Recently while at the Sebring Regional Airport, we decided to catch breakfast at the Runway Cafe. Yes, we have heard the stories of airport food. Obviously, those folks have never stopped at this quaint little place.
The Sebring Regional Airport might not be the largest in the Sunshine State, but certainly it is one of the friendliest. Apparently they have a draw, as there were a lot of planes on the flight line the day we were there.
There were plenty of planes on the flight line
The Runway Cafe
We found The Runway Cafe perched at the end of the airport’s main concourse. Despite the hallway’s glistening marble and towering ceilings, the restaurant itself is quite homey. We were struck by the artwork on the walls showing off the airport’s history.
It didn’t take us long to discover that the Sebring airport started life as a World War II Bomber training facility for B-17s. In fact, it appears much of that same concrete still makes up the apron adjacent to the Cafe’s outdoor dining facility.
You can dine inside our out. The deck gives a good view of the air traffic,
At the Runway Cafe, you can eat outside or inside. Our option was to eat inside that day inasmuch as there was a pretty good breeze. Inside, it is more like your typical Mom & Pop restaurant with engaging waitresses and a full menu of comfort food.
Most of the crowd had cleared out by the time I snapped this one.
The Menu
The fare is nothing fancy. It is just real, down home southern cooking. Breakfasts include omelets, bacon, eggs, pancakes and the like. Our order had all of that and country ham with biscuits & gravy to boot.
We found the lunch menu to be more of the same. There were hot sandwiches like burgers and cheesesteak, there were cold sandwiches – even po’ boy subs. They also offer soups, salads and seafood baskets among other things.
The best part for us was that the portions were generous at a good pricepoint.
Underneath the pile of home fries and marbled rye is an omelet.
A Destination Point
We learned that The Runway Cafe at Sebring actually is a destination point for the $100 Hamburger Club. That is where individual pilots fly in to a specific point to have lunch. The price does not refer to the cost of the meal – but rather the gas it takes to fly there and back.
Speaking of gas, if you have an electric car – or a hybrid – the Sebring Regional Airport has a brace of electric re-fueling stations at the west end of the parking lot. You can plug in – then go have a bite to eat.
There was a car charging up the day we were there. Apparently, there are fewer carbs in electricity than there are in gasoline. Who knew?
The Sebring Regional Airport also is home to the Sebring International Raceway – a facility we have reviewed several times. It is a world renowned sports car racing course and home to the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring – one of the most prestigious endurance races on the globe.
Our visit gave us the opportunity not only to watch some planes take off and to hear and see a few race cars while we were there.
If you’re looking for some great southern comfort food, at a restaurant with a unique view- The Runway Cafe at the Sebring Regional Airport is a good choice.
Deep in the heart of Hardee County lies Solomon’s Castle. The complex of buildings is the dream of one man – Howard Sanford Solomon. There have been lots of blogs about this place. Some call it “odd” or “weird.” However, we are here to tell you that those words do not begin to do justice to the truly unique experience we had there.
As our guide explained to us, Howard Solomon came to Hardee County in the early 1970s. He bought a tract of land at the princely sum of $350 per acre. What he didn’t know, is that it was Florida swampland. Undaunted, he built a house – and kept on going.
We found a number of buildings on the property. Those include a private residence, garages, the Ala-schmoe, the Boat in the Moat and of course, Solomon’s Castle.
The castle began as his home. He formed the building into a castle configuration by using hundreds of old aluminum printing plates. Those were from The Hardee Herald Advocate – the local newspaper. Because the newspaper’s pages are emblazoned on the plates forever, guides told us it now is “a time castle.”
Solomon’s Castle – note the balcony on the right. This is where Solomon could address his subjects on any subject.
The Castle
Solomon was an artist in every sense of the word. He worked in almost every medium we could imagine. Inside the castle we saw stained glass windows, pictures made from cut wood pieces, metal wall hangings and metal sculptures. Each one was unique and each has a story behind it.
The entry to Solomon’s Castle is guarded by two suits of armor. The black one on the left is Knight, while the white one on the right is Day.
Self described as the Rembrandt of Recycling and the DaVinci of Debris, Solomon truly was the Wizard of Odds & Ends. Our guide Stacy informed us that he had a standing agreement for locals to drop off their junk at his front gate.
And they did. There generally was something waiting each day.
His statues are sculpted from oil drums, old car parts, beer cans, pieces of equipment, coat hangers and paper mache among other things. We were not permitted to take any photos inside the castle. Although Stacy told us that there were plenty of photos posted on their website.
That being said, we were able to get one photo of the Solomon family flag, which hangs in the ante room of the Castle.
Solomon’s Flag – The broken heart reportedly was because he was married five times.
On the Inside
Inside the castle we found a compendium of art. Literally hundreds of different pieces. Stacy told us that this represented a small percentage of the art that Solomon produced over the course of his lifetime. We marveled at the sheer number of pieces by this prolific artist.
In addition to his sculptures, there were 60 framed pictures, each comprising hundreds of pieces of wood. We also saw some 80 stained glass windows. The stained glass had everything from the signs of the zodiac to the seasons of the year.
How did he produce so much? Apparently he only needed two hours of sleep per night.
One of our favorite parts of the tour was that 100% of the artwork was based on puns. And bad puns at that. We saw “Evil Cornevel” – a motorcycle sculpted out of a corn planter. There also was a Chegal – half chicken and half eagle. One of our favorites was East NewHopia – Solomon’s vision for a perfect society.
In addition to the bad puns there were many “Hidden Howards.” We were able to discern many little insights into Soloman’s life by little clues he left in much of his work. We could tell you some examples, but we don’t want to spoil your tour.
The Boat in the Moat
Our visit to the castle actually began in reverse. Before the tour we started with lunch at the Boat in the Moat. This was a wonderful structure built by Soloman himself. Our waitress told us that as it sat, the boat would neither float nor sink.
The Boat in the Moat – it leads in to a wonderful dining facility.
We were both surprised and delighted by our meals. The portions were large, the sandwiches were tasty and it came out quickly. That was good, inasmuch as we were hungry.
Another delightful feature we found was that each day there was a different singer who performed on the back patio (or dockside as we were told.)
Our day found Pup Morse on stage. Pup was a wonderful performer who writes and sings all kinds of tunes. He told us his favorite was to write and sing music for scuba divers.
Pup performed a special tune for us entitled “Island Man.”
The Second Half of the Tour
The tour of Solomon’s Castle comes in two parts. We took both. In addition to the castle itself, there is a second building housing the last ten years of his work.
Inside that building are housed a dozen antique automobiles. Solomon decided to invest in the autos during the 2007 financial crisis. He got out of the stock market and bought something he could touch and feel. Automobiles.
We marveled at the compendium. Stretching back from a 1935 Ford 5-window to a 1915 Model A Speedster. Naturally, he made wall hanging art to go with each one. The building also holds a collection of sculptured cars, as well as trains and airplanes.
Again we were asked not to take photos inside. So we didn’t. But even if we had committed the entire visit to video it would not compare with an actual visit.
In Conclusion
We are delighted to join The BBC, The Associated Press, Weird Florida and a host of other outlets in featuring this attraction.
Literally millions of people have visited the grounds over the years (including us). It is out in the middle of nowhere – or in the center of everything, We highly recommend it for a visit! Solomon’s Castle is not a cookie cutter tourist attraction, but a Florida memory maker.
There are two very important things. First, we are delighted to report there’s no admission to the grounds themselves and the parking is free. Second, you need to bring cash. They would not take our credit card, but pointed us to an ATM machine in the gift shop.
When we started our review of the 12 Coasts of Florida, we began with The Emerald Coast. It stretches 100 miles from Pensacola to Panama City.
The Emerald Coast actually encompasses five different counties. These include; Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties. In the past, the coast has been known as “The Playground of the Gulfcoast” and “The Miracle Strip.”
It also sometimes is referred to sardonically as “the Redneck Riviera.” That is due to the number of people from Alabama and Georgia who come south to enjoy its white sands and bluegreen waters.
The bluegreen waters of Destin Beach are emblematic of what you’ll find along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
In fact, the colors of the water was what inspired the “Emerald” moniker. It was a junior high school student who made that suggestion as part of a 1983 contest.
The Towns
There are some great towns along the Emerald Coast. Starting in Pensacola there’s Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Seaside Beach, Rosemary Beach, Laguna Beach, and Panama City Beach.
For those who like aircraft, Pensacola is home to the National Naval Air Museum and is home base for one of our favorites – the world-famous Blue Angels. Their beaches are lined with restaurants, there are craft breweries, museums and shopping in the downtown district.
Pensacola is the home of the precision flying Blue Angels.
Fort Walton Beach features the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park with its dolphins, penguins and alligators. And there’s the Indian Temple Mound Museum and the Air Force Armament Museum.
Known for its beaches, fishing and golf, there’s plenty to do in Destin. One of our favorites is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Located in the heart of “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” it is wonderful and better than a decade in the making.
Panama City Beach might be best known as a Spring Break location for college students. However, you can find cruises, fishing, eco-tours and The Shipwreck Island Water Park.
There’s also Santa Rosa Island. That plays home to the Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, and Okaloosa Island. However, much of its 40 miles are part of the protected Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Nature Areas
Those who enjoy natural Florida have their pick of locales along the Emerald Coast. There’s the 15,000 acre Point Washington State Forest in southern Okaloosa county. They have trails for hikers and bikers and overnight camping.
We also found The Topsail Hill Preserve State Park which features over three miles of beachfront and over 1600 acres of unique habitat. Located near Destin, the Henderson Beach State Park has trails, a mile of shoreline and an Inn adjacent to it.
The Fort Pickens National Park and Aquatic Preserve spans 34,000 acres. It encompasses barrier islands and salt marshes. There you may view migrating birds.
In addition to the beach and fishing facilities, there is Fort Pickens itself. A pentagonal structure, it was built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834. It was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.
Fort Pickens
The aquatic preserve provides great diving opportunities. That includes the USS Massachusetts. The remains of the ship are submerged in the Pensacola Pass.
Festivals
Looking for a special occasion to visit The Emerald Coast? We found that the area is chocked-full of events. For instance, Pensacola has everything from the Fiesta of Five Flags, to the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival to the Interstate Mullet Toss.
A competitor in the famous Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss.
At Destin, we were drawn to visit the 30A Songwriters Festival. But there’s also the Destin Seafood Festival, and the annual Camilla Festival. And Panama City Beach hosts the Gulf Coast Jam, The Highland Games and The Pirates of the High Seas Fest.
Worth a Visit
There are several areas of the Sunshine State we have not had an opportunity to visit. That is our mistake. One of our biggest New Year’s resolutions is to get to some of the places we have not yet visited and the Emerald Coast is at the top of that list.
We have passed by Webb’s Candy Factory on Highway 27 in Polk County many times. But like others, we’d never stopped. Recently we pulled in to visit and found out what we had been missing. Previously we had blogged about our trip to Davidson’s of Dundee and sampled their citrus candy. This time it was Webb’s world-famous Goat Milk Fudge that received our attention.
Webb’s is the epicenter of Goat Milk Fudge (among other delights).
Goat Milk Fudge
Of course we were intrigued by the lure of goat milk fudge. And when we ran up on RJ Webb himself, we got an education. RJ is a third-generation Webb and gave us the history and a personal tour of the facility. Apparently, the goat’s milk does not affect the taste as much as the texture of the fudge.
It also dries the fudge out a bit more quickly – especially in the smaller sizes. So it’s hand-dipped to seal in the freshness. For our samples, I took the dark chocolate while my wife took the maple flavored. Both were rich, delicious and well worth the price.
These are the nuggets of ecstasy we tried at Webb’s Candy Factory.
How They Make It
The secret of Webb’s success is they have not tried to improve on it. Their goat milk fudge comes from a recipe Paul and Nadine Webb brought from their original Webb’s Candy operation that was started in New York State back in the 1940s.
The citrus candies also are manufactured using the same proprietary formula developed by Kathryn Stillman and Maude Blodgett in the 1920s. That formula was used by Taylor’s Tropical Sweets until it was sold to the Webb’s in the 1970s. To this day the process remains unchanged.
Possibly the best part is that much of the machinery used in that era still is in use today. In the production room are the original copper kettles, water-cooled tables, mixer, scales and cutter that have been producing tasty treats for decades.
A pair of copper kettles sit at the back of the room, hooked to a thermometer.
There’s no one single element that is the key. The secret lies is in the facilities and adherence to the original recipe.
The dark water-cooled tables stand ready in the front, The large white slicer in the rear is regulated by the large flywheel on the front.
Sticking to It
In giving us the tour, RJ explained how he had taken time to work in the candy room to learn exactly how the products are made. He said that culinary students sometimes work in the operation and even they learn a few things.
“Sometimes we have to call Miss Nancy in to figure out what happened when a batch is not just right,” he said. “Miss Nancy,” would be Nancy Richardson. Recently retired, she had been working at the Webb’s kitchen since shortly after they took over the operation and moved it to it’s current location in the early 1970s.
RJ shows off and explains about one of the many well-seasoned chocolate scrapers, used to keep the confections at the proper consistency.
Candy & More
Although they have soared to fame on citrus candy and goat milk fudge, there’s a lot more to Webb’s. They also have a selection of chocolate bars, peanut brittle and even salt water taffy. The store also boasts an extensive ice cream shop, a wide selection of wines and of course, great Florida souvenirs.
How could you leave Florida without an authentic alligator head from Webb’s’?
And the wine shop is not stocked with your typical Cabernet. Most of the wines are made from fruit products. Plus, the flavors as interesting as the names. We found Mango Mamma and Hurricane Category 5. Moreover there was Blackberry Gold and Cocoa Polada featureing flavors such as Florida Grapefruit, Strawberry and Tangelo.
There’s a whole wall of interesting wines at Webbs’
The Webb’s Dynasty
As we noted, Paul and Nadine Webb had started their Webb’s Candy Factory in Mayville, New York in the 1940s. That operation was turned over to relatives who have continued to expand it much like the Florida store.
And when he arrived in Florida, Paul Webb did not give up his penchant for real estate. Webb Realty is next door to the candy factory in what’s referred to as “Webb Square.” That also is home to medical and professional suites. a large gas station/convenience mart combo and “Webb’s Car Wash.”
In the end, it’s a wonderful combination of old Florida and new Florida. Arriving, you see a large building with a great candy factory and showroom. The building also houses a Dunkin’ Donuts chain location.
Inside Webb’s is a true taste of old Florida – citrus candy, goat milk fudge and ice cream. It’s all made in the old fashioned way, with old fashioned great service at the counter.
The inside if Webb’s is bright and airy, crammed with a lot of tasty treats.
Recently we blogged about our trip to Delray Beach and their Green market. The experience inspired us to go back to the Sarasota Farmers’ Market for what we think is probably the best of its kind in the State of Florida. At 40-years old, it certainly is one of the longest-lived in the Sunshine State.
We have been to the Sarasota Farmers’ Market many times in the past and have both blogged about it and published video.
Despite being a gray day, we were met by a huge crowd that packed Lemon Street for the weekly gathering. The layout had changed a bit since the last time we attended. What stayed the same was a lot of our favorite vendors and an emphasis on organic and sustainable products.
The street was packed with happy shoppers for the farmers’ market.
The Produce
As always, there were dozens of different vendors. Being a farmer’s market we literally had a myriad of produce choices. The best part was that most of it was locally grown.
Our first stop always is at Worden Farm. A staple for us and for the Sarasota Farmers’ Market – their produce is unparalleled. We also tried Wild Side Farms and Tatum Ridge Farms.
Additionally we found herbs, honey, micro-greens, and even a booth called Just Ginger. Mainly, because what they carried was just ginger. The owner told us the hands he had for sale were good either for eating or growing.
Some shoppers were learning more about the healing properties of turmeric at Just Ginger.
Other Edibles
But it didn’t stop there. We stopped by Winter Park Honey to sample their fare. There also were wonderful cookies, muffins and scones by the Sift Bakehouse, homemade relishes, jams and jellies from Southern Basket, canned fruits and vegetables at Sunshine Canning, and even probiotic goods. The Golden Goddess Sauerkraut caught our attention at Fermentlicious. It was so good, we bought ourselves a jar.
There was an impressive array of products from Greenleaf Cheese, specialty olive oils by Paneolio and a giant spread at Maggie’s Seafood. But we were particularly intrigued by a vendor with locally harvested sea salt.
Sea Salt Florida owner Tim Norwood (in the black shirt) talks with a customer about the benefits of some of his locally harvested sea salt.
Run by Tim Norwood and his wife Janice, Sea Salt Florida is locally harvested from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. He works the waters from Anna Maria Island down to Venice Beach. While saying most of the information was proprietary, he told us that he “choreographed” the harvesting.
We also were delighted to learn that the methods he uses protects both sea grasses and turtles. It’s more than salt. He told us the products are chock-full of other minerals, all natural, and support a true Florida entrepreneur.
Ready to Eat
But if you are hungry right now, there’s plenty of ready to eat food at the market. Raw!Raw! was serving up vegan biscuits and vegan sausage gravy. Roverta’s Crazy Crepes was doing a land office business as was The Market Grill. And from the lines, it appeared to us that there was no shortage of customers.
Of course, Perry’s Original Roadside BBQ and Catering was there. Washington Perry was overseeing things smoking his trademark 52-ring sized cigar. Shoppers had their choice of beef, pork, or chicken from the legendary BBQ giant. Perry’s might best be recognized for “the most renowned sauce South of the Border.”
Washington Perry contemplating his next barbecue sauce.
Camelot Breads had their huge supply of tasty baked goods. One of my favorites Kurto’s Chimney Cakes was twisting all manner of treats – ready to be stuffed. Leah’s Lemonade was on hand for cold beverages and one of our favorites, Java-Dawg had their double-decker bus parked in its regular location.
Java-Dawg is known for their locally roasted coffee. But there’s also frappes, cappuccinos, lattes, flavored coffees and espressos for sale – among other treats. But the best part is you can go and sit on top of the bus, relax, enjoy, and people-watch.
The Java Dawg in Action
Much Much More
We have talked a lot about the food. But amongst the dozens and dozens of vendors there are plenty of other shopping opportunities. There are clothing vendors with everything from dresses to T-shirts. We saw all natural cosmetics, scented soaps, jewelry, candles, artist displays, real Gulf sponges, baskets, and bicycle supplies to name just a few of the booths.
The Sarasota Farmers’ Market is a spectacular opportunity to browse and buy. We found it also is a venue for some world class people-watching. A note of caution, the market is dog-friendly and there are a LOT of people with their dogs at the event. (and some of them are pretty darned BIG).
That being said, it’s free to get in and can provide you with hours of entertainment on a Saturday morning. It is located on Lemon Avenue in Sarasota and runs from 7am until 1pm. Additional information can be found by calling 941-225-9256
Happy New Year to you! As we move into this new year and a new decade, we at Florida Fun Travel would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. For all our visitors, new and returning, thanks.
Last year, we more than doubled the amount of articles we posted in the first two years combined. Our readership count was up by 500-percent and our visitor count jumped by nearly 2,000-percent.
 It has been a humbling experience to see those numbers rise exponentially. It is easy to say that we have been blessed by The Lord more than any human measurement could express
New Opportunities
 Last year, we were approached to review both consumer goods and a lodging experience. There are reviews of Tossits and Skinbuzz, plus our dream stay at a condominium at Anna Maria Island. We were able to give totally fair and honest reviews of these products, and bring them to you at no additional charge.
Moreover, we took another step forward and began monetizing our blog. That involved placing advertisements on the front page and into individual articles.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who clicked on the ads. The revenue that generated will help us to continue our travels around the Sunshine State and give you first hand accounts of places to dine, lodging experiences and points of interest.
2020
  Our goal for this coming year is to do more of everything. To travel more and report more. Additionally, we will reach out more on our social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. The goal there will be to hear more from you. Suggestions on places you would like to know more about and things you would like to see are at the top of our list.
  Hopefully, we will be able to sustain the traffic we already have and bring new friends to our site by giving you the kinds of reviews you want and need to make your Florida vacation the best ever.
  Again, we wish to say thank you for your patronage over the past three years. And we want to promise you that 2020 will be even better. So Happy New Year and Happy New Decade to all.
Remember – it’s always time to have fun in Florida.
Those who follow us know we like new dining experiences. When we saw the Flashback Diner in Boca Raton, we expected to find the standard white-tile-and-chrome burger joint with 1950’s music grinding away in the background.
Boy, were we wrong.
Walking up to the place was our first clue. There was stylish outdoor seating. One area was a semi-circle around a fountain with small tables. It was a perfect location for drinks and conversation. Another was a single, long table that begged for groups of eight or more.
The wrapped table is ringed with all kinds of indirect lighting – providing a great conversation area.
Boca Raton is one of three Flashback Diner locations in South Florida. We were impressed by their dedication to to healthy ingredients and interesting combinations and recipes. Moreover, they’re open 24-hours a day – 365 days a year.
The fountain area is a great place to sit out, enjoy the evening, and great conversation. It also is a wonderful place to wait if the place is crowded and your table is not yet ready.
The Ambience
We found the ambience inside the restaurant to be every bit as good as the outside. The place is done in black and white. The darkened atmosphere gives an overall aura of elegance. We especially enjoyed the sets of Turkish lamps that bring color to the room.
Turkish lamps were part of the Flashback’s wonderful decor.
It’s also a spacious place. There are two dining areas and a full sized bar. The bar (part of which is visible in the photo above), runs the entire length of the room and features several flat screen televisions that were tuned to sporting events the night we were there.
There are lots of seating options at the Flashback Diner. There are booths, 2-tops, 4-tops and tables for large groups as well.
The Food
Another of our surprises was the menu. As the Flashback Diner is open 24/7, it has a wide and varied menu. There are sandwiches & burgers, salads, breakfasts, dinners, kids meals and deserts. We were especially intrigued by their specials and “celebrity” dishes.
The celebrity dishes are named after old-time TV and movie stars such as Bridget Bardot (a french prime rib dip), Mr. Rogers (a classic BLT) and Andy Griffith (a Thanksgiving Sandwich.)
On our initial visit, I came close to getting the “Ollie” named for comedian Oliver Hardy (of Laurel & Hardy fame.) It is a burger marinated in a glorious moist combination of 23 herbs and spices served on a Brioche bun.” However, I demurred and got “The Floridian.” That’s a signature burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado and a side of Pico de Gallo.
The Floridian was as beautiful as it was tasty.
Mrs Funmeister had the Bea Arthur (from The Golden Girls). It was grilled cheese to which she added a lentil soup. We can report great food and generous portions. This is the kind of place that makes us want to come back and try other selections.
Because they have other locations in Hallendale Beach and Davie, we might try them as well.
Did we mention they have desserts? Well they do. And we were tempted right off the bat. No sooner had Mrs. Funmeister opened the front door than we were greeted by a bakery case. To be honest, we had not seen bigger cakes since we visited The Bubble Room on our visit to Sanibel.
The picture does not do the cakes or cookies justice. Both are much larger that you might imagine.
In Conclusion
We actually first spotted the Flashback Diner while driving around Boca Raton. We later decided to try it on the strength of TripAdvisor reviews. The restaurant totally surprised us in it’s layout, the menu and the service. The pricepoint was not bad and our waitress Theresa was wonderful.
Our recommendation on the Flashback Diner Boca Raton is one of the easiest we’ve done.
We had seen on several occasions that the city of Stuart was known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” So on a recent trip to the Treasure Coast we decided to check it out. In fact, we found sailfish represented just about everywhere. The most prominent is a giant sailfish fountain. It is centered in the middle of one of the city’s many traffic circles on our way into the historic district.
The giant sailfish fountain that greets motorists coming into Stuart
Historic Stuart
Like many Florida cities, Stuart has a couple of distinct areas. There is the Highway – in this case US 1 – and there’s the historic district. It appears that the city fathers in Stuart are doing their best in the revival of their downtown section. There’s the historic downtown and a “Riverwalk.”
For instance, the downtown area has been spruced-up with a lot of streetscaping. Such things as brightly painted thoroughfares, well-marked crosswalks and other amenities make it very inviting to the eye.
The streetscape at Stuart can be striking,
Clothing Shops
Moreover, we found a bevy of interesting little shops to visit. No matter what you are looking for – there’s plenty of it. We found some great little clothing shops like Island Cotton, Must Boutique, the Snappy Turtle and Funky Monkey Lifestyle wear.
We spotted this snazzy grandma – grandbaby combo at the Stuart Snappy Turtle
Arts & More
There also were some great art shops and galleries. The Geoffery C. Smith Gallery had some of his award-winning artwork hung. The Gilt Complex – a framing shop that also does art conservation. We especially enjoyed our browsing at The Rare Earth Gallery.
The Rare Earth Gallery in Stuart was chocked full of objects d’art by dozens of different artists.
A number of other, fun and specialty shops we saw dotted Osceola Avenue included Joseph Lynn has a decor gallery with unique European objects d’art, There’s a great gift shop called Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic, A number of jewelry stores, a wonderful little tobacco shop called “Smokin’ Premiums” and The Sauce Shack. That’s a place with all kinds of barbecue and hot sauces. Some of them are so hot they actually have to be kept under lock and key.
If you want a sample of the No.9 Plutonium – you have to sign a waiver.
Restaurants
For the more faint of heart, there are some pretty good restaurants up and down the avenue. The Osceola Street Cafe which offers a quaint atmosphere serving homemade breakfasts, baked goods and specialty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Nearby is Duffy’s Sports Grill – a great little eatery with a LOT of TVs.
A tick up the food chain is The Black Marlin. Located on the former site of the oldest tavern in Stuart, they naturally specialize in fresh seafood. A few steps away in the Post Office Arcade is the Cafe Martier. They are known as “an eclectic eatery, wine garden and speakeasy – with a breezeway piano bar.”
The Boathouse had a wide menu and a variety of seating options overlooking the St. Lucie River
The Riverwalk is a winding boardwalk along the St. Lucie River. It is anchored by a large stage, which is used regularly for concerts and special events.
Seeing the City
If you don’t feel much like walking the area we have some good news! The city has a free tram service that sports around the area on a regular schedule. You can go where you want, and they will pick you up or drop you off anywhere along the route. The small trams also are wheelchair accessible with a large ramp for easy ingress and egress.
This fully electric tram seats 13 people and takes the long way around the city
We spoke with one of the drivers, who was quick to note different points of interest. He also gave us a brief history. Our next visit, we will take a ride.
The Lyric Theater
One of the entertainment anchors we found in Stuart is the Lyric Theater. Built in 1926, it is a venue for stage productions, movies and musical performances ranging from orchestra to rock ‘n roll bands.
We found one of Stuart’s most striking features is the “Walk of Fame” featuring a galaxy of gold stars leading up to its marquee and box office.
It’s a galaxy of stars on both sides of Stuart’s Lyric Theater
In Conclusion
Those who follow us know we love historic districts. Stuart – the Sailfish Capital – gave us a lot to explore and we just scratched the surface. We plan to take a tram ride with driver Barry, attend one of the Rockin’ Riverwalk events and eat at a couple of the downtown restaurants.
Those who follow us know we always are looking to get the best deal on our hotel and we found the Holiday Inn Boca Raton North really fit the bill. Our plan was to combine a business outing with a vacation. We searched the Treasure Coast and found this place on TripAdvisor.
The Holiday Inn Boca Raton North is impressive at night,
A Lot For Your Money
At the rate we booked, we expected a simple room. Imagine our surprise when we found we had a suite. The foyer was a couch with a valet, a small work area and a cabinet including a dresser, a flat screen TV, plus a microwave and a good sized refrigerator.
We actually used the valet bench as a coffee table in front of the couch. Moreover, had we wished, the couch folded out into a bed that could probably sleep two. The valet also featured a bank of electrical sockets and USB plugs.
The valet included wall sockets and USB plugs.
The bedroom was dominated by our king-sized bed. There were nightstands on either side and an actual closet with plenty of room for clothes. Inside there also was a small safe, an iron and an ironing board.
Additionally, there was another small dresser and a second, smaller flat screen TV mounted on the wall we could watch from the bed. Overall, we give the bed an excellent comfort rating. And while the pillows were huge, they were not overstuffed like they are at some of the places we’ve stayed.
Our king-sized bed dominated the bedroom. Yet, there was still plenty of room to walk along either side.
The bathroom was split, with the shower and commode on one side in a room all its own. It was a walk-in shower – and best of all, there appeared to be plenty of hot water. The sink and mirror was positioned in an alcove between the foyer and the bedroom. It featured a halo-style makeup light with a touch screen on-off button.
Mrs. Funmeister adds, that hands-down it was one of the cleanest rooms we have enjoyed in our travels.
The Breakfast
A breakfast was included at no additional cost on each day of our stay. This breakfast was an upgrade from other places we have visited. In addition to the regular breakfast bar fare, there was an omelet station. There, we could pick our ingredients and a helpful attendant would make it for you on the spot.
There were three gals in the kitchen and all of them seemed to be constantly busy.
We were impressed by both the quality and selection. Our options included fresh fruits, cereals and rolls. Moreover, there were warmers that held bacon, sausage, home fries plus pancakes and french toast sticks. Each warmer sported a digital read-out that showed their respective temperatures.
The fact that we had glassware and actual plates at our first breakfast on Thursday also was most unusual.
The stoneware was an unexpected plus. Somebody got into his omelet before he remembered to take the picture. The name is withheld….
The Hotel Amenities
In fact, we were blown away by the number of amenities at the Boca Raton Holiday Inn North. Should we have chosen, there was a large pool and a hot tub we might have used. Some folks took advantage of the fitness center and there also were meeting facilities on the property.
In the evening, we learned that the breakfast area magically transformed into a Tiki Bar with both inside and outside seating.
The pool looked very inviting.
Although we have plenty of electronic devices and could use the wi-fi at will, it appeared not everybody had that advantage. We saw a nice older couple gathered around the screen at the business center. The staff was very kind and attentive to help them find what they needed on the worldwide web.
A couple was using the business center as we came through the lobby,
Our Recommendation
In the end, we cannot say enough nice things about the Boca Raton Holiday Inn North. We found the staff to be friendly and attentive. From the small snack store in the lobby to the huge swimming pool, there was not much left to chance.
And all this at a fare that met our picepoint. We absolutely can recommend this property for a quiet and comfortable stay. It also is centrally located to I-95 for those headed to other spots on the Treasure Coast. We have decided – we will return.
We were shocked and saddened when we heard the news. Osceola County’s Desert Inn had been demolished in an accident. Word reached us while we were vacationing in Boca Raton. Apparently it happened in the early morning hours. A tractor-trailer rig, ironically carrying orange juice, left the road and ran head-on into the building.
The trucker sustained minor injuries. The building, however, was destroyed. In fact, Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies at the scene told us that when they removed the truck – the landmark partially collapsed.
The sad scene at the Desert Inn after the semi-truck was pulled from the rubble.
Our Experience
We actually had eaten at the Desert Inn on one of the last occasions they were open. It occurred as we were on our way home from seeing the Jupiter Hammerheads play baseball. The inn appeared to be open so we decided to have lunch.
A nice couple had just taken over the place and they were doing a descent business. A number of couples came and went while we were there. A few regulars never left the bar. In the corner, there was a nice old gentleman playing his guitar and sawing through a country music songbook.
There were signed dollar bills pasted on the walls and hanging from the rafters when we stopped by,
Our Lunch was pretty good. I had the Desert Inn Special, which was shredded pork covered with cheese. Meanwhile, my wife had a BLT. It came out quickly and we had no complaints.
At the time, they told us this was their retirement. The plan was to live there and run the restaurant. The next time we came by, it was closed.
The plaque out front gave the official history
Our Research
It appears the Desert Inn had a colorful history. Over its lifetime it has served as a trading post, gas station and dance hall. In 1994 the owners got it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reportedly, they didn’t even put in full-service water and electricity until 1978.
At one time, a former casting director at an Orlando theme park with acting experience in TV commercials, Kevin Roberts, wanted to open the Desert Inn as an experience venue. His vision was a wild west theme. The idea was to build on the place’s history as a brothel.
Roberts himself would play a sheriff who keeps the peace between a wife and her cheating husband. Everyone was to have dressed in period costumes. And that was just one of the incarnations.
The End
Apparently, that’s all gone now. One speeding semi has taken out the landmark at Jackass Crossing. Sadly, that was name changed to Yeehaw Junction. As the story goes, the state wanted a gentler name for their locator signs.
At one time, it was a destination point. Billboards directed people to the restaurant and gas station. There even was lodging and an upstairs museum. The addition of truck stops closer to the turnpike shut off their fuel. The billboards went away. Traffic slowed to a trickle.
It was a sad Sunday morning when we saw the news. It was even sadder when we drove by and saw the remains.
We were just happy we had a chance to stop by, have lunch and say we were there once.
They delivered the bill on a mousetrap, so it would not blow away.
