Pioneer Park Days

Pioneer Park Days is an annual event held the first week of March in Zolfo Springs, Florida at Pioneer Park, which is located at the intersection of  US Highway 17 and State Road 64.

The most recent 43rd Annual Pioneer Park Days was billed as one of the largest and oldest antique tractor, steam engine and farm equipment shows in the Southeast. Over 400 exhibits and activities, including a daily antique tractor parade, basket weaving, toy making and wood burning, celebrated the 1800s.

In addition to the pioneer-themed activities, 450+ booths sold antiques, arts, crafts and flea market wares, numerous food booths were available throughout the park, and country and bluegrass music provided daily entertainment.

Southwest Florida Fair

The Southwest Florida Fair is held the last week of February for ten days and is similar to many county fairs held in the winter in Florida and in the summer across other parts of the country.

That familiar smell of smoking ribs, sizzling sausages, corn dogs, and cotton candy mixed with the smell of farm animals and mechanical rides slinks into the parking lot and surrounds you before you even reach the gate.

But, the fair is much more than food, rides and games. The agricultural and horticultural exhibits and the participation of school age children through their school displays, equestrian and small animal competitions and steer and hog auctions define the core educational purpose of the fair.

From the raising of farm animals for auction or competition to the planning and construction of a school exhibit, the fair offers a learning opportunity to the area youth. For some children, a visit to the fair is their only exposure to the agricultural side of the local community.

Goodbye Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens opened  in 1936 as Florida's first tourist attraction when Dick Pope, Sr and his wife showcased their botanical gardens. It became famous for its beautiful gardens, Southern Belles and water ski shows and was called the "Water Ski Capital of the World" because over 50 world water skiing records were broken there.

Sadly, its demise, like many other original Florida tourist attractions, began in the 1970s when it had to compete with Disney. Once the Popes retired and transferred the park to their son, successive owners would unsuccessfully keep the park at the necessary attendance levels. The first owner outside the Pope family was book publisher, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich who bought the park in the early 1980s and operated it until it sold the park to Anheuser-Busch in 1989. A group of the park managers, led by Bill Reynolds, then bought the property in April 1995 from Anheuser-Busch and operated it until April 2003 when the park closed suddenly, putting 529 people out of work with three days' notice.

The Friends of Cypress Gardens, founded by Burma Davis Posey, immediately incorporated and saved the park by enlisting the help of members in the United States and 27 other countries and raising 13,500,000 dollars in three and a half months. This group then sold the property to The Trust for Public Land, a national conservation organization, who sold a conservation easement over the entire property to the state of Florida with the 30-acres gardens portion sold to Polk County.

Adventure Parks Group bought the balance of the property subject to the conservation easement and reopened the park as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in November 2004 complete with a wooden roller coaster and other midway-style rides and  the adjacent Splash Island water park followed in 2005. Unfortunately, the estimated $30 million in damages from the horrific 2004 hurricane season led Adventure Parks Group to file for bankruptcy in September 2006.

Land South Adventures bought Cypress Gardens at a bankruptcy auction October 16, 2007, temporarily closed the park in November 2008, then reopened in March 2009 as two separate parks.Splash Island was expanded but the animals and many of the midway rides were gone from Cypress Gardens. Sadly, on September 23, 2009, the company announced the park was closing because they were unable to "keep the park running in its traditional form."

Merlin Entertainments, the world's second largest them park and attraction operator, bought the park in 2010 and announced it would become Legoland Florida with an October 2011 opening. It has been reported that the gardens will be incorporated into the new park ... this Florida native and history lover certainly hopes so.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

A trip to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights in December included the day's admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

This Disney theme park has an interesting history and began in 1985 when Disney and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) entered into a contract that gave Disney the rights to use the MGM name and logo for a back lot studio. Disney planned the theme park around a working production facilities for movies and television, as well as, a satellite animation studio. However, MGM filed a lawsuit in 1988 against Disney stating that it violated the original agreement. Thus, when the theme park opened adjacent to the production facilities as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, the only connection to MGM was the original licensing agreement that allowed Disney to use the MGM brand name, lion logo and specific MGM content in The Great Movie Ride attraction. Disney later filed a counter suit and won the right to continue using the Disney-MGM Studios name on film product produced at the facility, but was prohibited from using the Disney-MGM Studios name in marketing pieces promoting it as part of the Walt Disney World Resorts.

 

The theme park was re-branded as Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2008, while keeping the glamor of the 1930s and 1940s Hollywood, including The Great Movie Ride, as part of its persona. Hollywood history buffs will also enjoy The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, The American Film Institute Showcase and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream.

Like all Disney parks, this one offers something for everyone and is focused on Disney magic and entertainment. Live action and stunt shows, thrill rides, backstage tours and parades are all based on familiar movies and television shows in this unique park designed to look like a giant movie set.

The Obsborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights showcases five million lights synchronized to music at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

It began in Arkansas where Jennings Osborne and his family's elaborate collection grew to such magnitude that they decided to share it with the world in 1995 and Walt Disney World Resort became its permanent home.

 
The "Streets of America" are covered in so many lights, it is hard to take it all in. Multiple Christmas trees, twirling carousels, angels, and street scenes are outlined in Christmas lights.

 
The show starts with a flurry of Disney snow and then about every ten minutes the lights dim before springing to life to the beat of a different holiday tune.

This is one of those events you have to see to take it all in. Photos and video just doesn't do it justice.

Muscle Car Museum

Rick Treworgy's Muscle Car City features automobiles dating back to the 1920s, but its main focus is on muscle cars. So if you love Chevy Corvettes, Chevelles and Camaros, as well as, Pontiac GTOs, you'll enjoy this museum. The owner, Rick Treworgy, took an abandoned Wal-Mart store and turned it into a showplace for his vintage and muscle car collection.

The museum and gift show is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm with the1960s themed diner open Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 4pm.

Check out their website for more information and special events.

Fort Denaud

Fort Denaud, located a few miles west of LaBelle, Florida, was established during the 1800s  and  has of one of the few remaining swing bridges left in Florida.

The historical marker on the south side of the bridge notes the fort was established during the 2nd Seminole War by Captain B.L.E. Bonneville on land owned by Pierre Danaud, a French Indian trader. It served as a supply depot for troops near Lake Okeechobee and was one of the posts linking American operations south of Tampa to the east coast until the war ended in 1842. After the outbreak of the 3rd Seminole War, Fort Denaud reopened in 1855 until a fire burned the post down in June 1856. It then reopened for the final time at a site north of the river until it was abandoned in May 1858.

Fort Denaud is also home to a cemetery -  where generations have laid their deceased to rest under the cabbage palms and oak trees. With grave sites dating back to the 1800s, it offers a unique historical marker of times past.

Parksdale Farm Market

Photo from public-domain-image.com

Parksdale Farm Market in Plant City, Florida (exit #17 from I-4) is famous for its strawberry shortcake available January through April. It's also a great place to visit year round and offers seasonal produce, citrus, jams and jellies, honey, gifts, and plants.

The market began in 1956 when company founder R.E. (Roy) Parke, Jr. (an immigrant from Northern Ireland) moved from Pennsylvania to Plant City, FL. He saw a great opportunity to grow winter crops including strawberries and the family eventually expanded the farm into hundreds of acres and added their own plant nurseries and greenhouses. Roy’s daughter Cheryl and her husband Jim Meeks opened the Parkesdale Farm Market in 1969 and it is still going strong.

The market is located at 3702 West Baker Street, Plant City, Florida and is open 7 days a week from 9 am – 6 pm.

Wildlife Visits

Living near pine flat woods and wetland areas have made unexpected wildlife visits part of a normal existence. Recently these two sandhill cranes found my bird feeders and started making them a regular stopping place.

They are sensitive birds that don't adjust well to the disappearing marshes, prairies and pastures. Since they eat both plant and animal matter, their diet consists of seeds, berries, insects, mice, snakes, lizards, frogs, and crayfish. However, they do not fish for food. Florida sandhill cranes stay with the same mate for years and they live up to 20 years. They can be up to 4 foot tall and they have a distinctive trumpeting sound that can be heard for miles.

In 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made it illegal to feed sandhill cranes. They can become aggressive toward people, become more susceptible to cat and dog attacks, more susceptible to being killed by lawn pesticides and vehicles, and their diet is disrupted when they constantly eat corn and bird seed.

So, although I miss them, as well as, the cardinals, doves, and other birds that often visited, my bird feeders now stay empty to discourage return visits that may put them at risk.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a non profit organization specializing in tropical plants. The gardens have more than 20,000 plants, including a collection of over 6,000 orchids, with many of the plants collected by research staff during tropical rain forest expeditions.

Distinct garden areas display a lush rain forest, koi pond, bamboo garden, banyan grove, cactus garden, a collection of Cyclades, and an outdoor butterfly garden. Visitors begin the journey through the conservatory and proceed through the plant displays.

Bill and Marie Selby built the 2-story, Spanish style house (the first floor is now a cafe) on the property in the early 1920s where Marie began landscaping. Despite their wealth they lived a modest life in the small home and pursued outdoor activities instead of social gatherings.

Marie lived quietly in the home, after her husband's death in 1956, until her death in 1971. Her final wish to leave the property as a botanical garden was fulfilled in 1975 when the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens opened to the public.

The gardens have since expanded to almost 13 acres and now include an elegant mansion that houses a museum, eight greenhouses, and the headquarters for The Bromeliad Identification Center, The Orchid Identification Center and the Selby Gardens' Herbarium. Thus, Selby Gardens is both a research/education center and a beautiful showplace.

Selby Gardens is located at 811 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas. Admission is $17 for adults and $6 for children 6-11. Members enjoy free admission.

Sanibel Island

People come from all over the world to enjoy the shell-rich beaches of Sanibel. What makes Sanibel Island ideal for shelling is the east-west orientation of the south end of the island. This natural land barrier easily captures shells from the swift moving waters. On the eastern tip of the island is the Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier. In addition to the historic functioning lighthouse and a fishing pier, the beach is one of the great places on the island to walk your dog.

From the outer beaches to the interior sanctuaries, wildlife abounds on Sanibel. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named for Pulitzer Prize cartoonist and environmentalist Jay Norword Darling, is home to hundreds of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The four-mile drive provides spectacular up-close views of native vegetation and wildlife. One of the most popular activities during the leisurely drive is to stop and watch the roseate spoonbills with their bright pink feathers.

Going to and from the island is an experience in itself. The Sanibel Causeway, rebuilt in 2007, has a six-dollar toll and a million dollar panoramic view. The Causeway is approximately three miles long with three bridge spans and two man-made islands and is home to frequent dolphin, pelican and seagull sightings.

Fisherman's Village

Fisherman's Village is an eclectic waterfront complex. For the day tripper, a unique variety of boutiques, shops, restaurants, day spa and a military museum awaits. Vacation villas overlooking the harbor and a full service marina are also on site.

The boutiques offer everything from beachwear and Florida casual (tee shirts and flip flops) to resort wear. In the gift shops, you'll find an assortment of art, collectibles, bath and body, novelties, pet accessories, souvenirs, toys and water sport apparel and equipment. One of the most unique shops is Fuse Weld Grind owned by Joe and Mackie Clifton. Joe is a "recycle" artist who recycles old farming implements, garden tools, kitchen utensils, propane tanks, rebar and more to create unusual yet beautiful works of art, animal sculptures and bird baths, human sculptures, planters, wind chimes and more.

The restaurants vary from sandwich shops, to casual, open air and even fine dining. Several offer a great view of Charlotte Harbor and with the waterfront location, it is no surprise that seafood is the main draw at many of them. Near the entrance, the Military Heritage Museum has artifacts from the Spanish-American War up to the recent Iraqi conflict. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to enable this non profit organization to continue their mission of promoting the military heritage of the Unites States and the sacrifices of veterans. Their web site domain name says it all: "freedomisntfree.org."

Fisherman's Village is located one mile west of U.S. 41 on Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, Florida.The boutiques and shops are open Monday through Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 12pm - 5pm but restaurant hours vary.

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is a non profit retirement village for abused and neglected animals. The animals living at the Octagon were not taken out of the wild. They were rescued from businesses, circuses, individuals and even zoos. Many of them were confiscated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and/or USDA Federal officials and brought to the wildlife sanctuary where they get their "last chance" to live out their final days. 

If you're visiting or live in Southwest Florida and love animals, put the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary on your list of places to visit. Bears, lions, tigers, and leopards are some of the more than 200 exotic animals you'll see and your admission fee will go towards the care of  these beautiful creatures.

The wildlife sanctuary, located off Highway 31 on Horseshoe Road in Charlotte County, is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. However, guided tours or weekday visits require advance appointments by calling 239-543-1130. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (55 and older)and children ages 8 to 17. Children under age 7 are free with a paying adult.

If you're unable to visit the wildlife sanctuary in person, please visit their website to learn more about the sanctuary and how to help with donations.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is described in the state park brochure as an inspirational literary landmark. For a writer, it is indeed.

This famous author moved to Cross Creek in 1928 where she lived in her cracker style home for 25 years and wrote The Yearling, a Pulitzer prize novel. Both her house and farm yard have been restored to the original period and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2007.  Additionally, the US Postal Service released a Rawlings commemorative stamp in 2008 and Florida's governor honored her as a First Floridian in March 2009. 

Visitors to her homestead are greeted at the barn by rangers,dressed in 1930s period clothes and knowledgeable about her stories and her farm life, for guided tours through the farmhouse from October through July.

 
 The farm yard is also maintained as it was in 1930s complete with chickens and ducks and a garden bearing seasonal flowers, fruits and vegetables while the citrus grove still yields its annual crop.

Two trails lead into surrounding woods where bald eagles, sand hill cranes and deer as well as smaller creatures make their home. The tenant house is tucked between the grove and woods and is a restored tenant house moved from the neighboring Brice family home. It resembles the original Rawlings tenant house where both black and white employees lived while they worked on her farm and in her grove.

History buffs, writers, as well as, nature lovers will truly appreciate this park.

Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka where a ravine was formed by water flowing from the ridges of the St. Johns River over a period of thousands of years.

The gardens inside the park are the result of a joint effort of the City of Palatka, the Federal Works Progress Administration, and the Federal Civil Works Administration during the Great Depression. The park is one of nine New Deal-era state parks in Florida developed to help jump start economic recovery during the 1930s. Over 95,000 Azaleas were planted by 1934 and most of the original landscaping features - the main entrance, two suspension bridges, amphitheater, stoned terraces and columns, fountain and the Court of States - are still in place today.

The Ravine Loop, a convenient paved road that winds around the ravine, provides bicyclists and motorists with a view of both the formal and natural gardens throughout the park and gives access to hiking trails, parking, picnic areas and a playground.

The park is most spectacular and alive with color January through April when the Azaleas, Chickasaw Plums, Dogwoods and Camellias are in bloom, but the dense vegetation abounds year round.
 

Devil's Millhopper

Devil's Millhopper is an ancient sink hole located in Gainesville and is Florida's only geological state park.
 

The name came about because fossilized bones were found at the bottom of the funnel-like or grist-mill-hopper shape. Hence, the idea that the mill hopper fed the ancient bodies to the devil and the sinkhole became known as Devil's Millhopper. An Indian legend says the devil kidnapped a beautiful Indian princess. When the Indian braves followed them, the devil made the sinkhole for the braves to fall into and when they tried to climb out the devil turned them into stone. Although both tales are great stories, the sinkhole was actually  the result of a large underground cavern collapsing and is 500 feet across and 117 feet deep.

The water cascading down the limestone slopes sustains the dense vegetation and provides visitors with a glimpse of  times past. Descending 232 steps to the bottom, the different layers of sediment represent different periods of time. At the bottom of the sinkhole some of the water spilling out of the springs above travel down to a natural "drain" leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

This is a unique park that nature lovers will definitely enjoy, especially when the sinkhole is in its Springtime colorful splendor. Just remember that going up 232 steps is a lot harder than going down and take plenty of water when the temperature is above 80 degrees.

Gatorama

Gatorama, located on US 27 between Palmdale and Moore Haven, is one of Florida's original roadside attractions still operating today. Even more amazing is the fact that it is still operated by the same family of native Floridians into the fifth and six generation.

This 15-acre attraction makes its home in a natural hammock with a covered 1,000 foot walkway and a lengthy wooden bridge. The walkway meanders past baby alligators, bobcats, ducks, geese, panthers, raccoons and peacocks while the wooden bridge brings visitors up close to the many alligators and crocodiles. Gatorama is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Smallwood Store

Tucked away in the mist of the 10,000 Islands and west of the Everglades, a red wooden building sits atop piers to keep out rising flood waters during tropical storms and hurricanes and to preserve a part of Florida history.

Chokoloskee Island, at the end of Highway 29, is home to both fisherman and the historic Smallwood Store. Ted Smallwood opened his store in 1906 where it served as an active trading post until it closed in 1982. His granddaughter has since reopened the store as a museum and gift shop. Many items in the exhibit areas of the store date back to the early 1900s and tell the story of Florida's early pioneers.