Floridiana Magazine

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Kennedy Space Center: Gateway to Space Since 1962

Situated on Florida’s east coast and just a short drive from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center offers a glimpse into the past, all while creating a sense of excitement over the future of the space program. Growing up in Florida, I remember watching early rockets lift off and space capsules splash down.  As a reporter in the 80s, I witnessed the shuttle program get off the ground, and I mourned with the country as I watched the explosion of the Challenger from the side of Interstate 75 just north of Ocala.  Although I visited the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex years later as a teacher and chaperone of more than 150 students, it wasn’t until a recent visit that I truly felt the expanse of NASA and a sense of pride that literally had me on the brink of tears.

Kennedy Space Center

Rocket Garden

Arriving at the Kennedy Space Center, you can’t help but see the iconic Rocket Garden, a collection of rockets representative of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.  Walk along a winding path where rockets tower above you, the initials USA emblazoned on their exteriors, shining in the bright Florida sun. As you walk past, you see the likes of a Mercury-Redstone 3, like the one that sent astronaut Alan Shepherd into the history books as the first American to reach space in 1961. Learn about the Saturn 1B and its place in space history; the F-1 rocket engine, critical to taking astronauts to the moon; and the Gemini-Titan II, used in launching all ten manned spacecraft in the Gemini program.

As is the case with other “gardens” you might visit, this one is meant to be taken at a leisurely pace.

Rocket Garden

Saturn 1B

Delta Rocket

Heroes and Legends

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

Adjacent to the Rocket Garden is the exhibit “Heroes and Legends,” which also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

The exhibit demonstrates the meaning of the word “hero” and follows the journeys of astronauts Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and Jim Lovell.  A multi-sensory theater provides a different kind of experience through the use of 3-D glasses and the feel of wind blowing through the vents in the auditorium.

Also, in the exhibit, the U.S. Astronauts Hall of Fame, with a statue of Alan Shepherd standing watch at the entrance. The Hall of Fame was created in 1980 by the astronauts of Mercury Seven, who became the first inductees in 1990.  Walk through the exhibit to learn about the contributions of America’s space heroes.

Bus Tours

Included in the price of a regular admission, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes trip around NASA property. A video plays throughout the ride, highlighting some of the key points of interest, with periodic commentary by the bus driver.  The route takes you by the Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex 39, and a crawler-transporter once used to take the shuttle from the VAB to the launch pad.

Not all of what you see on the bus tour is about the past.  The present and future are also represented, as noted by the drive by of the facilities for SpaceX, a private company now launching rockets on a regular basis from KSC.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

The only stop on this bus tour is at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, a tribute to the Apollo era of space fight. Witness the excitement of the launch of Apollo 8 from the firing room. Hear the rattling of the windows from inside the control room as the engines ignite to take the first crewed mission to orbit the moon in 1968.

While you are there you can walk under the largest rocket every flown, the Saturn V rocket, responsible for launching all moon landings from KSC, or get a glimpse of a lunar rover like those used by astronauts to travel on the moon’s surface.

The beauty of the visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is the tour bus drops you off and you explore at your own pace.  When you are finished looking around, you catch another bus back to the Visitor Complex. Plan on two hours to complete the experience.

Other tours are also offered at an extra cost and for a longer duration.  These include additional stops that provide photo opportunities as well as a third tour especially for space history buffs.  Click here for more information on the special interest guided bus tours.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit

There is a saying about “saving the best for last.”  I must say the Atlantis Exhibit topped all else.  Standing inside of a theater, you watch about the beginnings of the space shuttle fleet, how it evolved from just a thought to what would later become 31 years of space exploration, including spacewalks and docking with the International Space Station.

The video provides a front-row seat to the successes and failures of getting the shuttle off the drawing board and into space. You can feel the frustration of the engineers every time there is a “fail” and their exuberance when the shuttle Columbia launches for the first time in 1981.

The video itself leaves you breathless.  At least it did me as I watched the events unfold on screens around me.

When the video ended, the doors opened to reveal the actual Atlantis, a moment that resulted in gasps of amazement, pure delight, and for myself, overwhelming pride as an American and a sense of nostalgia as I remembered watching shuttle launches and landings.

First view of the Atlantis after the video

With the cargo bay doors open, and the robotic arm extended, the Atlantis is the only shuttle displayed as though it were in flight.  From the shuttle’s main engines to the heat shield tiles, this view of the shuttle provides a close up look at the effects of space on the aircraft.

Fast Facts about Atlantis:

  • Completed 33 missions
  • Traveled 125,935,769 miles
  • Spent 307 days in space
  • The Atlantis’ final flight in 2011 was the final flight for the space shuttle program.

In addition to the Atlantis itself, visitors are offered dozens of interactive opportunities about shuttle history, its technology and its impact on our lives.

The exhibit hall also offers a few other reminders of space flight history, including the Astrovan which carried astronauts to their launches for 27 years.

The most sobering display within the Atlantis exhibit was the tribute to the astronauts of the Challenger and the Columbia, Forever Remembered.  This hall-like memorial to our “Fallen Friends and Heroes” provides photos and personal memorabilia from the 14 astronauts who perished.

Around the corner from the memorial, behind glass, are items retrieved from both shuttle accidents:  the left side body panel of the Challenger and the cockpit windows of the Columbia.

Shuttle Challenger Left Side Body Panel

Columbia Cockpit Windows

Additional Information

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  In addition to the exhibits we highlighted, there are numerous other activities for you and your family to enjoy, as well as plenty of places to eat and buy souvenirs. Our one piece of advice, if you want to capture the most complete experience, get there early.

Enjoy more of our photos from our trip.

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Mount Dora: Someplace Special

Mount Dora. It’s one of those charming towns in Florida you can’t help but visit time and again.  With an historic downtown, plenty of activities on the lake, and numerous festivals throughout the year, there is something for just about anyone.  Visitors see it as a destination, a place on the map to experience, but for those who live here or even in neighboring communities, Mount Dora is, as the sign says, someplace special.

History of Mount Dora

As is the case for many Florida towns, Mount Dora didn’t start off as Mount Dora.  In fact, its first official name came in 1880, Royellou, after the three children of the postmaster at the time, R.C. Tremain. (His children were Roy, Ella and Louis.)  That name didn’t last long, as three years later the town was renamed Mount Dora, for Dora Ann Drawdy, who along with her husband, were some of the early homesteaders.

Getting to Mount Dora was difficult early on, with travel limited to steamboats or rowboats via the St. Johns River to Mellonville on Lake Monroe, and to complete the trip, travelers had to take a wagon train. After the railroad service began in 1887, travel was easier, and the population grew.

Incorporated in 1921, Mount Dora elected its first mayor, John P. Donnelly, who came to the area in 1879.  He and his wife would eventually own most of what is now downtown Mount Dora as well as most of the waterfront.  However, they also donated land to churches, the fire department and for other community improvements.  Donnelly was also considered the “Father of the Tangerine” for his work developing the local citrus industry.

Mount Dora Today

You won’t be able to see all of Mount Dora without traveling down Donnelly Street, the main road through town.  From the historic buildings, to the quaint little shops, there is plenty to see in whatever direction you choose to take.

Firehouse and Old City Jail – The firehouse was built 1923 on land deeded by J.P. Donnelly and housed the town’s firefighting apparatus. A fire siren on the roof not only sounded when there was a fire, but also every day at noon. An addition was made to the back of the firehouse of five jail cells and a bathroom to accommodate the locals who found themselves in need of “care” during these days of Prohibition.  More cells were added to the front once the new firehouse was built in 1941 and it continued as the jail until 1969.  The building now houses the Mount Dora History Museum and is open from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The Train Depot was built in 1915 and initially operated two trains a day, in each direction.  That increased to four trains a day in 1922, including mail, freight and passenger trains.  Service to Mount Dora was discontinued in 1950. The depot is now home to the Chamber of Commerce and offers banquet and special event space.

Donnelly House – Located at 535 N. Donnelly Street, this Victorian charmer was built in 1893 by John P. Donnelly as a gift for his wife Annie. The yellow and white house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 for its architectural and historical significance.  It now serves as the Masonic Temple.

Lakeside Inn is one of the most historically significant buildings in Mount Dora as it is one of only five Florida lodges named “A Historic Hotel of America” by the Trust for Historic Preservation and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Built between 1882 and 1883 as the Alexander House, Lakeside Inn was only open in the winter and was comprised of two stories with ten rooms.  In the 1920s and 30s, the Inn was the site of most of the social functions of the town, including a visit by President Calvin Coolidge in 1930.  After numerous ownership and name changes, and a multi-million-dollar restoration, Lakeside Inn now houses 87 rooms and is considered a full-service luxury hotel, with great views of Lake Dora.

Mount Dora Lighthouse – A trip to Mount Dora isn’t complete without a visit to the lighthouse on Grantham Point.  Don’t go expecting to climb another Florida lighthouse though.  The red and white striped Mount Dora Lighthouse is only 35-foot tall and is the only inland freshwater lighthouse in the state. It uses a 750-watt photocell to power a blue pulsator to guide boaters into the Port of Mount Dora after dusk.

Shops and Restaurants – Specialty shops and boutiques line the streets of downtown Mount Dora, each one unique.  A bookstore with spines of classic books painted on the awning, a quaint courtyard with little shops lining the walkway, and the list goes on.  You can spend a day just walking in and out of the shops!

According to the Chamber of Commerce, there are 25 restaurants and cafes in Mount Dora, from those requiring reservations to those offering quick respites from the sightseeing.  Our favorite was (and still is) the Frog and Monkey Pub, located in the Renaissance Building. Billed as the only underground pub in Lake County, the bar tender tells us stories about a ghost seen in the kitchen and caught on camera.  A great story, considering names on some of the doors in the pub include “Morgue” and “Autopsy Room.”  Ghosts aside, the other spirits and food were divine.  My favorite, by the way, is the Blue Lemosa.

Events

Mount Dora is often referred to as the Festival City, offering events year-round, including annual events like Freedom on the Waterfront  or the Open-Air Farmer’s Market every Sunday, which was in full-swing during our visits.  Of course, you don’t have to go at a time when there’s a festival to have fun.

See our post of the Mount Dora Arts Festival here.

Getting Around Town

Walking is the best way to get around town and is made easier with an ample amount of free parking available.  For the more adventurous, Segway tours are available.  These one-hour tours take you along the waterfront, around to the lighthouse, through Palm Island Park and then through some of the area’s historic neighborhoods.

Mount Dora is located 45 minutes northwest of downtown Orlando, and is easily accessible from U.S.  441. Whether you are browsing for antiques, shopping in the quaint little stores or taking in some of the historic locations, take your time, take it all in, and plan your next visit, because Mount Dora is truly someplace special.

To see more of our photos from our recent visits to Mount Dora, please watch our slideshow below.

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Orlando Wetlands Park

One thing we have learned about Florida in our years of exploring, it’s not just about the quiet little towns or the once-famous attractions, it’s also about the amazing wildlife that calls Florida home.  While folks living in less-populated areas have a greater chance of seeing a few deer in their backyard or a bobcat roaming in the pasture, those of us living in the city also have opportunities to view these creatures in the wild – at nature preserves, parks, or wildlife drives.

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland wastewater treatment system located in Christmas.  The 1,650 acres the park sits on were purchased in 1987 by the City of Orlando with a primary purpose of providing advanced treatment of the nearly 14 million gallons of reclaimed water it receives daily, for safe discharge into the St. Johns River.  The water is monitored daily and monthly through a variety of measures – automatic and manual collections – so that adjustments can be made to provide optimal water treatment.  Read more about the history behind the park here.

Although the park has been open to the public in a limited capacity since the 1990s, it was opened year-round in 2015 and provides opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.

Getting Around the Park

With 18 miles of berm roads, there is plenty to see.  Visitors can opt to hike, walk, bike or take the guided tram tour.

Tram Tours

Tram tours offer visitors a 45- to 60-minute ride, accompanied by volunteers from the Friends of the Wetlands. While one volunteer drives the tram, the other acts as tour guide and points out different areas of interest.  On our trip, the tram stopped below a red-shouldered hawk perched atop a dead tree.  Other birds we saw along the way included herons, glossy ibises, ospreys, and a roseate spoonbill. We were also able to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle’s nest, but it took a little bit of effort since it was off in the distance beyond a tree line.

No visit to a park with water is complete without seeing alligators.  They could be seen from both sides of the tram, some along the shoreline, others gliding through the water.  In 2015, the latest year data is available, there were an estimated 1,700 gators in the park.  Whether you step off the tram or are walking along the berms, it’s always a good idea to mind the signs!

Walking and Biking

Walking or biking the berm roads offers the same views as the tram tour.  While you don’t get to hear the history of the park, or learn about the birds or alligators, you do get to see more of the park, or linger a little longer for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.  However, you could also be missing out on the old alligator nest.  Our advice – do both!  Take the tram tour, then walk back to some of the areas highlighted on the tour or take a different road and see what new adventure awaits.

What You May See

The park is home to more than 30 species of wildlife listed on the state’s threatened and endangered wildlife list.  The wildlife may include otters, foxes, deer, turtles, snakes and alligators.  There are also about 200 species of birds within the park.  Stop by the Education Center for handy guides on birds, wildlife and plant life.  If you forget to stop and pick them up, the guides are also available online.

Location and Hours

Orlando Wetlands Park is located at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas, just a short drive from Fort Christmas Historical Park in east Orange County. Get there by taking County Road 420 off State Road 50 in Christmas.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  There is parking onsite and it is free to get in, although donations are accepted. The park also holds the Wetlands Festival in February of each year.  Make plans to attend.

What to Take

  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Binoculars

Pets are NOT allowed.

Related Articles

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

For more photos of our trip to Orlando Wetlands Park, please view our slideshow below.

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Silver Springs

Florida and theme parks. If you’ve lived in the state for more than 50 years, you no doubt remember Florida without Walt Disney World. You probably also remember Silver Springs Nature Theme Park – considered to be Florida’s first tourist attraction.

History of Silver Springs

Although Silver Springs didn’t officially open to the public until 1878, it was a popular spot for visitors years earlier when they arrived by steamboat.  Silver Springs became known for its glass bottom boat rides – thanks to the ingenuity of Hullam Jones and Phillip Monell who affixed a piece of glass to the bottom of a row boat in the late 1870s.  They were only 14-years old at the time.

Silver Springs hit its heyday in the 1960s, when as many as 5,000 people were there daily during the week, and 6,000 – 7,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.  Back then, there were amusement park rides, exotic wildlife, a reptile institute, and a bear exhibit which was billed as the largest of its kind in the world.

As was the case for other early attractions, attendance dropped for a variety of reasons, and in 2013 the State of Florida took over operations and combined it with the nearby Silver River State Park, transforming it into Silver Springs State Park.

Movies and Television Shows

The theme park served the backdrop for television shows and movies from the 1930s through the 1960s, hosting movies like “Tarzan the Ape Man” starring Johnny Weissmuller, along with five more Tarzan movies and the James Bond movie “Moonraker.”  Also filmed at Silver Springs were the “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” as well as the television series “Sea Hunt” starring Lloyd Bridges. The Sea Hunt dock, named after the show, offers a photo opportunity for today’s visitors.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

The highlight of our visit was the half-hour ride on one of the famous glass-bottom boats.  About 25 of us sat along the edge of the boat with an amazing view of the crystal-clear water, long-nosed gar, and aquatic plant life below, not to mention a glimpse of a gator swimming nearby and turtles sitting atop tree stumps along the water’s edge.

As the boat floated along, our captain provided an historic, and at times, humorous overview of the Silver Springs area.  Whether it was to provide a narrative of the Native Americans who lived around the Springs in the 1500s, the story of the bridal chamber, or the dugout canoe sitting on the bottom of the spring bed, the tour was interesting and informative.

An old glass-bottom boat rests at the bottom of the springs, along with three statues used in the making of the James Bond movie “Moonraker.”

No matter what was pointed out as part of the tour boat ride, the captain circled the boat around for everyone to get a good view.

Dugout Canoe

Glass-bottom Boat

Statues from Moonraker

Other Things to Do

As a state park, Silver Springs offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy spending time in nature. Canoes and kayaks can be seen gliding along the springs.  Take your own or rent them at the outpost.

If that isn’t on your favorites list, take a leisurely stroll along some of the walkways or boardwalks that weave through the park.  Keep an eye on the ground and up in the trees.  You never know what you might see – beautiful flowers, snakes, woodpeckers, and if you are fortunate, monkeys (although we didn’t get to see any of the monkeys on our visit).

A statue of Seminole Chief Osceola also holds a prominent place in the park. The plaque at the base of the statue relates the importance of Osceola’s presence at the Springs and the relationship to the Great Seminole War of 1835 – 1842. As the plaque states, Osceola led a small band of warriors in the Seminole resistance, when the United States tried to remove the tribe from their lands in Florida.

 

Another must-see is the “lucky” or “honeymoon” tree.  Legend has it that if you have your picture taken with it, you will have good luck for five years.  It’s definitely worth a snap of the camera if good luck is on the line!

The Lucky Tree

Hours of Operation and Admission

Silver Springs State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.  As a state park, the price of admission is $2.00.  However, if you’re planning to take one of the famous glass bottom boat rides, those will cost extra.

Boat Tours

The 30-minute tour runs every 30 – 45 minutes until 6:00 p.m.  The cost starts at $11.00 per person and you do not need a reservation.

The extended tour lasts about an hour and a half and starts at $25 per person.  These tours only run Friday through Sunday and reservations are recommended.

Whether you plan on a boat tour or just to spend the day enjoying nature, a trip to Silver Springs is worth the time – and the money. It may not be the theme park it was during its heyday, but it does provide a peaceful place to get out and enjoy Florida’s outdoors. Unlike other roadside attractions, Silver Spring was able to change and survive the times.

Silver Springs Fun Facts
  • There are 30 springs with 61 vents (openings for water flow).
  • The largest Mammoth or main spring you see at the park has vent measuring 5 feet by 135 feet with a depth of 30 feet.
  • Silver Springs forms the Silver River, flowing 4 ½ miles to the Ocklawaha River.
  • The water temperature is 72° year-round.

FM Note: If you have pictures of Silver Springs during its heyday, please share them on our Facebook page:  Floridiana Magazine.

View more of our photos from the day in the slideshow below.

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Florida Eats: Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House

One of the perks about visiting “old Florida” places on the weekends, is finding restaurants that are off the beaten path or offer fare that truly represents the Sunshine State.  On a recent trip to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Brevard County, we found one such restaurant:  Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House in Oak Hill. Located on River Road on Mosquito Lagoon, Goodrich’s offers good food and a relaxing view.

Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House

Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House has its own storied past that you need to read to understand how the restaurant started and how it has evolved into what it is today.  Although this isn’t a restaurant that goes back a hundred years, the Goodrich family has been in Oak Hill for nine generations.  Started in 1910 by two brothers, Jeff and Clarence Goodrich, Goodrich Seafood did not include a restaurant.  Instead, it consisted of a wholesale retail seafood house and blue crab processing facility about 300 feet south of the current restaurant. The pilings can still be seen today. The original seafood house was destroyed by fire in the late 30s, and the crab house fell from its pilings into the water.

To find out how they rebuilt the business, check out their website here.

Ambience

The restaurant offers up a spectacular view of the Mosquito Lagoon.  You can watch as boats glide by, birds skim above the water and, if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Nautical décor can be found throughout the restaurant, including the shark hanging on the wall outside, and a wooden model of a ship resting on a piling on the deck. Whether you are inside the dining room or outside on the deck, Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House provides a casual atmosphere for good Florida eats.

On the Menu

Let’s face it.  Everything on the menu looks extremely appetizing.  There are daily specials to choose from or you can try one of their seafood plates.  How about fried alligator or frog legs?  If that doesn’t interest you, there are always oysters, shrimp, scallops or the local catch.

Appetizers

First, the appetizers. The smoked fish dip offered up just the right quantity to hold us over until the meal arrived. It was served with crackers, tomatoes and banana peppers and was fresh and flavorful.

A trip to the chowder bar didn’t disappoint either.  The Florida chowder was made with tomatoes and potatoes and was a spoonful of heaven in every bite.

Main Course

On to the main course.  As is the usual routine, we each tried something different.  I ordered the shrimp and grits, which were the epitome of perfection.  Grilled shrimp over cheese grits, topped with savory bacon.  What a great combination.

Lee chose the oyster po’ boy with golden fried oysters on a toasted hoagie roll, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy sauce.  Hush puppies and two sides rounded out the meal.

Location and Hours

Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House is located at:

253 River Road

Oak Hill, Florida

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.  On Sunday, the hours are 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House is closed on Monday.

Recommendations

If you are there when the weather is just right, try for a coveted table outside.  If there isn’t one, a table on the enclosed porch works just as well.  Make sure you walk along the deck and take in the views of the lagoon and the birds.

Britton Hill, Florida’s Highest Point

When you think of a highest point in the United States, what comes to mind? Mt. McKinley in Alaska?  Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina?  What about Britton Hill?  If you’ve never heard of Britton Hill, make sure you put it on your list of places to visit in Florida.  Why?  It just so happens to be the highest point in the Sunshine State.

Britton Hill is located at Lakewood Park just inside the state line that divides Walton County in Florida from Alabama.  It got its name from a former lumber mill baron, William Henry Britton who developed the area in the early 1900s.  The highest point is actually more of a plateau, about 900 feet by 400 feet.  At a staggering 345 feet, this peak offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and also carries the honor of being the lowest high point in the U.S.

A monument marking this dubious distinction sits steps from the parking lot.  To get a glimpse of the monument or take a selfie next to it, you won’t even have to break a sweat.  However, if you do find yourself short-winded, there is a bench by the monument so you can rest a little.

A few Florida comparisons

Just how high is 345 feet?  If you are familiar with Florida “landmarks,” here are a few comparisons to consider:

  • The Majesty Building (aka the I-4 Eye Sore) is 307 feet tall.
  • The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center is 525 feet.
  • Chinsegut Hill in Hernando County, just north of Brooksville, is 269 feet.

A few U.S. comparisons

Mt. McKinley in Denali, Alaska is the highest point in the United States at 20,237 feet.  Other “low” high points include:

  • Delaware – Ebright Azimuth at 448 feet
  • Louisiana – Driskell Mountain at 535 feet
  • Mississippi – Woodall Mountain at 806 feet
  • Rhode Island – Jerimoth Hill at 812 feet

While Britton Hill may not seem like a hiker’s dream, it is actually an internationally-known must-do peak.  A group of mountain climbers known as the Highpointers Club, attempt to climb the highest point in each of the lower 48 states.  So far, about 500 of them have achieved that feat – which includes “climbing” Britton Hill.

Other things to do

If the climb to the top doesn’t wear you out, there are hiking trails at the park which offer an easy walk through the small hardwood forest and are all less than a mile in length. Lakewood Park also offers a picnic area and a restroom.

How to get there

Britton Hill is located in the Florida panhandle.  If you’re out driving, take Interstate 10 to Exit 85 – US 331/SR 83 toward DeFuniak Springs.  Follow 331 to County Road 285.  Turn north onto CR 285 and go about three miles.  Britton Hill will be on the left.

Make sure to take your camera and document your climb!

Albritton Fruit Company, One Family’s Legacy

Growing up in a rural community in the 70s, I saw first-hand the important role citrus and farming played in the lives of many of those living there.  But it wasn’t just about the fruit, it was about family.  Groves and farms were passed down from one generation to the next, instilling a sense of pride and family values.  Although there are half as many acres of citrus now as there were then, there are still some who are carrying on their family legacy.

One such family is the Albritton family of Sarasota.

The Past

The Albritton Fruit Company was founded in 1880 in Polk County by Civil War veteran Tom Albritton and is now considered the oldest continually operating family business in Florida. After a devastating freeze, the family moved to Sarasota, where Karl Benjamin Albritton, Tom’s grandson, carried on the family business. Karl did not graduate from high school but was accepted into the University of Florida because of his knowledge about the citrus industry.  After attending classes from 1921 – 1923, Albritton returned to the family farm.  He is credited with developing the first citrus hedging machine, along other tools and procedures. Karl was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in the early to mid-1990s for his impact on the state’s citrus industry.

The Present

Sarah and John Albritton, Courtesy of Tanna Carter Photography

Karl’s great-grandson John and his wife Sarah are the sixth generation to work the family business.  On a recent Saturday, we visited the family groves where the last of the Honeybell* oranges were being picked.  We watched as the fruit was picked from the trees in a grove was planted about 30 years ago by John’s grandfather.  It’s done old-school, much like I used to see in the groves behind my childhood home.  Workers climbed ladders and hand-picked only the ripened fruit, dropped it into a bag, and later into a nearby tub.  This spot-picking meant only the fruit ripe enough was picked, while the rest remained on the trees until they were ready.

While we walked the grove, the couple’s two boys, Larit (3 ½) and Layton (6 ½), helped pick a few oranges.  They are right at home in the grove, using the proper technique to twist the oranges off the branches without tearing into the skin.  If they went a little too fast, a simple reminder from their mother to “slow your roll” was all it took to get them back on track.

If the boys follow in their father’s footsteps, they will be the seventh generation to carry on the family business.  Something John and Sarah would like to see happen.

“It’s what I’m going to do,” John says, “see if I can raise these boys and pass it on to them.”

Sarah agrees. “We’re still trying to instill the family values and the family farming in our children.  It’s been very important to John and me to make sure our boys are aware of our family history and that the tradition carries on.”

The Future

While family traditions continue, the farming business is seeing a change.  Citrus greening is taking its toll on some growers.  For the Albrittons, that has prompted them to look at other crops.

“My husband was very adamant he wanted to make sure there was something left for his kids.  Blueberries are our baby.”

Albritton Fruit Farms was born.

John Albritton walks along the blueberry field.

There is now a 25-acre blueberry field where orange trees once grew.  Planted in 2015, there are 60,000 plants of three different varieties.  The blueberries are already turning a profit, with last year’s harvest pulling in 100,000 pounds of blueberries.  Following commercial harvest, John and Sarah open up their fields for u-pick season, typically from March until early June.  It’s a family affair.  The boys join their parents in the field every weekend with Larit instructing pickers which ones are the best and how to pick them. Larit admits his favorite blueberry variety is the Jewel, because it tastes like strawberries!

What is next for the Albrittons?  More blueberries?  Resetting the citrus groves?  Only time will tell.  The couple does acknowledge they have the last big piece of property on Clark Road.  Long-time residents across the road recently sold out and 6,900 homes and a commercial development are going in.

Regardless of what happens in the future, it is certain the Albritton family will always be remembered for the major role they played in the history of Florida’s citrus industry.

 FM Notes

*Honeybell oranges are hybrids of a tangerine and grapefruit, with January being the peak month for ripening.  They have a mixed sweet-sour taste and, in my own opinion, are the juiciest (and best-tasting) I’ve ever had.

Don’t miss the u-pick season.  Keep up with the latest dates on their Facebook page here.

 

Manatee Viewing Center at Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station

When I think of seasons in Florida, I think of only two:  summer and winter – or beach season and manatee season.  While beach season may extend through more than just the summer, manatee season runs from November to March.  If you’re adventurous enough to brave the colder temperatures, you can experience some amazing sights of these gentle giants.

Big Bend Power Station

In the shadows of the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach, manatees can be seen swimming lazily in the discharge canal, a state-designated manatee sanctuary.  When the water in the bay drops to below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees find their way into these warmer waters.  On a recent visit on a cold January day, hundreds of manatees could be seen from the observation deck.  Since the water was very low, their backs could be seen above the surface and looked like stepping stones across the canal.  Occasionally, they would roll or flip their tails or come up for air, but don’t expect a lot of activity from the manatees.  They rest anywhere from two to 12 hours a day.  During that time, they will rise to the surface every seven to 20 minutes to breathe.  When they are awake, those breaths are taken every three to five minutes.

It is estimated that there are more than 6,000 manatees currently in Florida waters, up dramatically from the hundreds recorded when they were considered endangered in 1973. These mammals weigh about 1,200 pounds and average about 10 feet long as adults. As plant-eaters, they consume about 15 percent of their body weight in aquatic vegetation every day.

Signs along the boardwalk provide illustrations of fish and birds you might also see.  While we were there, we were treated to views of tarpon swimming just below the surface of the water, a shark jumping, and an osprey carrying seaweed to its nest nearby.

Rays Touch Tank

In addition to the manatees, visitors also get a close up view of cownose rays and southern Atlantic stingrays. Reach in and touch them or just watch as they glide past, thanks to a partnership with the Florida Aquarium.  A fun fact about these rays is they are actually the mascots for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and are here during the team’s off-season.

Other Things to Do

While at the Viewing Center, make sure to stop in the education building for additional information about the manatee and its habitat or stop in at the butterfly gardens. There is also a self-guided nature trail where you can see native plants and coastal water birds.  If you plan to walk the trails, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Hours of Operation

The Manatee Viewing Center is open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. from November 1 through April 15.  It is closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and closes early on Christmas Eve. There is no admission fee.

How to Get There

If you are on Interstate 75, take exit 246 west on Big Bend Road and travel about two and a half miles.  When the road makes a sharp curve to the left, the Viewing Center will immediately be on your right.  There is a parking lot next to the center, but if it is full you will be directed to an overflow lot about a mile away.  From there you can walk along a trail or catch a shuttle bus back to the center.

 

 

 

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando

No matter where you live in the state, chances are there are a few places nearby where you can disappear for a few hours and experience natural Florida.  Even in cities like Orlando, parks and gardens provide respite from the hectic pace.  You’ll find one of those locations just a short drive from downtown – Harry P. Leu Gardens.

I’ve driven by the entrance off Virginia Drive and Corrine many times in my 25-plus years in Orlando.  It wasn’t until I stopped for the first time years ago that I discovered this serene sanctuary in the city.

Who Was Harry P. Leu?

Harry P. Leu was born in Orlando in 1884 and went on to build one of the largest supply businesses in Florida.  He purchased the property on Lake Rowena in 1936 and filled it with plants he gathered in his travels around the world, with the camelia being one of his specialties.

The centerpiece of the Gardens is Harry and Mary Jane Leu’s house.  The house was restored to its grandeur and provided a look at turn-of-the-century Florida living.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places December 29, 1994.  At the time of this post, the Leu House Museum is closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.

In 1961, Leu deeded the property to the City of Orlando and the gardens were opened to the public.

Gardens and Exhibits

The Garden House serves as the welcome center to the gardens and is home to the gift shop, exhibit halls and classrooms, and a botanical library.  Once you walk out the doors, you are surrounded by the beauty of individual gardens.  Take a leisurely stroll around the pond in the Tropical Stream Garden or get ideas for your own yard in the Idea Garden. Winding walkways provide an easy trek through 50 acres of camellias, magnolias, ferns, and other botanical beauties.  Stop and smell the roses.  Or take a walk among the towering camphor trees.

Floral Clock

Another feature of the Gardens is the Floral Clock which sits behind the rose garden.  The 50-foot clock was imported from Scotland in 1966 and was donated by the Kiwanis Club of Orlando.

In addition to the gardens, fun exhibits provide guests with interactive experiences.  During our visit, The Ribbit Exhibit II (November 1, 2018 – January 31, 2019) sent us on a hunt for 26 whimsical frogs.  Sculpted out of copper, these frogs could be found meditating in a pond, watering plants, trimming hedges, riding bikes and jamming out on a washboard with the Ribbitsville Band.

Other exhibits have included dinosaurs, fairy doors and Lego sculptures.  Keep an eye on the website for future exhibits.  You don’t want to miss them.

Classes and Workshops

If you want more ideas for your own gardens, try one of the classes or workshops that are offered for folks of all ages.  Whether you want to learn the basics of growing orchids, or how to use lemons in your cooking, there is something for everyone.  Make sure to check out the calendar of events to find the right class for you.

Admission and Location

To get a complete picture of what Leu Gardens has to offer, make plans to see for yourself.  The Gardens are open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The price of admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 4 – 17, and Leu Gardens members and children three and under get in free.  To get there from downtown Orlando, take I-4 east to Princeton Street and follow the signs to Leu Gardens located at 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando.

Enjoy more of our photographs from the Gardens, but be sure to visit and see the beauty for yourself.

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Year in Review: Florida Eats

One good thing about traveling the state, visiting small towns is discovering old Florida restaurants.  We’ve had the chance to dine at some great places that served up not only good food, but good old Florida character!

Farmer’s Market Restaurant, Webster

Small town restaurants serve up more than just food – they offer hospitality with a touch of home. The Farmer’s Market Restaurant in Webster is no different.  It is a place to sit down for a meal and hear the locals around you talking about their week or asking about each other’s families.  It’s a place where you can enjoy a meal without being rushed to make room for the next customer.

This is a no-frills restaurant. A variety of kitchen gadgets adorn the walls. Shelves along the top of the walls hold plates and cups. A mixture of booths and tables provide seating in the dining area.

The buffet appears to be the more popular choice and, whether you are there for breakfast, lunch or dinner, provides enough culinary options to satisfy anyone’s cravings. And the best part is you can fill your plate and go back for seconds. From one end of the buffet to the other, it’s a diner’s dream. Oh, and the desserts?  One word: scrumptious!

The Farmer’s Market Restaurant is open Monday – Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Desert Inn, Yeehaw Junction (CLOSED)

The Desert Inn sits at the busy intersection of Highway 60 and U.S. 441 and had been a favorite lunch and dinner spot for locals, tourists and bikers out for their weekend rides, until it closed this past year.

The Desert Inn was established as a trading post in the late 1880s.  The current building can be traced to before 1925 when it served as a respite for cattlemen and lumbermen after long days of hard work. With the construction of roads in the 1930s, the Desert Inn saw an increase in the number of tourists who stopped by.  Then in the 50s, the turnpike was built, an exit added, and the name officially became Yeehaw Junction. (The area was known by several names in its early years: Crossroads, Jackass Crossing, and the Crossing.)  In 1994, the Desert Inn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want to read more about it before it closed, The Desert Inn was featured last March.

Kappy’s Subs, Maitland

Kappy’s Subs has been a Maitland icon for more than 50 years, serving Central Florida customers since 1967.  (It’s one of our favorites!)  This unpretentious diner backs up to the railroad tracks and sits at the busy intersection of Sybelia and North Orlando Avenue.

This is fifties dining at its finest – inside or out. Place your order at the walk-up window, then sit in your car in the limited covered parking outside or have a seat at one of the picnic tables for that true outdoor Florida feel.  The menu offers up typical diner food – everything from burgers to chicken nuggets to sandwiches, hot dogs and subs.

Kappy’s is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Beefy King, Orlando

Beefy King served its first roast beef sandwiches in 1968 in Orlando. The restaurant’s founder, Tom Viegle, came up with the idea during a trip to New York City where he visited a similar restaurant and decided it could be the next big hit for the restaurant industry.  Within a year of opening, Viegle sold the business to Freeman and Margaret Smith, whose grandchildren now run the restaurant. Although the company expanded and went public, it never took off as a franchise.  Only one Beefy King remained open – the original restaurant on Bumby Avenue.

The menu boasts being the “Home of the Real Roast Beef Sandwich,” but over the years has expanded to include ham, turkey, pastrami and corned beef.  The sandwiches come with just meat and a bun, but can be made to order with lettuce, onions, cheese and tomatoes.

Beefy King is located at 424 North Bumby Avenue, between Colonial Drive and Robinson Street.  It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Beefy King is closed on Sunday.

Angel’s Dining Car, Palatka

Angel’s has been serving customers since 1932, when Porter Angel took an old train dining car and converted it into a restaurant.  Situated along busy Highway 17 in the heart of Palatka, the pink and green awnings, the bright silver chrome exterior and its neon sign rising up into the sky make Angel’s easy to find.  True to its history, the diner still offers curb service. Simply park your car, honk your horn, and a waitress will come out and take your order.  Of course, there is indoor seating as well, even though it is limited.

Although we have not been there for breakfast, the menu features a variety of pancakes and omelets. Like other restaurants, Angel’s has its specialties.  Their onion rings are a must-have.  Other favorite menu items include the Black Bottom – scrambled eggs, bacon and ground beef on a bun and the Pusalow – a chocolate frosty drink that tastes a lot like a Yoo-hoo.

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant, Winter Haven

Andy’s has been serving up meals for nearly 70 years.  Roger “Andy” Anderson opened the restaurant as a Dairy Queen in 1951, when it was surrounded by orange groves.  As the city grew, the landscape changed, and Andy’s now occupies a corner at the busy intersection of Avenue G Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest.  It was, and still is, a favorite gathering place for folks living in Winter Haven.

The menu says it all.  “Hungry? You’re in the Right Place!”  Andy’s describes its menu as “American standard fare featuring burgers, seafood, steaks & ice cream in a simple setting.”  Although there is a wide variety on the menu, the cheeseburger basket is to die for – a juicy burger served with crinkle cut fries and slaw.  Of course, don’t forget to top off your meal with one of their delicious award-winning milkshakes.

FM Notes: 

We have a list of additional diners to visit in 2019.  If you know of one, please leave us a comment so we can check it out!