When: Saturday, October 3, 2015
Where: Alpine Groves Park, Switzerland, FL
Okay, it's that time of year now, time for our first paint-out of the fall season. Our first event will be held at Alpine Groves Park in Switzerland, FL, in St. Johns County. Alpine Groves lies on the east bank of the St. Johns River and has a lot of river frontage for great viewing. There is also a long fishing pier that goes out into the lake and has a covered spot at the far end for great water views.
It looks like Mother Nature will be kind again. A cool front is moving in and a high of 77 is predicted for Saturday, with no rain - so it should be perfect plein air weather!
Alpine Groves is off state road 13. From the north you would take the San Jose Blvd. (13) south exit off I-295. Continue south and when you come to a traffic light at Roberts Rd. the road narrows to two lanes. Alpine Groves will be on the left not too much further along. From the south you want to take 17 north to 16 east, or I-95 north to 16 west. In either case take 16 until you get to 13 north. Eventually you will see Switzerland Community Church on the right, and the park is just ahead on the left.
There are lovely trails through the woods if woodland and forest scenes are to your liking.
Though the spectacular water views are the main draw.
There is also an old farmhouse near the river. When I called to verify that we could paint there on Saturday I was told that there might be "a lot of people" around the old farm house at some point during the day. I'm not sure what that means but keep it in mind if you want to paint the house!
At any rate there is parking available all the way down at the far end of the park road by the farmhouse, near the river, and I suggest that's were we all gather in the morning to start out.
As usual, feel free to bring a picnic lunch and we can gather to eat and have an art show-and-tell.
Because of the time of our paint-out I don't expect we will be there on Saturday for sunset. LOL.
But the sunsets are spectacular, so keep it in mind if you want to return for other visits. I'm looking forward to being there on Saturday and hope you are too.
