Floridiana Magazine

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Hotel Jacaranda | The Gracious Lady of Avon Park

When it comes to “old Florida,” there are plenty of places that can claim to be “the oldest this…” or “the oldest that…”   One of those is the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.  Opening in 1926, it is the oldest operating hotel in Highlands County County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hotel Jacaranda – Then

Hotel Jacaranda, or The Jac for short, occupies a city block on Avon Park’s Main Street, in the heart of the Historic District.  Named for a jacaranda tree 14 feet in circumference that once grew on site, the Jac has been at the heart of this town’s history for nearly a century. Over time, it has served as a home away from home for dozens of interesting guests.  Imagine the likes of Babe Ruth, Clark Gable, and Al Capone walking the halls of this “gracious lady.”  Think about the baseball players from the St. Louis Cardinals calling The Jac home base during spring training from 1926 to the late 1930s. Picture hundreds of servicemen using the hotel during their training to be pilots in World War II.

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection | Postmarked 1938

Photographs of famous visitors | Photo by  Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Photograph of baseballs | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

From its magnificent architecture and stately brick exterior, to the grand lobby, the Jacaranda remains an impressive hotel. We visited just after Christmas when the hotel lobby was decked out in its holiday finest.  From the moment we walked in the front doors, the grandeur, elegance, and personality of this hotel was evident.  Florida Highwaymen paintings adorn one of the walls, an old piano sits gracefully awaiting its daily concert during the winter season, and a library with an antique desk that seems to beckon visitors to sit and lose themselves in the pages of a book.

The Jacaranda Lobby | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Florida Highwaymen Paintings | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Library | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

One of the most unique features to this hotel is the 1920s crank elevator still in use today.  There are no buttons to push on this elevator, only a crank which has to be operated by one of the hotel staff members. Guests can take an old-fashioned ride to their second and third floor rooms.

Crank Elevator | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Crank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Hotel Jacaranda – Now

The hotel was purchased by the South Florida State College Foundation in 1988 to use as a dorm for student athletes. Today, about 70 students occupy rooms in the back of the hotel, or about half of the 30 rooms.  It also houses the college’s culinary department which uses half of the hotel’s kitchen for its students.

The Gracious Lady | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Restaurant at the Jac

There has been a restaurant in continuous operation since the Jacaranda opened its doors in 1926.  The southern-style dining experience awaits you, whether you are stopping by during the winter months for the all-you-can-eat buffet (Monday through Friday), for lunch during the summer, or the year-round Grand Buffet on Sundays.

Hallways off the main lobby lead to additional office and retail space.  Currently, a few businesses and an art studio featuring local artists fill the space.

Jacaranda Hallway | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Art Studio \ Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Artist’s Group Sign | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Holidays at the Jacaranda

Holidays at the Jacaranda are as grand as the hotel itself.  Everywhere you look there are Christmas decorations, all put in place by a team of talented individuals and businesses.  A floor-to-ceiling tree fills a corner of the lobby, adorned with red, green and gold ornaments and ribbons.  The fireplace serves as another backdrop for elaborate Christmas decorations.  The lobby’s beauty draws families from around the area during the holidays for family Christmas photos.

The front desk manager on duty the day we visited kindly offered to take our picture – maybe next year’s card?

Holidays at The Jacaranda | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Holidays at The Jacaranda | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Reservations Required

If you plan to stay the night at the Jacaranda, it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve your room.  If you are curious, like we were, just to visit this gracious lady, stop on by.  The lobby and the small shops are open to the public.  Be aware that the shops are not open on Saturdays, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead if you want more of the experience.

The Hotel Jacaranda is a must-see for Florida history buffs.  Spend the night or just spend the day, you will be glad you did.

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection

The Jacaranda Hotel | Floridiana Magazine Post Card Collection

 Other Things to Do Nearby

Avon Park is located in Highlands County in Central Florida.  Its location along Highway 27 provides easy access to a number of things you can do locally, as well as places a short drive away.

One of our favorite local places to visit just down the road from The Jac is Maxwell Groves, a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1935.  Another place to visit in Avon Park is the Depot Museum, open Wednesday through Friday.  The California Zephyr Silver Palm Dining Car sits adjacent to the museum and is available for group dinners, but reservations are required.

California Zephyr | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

About 15 miles south of Avon Park is Highlands Hammock State Park, a 1,250-acre park of trails, an elevated boardwalk through a cypress swamp, and numerous habitats and wildlife to view. Highlands Hammock is one of Florida’s first state parks, and a must see for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

West of Avon Park, there are several places of interest to visit in Hardee County.  Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs, home to Pioneer Park Days, and Solomon’s Castle, an interesting castle in the swamp, built by the late Howard Solomon and filled with his artwork, all made from recycled materials.

Another interesting place to visit is Homeland Heritage Park, just outside of Bartow in Polk County. This five-acre park features original buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Maxwell Groves

What is it about porches with rocking chairs?  Can it be they remind us of a time when the porch was a favorite gathering place, where stories were told, and memories were made?  Can it be they make us yearn for a slower pace for our lives?  For me, the answer to all of those questions is a resounding “yes!” So, when you hear about a business with a slogan of “life is better on the porch,” you know you are in for a treat and a step back in time.

Such is the case with Maxwell Groves in the small Central Florida town of Avon Park.

Life is better on the porch.

Established in 1935 by Thomas Maxwell, Sr. and his wife Leoma, Maxwell Groves ushers in its 85th year in business this year (2020). The business, which is still in the family, began as a 10-acre orange grove and provided fresh citrus to local residents and fruit stands. Since its modest beginnings, Maxwell Groves has evolved into a packing house and country store known throughout the area for its front porch and iconic orange rocking chairs.

The Front Porch

At Maxwell’s, your stop begins and ends on the front porch. Decorated with old tools, signs that honor the history of Maxwell’s House of Fruit, a “menu” of what is available, and of course, the rocking chairs, this porch provides the perfect entry into the store and an old Florida experience.

The orange rocking chairs are a favorite place to sit and relax.                         

Country Store 

Just inside are all the makings of a country store.  Jams and jellies, local honey, Florida wines, and other gifts line the wooden shelves. Old photos of the family and the grove hang on the wall and a scrapbook filled with the history of the business sits on a table with an invitation for visitors to flip through the pages.

Branded sauces.

Sunshine in a bottle.

Step back in time and learn the history of Maxwell Groves.

A wine tasting room offers daily tastings with the purchase of a Maxwell Groves wine glass.  Sample some of the Florida labels sold in the store and try a few wine smoothie mixes.

A favorite spot in the store is the soft-serve ice cream counter. A line quickly forms as visitors come from miles around for this homemade orange ice cream.  The first time I visited Maxwell’s, I missed out on this delicious treat.  On my latest visit, I was determined not to make the same mistake.  Was it worth it?  You bet!

Probably the most thankful job in the store.

Can I say “delicious?”

Citrus!

A walk to the back of the store offers up what Maxwell’s was built on – citrus.  Depending on when you are there, fresh oranges, tangerines and grapefruit fill the bins. Mesh bags hanging nearby make it easy to take some home. Enjoy a free taste of fresh-squeezed orange juice and pick up a gallon or two of frozen juice to drink later. If you stop by on a regular basis, there’s a Juice Lover’s Club frequent buyers’ card.

Don’t forget, they can also ship the fruit to your family and friends back home during citrus season which runs October through May.

Walk through these doors to the heart of Maxwell’s.

Make sure to take advantage of the free juice! You’ll be glad you did.

Ripe for the picking.

Grab a bag and fill it up.

Don’t forge to ship some home.

I have to confess that until a year or so ago I did not know this place existed – and I grew up in a small town about 20 minutes west of Avon Park.  As they say, it’s better late than never, and the several recent trips I’ve made to Maxwell Groves have been delightful, offering a little slice of heaven each time.

Oh, and that orange ice cream cone I ate on my recent visit?  I took it out to the porch and enjoyed it before moving on to the next adventure.

Have a seat and enjoy some down time.

How to Get There

Avon Park is located along U.S. Highway 27 in Highlands County.  From 27, go east on Main Street about a mile and a half, then north on Marshall Avenue and follow the signs.

Maxwell’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Summer hours are different, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Enjoy a few more photos from our visit.

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Have you been to Maxwell’s or know of another family-owned Florida business?  Leave us a comment and tell us about it.

High Springs – Friendliest Small Town in Florida

If you’ve ever watched Hallmark Christmas movies, you have no doubt seen the small towns that serve as the settings for the storylines.  Picturesque downtowns, storied pasts, rural lifestyles, and laidback atmospheres.  It is that type of vibe that is exhibited in many of  small Florida towns – including High Springs.  Voted as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida,” High Springs is the epitome of small-town life, and a stop on one of our latest excursions.

High Springs – A History Built on the Rails  

To put it simply, High Springs is a town that the railroad industry built.  The first railroad company to arrive in High Springs was the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1884, but it wasn’t until 1895 and the arrival of the Plant System Railroad Line (later called the Atlantic Coast Line) that High Springs became an important railroad center. The Plant System chose High Springs as its division headquarters and the town boomed. Early lines through High Springs connected Live Oak with Gainesville, and then High Springs to Port Tampa.  Railyards, workshops and a roundhouse were built, along with houses and a hospital for the workers who called High Springs home.

Even though most of the railroad buildings have disappeared, you can still catch a glimpse of rail history in High Springs. The original passenger depot, built in 1910, sits along NE Railroad Avenue and is all that remains of what was once a vast railroad complex. Even it is not in its original location. The building was moved to its current location and renovated in 1994, and now serves as the office to the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Another depot serves as the High Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and can be found along the old railroad bed at Railroad Avenue, one block south of Main Street.  The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is a good place to stop for information if you are there during the week.

Still another sign of the railroad industry’s influence on the community is an Atlantic Coast Line red caboose on display behind City Hall.

The town’s standing as a rail center began to fade after World War II when diesel engines took the place of steam locomotives.

An historical marker in High Springs provides a look into the early days in High Springs.  Over the years, the town had several names (Santaffey, Santa Fe, Fairmont and Orion) before it changed for good to High Springs in 1884.  It was incorporated just eight years later.

Gateway to the Springs

In addition to its history with the railroad, High Springs is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of North Florida’s famous spring country, it is within driving distance of numerous springs and state parks and lives up to its motto “Enjoy Our Good Nature!”  A mural of nearby springs can be seen on the exterior of the old Adventure Outpost which once had a storefront in town. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Poe Springs Park and Ginnie Springs all provide kayaking and canoeing experiences, as well as hiking opportunities.  Other smaller springs also dot the landscape.

One of our favorite locations is O’Leno State Park, about six miles north of High Springs along the banks of the Santa Fe River. O’Leno is one of Florida’s first state parks, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. You can still walk across the original suspension bridge built by the CCC to explore other parts of the park.  A hike through the park reveals an historic marker of Bellamy Road which was the first federally funded road in Florida.  You can also view levees and native plants along the trails.  An interesting feature of O’Leno is its distinction of the location where the Santa Fe River disappears underground. The river reemerges about three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve.  It is worth the hike back to where the river ends, both for the novelty and the beauty of the river.

Exploring Downtown

One of the highlights of our trips to High Springs has been the leisurely walks along downtown streets. From the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Highway 27, there are a couple of directions you can start your downtown exploration.  Rest assured, all roads lead to antique stores and specialty shops.

Places to Eat and Drink

As with all small towns, there are always a few eateries you need to visit.  Both of our trips have included meals at the Great Outdoors Restaurant in the old Opera House building. We’ve enjoyed the river ambiance inside during the warmer months and the outdoor patio and fireplace during the cooler months.

On our most recent visit to High Springs, the High Springs Brewing Company had just celebrated its grand opening. Located on NW 237th Street, the brewery is housed in an old welding shop and serves up its own craft beers, as well as other Florida brews.  Live entertainment, special events and a variety of food trucks provide a well-rounded experience, no matter when you go.

Murals

As we’ve traveled the state, we’ve noticed more and more murals popping up. High Springs is no exception. From a tribute to the railroad industry to a mural portraying the area’s springs, these paintings provide another glimpse into the town’s character.

Whether you plan to visit for the history, the shopping, or the outdoor adventures, High Springs is a great place to spend a relaxing day or even weekend.  Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville and about five miles west of Interstate 75 on Highway 441, it’s just far enough off the beaten path to offer that down-home vibe and prove why it has earned the title as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida.”

After you view our slideshow below of more of our photos from our trip, be sure to leave us a comment about your favorite place in High Springs or give us a suggestion of another great Florida town to visit.

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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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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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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.

 

Year in Review: Natural Florida

Florida is home to 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, with countless other wildlife refuges and wildlife drives.  Looking back at 2018, we visited numerous places we consider to be natural Florida – some of them more than once.  Links to the original posts are embedded within the descriptions.

Pioneer Park, Zolfo Springs

Encompassing more than 115 acres, Pioneer Park sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and State Road 64 in Zolfo Springs in Hardee County.  The picturesque Peace River meanders through the park and serves as the source of many activities, from kayaking to canoeing, and even fossil hunting.

Other points of interest include the Hardee County Wildlife Refuge, the old pool house and the Cracker Trail Museum.  One of our favorite spots is the Pioneer Village which houses an old cabin, a blacksmith shop, and an old locomotive.

If you plan to visit, you might want to plan for February 28 through March 2 in order to experience the 51st Annual Pioneer Park Days.  You can find out more about the event in our original post here.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

It’s hard to imagine someone living in the city relishing a two- or three-hour, eleven-mile drive.  But what if that drive steers you away from the clogged highways and winds through a wildlife paradise?  Whether you are looking for a leisurely way to spend the day or a chance to see Florida’s wildlife up close, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is well worth the time.

From the moment you enter the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, the melody of Mother Nature replaces the sound of the city.  On both sides of the single-lane, hard-packed shell road, birds wade along the shoreline, alligators glide through the water, and osprey circle overhead. It is a photographer’s playground and a wildlife lover’s wonderland.

Since it is only 20 minutes from home, we have been to the drive four times over the past year. Each time provided a new experience for us – whether it was a bird or animal we hadn’t seen before or the sheer number of alligators out sunning themselves.

Make sure to take along your camera and binoculars because there are so many photo opportunities.  To truly enjoy the drive, plan on at least two hours and remember to be patient.  Even though there are areas to pull over, most of the drive is single-lane and it’s not uncommon to be in a line of slow-moving cars with occupants looking at all there is to see.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue, and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from sunrise to sunset.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville 

Sweetwater Wetlands is a man-made habitat located on the north end of Paynes Prairie in Gainesville.  The park, which is said to be shaped like an alligator head, was created to improve the water quality in the Alachua Sink and the Floridan Aquifer.  With more than three and a half miles of easy trails on 125 acres, Sweetwater Wetlands offers amazing views of plants, animals, and more than 215 species of birds.  If you’re lucky, you will be able to see the wild horses or bison that roam the prairie. Of the two times we have been to the park, we have been able to see some of the horses.  Viewing platforms, trails and boardwalks provide an up-close view of nature at its finest.

The park is open seven days a week, even on holidays, from 7:00 a.m. until sunset. There is a $5.00 entrance fee for the park.

FM Notes

With a renewed annual pass to Florida State Parks, we will be adding more to our 2019 calendar.  Leave a comment with your favorite park to visit in Florida.

 

Year in Review: Florida Travels

Over the past year, we have traveled the state looking for those places that represent the history and the heritage of Florida, as well as the spirit and the characteristics that make it home.  We covered a lot of ground in 2018 and hope you have joined us on some of our journeys.  Here are the highlights of the year, along with embedded links to the original posts.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda – It’s Happening on the Harbor – a motto that doesn’t disappoint.  Situated along the shores where the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor meet, Punta Gorda provides an eclectic mix of things to see and do: a relaxing waterfront, historic buildings, educational mural walk and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Check out our article for plenty of ideas to make your trip one to remember.

Richloam General Store

Sometimes you are lucky to stumble upon a Florida gem simply by venturing away from the highways and taking the backroads.  Such is the case with the Richloam General Store, tucked away in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Hernando County.  Definitely off the beaten path, but one of our favorite places we visited in 2018!  The store was built in 1920 and is the oldest historical building still standing in the Richloam area.  Staying true to the time period, it offers goods you would have seen in the 20s and 30s.  The store is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Read more about Richloam here and make plans to visit.

Sugar Sand Distillery, Inc., Lake Placid

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?  One of the newest distilleries in the state is Sugar Sand Distillery on Henscratch Road in Lake Placid.  Billed as Florida’s only estate grown sugar cane distillery, it opened its doors for tours and tastings less than a year ago.  It may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth the stop.

Click here to learn more about Sugar Sand.

The Orange Shop, Citra

Tucked away in North Central Florida, between Ocala and Hawthorne, is the small town of Citra.  Known as the home of the pineapple orange, Citra was founded in 1881 in an area where citrus was prominent.  While that is part of the town’s history, it isn’t the only unique feature about Citra.  It is also the home of The Orange Shop, one of the last true roadside citrus stands in Florida.  In business since 1936, the owners are third-generation growers who continue to harvest fruit from groves that have been producing since the Civil War.

Learn more about The Orange Shop and put it on your calendar before June first.

Things to See and Do in Apalachicola

Apalachicola is one of our favorite places to visit.  While some of the things we featured in our original post may not be exactly as they were prior to Hurricane Michael in October, it is still an amazing coastal town you don’t want to miss.  Apalachicola is up and running again and there are plenty of things to see and do.  As its name translates, it is the “land of the friendly people.”

Put it on your list of places to see in 2019!

Caladium Festival, Lake Placid

Florida is home to many festivals, ranging from the absurd to the logical.  By definition, festivals celebrate something unique about a community or its culture.  For the central Florida town of Lake Placid, that uniqueness is its designation as “Caladium Capital of the World.”  The idea for the Caladium Festival came from the Highlands County Tourist Development Commission as a way to promote the industry and, at the same time, create an event to bring visitors into town.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the 2019 festival on July 26, 27, and 28, but don’t wait until then to visit this gem of a town.

Bat Houses at University of Florida

Did you know that Florida is home to the world’s largest occupied bat houses?  In fact, they have become quite the nightly attraction.  The first bat house was built in 1991 to provide a new “home” for a colony of bats that were left homeless after a fire destroyed Johnson Hall in 1987.  There are now three bat houses with an estimated 400,000 bats now occupying these dwellings.  They are located on Museum Road at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, just across from Lake Alice.  Take a look at the experience, then plan it for yourself!

Honors System Businesses

During our travels in 2018, we came across several businesses operating on the honors system, where collection boxes are used as the only means to pay.  It may sound like a risky venture, but the business owners we talked to told us most people are good and honest.  Most of the honors system businesses we found were local honey stands, all located along back roads, or along highways through the rural parts of the state. These businesses are reminiscent of a much simpler time in Florida and you can read more about them here.

Lake Wales, Florida

Known as the Crown Jewel of the Ridge, Lake Wales sits in the center of the state, just off Highway 27 and State Road 60.  With its historic roots, its quirky qualities, and its persona of a small city with a hometown atmosphere, Lake Wales is a true Floridiana find.  Whether you are taking a trip into downtown, visiting the tower on the hill, or participating in any number of festivals and celebrations, nostalgia and culture abound. Take a peek at some of the things you can do here.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

Before there were towns, or roads or railroads, there was the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.  This red and black lighthouse has been lighting the way along Florida’s East Coast since July 10, 1860.  Built on a natural sand hill, the lighthouse itself is 108 feet tall and can be seen 24 miles out at sea.  In 1973 the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, then in 1974, it was opened to public tours by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society.  Before you even get inside, there are 34 steps you have to climb just to get to the base of the lighthouse.  Those are the easy ones.  Once inside, there are 105 steep iron stairs. Once at the top, the views are breathtaking!  You can see some of them in our original post.  

Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction

What started as a fruit stand more than 55 years ago, has evolved into a classic Florida roadside attraction that still draws visitors today.  Located on the top of a hill in Brooksville, Boyette’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. You have to see it to believe it!

Trapper Nelson’s Zoo and Jungle Garden

Three miles down the Loxahatchee River, where it meanders through the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, is Trapper Nelson’s Zoo and Jungle Garden, or what is left of it.  Trapper Nelson (aka Vincent Natulkiewicz), known as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” turned his property along the river into a wildlife zoo in the mid-1940s, and for the next 15 years or so, visitors from around the world visited to see him wrestle alligators and wrap himself up in snakes.

Check out our post about Trapper Nelson, then make plans to take the tour for yourself and spend the day at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park.  Note, the site is accessible only by canoe, boat or by tour boat.

FM Notes

We hope you have enjoyed our travels as much as we have.  We wish you a happy and healthy 2019 and hope it is filled with fun Florida travels!