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@Matlacha, FL. - Old Florida Art and Fishing Village

10/28/2021

If you want to experience the colorful charm and laid-back lifestyle of turn-of-the-century Florida, the old fishing village of Matlacha is the place to visit. With a population of under 800, this waterfront community of artisans and fishermen is located on a tiny island in Matlacha Pass on the road between Cape Coral and Pine Island.

Matlacha, pronounced Mat-la-SHAY, means “Big Warrior” in Seminole, and the history and heritage of this community extend over many centuries. Sign up for a walking tour of the island’s unique and eccentric homes, bars, galleries and gift shops or just park beside the road and make your own discoveries. It’s like nowhere else!

Suggested Photo Opportunities:
* Daylight & nighttime photos of the art and craft shops
* The main bridge highlighting locals fishing and the Bridge House at night (lighted)
* Colored pilings at Bert's Bar & Grill - waterside
* Sunset from the Bridge and moored vessels
* Side canals highlighting water proximity to homes

Additional information:
Florida Back Roads Travel - Matlacha and Pine Island
Must Do - Visitor Guide and Drone Overview by site

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@Micanopy

10/17/2021

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Micanopy, named after the Seminole Indian Chief, Mic-a-no-pee (my phonetic spelling) was settled in 1821 and is the oldest inland town in Florida. Cholokka Boulevard, once an Indian trading route, is Micanopy’s main street, and the town’s primary tourist destination known for its antique shops (self-proclaimed antiques capital).

The main street has a mix of rustic storefronts and dining for casual shoppers, collectors, and has been a location for Hollywood film makers (Note: Micanopy was the setting for the movie 'Doc Hollywood' starring Michael J Fox). The town also has a wonderful B&B (Herlong Mansion) and exemplifies that which is called Old Florida The Town of Micanopy encompasses 1.03 square miles in rural north-central Florida between Gainesville and Ocala just off Interstate 75, with 700 residents and 300 homes.
(tags: #oldest, #micanopy)
More photos ...

Few Facts:

It’s referred to as the “town that time forgot.”
In 1983, Micanopy made the National Register of Historic Places list.
Actors River and Joaquin Phoenix lived with their family in Micanopy when they were teenagers.
The 1990s movie, “Doc Hollywood”, featuring actors Michael J. Fox, Bridget Fonda, and Woody Harrelson, was filmed in Micanopy. The antique shop, Delectable Collectables, was used as a bank in the film.

Suggested Photo Opportunities
* Historic Micanopy Sign
* Old barn with Coke Cola billboard
* Main Street and various shops
* The Herlong Mansion (Bed and breakfast)

Micanopy https://micanopytown.com/
The Town that Time Forgot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2x7EqlUdnM
Authentic Florida - Micanopy
Herlong Mansion https://backpackerverse.com/haunted-herlong-mansion/

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@Sopchoppy, FL.

10/12/2021

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Sopchoppy ... just the name makes us interested in visiting this town/location. As it turns out, Sopchoppy is a small, yet unique town located near Crawfordville and 45 minutes southwest of Tallahassee. And, as we came to learn, although there wasn't much to see and do in Sopchoppy, there was a unique one-man business - pottery, that is tucked away in the woods. Although no real address or website was available, we pulled into the town and simply (and politely) asked some locals - the local grocery owner and street maintenance guys "hey, what's to see in town"? Their answer "Griffin's ... down the road a piece". So traveling Main St. we turn onto a dirt road and came upon George Griffin Pottery.

George's marketing approach is simple - word of mouth - he has no website, no cell phone, no email ... he relies solely on visitors sharing their visit on TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc. TripAdvisor. (update: I just received a note from our neighbor stating "In the 50's when my dad was a salesman for the Mennen Company, he actually called on the one small grocery store in Sopchoppy.") ... it's a small world.

PS: No, George didn't change his shirt for the photo ops - photos taken a different occasions.

Wakulla Griffin Pottery - https://www.visitwakulla.com/blog/a-wonder-of-wakulla-george-griffin-pottery/
Trip Planner: Griffin Pottery - https://is.gd/DWjoZV

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@Wakulla Springs, Fl.

10/11/2021

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Traveling through the Panhandle, Ginger and I visited Wakulla Springs State Park - a rather unique and tranquil location south of Tallahassee. Traveling through the park, we saw hiking trails, streams and then we arrived at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. Built in the 1930's, the Lodge is a remnant of old Florida, and we learned that the ancient cypress swamps made the perfect backdrop for old Hollywood movies - Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). The Springs are the home of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs! This is one place we seriously would plan to visit again and explore the local areas as well.

Wakulla Springs State Park - https://www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs - https://thelodgeatwakullasprings.com/
Wakulla Springs Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakulla_Springs

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@Matlacha, FL. - Old Florida Art and Fishing Village

@Micanopy

@Sopchoppy, FL.

@Wakulla Springs, Fl.

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