10 Things You Must Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The bustling town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee serves as the doorstep to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Covering more than 522-thousand acres, the park was dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1934 with the promise these mountains would always be free to visit. That’s one of the reasons it is consistently the most visited national park in America.
Gatlinburg is synonymous with the term Smokies. You can’t think of one without the other.
Because of its proximity to the park’s entrance, many travelers make Gatlinburg base camp for exploring the wide array of recreational opportunities available in the mountains. You can find everything from moderately-priced hotels and historic lodges to cabins, chalets and other types of vacation rentals scattered across the mountainsides.
As one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., Gatlinburg is famous for its downtown strip known as the Parkway. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, attractions, and places to stay line this street that only has a few blocks and is less than a mile long.
In the video below, we share with you 10 Things You Must Do in Gatlinburg.
Eat at a Pancake House
The best place to start your first day or any day in the Smokies is at a pancake house. There’s no shortage of these popular breakfast spots in Gatlinburg. You can find an eatery that specializes in flapjacks on what seems like every block.
Ride to the Top
There are more ways than ever to take a leisurely ride to the top of one of Gatlinburg’s imposing mountains.
Anakeesta
A chondola sky lift system is utilized to transport visitors 600 feet to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Following the 10-minute ride in an open chairlift or enclosed 6-person gondola cabin, visitors can explore two distinct villages with a handful of shopping and dining options, including two sit-down restaurants where the spectacular views from your table make it really hard to leave.
The centerpiece of it all is downtown Gatlinburg’s highest point, AnaVista Observation Tower. After climbing 84 steps, you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the Smokies, and on clear days, you can see as far as Kentucky.
For an additional charge not included with general admission to Anakeesta, visitors can take a ride on a mountain coaster, soar through the forest on a zipline, or go gem mining.
Afraid of Heights?
If the thought of riding in an open chairlift or in a gondola makes you nauseous, Anakeesta has provided a grounded alternative to get to the top of the mountain. It’s called the Ridge Rambler. This huge passenger truck will take you through some pretty forest as it winds to the summit. The Ridge Rambler is included with general admission.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Since the 1950s, vacationers have been hopping on the iconic yellow chairs of the Gatlinburg SkyLift. Today at the top of the mountain you’ll find SkyLift Park and the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
Ober Gatlinburg
Board an Aerial Tram to Ober Gatlinburg’s Bavarian-themed amusement park and Tennessee’s only ski area, which normally makes snow in the cooler months when temperatures on the mountain are under 28 degrees.
Watch Craftsmen at Work
Arts and crafts have a deep heritage here in the Smokies. One of the most enjoyable, authentic experiences you’ll have during your time in Gatlinburg is to make a trip to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community.
This 8-mile loop road is home to the largest independent organization of artisans in the U.S.
Shop at The Village
An archway adjacent to the Pancake Pantry welcomes shoppers to The Village, a landmark in Gatlinburg dating back more than half a century.
The narrow brick-covered sidewalks and Old World architecture transports visitors to a different time and place. I’ve often described it as a Dickens Village come to life with little touches from the old country in the main square.
This is where you can find the Donut Friar, the Cheese Cupboard, Candle Cottage and more than 20 other unique shops and cafes.
Sample the Shine
Moonshine distilleries seem to be outpacing pancake houses when it comes to new openings along the Parkway.
$5 tastings are offered for folks 21 and over. Participants receive a $5 coupon in return, which can be applied to any purchase made in the distillery’s gift shop.
Each tasting gives you the chance to sample a variety of moonshine flavors served in tiny communion cups.
Bartenders make all the difference when it comes to the type of experience you have. So choose wisely.
Do an Attraction
I’m not sure boredom can be a thing in Gatlinburg. The cheese runs pretty thick along the Parkway with all types of carnie attractions like indoor mini golf, mirror mazes and even an earthquake simulator all to keep you entertained when you’re not eating pancakes and drinking moonshine.
Classics like Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum!, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and Gatlinburg’s Mysterious Mansion are good bets.
Go Under the Sea
One of the top aquariums in the nation can be found in Gatlinburg. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features galleries on two floors with thousands of sea creatures. Best of all for families - it’s kid friendly!
View the Burg from Above
Topping out at 407-feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle was the second-tallest tower in Tennessee upon completion in 1969. Be sure to bring your camera for some awesome panoramic photos of the resort town and the gorgeous mountains.
There’s an arcade on the ground floor along with a pretty good pizza joint.
Watch Taffy Being Made
Since the 1950s, tourists have been mesmerized by the taffy-making process at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen.
While the faces have changed over the decades, candy makers dressed in white uniforms still man the machine and offer visitors one of their original old-fashioned taffy logs.
Play Hillbilly Golf
While there are a handful of mini-golf courses around Gatlinburg, there’s only one Hillbilly Golf.
Players travel up a hillside aboard an incline railway where they tackle one of two 18-hole courses. All the way down are hilarious hillbilly-themed interactive props.
In business since 1971, this is the place you have to play putt-putt in the Smokies. But note they normally close in late November to perform maintenance during the winter season.
Top Things to See & Do in Micanopy, Florida - “The Town that Time Forgot”
Between Gainesville to the north and Ocala to the south is Florida’s oldest inland town. Beneath a canopy of ancient live oak trees covered in Spanish moss is a community of just over 600 people we know today as Micanopy.
Records indicate explorer Hernando de Soto encountered a native village on this land in the late 1530s. It was still home to a group of Indians when famed American naturalist William Bartram visited in 1774.
After Spain ceded its Florida provinces to the U.S. in 1821, a surprising thing happened in this small hamlet.
A Moroccan-born Jewish man by the name of Moses Elias Levy bought up tons of land here and established Pilgrimage Plantation, what he saw as a model of communal living, an agricultural utopia. The project was to serve as a refuge for Jews fleeing religious persecution in Europe.
The settlers maintained a fruitful relationship with Chief Micanopy and the Seminoles in the early years, even naming the town in the chief’s honor.
The goodwill and utopian experiment didn’t last long, ending with the plantation’s destruction in 1835 during the Second Seminole War.
The exact location of the first Jewish Utopia in America is mostly lost to time with one of the few reminders being this Florida Heritage marker in the heart of town.
Micanopy is known for many things. From a line in John Anderson’s hit song Seminole Wind to the filming location for Michael J. Fox’s Doc Hollywood. Its rich Jewish heritage is much lesser-known.
The downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for antique lovers. Micanopy’s eclectic mix of authentic rustic storefronts along with its historic homes and old cracker houses give this place a picturesque warmth.
Cholokka Boulevard
The town of Micanopy encompasses just over one square mile and must be appreciated on foot.
Taking your time with a leisurely stroll down Micanopy’s main street gives you a chance to explore the architecture and history of the buildings in town. Almost every building has a plaque telling when it was built and its significance to the community.
Many of the structures house mom-and-pop businesses, some in operation since the 1980s.
Herlong Mansion
The Herlong Mansion is a popular bed and breakfast that has 13 rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or the spot where you say “I do.”
The grounds are exquisite and the hospitality, second-to-none.
Micanopy Historic Cemetery
In its nearly 200 year history, the Micanopy Historic Cemetery has had over 2-thousand burials. The first recorded burial took place in 1826.
Many residents who lived in the 1700s are laid to rest here and over a hundred veterans are interred on the property.
Some of the gravesite monuments are complemented by the twisting branches of massive live oaks and Spanish moss, making for surreal photo opportunities.
The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cross Creek
A less than 15-minute drive from Micanopy will take you to the community of Cross Creek and the estate of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, which is a state park.
Rawlings wrote many of her famous novels while living here, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Yearling.
Her cracker-style home has been lovingly restored to look much as it did when she lived on this property.
The park is open every day and guided tours inside the farmhouse are available at select times Thursday through Sunday (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.).
Wood & Swink Store & Post Office
A short 5-minute drive from Micanopy is a piece of Americana you have to experience while in the area.
It can be found in the tiny community of Evinston, population: 150.
Just about every adult in the community stops by the Wood and Swink Store and Post Office at least once a week.
Since the late 1800s, this old weathered pine building has been the heart of the community, the spot for catching up on the latest news over a game of checkers or shopping for some freshly-picked produce.
Link to Wood & Swink Podcast Episode on YouTube
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Bordering Micanopy to the north is a Florida state park that also has the distinction of being a U.S. National Natural Landmark.
Paynes Prairie is the largest landscape of its kind in North Florida and is home to all types of animals including roaming alligators and herds of wild horses and bison.
Plentiful numbers of bison could be found in this area naturally until the late 18th century. In recent decades, the park service has been working to restore Florida’s natural resources to pre-European settler conditions. Plains bison were reintroduced to the park in 1975 and have been here ever since.
The best place to spot bison, if you’re lucky, is along the Cone’s Dike Trail.
The park’s eight trails allow visitors to explore the park’s interior through hiking, horseback riding and bicycling.
At the visitor center are exhibits that explain the area’s natural and cultural history, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views of this vast 21-thousand acre savanna.
Open 8 am - sundown every day of the year, including holidays. Admission is $6 per vehicle.
Blue Highway Pizzeria
On scenic Highway 441 at the entrance to Micanopy is the original location of Blue Highway.
Open for lunch and dinner, this funky spot is known for hand-crafted, house-made pizzas along with calzones, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and desserts.
This is one of our favorite pizzerias in Florida and we always make it a point to stop when we’re in the area.
Guide to World Equestrian Center Ocala During Winter Wonderland Spectacular
We recently told you about Ocala, sharing with you the top things to see and do in this Old Florida town that puts horses front and center.
More than 1,200 horse farms consume the rolling landscape of Marion County. The community is home to a higher concentration of horses and ponies than any other place in the nation.
A stunning 50 national champions, 6 Kentucky Derby winners, 26 Breeders’ Cup champions and 6 Horses of the Year have come from the Ocala area.
With all of that rich equine heritage, it’s only fitting that Ocala is now home to the largest equestrian complex in the U.S.
Nestled on 4-thousand acres, World Equestrian Center currently inhabits over 400 acres, with 300 additional acres yet to be developed.
This world-class facility features multiple indoor and outdoor arenas with state of the art amenities.
The centerpiece of the sprawling campus - an elegant hotel overlooking the Grand Stadium that features 248 rooms and suites.
This place is impressive by any standard, even if you don’t spend the year attending horse shows.
In the video below, we tell you why the World Equestrian Center is a must-see when you’re in North-Central Florida, especially during the holidays.
We paid a visit to the World Equestrian Center on opening weekend of the Winter Wonderland Spectacular, a month-long celebration of the holiday season.
Open to the public, there is a $20 charge per vehicle, but general admission is free.
Transportation from the lot to the event’s main entrance is provided.
One of the most impressive photo ops is this life-sized statue of decorated war horse Staff Sergeant Reckless. The remarkable horse received two purple hearts for her service with the Marines during the Korean War.
The statue is the focal point of the Main Plaza, which is filled with park benches, playful reindeer topiaries, toy soldiers and oversized ornaments. Two trees flank a larger Christmas tree which visitors can walk through. This is a popular spot for family photos.
The stately five-story Equestrian Hotel overlooking Grand Stadium is a luxurious, yet approachable and relaxing retreat that rivals resorts down the road in Orlando.
Stepping foot into the lobby is like entering into a grand country estate you’d find in France. I was immediately struck by its elegant simplicity complimented by welcoming scents from large floral arrangements strategically placed throughout.
Dozens of commissioned paintings of the canine variety line the walls, softening the traditional neoclassical design. This is the type of public space where you could engage in good conversation for hours.
Nearly 13-thousand square feet of retail space occupies the ground floor of the hotel with two original restaurants and a bakery. There’s also an old-fashioned toy shop stocked with oversized stuffed animals and a huge selection of products from Breyer, the leader in horse-themed toys.
A lot of people have called the World Equestrian Center the Disney World for horses. But I would say its more like Disney Springs, with a healthy collection of shops, restaurants and other experiences to keep you busy both inside and out.
With its central location in Ocala not far from Interstate 75, the WEC makes for a convenient base camp if you want to explore different parts of Florida - north, south, east and west. Many of the state’s top attractions, natural and otherwise, are within a two or three hour drive.
What You Need to Know About St. Augustine Nights of Lights 2021
No other town in Florida does the holidays bigger than St. Augustine. For two months between November 20th and January 31st, the historic city dazzles visitors from all over the world with more than 3-million lights.
This marks the 28th installment of the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine. The award-winning display has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world.
Parking
Historic Downtown Parking Facility - Garage
1 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Adjacent to Official St. Augustine Visitor Information Center
1,200 spaces
$15 per vehicle, per entry
Free Holiday Park & Ride Shuttle
Only available peak dates
Friday & Saturday Thanksgiving Weekend
Every Saturday in December, except Christmas Day, including the five days following Christmas, December 26 through December 30.
Shuttle service not in operation New Year’s Eve.
Shuttle Parking Lots
St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
The San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Ave
Broudy’s Lot (corner of US 1 and W. King), 198 & 212 W. King St.
Guided Tours
Other Holiday Events & Tours
Favorite Can’t-Miss Things in the Jacksonville Beaches
There’s nothing better than spending a day at the beach. Lucky for you if you find yourself in the Jacksonville area, there are 22 miles of beaches to enjoy.
In the 1880s, train tracks were laid from the south bank of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville straight through to the shoreline.
The oceanfront town was given the name Pablo Beach.
Around the turn of the century, you would have found an amusement center that came to be known as Little Coney Island here as well as a number of resort hotels.
The hard-packed sands became popular for auto racing in the years leading up to the First World War, but eventually fizzled out with the development of racing to the south in Daytona.
It wasn’t until 1925 that the town was renamed Jacksonville Beach.
Today, the area’s four main beaches are Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Mayport Beach. The beaches are a short drive from downtown Jacksonville and each has its own unique character and charm.
Beaches Museum
381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
The best place to get oriented with the communities that make up the area is at the Beaches Museum.
This two-story building on Beach Boulevard offers an interactive, informative, and intriguing look at the area’s heritage through exhibits and firsthand accounts. Large displays featuring artifacts from the early days of the Beaches allow visitors to travel back in time to see the people and events that shaped the area.
Across the street is a small park dedicated to preserving some of the oldest structures from the beach communities. An informative docent-led tour of the building interiors is available by checking in at the museum lobby.
While the museum and history park are free, cash and debit card donations are welcome.
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday
10a-4p
Sunday
12p-4p
Closed Monday
Jacksonville Beach Pier
503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
The heart of Jacksonville Beach is the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, which as of this video’s production, is receiving a facelift.
But don’t let the construction deter you from checking out the eclectic neighborhood around this landmark.
Cup of Job can’t be missed because of its colorful exterior and serves up coffee with a mission of helping the area’s homeless.
If you’re looking for a place to stay at the epicenter of all the fun in Jacksonville Beach, we recommend the Margaritaville Beach Hotel.
With its carefree vibe and stunning ocean views, this property makes an excellent base camp for exploring the Jacksonville Beaches.
Cradle Creek Preserve
900 S 15th St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Tucked away in a residential area just south of Beach Boulevard is Cradle Creek Preserve.
This 36-acre park along the Intracoastal is a great way to slip away from the urban environment and enjoy nature with nature trails and raised boardwalks, plus a kayak landing and observation platform.
The parking lot here is very small with only a few spaces. Plan to go early if you can.
The Mini Bar
1300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Located in a strip mall a few blocks from the beach is The Mini Bar, a donut and coffee shop that truly lives up to the hype.
The bar is called “mini” for a reason. What they serve up here are tiny little donuts that you’ll consume in just one or two bites, if you’re lucky.
The menu changes seasonally, but favorites like Fruity Pebbles, Maple Bacon and Boston Creme are usually available plus a whole lot more.
Here’s my theory. You can’t go wrong when a donut shop has a vintage big orange VW Bus for a pick-up counter.
Enjoy your tiny little donuts at the large tables inside or go out into the courtyard. Be sure to look up and grab a snap or two of this awesome raining donuts mural. Homer would be proud.
Beaches Town Center
0 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Where Atlantic Boulevard meets the ocean is where you’ll find Beaches Town Center.
On one side of the street is Atlantic Beach, while Neptune Beach sits on the other side.
There’s a lot here to keep you busy on a weeknight or a full weekend with a couple of oceanfront hotels and a number of boutiques and restaurants. Many offer outdoor seating in beautiful courtyards where you can take in the ocean breezes.
The Jax Surf and Paddle store is where you can find a variety of products for a day at the beach or learn more about one of their surf camps. A Bodega Bar in the corner of the shop will help you jumpstart your day.
And don’t forget to pop in at Pete’s Bar, the first bar to open in Duval County after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. It’s still family owned and operated.
Salt Life Retail
240 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Jacksonville Beach was the birthplace of the Salt Life movement in 2003. And if you’re a fan of this lifestyle brand that embraces love of the ocean, you’ll want to pay a visit to the flagship retail store on the corner of 2nd Avenue and A1A.
While the space is on the smaller side, it’s well laid-out with just about everything you would expect to find when it comes to ocean wear. There’s even a clearance corner where you can find some good bargains.
Shop Local
Near the intersection of 4th Avenue and A1A is a little neighborhood of some unique locally-owned boutiques and vintage shops that are really worthy of your support.
Cottage by the Sea is the place to go for coastal decor and rustic furniture you won’t find anywhere else. Lots of great gift items too.
Next door at mother-daughter-owned boutique Sailors Siren are gift essentials that celebrate the salty, Southern life. Be sure to check out the shop’s healthy selection of wickedly funny gift and holiday cards.
Around the corner is an artist co-op with more than 40 local vendors inside called the Seaside Shoppes.
This is one of those places you step inside and instantly know you’re in Florida. Great variety of things for the home and handmade items.
Wonderbird
528 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Wonderbird is a new fast-casual eatery where high-quality chicken sandwiches along with nuggets and tenders are served up daily.
Wonderbird focuses on natural farm-raised, steroid-free, and hormone-free chicken options. There’s even chickenless sandwiches and tenders on the menu for vegan diets.
Specialty sauces range from WonderSauce, a blend of sweet, soy and citrus flavors to the gluten-free Jax Sauce, which is a smoky and sweet mustard combo.
The homemade breading on Wonderbird’s chicken options makes all the difference and puts those fast-food giants down the road to shame. If you’re a fan of chicken, try Wonderbird one time and I promise you, you’ll find a way to make special trips over to Jacksonville Beach.
5 More Ways to Spend a Saturday in Winter Park
Travel outside the theme park bubble and you’ll find plenty of places where you can unwind.
One of the best, especially during the holiday season, is the city of Winter Park, just north of Orlando.
More than a century ago when the town was meticulously laid out, it was considered a winter resort, a place where snow birds from the north could hibernate during winter months.
This city of parks, lakes, world-class museums and prestigious homes maintains an old world charm that’s personified in the downtown area along Park Avenue, what many have dubbed “Little Europe.”
Along this brick-covered street you’ll find locally-owned shops, boutiques and restaurants along with popular chains you might recognize. There’s even a Pottery Barn inside an old movie house.
A few months ago, we told you about five ways to spend a Saturday in Winter Park. Things like the Morse Museum, the Farmers’ Market and the Scenic Boat Tour were all featured on the list.
Today we’re back on Park Avenue telling you about five more ways to spend a Saturday in Winter Park, from retracing the footsteps of a beloved children’s television pioneer and a hotel that has the vibe of an art museum to a shop where you can find some unique holiday decor and, I’ll let you in on a secret to my favorite burger in greater Orlando and how you too can order it.
Fans of Mr. Rogers look at the new statue of the beloved children’s television host shortly after it was unveiled on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Tour
1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
We’ve told you before how Winter Park is home to one of the most beautiful college campuses in America.
Established in 1885, Rollins College is Florida’s oldest post-secondary institution.
With its main entrance across from Park Avenue, the campus covers 70 acres on the banks of Lake Virginia.
Several well-known faces have passed through this campus over the decades.
But without a doubt the name most associated with Rollins is everyone’s favorite neighbor, the man you might have watched on public broadcasting as a kid, the late Mr. Fred Rogers.
Rogers came to Rollins in 1948 as a transfer student, graduating with a degree in music composition three years later.
It was on this campus where Rogers developed his unique worldview and curated his positive attitude.
It’s also where he met his future wife, Joanne Byrd.
The couple would often return to Rollins over the decades, even becoming Winter Park snowbirds in their later years by renting a house on Lake Osceola.
While Mr. Rogers passed away in 2003, his legacy of kindness lives on every day at his Alma mater.
The college now offers a free self-guided walking tour for fans who want to explore the neighborhood that shaped Mr. Rogers.
It’s recommended you start your journey at the Olin Library where inside you’ll find a case with items that belonged to Mr. Rogers, including a sweater knitted by his mother and worn on the show, and a pair of his famous sneakers.
Other stops include a marble “Life is for Service” plaque near Strong Hall that inspired Rogers as a student and a stone on the college’s Walk of Fame positioned in front of his old residence hall.
The newest tribute to Mr. Rogers can be found in the courtyard of the historic Knowles Memorial Chapel.
Officially unveiled in October 2021, is one of the most inspiring sculptures you might ever lay eyes on. It’s called, “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor.”
The bronze cast piece depicts Rogers surrounded by a diverse group of children with one of his favorite puppets on his hand. Near the base are lyrics from the television show’s theme song and the Neighborhood Trolley.
The back of the sculpture is truly amazing. Poking out from King Friday’s castle are characters like Lady Elaine Fairchilde and my personal favorite, X the Owl.
Designed to be an inspiration to future generations, the sculpture masterfully captures the spirit of this dearly-loved man and the lessons he taught that our society could still learn from today.
One of the many art pieces on display at The Alfond Inn at Rollins in downtown Winter Park, Florida.
Alfond Inn at Rollins
300 E New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
A 3-minute walk from Rollins College across Fairbanks Avenue is a one-of-a-kind hotel that is home to an impressive art collection.
The Alfond Inn is owned and operated by Rollins with proceeds going to fund student scholarships.
Walk inside this Triple-A Diamond Rated boutique hotel and it’s like stepping into a mansion filled with beautiful art.
Over 300 paintings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media works by established and emerging artists from around the world are included in the collection.
The works were chosen because they embody the themes relevant to a liberal arts education.
Even if you’re not staying at the Alfond, you’re welcome to come in and explore the public areas where the collection resides.
Pieces are often rotated in and out, so you’re bound to see something new with each visit.
A.B. Newton and Company is one of the many locally-owned brands featured at Adjectives Market on Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, Florida.
Park Avenue
If you’re like me and not the type to enjoy being dragged to the mall, a stroll down Park Avenue might be more to your liking.
Bordered by a shady park that plays host to concerts and art festivals, this charming street is home to dozens of locally-owned boutiques, sidewalk cafes, fine dining restaurants, art galleries with a few nationally-known brands mixed in.
We have been shoppers at the handful of Adjectives Market locations in Central Florida for years now.
While we love the Altamonte and Winter Garden storefronts, the newer location on Park Avenue has the vibe of a curated boutique you might find in Greenpoint or Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Abby and I stopped in just as they were putting out their winter inventory and found some unique holiday items on display.
It’s an interesting shop to explore with local touches by A.B. Newton and Company and plenty of things you wouldn’t expect.
We always purchase our glasses and sunglasses from Warby Parker and the growing New York-based company recently opened a brick and mortar shop on Park Avenue at the corner of Lyman.
This sun-filled storefront gives customers a chance to try on new styles in-person rather than depending solely on home try-on, which sometimes can be limited when it comes to selection.
Looking for a bit of nostalgia or a remedy for that sweet tooth? Rocket Fizz never disappoints, especially when it comes to their large selection of unique flavored sodas and taffy.
Inside Rifle Paper Company in Winter Park’s historic Hannibal Square neighborhood.
Hannibal Square
642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
A couple of blocks west of Park Avenue is one of the city’s most historically significant neighborhoods, Hannibal Square.
Inside the Hannibal Square Heritage Center,visitors can learn details about how Winter Park came to be thanks to members of the African-American community who resided in this very neighborhood.
It was print shop owner Gus Henderson who in the 1880s rallied black registered voters to cast their vote to make Winter Park an official city.
Two black men from Hannibal Square went on to serve on the city council.
Today, this neighborhood is home to a number of shops, including one of Abby’s favorites - Rifle Paper Company, a lovely park with a molecular dog statue, and several places to eat.
Toasted
1945 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, Fl 32792
Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? It’s nostalgic food that’s the epitome of classic Americana.
At Toasted in a strip plaza on Aloma Avenue, they elevate the grilled cheese sandwich using locally sourced ingredients prepared in-house. The result - a sophisticated sandwich with flavors that satisfy the grilled cheese purist and those with more adventurous palates.
Abby and I have been eating here for years. She usually goes for a simple grilled cheese, while I always order something that no longer is posted on the in-store menu.
It’s called the Triple B Burger. A thick patty topped with applewood smoked bacon and blue cheese on a locally-sourced bun that never falls apart. While they no longer put blue chips on the sandwich, this is still, hands down, my favorite burger in the greater Orlando area. And this coming from someone who doesn’t eat a lot of blue cheese. It truly does take the burger to a whole new level.
If you’re in the neighborhood, you have to try it. They have two other locations in the UCF area and Windermere.
Top Things to See & Do in Ocala
Just over 30 miles south of the college town of Gainesville and a little over an hour drive northwest of Orlando is an Old Florida destination that might not be on your radar.
Indigenous people first settled the area in the middle part of the state that would later become Ocala in the mid-19th century.
With a historic downtown area boasting shops and eateries around a shady square, a world-class art museum and glass-bottom boats at one of Florida’s original tourist attractions, Ocala offers many experiences that can keep you busy for a day or several days.
Fort King National Historic Park
3925 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34470
The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m. (whichever comes first). The Visitor Center and Archeology Resource Center are open on Fridays-Saturdays from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Sholom Park
7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34481
Sholom Park is a private natural space that’s open to the public with free admission.
Opened in 2004, creators envisioned a place where people could find their own symbolism in nature. A 44-acre oasis of introspection and meditation.
A favorite of locals, the park is a popular spot for weddings and other special events. The grounds also play host to a movie night, live concerts and fun educational events for the whole family.
Over two miles of walking trails at Sholom Park with plenty of areas accessible to those with limited mobility. Only working service dogs as defined by the ADA are permitted in the park.
Park Hours: Spring-Summer: 8AM – 7PM
Park Hours: Fall-Winter: 8AM-5PM
Open 7 Days a Week, Including All Holidays
Free admission
Flamingo Museum
4901 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ste 701, Ocala, FL 34470
We first featured Cindy Dunlow’s Flamingo Museum in 2019. Inside her frame shop at Six Gun Plaza is her personal collection of just about every kind of flamingo item you can imagine. Everything from stuffed animals and coffee mugs to glasses, ceramic figures and a flamingo toilet seat.
Cindy is always a great host and loves talking about her fascination with the pink bird that started in the 1960s.
A few years ago, she made the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest collection of flamingo-related items. The record was set at 793, but today that number is well north of a thousand.
Tuesday - Saturday 10a-4p
Sunday & Monday Closed
Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
The popularity of Silver Springs as a tourist attraction goes back to the 1860s. Journals and guidebooks during that time recommended this place as a “must-do” when visiting Florida.
People came here to experience the largest artesian spring in the world and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The springs became commercialized with the introduction of glass-bottom boats in the 1870s, a tradition that continues to this day. There’s nothing like these one-of-a-kind views of this natural wonder.
The park has other activities like bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, camping and wildlife viewing.
Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
1445 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470
Located within Silver Springs State Park is the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center.
Operated by the local school district, it only serves student groups Monday through Friday and is open to the public Saturday and Sunday.
The museum features an outstanding Florida cracker pioneer settlement with a number of buildings dating to the 19th century.
In early November, the museum puts on Ocali Country Days as a fundraiser. Thousands turn out for this living history event that showcases what it would have been like to live in this part of Florida during the 1800s.
Appleton Museum of Art
4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
A long reflecting pool leads to our next recommendation. Since 1987, the Appleton Museum of Art has been the crown jewel of Ocala’s cultural scene.
Set on 11 beautifully-landscaped acres, the museum includes six art galleries with a permanent collection of more than 24-thousand objects.
Works from local artists showcase the history and progression of Central Florida culture.
AppletonMuseum.org provides information on hours and pricing. Admission is free the first Saturday of each month.
Tuscawilla Art Park
213 NE 5th St, Ocala, FL 34470
A few blocks north of downtown Ocala is an outdoor creative space with plenty to do for the entire family.
Scattered across the three-acre Tuscawilla Art Park is a collection of larger-than-life outdoor sculptures. Some are permanent while other pieces are rotated out with new works of art.
There are two small lakes with walking paths, basketball and tennis courts and a playground.
A former Armory houses a top-notch Discovery Center where you can entertain and educate the kids while the Reilly Arts Center plays host to an array of events during the year
in a 705-seat, state-of-the-art venue.
Sweet Jane's Candy Store
2774 NE 102nd Avenue Road, Silver Springs, Florida 34488
Just outside of Ocala at the entrance to an RV resort is Sweet Jane’s Candy Store. Stepping inside is a step back in time to an old-fashioned candy shop that sells many of those sugary treats you grew up with.
In addition to nostalgic candy, there are all kinds of homemade goodies.
But there’s one big reason people go out of their way to visit this shop. That reason - Sweet Jane’s Whoopie Pies.
These homemade temptations come in a variety of flavors from vanilla and chocolate to red velvet and key lime. Also available, whoopie pie cookies and whoopie pie ice cream.
All it takes is one visit and one taste of these yummy treats to make this hidden gem a tradition when passing through the area.
5 Things You Can’t Miss in Bradenton
We’re back on the Sun Coast southwest of Tampa visiting the city of Bradenton.
From a national memorial that educates visitors on the 1539 landing of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and a nearby botanical garden with collections of rare plants to a village where you can find some of the oldest buildings in the area and a place where you should go if you want to swim with horses.
Today, we’re telling you about 5 things you can’t miss in Bradenton.
Manatee Village Historical Park
1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Take a deep dive into the history of the area long before paved roads and electricity at Manatee Village Historical Park.
This open-air museum is home to 14 preserved and replica structures representative of Manatee County’s founding period between 1840 and 1918.
Walk inside the 1903 Wiggins General Store to experience how people shopped for household necessities before Amazon, think about what it would have been like to stand trial in 1860 by exploring the oldest remaining wooden courthouse in Florida, and see where children would have learned reading, writing and arithmetic in a one-room schoolhouse.
There’s also the Old Meeting House, a church constructed in 1887, and a “Cracker Gothic” settler house dating back to 1912.
The grounds contain a vintage steam locomotive and a boat works.
Allow a couple of hours for your visit. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
Palma Sola Botanical Park
9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
Established in the mid-1990s, Palma Sola Botanical Park sits on a ten-acre site once home to a local nursery.
Because of its unique location, the gardens sit within a protected micro climate and are notably frost-free allowing the park to showcase collections of rare palms, fruits, flowering trees and other subtropical plants. There’s even a nice selection of cactus.
Open daily 8am til sunset, visitors can stroll through this oasis that has become a popular spot for weddings.
The lush grounds boast three tranquil lakes, a wealth of butterflies, screened pavilion and two lovely gazebos.
This hidden gem is free with boxes on-site where you can leave a donation.
The botanical park is located next door to Robinson Preserve, another natural attraction you should check out if you have some time.
De Soto National Memorial Park
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209
On 26 acres where the Manatee River joins Tampa Bay is De Soto National Memorial.
Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto’s pursuit of glory and riches brought him to the New World in 1539, one of the first Europeans credited with discovering America.
Created in 1948, the park tells the story of the arrival by the famous explorer and the resistance from the indigenous communities whose only desire was to protect their land.
At the park’s entrance is a recreation of a 16th century native village where living history programs are held during cooler months.
A small visitors center operated by the National Park Service is open daily, with displays and park rangers on hand to help folks better understand this controversial event that changed the face of the American Southeast forever.
The park has 3,000 feet of coastline with about 80-percent of the park being mangrove swamp.
Taking a walk on the nature trail that starts adjacent to the visitor’s center will lead to a monument commissioned by the Catholic church in the early 1960s. It originally included a nine-foot tall bronze statue of de Soto, that had to be removed in the 1970s because of vandalism.
Nearby is the Memorial Cross put up in the 1990s to honor the 12 original priests and friars who traveled with de Soto on his expedition.
The de Soto Trail Monument can be found between the native village and the visitor’s center. Placed here in 1939, it marks the start of the de Soto Trail, a 34-stop driving tour through Florida of locations connected with the expedition.
Open daily 9am to 5pm, there is no charge to visit the park.
Swimming Horses
8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
If swimming with horses is on your bucket list, Bradenton is a place where you can check it off.
This adventure happens in the waters of Palma Sola Bay with Causeway Park on Manatee Avenue the starting point.
Ride and swim on horseback with a majestic Gypsy or Drum horse, some of the rarest breeds, as they take you on an exploration of the bay, offering opportunities to encounter dolphins and manatees.
For more information:
C Ponies - Horseback Riding on the Beach
Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez Village is one of Florida’s last commercial fishing villages with a modern history dating back to the 1880s.
Top Things to See & Do on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is known for its Old Florida vibe, where folks come to unwind for a few days and sometimes end up staying permanently because of its friendly, unhurried atmosphere.
Background
The Island was first settled in the mid-19th century by Tampa Mayor Madison Post. He named the 7-mile long strip of land for his wife Maria and his sister-in-law Anna.
One of the original island residents instrumental in developing the town’s layout in the late 1800s was also the genius who came up with the recipe for the Fig Newton.
If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, about a half-hour drive away.
Parking on the Island is limited. Arrive early in the day to snag a good spot where parking is allowed. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give you - pay attention to signage on residential streets to know where you can and can’t park, especially if you’re spending a few hours at one of the beaches.
Visitors rent bikes, golf carts or use the free trolley to get around the Island. When it comes to bikes, there are several companies that offer a variety of bike styles at differing prices.
The beaches on Anna Maria are some of the most picturesque you’ll find in the state of Florida. And with strict rules preventing high-rises from springing up on the Island, there’s very little obstructing those perfect views. Below is a list of the seven beaches you’ll find on Anna Maria.
* Holmes Beach
* Manatee Beach
* Beach at Bean Point
* Cortez Beach
* Coquina Beach
* Bradenton Beach
* Bayfront Park Beach
Now that you have some background, it’s time to dive a little deeper into the top things to see and do on Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Historical Society
402 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Monday-Friday 10am - 1pm.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Closed the month of September.
Free admission. Donations welcome.
The Anna Maria Historical Society is the best place to start your exploration of the Island.
Inside the museum, you’ll learn eccentric tidbits about the area from historic photographs, artifacts and local historians themselves.
On the grounds outside is the Belle Haven Cottage which served as a fish packing plant, bait shop and rental house before it fell into Tampa Bay in the 1920s. Pulled from the waters, it functioned as a family home on the island for decades before being rescued from demolition and moved to the museum.
Also on property is the Island’s most famous photo-op. It’s the Old City Jail that was constructed in 1927 to detain local troublemakers and the rowdies who had a little too much to drink at the local roadhouse. The building caught fire in the 1940s, leaving it with no roof, no window bars and no door. The landmark once was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Anna Maria City Pier
100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
The original Anna Maria City Pier stood at this location more than a century and extended hundreds of feet into the turquoise waters of Tampa Bay. When it was first constructed, the pier was for boat traffic for folks from St. Petersburg arriving by steamship.
After years of abuse from tropical storms, Hurricane Irma in 2017 put the original out of commission for good.
A shiny new 678-foot pier has taken the place of the old one. Admission onto the pier is free with parking available along South Bay Boulevard. There’s also a trolley stop in the parking lot.
At the end of the wooden walkway you’ll find a small place where you can grab something to drink and relax on the benches while enjoying the tranquil waters.
On clear days, you can even see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that connects St. Petersburg to the north with Bradenton and Sarasota to the south.
Bring your fishing pole to catch your own dinner. Fishermen love this place.
Rod and Reel Pier
875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
The Rod and Reel Pier has been serving up a little bit of Old Florida since 1947. Enjoy casual dining for the whole family from the two-story, newly renovated restaurant at the end of the pier or enjoy a drink at the bar where many locals hang out.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Historic Bridge Street Pier
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach is a former bridge that back in the early days functioned as the only means to access the Island.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar can be found here, and along the street leading to the pier are plenty of shops and restaurants that will keep you busy for a couple of hours.
Bean Point Beach
793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
With so many miles of shoreline, just keep driving west toward the Gulf and you’re going to find a beach you’ll love.
But our favorite beach is a little more secluded at the northern tip of the Island.
It’s known as Bean Point, named for George Emerson Bean, the first permanent resident of Anna Maria Island. It was here where Bean’s original homestead was located.
The main entrance to the beach is at the intersection of North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive. But we usually take a canopied walkway between two houses just a street to the south.
If you drive a vehicle, be prepared to make a few passes through the neighborhood before landing a spot. Parking regulations are strictly enforced. Pay attention to the signs and only park in designated areas with your tires off the asphalt. If you don’t follow the rules, you’ll have a nasty surprise to take back home along with that nice tan.
Walking out onto the beach for the first time is like finding heaven on earth.
The sand here is so white and pristine that if you didn’t know better, you’d swear you found a place in Florida where it actually snowed.
If you’re looking to take in the perfect beach sunset with unobstructed views, Bean Point is the place and that is why it is the best beach on Anna Maria.
Pine Avenue
Every town needs a main street and here in Anna Maria, that main street is Pine Avenue. In addition to the Historic Society that’s located on Pine, you’ll find an abundance of gift shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of spots to tempt your sweet tooth.
We enjoy popping into the Shiny Fish Emporium with its whimsical selection of gifts. This is a great stop for the kids because they sit down and paint their own sand dollar and take it home as a souvenir.
Another place where you’re sure to find a unique piece of the Island to remember your stay is at Emerson’s Studio Store. Owned by former Cincinnati Post cartoonist Emerson Quillin, his gallery is fun and offbeat, guaranteed to bring a smile to faces young and old.
Pineapple Marketplace is a one-stop shop for collectors, treasure-seekers, and anyone who loves a good find. It’s a locally-owned co-op with over 30 different vendors.
Two Scoops
101 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Two Scoops offers 32 flavors of homemade ice cream with some “no sugar” options available. The ice cream is so good here you will not want to stop at just two scoops. They also serve up sandwiches and breakfast items.
Pizza Social
308 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
No hyperbole intended when I say we might have found our new favorite pizza joint. Located next to the Shiny Fish Emporium is Pizza Social.
I’m a sucker for those tiny slices of pepperoni that have a bold flavor and crisp up when they’re baked. They’re called Old World Pepperoni, or Cup and Char, and they serve them on their pies here at Pizza Social.
The dough and pizza base are made from scratch and cooked in their imported Italian oven.
Ginny's & Jane E's Cafe and Gift Store
9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
The most important meal of the day can also be the most fun when you go to Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe first thing in the morning.
Housed inside a former IGA supermarket, the space is one of the most eclectic you’ll find. Meander through the coastal store, a unique collection of local art and unusual home furnishings.
Toward the back is the cafe with its mismatched tables and chairs, some big enough for a family - others tucked away in a quiet corner.
Open for breakfast and lunch, they’re known for their decadent cinnamon rolls.
The Doctor's Office
5312 Holmes Blvd. #B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
No vacation on the Island is complete without a trip to The Doctor’s Office. This appointment-only craft cocktail bar occupies a 50’s retro building where generations of Islanders received medical care.
The bar commits to its medical theme with drink names like “Painkiller” and “Preferred Remedy,” customers always referred to as patients, and every order written as a prescription.
There’s also doctor-approved bar fare on the menu from soups and salads to sandwiches and cheese plates.
This place is just what the doctor ordered for an authentic Island nightcap.
Top Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
One of the most uniquely special places in America is Florida’s Space Coast. It is here, from this unique geographic location, that history has been made time and time again.
“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”
Every NASA spaceflight with a crew beginning with Project Mercury in the early 1960s to the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 have departed from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral. Scores of unmanned military and civilian rockets have lifted off from the Air Force Station. And with commercial space flights and space tourism not only the future, but the here and now, the Space Coast has been thrust back into the international spotlight.
Located a short drive east of Orlando, Florida’s Space Coast is home to Cocoa Beach, the closest beach to Walt Disney World. You’ll find the nation’s East Coast surfing capital along with one of the busiest cruise ports.
But the Space Coast isn’t just about rockets and the salt life.
You’ll find relaxing historic villages here where you can shop, dine and get in touch with the local arts scene. Quiet can be found on the grounds of a monastery that features the three largest granite statues of the Buddha in the state of Florida. And, a state of the art observation tower allows visitors to take in a bird’s-eye view of the coastal area just south of where the rocket engines ignite.
Below is our complete guide on the Top Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Fuel your quest for inspiration at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
From its humble beginnings inside a simple trailer at the dawn of space exploration, today’s sprawling complex covers over 40 acres and welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors every year.
As the top space attraction in the U.S., this is the place where the past, present and future of space travel come alive.
Take a stroll through the famous Rocket Garden, board a bus for a trip to the Saturn V building, learn about the early pioneers of the space program at Heroes and Legends and stand side-by-side with Space Shuttle Atlantis, one of the most awe-inspiring exhibits on property.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a full-day experience worthy of some planning in advance.
I’ve created a comprehensive guide on what you should know before visiting the KSC Visitor Complex.
Sands Space History Center
100 Spaceport Way, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is a small museum worth a short visit.
At Sands Space History Center you’ll find displays for each launch complex on-site at the Air Force Staton.
The displays have tons of historic facts, photographs and artifacts that help explain the significance of what happened at each pad.
The displays have tons of historic facts, photographs and artifacts that help explain the significance of what happened at each pad.
Staff and volunteers at the museum are a wealth of knowledge who are eager to share their experiences seeing launches up-close.
When you go, look for the Space X Launch and Landing Control Center in front of the building containing the museum.
There’s a shady picnic area between the two buildings.
Sand Space History Museum is free, but donations are always appreciated.
American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame
308 Pine Street, Titusville, FL 32796
Exhibits inside the American Space Museum include astronaut suits and working launch consoles to a large model of the Space Shuttle on the pad and countless artifacts from the earliest days of the space program.
A stop at this museum is highly recommended, especially if you don’t have the time to devote to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
SELF Guided Tour – NO Reservation Needed
Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
$10 for Adults
$8 for Seniors (65+) and Military (with ID)
$5 for Children ages 13-18
FREE for Children 12 and under
Group Rates Available
An extension of the museum, Space View Park provides an anchor point for the U.S. Space Walk of Fame.
It honors those who have made the space program possible over the decades with monuments, mission plaques and bronze handprints of six of the original seven astronauts.
In addition to taking a stroll among the many monuments, the riverside park has a boardwalk, a sheltered pier and is an excellent location to view launches.
White Sands Buddhist Center
4640 Knost Drive, Mims, FL 32754
Tucked away in a secluded area of the Mims community is one of the greatest hidden gems on the Space Coast.
The White Sands Buddhist Center is open daily, dawn til dusk, with meditation services held every Sunday morning.
Visitors come from all over to see three of the largest granite statues of the Buddha in Florida.
Tours are available by making arrangements prior to arrival. Donations are welcome.
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Monday - Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 8:30AM-10PM
Sunday: 8:30AM-9PM
Kelly Slater Statue
505 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
A few blocks from the ocean in a median as you enter downtown Cocoa Beach on A1A is a tribute to the city’s most famous native son.
Kelly Slater learned how to surf in the waves off nearby Fourth Street North and went on to become the most successful professional surfer in history, winning an unprecedented 11 world championships.
The 9 1/2 foot high bronze statue was built to withstand 140 mile per hour winds.
Locals often decorate the statue for the season, so it’s always a pretty rad photo op. Just be careful crossing the road.
4151 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Some say you haven’t truly been to Cocoa Beach until you experience Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. This internationally-known brand might have been founded in New Jersey, but this store on A1A in Cocoa Beach is the flagship.
Inside, it has over 52-thousand square feet of retail space. Just about every big name brand in the surf business can be found here, along with smaller ones too.
This location operates 365 days a year and is open 24 hours a day
4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Across the street you’ll find the Florida Surf Museum that operates through generous donations.
On display is an impressive surf board collection as well as artifacts that help preserve the unique history and culture of East Coast surfing.
Cocoa Beach is one of the premier surf towns in the world and this museum does a good job of telling that story through rotating exhibits.
Shopping Districts
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1962 when NASA acquired 140-thousand acres of land, water and marshes around Cape Canaveral.
Today visitors can catch a glimpse of gators, shorebirds and other animals on the seven-mile, one-way Black Point Wildlife Drive.
Early morning and late afternoon are prime viewing opportunities.
Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is a pristine barrier island of undeveloped shoreline featuring Native American shell mounds and thousands of species of plants and animals.
Operated by the National Park Service, visitors can explore the Eldora House museum, one of the last surviving structures of a community that existed here in the late 1800s.
Playalinda Beach on the park’s southernmost end is a popular location for viewing launches at Kennedy Space Center and the Cape.
Exploration Tower
670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
When rocket launches happen, the best seat in the house can be wherever you are on the Space Coast at the time.
There are a number of parks like Space View Park in Titusville and Jetty Park at Port Canaveral that are popular spots to view launches. But if you want to take your launch viewing experience to a new level, ride the elevator to the top of Exploration Tower overlooking the Port.
While it’s a great place to watch a rocket lift off, the building is sometimes closed for certain launches.
In the distance, you can spot NASA’s giant Vehicle Assembly Building and the large cruise ships in port.
On the backside of the Observation Deck is a map where you can read more about area attractions.
What You Should Know Before Attending Daytona Beach Biketoberfest
Biketoberfest is one of south’s signature motorcycle events attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.
For many bikers, autumn is the best time to ride, and as the rainy season begins to wind down in Florida, Biketoberfest is the best time to squeeze into some leather and enjoy a few days cruising the streets of Daytona.
Official Welcome Center
The four-day rally happens the third weekend of October, taking over the beach town and surrounding communities.
Your first stop should be the Official Biketoberfest Welcome Center.
Located directly across from Daytona International Speedway at the One Daytona retail and entertainment complex, the Welcome Center is where you can pick up your official pin, poster and sticker.
Here are the Official Biketoberfest Welcome Center hours:
Thursday, October 14: 10 am - 6 pm
Friday, October 15: 10am - 6pm
Saturday, October 16: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday, October 17: 10am - 2 pm
Popular Biker Hubs
Main Street
Perhaps the biggest pastime of Biketoberfest is watching other people and their machines.
And there’s no better place for people and bike watching than Main Street.
Vendors of all types, fair food, live entertainment, and the highest concentration of extroverted people you’ll find at the rally can be found along the sidewalks and at the saloons.
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona
A more controlled atmosphere can be found at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in nearby Ormond Beach.
This large motorcycle retail and entertainment complex features a 109-thousand square foot Harley-Davidson showroom, motorcycle vendors scattered throughout the sprawling property, some really great food options and special live events.
Cabbage Patch
Looking for the world-famous coleslaw wrestling you’ve always heard about?
Only one place where that happens and it’s in Samsula at the Cabbage Patch.
Over 5 acres of vendors, live music and of course the main event, coleslaw wrestling on Saturday.
Get there early to secure a good spot along the fence line of the pit.
Other Popular Spots
Other popular spots include the many saloons and biker bars along US1 in north Ormond Beach and the No Name Saloon on Ridgewood Avenue in Edgewater.
Can’t-Miss Activities
History of Motorcycles
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
Riders always enjoy making the drive down A1A to one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
During Biketoberfest, the museum will feature a special exhibit chronicling the history of Motorcycles on the Beach. All activities are included with regular admission, no advance reservations required.
Sons of Speed Vintage Motorcycle Race
3939 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
October 16, 2021
New Smyrna Speedway
1:00 PM
General Admission: $20; VIP $75
Watch over 30 vintage motorcycles take the track at New Smyrna Speedway.
Sons of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing, complete with pre-1925 stripped down bikes.
Founded by veteran motorcycle builder Billy Lane of the Discovery Channel, this event is a must-see.
Boardwalk/Full Throttle Bike Show
12 North Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
October 15, 2021
Daytona Beach Boardwalk
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
FREE
Free Biketoberfest Breakfast
211 N Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL 32132
Edgewater United Methodist Church
October 16, 2021
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
FREE
Ruff Ride Poker Run Biketoberfest 2021
Halifax Humane Society Dog Park
2364 LPGA Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32124
October 14, 2021
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
$25 - $30 pre-registration only
National Swapmeet By Jam On Productions
1471 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32124
October 14, 2021 - October 17, 2021
Recurring daily
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
$10 all weekend
Scenic Rides
The three most iconic rides during Daytona Beach Biketoberfest.
Street Festival Ride
From Main Street to Midtown and back
Coming in at 4 miles with an estimated time of 15 minutes is the Street Festival Ride.
This ride begins with iconic Main Street and becomes a scenic and historic cruise along Beach Street to Midtown.
If you have some extra time, learn more about the region’s past by stopping in at the Halifax Historical Museum. And don’t forget about Angell and Phelps where you can purchase some chocolatey goodness for your sweetie.
Ponce Inlet Ride
Ride to Ponce Inlet and back
A longer ride taking 45 minutes and covering 24 miles is the Ponce Inlet Ride.
This loop begins along the Atlantic coastline and returns along the Intracoastal, passing by landmarks like Racing’s North Turn and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
The Loop
Ride along the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop
Covering 23 miles and taking approximately 36 minutes is what many consider one of the most iconic scenic rides in all of Florida.
The Ormond Beach Scenic Loop is part of a 30-plus mile double loop known for its lush canopies of live oaks and scenic ocean, river and marsh views. Stops include Bulow Creek State Park, the Fairchild Oak and Tomoka State Park.
On-Track Action
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be able to catch plenty of on-track action with American Sportbike Racing and American Motorcyclist Association at Daytona International Speedway.
In addition to watching riders take to the high banks of Daytona, spectators can also see live entertainment, shop at a variety of vendors and have some fun in a Fanzone.
Parking
So you want to walk Main Street but don’t know where to park your bike or vehicle?
I have a couple of suggestions.
One is the Ocean Walk Parking Garage a couple of blocks from Main Street.
When I drive my vehicle, I park in the surface lot directly behind the Ocean Center. A parking lot across the street is normally reserved for bikes.
Daytona Beach Ale Trail
Hop on your bike and get away from the crowds by exploring the Daytona Beach Ale Trail.
A number of locally-owned brew houses have opened up in Volusia County in recent years by people who are truly passionate about their beer.
Some serve up some delicious food while others have live entertainment, outdoor spaces to hang out and food truck events.
A complete guide to the Daytona Beach Ale Trail including a map can be found at DaytonaBeach.com.
Where to Stay
1870 Victory Cir, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 323-9777
918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(386) 947-7300
The Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel
301 Buenos Aires St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
(386) 847-8909
SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach
512 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
(386) 427-0512
312 Washington St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
(386) 428-3499
916 S Riverside Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
(386) 410-4868
Helpful Smartphone Apps
There are two smartphone apps we recommend downloading to get the most out of your Biketoberfest experience.
The first is Rever, a motorcycle trip planner app that provides turn-by-turn directions to the area’s top rides.
Visitors can get a quick lay of the land and can share their rides with friends, too.
The second app we recommend is the official Biketoberfest app provided by the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Easily find up-to-date Biketoberfest motorcycle rally information – events, racing, rides, bike shows, things to do and dining.
12 Things You Should Experience This Fall in Central Florida
Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals
Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms
16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
Held Thursdays through Sundays til November 7th, the Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms offers jolly Jumbo Jack carving pumpkins, S’mores around the fire pit, live music, food trucks and tasty apple cider donuts.
Tickets for this event must be purchased online in advance.
A Lot of Pumpkins at Santa’s Farm & Christmas Tree Forest
35317 Huff Rd, Eustis, FL 32736
Weekends October 2nd through Halloween and select weekdays, A Lot of Pumpkins at Santa’s Farm in Eustis is a fun event for the entire family.
Pumpkins are fresh picked and then displayed in a shaded lot to preserve their freshness.
Trick or Treat stations are set up throughout the farm and family-friendly costumes are welcome.
Pumpkin Ponderosa at Showcase of Citrus
5010 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
A daily event with free admission and free parking is the Pumpkin Ponderosa at Showcase of Citrus in Clermont.
Families can pick their perfect pumpkin, make arts and crafts, play outdoor games, and go on hayrides.
There are even spooky fall adult beverages at two open-air bars.
Club Lake Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
3403 Rock Springs Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
Open four days a week Thursday through Sunday, the Club Lake Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch in Apopka features hay rides, corn mazes, play areas, a country store and a pumpkin patch.
Pricing
THURSDAY – FRIDAY is $6.95 per person
SATURDAY – SUNDAY is $13.95 per person (Hayrides Included)
Infants are FREE
Corn Mazes
Long and Scott Farms
26216 County Rd 448A, Mt Dora, FL 32757
The oldest corn maze in the area can be found at Long and Scott Farms in Mount Dora. Year after year, the 6.5-acre corn maze has a unique themed design that is both fun and educational for the entire family.
There’s also a playground, market and cafe on-site.
Online ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.
Lake Catherine Farms
5849 Lake Catherine Road, Groveland, Florida 34736
Prices:
Corn maze $6 per person Friday through Sunday September 24- October 30
Fridays from 6pm-10pm, Saturdays from 10am-10pm and Sundays from 10am-5pm
Children 3 and under free
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
3002 Charlie Taylor Rd N, Plant City, FL 33565
October 9th-24th, 10am til 5pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
18 AND OLDER: $11+TAX
3 TO 17: $10+TAX
2 AND UNDER: FREE
* Admission price includes unlimited maze, hayride games and more.
* NO PETS ALLOWED (except service animals)
* FREE Parking
* Pumpkins for sale* (Come get them while they last)
* Closed toed shoes advised
Phantasmagoria
Did you know Central Florida has its very own Victorian/Steampunk storytelling troupe?
Phantasmagoria draws you into their dark carnival of dance, explosive stage combat and danger arts for a visually addictive experience.
Renninger’s Marketplace Special Events
Renninger's Florida Twin Markets
20651 US 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Fall in the Field
Saturday, Oct 2, 2021 & Sunday, October 3, 2021
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This annual event is filled with an amazing array of “fall finery” displayed by some of the best primitive dealers in the Southeast. Dealers filling both pavilions and all the tents across the antique center with fall treasures, wonderful primitives and antiques.
FREE ADMISSION
FREE PARKING
Rain or Shine
Florida Military Collectors’ Show
October 9, 2021
The Florida Military Collectors’ show is a one-day event on Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is one of the largest all-military collectibles shows in the South East and averages over 100 tables. The show features military antiques, relics, and memorabilia from historic conflicts to modern fighting forces.
FREE ADMISSION
FREE PARKING
Steampunk & Industrial Show
October 16 & 17, 2021
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Music, food, vendors, bands, camping, costume contest, interactive play and more.
FREE ADMISSION
FREE PARKING
Fall Country Jamboree at Barberville Pioneer Settlement
1776 Lightfoot Ln, Barberville, FL 32105
November 6th & 7th
9 am — 5 pm Saturday
9 am — 4 pm Sunday
Step back in time to the pioneer days at the Fall Country Jamboree.
Held the first weekend of November at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement, more than a hundred folk, bluegrass, and Gospel performers play and sing on several stages around the property.
There are also handmade arts and crafts along with a number of living history demonstrations.
This is a wholesome event for the entire family that’s very affordable.
Adults - $10
Children 6-12 - $5
Watch our video on the top things to do in Central Florida during fall.
Biketoberfest
Daytona Beach area
Thursday, October 14 - 17, 2021
daytonabeach.com/biketoberfest/
DeLand Indie Market Fall Edition
113 W Georgia Ave, DeLand, FL 32720
Sunday, October 3, 2021
11 AM - 5 PM
The DeLand Indie Market is a curated show held four times a year in downtown’s Artisan Alley. You’ll find vintage, boutique, art and handcrafted items from talented individuals who come from all over Florida just to be showcased at this event.
facebook.com/DelandIndieMarketatArtisanAlley/
Gatorland’s GATORS, GHOSTS AND GOBLINS
14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837
Looking for a safe, fun Halloween event for the entire family?
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins at Gatorland is my favorite Halloween event of all the major attractions in the area.
This special event is included with your regular park admission to Gatorland on weekends during October starting October 9th.
Children and adults are allowed to wear family-friendly costumes as long as they’re not scary or gory.
You can meet Gatorland’s Skunk Ape, participate in Frank & Stein’s Ooky Kooky Octoberfest featuring an undead polka band and go through the Swamp Ghost Monster Museum.
There’s also multiple themed haunt zones, interactive characters and a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade.
Best of all, Florida residents receive half-off single day admissions through October 31st.
Cassadaga, “The Psychic Capital of the World”
Is there any better place to spend a day in October than the one that claims to be the psychic capital of the world?
At the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, guided tours of this small Victorian-era community are offered, educating visitors about its mysterious beginnings.
There’s also a “Find the Spirits” Tour after dark when you can learn how manifestations of Spirit are investigated. Digital cameras and paranormal equipment are encouraged.
A third tour called “Encounter Spirit Night Tour” walks visitors through energy “hot spots” where orbs are often said to be captured on digital cameras.
Ticket prices range from $15 to $25 per adult. Check out the camp’s official website for tour information.
Eco Tours and Airboat Rides
Almost any day is a good day to go for a boat ride in Florida.
But there’s something about the autumn air that makes a boat ride extra special.
We recommend learning more about the history and ecology of one of the state’s longest rivers by booking a St. Johns River Eco Tour out of DeBary.
This experienced company offers a variety of excursions at different price levels and time out on the water.
*Editor’s Note:
During this video’s production, St. Johns River Eco Tour announced on its website that it will be temporarily closed for maintenance September 26 - October 17, 2021.
Mount Dora Craft Fair
October 23 & 24, 2021
9 AM - 5 PM
Often referred to as Central Florida’s biggest and best annual craft festival, the Mount Dora Craft Fair is held the fourth weekend of October. More than 400 artisans from around the nation participate in this free event held on the streets of historic Mount Dora.
If you enjoy crafts, this is the festival for you. Visit the official event website for more information.
Watch a Rocket Launch
(dates subject to change)
If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center.
As of this video’s production, there are two launches scheduled at the Cape in October, the second one slated for October 31st.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 mission will launch four astronauts to the International Space Station.
Details on launch viewing packages have not been released and launch information is subject to change.
Go to the KSC website for the latest information.
No Earlier Than: October 16, 2021
Mission: Lucy Mission
Description: Launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lucy will be the first space mission to study the Trojan asteroids associated with the planet Jupiter. Lucy will complete a 12-year journey to eight different asteroids which hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system.
Targeted Date: October 31, 2021
Mission: NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 Mission to the International Space Station
Description: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 mission will launch four astronauts aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station. Assigned to the mission are NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, and European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer.
5 Ways to Spend a Saturday in Winter Park
Minutes north of downtown Orlando is the upscale suburb of Winter Park, Florida.
Starting out as a frontier settlement in the 1850s, it evolved into a winter resort for the well-to-do by the end of the century. Real estate tycoons created a town plan that’s still evident today.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
150 N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Kick off your Saturday exploration supporting local by spending time at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market. Held each Saturday in the Central Park West Meadow at the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard, this market is one of the most popular weekly markets in the Orlando area.
Open 8am to 1pm, the market serves as a popular gathering spot with dozens of vendors to choose from.
From locally-grown produce, plants, and freshly-baked goods, this market never disappoints.
Museums
The city of Winter Park prides itself on being the cultural epicenter of Central Florida and nowhere is that more evident than the top-notch museums it offers in the downtown core.
Visitors can easily spend a half-day or more taking in the art and history of the museums, a fun and educational way to cool off on a hot Florida day.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Louis Comfort Tiffany - Library of Congress
Louis Comfort Tiffany (February 18, 1848 – January 17, 1933) was born into the famous Tiffany family we know today as makers of fine diamond and sterling silver jewelry, a company founded in part by his father.
Under Louis’s artistic direction, Tiffany & Co. became the American luxury brand synonymous with taste and style.
The pursuit of beauty was always a life-long mission for Tiffany.
His quest started with painting and continued with innovative interior design.
Tiffany was responsible for creating the look inside Mark Twain’s Victorian Gothic Revival mansion in Hartford, Connecticut. The home included examples of what Tiffany is best known for today - stained glass.
Tiffany windows survive in places of worship and other buildings throughout North America.
But the largest concentration of work by the prolific designer anywhere can be found inside the Morse Museum.
From Tiffany-leaded glass lamps made by the thousands to unique windows made for exhibition, seeing this American master’s works so up-close is truly awe-inspiring.
Other galleries include a major collection of American art pottery and collections of late nineteenth and early 20th century American paintings, graphics and decorative art.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
1000 Holt Ave Box 2765, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection that spans centuries.
Most of what we saw the day we visited was contemporary art beautifully displayed in several large galleries.
With exhibits always changing, there’s always something new to see at the museum and, with no admission charge, is well worth an hour of your time.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
A less than five minute drive from Park Avenue is the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. Czech-American sculptor and educator Albin Polasek created more than 400 works during his career, primarily American representational art.
He retired to a Mediterranean-style house and studio in Winter Park in 1950 when he was 70.
Many of the home’s original furnishings can be viewed as well as 200 pieces of sculpture and antiquities.
The well-manicured grounds here are breathtaking with many fine examples of the artist’s religious sculptures on display.
Shopping and Dining Along Park Avenue
When plans for the city were drawn up in the late 1800s, founding fathers envisioned a park-like setting that would provide opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
More than a century later, Park Avenue remains the heart of the city.
Block after block offers something for every taste and style.
From locally-owned clothing stores, shops that focus on home design and chains you might be familiar with from your favorite mall, there’s enough variety here for even the most discriminating shopper.
Scenic Boat Tour
312 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Set aside an hour to go on a leisurely Scenic Boat Tour on the pristine Winter Park chain of lakes.
Cruises by knowledgeable and entertaining guides are offered daily on an 18-passenger pontoon boat.
The tour floats down two man-made canals full of towering cypress trees, lush ferns and a variety of flourishing sub-tropical flowers.
A number of opulent private homes and sprawling estates can be viewed along the shore.
Boats depart every hour on the hour each day of the year except Christmas.
Franklin, Tennessee: What To See & Do
The honky-tonks and nightclubs around Broadway are where musicians and singers come to get their big break. Countless American entertainers have called Nashville home at some point during their careers.
But did you know many of today’s top performers don’t live in Nashville at all?
They mostly reside due south in the communities of Brentwood and historic Franklin.
A-Listers like Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, and the Smoky Mountain Nightingale herself, Dolly Parton, all have large estates in this area.
Walk around the streets of downtown Franklin and it’s easy to see why this has become one of the Top 10 Places to Live in America (according to Time and Money), even if you’re not a celebrity.
Everything you can imagine can be found in this beautiful historic community, which has the highest per capita income in the entire state.
Benjamin Franklin
Early Franklin
Franklin was founded in 1799 and was named to honor national founding father Benjamin Franklin.
White landowners prospered greatly during the antebellum years from crops like tobacco and hemp, prosperity that came on the backs of enslaved African Americans.
One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War was fought in Franklin, resulting in thousands of casualties and losses on both sides.
More than a century and a half later, three historic houses have been preserved to communicate the story of the second battle of Franklin with visitors.
At 1140 Columbia Avenue stands the Carter House, a property that vividly illustrates the brutality of war through hundreds of bullet holes still visible on exterior walls.
Across the street is the Lotz House, which saw its own share of battle damage and later served as a field hospital.
A short drive outside downtown is the Carnton Plantation, a Federal and Greek Revival-style mansion where hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers were treated. One bedroom that served as an operating room has blood-stained wood floors.
In the decades that followed after the war, African Americans were subjected to extreme acts of violence.
Just recently, city leaders have started to acknowledge that important part of Franklin’s history through a series of special markers. They tell the story of how life in Franklin impacted African Americans who were living here before the Civil War, during the Battle of Franklin, and after the war was over.
Historic Downtown Franklin
21st century Franklin is a bustling place that carefully balances heritage with new growth. The city’s downtown historic district covers 15 blocks with Main Street being its heart and soul.
Countless architecturally significant buildings have been lovingly preserved and today house all types of businesses from shops and boutiques to some of the best eateries this side of Nashville.
Here are a couple of quick tips you should know before you go.
Visitor Information Center/Parking
Want to get your visit to Franklin started the right way? You can do it at the Visitor Information Center located at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue. Knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction and provide helpful tips to make the most of your stay.
Parking in the downtown core is restricted and enforced Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. If you plan to spend several hours shopping, park in one of the city’s two free parking garages. You’ll find them on Second Avenue South and Fourth Avenue South.
Tiny Little Donuts
As you move around Franklin, keep your eyes open for a vintage Airstream.
“We’ve been in business at this location (328 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064) for three years,” says Mark Mogul, owner of Tiny Little Donuts.
“This is our flagship Airstream. It’s a 1977 that we’ve repurposed into a tiny little donut shop.”
Mogul says the shop uses all-natural ingredients to make the donuts. While Classic Cinnamon Sugar is the most popular flavor, Tiny Little Donuts also serves up Timeless Glaze, Sugar, Fresh Lemon Glazed, Old School Powdered Sugar, Special Dark Chocolate Glazed, and Simply Plain. They also have several seasonal favorites.
Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor/Carpe Diem
The honky-tonks along Broadway don’t have anything on this place. The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor is an old-fashioned juke joint where greats like Vince Gill, Leon Russell, Wynonna Judd, and Emmylou Harris have played. Locals consider Kimbro’s to be the best place to hear live music in the Nashville area, just behind the Ryman Auditorium.
Next door is downtown Franklin’s record shop - Carpe Diem. If you’re looking for rare vinyl, this place is a treasure trove. And the carefully curated selection of vintage items is a nice bonus.
White’s Mercantile
White’s Mercantile started out inside a vintage gas station in Nashville’s hip 12 South neighborhood.
Described as a “general store for the modern tastemaker,” it was the brainchild of singer-songwriter Holly Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams Jr.
Everything inside White’s Mercantile is carefully curated, showcasing some of Holly’s favorite items she has discovered while on the road.
A great selection of men’s products here from brands like Filson and Duke Cannon and if you’re looking to pick up something for a little one in the family, White’s has a healthy selection of retro-inspired toys.
Landmark Books
Dating back to the early 1800s and believed to be the oldest commercial building still standing in historic Franklin, the Old Factory Store has been utilized as a little bit of everything from banks, restaurants, and shops to juke joints and even an officer’s club.
Early visitors included the likes of Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett.
The structure houses Landmark Books, an independent mom-and-pop bookseller with tens of thousands of new, old and hard-to-find rare books.
Franklin Theatre
The crown jewel of Main Street is the historic Franklin Theatre. This show-palace opened in 1937 with the film Night Must Fall starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. Today, you can still catch a movie at the Franklin or watch a live music performance.
The Factory
One of Tennessee’s most unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences is just outside the downtown area. Constructed in the late 1920s, The Factory includes just under a dozen Depression-era buildings that originally made stoves.
Today, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
After sitting empty for many years, it was restored and turned into a spot for creatives and artisans to showcase their talents.
Some of our favorites: Fork of the South, a general store that supports more than 80 makers and small businesses, CR-71, a unique mix of reclaimed furniture and upcycled items, and Five Daughters Bakery, home of the 100-layer donut.
Antique Shops
Franklin is known for its wealth of antique shops. It is a Middle Tennessee mecca for all things antique and vintage.
Home and lifestyle brand Scarlett Scales offers an eclectic mix of unique trinkets and architectural lighting pieces at her shop on West Main Street. It’s far from the stereotypical antique shop.
The second location of Mercantile 1858 is a locally-owned home decor and gift boutique that aims to turn your house into a home with one-of-a-kind items that tell a story. You’ll definitely find something to add to your collection at this beautiful shop.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Key West
We asked viewers to name the one thing they love most about Key West and, no surprise, most of them couldn’t pick just one. There’s something about America’s Southernmost City that sucks you in and makes you want to never leave.
Maybe it is the turquoise waters or the fact that when you’re there, you feel so detached from the world you left behind back on the mainland. When you’re in Key West you’re only 90 miles away from Cuba and far away from your problems back home. That is, unless you like to bring your work or your family problems with you on vacation.
Key West is about the closest thing to a tropical paradise you’ll find here in the continental 48. And it is tough to name the one thing we love most about Key West. So we put together a list of 12 things we love most about the Conch Republic.
Key West knows how to throw a good party. Special event season kicks off every New Year’s Eve when Sushi the drag queen is lowered from the top from a building on Duval Street inside a giant red high-heel shoe. The party never stops for the next 364 days. From seafood festivals and regattas to fishing tournaments, bridge runs, art exhibits and outdoor concerts, it seems there’s always something fun going on. The biggest events held annually include PrideFest, Fantasy Fest and Hemingway Days.
Because the island is only 4 miles long and just over a mile wide, Key West is extremely easy to navigate on foot, by bicycle or on a moped. If you didn’t pack a bike or a moped, there are plenty of places to rent one, usually for under $45 a day.
When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of options to choose from in Key West. But the best places to stay are the quaint bed and breakfasts that dot the island. Many have been updated with a contemporary touch and feature lush private garden areas with jacuzzis and small swimming pools. They’re all unique with plenty of character.
Each morning, you’ll want to get out of bed so you can find a cool place to eat breakfast. Our favorites include the Banana Cafe, Pepe’s Cafe, Sarabeth’s, and Blue Heaven. Eating breakfast in this tropical paradise is like heaven on earth.
There are plenty of activities to do on the water. You can scuba dive down to the Vandenberg, the second-largest artificial reef in the world, jet ski, paddle board, parasail or take a scenic boat ride.
Speaking of sunsets, they’re spectacular in Key West. Each night, hundreds of people gather at Mallory Square to watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico. The carnival-like atmosphere attracts magicians, jugglers, flame throwers, musical acts, and artists. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Key West has more bars per capita than any other place in the U.S. It seems there’s a place to have a drink on almost every corner of Old Town. Bar hopping between Sloppy Joe’s, Captain Tony’s, The Green Parrot and Hog’s Breath Saloon can kill an entire day.
This place is deep with history and culture. You can visit the homes of two famous Americans: the Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. There’s also a house that showcases the art of 19th century naturalist John James Audubon, the Key West Lightouse and Museum, the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and multiple shipwreck museums featuring the collections of famous treasure hunters like Mel Fisher.
About 65 miles southwest of the city is an archipelago of seven reef islands known as the Dry Tortugas. This is the place to really escape from the world for a day. Only accessible by boat, this pristine national park is home to Fort Jefferson, built in the 19th century by the U.S. government to protect and control the Gulf of Mexico shipping channel. It also operated as a prison for Union deserters during the Civil War.
One of the most unique cemeteries in the country is located in Key West at the foot of Solares Hill. About 100,000 people are buried here. Many older graves date back to the mid-1800s with some of the newer ones put in above-ground vaults similar to New Orleans.
The best place to end a day of sightseeing is on Key West’s main tourist drag — Duval Street. A mix of locally-owned shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and several national chains can be found along the 5-mile street that runs north to south. If you can’t find it on Duval, you probably don’t need it.
Since 1983, tourists from all over the planet have been stopping by the famous red, yellow and black concrete buoy at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets marking the “Southermost Point in the continental United States.” This is the closest you’ll get to Cuba without leaving the country. And you can’t leave Key West without getting your photo snapped next to it.
Jaxson’s Serves Up Great Food & the “Kitchen Sink”
Stepping into Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant in Dania Beach is like stepping into a time capsule of Americana.
The rustic interior has been the signature at this South Florida institution since the 1960s. That’s when late owner Monroe Udell started to display his immense collection of antiques and license plates from across the country.
The eclectic decor has only grown in size over the years and it’s one of the reasons families keep coming back.
Another reason is the food.
Jaxson’s is known for delicious ice cream. Dozens of flavors with names like Tropical Coconut, Rum Raisin, and Fudge Ripple are made in-house everyday using the same methods that have been used for decades. While you can order a simple scoop in a dish or cone, most regulars opt for a Colossal Parfait, a Spectacular Goblet, Banana Split, or Hot Fudge Sundae.
Hot fudge sundae with Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Varieties of ice cream and toppings are endless. A fan favorite only available to parties of four or more continues to be Jaxson’s Original Kitchen Sink — a gargantuan sundae topped with sparklers and accompanied by an old-fashioned siren.
The restaurant is also a popular lunch and dinner spot serving up large portions of comfort food. (You can’t go wrong with Jaxson’s Titanic Burger, one of the Hot Diggity Dogs, a hot deli sandwich or a gourmet platter.) The best part of all is that you get a bowl of freshly-popped pop-corn while waiting for your food!
And if you’re looking for that vintage brand of candy you haven’t seen in years, it’s probably at Jaxson’s in the candy shop. You’re guaranteed to take something home. Even hand packed ice cream, which is available by the heaping pint or a heaping quart!
Facts You Didn’t Know About the Father of Modern Florida
Henry Morrison Flagler is a Florida icon. More than anyone else, the oil and railroad tycoon is single-handedly responsible for the development of the great state we all know and love today. And while you probably see his name everywhere you travel in Florida, you might not be so familiar with his bio. Here’s a list of 11 interesting things you might not know about the father of Florida, Henry Flagler.
Flagler decided to leave the family farm in western New York at the age of 14 and go work with his half-brother, Daniel Harkness, in Ohio. He worked on a small boat to pay his way. During the rough three-day trip across Lake Erie to Sandusky, Flagler became very seasick and couldn’t wait to reach dry land.
Flagler experienced a horrible business failure during the Civil War years. He had started a salt mining business in Michigan with his brother-in-law in 1862. But the company collapsed when the ongoing conflict undercut demand for salt. Flagler ended up losing more than $100,000.
Flagler got to know John D. Rockefeller while working in the grain business. At the time, Rockefeller was a commission merchant in Cleveland who handled most of his company’s shipments. The friendship would greatly benefit Flagler a few years later when he moved to Cleveland.
Flagler became a partner in Rockefeller’s petroleum business in 1867. A couple years later, the two decided to incorporate their holdings in the Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller always credited Flagler with coming up with the idea of incorporation.
Flagler initially traveled to the Jacksonville area with his ailing first wife in the winter of 1878. Doctors had recommended the couple spend time in Florida because of its warm climate. On a second trip to the state, Flagler visited St. Augustine and was charmed by the city, but frustrated by the lack of amenities like hotels and transportation. Seeing Florida’s potential to attract tourists, Flagler decided to pour his oil fortune into the state’s development.
Flagler’s first major project in Florida was construction of the 540-room Hotel Ponce de Leon. Realizing the need for transportation to his new showplace, he started buying up existing railroads. This was the beginning of Flagler’s railroad and hotel empire.
Hotel Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine
Flagler purchased the existing Hotel Ormond north of Daytona Beach and enlarged the property to accommodate 600 guests. It became known as one of the best-known hotels in the world and a playground for the rich and famous, including John D. Rockefeller. Hotel Ormond was razed in 1992. The only thing that remains is a rooftop cupola, which is now the centerpiece of a park overlooking the Halifax River.
Flagler’s southern expansion included two opulent hotels in Palm Beach, the Hotel Royal Poinciana and The Breakers. In 1897, Flagler opened his only hotel in Miami. The Royal Palm was a six-story rambling wood structure painted “Flagler Yellow,” and for many years, was the only reason for Miami’s existence. It was eventually deemed a fire hazard and demolished in 1930.
Flagler was responsible for building streets and instituting the first water and power systems in what is today Miami. He also financed the town’s first newspaper, the Metropolis. When the town incorporated in 1896, residents wanted to name the city after Flagler, but he persuaded them to use an old Indian name, Miama, for the settlement instead.
Flagler embarked on extending his railroad to Key West, Florida’s most populous city in the early 1900s. Known at the time as “Flagler’s Folly,” the Overseas Railroad encountered numerous construction delays including three hurricanes. The line eventually opened in 1912 and would later become the foundation for the Overseas Highway to Key West.
Whitehall, Palm Beach
Flagler built a 55-room mansion in Palm Beach that he dubbed Whitehall in 1901. He and his third wife used the Beaux Arts style showplace as their winter home and it rivaled the extravagant mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1913, Flagler fell down a flight of marble stairs at Whitehall and never recovered from his injuries. He died on May 20th at the age of 83. He’s buried at the church he built in St. Augustine, Memorial Presbyterian.
Staying at a Mediterranean Oasis in Hollywood Beach
When my wife and I started planning our trip to South Florida, our intent was to stay in South Beach. Having lived and worked in the 305 almost a decade ago, we were looking forward to visiting some of our favorite places. We thought one of the Art Deco hotels along Collins Avenue or Ocean Boulevard would be our base of operations.
Then we got to thinking about the hassles of staying in South Beach. The traffic, the 24/7 party atmosphere, the sometimes less-than-accommodating staffs at the hotels. Did we really want to deal with the headaches? After all, the point of a vacation is to relax.
We decided to focus our search further north and, after some online digging, zeroed in on Hollywood Beach and the newly opened Casa Pellegrino Boutique Hotel. We’re so glad we did!
The Pellegrino family spent more than two years transforming the property along A1A into the Mediterranean showplace you see today. The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are just steps away.
Alessandro Pellegrino, a son of the owners, graciously gave us a tour of the hotel, including several rooms and suites.
The centerpiece of the hotel is La Piazza, an inviting private courtyard with splashing fountains, covered tables and flowering plants. This area is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of vino or get to know your neighbors in the next room.
The courtyard is surrounded by 13 concept rooms inspired by the isles of Italy, Spain and Greece.
“Each room has the name of a Mediterranean Isle with beautifully designed interiors that have colors and accessories reflecting that location,” Alessandro explains.
Even the signs on the room doors have meaning. “You will notice the typeset is unique to the individual isles. We want to educate visitors about these places while they’re here.”
The vibrant designer rooms come with modern kitchenettes, a fully stocked minibar and a European-style bathroom. The comfortable beds are simple, with just a pop of color on the accent pillow and a throw in case you get chilly in the middle of the night.
While the little design touches are extraordinary, it’s the personalized service each guest receives that’s the hallmark of this boutique hotel. It’s something you won’t find at any other property in South Florida — not even South Beach.
From the moment of arrival, guests are treated like part of the Pellegrino family. Your host will treat you to a free glass of wine, tell you the history of the family and the hotel, and walk out to your car to get your bags. Complimentary tapas will be waiting for you in your room.
“Being Italian, you have the desire to welcome people with open arms. It’s in our blood,” Alessandro says. “It’s very, very special for us to receive people.”
When the staff knows someone is celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, they go over and beyond for the guest. You might find flowers in your room or a swan sculpture made out of towels at the foot of the bed.
“This hotel was an incredible opportunity for us to meet people from around the world. Service is the most important thing to me and my family.”
Rockefeller’s Ormond Home
The Casements in Ormond Beach, Florida was the winter home of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller. He bought the place hoping it would support his desire to live to age 100. It wasn’t meant to be. He died in his bedroom at The Casements in May 1937, just short of his 98th birthday.
Six Reasons Why Florida’s Dry Tortugas Should Be On Your Bucket List
Nearly 70 miles off Key West is the most isolated of the Florida Keys. Dry Tortugas National Park preserves historic Fort Jefferson, seven coral islands and a diverse ecosystem unlike any other in the state. In fact, the archipelago’s coral reefs are the least disturbed of all the reefs in the Keys.
Excellent snorkeling, scuba diving and saltwater fishing draws over 60,000 adventure-seekers each year.
Because of its distance from the main island chain and the rough seas, visitors normally charter a ferry or seaplane to reach the Tortugas. Most end up staying the entire day while others camp in primitive conditions for several days.
Here are 6 reasons why visiting the Dry Tortugas should be on the top of your bucket list.
The Tortugas are possibly the most remote islands you can visit and still be in the United States. When you go, you’re truly leaving civilization behind. The National Park Service has purposely kept the islands very primitive with no public lodging, water, food, bathing facilities or supplies available. If you like “roughing it,” this is the place.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a world class birding destination, especially during spring migration. Nearly 300 hundred species of birds have been spotted on the seven islands. So bring your binoculars!
There’s just as much wildlife to see below the surface of the water. Hundreds of species of marine animals call the Tortugas home inlcuding sea turtles, squid, tropical reef fish, goliath groupers, lobsters, and sharks.
The historic gem Fort Jefferson is fun to explore. Constructed between 1845 and 1876, Jefferson is one of the best examples of 19th century masonry fortification. During the Civil War, it was used as a prison and, for a time, housed one of the conspirators in the assassination of President Lincoln. Because of its location and exposure to the elements, work is constantly being done to preserve the structure.
Another structure worth seeing is the Loggerhead Light. Built in the late 1850s, the 150-foot tall lighthouse is located on what’s considered the most dangerous of the keys. Because of its remoteness, prior arrangements must be made with the National Park Service to visit.
The trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas averages just over 2 hours. But the voyage is one of the biggest highlights. During the journey, take in the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands and Boca Grande, or sit back and enjoy being, what seems like, a whole world away from the mainland. That’s what I call a true vacation!
