The Jipsons & Their “Current” Ventures

The Jipsons

By Joy Coleman

& Their “Current” Ventures

RUM 138 is devoted to the Santa Fe River and springs. Providing a central hub for the community to gather, they are a multifaceted and unique North Florida destination providing art, nature and fun. The remote Santa Fe River area holds a unique wilderness distinction: its famous 9-mile section of the usually slow-moving waterway is the only river in the world off ering more than 50 natural springs—the highest concentration of springs recorded.

Off ering kayak and paddlesport rentals, RUM 138 shuttles visitors upstream on the Santa Fe to one of two entry points and, later, coordinates the pick up at a designated downstream area, returning to the premises safe and sound. They sell Vanhunks, VIBE and NuCanoe kayaks, BOTE and DRIFT infl atable and hardShell paddleboards. The experience RUM 138 off ers is the perfect showcase of the most unique freshwater system in the world. Merrillee and Doug Jipson, owners of RUM 138, stumbled on North Central Florida during their 2002 ‘driving’ honeymoon. From the St. Petersburg area, they were headed to the U.S. Southwest, sightseeing and talking about what they might want to become in their new life together. By chance, they spent the honeymoon’s second night at the Ichetucknee Family Campground where they rented a cabin.

Doug is originally from rural Iowa, and Merrillee is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Each eventually migrated to Florida, where they met in 1990 in Largo. Doug was showing her optical abstract artwork in his television studio. At the time, she was a student at the Ringling School of Art and Design. Both have always been quite comfortable with outdoor life and, in starting their new life together, wanted to pass that comfort along to their children. Merrillee shared. “We wanted our children to love the natural world as we did. We looked for an area to settle which would allow our kids to step outside and walk into the woods with comfort and grace. We wanted our children to understand that nature matters. We weren’t necessarily “tree huggers” but we very much appreciated and wanted to support a rural and less developed area than we’d known in South Florida. We were looking for clean, fresh water. Initially we had absolutely no idea what we’d stumbled onto—and fallen in love with—an incredibly unique part of the world off ering springs and the fresh water we craved.” create a multi-tiered rural business showcasing their interests and meeting community needs. The design was for each part of the business to support the other aspects of their work. Initially, they had a hair salon, as Merrillee was a licensed cosmetologist; an art gallery dedicated to springs and river landscape art; kayak and canoe rental; an event venue; and a café. Their dream came true, and it became RUM 138.

They happily moved to the area. Every day they happened to drive by a dilapidated store. They often commented, “I wish someone would buy that eyesore and do something good with it.” Pretty soon it came up for sale and that ‘someone’ they wanted to do ‘something good with it’ became them. Their dream was to While providing the experience of enjoying the Santa Fe River, RUM 138 off ers so much more.

They’re devoted to fi ne art, off ering a music and event venue, and to helping protect the safety and natural beauty of the

springs and rivers of North Central Florida and the freshwater Florida aquifer. Merrillee has curated a fi ne art gallery supporting regional artists who are inspired by the beautiful, pristine Santa Fe River. Artists illustrate the story of the springs through an ever-rotating selection of genres, including watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, ceramics, drawings, photography, sculpture, woodwork and jewelry. This gallery captures the essence of the Santa Fe River, with work by noted photographer John Moran and printmaker Leslie Peebles, among many others. Doug’s love of music has brought live performances to Rum 138 throughout the years. His ear for talent has found a number of excellent musicians such as Strung Like A Horse, Jim Lauderdale and The Garcia Project. Merrillee’s favorite event began 10 years ago when she created the Santa Fe River Song Contest, now named RiverFest. It occurs annually during the last Sunday in March. After 10 years, they can boast of creating nearly 100 new songs about their beloved waterway. Today, most of the performances can be viewed on the Our Santa Fe River YouTube channel.

RUM 138 frequently off ers book readings, guest speakers and documentary movie nights. They’ve shown movie premiers on the outdoor screen including the Canadian cave diver Jill Heinerth’s fi lm, Into the Planet, and the Oscar Corral documentary produced through PBS, The Fellowship of the Springs. The business is also the headquarters for Our Santa Fe River, Inc (OSFR), an organization instrumental in identifying problem points on the land uses surrounding the Santa Fe River and its spring shed. Jipson stated, “North Central Florida is called the ‘Heartland of Springs’ for a reason—we are unique in the world. We hope to increase appreciation of our surroundings. Keeping the springs safe from exploitation abuse requires all of us to develop a community-centric belief to protect them.” RUM 138 is located at 2070 SW County Rd 138, Fort White near Rum Island County Park. They outfi t for a half or full day on the Santa Fe River. Rentals start at $39, including transportation to and from the river, paddle and vest. There’s plenty of parking so all you have to do is enjoy your time. Snacks and drinks are available or bring a picnic and cooler. They are open year-round, Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

386-454-4247

info@rum138.com ■

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

Presented to RUM 138 For your service and dedication to residents and visitors in Columbia County, Florida, and the surrounding areas this past year and throughout the pandemic. Awarded as part of Columbia County Tourist Development’s 2022 National Travel and Tourism Week Celebration. Commissioner Rocky Ford, Tourist Development Chairman Paula Vann, Tourist Development Executive Director

As part of Columbia County Tourist Development’s 2022 National Travel and Tourism Week Celebration, Commissioner Rocky Ford, Tourist Development Chairman and Paula Vann, Tourist Development Executive Director, presented a Certi cate of Appreciation in May 2022, to RUM 138. e county expressed their appreciation for RUM 138’s service and dedication to residents and visitors in Columbia County and the surrounding areas this past year and throughout the pandemic.

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