November 13, 2021
Ah, how I love road relics like this! …Places that capture the wonderment of kitschy roadside attractions. This post shows the current state of one such attraction: Tom Gaskins Cypress Kneeland. Tom Gaskin opened his display of his beloved Cypress tree knees in 1951. It sat attracting tourists for about Read more…
November 12, 2021
The North Dade Detention Center served as a work release center from the late 70’s until the mid-2010. Since then, it sits abandoned, the canvas of some impressive local graffiti artists. I took a quick walk in to capture its current state during a recent visit to Florida, but didn’t Read more…
April 1, 2021
When built in 1960, Lake Placid’s 240-foot Tower (aka Happiness Tower) was the largest concrete structure in the world. It halted operation in 1982 because the owners were guilty of tax evasion, then it reopened in 1986 with random quirky additions–attempts to entice visitors. But the petting zoo and “highest Read more…
As a lover of abandoned places and roadside attractions, I have decided I need a section on my blog for Abandoned Roadside Attractions. My first entry Shonda’s Souvenirs on the way toward Lake Placid on Florida’s Route 27. This pineapple that made me swerve into a u-turn is now an Read more…
March 30, 2021
Orlando, Florida is full of themed attractions. Some thrive, some don’t. It makes the area a great place for exploration, though many of its notable and unique ruins get gobbled up in redevelopment quickly in constant turnover. A World of Orchids, however, has been sitting in decay since its official Read more…
January 3, 2021
The history of the Port of the Islands Hotel, not to be confused with the Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort less than a mile away, is a shady one. Born of questionable business practices, environmental destruction, slumlords, financial troubles and rumors of the hotel, and a nearby airstrip, Read more…
January 2, 2021
South of Miami Beach on Key Biscayne is Crandon Park, a wonderful place to spend the day. With a glorious beach more chill than Miami Beach, the park offered scenic views of the many wind surfers channeling the strong gusts. But that was just part of the draw. Also on Read more…
On Florida’s Virginia Key sits the the concrete decay of the Miami Marine Stadium. Built in the 60’s it was constructed for water sport events mostly, but also hosted concerts and Easter sunrise services. Despite being struck with some bad luck in its inauguratory race, when a speedboat racer died Read more…
August 20, 2019
A shelling excursion on a remote island only accessible by boat? Just: Yes. A quick drive to Marco Island would have me within the most beautiful hues of green and blue… and more shells. But also dolphins and an abandoned dome-shaped home. First I had some errands at the campsite. Read more…