When Sandra and I travel the Sunshine State, there are times we need groceries. And as far as we can tell, no single store or chain screams “Florida” more than Publix.
Sometimes we just need a bottle of water or some snacks. Other times, a “Pub Sub” is on the menu. After all, we love to stop where “Shopping is a Pleasure.”
There are some very interesting and unusual things about this Florida-based chain and their various locations. Many are worthy of a stop by to see as tourist attraction.
The Worlds Largest Publix Cake
For instance, did you know that Publix has a birthday cake shaped water tower? It’s located near the Publix headquarters on Highway 92 in Lakeland, near the famous Silver Moon Drive-In Theater.
The tower top is a beautiful three-tiered cake, complete with eleven candles on top.
Nicknamed “The Hydrocake,” the 147-foot structure was completed in 1982 to support the then-newly opened dairy processing plant, frozen food warehouse, and expanded bakery plant.
The “World’s Largest Publix Birthday Cake,” continues to be as part of the Lakeland skyline.
The Publix Cemetery
When you’re in Orlando, we recommend that you stop by the Publix supermarket at the Town Center – along Daryl Carter Parkway. It’s an opportunity to pay your respects at the Vineland Cemetery. The 500-square foot plot in the middle of the Publix parking lot is the final resting place of a couple of Union soldiers from the American Civil War. It also features a large memorial pillar with the cemetery’s name.
Interred at the site are Washington Ludwig of the First New York Light Artillery, and Charles H. Foster of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry.
There has been only one reported act of vandalism at this site. In the late 1980s one of the headstones reportedly was stolen just before Halloween as a prank. The marker was returned a few weeks later without incident.
Publix Onstage
In 2018, there was a musical revue staged in honor of the wildly popular supermarket chain.
Titled “When You Dream,” it tells the story of Publix’s founder George W. Jenkins. He started his career as a store manager at Piggly Wiggly. After being rebuffed by the management, he set out to open his own market. The play centers around his “spirit of giving to community.”
The 30-minute long musical was the creation of Daryl Ward, principal of Lakeland’s Harrison School of the Arts. He wrote the script along with five original songs for the musical. Only staged twice, a snippet of the production can be seen here.
We really wanted to view this production but never had the opportunity.
The Original Publix
Although Publix is mainly associated with Lakeland, if you want to see the original Publix stores, you need to go to Winter Haven. We discovered it while exploring the Chain-o-Lakes city,
The first Publix was opened in 1930 in a storefront on 4th Street NW. Most recently the home of a restaurant, the building currently sits vacant with a promise that a new business is coming soon.
Publix moved twice over the next decade, with the first “Publix Supermarket” opened in 1940 on West Central Avenue. It now is occupied by the St. Matthew Thrift & Consignment Shop (where we also have shopped.)
We we even spotted some black and white photos of the original supermarket in the front of the stor.
Both stores feature historic markers telling the story of the start of the supermarket chain.
Wait, There’s More
In fact, we have discovered many fun and unusual facts about Publix that encourage us to stop there when we travel. Yes, they have their own brand of Automatic Teller Machines (known as Presto). They have another, organic chain known as Greenwise Markets. We stopped there when we visited Boca Raton. You can even get a free cookie on your birthday.
The Infamous Pub Sub
In addition to the prices, and the friendly staff, we’ve found it difficult to beat the world-renowned Publix sub sandwiches.
Known far and wide as Pub Subs – to many, they are the best on the planet. To quote one sandwich lover, they are “enormous, pretty affordable, and world-renowned.”
In fact, Publix subs have their own Facebook fan page, and particular varieties also have their own dedicated fan pages. There is also a nearly four-minute-long song created in the sub’s honor. Actually, the subs are better than the tune.
To find out more, just click on one of the many articles with headlines like “The Publix Sub Is Hands Down the Best Sandwich in the Country.” And know this upfront, you’ll probably have to wait in line. Try one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
Publix is a Must-See in the Sunshine State
The bottom line is, when you have some fun travel in Florida, we urge you to make some Publix memories. There are places of interest to stop. There are great deals to stock up on some supplies you need during your trip. Pub subs make a great stop for a lunch on the go. And finally, it’s where shopping is a pleasure.
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