Floridiana Magazine

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24 Florida Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

On Sunday, May 14, moms around the country will be treated to flowers, candy, and other gifts for Mother’s Day.  While those are splendid choices and are greatly appreciated, we have put together a list of some of our favorite places to celebrate a memorable day.  Whether it’s a park, a botanical garden, an “old Florida” attraction, a bite to eat, or a refreshing beverage, any one of these Florida-style treats will surely put a smile on your mom’s face.

***Click on each of the locations to learn more.

Florida Parks for Mother’s Day

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park – Located about 19 miles southeast of Gainesville, this park celebrates the Pulitzer prize-winning author of The Yearling. Take your mom on a tour of Rawlings’ homestead and learn about her life in Cross Creek.

Florida History-1

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Home in Cross Creek | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry – Dudley Farm is a living history farm from the late 1800s that comes alive with activity on certain days of the year.  There are no special events scheduled for Mother’s Day, but you can still take your mom on a self-guided tour.

Dudley Farm | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Ft. Christmas Historical Park, Christmas – This historical park in east Orange County features a full-size replica of Fort Christmas as well as a living history settlement. Fort Christmas provides a look back at the role the community played during the Second Seminole War.

Homeland Heritage Park, Polk County – Located just outside of Bartow, this is the only historical park in Polk County. The five-acre park is home to original buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, all donated and moved to this location. Walk around the grounds, take a look at the Homeland School, the Homeland Methodist Church, or the old pole barn.  This is perfect for a leisurely afternoon with mom.

Blue Spring State Park, Orange City – Although one of the best times to visit Blue Spring State Park is during manatee season, this park is the largest spring on the St. John’s River and encompasses more than 2,600 acres. Walk along the river, take a boat tour, or visit the Thursby House. This is a great place for those nature-loving moms.

De Leon Springs State Park, Volusia County – Does your mom like canoeing?  Hiking?  Swimming in the springs?  How about pancakes?  That’s right.  You can find all of the above at DeLeon Springs State Park. The Sugar Mill Restaurant at the park is a favorite among guests and will probably be a big hit on Mother’s Day.  Each table has a griddle and you pour and flip your own pancakes from pitchers of pancake batter delivered the table.  If you plan on eating at the restaurant, expect a wait. Not to worry, there are plenty of other things to do until your table is ready.

Silver Springs State Park, Ocala – Although it is considered to be Florida’s first attraction, Silver Springs has evolved with time. However, one thing that has stayed the same is the glass-bottom boat ride.  This 30-minute excursion will be a relaxing way for mom to spend some time. After the boat ride, a boardwalk and other trails provide opportunities to walk through the park.

Fort Desoto Park, Pinellas County – Whether you visit the fort or the beach, this is a popular spot for moms (and the whole family)! Get a close up look at the mortars, learn about the historical significance during the Civil War, or take along a blanket and umbrella and lounge at the beach.

The beach at Fort Desoto Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Wakulla Springs State Park – Wakulla Springs State Park incorporates 6,000 acres includes a lodge, one of the largest springs in the world, a nature trail, and a river tour that offers an up-close look at the wildlife along the Wakulla River. A restaurant in the lodge offers a great setting for a Mother’s Day lunch.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, Port Orange – Dunlawton is a 12-acre mix of gardens and Florida history.  Take mom through the gardens to see the old sugar mill or sculptures from Bongoland, a tourist attraction from the 1940s and 50s that featured animals, an Indian village, and a series of dinosaurs created out of chicken wire and concrete.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando – Although this is a great place to visit any time, Leu Gardens is offering free admission for moms on Mother’s Day.  Take a leisurely stroll along the winding walkways through 50 acres of camellias, magnolias, ferns, and other botanical beauties. Picnics and blankets are not allowed in the park, and be sure to leave your pets at home.

Leu Gardens | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Old Florida Attractions for Mother’s Day

The Citrus Tower, Clermont – Built in 1956 on one of the highest hills along the ridge, the Florida Citrus Tower has recently had some upgrades and added a new coffee shop to the lobby.  Ride the elevator to the top and treat mom to the greatest view in the area.

Florida Citrus Tower | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Presidents Hall of Fame, Clermont – In the shadows of the Citrus Tower, this oldie but goodie gives a comprehensive look at all of the U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Donald Trump.  In addition to the wax figures, there’s an impressive replica of the White House, as well as other artifacts and presidential memorabilia.  Test mom’s presidential knowledge!

Solomon’s Castle, Ona – Because all moms should visit a castle on Mother’s Day!  Solomon’s Castle is a shining three-story structure in the middle of a swamp. The late Howard Solomon was the creative genius behind this castle who used aluminum printing plates from the local newspaper for the exterior of the castle and filled the inside with his artwork, all made from recycled materials.

Solomon’s Castle | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction, Brooksville – Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction not only offers delicious citrus fruit, but also a nostalgic look at Florida oddities, along with a walk on the wild side. This Mother’s Day adventure is sure to fill mom’s day with an experience she won’t soon forget!

Trapper Nelson’s Zoo and Jungle Gardens, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound – Did you know Florida had its own Tarzan?  Learn about Trapper Nelson and his zoo on this island accessible only by boat.  Treat your mom to a relaxing tour boat ride to the site where you will see remnants of Trapper Nelson’s eccentric lifestyle.

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Maitland – The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey has been treating, rehabilitating, and releasing raptors since 1979. However, the Center also provides an educational, yet closeup view and stories of birds that are now permanent residents.

Restaurants, Wineries and Distilleries to Take Your Mom for Mother’s Day

Cherry Pocket, Lake Wales – Situated on the banks of Lake Pierce, Cherry Pocket is laid back and unpretentious. The restaurant bills itself as a “steak, seafood shak and oyster bar.”  From the appetizers to the entrees, the food is made from fresh ingredients and is cooked to order. The desserts are all homemade.

Kappy’s Subs, Maitland – Living in Central Florida, this is one of our favorite casual places to eat.  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.  If your mom would rather sit inside out of the heat, there is a counter inside with limited seating.

Angel’s Dining Car, Palatka – Billed as the state’s oldest diner, Angel’s Dining Car is actually an old train dining car converted into a restaurant. Like other restaurants, Angel’s has its specialties.  Their onion rings are a must-have.  Treat mom to a Black Bottom – scrambled eggs, bacon and ground beef on a bun or a Pusalow – a chocolate frosty drink that tastes a lot like a Yoo-hoo.

Angel’s Diner | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Andy’s Drive-In, Winter Haven – Andy’s has been serving up meals for nearly 70 years and is a favorite gathering place for locals. From the iconic sign in the parking lot to the retro interior, Andy’s serves up a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. On the menu: burgers, seafood, steaks and ice cream.  Of course, don’t forget to top off your meal with one of their delicious award-winning milkshakes.

Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House, Oak Hill – Treat mom to some great seafood and relaxing views at Goodrich Seafood and Oyster House on the Mosquito Lagoon.  Whether it’s a smoked fish dip, cup of chowder or golden fried oysters on a toasted hoagie roll, the food is delicious and the service is outstanding.

Lakeridge Winery, Clermont – If mom likes jazz, Lakeridge Winery is the place to be on Mother’s Day.  Lakeridge offers its Weekends at the Winery, so get mom a glass of wine and let her sit and sip and enjoy the music on the outdoor stage.

Lakeridge Winery, make it a Mother’s Day tradition | Photo by Doris Keeler

Richloam General Store – We can’t forget one of our favorite places to visit off the beaten path near Webster. This little store has been restored to the way it was more than 80 years ago and sells items from the time period. Do you still want to get mom a gift?  She is sure to find something in here she likes.

Richloam General Store | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Florida is home to a lot of great places to take your mom, whether it’s on Mother’s Day or any day of the year. Whatever you choose to do, make it memorable.  Happy Mother’s Day!

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.

Hops – A New Florida Crop

Move over oranges, there’s a new crop in town!  Chalk it up to the popularity of craft beer and the number of craft breweries popping up around the state, interest is now brewing over a viable new crop in Florida – hops.

What are Hops?

Hops are one of the four main staples of beer, along with water, yeast, and barley. For craft beer drinkers, you might know that hops are responsible for the bitterness, flavor and aroma of the beer.

Wop’s Hops in Sanford is just one of the Florida breweries using hops from Central Florida Hops in its brewing process.

If you happen to pass a hops field, you may just do a double-take.  At first glance, the plants create the illusion of a lush green wall.  Growing 16 to 20 feet long, these green vines reach upward, guided by wires strung along poles. The flowers on the plants are the hops that are used in the brewing process.

But do you know how those hops get into that brew?  After they are picked off the vines, they can be used in three ways.  First, as wet hops by local brewers. If used this way, they have to be brewed within a day or two of being picked.  Another use is as a dried whole-cone hop.  These hops are harvested and dried out.  The final involves crushing the flowers and pressing them into pellets where they can be stored for a long time.  This method is the most user-friendly and widely used because of commercial availability.  Each method causes subtle differences in the brewing process and the end result.  The opportunity to use fresh hops is creating excitement among the craft brewers who are always looking to brew something just a little bit different.

Hops in Florida

Up until the last few years in the United States, hops fields were mostly found in the Pacific Northwest.  Now, they are sprouting up here in our state.  Estimates are there are as many as 10 to 15 hops farms in Florida, with the largest currently covering two and a half acres.

Central Florida Hops

Recently, we visited Central Florida Hops in Zellwood. Co-owner Matt Roberts showed us the field located next to Central Florida Ferns where he and his partners Kyle Barrett and Logan Vandermaas are all employed.  He said an interest in local craft beer and a desire to do something different led to the new venture.

“The more we researched hops,” he said, “the more we thought this might be doable. It was a challenge for us.  A challenge to be able to provide places we enjoy going to with hops.  That kind of sealed the deal for us.  And the local breweries love the idea of using a local ingredient.”

Our visit happened in January which coincided with the second harvest of the year for Central Florida Hops. Plenty of flowers remained on the vines, although the field had thinned out some due to local breweries and home brewers visiting the field the past week and picking hops for their use.  Because it’s never occurred before, a second harvest of hops within a calendar year might just be the innovation that makes hops growing commercially viable in Florida.

Matt agrees and expects that once the market expands, more growers will join in.

“The craft beer scene is what we have to lean on right now and it’s as popular as it’s ever been.  You really don’t realize how many hops these brewers use.  We can’t touch what they need and probably will never be able to.”

The popularity of craft breweries has led to brew tours.

Hops Research in Florida

Because hops growing is relatively new in Florida, it is still a learning process.  Data is limited, expectations are unknown.  A lot of what is done is simply trial and error.  However, there is some help on the horizon.  The Apopka branch of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) was awarded a two-year, $194,000 grant to see which hops varieties will grow in the state. Researchers have already determined Florida days are too short and a hops variety that doesn’t need as much sunlight may be the answer.  (In the Pacific Northwest, plants get 15 to 16 hours of daylight during the spring.)

At Central Florida Hops, light interruption from strategically placed light poles worked around that challenge.  The lights were turned on at midnight and ran for about an hour and a half.  Matt says the idea was to trick the plants into thinking it was a shorter night rather than a longer day.  It was an experiment, and some of the plants, like Cascade, reacted very well.

The Florida Difference

Whether it is Cascade or Triple Pearl or Tahoma, hops take on the characteristic of the soil, also known as terroir.  These same environmental conditions affect the taste of wine.  What is grown in Florida will taste, smell, and act much differently than that grown in other states.  Central Florida Hops planted its field on what was once an orange grove.  Brewers who’ve used the Cascade from here say there is a more citrus note to the hops.

The Spring Harvest and Beyond

With the initial success in growing their first crop (and second), coupled with the enthusiastic reception by Florida brewers, Central Florida Hops is currently preparing for the spring harvest.  The hops plants are the same from crop to crop, but after harvest they are cut off at the base, forcing all new growth.  Once the vines grow long enough, they are restrung on the wire supports – which should happen in March for the June harvest.  In addition, there are thoughts of expanding from the current quarter of an acre to half an acre. Central Florida Hops looks forward to the increasing excitement of local Florida brewers and coaching them on the use of fresh hops.  So be on the look out for Florida hops in the field and in Florida craft brews.

Matt admits year two will be interesting, but says with hops the sky is the limits.

 

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!

Florida Eats: Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant

Just like visiting some of Florida’s quaint old towns requires that you get away from the interstates and major highways, so too does finding places to experience some of the state’s best food in an old Florida atmosphere.  In the center of the state, about 12 miles south of Interstate 4 in Polk County is one of those places – Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant and Igloo in Winter Haven.  This landmark diner is on the menu in this installment of Florida Eats.

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant and Igloo

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 and the surrounding communities.

The day of our visit, the restaurant filled up quickly.  On the way to their tables, guests stopped at other booths to say hello to their neighbors.  That friendly attitude extended beyond the diners, as the servers were just as friendly. From the time we sat down, until the time we were handed our check, service was prompt, polite and precise.

Ambience

From the iconic sign in the parking lot to the retro interior, Andy’s serves up a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.  Booths with turquoise seat cushions and Formica table tops wrap around the main dining area. Tables and chairs fill the center of the room.  Near the kitchen area, stools line a lunch counter and provide additional seating. Everywhere you look, painted signs on the walls carry out the retro theme – from breakfast to burgers.  And on the wall by the register, autographed photos of some of those who have dined at Andy’s.

On the Menu

The menu says it all.  “Hungry? You’re in the Right Place!”  Even though there’s a chunk taken out of the upper right-hand corner, don’t worry, the menu offerings are much tastier.  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.  If you’re just stopping by for a cold ice cream or milkshake, Andy’s Igloo offers a walk-up counter.  And the prices?  Very reasonable.

If you are anywhere near Winter Haven, Andy’s is definitely worth the drive! Great food.  Great prices.  Great service.  What more can you ask for?

Location and Hours

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant & Igloo

703 3rd St SW Winter Haven, Florida 33880

863-293-0019

Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant

Sunday                 Noon–11PM

Monday               8AM–11PM

Tuesday               8AM–11PM

Wednesday         8AM–11PM

Thursday             8AM–11PM

Friday                  8AM–11PM

Saturday              8AM–11PM

Andy’s Igloo

Sunday                 2PM–11PM

Monday               9AM–11PM

Tuesday               9AM–11PM

Wednesday        9AM–11PM

Thursday             9AM–11PM

Friday                   9AM–11PM

Saturday              9AM–11PM

Floridiana Magazine (FM) Notes

Make sure you take along cash with you when you go.  Andy’s does not accept credit cards.  If you forget, there is an ATM inside.

Florida Eats: Angel’s Dining Car

What do you look for in a restaurant?  Something that’s tried and true?  A chain restaurant? Or are you adventurous and seek out interesting eateries?  A side benefit of traveling around the state looking for “old Florida” stories, is finding “old Florida” diners.  In this installment of Florida Eats, a trip to Palatka reveals the state’s oldest diner – Angel’s Dining Car.

Angel’s Diner

Angel’s has been serving customers since 1932, when Porter Angel took an old train dining car and converted it into a restaurant.  When Porter died, John and Diane Browning purchased the property.  Even though they are now divorced, the two still run it together.

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.

Ambience

Walking inside the dining car is like taking a step back to a time when diners were popular, when car hops skated from car to car taking orders, and when tunes from the jukebox filled the air. Cooks are busy keeping up with the orders and ring a bell to alert the waitresses that there’s an “order up!”

Pull up a chair at one of the pink tabletops or find a stool along the yellow counter.  As a dining car, the inside is narrow, with limited space to walk.

On the Menu

The black and white laminated menu includes both a breakfast menu and a lunch menu.  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.  From a vantage point at the counter, you can see the kitchen, where freshly cut onions sizzle in a vat of oil.  They are, without a doubt, some of the best onion rings we’ve ever had. 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.

Onion rings are a must-have!

Black Bottom – Scrambled eggs, bacon and ground beef. A winning combination!

Pusalow – a signature drink on the menu

Angel’s is a favorite of regulars and visitors alike.  A steady stream of guests come and go.  Some for the food, others for the nostalgia.  There are no frills.  It’s dated.  It’s old.  But it’s doing what it does best – cooking up great hamburgers and great memories.

Hours

Monday: 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Tuesday: 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday: 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Thursday: 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Friday: 6:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Saturday: 6:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Sunday: 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Floridiana Magazine (FM) Notes:  Palatka is about an hour east of Gainesville and about half an hour southwest of St. Augustine.  Click here to find out more things to see and do in Palatka.

Florida Eats: Beefy King – Serving Roast Beef Sandwiches for 50 Years

At a time when fast food and chain restaurants offer dining options for nearly every preference, family-owned and operated establishments can get overlooked.  Unless, of course, they are part of a community’s culture.

One such eatery has established itself as an Orlando landmark and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month: Beefy King.

History of Beefy King

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 Ambience

The inside of Beefy King is what you’d expect for a sandwich shop.  A stainless-steel counter just inside the door serves as the hub of the restaurant and a large menu board hangs on the paneled back wall. Booths and tables offer an informal place to sit, and sauces and other condiments at a do-it-yourself station provide variety for diners. Service is typically fast and employees are friendly.

On the Menu

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.  Meal deals and platters come with spuds (tater tots) and a drink. Other options are available, whether it’s combo sandwiches with two meats, or salads.  If you can’t figure out what to order, go with the roast beef.  It’s the star attraction and the recommendation for all first-timers to the restaurant.  The meat is fresh and delicious, and the spuds are crunchy.

Beefy King’s Hours

Beefy King is located at 424 North Bumby Avenue, between Colonial Drive and Robinson Street.  It is open Monday through Friday fro 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.

FM Notes: For its 50th anniversary, Saturday, June 2, Beefy King is offering a 50% discount for the original beef and ham sandwiches, tater tots and soda. Given the popularity of this restaurant on a regular day, you can expect to stand in line or wait in the drive through a little longer.  Fifty years is a big deal, so if you’ve got the time, stop by and join the celebration.

Florida Eats: Kappy’s Subs

Part of the fun of exploring Florida is finding interesting places to dine or visit.  Sometimes you find them just by driving the back roads.  Other times they appear in unlikely places.  Who would have thought one of those locations sits in the shadows of new development in Maitland?

Kappy’s History

Kappy’s Subs has been a Maitland icon for more than 50 years, serving Central Florida customers since 1967.  This unpretentious diner backs up to the railroad tracks and sits at the busy intersection of Sybelia and 17-92.  New construction flanks two of the corners, a 7-11 sits on the third. The environment around this diner have changed, but the owners (it has been in the same family since 1972) haven’t changed a thing.

The Ambiance

Part of the allure of Kappy’s is its ambiance. Don’t go if you’re expecting a fine dining experience.  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.

Inside, an L-shaped counter lined with 12 swiveling stainless bar stools with burgundy vinyl seats welcome a limited number of guests.  The sound of grease bubbling in the deep fryer indicates a fresh batch of onion rings is being cooked. A waitress yells out “burger” to the cook.  No matter where you sit at the counter, you can view of the grill as your food selection is cooked.

On the Menu

The menu offers up typical diner food – everything from burgers to chicken nuggets to sandwiches, hot dogs and subs.

For me, the Philly Cheesesteak piqued my culinary curiosity (on both recent visits).  It’s one of Kappy’s specialties and it didn’t disappoint.  In all honesty, I didn’t experience the true cheesesteak.  I’m not much on peppers, so I went with the cheese and onions and added on mushrooms.  My dining companion tried the Fatima’s Sensation, with roast beef, grilled onions and mushrooms, plus melted Swiss cheese and a tangy BBQ sauce. On another occasion, he tried The Rodney, with pastrami, onions, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato.  Coupled with onion rings, our lunches were, as the sign outside says, “yummy.”

Philly Cheesesteak

Fatima’s Sensation

The Rodney

Onion Rings

We both topped off our meals with a chocolate milk shake, made fresh in front of us.  It was creamy, and it was delicious.

Kappy’s Hours

If you’re looking for a change from fast food restaurants and want something more authentic, Kappy’s is the place to go. It 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.

If you visit, let us know what you think.

Floridiana Magazine (FM) Note: After publication we received additional information from the family about Kappy’s.  It operated as a Valentine Diner in 1964. (In case you’re interested, a Valentine Diner was a small diner that seated eight to twelve people with a limited menu, making it possible for one or two people to run with limited capital.) The establishment also operated as a What-A-Burger for two years and, after closing, reopened as Kappy’s by Isadore Kaplan around 1967 . Bob Caplan (with a “C”) purchased Kappy’s in 1972 and the diner has been in the family ever since.

Sugar Sand Distillery, Inc., Lake Placid, Florida

When you think of Florida, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?  Maybe it’s the sunshine, or the beautiful beaches, or maybe even the theme parks, but have you thought about the wineries, or craft breweries, or even craft distilleries?  All three are gaining in popularity and popping up across the state.

One of the newest distilleries in the state is Sugar Sand Distillery in Lake Placid.  Billed as Florida’s only estate grown sugar cane distillery, it opened its doors for tours and tastings on April 7th with big plans for its future.

A portable sign on Henscratch Road is out when Sugar Sand is open and directs you down a dirt driveway to the distillery.  Don Davies and Jessica Giffin own Sugar Sand and have spent the last year preparing for this day – from planning and planting to mashing and bottling.

Distillery Tastings

On opening day, the tasting room is buzzing with activity.  Guests gather at the bar, listening to the descriptions of each of the drinks they are about to taste.  Samples of rum, vodka, whiskey, and moonshine are poured into small plastic cups, and if you like what you’ve tasted, full-size bottles are available to purchase.

The Tour

If you’ve ever wondered how alcohol is distilled, the Sugar Sand tour will answer your questions.  Starting with the machinery, Don describes each step in the process, but is quick to point out the art is in making the mashes and not the machines.

A short walk away from the still is the sugar cane field. What sets this distillery apart from others is the sugar cane is grown on-site. Unlike larger sugar cane growers who plant the cane 60 inches from center to allow room for the harvesting machinery, Sugar Sand has planted their cane 30 inches from center since it will be harvested by hand.  This difference along provides a higher yield of cane on the property.  Don estimates that if all the rows were laid out end to end, there would be 15 miles of sugar cane.

The current sugar cane crop was planted in January and will not be ready until November 2018.  Until then, the distillery relies on buying from cane growers south of Lake Okeechobee to supply what is needed to run the still.

Future Plans

Currently, Sugar Sand is open Thursday and Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The owners envision Sugar Sand as an all-day destination with live bands, food trucks, and seasonal events, along with the tastings and the tours.

If you’re looking for a day trip, put Sugar Sand Distillery on your list of places to go.  It may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth the stop.

Other places of interest nearby:

Henscratch Winery

Lake Placid Murals

Florida Eats: Desert Inn (CLOSED)

If you’ve ever traveled the Florida turnpike, you’ve likely seen the sign for Yeehaw Junction about 65 miles south of Orlando.  The question is, have you ever been curious enough to venture off the highway to see what’s there?  If not, you should.  If you have, then you already know about the Desert Inn – once a must see for those looking for a taste of old Florida.

Unfortunately, the building was demolished last year after extensive damages caused by a semi tractor-trailer crashing into it in 2019.

The Desert Inn once sat at the busy intersection of Highway 60 and U.S. 441 and was a favorite lunch and dinner spot for locals, tourists and bikers out for their weekend rides. The Inn also offered rentals for those looking for a place to stay in the area.

Desert Inn History

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.

The Ambience

The minute you walk up to the Desert Inn, its unique character is apparent, an old gas pump on one side, a “Jackass Crossing” sign on the other.  Inside, it’s just as eclectic – from the dollar bills attached to the U-shaped bar, to the old fortune telling machine in one corner and the Native American family in another.

If you visit the women’s bathroom, don’t be surprised to see a life-size male mannequin, his shirt signed by visitors to the restaurant.  (I had heard about the mannequin but was still taken aback when I walked in!)

On the Menu

A menu board is propped up in one of the windows and offers some tasty dining options. When asked for a recommendation, the waitress said the hamburgers and the fried green tomatoes are favorite dishes.

We chose the burgers – a plain burger and a bacon burger – both of which were cooked to perfection.  A nice change to a traditional burger was the bread.  Fresh ciabatta bread kept the burger together and mess-free. (I don’t know how many times I’ve had a burger and it has fallen apart because of the hamburger bun.)  Crisp hot fries rounded out our lunch, along with a cold beer.

Paying the bill is just as unique as the restaurant itself.  A mouse trap holding your tab is delivered to your table.  As for the prices?  Comparable to other restaurants this size, but worth the atmosphere.  We were able to eat for less than $40 before a tip.

If you are looking for fast food, this is not the place.  A sign outside lets you know before you walk in that if you’re in a hurry, a Mickey D’s can be found 30 – 50 miles in any direction!  The service was prompt but laid back.  The meal was tasty, and the experience was worth venturing off the highway.