Eye 95 - A Guide To Roadside Attractions On I-95 - Part Iv - Southern Florida

Because there is plenty to see along the interstate if you just keep your eyes open.

As the trees wiz by, going seventy-five miles an hour on the interstate, do we ever stop to think, what is on the other side of those trees? What is down those roads behind the exit signs? Well, the phenomena of roadside attractions have been around since roads, perhaps even since cart paths. So, it is no surprise that the bigger the road - the bigger the attractions and if not bigger, the more abundant.

On the east coast, I-95 is the big daddy of highways, but who would have known that there was so much to see off of I-95's beaten path. Come along with me as I lead you down the road less traveled with some of the coolest, silliest and just plain strangest sites that there are to see when you just make a right turn onto a few of the exits of 95 in Southern Florida.

House of Refuge - Stuart, FL

Built in 1876, this was a sanctuary for shipwreck sailors off the Florida coast. Originally one of ten safe-havens, this is the only one still standing. Even after being directly in the path of two hurricanes in 2004 and access to the museum being washed away, the structure still stands firm. Made up to look like the lodgers had just stepped away, they have kept the authenticity alive with original furniture and nostalgic photos.

Solomon's Castle - Ona, FL

In the heart of the Central Florida Swamp stands an awkward site. At 12,000 square feet and three stories tall towers a castle built by an artist of unusual tastes. It is hard to miss this monstrosity with its exterior consisting of aluminum printing plates shining in the Florida sun and its walkways constructed of concrete painted to look like brick. The castle houses sculptures always made by Solomon which includes a canon made to shoot toilet plungers to ward off invaders. Outside the castle, there is "the boat in the moat" which is a 60 foot replica of a 16th Century Portuguese Galleon that Solomon has converted into a restaurant. This is a site that you can not miss if you are heading south into Florida.

Everglades Wonder Garden - Bonita Springs, FL

If you have to see an alligator farm while you are in Florida, do not fall for the "Good-Looking Sign" Trap. Many farms have great marketing techniques but there are no teeth to their bite. They are all show and no tell. This family owned gator farm has been around since 1936 and it is aged and rustic and just feels dangerous to be inside. But isn't that what you came to see - danger - up close and personal. Founded by the Piper brothers after they retired from bootlegging, the place hasn't changed in 70 years - from the wildlife exhibits to the creaking bridges that carry you over the gators at feeding time. Enter at your own risk and enjoy a genuine piece of Americana.

Coral Castle - Homestead, FL

Okay, so it is not really a castle. It is more like a structure of "WOW!" You may say what is the big whoop about a compound made of rock. The big whoop is...this structure was constructed of 2.2 million pounds of Coral Rock by one man. One man excavated, carved and erected tons and tons of rock without a crane, sculpting tools or even architectural experience. Around 1930, the super-secretive, aging Latvian immigrant, Ed Leedskavin had his heart broken by his sixteen year old sweetheart, a day before they were to be married. So as the ultimate act of unrequited love, Ed made some tools out of wrecked cars and went to work building this lumpy work of art. He worked by lantern light to shroud his techniques from prying eyes. Taking twenty years to finish his ode to lost love, he died alone in 1951 and the Coral Castle became a tourist attraction in 1953. To this day no one really knows how this uneducated, undersized man was able to complete this feat that often caused him to somehow move stones weighing as much as nine tons. This is a rough and rocky love story that has to be felt and seen to be believed.

Our next adventure takes us even deeper in Florida Lore as we head into the Panhandle with the conclusion of the oddities that the sunshine state has to offer along its roadsides.

by: Tim Barnes

POST COMMENT

Attraction With a Woman - Can You Make Her Smile? How To Make A Girl Fall In Love With You Law Of Attraction: How Limiting Beliefs Limit Life History and attractions of Colorado Springs, CO Attracting Quality Guys The Madison Area Is Host To The Iron Man Wisconsin Triathlon Feelings and the Law of Attraction What Is The Secret Law Of Attraction? The Concept Of Sell Your Love For Money Subliminal Messages: Easy Earning Through The Law Of Attraction Subliminal Messages And The Universal Law Of Attraction Applying The Law Of Attraction In Your Life And Getting The Life You Want How Can You Make The Law Of Attraction Happen Fast