In the early 1900s the silver screen came to Silver Springs as movie makers realized the beautiful translucent waters were ideal for making underwater movies. Some of the more well-known movies filmed here were six of the original "Tarzan" movies filmed in the 1930s and 1940s.

It had been a few years since I had visited Silver Springs. We live only minutes from the park, but since my teens had been there on school field trips, we seemed to skip it in favor of other destinations. Our recent visit to the park was prompted by a family social, compliments of my husband's company. We decided to take full advantage of the tickets and arrived at the park when it opened.

One of the first attractions inside the entrance is the glass bottom boats. These unique tour boats provide a window into the Silver River where you can see through the crystal-clear water to the various springs that flow at a rate of nearly 550 million gallons of 99.8% pure water each day and feed the Silver River. Each spring has a name and a story – one is where they filmed The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and at another you will see a perfectly preserved sunken boat. The tours skim the shores where you will see sunning turtles, unusual water fowl, and alligators.

There are several restaurants offering a variety of dining choices. Our meal was catered and served in lavish open-air style at the Twin Oaks Mansion. The Mansion serves as a stage for the many concerts and special events held at the park throughout the year featuring popular artists such as Bobby Goldsboro and Sandi Patti. It is also available for weddings and catered events.

Next, we hopped aboard the popular Jeep Safari and saw exotic birds and animals in a natural setting. Your safari guide will provide a zany banter that will keep your attention, but you better hurry the days of the Safari are numbered. This is one attraction the park expects to discontinue when they remodel later this year.