My Florida Journal
02 Apr, 2013
Welcome to Florida
Our travels have brought
us all around the "lower 48". We've tried to zip zag, circle through,
and around every state we could. Florida was where this endeavor started.
Thank you for taking this
wonderful journey with us. It has been absolutely incredible.
Pambling Roads−My Florida
Journal
Key West
Our dream to travel when
my husband retired started with our first goal, Key West.
Normally we take the back
roads when we travel, wanting to see “America”, wanting to meet the Americans.
We don’t want to see a continuous line of highways with endless trees and
concrete. However, rare for us, the trip to Key West was mostly highway.
Travel miles for me is
about four to five hours, anything more than that and my brain doesn’t work
properly, my body starts to ache, and I’m utterly useless. (And cranky as my
husband’s saying to himself as he reads this.) Our layovers tend to be more
relaxing and neither one of us have overextended ourselves, nor do we end up
with travel pains.
Living on the Central
Florida Coast our first stop was in the Homestead/Miami area. It was such a
relaxing trip until we arrived. Their signage was just as horrendous as their
un-kept roads.
The Coral Castle Museum
A few miles down the road
from our hotel on South Dixie Hwy aka US 1, was the Coral Castle Museum.
Coral Castle is in Homestead, FL. Yes, the Homestead, FL where Hurricane Andrew
made landfall and devastated the area in 1992.
Originally called Rock
Gate Park, Coral Castle is a replica of an extravagant home without a roof
that’s made of coral. The tour guide was friendly and was able to answer all
our questions. Ed Leedskalnin, who weighed one hundred pounds, and stood five feet
tall, built the castle himself with simple tools, many of them homemade.
What made this so unusual
was how he did it. Coral is heavy, about one hundred twenty-five pounds per
cubic foot. Mr. Leedskalnin moved over 1100 tons of coral, and no one
knows/witnessed how he did it.
A few keynotes:
The nine ton gate that
until recently (They needed to get it repaired.) could be moved with one hand.
It was balanced so perfectly that a child could move it.
The Obelisk weighs over
twenty-eight tons and is larger than any of the stones at Stonehenge. The
Florida table is a twenty foot table carved in the shape of Florida surrounded
by ten chairs. The Cooker has a pit, a pipe for a down draft, a vent in the
roof for smoke and the cooking pot is made of the rear housing of an old Ford.
Their Gift shop was a
treasure. We picked up a few things and of course, a book. Coral Castle: The
Mystery of Ed Leedskalnin and his American Stonehenge by Rusty McClure and Jack
Heffron, an interesting read if you love to read about unusual true stories.
Key West:
Cameras cannot do it
justice. Beautiful, breathtaking, crystal-clear waters started the moment we
were able to see the ocean and Gulf. It was a living postcard.
I’d suggest, if your
hotel doesn’t have a concierge, stopping by the Key West Visitor Center. They
offer coupons and multiple savings for the trip, a huge selection of
activities, and a schedule of events. We always stop by the visitor centers
when we travel, even if the hotel has a concierge.
One of the first things
we did was to purchase tour tickets for the Old Town Trolley. We used their
service for the sightseeing tour in Washington, DC, and were quite happy to use
their services again. The hotel we stayed at had a shuttle service making our
stay that much more pleasant.
We stayed five days and
didn’t have to drive anywhere. Between the trolley and the shuttle, we had the
island covered, and had no worries on finding parking places. Good thing, too,
because, at the time, the streets were horrible. I was joking with my husband
and said the reason the streets were full of potholes was because they spent
all those millions of dollars trucking in the white sand for the beaches
instead of keeping up the roadways. We were told that resurfacing of the roads
was on the city’s agenda.
The Trolley Tour had a
special where the second day was free. They also offered military and senior
discounts, and kids twelve and under were free. The tour guides provided
historical and local entertaining tidbits. There were other tour trains available.
Restaurants that we
recommend:
Dinner the first night
and breakfast thereafter was at the Waffle House, right there on the same
property. I cannot say enough good things about the food or service, everything
was absolutely wonderful. The food came out fast, the service was right-on and
considering that the place was packed, every day, it didn’t take any longer
than it would have if they’d been slow.
Red Fish Blue Fish was on
the menu one night for dinner and we’re glad we decided to eat there. Ironically,
the waiter was a transplant from Orlando. He was pleasant and we received good
solid service. He was one of those un-intrusive servers who quietly replaced
our iced teas when they were empty without us even realizing he’d done it. When
we arrived it hadn’t been that busy. However, it was packed with a waiting list
as we were leaving. As the server got busier, the quality of the service didn’t
change. Not an easy thing, be an un-intrusive server and give the best service
in a packed restaurant. Awesome.
In Kahoots is a
restaurant and bar near the Days Inn hotel and associated with the Lexington
Hotel. We were a bit surprised to see how slow it was, so we wondered if we
were making a mistake. No mistake.
It’s a great place to
eat!
Our meal was awesome and
the server was pleasant. The food came out quickly and she was right on top of
it, making sure we had everything we’d wanted.
We did go to the In
Kahoots bar, twice, at the end of our long tour days. It was a friendly,
everybody-knows-your-name type bar. Even though most of the patrons were
visiting Key West, you walked in to an open, welcoming atmosphere. It was
because of that atmosphere we returned the second time.
I have to give credit to
the bartender, Todd. He was a pleasure. I’m sure that at times, as a bartender,
he’s had to deal with some pretty obnoxious people, but it didn’t seem to
affect his personality, or how he dealt with the patrons. He was funny,
entertaining, and an excellent conversationalist.
The second night we tried
Todd’s Key West Sunrise, a creation by Todd. It was delicious. After my second
one, he’d asked if I had wanted another one. My response, “No thank you. I have
to walk.” He got a chuckle out of that. I imagine he usually gets “I have to
drive”.
We were having so much
fun, we stayed a little longer than planned and I did end up having another
one. He gave me the recipe. You’ll have to go there yourself, enjoy
the Key West Sunrise, and personally ask him for the recipe.
Several people, locals
and visitors, recommended Hurricane Hole. Unfortunately, we never made it
there, but I’m recommending it. If we get back to the Keys, we’ll definitely
try them.
There were well over
fifty sites to visit on Key West and that doesn’t include shopping, boat tours,
fishing, or scuba/snorkeling, etc.
Key West Sites:
Martello Fort and Museum
The fort and museum was
filled with wonderful artifacts, stories, and antiques.
There’s a story that was
so macabre that I ended up purchasing a book about it. Undying
Love by Ben Harrison tells of a true story about a man who was so obsessed
and passionately in love with a woman that he preserved her body....
Then of course, you have Robert
the Doll, great story behind that. Do not take a picture of Robert without
permission. Seriously, some really strange stuff happened to people who didn’t
heed that warning. Robert the Doll has one unique story that can perk
everyone’s interest.
The Customs House Museum:
Absolutely beautiful!
Also known as the Key West Art and Historical Museum. It’s a beautiful brick
building that had been recently renovated. Keep in mind that when it was built,
bricks needed to be transported by ships to the Keys, an accomplishment in
itself.
Key West Shipwreck
Treasure Museum and Tower:
View from the Shipwreck
Museum Tower
Fun and fascinating
facts. Climbing the tower was awesome. The museum’s a living museum with
actors, video, and artifacts from the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton. The
stories are about how the wrecking industry helped the residents of Key West
thrive. Don’t miss the sixty-five foot high tower, not only was it beautiful
but it was an excellent photo opportunity.
Harry S. Truman’s Little
Whitehouse:
Originally built for the
use of military headquarters, it became a winter escape for President Harry
Truman and future presidents. To this day, it’s still used as a retreat for
dignitaries.
Key West Historic
Memorial Sculpture Garden:
Free to walk through, and
a lot to see. It’s an enchanting Sculpture Garden honoring the men and women
from Key West.
Oldest House Museum:
This was a very short
tour, but worth it. Built in the early 1800's, the tour of the house was
free. It’s not open every day’ check with them for days and time. The staff
members were friendly and open to answering any questions. On the grounds,
there was also a beautiful garden, and the only surviving Cook House in South
Florida.
Ernest Hemingway Museum:
As an author and
veracious reader, I was so excited to see this museum. Ernest Hemingway wrote
there for many years. I wanted to hear everything I could about it. It was one
of the museums that was at the top of our to-do list.
Southernmost Point:
The concrete buoy marks
the southernmost point of the US. Definitely a must for a photo
opportunity. To avoid long lines, we recommend going either early in the
morning, or around dinnertime like we did.
0 Mile Marker:
The beginning of US 1 or
end depending on which side of the street you’re on. Many people asked where we
were from. Our response, “Oh, just drive a few miles up US 1 turn right and
there you are…” Perhaps in our travels, we’ll make it to the other end of US 1,
way up north.
San Carlos Institute:
Loved it! It’s one of the
most beautiful historic homes in the US. There was so much Cuban and American
history involving this building. I’m thrilled that it was saved from demolition
and restored to its finest glory. We couldn't absorb enough information about
this fascinating museum/school/theatre. We spent almost an hour speaking with
the volunteer, fourth generation Conch, asking questions, and loving the
history he was teaching us.
It’s free to the public
and survives on donations and the work of volunteers. They’d appreciate your
generous donation to help keep this important part of Key West history
available to the public.
What We Missed on our
To-Do List:
Audubon House, Flagler
Station Museum, Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe, Lighthouse Museum, Key West
Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park,
and a boat tour out to the Coral Reefs.
During our travels in Key
West, we met a genuine fourth generation Conch, (pronounced Konk) local
transplants, and had conversations with people from Czechoslovakia, Germany,
France, Jamaica, Haiti, Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee,
Florida, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Missouri. What a great way to
meet the Americans and people from all over the world.
The German couple
vacationed in all of Florida--their favorite spot−Cocoa Beach!
At one time, Key West was
the richest city in the US. It used to thrive on the Cigar industry.
People do nibble on
sponge cake, eat Key Lime pie, and go to Margaritaville there. Jimmy Buffett
does have a home in Key West, and a small recording studio.
I think, it’d be nice to
see it all again.
Made from sponges!
The Everglades
Through the Everglades,
heading west we passed some Miccosukee villages. We watched an alligator
strolling through someone’s driveway, and observed various wildlife. Even with
some of the construction, it was a pleasant drive, relaxing and beautiful.
Sarasota.
I have to mention we
stayed at the Golden Host Resort while we were in Sarasota. It was close to the
beaches and close to the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art. It was a good
choice and if we were to return to Sarasota, we’d stay there again. It was five
acres of nicely landscaped grounds and had an excellent pool area, a must when
you vacation in Florida.
John and Mabel Ringling
Museum of Art.
The Ringling Museum
complex left us in complete awe. It’s one of the most magnificent museums in
Eastern US.
The Museum of Art had
some breathtaking pieces of art and sculptures, a collection from all over the
world. Some photography was allowed, depending on which part of the museum you
were visiting.
The Circus Museums were
fascinating, filled with history, artifacts, and memorabilia of the Ringling
Family Circus. It immediately brought to mind the nostalgic memories of going
to the circus with my parents, taking my own children, and an old friend of
ours, Kilowatt, who was born and raised with the circus.
The grounds, courtyard,
and gardens were absolutely beautiful. All around the courtyard were bronze and
stone sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David from Palazzo Vecchio in
Florence, Italy. The rose garden, done in a circular Italian design, was in
full bloom, the scents of the garden perfect, not one time did we feel the
garden was overwhelming. Our timing to visit the other various
gardens couldn’t have been better.
The Ca’D’Zan Mansion was
included in the entrance price. There was an added fee to tour the second
floor. The gilded-age Venetian architecture was tastefully crafted throughout
the house. Meticulous renovations and repairs to the palatial residence brought
it back to the splendor in which it was built.
Don’t ignore the marble
terrace that borders the Sarasota Bay, it is, in itself, a breathtaking beauty.
There are two restaurants
on the property, The Treviso and the Banyan Café.
Tampa
Busch Gardens
Since we’re Florida
residents, and knew we were going to be there for almost a week, we purchased
the Busch Garden Fun Card. We stayed at a hotel within walking distance of the
main entrance to Busch Gardens.
First thing, was ride the
train all the way around the Gardens, mentally adding sites to our To-do List.
We took advantage of the train getting us to different areas when we wanted to
go back and see a different section.
We also did the Skyride a
couple of times. I have to admit we pretty much went everywhere over the next
four days, including the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area.
The Serengeti Plains was
all it was promised to be and more. Everyone has seen the commercials
advertising Busch Gardens, and what you see and get is so much more.
We went through Egypt,
Timbuktu, Congo, Jungala, Nairobi, Stanleyville, Bird Gardens, and of course,
Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
We ate everywhere. The
food was excellent and the service top-notch.
The Rides
I actually got my husband
in this picture! Bottom first full row all the way to the left.
In my husband’s opinion,
Kumba and Cheetah were the best two rides. (I don’t do roller coasters.) We
were going to do the River Raft but, it was getting late and we wanted to get
over to the Pop-up.
This was what I saw when
I looked up!
The Pop-up Tiger View was
my absolute favorite.
It was so awesome I
wanted to keep going around to the back of the line. Alas, hubby decided he was
tired of going in circles and dragged me away.
The Shows:
The Iceploration Show, at
the Moroccan Palace, was entertaining and spectacular. We almost didn’t go and
now, we’re glad we did.
Rock-a-Doo-Wop, at the
Marrekesh Theater in Morocco, was a blast! The music: perfection. Some of the
singers were pure pleasurable to listen to and, in my humble opinion, Broadway
worthy.
Dance to the Music, at
the Desert Grill Theater in Timbuktu, was entertaining and upbeat.
Kareebu Jungala had
entertainers in the plaza, taking pictures with the tourists and having fun.
On our last day at Busch
Gardens, we took the car. I wanted to buy some souvenirs, a lot of souvenirs.
Madison
Florida Visitor Center
Fred Haise−Astronaut
US Navy, naval aviation
cadet; US Marine Corps, Oklahoma Air National Guard, and US Air Force,
Lunar Module Pilot Apollo
13 −An oxygen tank exploded two and half days into the flight, causing the
mission to be aborted.
He was a test pilot of
the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Olustee
We’d heard about the Olustee
Battle for years and decided since we were right there we’d stop and see the
battle grounds. There was a memorial built, and a small building with
information about the Olustee Civil War Battle.
St. Augustine
Our favorite place to
relax and unwind.
Castillo de San Marcos
The Castillo de San
Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
The Old Jail
We grabbed a three-day
pass with the Red Train Trolley Tour. The Old Town Trolley is also a great
choice.
The Old Grist Mill
Potter's Wax Museum
Seriously awesome! A must
do for anyone wanting to spend a day checking out some great artists! And
visiting your favorite characters: Harry and Friends...
Peck House
On historical Saint
George St., this home’s owned and maintained by the Woman’s Exchange of St.
Augustine.
Wolf’s Museum of Mystery
The museum was full of
oddities, artifacts, and two stories of exotic and rare art and collectibles.
The Lizzie Borden boudoir was eerie.
A cannon ball left as a
reminder of the tumultuous times at the Oldest House museum complex.
The Great Cross at the
Mission Nombre de Dios rises over two hundred feet above the Matanzas River, a
guardian over the Mission and a beacon of faith for all.
The Fountain of Youth
It had been quite a while
since we’d visited the Fountain of Youth, an archaeological park. We loved the
peacocks and walking along the grounds, exhibits, and experiencing the living
history. I made sure hubby drank from the cup of water twice. I want him to
live a good long life.
On one of our strolls
through St. Augustine, we met some people from St. Augustine and chatted for a
while. As we were leaving, they invited us to meet them at Stogies Cigar Bar
after we were done with our tour.
Stogies
This place was fantastic.
The gentlemen were still there, and were sitting with another couple from
Georgia when we arrived. They waved us over to join them, and we ended our
night having a wonderful enjoyable time.
Flagler's Hotel and now Flagler College
The statue of Ponce de Leon
Thank you for stopping by. Comments are welcome!
Have a good moments day,
Pam
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