub and a miniature golf course for diversion. 2022-03-14

Stay safe

Like all of Florida, Milton is susceptible to hurricanes. Due to Blackwater River and Coldwater Creek running through town, the city is highly susceptible to flooding during a storm, especially in the downtown area. Listen to radio or TV news reports, and if the area where you are is told to evacuate, do so immediately. When evacuating from Milton, head north. The official hurricane evacuation route is Hwy 87, and is marked with blue and white hurricane evacuation route signs. Since this road can get very congested during an evacuation, you can also use Chumuckla Hwy (SR 197) or Munson Hwy (SR 191), but these roads are not marked with evacuation route signs, so make sure you have a map. If you can't evacuate, and believe you're in an unsafe area, make your way to a hurricane shelter. Hurricane shelters are designed to be nearly indestructible, and have cots, food, and water. The first shelter to open is at the Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom St; if needed, secondary shelters open at S.S. Dixon Intermediate School, 5540 Education Dr, and at Avalon Middle School, 5445 King Arthur's Way.

Just west of Milton is Air Products-Taminco, a fertilizer company, which works with chemicals that could be dangerous to the surrounding community. In the event of a chemical spill at the plant, loudspeakers around the community will blare a siren, followed by a voice giving directions on what to do. These sirens will also activate in the unlikely event of a tornado. The sirens are tested on the first Sunday of every month, at 2:15PM.

Go next

• Pensacola is the nearest large city to Milton, and is about twenty miles from downtown. Pensacola offers shopping, lodging, numerous restaurants, and has a large historic district.
• Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach are both located south of Milton, near the coast. Gulf Breeze is home to the Naval Live Oaks Preservation, and Pensacola Beach features a popular boardwalk and miles of sandy, white beaches. The quickest route is via the Garcon Point toll bridge, which costs $3.50 per use, and an additional $1 toll bridge takes you to Pensacola Beach. To avoid the toll bridge, you can detour via the Pensacola Bay Bridge, or through Navarre.
• Navarre is a popular beach town located South of Milton on Florida Highway 87. Highway 87, which branches off of Highway 90 about 2 1/2 miles east of the Blackwater River, is the quickest route.