Been There Done That

In thinking of how I was going to write about this I said to Edward "good thing it was close to other things on the list, it's not worth driving out of the way just to see it."  To which he replied, "I would only say it's worth it if you were writing a blog about it."  I'll let you read the legend in the picture below.  You drive your car up to this white line, put the car in neutral and it rolls back.  Folks, I'm here to tell you it's on a hill.  However this town is all excited about this and named an elementary school after it, complete with Casper as their mascot.  However I read when I got home it is supposed to be an optical illusion, that you look like you are rolling uphill....we didn't notice that (nor were we looking).  Apparently directions are helpful.  It is so close to Chalet Suzanne and Bok Tower Gardens that I say why not?  Our slogan for this AAA list has been "When in Rome?"  It's free so why not?

This place was beautiful.  This was $10 admission, or $8 if you show your AAA card (or half price if you go b/t 8-9am).  Orange trees align the entrance road, you park, and there is beautiful gardens, and nature trails leading up to this 205 foot tower that Edward Bok had built in honor of his grandparents.  It was a really pretty walk, you can't get into the tower but it's great to look at and has music playing on the half hour.  They do special concerts as well.  It is built on the highest point in Florida so it actually has some views.  it was dedicated by President Coolidge.  There is also a 9 minute movie inside the museum.  Overall, totally worth it. 

     

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61_Bok_Tower_Gardens.zip (5058 KB)

This was much better than expected.  If I only gave myself one word to describe it it would be eccentric, but I'm not so here it goes.  This is a hotel/restaurant/soup factory in the middle of nowhere.  It has a landing strip so you can fly on over.  We walked around the grounds, got a personal tour of the Soup Plant where they make their renowned soup.  They are famous for their Moon Soup, originally known as Romaine Soup that was taken into Space on three different Apollo missions (after being freeze dried).  We also watched a four minute video on the history in the gift shop.  This place is worth staying at or eating, however if nothing else go walk around and get a tour of the Soup Plant and free sample.  Pictured: Entrance, The main reception/gift shop, the freeze dried soup, inside the restaurant.

       

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59_Chalet_Suzanne.zip (7194 KB)

AAA aptly describes this attraction as uniquely Florida.  This museum has wax replicas of all the presidents including our current president, memorabilia (real McKinley campaign poster), and miniature versions of the White House (that tours the country).  It is $9.95 per person (after a random $5 discount that has been going on for quite some time).  It is equal parts authentic and chintzy.  Outside there are replicas of Mount Rushmore, the Lincoln memorial, and the statue of Liberty.  We went on the fourth of July and got free apple pie.  If you are driving to Clermont to see this you should also check out the Citrus Tower next door, that is Florida's version of the Space Needle.  I would say the value is more like $5 per person, the staff was knowledgeable but lacking on the hospitality side.  Overall it is worth going if you want some fun, history and aren't expecting the Smithsonian.

         

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55_Presidents_Hall_of_Fame.zip (8536 KB)

So this town/camp was founded in 1894 by George P. Colby, the was location chosen for its unique energy level.  What we found unique about the energy level is that is was pretty quiet.  We didn't get a psychic reading or go to a medium, and maybe that would have added to our experience.  It was free, interesting to walk around but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way.

       

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68_Cassadaga_Spiritualist_Camp.zip (7937 KB)

This is the tallest lighthouse in Florida.  203 steps to the top, and the view of the Atlantic and Halifax is prettyWhat set this lighthouse apart for me was the collection of Fresnel lenses (these are the lenses that were atop the lighthouse) and are works of art as much as they are functional.  Admission is $5.00, and there is a 10% off coupon you can print from their website.

           

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72_Ponce_de_Leon_Inlet_Lightho.zip (12621 KB)

This place was great!  If you go here, you must see one of the snake shows (they were at 12pm and 3pm the day we went).  The owner takes certain snakes out, (makes you scared for him as he gets a good grip on the snakes), then brings the snakes to this cup where they bite it and the owner sells the venom.  It was wild to watch.  If you are wondering he has been bit 12x in 40 years, he said they were mostly in the beginning when he was leaning the trade.  You can hold some non-poisonous snakes at the start of the snake show. 

Other attractions are Pete the alligator, iguanas, turtles, tortoises, birds, and viewing plenty of snakes behind glass.  Overall it was a low-key attraction (in a good way), kind of felt like you were in the owner's house, we got to personally ask the owner our questions.  It was interesting and worth the trip. 

The website is out of date, as the current price (as of 3/22/09) is $6.95.  Only cash or Florida checks are accepted.

       

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66_Reptile_World_Serpentarium.zip (6633 KB)

So this is just the darnedest thing...
Charles Bressler-Pettis was told he was going to get a huge inheritance IF he went to and graduated medical school (I'm assuming Harvard because that name is displayed on the monument).  He did, and then moved to FL and became an artist, this being one of his creations.  He requested rocks from every state as well as the president (F.D.R.).  The completed monument is made up of rocks from all states (some multiple times), rocks from 20 other countries, and other objects including a human skull.  This monument is random, worth stopping by if you are in the area as it is free and interesting. 

       

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56_Monument_of_States.zip (7091 KB)

So in a nutshell Marineland is a Sea World off steroids.  They concentrate on preservation, education, natural habitat for dolphins exclusively.  You spend a few hours there, it's $8 to get in and see all the dolphins.  The best part is the dolphins played catch with us, they threw out a football or float toy and watched you intently until you threw it back.  How cool is that?  And there is an option to touch and feed the dolphins for $26, as well as other options that seem cheaper than Discovery Cove.  They also (as of right this minute) have the oldest living dolphin, Nellie, at 56 years old.  To give you an idea most dolphins live 25-30 years.  http://www.marineland.net/index.php  Definitely worth it!

       

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34_Marineland.zip (6815 KB)

First of all there are many ghost tours offered in this city so if you are following the list, it's located at #2 George St.  It was $12 (but they have $1 off coupons online).  It's best to make reservations, though it appears they'll put extra people on a tour to make a quick buck.  They have walking, sailing and train tours.  We took the walking tour which lasted about an 1hr. 15 min.  You learn some interesting stuff like where "graveyard shift" came from, as well as "saved by the bell" but it seemed a bit over priced for the tour.  I would have gladly paid $5/person for this tour.