Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

A Day at the Tallahassee Museum

The Tallahassee Museum doesn’t look like your typical museum with brick walls and marble floors.  Instead, the Museum, which is situated on 52 acres in southwest Tallahassee, offers an outdoor adventure, complete with history lessons and a wild Florida escape.

History of The Big Bend Farm at the Museum

One of the highlights of the Tallahassee Museum is the Big Bend Farm. The farm sits at the heart of the museum grounds and provides a glimpse of what life would have been like for a small family in the Big Bend region of Florida in the 1800s.

The farmhouse itself was built in the 1880s after the original house burned down. From its design to its placement on the farm, everything is done with a purpose.  Walls facing the north had no windows and were meant to absorb the winter winds. The large porches helped with air flow, and the raised foundation discouraged animals from entering the structure.

The stand-alone kitchen, just off to the side of the house, provided easy access to cooking but kept the heat out of the main house. Having the kitchen separate could also save the house from burning if the kitchen caught fire. Both structures came from different farms in the area. On the day of our visit, we talked to a volunteer who told us she plays 1880s housewife every Saturday. On this day, she made a batch of cookies, but we were too late to taste them!

Big Bend Farm House

Big Bend Farm House at Tallahassee Museum | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Inside the Kitchen

Inside the Kitchen at the Big Bend Farm | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Besides the farmhouse and kitchen, other structures included a potato house, buggy house, outhouse, smokehouse, corn crib, chicken house, barn, and sugar cane mill. All the buildings were laid out in a circle to allow homesteaders a view of what was going on around them.  The structures come from farms in Calhoun, Liberty, and Wakulla counties.

Tallahassee Museum

Farm Layout of Big Bend Farm | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Corn Crib at Big Bend Farm | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Potato House at Big Bend Farm | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Historic Community

On the opposite side of the entrance, a historic community is laid out featuring a plantation house, church, and one-room school house, each one carefully moved and restored to tell its own piece of Florida’s story.

Bellevue Plantation is a stately home with white columns and an expansive front porch. Originally a cotton plantation covering 520 acres, the Bellevue Plantation was purchased by Catherine Willis Murat in 1854, who owned it until her death in 1867. A walk inside reveals some of the original furnishings along with replicas of what could have been in a home like the Bellevue. History plaques are placed throughout the building and tell the story of the home and its owners. From the 19th Century Parlor, to the Bed Chamber, to a display of a homespun woven tapestry, and other items, guests are given a first-hand look at life in the 1800s.

The detached kitchen is not original to the plantation but is set up like others from the era – away from the main house.

Bellevue Plantation House

Bellevue Plantation House at the Tallahassee Museum | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Kitchen

Entrance to Kitchen at Bellevue Plantation | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Inside Kitchen

Kitchen at Bellevue Plantation | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, established in 1851, is the first regularly organized black church in the State of Florida. Standing inside this house of worship, one can only imagine the hymns sung in the pews and the sermons preached from the pulpit. Although this is not the original church, it was rebuilt using many of the church’s original hand-hewn timbers. The burial ground behind the church is separate from the original cemetery and was once part of Tallahassee’s Old City Cemetery, where African Americans were buried until 1937.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church at Tallahassee Museum | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Concord Schoolhouse, a tiny one-room schoolhouse built in 1897 for African American children living in the small town of Miccosukee in Leon County. The school was heated with a wood stove and lighting was provided through the building’s long windows. Its growth into one of the five largest rural schools for African American children in the county gave it the opportunity to have an assistant teacher. Desks were set up in rows facing the front of the classroom and its large chalkboard.  On the day of our visit, the school was the showplace for artwork from Pineview Elementary School in Leon County.

Tallahassee Museum

Concord Schoolhouse | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Concord Schoolhouse at Tallahassee Museum | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Seaboard Caboose – As with other North Florida Communities, the railroad supported growth in the area, moving cash crops from the field to market. The Seaboard Caboose #5362, on display at the museum, was built in 1924 and features a cupola as well as manual and air brakes. The caboose ran on the Florida East Coast Railroad until 1942, then the Seaboard Railroad from 1942 – 1963. All aboard for a glimpse of how the conductor lived – from the meals, to a refrigerator, stove, and where the conductor sat. An interactive part of the caboose allows you to press a button and hear a conductor talk about the caboose crew, train sounds, and a work chant.

Tallahassee Museum

Seaboard Caboose | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Where the conductor sits | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Each stop in the historic community felt like opening a different chapter of a storybook. Together, they painted a vivid picture of how people lived, worked, prayed, and learned in Florida generations ago.

Wildlife Exhibits and Nature Trails at the Tallahassee Museum

Not everything in the museum centers around farm and plantation life. There are also wildlife exhibits that highlight the animals and creatures that call Florida home. A guest animal exhibit showcases animals that aren’t always part of the permanent collection.  The day we were there, the exhibit featured four red foxes that were rescued from a fur farm in Minnesota.  The Museum changed out the Guest Animal Exhibit in December and now features binturongs (also known as bearcats). We’ll have to return to see these rare mammals.

An aviary features birds of prey that can be seen perching on trees in the enclosure. Boardwalks and trails take visitors along other paths to see deer, bears, otters, and other animals of North Florida.

Tallahassee Museum

Guest Animal Exhibit | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Bald Eagle in the Aviary | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Otter | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Zipline Adventures

One of the Tallahassee Museum’s popular attractions is Tree-to-Tree Adventures, offering zipline courses for people of all ages.  There are three courses in all.  Treemendous Adventures gives the younger (and shorter) visitors a chance to experience a course on a much smaller scale. It’s lower to the ground with its own obstacles, platforms, and a zipline. The course takes about 30 – 40 minutes to complete.

Tallahassee Museum

Receiving Instructions for Ziplining | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Navigating the Treemendous Course | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

One of the platforms | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

The more adventurous can try the Canopy Crossing (14 obstacles, 25 platforms, and 7 ziplines above buildings, paths, and natural areas.  Time to complete: 45 – 90 minutes. Finally, the Soaring Cypress course. This course includes Canopy Crossing and takes two to three hours to complete.  There are a total of 47 platforms, 25 obstacles, and 16 ziplines.

Zipline adventures are not included in the museum entry fee.

Tallahassee Museum

One of the larger courses | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Jim Gary’s Twentieth Century Dinosaurs

As you walk around the museum property, you can’t miss the brightly painted sculptures all made of old car parts. Dinosaurs, giant red ants, and frog-like creatures.  There are 23 in all, with some as large as 43 feet and weighing up to 4,000 pounds. The sculptures are all the original work of internationally renowned artist Jim Gary and were shown around the world until he died in 2006. The Jim Gary Foundation joined forces with the Tallahassee Museum and made the sculptures a permanent display.  If you look closely, you’ll see that the parts making up each creature’s anatomy had similar roles in their functions in cars.

Tallahassee Museum

Dinosaur | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Tallahassee Museum

Green-eyed Monster? | Photo by Doris Spressart | Floridiana Magazine

Closing Reflections

The Tallahassee Museum isn’t the kind of place where you rush through exhibits with a brochure in hand. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, wander through an old farmstead or a historic community, take a hike along a trail, or soar above the land. There’s something about the blend of history, nature, and adventure that makes the Tallahassee Museum not just a destination, but a place worth revisiting again and again.

Address:

3945 Museum Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32310

Hours:

Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission Rates are under $20 per person. Children under three are free, and museum members are free.

Another museum you don’t want to miss in Tallahassee is the Museum of Florida History.  Check out one of our previous posts.

Check out more pictures from our day at the Tallahassee Museum.

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The Harvey Trucks | May They Rust in Peace

Driving through smaller towns can reap big benefits – whether it’s a quaint Mom and Pop restaurant, a once-majestic old home left to the elements, or a roadside honey stand still operating on the honor system. And then there are those finds that, at first glance, only seem suited as photo opportunities, yet in the end have their own stories to tell.

One such site is known to the locals of Wakulla County as the Harvey Trucks, owned by long-time resident Pat Harvey and his family.  Located on Crawfordville Highway about two miles north of the intersection of 319 and 98, these old relics once served the Harvey family farm well, first as working vehicles, then later as parts for newer ones. When their use was exhausted, Harvey originally planned on hauling them off for scrap metal.  But once he moved the trucks to the side of the road around 1997 and lined them up, he decided he liked the way they looked in that spot. Little did he know at the time that these two dozen cars and trucks would become the roadside attraction they are today.

The vehicles sit in a semi-circle in chronological order, some as old as the early 1900s and others as “new” as the mid 1970s. Mostly Fords and Dodges, a car buff might also see an old REO Speedwagon front and center.

For folks just passing with no knowledge of the history behind these trucks, they may look like part of a junk yard. For Harvey however, they conjure up pleasant memories. In an interview with WFSU, Harvey recounted some of his most vivid ones.

Among them, the first truck he ever rode in – a rusted 1941 Ford pickup. Then there’s a ’59 Ford he took his driver’s test in, as well as a dark green station wagon which was his family’s first car and the one he used for dates. Although the station wagon is rusted out, a tinge of green paint is evident in several places on the exterior, while the interior still sports faded green and tan seats.

There’s also a cattle truck that did more than just transport cattle. It was used for leisure activities. Harvey remembers sitting on a board put up across the back of the truck and riding down the highway, bugs splatting like a motorcycle without a windshield.

Each vehicle has its own story to tell and as the story of their existence has grown, so, too has their popularity. Over the years, the trucks have become a landmark of sorts. They are used as the backdrop for prom and homecoming pictures, not to mention the subject for photographers and artists alike, whether it’s for their rust and neglect, or just their novelty.

Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on these old relics. Trees have sprouted through the rusted floorboards; vines have grown around and inside them; and vandals have taken care of what Mother Nature could not. Most are missing all of their emblems or pieces of chrome. Windows have been broken. The interiors stripped of gear shifts and odometers. Still, others got their own “paint job.”  Years ago, there was a sign that sat in the front row of the trucks that read “May They Rust in Peace.”  Sadly, even that sign is gone.

At one time, the Harveys thought they would have to clear away the trucks because of a city ordinance passed to keep folks from letting junk cars sit in their yard in public view.  Fortunately, the Harvey Trucks were grandfathered in and can remain indefinitely.

Visiting the Trucks

Heading south on 319 past Crawfordville and before Medart, the trucks can be seen on the right side of the road. There is no sign that says you have arrived, so it’s easy to drive past the first time. A circular drive makes it easy to park and get out, but it’s advisable to wear closed-toe shoes because of broken glass, overgrown trees and shrubs, and who knows what else. Take your camera along and capture your own photos of these old trucks. I’ve been a couple of times and have taken a picture of something new each time.

Enjoy some of my photos in the slideshow below and stay tuned for another post of just my photos.

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Falling Waters State Park | Home of Florida’s Tallest Waterfall

A visit to any of Florida’s 175 state parks is a good day in and of itself. Whether it’s Blue Spring State Park in Orange City to view the manatees, or the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek to see where the famed author spent her time writing, our state parks offer a variety of experiences.

Did you know there is a Florida State Park that boasts the state’s tallest waterfall? Falling Waters State Park can make that claim and is definitely one park to put on your to-do list.

Falling Waters State Park

THE PARK

Falling Waters State Park is located just south of Chipley in the Florida Panhandle and is comprised of 173 acres and offers a glimpse of what Florida looked like when Spanish explorers first arrived about 500 years ago. Park literature says the land shows evidence of habitation as early as 5,000 years ago and that Native Americans were still living in the area during the British occupation of Florida in 1778. Fast forward more than 240 years and even more is known about the area. In some places, the trail system actually crosses over an “underlying cave system where trained divers using specialized equipment have mapped more than 400 feet of passage beneath the park. These caves and sinkholes play a crucial role in recharging underground supplies of Florida’s drinking water.”

THE WATERFALL

Let’s be honest, when you think of waterfalls, you probably think of the mountains in North Carolina or Georgia, but Florida has its fair share of them as well. They just aren’t as tall and although the highest in Florida is just under 75 feet, it is impressive.

A wooden stairway leads down into the mouth of a 100-foot-deep sinkhole. It’s the closest point to observe the waterfall as the water cascades from a creek into the bottom of the sink then disappears into a cave. On the day of our visit, the sign at the park entrance said the waterfall flow was moderate. Standing close to it, it felt more powerful than that. You could hear the roar and feel the strength of the water as it crashed over the edge.

Fortunately, recent rains had created a stronger flow, which in turn provided a better viewing experience. Summer thunderstorms could result in a raging torrent, or a drought could slow the water to a trickle. Two other observation decks provide picturesque views of the waterfall – with the upper overlook offering the best look at the entire waterfall system. Photos aren’t bad from this location either.

Getting to the waterfall was not as difficult as I expected. A concrete walkway and wooden boardwalks made the hike easier. Steps leading down to them could be tricky if they were wet, but handrails make the descent safer.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Although the waterfall is the centerpiece of the park, there is more to see and do. From the lake to the trails to the camping areas, there is something for everyone.

Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake was created to provide a consistent water supply to the waterfall. The overflow from the two-acre lake actually leads to one of the original creeks that feed the waterfall.

Swimming is also a favorite pastime at the lake. Whether you want to sunbathe on the white sandy beach or take a dip in the water to cool off on a hot Florida day, the lake is one of the draws to the park. And there are good fishing spots, too. You just need to have a state freshwater fishing license.

Hiking Trails and History

Three hiking trails provide ample opportunities to see the lush landscape and or any of the twelve sinkholes within the park. Whether it’s the upland pine forest, a hardwood hammock, or the ferns growing along the trail, there is plenty of natural beauty to behold.

The trails also provide a walking history of the park. During the Civil War, the waterfall powered a grist mill for making corn within the park’s boundaries. A legal whiskey distillery was also operated near the falls in the late 1800s and the spirits were sold at a site that would later become Chipley. Farther along the trail, the remnants of an oil well can be seen. The first oil well was drilled in 1919 but was capped off two years later when it failed to produce commercial quantities of oil.

ADDITIONAL SITES TO SEE

If visiting the waterfall, hiking or swimming isn’t enough, you can also get a glimpse of butterflies in the butterfly garden, let your children play on the playground, or spend a weekend camping at one of the sites. Besides boasting the tallest waterfall, Falling Waters State Park can also claim the highest elevated campground in Florida. Pine Ridge Campground has 24 campsites equipped with water, electricity, picnic tables and ground grills.

How to Get There

If you are on Interstate 10 in the panhandle, exit south on State Road 77 (exit 120). Follow SR 77 about a mile to State Park Road, then go east and follow the signs to the park entrance.

The park is open 8:00 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. An entrance fee is also required. At the time of this post, that fee was $5.00 per car.

Watch the slideshow below for more photographs of Falling Waters State Park.

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Eight Ways to Experience Florida from the Comfort of Your Home

Let’s face it.  We are living in an unprecedented time.  The state of Florida is under a stay at home order, parks are closed, museums are closed, and attractions are closed.  While we can’t get out and enjoy them in person, we can still visit – virtually.

Grab your computer, your phone or your tablet, and experience Florida from the comfort of your home.

Archbold Biological Station

Located in Venus (yes, that’s in Florida), Archbold Biological Station is a research institute that focuses on the environment of the Lake Wales Ridge and parts of Central Florida. Formed in 1941, it encompasses a large area of Florida scrubland.  Normally, the Station is open for visitors, providing a glimpse into its work, from conservation to science to nature and living green, through displays and hiking trails. Guided tours are also available, but at a cost.

For now, those opportunities are not available, so Archbold has created a Discovery Classroom Virtual Field Trip.  This is a free weekly 25-minute virtual field trip and will focus on the following topics:

  • April 7: Lake Wales Ridge
  • April 14: Hicoria: A Brief History of a Florida Ghost Town
  • April 21: Fire
  • April 28: Wildflowers

How to participate, register for the classes through Archbold’s website.

Bok Tower

Also located in Central Florida, Bok Tower sits atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales. Founded by Edward W. Bok, the gardens opened to the public in 1929 and now feature nearly 50 acres of palms, ferns, oaks and other trees. The centerpiece of 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 would normally ring out with concerts every day.

Bok Tower | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Even though the gardens are closed, Bok Tower is offering regular live concerts from the Tower, as well as virtual walks along the pathways and fun activities like “Name that Tune.”

How to join: Follow Bok Tower Gardens on Facebook and take advantage of all of their activities.

Castillo de San Marcos

One of the state’s top tourist destinations, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.  Made of coquina, the fort was built more than 315 years ago to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World.  While walking through the fort is an unforgettable experience, you can still take a tour from home.

How to join:  Click here for the Castillo de San Marcos Virtual Tour, presented by University of South Florida Libraries and the National Park Service.

Central Florida Zoo

The zoo may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get up close and personal with the animals who live there. The Zoo to You is a daily live event featuring a different animal and fun activities for kids. Some of the featured animals so far include porcupines Pancake and Pluto, and giraffes Gage and Rafiki.    Follow along on Facebook every day at 2:00 p.m.  Tune in for Double Feature Friday which presents two live events at noon and 2:00 p.m. If you miss any of the episodes, just scroll through their timeline and watch them all.  You may just make a few new friends!

How to join:  Follow Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Facebook.

Central Florida Zoo | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Gatorland

Gatorland is one of those original Florida theme parks, opening more than 70 years ago.  Its iconic gator mouth welcomes visitors into its 110 acres of alligators, crocodiles, petting zoo, aviary and observation tower.   The park may be closed, but the gators and other wildlife have to be fed.  So, while a limited crew is on site, they are providing daily activities through School of Croc every day at 10:00 a.m. (live on Facebook) and at 5:00 p.m. on their YouTube Channel.  Gatorland plans to provide these live feeds until the park is able to reopen.

How to join:  Follow Gatorland Orlando on Facebook or watch Live at Five on Gatorland’s YouTube channel.

Kennedy Space Center

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.  During regular times, visitors can walk among the Rocket Garden, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, take a bus tour of NASA property, and stand in awe of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Although the Visitor Complex is temporarily closed, KSC is providing daily educational presentations on topics like moon rocks, living and working in space, and building a rocket out of a paper towel roll. In addition to the videos provided on Facebook, there are also virtual learning resources available.

KSC goes live at 9:30 a.m. for younger children and 1:00 p.m. for others.  If you miss any live streams, scroll through their Facebook feed and watch them.  You can also click on the videos tab on their Facebook page to watch additional videos.

How to join:  Follow Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Facebook.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Mount Dora

Mount Dora is 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.  Mount Dora is, as the sign says, someplace special.

While a lot of the activities have been canceled or postponed in Mount Dora, you can still get your daily dose of this quaint little town through a live feed of downtown.  The Lakeside Inn has also been hosting live concerts through their Facebook page.

How to join:  Click on this link to the live feed and Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora on Facebook.

Mount Dora | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Majestically reaching 175 feet into the sky, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state, and second tallest masonry lighthouse in the United States, behind the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Unfortunately, you can’t climb the 203 steps to the top right now, but you can participate in the Ponce Inlet Virtual Tour.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

These are just a few of the Florida places we have found offering virtual tours or live daily updates on social media.  If you are looking for something specific, try looking them up on Facebook to see if they are offering any virtual tours.  We have discovered more of our favorites are adding live events to keep in touch.  If you see something, please leave a comment along with a link and we will make sure to highlight it on our Facebook page.

Don’t forget we have a checklist of Florida places to visit.  Print it out and start making plans on where you want to go once this passes.  We even left some blanks for you to fill in your own.

Florida Travels_Checklist

Stay safe.  Stay at home.

 

 

Black Hammock Adventures | Airboats and More

Admittedly, I am not the most adventurous person you’ll ever know.  Maybe that comes from tipping over in a canoe, cautiously watching dozens of alligators from a canoe in the middle of a lake, or a startling encounter with a snake along a park trail.  So, when I decided on an airboat ride for the latest Florida adventure, let’s just say I was a bit apprehensive at first.  However, it turned out to be one of my most favorite outdoor activities – ever – thanks to Black Hammock Adventures.

Black Hammock | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The Airboats

Located on Lake Jesup in Oviedo, Black Hammock Adventures has been providing airboat rides for more than 15 years.  Their boats are approved by, and the captains licensed by, the U.S. Coast Guard.  Needless to say, they know what they are doing.

After purchasing tickets in the gift shop, it was down to the dock to wait for boarding.  Airboat rides leave every 30 minutes, so you will not wait very long for your excursion.  Our boat had a grand total of seven, which included six passengers and the captain.  It could easily have seated another nine passengers.  The captain started with a brief safety review, informed us of the noise and the need to wear the provided ear protection, and offered a short background of the lake.  Then we were off on our adventure.

Black Hammock Airboats | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Picking up speed, we glided gracefully along the smooth waters of the lake.  The bright sun and blue sky created the perfect conditions, although there was a chill in the air.  Needless to say, the weather was on our side.  Since the boat wasn’t at capacity), we could see the wildlife and fauna on both sides of the boat.

The first part of our excursion took us off the main lake and into a cove of sorts.  Idling along the shoreline, we saw osprey flying overhead and alligators in the water – one sunning himself on a log, another lazing nearby, a limpkin just beyond.

Just hanging out | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

If I walk away slowly, maybe he won’t see me! | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After a leisurely ride along the south shore, we picked up speed and headed across the lake to the north shore.  Making our way across the marshes and several quick airboat turns, we ended up in another part of the lake with an abundance of wildlife.  Great blue herons waded along the shore, anhingas perched, drying off their wings, ducks skimming across the water, and, of course, more alligators lazed on or near the shore. Lake Jesup is said to have one of the densest populations of alligators in the state.

Great blue heron | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Photo by Floridiana Magazine

American alligator | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After meandering along the shore, we head back across the lake to the dock.  For someone who was apprehensive at first, I felt a little disappointed when we disembarked.

Dropping off our ear protection, we were led back to the gift shop for the grand finale – a “close encounter” with a small gator.

My new best friend?

Other Things to See and Do

If you’ve never been to Black Hammock, don’t think it’s something you drive out to, take your airboat ride, then turn around and leave.  There is much more to do and see.  Free exhibits include a parrot jungle, an alligator viewing area, and Hammy – a 12-foot alligator born in 1968 and weighing in at around 600 pounds.  His personal bio says he was the one selected from over 100 alligators to retire at Black Hammock.

Parrots at the Parrot Jungle | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Happy gators! | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Meet Hammy | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After seeing all of the alligators, if you’re craving some “gatorlicious appetizers,” head up to the Black Hammock Restaurant.  Of course, there’s much more to eat that just gator!

Gator meat! | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Our spur-of-the-moment trip to Black Hammock made for a perfect day.  From the airboat ride, to lunch at the restaurant, and a drink at the Lazy Gator Bar, this is one adventure that will be repeated.

Please take a moment and watch our slideshow below of more of our trip to Black Hammock.

Oh, and be sure to like us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Cedar Keys Light Station at Seahorse Key

Cedar Key exudes the description of an “old Florida” town.  Quaint houses. An historic downtown.  Friendly people. The first time I visited Cedar Key was when I worked for Gainesville television station WCJB in the 80s.  Not much has changed since then, but now I view it with a different lens.  I view it as a Florida resident simply interested in the history and beauty of our state.

My most recent trip to Cedar Key was for the purpose of touring the Cedar Keys Light Station during the town’s Seafood Festival in October.  Although Tropical Storm Nestor caused the cancellation of the first day of the festival, it cleared out in time for a beautiful Sunday and a picture-perfect day for a boat ride to Seahorse Key.

Entrance to Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The boat ride itself took about thirty minutes. Low tide meant a little navigational skill was needed to get us to our destination, but once there, the views from the island were breathtaking.

Cedar Keys Light Station

Stepping off the boat, the lighthouse was in full view.  Unlike other lighthouses we have visited and climbed, Cedar Keys Light Station is a two-story structure, with the typical spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.  The climb consists of 35 steps, but unfortunately, the stairs were blocked off during our visit, so we could not go to the top to get the panoramic view of Seahorse Key.

Cedar Keys Lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Steps to top of lighthouse | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

New light installed | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse on Florida’s west coast.  Built in 1854, at one time the light could be seen for fifteen miles. It was not only a navigational beacon but was also instrumental in bringing commerce to Cedar Key.

Less than eight years later, the Civil War interrupted life as it was known. At the beginning of the war, the lighthouse fixtures were dismantled and sent to Waldo for safekeeping.  In January of 1862, Union forces on the U.S.S. Hatteras blockaded the keys and destroyed an army barracks and cannons on Seahorse Key.  The lighthouse did not sustain any major damage. In 1866, following the war, the lighthouse was repaired and returned to service. It remained in commission until 1915, due to a significant decrease in vessels using the port.

In 1952, the University of Florida worked out an agreement with U.S. Fish & Wildlife entered to lease the property and establish a marine laboratory. The light station now serves as a dormitory for groups visiting the island for educational purposes.

Seahorse Key Dock | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

After more than 100 years in the dark, the lighthouse was reactivated July 5, 2019.  The fourth-order Fresnel lens that was originally used in the lighthouse, was replicated by Artworks Florida, an Orlando-based company specializing in the restoration of lenses.  In its finished stage, the lens is 36 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds and is lit only during special events.

Other Things to See on Seahorse Key

Birds and Beauty

One of 13 islands that make up the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Seahorse Key is said to be the highest elevation on Florida’s west coast.  The sand dune on which the lighthouse was built, is 52.3 feet high which is noticeable when walking the trail from the back of the lighthouse, down to the shore along the Gulf of Mexico.

Unlike other Florida beaches, this one is untouched.  A leisurely walk and keen observation can lead to amazing discoveries.

Steps from the beach to the top of the dune | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The beach at Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Horseshoe Crab | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Hooded warbler | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

The island and a 300-foot buffer around it are closed from March 1st to June 30th to protect nesting birds.

Cemetery

Another interesting find on the island is a small cemetery with about a dozen headstones. Some of those buried include William Wilson, the first lighthouse keeper (1854 – 1855), and Catharine Hobday, the assistant lighthouse keeper from 1872 to 1879. Catharine was also the only woman to serve at the Cedar Keys Light Station. Her son Andrew was the longest serving lighthouse keeper (1871 – 1890).

Other headstones include two local fishermen from the 1800s and sailors from the U.S.S. Fort Henry and the U.S.S. Union.

Make sure to take the mosquito warnings seriously.  This short walk to the cemetery and back included quite a bit of itching and scratching for sure.

Cemetery on Seahorse Key | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Catharine Hobday Tombstone | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Navy sailors tombstones | Photo by Floridiana Magazine

Seahorse Key, managed by the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, is about three miles off Cedar Key and is only open to the general public during open house events.  There are usually about four open houses during the year.  The dates listed so far for 2020 include Wednesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 18th.

Check out the Nature Coast Biological Station website for future events on Seahorse Key.

Other Fun Facts

  • The name “Cedar Keys” came from two American explorers who were searching for cedar timber near the Suwannee River.
  • Seahorse Key got its name because the land formation resembles a seahorse.

Please view our slide show below of additional photographs taken on Seahorse Key and be sure to leave us a comment on your own adventures of the island.

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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.

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.

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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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