Blog Archives

@Dunedin - Downtown

11/24/2021

Dunedin, located along the Gulf Coast just west of Tampa, is known for its annual Scottish celebrations and its quaint downtown, among its other allures. One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, Dunedin has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront. Besides the downtown area of shops, dining and night life cafes, the Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island is a great place to chill, enjoy the water and catch some rays.

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Dunedin gets on our list of towns that we can visit time and time again. The sunsets are beautiful, dining options exist throughout the town, the marina is beautiful ... it is a great town to explore buildings just outside that main marina area. The Pinellas train runs through the town and of course you can travel from the center business district area and drive 2-3 miles and enjoy beach time on the Causeway.

To Do: Stroll the streets of downtown; Visit one of the many local bars; Shop daytime or nighttime
About: To learn more about Dunedin - its history, geography, culture and more ... click here.

Photo Recommendations:

Sunset on the pier (get there earlier than others)
Marina at Sunset; (centered on the boats)
Nighttime photo of the Marina
Defending - Freedom Arch
Kayaks on the Causeway (Sunrise)
Train Depot

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunedin,_Florida
Dunedin - some of the best kept secrets

@Homosassa-Yulle Sugar Mill

11/16/2021

The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park in Homosassa preserves a small reminder of the once remarkable empire of David Levy Yulee, Florida's first United States Senator. The Yulee Sugar Mill began operating in 1851 to process the sugar cane grown by Yulee in the rich lowlands along the Homosassa River. The machinery was brought in by ship from New York and included a state of the art steam engine which drove the grinding machinery.

Using the labors of 69 slaves, Yulee built the mill of hewn Florida limestone, brick and wood. In addition to the steam-operated grinding or pressing rollers, it also included large kettles for cooking down the juice squeezed from the sugar cane. ... River Ventures

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Yulee history and site are super interesting. The more we 'peel back the Florida onion' we are intrigued about all the history, stories and unique destinations that exist. I find it interesting and funny that after visiting a site like Yulee, and then post photos on the website, I find there is more we would like to explore. The sugar mill industry was an important part of Florida's history and growth. It appears to also have made several individuals wealthy, that allowed them to grow businesses and provide employment.

If you like mechanical structures and 'machinery', or just love to learn about Florida's history, you will enjoy a stop at Yulee. Just pull off the road into the parking area - and explore.

Photo Ops:

Everything - just roam around

Place(s) to Dine
... Margherita Grill www.homosassaflorida.com/marguerita-grill
... Museum Cafe restaurantguru.com/Museum-Cafe-Homosassa

Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosassa,_Florida
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulee_Sugar_Mill_Ruins_Historic_State_Park
FBT ... https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/homosassa-florida.html
Ventures ... riverventures.com/blog/2018/1/5/yulee-sugar-mill-ruins-historic-state-park-homosassa-florida

@Wakulla Springs State Park - world's largest freshwater springs

11/16/2021

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.

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As Ginger and I travel monthly from Redington Beach to Biloxi, we agreed that it would be nice to find alternate routes through the Panhandle. Therefore, even today, we continue to take a turn in the road to find alternate routes to Rt10 W. We always seem to reflect on the fat how surprised we are to see so many different sites and historical locations as we travel. On our trips we note the signs for Wakulla State Park but never took the time to see what it was about. Then about eight months ago, we said "let's try it!" Pulling into the State Park, we came to an Old Florida 1930s lodge situated within, and surrounded by beautiful wooded forests and the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. Not having planned for an overnight, we did return to Wakulla for an overnight and exploring the quaint towns around the area with the Fronstin's. Wakulla is on our top 10 list for photographic destinations we would return to.

Photo Ops:

Early morning mist and Vulture meetings
Interior Lodge, main room, old elevator, Lodge exterior at night
Wakulla Springs boat tour
Hiking trails

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/

@Crawfordville - a Ford Truck Cemetery

11/15/2021

Crawfordville ... for any road trip we take, we try to identify destination that fits one of our themes: it could be Florida lighthouses, old towns, back road , end-of-the-road fishing towns and anything that is unique or abandoned. We learned of the Ford Truck Cemetery through our web search located just south of Crawfordville.

When you arrive, be careful there is a drop to the small field, but once safely parked, you are in an area containing rusted Ford cars and trucks. The vehicles are quite overgrown with vines and grass, however, neatly lined up for all to see and photograph. Since our monthly travels in the Panhandle pass nearby Crawfordville, we take the opportunity to pass by and see visitors walking to taking photos ... and take a new one when there. TripAdvisor.

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When you arrive, be careful there is a drop to the small field, but once safely parked, you are in an area containing rusted Ford cars and trucks. The vehicles are quite overgrown with vines and grass, however, neatly lined up for all to see and photograph. Since our monthly travels in the Panhandle pass nearby Crawfordville, we take the opportunity to pass by and see visitors walking to taking photos ... and take a new one when there. TripAdvisor.

On our overnight stay at Wakulla Lodge, we came across an unusual shop - Pelican Place, in Crawfordville. I had a long conversation with the husband and then he invited me into his home, and introduced me to his wife. In our discussion, she paused and offered a plastic bag of oranges and grapefruit for the road - which I accepted. Note: Pelican Place is #6 of 6 attractions in Crawforville (lol).

Photo Ops:

Ford Truck Cemetery - any vehicle, inside and outside (be careful - sharp rusted metal exposed)
Pelican Place - just an interesting roadside 'junk' to photograph

Resources:
Wiki ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawfordville,_Florida
See more at Crawfordville
Pelican Place ... www.pelicanplace.net/

@Fanning Springs (bridge section)

11/15/2021

Historical Marker Database ... "In 1934 it was officially named the Benjamin Chaires Bridge in honor of a prominent pioneer settler of Dixie County. Located 29 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, it held the distinction of being the southernmost Suwannee River crossing. When the bridge was completed residents from surrounding areas were so jubilant that they staged a square dance on the structure to celebrate the occasion. Because the bridge does hold historical significance, this section of the bridge, which was one of four spans which was needed to cross the Suwannee River, was erected by the State for use as a monument. It still bears the original plaque inscribed with Stephen Foster's memorable song "Way Down Upon the Suwannee River." (https://www.hmdb.org/)

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This destination is one of several 'emergency' breaks when we have too much coffee on the road and cannot make our normal pit (pee) stop. From the parking lot stairway, you have a good view of the Suwannee River. Also, and the truss section from the original bridge is immediately seen upon entry. On our last visit we found a flood marker at the river's edge showing flood levels reached over different years. It is amazing how high the Suwannee River can rise under severe weather conditions! Just aross Rt19. on the east side are the remains to the entrance to what was Fort Manning.

Resources:
Fort Fanning exploresouthernhistory.com/fortfanning.html
Fanning Springs Bridge www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=17709

@Clearwater

11/9/2021

Literally translated "Clear Water" from the native Indian "Pocotopaug", the area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, it was not until the 1890s that Clearwater gained a reputation as a resort community. Today, Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. Trip Advisor named it the nation's #1 beach in 2018. Besides the beaches, Clearwater itself has an inviting, small-town atmosphere.

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Clearwater is in our top ten destinations for beaching, sunset photos and shopping/dining. The beach is always busy but it is the place to visit. From home, we have taken the trolley to Clearwater Beach and is worth a ride.

Suggested Photo Opportunities:
* Pier 60 - capture people activity during the day or night
* Pier 60 and Marina area - (a must) for sunrise or sunset
* Clearwater Memorial Causeway at sunset and after (causeway, marina, park sculpture)
* City Walk in the Pier 60 area for night time photos (take bracketed photos with tripod)
* Local shops and bars for 'Outside-In' theme captures
* Check for moon rises and sets
Note: most parking is fee-based, and busy so plan on scouting area for parking lots.

Resources:
Wiki ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearwater,_Florida
Clearwater History ... www.myclearwater.com/news-info/about-us

@Jacksonville - old, populous and largest city in Florida

11/8/2021

Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States as of 2020. Florida's largest city is also one of its oldest. Soon after Spain gave up Florida to the United States, folks near the area the British had called Cowford started founding this town named after Andrew Jackson. It was officially incorporated in 1832. From hiking trails to beautiful beaches, Jacksonville appeals to just about everyone.

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Our first visit to Jacksonville, (the area) was on our trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia. Researching photo ops, we learned Kingsley plantation on an island just outside of Jacksonville. Ginger and I went to the plantation back in January 2015 and saw multiple residential structures, housing for slaves and a generally large plantation. The night shots were from a photo shoot Eddie and I had in November 2021.

Photo Ops ... central city photo shoot planned

Main Street Bridge (John Alsop Jr. Bridge) - capture this bridge at night from Friendship Park
Riverside Historic District
Visit Jacksonville ... here
Kingsley Plantation ... link below

Resources:
Wiki ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida
Historic Homes ... www.visitjacksonville.com/blog/historic-homes-of-jacksonville/
Kingsley Plantation ... www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/21.htm

@Apalachicola

11/6/2021

"The area was first called Cottonton because of a trading post that handled cotton, one of the agricultural staples of the area before the Civil War. After that, it became known as West Point, and while Florida was still a territory in 1831 the town received its present name.

Famous for its fresh seafood offerings, Apalachicola is a friendly fishing town that boasts a wonderful rustic charm. There are over 900 historic listings here, from small cottages to stained glass churches, and its lack of traffic or city noise makes it a laid-back slice of Old Florida. The town once was the oyster capital of the world and.

There are waterfront parks, shrimp boats and great shopping, dining and cafes. Overlooking the docks of Apalachicola stands the historic Orman House, the ancestral home of Thomas Orman's family. The house was occupied for 165 years until 1994, when it was sold and later became part of the State Park.
On the grounds, not far from the home are remnants of the servants quarters." (Florida Back Roads Travel))

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We have been here twice but always on the way to Biloxi and unfortunately never really stopped, paused and casually explored Apalachicola. This fishing town has great history, shopping and dining and would be a perfect 'home base' for fully enjoying this town and those towns nearby along the Gulf Coast.

Suggested Photo Ops:

Shops along the Main Street
Orman House and Servants Quarters (and house tour)
Waterfront boats
Chestnut Street Cemetery (and walking tour)

History ... Apalachicola, Florida
Wiki ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apalachicola,_Florida
Orman House ... https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/orman-house-tour
Chestnut Street Cemetery ... https://is.gd/AwfLPs is.gd/AwfLPs