Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

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

Manatee Viewing at Blue Spring State Park

When you think of Florida, cold weather isn’t the first thing to come to mind.  But when the mercury starts to drop, some of the best places to visit are the state’s springs.  That’s where you will be able to see manatees in their natural habitats – a sight that never gets old.  So, when we got our first blast of cold air, guess where we headed?

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City offers some of the best views of manatees (at least in our opinion).  Considered one of the largest gathering sites for these gentle giants during the winter months, Blue Spring is home to nearly 500 manatees, up from about 40 when research began in the 1970s.

The park offers numerous viewing platforms to see the manatees. Watch from the overlooks, a metal dock or follow the boardwalk to the headspring.  About 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River, this first magnitude spring (a spring that discharges water at the rate of 100 cubic feet per second) provides a safe haven for these gentle giants.

Manatees in the spring run

Take the boardwalk to the headspring

What You Will See

If it’s cold outside, there’s no doubt you will observe manatees during your visit to Blue Spring State Park.  Watch as the manatees hang out in the spring run or the spring itself.  Get a glimpse of the manatee mothers swimming alongside their calves, or a group of manatees playing games in the water. See them glide slowly through the water, sit on the bottom of the spring run or perform barrel rolls.  There is something very peaceful about observing these mammals in their habitat.

Manatees of all sizes can be observed in Blue Spring State Park. They can grow up to 10-12 feet in length and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Manatees can live 50 – 60 years in the wild, and according to the Save the Manatee website, some of the same manatees have been spotted in Blue Spring since the early 70s.

Mama and her calf

Injuries to Manatees

Sadly, many manatees receive serious injuries from boats, some from propellers cutting into their skin, or from blunt-force from speeding boaters.  Many of the manatees seen in Blue Spring have scars as evidence of their injuries.  Not all injuries come from boats, however. Some come from nets or fishing line or other items tossed into the water ways.

Water Activities

Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and diving are all suspended in the spring run and the headspring at Blue Spring State Park during the winter months.

Tips for Viewing

Besides Blue Spring State Park, manatees can be seen in many springs, rivers and other waterways around the state during the winter months of November through March.  No matter where you see them, here are a few tips for viewing:

  1. On cold mornings at Blue Spring State Park, arrive early. The park closes its gates once the parking lots are full. Check your destination for site specific information.
  2. Look but don’t touch.
  3. Be patient. Manatees typically come up for air every three to five minutes. However, they can stay underwater for up to 15 – 20 minutes.
  4. When the manatees surface, listen closely for their breathing sounds.
  5. Do not feed them or poke them with anything.
  6. Take along a camera or use your smart phone. They don’t move fast and you can get some great photos!
  7. Sunny days are more picturesque than cloudy days, but you can still see them, even with overcast skies.

Hanging out over the spring

Blue Spring State Park is a 50-minute drive from Orlando and is located on French Avenue in Orange City, west of US Highway 17-92.  Park hours are 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.  There is a $6.00 per car charge to get into the park.

Note: Updates to Wheelie and his rescue can be found on our Facebook page.

Related Stories

Blue Spring State Park

 

 

 

 

 

Manatee Viewing at Big Bend Power Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places to See Manatees

 

 

 

 

 

Boca Grande

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Visitor’s Guide to Devil’s Millhopper

Exploring Florida can take on many twists and turns, ups and downs.  For visitors to Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville, that exploration literally takes you down to a sinkhole that has attracted curious individuals since the late 1800s.

What is Devil’s Millhopper?

Devil’s Millhopper, 120 feet deep and about 500 feet across, formed when the limestone underneath it collapsed.  More than 100 feet of geologic rock layers make it unique as it is one of the few places in Florida where they are exposed.  The further down you go into the sinkhole, the older the rocks.  Established as a state park in 1974, it was also named a National Natural Landmark in 1976.

Devil’s Millhopper | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

How Did Devil’s Millhopper Get its Name?

As is the case with other Florida locations, there are several tales told to explain how Devil’s Millhopper got its name. One says the devil kidnapped a Native American princess and created the sinkhole to trap her rescuers.  The other claims early visitors, who found bones and fossils at the bottom, believed animals and beasts went there to meet the devil.  In reality, it was named because of its shape – a funnel-like shape similar to one you find at the bottom of a grain hopper on a farm.

Visitor’s Center

You can learn more about the Millhopper inside the Visitor’s Center at the entrance to the park.  Make sure to stop, pick up a brochure about the sink, or ask the park ranger on duty any questions you might have.  Interactive exhibits inside provide more information about how it formed and what has been found at the bottom.

Visitor Center at Devil’s Millhopper | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Walk Down

Even though I lived in Gainesville about 30 years ago, I never made it to Devil’s Millhopper.  Now I know what I was missing.  A walk to the bottom takes you away from the noise of the city into a peaceful rainforest-like setting that offers picturesque views of ferns and other vegetation, along with small waterfalls and streams. On the day of our visit, those views included bright turquoise water and turtles sitting on old tree branches that had fallen into the water.  The water level in the sink is dependent on the amount of rainfall.

Sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Turtle on log at Devil’s Millhopper | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

At one time there were 232 stairs you would have to walk down to get to the sinkhole, but Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused extensive damage and the stairs had to be rebuilt.  Now there are 132 steps and they are relatively easy to manage.  Just remember, going back up is still a little tougher than going down.

Boardwalk leading to the sinkhole | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Hiking the Trail

Besides the stairs down to the sinkhole, there’s a hiking trail that takes you along the rim. Before Hurricane Irma, the trail was a complete loop around the top of the sink, taking you over a bridge that crosses a gully flowing into the sink.  Due to safety concerns, the bridge is currently closed, and your hike will have to be modified.  As you walk the trail, make sure to look all around you.  There are some amazing sites to be seen if you take the time.

Along the trail at Devil’s Millhopper | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Visiting Basics

Devil’s Millhopper is part of the Florida State Parks System and is located off County Road 232 in northwest Gainesville.  Before Hurricane Irma, 60,000 people visited the park per year.  Without the steps down to the sink, that number decreased, but park officials are expecting it to go back up now that the new boardwalk is open.

The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 Wednesday through Sunday and is closed Monday and Tuesday.  A $4.00 per vehicle fee is collected at a cash box at the entrance to the parking lot.  Of course, if you have an annual pass to the State Parks, you can write in your pass number on the envelope and the hang tag for your car and forego the charge.

Pack a lunch and a bottle or two of water, take your camera, and wear closed-toe shoes.  It’s definitely a trip worth taking.

Interesting Fact:  Construction on the new boardwalk had to be delayed a year because funds were diverted to parks devastated by Hurricane Michael (2018) in the Panhandle.  Those funds were reallocated for Devil’s Millhopper in 2019 with construction beginning in January and finishing in June.

 

Other Things to Do Nearby

If you are looking for other things to do while in Gainesville, here are a few of our favorites:

Dudley Farm Historic State Park –  Located in Newberry, this farm portrays life on a farm in the mid-to-late 1800s.

UF Bat Houses – Join others along Museum Road on the University of Florida campus for the nightly exodus of  400,000 bats.  The show starts about 15 to 20 minutes after sundown.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park – The park is a man-made habitat located on the north end of Paynes Prairie on Williston Road in Gainesville.  There are more than three and a half miles of easy trails on 125 acres, with amazing views of plants, animals, and more than 215 species of birds.  If you are lucky, you may get a chance to see the wild horses or the bison roaming the prairie.

 

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando

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

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

Who Was Harry P. Leu?

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

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

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

Gardens and Exhibits

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

Floral Clock

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

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

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

Classes and Workshops

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

Admission and Location

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

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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!

What to Do in 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.

Lake Wales History

Lake Wales was first settled in 1911 by a group of businessmen known as the Lake Wales Land Company.  These individuals purchased 5,000 acres around Lake Wailes, named after land agent Sidney Wailes. The Lake Wales Land Company saw the property as ripe for a turpentine and lumber industry, as well as growing citrus crops.

Lake Wailes

By the time Lake Wales was incorporated in 1917, it was already on its way to becoming a thriving town, with a school, some paved roads, and a newspaper.

Part of the charm of Lake Wales is its downtown area which is recognized as a National Historic District.  A walk around town reveals evidence of the old charm. Informational signs are strategically located to provide information about the area and the numerous buildings restored to the splendor of the 1920s and 30s.

City of Murals

Another way to enjoy the history of Lake Wales is through the 21 murals scattered throughout downtown.  The earliest mural was painted in 1942 and hangs inside the lobby of the Post Office on West Park Avenue.  Harvest Time Lake Wales measures 14 feet by 5 feet and depicts the area’s citrus industry.  A second indoor mural is at the Lake Wales Public Library and portrays animals that are native to the area in their natural environment.  The library mural was painted by Tom Freeman, who also painted many of the other murals around town.  Freeman, a former teacher, is also the subject of a mural funded and painted by his students.

Tom Freeman Recognition Mural

Another local artist, Lisa Moore, has not only painted some of the murals, but was also commissioned to do restoration work on some of the older murals around town.  On one of our visits, we found Lisa working on the Downtown City Mural on East Stuart Avenue.

The Lake Wales murals are part of a statewide trail that connects mural towns with mural enthusiasts. A map of the murals’ locations, as well as descriptions about them can be found at the Lake Wales Mural website.

Lake Wales Museum

Like other old train depots around Florida, the Atlantic Coast Line Depot has been transformed into the Lake Wales Museum.  The museum offers a look back at the history of Lake Wales.  Starting with its inception in 1911, exhibits depict the people, places and events that have shaped the town. Take a step back in time and learn about the history of the railroad, the turpentine industry and the postal service. There are also special exhibits that are set up throughout the year.  Before you leave the museum, make sure to head outside and tour a refurbished Seaboard caboose.

Other Things to See and Do in Lake Wales

Bok Tower and Gardens

You can’t visit Lake Wales without making a trip to Bok Tower and Gardens, located atop Iron Mountain.  Founded by Edward W. Bok, the gardens opened to the public in 1929 and now features nearly 50 acres of lush gardens filled with palms, ferns, oaks and other trees. Seasonal plants also provide splashes of color to the grounds.

The centerpiece to the gardens is the 205-foot Bok Tower.  Known as the Singing Tower, it houses one of the finest carillons anywhere in the world. With 60 bells, the tower rings out with concerts every day at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Also, on property is the Pinewood Estate, a 20-room mansion built in the early 1930s. The estate is open for tours, but make sure to check the website for blackout dates before you plan your trip.

Spook Hill

Do cars really roll uphill?  That’s for you to decide when you visit Spook Hill in Lake Wales.

If you want to know more about Spook Hill, click here.  Or even better, drive to Spook Hill, park your car on the white line, put it into neutral, and see what happens!

How to find it: From U.S. 27, take State Road 60 west to Alternate U.S. 27, north past Central Avenue, then east at first traffic light (North Avenue). Then turn left on one-way street to Spook Hill.

Struthers’ Honey

Struthers’ Honey is one of those places you have to visit.  Situated about 15 minutes east of Highway 27 along Highway 60, this honey store operates on the honor system.  That’s right.  There is usually no one inside to take your money.  Only shelves full of honey and honey-based products, and a cash box.  If you are lucky, you will be there when one of the family members stops by to replenish the shelves.  Struthers’ Honey opened for business in 1935 and may be the oldest honey store in Florida working off the honor system.

Orange Blossom Revue

Towns across Florida are known for their festivals and events.  In Lake Wales, the Orange Blossom Revue is one of those.  The event got its name from the impact of the citrus industry in Central Florida.  Held in early December every year, the Revue hosts barbeque competitions, regional musicians, arts and crafts, and craft beer featuring Florida breweries.  The weekend is full of fun activities for everyone, not just the locals.

Lake Wales Mardi Gras

Who would think a Mardi Gras celebration would be held in a small city like Lake Wales?  In 1984, the celebration began in Lake Wales in memory of Vinton Davis who owned Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant.  Davis is said to have loved carnivals, especially Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  The Lake Wales Mardi Gras celebration is usually held the first weekend of March.  What’s billed as “A Festival for Florida” features live music, a parade, a 5k run and plenty of fun for the entire family.

There doesn’t have to be an event to visit Lake Wales.  This small city with a hometown atmosphere offers many opportunities to learn about its history, get a taste of some of its culture, or enjoy its natural beauty.

Lake Wales is located about 54 miles southwest of Orlando off U.S. 27 and Highway 60.  Please watch our slide show for more pictures from our trips to Lake Wales.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.