After recently watching the superb PBS documentary of Ernest Hemingway by Ken Burns, I knew I had to visit Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West just to once again check out all the cool stuff on the walls!
Florida History
Key West Cemetery Revisited
We took a bike ride through the Key West Cemetery looking for unique gravestones and iguanas. As you can see, we weren’t disappointed!
West Martello Tower
Billed as “a tropical garden paradise,” the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is on the site of a former Civil War fort and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a good place to escape the bustling crowds of Duval Street for a bit and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Custom House
We have always walked by the Custom House in Key West and I always thought it looked like a cool building, but we never got around to actually going inside until this past visit. It’s definitely worth the effort! The Custom House is home to the Key West Museum of Art & History, which contains a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and artifacts that include Ernest Hemingway, Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway, the USS Maine, the great folk art of Mario Sanchez and much more. Don’t miss it!
Fort Zachary Taylor
We rode bikes to one of our favorite Key West spots, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Normally we just relax on the beach, snorkel and swim to the rocks. However, this time I decided to take a self-guided tour of the actual fort itself. Very rewarding!
Bahia Honda State Park
After years of driving past Bahia Honda State Park on the way to Key West, we finally budgeted some time to stop for an hour or so and wander around. It’s a very cool place, especially if you have any interest in Florida history. For example, the highlight of our visit was standing atop the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (a remnant of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway) for a magnificent view of the entire state park and surrounding waters. It also seems like an ideal spot for camping, swimming, picnicking or just relaxing on the beach. We’ll definitely be back soon!
Dickson Azalea Park
According to the City of Orlando website, ” Dickson Azalea Park offers an oasis for those who want to enjoy its shady trees, picturesque landscape, beautiful birds and flowing water. Frequently a location for those who want a quiet lunch, a relaxing view or an intimate outdoor wedding, this park is truly one of Orlando’s gems.” The iconic Washington Street Bridge was built in 1926. The Orlando Garden Club operated a garden center here during the Great Depression. We took a nice stroll through Dickson Azalea park yesterday. We were impressed! Dickson Azalea Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Bonnet House
If you ever visit Fort Lauderdale and drive along A1A, you might believe that the so-called “Venice of America” is nothing more than a sea of ugly towering condos. And you would, for the most part, be right. However, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a welcome oasis from all the urban sprawl. Built in 1920, the Bonnet House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We toured the scenic grounds and saw numerous iguanas, along with a raccoon pilfering a mango! The Bonnet House is located just off Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, directly across the street from the entrance to Birch State Park.
Spring to Spring
1st Stop: Green Springs Park, Deltona
2nd Stop: 1871 DeBary Hall, DeBary
3rd Stop: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary
4th Stop: Swamp House River Front Grill, DeBary
What I’m Reading …
“From the deepest swamps to the most civilized sidewalks, [50 Great Walks in Florida] … features the best short outdoor jaunts in the Sunshine State. These manageable walks will appeal to tourists in search of the real Florida as well as to residents who want to become better acquainted with their state but still be done in time for lunch. Though shoes may be required, backpacks are not.”
Wandering Florida 