Susan’s Diamond Jubilee

Susan Philipp’s Diamond Jubilee

Susan Philipp’s Diamond Jubilee

Yeehaw, Partners! Saddle Up for a Country Western Jubilee!

Howdy, Folks!

We’re ropin’ in the good times to celebrate Susan Philipp’s Diamond Jubilee – 75 years of sparklin’ like a diamond in the rough! Join us for a 4-day hoedown in the heart of Florida’s Springlands, Lake City, where the rivers run clear, the music twangs true, and the hospitality’s as warm as a summer sunset. This ain’t just a party; it’s a treasure hunt through our country charm, with each day revealin’ a new adventure near Columbia County.

Dust off your boots, grab your Stetson, and let’s make memories that’ll last longer than a fiddle tune. Expect live country tunes, cowboy grub, and plenty of yarns ’round the campfire. Dress the part: denim, fringe, and a whole lotta fun!

RSVP by March 1, 2026, to susanrphilippjubilee@gmail.com or (386) 965-4201. Space is limited – first come, first saddled!

The Jubilee Itinerary: Your Treasure Map to Adventure

Click on each day below to find and follow the trails on these maps to unearth the gold of each day. All events start at 10 AM sharp – don’t be late, or the possum’ll eat your vittles!

The Lazy River Rodeo

Kick off the Jubilee with a floatin’ fiesta on the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River, just 25 miles south of Lake City in Fort White. Picture yourself smimmin’ in gentle currents under cypress canopies, spottin’ otters and turtles like hidden treasures. We’ll have a group float , followed by a riverside nature trail walk. Then we’ll head to “The Great Outdoors for Lunch and sweet tea, With Dinner likely at the Marion Street Bistro, our favorite Gastro Pub.

Treasure Map: From Lake City’s town square, head south on CR 47, turn right on CR 240 – X marks the North Entrance!

Treasure map to Ichetucknee River with cypress trees and tubers

Click for Map:

The Cosmic Corral Showdown

Roll into the fun with a bowlin’ bash at Lake City Bowl! This family-friendly alley offers 16 lanes, cosmic bowlin’ vibes with glowin’ lights, and a snack bar. We’ll compete in friendly matches with a jukebox crankin’ country hits. Boots optional, bowlin’ shoes required! Snack bar munchies afterward (burgers, fries, milkshakes).

Treasure Map: From Lake City’s town square, head south on US 90, turn right onto SW Bascom Norris Dr – X marks the bowlin’ alley!

Treasure map to Lake City Bowl with neon lanes and bowling pins

Details:

Evenin’ Wind-Down: Dinner at The Tavern – Friday Night Hoedown Special!

Smoked wings, pulled pork tater tots, and Irish Red Ale with a live country band.

  • Address: 276 N Marion Ave, Lake City, FL 32055
  • Phone: (386) 487-6196 | The Tavern
  • Details: Reservations recommended; open till 1 AM.

The Waterfall Waltz

Stroll through pine-scented trails to Falling Creek Falls, a 10-foot cascade in a serene pool. This 1-mile loop is perfect for all ages with boardwalks and shady spots to share Susan’s stories. Afterward, we’ll head to Milton’s Country Store for fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread muffins with sweet tea.

Treasure Map: From Lake City, head north on US 41, turn west on NW Falling Creek Rd – X marks the falls! Then south on US 441 to Milton’s Country Store.

Treasure map to Falling Creek Falls with waterfall and picnic tables

Details (Falls):

Lunch Spot:

  • Location: Milton’s Country Store, 16184 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32024
  • Contact: (386) 752-2337 | Milton’s Country Store
  • Cost: ~$10-15/person; opens 7 AM, lunch by 11 AM.

Evenin’ Wind-Down: Dinner at Our Place Italian Restaurant – Saturday Social!

Pizza, Linguini and Italian food with a local flair.

  • Address: 297 N Marion Ave, Lake City, FL 32055
  • Phone: (386) 487-6194 | Our Place Italian Restaurant
  • Details: Open till 10 PM; happy hour specials.

The Jubilee Send-Off Feast

Wrap up with an intimate brunch at our cozy home in Lake City! Savor homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, shrimp and grits, fruit platters, and cinnamon French toast with mimosas or coffee. A heartfelt farewell celebratin’ 75 years with love and warmth.

Treasure Map: From downtown, head east on US 90, north on Laguna Drive – X marks our home’s front porch!

Treasure map to home with brunch table and welcome sign

Details:

  • Location: Our Home, 240 NE Laguna Dr, Lake City, FL 32055
  • Contact: (386) 965-4201 (RSVP for directions and parking)
  • Cost: Complimentary, hosted by the Philipp family. Note dietary needs in RSVP.

Lodgin’ & Travel Tips: Rest Your Head Like a Trail Boss

Hang your hat at the historic Blanche Hotel – a 1902 gem in downtown Lake City, once host to Johnny Cash! Renovated suites with exposed brick, walkable to dinners and events.

Treasure map to The Blanche Hotel

Click here for a map to The Blanche Hotel:

Flyin’ in? Land at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), 60 miles north (1-hour drive via I-10). Airlines: Delta, American, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant. Rent a car at JAX for easy trail-blazin’.

  • Airport: Jacksonville International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218
  • Contact: (904) 741-4902 | JAX Airport

We can’t wait to celebrate Susan with y’all! This Diamond Jubilee’s gonna shine brighter than the North Star.

With cowboy cheers, The Philipp Family Posse

Links to other Hotels

There are numerous Hotels and restaurants in lake city, besides the ones we have recommended, so feel free to explore the resources below to see if you want to get a larger suite, or explore the area even more during your stay.

Feel free to call Shawn at 561-389-1490 or Susan at 561-310-2709 to discuss

Town Place Suites Google Map

Telephone: 386-233-9927.

Corporate Website Click Here

Courtyard by Marriot Google Map

Telephone: 386-800-2952.

Corporate Website Click Here