Destinations

Cedar Key - Idalia Recovery and Murals

11/5/2023

Now that Idalia has past, we decided to visit Cedar Key to see how restoration efforts progressed and continue capturing Florida murals in one of the last 10 remaining fishing villages in the state. Acess from RT19 requires we turned onto Rt24 (a two-lane rural road) travelled approximately 20 miles west through wetlands and marshes - entering the Cedar Key Great Scrub Reserve with great views on either side of the road ... at times we felt like we were traveling to locations we have explored similar to travels to Ozello, the Florida Keys and Aripeka.

To our surprise and joy, the perceived damage Cedar Key was to have incurred was limited. In the historic district all the local cafes and breakfast shops were busy with patrons, enjoying friends, good food and a beautiful 70-degree morning. As we explored several buildings for murals, we decided to talk to the hosts at the Historic Island Hotel - which was known for a mural on their walls and they kindly offered a small tour of the interior.

Bartow Train Depot

10/19/2023

The Bartow Train Depot, also known as the Bartow Amtrak Station, is a historic train station located in Bartow, Florida, USA. It has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1888. Here are some key points in the history of the Bartow Train Depot:
Construction and Early Years: The Bartow Train Depot was built in 1888 by the South Florida Railroad Company, which was later acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The depot served as a transportation hub for the region and played a significant role in the development of Bartow and surrounding areas. Source: ChatGTP (not reliable)

Personal Note: We could not locate the station and the address sent us to Sonny's BBQ. After reading more of the history, we realized that the depot had a mural (the only one existing) INSIDE Sonny's. So after taking photos outside, I walked around to the service area and entered (politely0 the kitchen. I was stopped by a worker who quickly went to get the owner. Very nice lady, and after some chit-chat allowed me inside the closed dining area to photograph the mural, seating and menu!

Lake Wales Train Depot

10/19/2023

In 1911, the Lake Wales Land Company was formed. In June of that same year, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) was extended from Haines City to Lake Wales, ending the relative isolation of the community by providing access to prospective settlers and an avenue to northern markets for the citrus industries and the products of the naval stores.

With confidence bolstered by the arrival of the railroad, the Lake Wales Land Company invested in the infrastructure of the town. In its first year, the town’s structure included a general store, a hotel, a turpentine still, an ice plant, and a small railroad depot. A second railroad, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL), completed construction in 1915, with its first train arriving on April 5, 1915.[6] By March of 1916, the population of Lake Wales had risen to 300 residents. Source: Lake Wales Atlantic Train Depot.

Lake Placid Train Depot

10/19/2023

The Lake Placid Train Depot, also known as the Lake Placid Seaboard Air Line Railway Station, is a historic railroad station located in Lake Placid, Florida. The station played a significant role in the development of the town and the transportation of goods and passengers in the region. Here's a brief history of the Lake Placid Train Depot. It was constructed in 1927 by the Seaboard Air Line Railway, which was a prominent railroad company in the southeastern United States.

The station was built in Mediterranean Revival architectural style, featuring stucco walls, red roof tiles, and arched windows, which was common for Florida train depots during that era.Rail Service. The train depot served as a crucial transportation hub, linking Lake Placid to other towns and cities in Florida and beyond. It facilitated the movement of agricultural products, citrus fruits, and passengers, playing a vital role in the economic development of the area.

In the late 20th century, there was a growing interest in preserving historic structures, including old train depots. Efforts were made to preserve and restore the Lake Placid Train Depot, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and serves todays as the Historical Society Museum.

Sebring Train Depot

10/19/2023

Opened in 1924, the Mediterranean Revival style passenger depot was built as part of the Seaboard Air Line Railway’s (SAL) expansion into central Florida along what it dubbed the “Orange Blossom Line.” The new rail line offered direct access to the Northeast, thereby bolstering tourism efforts aimed at promoting the area’s year-round mild climate. Nearby, the SAL also erected a freight building.

The Atlantic Coast Line railroad (ACL) came to Sebring in June of 1912 on the branch reaching southward from Haines City. The coming of the railroad opened this virgin territory to development in lumber, mining, citrus and tourism. The railroad also provided the main route in for new residents, as an unpaved sand trail was the only other means of access at first. Source: Great American Stations

Lake Placid - Town of Murels

10/19/2023

One of Florida's prettiest small towns, Lake Placid boasts nearly 50 outdoor murals adorning its downtown buildings. Found in the lake-intensive center of the state and known as the Caladium Capital of the World, Lake Placid’s attractions include 27 freshwater lakes, Toby's Clown School and a small-town charm people love. The annual Caladium Festival is held the end of July. Enjoy the Depot Museum, home of the red caboose and local history artifacts. Source: Visit Florida

Personal Notes: Knowing that there were over 45 Murals in town, upon arriving in Lake Placid, we first found the Historic Lake Placid train depot - now a museum. On the way there however, we passed and captured at least 12-15 murals in downtown. All the murals were beautiful, telling a story of the town and area through wall art. At the Museum, we met a very nice gentleman who shared more history and suggestions for additional murals. Learning the most popular mural was on the Tractor Supply store, we proceeded their passing and capturing maybe 6-8 more murals.

We see the mural but first go in the store to check for seed Ginger needed, and we found the deal of deals and nicest store attendant who helped us find diatomaceous earth for the garden ... AT A SALE THAT WAS 60-70% LESS THAN HOME! We pack up, headed home and 30 minutes away I said "we forgot to take a photo of the #1 mural. That made it easy to say "We'' be back".

Recent October 19th Road Trip Posts - Road Trip
Lake Placid Town of Murals Collection - Click here

Biloxi via

7/1/2023

Travel from Redington Beach to Biloxi and return Rt19; Rt98, Rt10, 263, 71 and more
... to be continued

Typical roads we take versus Rt 75 and Rt 10 until Marianna.

Harolds Auto Rt 18 north of Hudson

Go west 10+ miles to Cedar Key

Leaving Florida ... next major city - Mobile

Destinations Posts

6/15/2023

Below are the Florida destinations we have explored and want to share.
Note: the date of the post may or may not represent the calendar date the destination was visited. Most often it does, but as updates are made, the post date changes to the last time post was visited. So this is a great page to just scan destinations visited.

To view specific towns, go to Destinations page here or use Navigation bar at the top of each page. Those options will launch the Towns by Region page. Click the town of interest.

Search for a Town of Interest

Milton - Arcadia Homestead

6/13/2023

The restored Simpson House is a 1,430 sq. ft. historic house museum highlighting life at Arcadia Farms during the Great Depression. Source: Arcadia Homestead

St Marks Train/Railroad (to Tallahassee)

6/11/2023

The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail runs 20.5 miles from Florida's capital city to the coastal community of St. Marks. Through the early 1900s, this historic railroad corridor was used to carry cotton from the plantation belt to the coast for shipment to textile mills in England and New England.

Read more: The Old Store on the Wakulla River

Marianna - Downtown, Bellamy Bridge, and Florida Caverns

6/10/2023

Date Jun 10, 2023

We have travelled through Marianna more than once, identifying and photographing missed 'opportunities we learn about. After several searches of Historic Train Depots we finally located an old blog named Two Egg. In it we learned that the location several years ago was an arts and crafts retail business. Now an insurance business. So we took the opportunity to shoot it.

Date May 15, 2022
Marianna was founded in 1828, and named for the Scottish founder's wife Mary and her friend Anna. Marianna's downtown has a nicely restored historic district, and it has been recognized as a Florida Main Street Town. Click here for additional Marianna details and photo opportunities.

Notes:
We found Marianna was a quiet town, sort of laid back. This may be because each time we visited the town it was either on a Sunday morning, after Hurricane Michael or post COVID. We found several interesting subjects to shoot, but after hurricane Michael, there is what I will call recovery efforts underway even today (June 2022). Not directly in town, but we did have an opportunity in May 2022 to hike to the famously known Florida Ghost Story - Bellamy Bridge.

Just after Hurricane Michael the entire area was flooded severely. Access to the trail was underwater and we (at that time decided to postpone any attempt). Finally, on our trip in 2022, we accessed the trail and believe we saw the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge (no it was a backpacker). Nearby, we had previously visit the Florida Caverns State Park where we enjoyed a guided tour of the underground caverns - one of Ginger's most enjoyed stops where we went 'deep' into the caverns 'where no light existed'.

Photo Ops and places of interest

Downtown Marianna - shops and historic buildings
Caverns - one of the only fresh air caverns
Historic Train Depot - depot to art shop to insurance office
Bellamy Bridge - a ghost story and short (< 1 mile walk)

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianna,_Florida
The Ghost of Bellamy Bridge ... exploresouthernhistory.com/bellamybridge
Florida Caverns State Park ... www.exploresouthernhistory.com/floridacaverns.html

Marianna Train Depot

6/10/2023

"Despite its antebellum prosperity, Marianna had to wait until after the War Between the States (or Civil War) for the railroad to arrive and connect it to points east and west. There had been many promises and speculations over the years. In 1881, however, Col. W.D. Chipley and Frederick R. De Funiak joined with others to found the P&A Railroad, so named because it would connect Pensacola on the west with the Apalachicola River on the east. The line was incorporated by the Florida Legislature on March 4, 1881." Source: Two Egg Blogspot

Notes: Locating this depot was similar to a road rally search. Multiple 'train' sites ignored this depot and little reference was see. Then checking an abandoned blog I recalled called Two Egg - reference was made to this depot. See Two Egg's photo below taken in 2014.

Milton - Arcadia Mill Florida's 1st Industrial Complex

6/10/2023

"The Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in Milton represents the largest 19th-century water-powered industrial complex in northwest Florida. This site was the location of a multi-faceted operation that included a water-powered sawmill, a lumber mill with planning and lathing machines, grist mill, bucket and pail factory, shingle mill, cotton textile mill, and even an experimental silk cultivation operation. Initially, iron stone was quarried and shipped to Pensacola.

The Arcadia Mill complex also included other structures that supported the textile operation such as living quarters for the over 40 enslaved women and their families, a kitchen, storehouse, blacksmith shop, and community well.

Although the complex only operated from 1817 to 1855, it played a pivotal role in the political and economic development of northwest Florida. Unfortunately, little in the historical record describes the site, its construction, or operation. No maps, drawings or photographs are known to exist. Furthermore, very little of the site complex is above ground, which makes it a unique archaeological destination." Source: American Heritage.
Additional Reading: Visit Florida - and - Arcadia website

Notes:
We were unaware that Milton had such a unique history. This little town off of Rt10, After quickly reading about it I was hoping to see physical structures and abandoned equipment, we found the site posters and walk through the area interesting and mildly exciting to realize Florida's history, how entrepreneurs really contributed to development and how time takes it's toll on things. It was neat to walk the site boardwalk and stop and read along the way (envisioning what was there). Sites I read indicated no structures remain above grade.

Milton-Bagdad - perfect together

6/10/2023

June 10, 2023
Additional exploration of Milton-Bagdad provided some gems of history including 100 year old structures and a 1870 hose reel cart used in town at the Forcade House. "The property for the Forcade House was purchased in 1918 for $85 from the Oakland Lodge No. 18 of Bagdad. Completed in 1919, it is an outstanding example of Shingle style architecture, rarely seen in the South". Source: HMdb

What was most interesting was our walk on the Arcadia Boardwalk, learning the history of our first industrial complex Arcadia Mill. Nearby was the Arcadia Homestead highlighting life during the Depression.

June 9, 2019
"You really cannot separate these two towns. Milton is one of the oldest cities in the state, having been incorporated in 1844 before Florida became a state. Florida was still a territory and did not achieve statehood until the following year, 1845. Bagdad is a small historic town on the south edge of Milton that has also done a good job of preserving some of their old buildings". (Backroad Florida)

Notes:
It is interesting to see some of the oldest towns in Florida and how the community recognized them as historical and continue to maintain and restore many building. Milton/Bagdad are almost inseparable. We couldn't recognize if we were in Milton or Bagdad (except for the Post Office). No matter what town you visit, it is always more to see and find when you pass through a second (or third time).We loved the church and met the Pastor who was kind enough to invite us in for 'photo peek'.

Photo Ops and interesting Sites:

St Mary's Church
Bagdad Post Office
Milton Train Station
Arcadia (Milton) - Florida's 1st Industrial Complex 1811-1865
Arcadia Homestead - The restored Simpson House is a 1,430 sq. ft. historic house

Resources:
Milton History
Bagdad History
Florida Backroads Travel - Milton

Wakulla Springs - one of the world's largest freshwater springs

6/9/2023

June 9th, 2023
Return visit to Wakulla Springs
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑳𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒏 ... for Ginger's birthday we decided to return to Wakulla Springs (one of the world's largest fresh water springs) and Lodge. This time we toured the 'back channel' of the springs where the original 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' and 'Tarzan' movies were filmed. We love the Old Florida 'feel', the natural beauty of the area, the trails, and staying in the 1920's Lodge. Of course we will check out the historical sites in St Marks, Crawfordville and more.

Nov 16th, 2021
"The invigorating 70 degree waters are sure to refresh you on even the hottest summer days. The historic lodge is an elegant remnant of old Florida, and the ancient cypress swamps made the perfect backdrop for old Hollywood movies.
Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps and wildlife when they decided to film Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) here." Source: Florida State Parks

Notes ...
As Ginger and I travel, we enjoy finding alternate routes to our destinations especially through the Panhandle. We always seem to reflect on the how surprised we are to see so many different sites and historical locations as we travel. On our past travels heading west through the Panhandle, we have seen markers for Wakulla State Park ... but never took the time to see what it was about. Then about in mid 2021 we said "let's try it!" .

Pulling into the State Park, passing the ranger's hut, we came to an 1920's lodge looking like we envisioned was old Florida, beautifully situated in the park and surrounded by wooded forests. We talked to several staff at the Lodge and learned the 'spring' is the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. Not having planned for an overnight, we did return to Wakulla for an overnight and explore the quaint towns around the area with friends. Wakulla is on our 'top 10' list for photographic destinations, and we plan to return again.

Photo Ops:

Early morning mist and Vulture meetings at springs (near beach)
Interior Lodge, main room, old elevator, Lodge exterior at night
Wakulla Springs boat tour
Hiking trails
Wakulla Historic District (more like the surrounding areas St Marks, Sopchoppy, Crawfordville)

Note:
As all 'facts' shared on the web, conclusions like first, oldest, largest boils down to 'depends'. For example Pensacola IS the oldest town in Florida (still controversial), while St Augustine is the oldest 'continuously occupied' ... so they both are the oldest. Based selected criteria such as: gallons of spring water, acreage, depth, etc., Wakulla Springs can be the 'largest' fresh water spring but truly is 'one of .."

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Ball_Wakulla_Springs_State_Park
Wakulla State Park ... www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings
Worth Exploring ... www.floridarambler.com/big-bend-getaways/wakulla-springs-state-park/

Steinhatchee

6/9/2023

June 9th 2023
We were at a loss a couple times to explore historic, abandoned or points of interest in Steinhatchee. The two primary 'points of interest' were the docks and morning fishing boats prepping and leab=ving docks and the serene Steinhatchee Falls. We travelled a 2+ mile dirt road to the falls and found a beautiful quiet stream and falls (and we assumed a newly engaged couple having photos taken).

Also shown below are a set of one room cabins identified on FB Old Florida site ... not knowing their historical purpose.

July 18, 2021
"Steinhatchee is a fishing village on the Gulf Coast in North Central Florida. Traveling to Biloxi we always pass 'signs' for Steinhatchee, but always say "next time' The village is known for scalloping and fishing as you see lots of trucks and boats preparing for a day out on the Gulf.

Many artists spend time in Steinhatchee to capture images of the Old Florida town and the surrounding wildlife. The town has many Victorian homes along the river, and it is a good walking and biking town.
Up the river from the village is Steinhatchee Falls. The falls can be visited, and is the spot where General Andrew Jackson reportedly crossed with his army in pursuit of Seminoles in the early history of Florida. It's a good spot for picnics and swimming". Source: Backroads Travel

Notes:
We see several signs for Steinhatchee as we travel Rt 19/98, but only when we selected 'fishing villages' as another photo graphic destinations theme did we visit the town. Most notably, as we entered the town, locals and visitors abound with activity pulling their boats, getting fishing gear and preparing for day on the water. It is very much a fishing village. We did not see much activity for commercial fishing, however, I must be fair and say we did not know our way around the area.

Photo Ops

Fishing village from the main bridge
Steinhatchee Falls
Anything (any spot) along the water - boats, activity

Resources:
Steinhatchee ... www.florida-backroads-travel.com/steinhatchee-florida.html
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinhatchee_Falls

St Marks

6/9/2023

St. Marks is one of the oldest settlements in North America and is believed to be the third oldest in the new world. However, there is evidence that even before various explorers reached our shores, the Paleo-Indians were here over 10,000 years ago.

The first European explorers in our area date back almost 500 years. Panfilo de Narvaez first landed in what is now Tampa in 1527 and reached the St. Marks area in 1528 with nearly 300 sick and hungry men. They proceeded to beat their swords and armor into nails and use horsehide for rigging as the first “ships” built by Europeans in this country were constructed. They sailed out of the area in late 1528.

Lake Seminole Park

6/8/2023

"Lake Seminole Park is 258 acres of designated wildlife habitat and sanctuary located in Seminole. The park is home to raccoons, alligators, hawks, eagles, turtles and more. The park provides benches and swings that are placed to view the lake." Source: Pinellas County

Bradenton - Old Florida

6/3/2023

"Overlooking the Manatee River, south of Tampa, Bradenton is a sunny, friendly city that offers a plethora of attractions, activities, and outdoor recreation. Boasting a vibrant, Old Florida history with beautiful architecture, green parks, and nature reserves, Bradenton attracts tourists to enjoy its many sites and activities.

Explore the vibrant artists community of the Village of the Arts, which features an eclectic collection of colorfully restored 1920s and ‘30s cottages, and the bustling downtown area; stroll along the Riverwalk and soak up the scenic views; discover the history of Bradenton, Florida and Manatee County with a visit to the South Florida Museum; or head into nature at the Robinson Preserve, the Cortez fishing village, or the DeSoto National Memorial Park." Source: Vacation Idea

Personal Notes: Braydenton will be on our revisit as we explore southwest Florida more.

Manatee Village ... Explore the Manatee Historical Village - Here

Bradenton - Manatee Historical Village

6/3/2023

Step back into time at the Manatee Village Historical Park. A museum and collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County's pioneer past including a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine, & cow hunter bunkhouse.

"Manatee Village Historical Park preserves the pioneer heritage of Manatee County's founding period of 1840-1918. The historical park contains 14 preserved and replica structures representative of the founding period, including the 1903 Wiggins General Store, the Fogarty Boat Works, the 1912 Stephens House, a smokehouse, a sugar cane mill, a barn, the 1887 Methodist church, the 1908 schoolhouse, the 1860 courthouse, a Cow Hunter's bunkhouse, and a steam engine. Museum visitors can also tour the nearby 1850 Manatee burying grounds. Admission is free." Source: Wiki

Note(s): Manatee Village link

Sarasota - Myakka River State Park

6/3/2023

Myakka River State Park near Sarasota is one of the oldest state parks, one of the biggest, and given what I experienced on an early March visit, it may have the most alligators.
Here are 10 reasons from Florida Rambler why you want to visit Myakka

Pasco & Hernando Counties - misc

5/31/2023

Random pics

An abandoned town - Bayport ...

The town of Bayport in Hernando County is at the western most terminus of HWY 50/Cortez Blvd. The original town site no longer exists - now a public park and boat ramp. There are a few dwellings from the early 20th century remaining just outside of the park entrance, but much of the land was deeded to South West Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) in 2000-2001. Continued Ghost Town

Pasco County - Hudson

5/31/2023

Destinations and sites captured in and around Pasco County

Nobleton - old Florida dining (and more Pasco/Hernando Counties)

5/31/2023

In Hernando County - unincorporated community Eddie and I stopped for lunch on a gentle road trip through Hernando and Pasco Counties.

Other Hernando and Pasco County sites ... photos

Alabama - Tolstoy Home, Battleship Alabama and Mobile

5/29/2023

The Tolstoy Home
In 1923, at the age of 65, Henry Stuart from Nampa, Idaho, was diagnosed with tuberculosis. They still called it “consumption” in those days, and the typical advice from doctors was to move to a better climate.

Since Alabama was warmer than Idaho, Stuart packed up, bought ten acres of wooded land in Baldwin County sight unseen, and moved the 2,500 miles along the routes of the day.
Once Stuart got to Fairhope, Alabama, he built himself a simple, round hurricane-resistant home, only 14 feet in diameter, fashioned from bricks and hand-made concrete blocks. The floor level of the house was set 16 inches below the surrounding land for a more constant intetior temperature.

By 1925 the little hut was just about finished, and Stuart dubbed it “Tolstoy Park” (Stuart was aware that Russian author Leo Tolstoy had been virtually a wandering hermit during the time just before his death). Stuart used a ladder to access his “bed”, a rope-strung hammock high above floor level. Raed More Here

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USS Alabama Battleship Park
From its humble beginnings on February 1, 1940 as the keel was laid at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia, Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60) has had a remarkable career. She began her World War II adventures in the North Atlantic in 1943, then later that year, went to the South Pacific seas. She ended up in Mobile, Alabama as a National Historic Landmark and memorial to millions.

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Mobile was founded as the capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702 and remained a part of New France for over 60 years. During 1720, when France warred with Spain, Mobile was on the battlefront, so the capital moved west to Biloxi. In 1763, Britain took control of the colony following their victory in the Seven Years' War.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Spanish captured Mobile and retained it by the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Mobile first became a part of the United States in 1813, when it was captured by American forces and added to the Mississippi Territory, then later re-zoned into the Alabama Territory in August 1817. Credit Wiki