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The Ancient Track Rock Petroglyphs in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Track Rock Sign

Visitors to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests  near Blairsville, Georgia, have a unique opportunity to view a large collection of petroglyphs.

Track Rock Sign
The sign indicating the Track Rock Archaeological Area where you can visit the petroglyphs.

What is a petroglyph?

Track Rock Information Panel
Track Rock Information Panel

The first question a reader may have is, just what a petroglyph is. According to the National Park Service “Petroglyphs are rock carvings (rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.”

How old are they?

Track Rock Gap is located between Thunderstruck Mountain and Buzzard Roost Ridge near the
town of Blairsville in Union County, Georgia. Here, more than 1,000 years ago, Creek and
Cherokee peoples created the soapstone carvings we now enjoy today.

Considered one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeastern United States, Track
Rock features a diverse grouping of more than 100 figures.

What do they mean?

Track Rock Petroglyph
A legend to some of the markings found on the petroglyphs.

Archaeologists do not believe Track Rock to have had a singular purpose or to have been carved in a singular period; rather, the carvings were made over time and for differing reasons. Some of them may symbolize or commemorate a particular event that happened. Others may have to do with rituals and ceremonies. As the National Park Service states

Furthermore, the setting of Track Rock in a gap places it at a threshold. In numerous Cherokee stories, footprints and tracks signify an in-between or transitional state or condition. More specifically, rocks with footprints and tracks signified the area of transition, a doorway or threshold, into the domain of dangerous spirit beings.

Depictions of footprints and tracks are not only physical testimony that spirit beings were there some time in the past, but that they could still be lingering somewhere close-by in the present, and that they may return unexpectedly at any time in the future.

How do I visit?

You can easily visit this amazing archaeological site. There is no entry or parking fee charged.

You can reach Track Rock Gap by taking US 129 to Blairsville, then US 76 east about five
miles. At the signs for Track Rock Gap Road, turn right for about two miles to the gap. Their
location in the gap makes stopping beside the boulders very dangerous.

Drive on through the gap, noting the Track Rocks on the right, and look for the small parking lot
on your right. Park there and take the trail back to the gap, safely from traffic. The trail is not
long or strenuous but it is through a wooded area so proper footwear is suggested. The path can
be slippery depending upon weather conditions.

Carvings visible in the rock
While not photographed at the best lighting, carvings are still visible in this rock.

The NPS suggests visiting when sunlight is at a low angle. Consider visiting either early morning or late in the day. Brighter sunlight makes viewing the  petroglyphs more difficult. If you click the link below to learn more about the site there are convenient fact and description sheets available to help you navigate the site.

Remember, leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos. Let’s make sure this sacred site is available for the next thousand years.

How can I learn more?

To learn more about the petroglyphs visit the forest service site here.

Learn more about the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) by visiting the National Park Service page here.

You can learn more on the subject by reading the account “An Archaeological and
Ethnohistorical Appraisal of a Piled Stone feature Complex in the Mountains of North Georgia”
published in the journal Early Georgia (Vol. 38, No. 1, p. 29-50) in 2010 by archaeologists
Johannes Loubser and Douglas Frink. Check with your local librarian to see if any of their
databases carry this journal.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

 

Are you interested in hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest? This map pack from National Geographic is a must have.

National Geographic’s Chattahoochee Bundle Pack combines two Trails Illustrated titles for Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just north of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee National Forest contains the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail along with an abundance of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests. The maps’ highlights are: Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, Cohutta, Raven Cliffs and Rich Mountain Wilderness Areas, White Rock Scenic Area, Brasstown, Ellicot Rock, Southern Nantahala, Tray Mountain, Raven Cliffs Wilderness Areas, and Chattooga Wild and Scenic River.

Click the photo or this link for more information on purchasing the map.

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Where to Find the Best Pizza in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Cheese Pizza from Flagler Avenue Pizza Company

So, you’re on vacation with the kids and looking for something to eat. You are not looking for anything
too fancy as you have spent the full day in the sun on the beach. The kids are hungry and ready to eat.
What is the go to meal? PIZZA. New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater have numerous delicious options for
you to choose from. Whether you want sit down, pick up, or delivery we’ve got you covered.

In alphabetical order are places I have eaten and can provide insight on. Below that are listings of other
local pizza restaurants. Try them before calling one of the boring delivery chains you can have in every town in America. Support your local small business, where the dollar stays in the area.

Albertos Pizzeria Family Italian Restaurant

1501 S. Ridgewood Avenue Edgewater

Pizza, sandwiches, and pasta are all available on the menu. The garlic knots are a must have. Seriously,
they are the best I have had locally. Feeling brave, ask for extra garlic but be sure to have napkins ready.

This family owned restaurant opened in 2004 but the owners have a much longer record of
accomplishment in the restaurant business. Available for dine in, pick up, or delivery through Uber Eats.
There may be a wait for seating on Friday and Saturday nights. Budget friendly. Child friendly.

Baci Pizzeria Ristorante

830 N. Dixie Freeway New Smyrna Beach

Where to find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach Baci Pizza
Baci Pizza
Image courtesy Baci Pizza Facebook Page

UPDATE 6/12/2022

Baci has added an amazing shop next to their restaurant that beer and wine connoisseurs will not want to miss out on. Take a walk across the parking lot to Baci Beer & Wine Cellar. A review of their website  shows some incredible options at solid prices. It appears they will seek out wines for you if they don’t have them. This looks like a great option to avoid the chain stores.

ORIGINAL POST

Wood fired pizza, sandwiches, and pasta are all on the menu. The last time we visited, there appeared to be a strong wine selection. And let’s be honest, that is important when eating Italian food.

Pizza, salads, ciabattas, and pasta are on the menu. For me, the food has been hit and miss. When they are on it is delicious and as good as you will find in the area. I have had pizza here though that was inedible due to excessive garlic. I have no qualms recommending them however. Try the Pizza Margherita or create your own.

 

Dine in is recommended for adults only. A wait for dine in is common. Pick up is available. A little more
expensive than many but this is not your average pizza place. This becomes more of an experience than
a quick meal.

Fillipo’s Pizza and Italian Kitchen

132 W. Park Avenue Edgewater

UPDATE 2/15/2024

We have again stopped frequenting Fillipo’s due to inconsistent quality, dramatically increased prices, spotty delivery, and an unfortunate visit report from the Department of Health as reported in the Daytona Beach News Journal.

UPDATE 5/2023

We have been back to Fillipo’s a couple of times recently and I am please  to say the quality has gone way up. The pizzas have been very good. Prices are still considerably higher than in the  past but the pizza quality has been good.

UPDATE 6/12/2022

Unfortunately, it appears that Fillipo has either sold his restaurant or is no longer working there on a regular basis. The quality and consistency of pizza has declined with his departure. To further complicate issues, prices have risen quite a bit and even the specials aren’t quite so special. Delivery times are also spottier, taking much longer than in the past. Usually, the pizza is still good, just not quite as good. We are investigating other local options to see what else is out there. Unfortunately, where we live delivery options are a bit more limited.

ORIGINAL POST

My recommendation for the best take out or delivery pizza on a consistent basis. Pizza, subs, and pastas
are all on the menu. Be sure to check the specials as there are some good deals here especially if you
have a number of people to feed. Delicious New York style pizza, the cheese steak Italian sub is a go-to (we
order without the onions and ask for extra sauce).

Delivery and pick up. Be advised, they can be backed up with orders quickly so if you need dinner at a
specific time plan accordingly. Cash is preferred; see the website for details. Delivery is free within a
limited distance. Ask for details. Price friendly and the food is child friendly.

Flagler Avenue Pizza Company

396 Flagler Avenue New Smyrna Beach—Beachside north

UPDATE 10/13/2022

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach Flagler Avenue Pizza Company New Smyrna Beach
Flagler Avenue Pizza Company

We were finally able to visit Flagler Avenue Pizza Company. It’s not much to look at in all honesty, but what it lacks in decor and charm are more than made up for in taste. We kept our order pretty simple, a medium pepperoni pizza, an order of pizza fries, and a couple of bottled drinks. The total was around $25.

 

The New York style pizza came out first, piping hot with dripping cheese and plenty of pepperoni. The fries came out a couple minutes later. The red sauce is thin, not chunky. It had a good flavor but did not overpower the pie. The crust was tasty and a bit chewy. I mean that in a good way. The medium pizza is 14″ and is cut into six pieces. With the fries we had several pieces left to take home.

They have a full menu with pizza (including a large number of specialty pizzas), pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

They offer pick up, beach side delivery, and dine in. Flagler Avenue traffic and parking can be a bit difficult at times but based upon our visit, it’s worth the effort. Recommended.

UPDATE 11/7/2022

A second visit for pick up confirms, they offer really good pizza. We ordered a pizza and a cheese steak sub for pick up. Everything was perfect. The staff was friendly. The food was hot and delicious when we go it home. After two visits I can strongly recommend them.

 

7 piece pizza making kit
SEVEN PIECE PIZZA MAKING KIT: Including 1* aluminum pizza peel, 1 * nonstick pizza pan, 1* pizza pans with holes,1* pizza rocker cutter and 1* Cotton oven mitts, 1* Pie Server and 1* baking brush. All those perfect tools and accessories to transfer pizzas, bread, pastries, cakes and other baked goods to and from the oven or BBQ grill.

 

Mikey’s Pizza 

808 E. 3rd Avenue New Smyrna Beach—Beachside south

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach for your family Mikey's Pizza
MIkey’s Pizza on the south causeway in New Smyrna Beach

The building and parking lot don’t look like much but do not be dissuaded. The pizza more than makes up for the appearance.  Our pizza was loaded with cheese and might could have used a bit more sauce but that’s not a big problem. The pizza was still quite tasty cold the next day. To me, that’s always a sign of a good pizza. The menu is a bit limited but they cover the basics. Prices are quite reasonable.

When you call, be sure to ask about their specials. Their sign advertises two large two topping pizzas for only $16.95. You can’t beat that price.

Delivery, take out, Pizza, pasta, subs

Panheads

113 S. Orange Avenue New Smyrna Beach

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach at Panheads Pizza
Panheads Pizza
Image courtesy Panheads Facebook page

This restaurant is truly a family affair. In carrying on family recipes and traditions, the dough and sauce are homemade, and a special cheese blend is created to go on your pie. All meats are smoked in-house and only fresh toppings are used. Their slogan “Made with love from our family to yours” shines through in every order.

Dine in and carryout are available. I recommend carryout as the seating area is a bit small and gets full quickly. Everybody is always having a great time and it can get a bit loud so it’s not the best choice for a romantic meal. Kids are welcome but for me, this isn’t the best option for them. Prices are a bit higher here but the pizzas are worth it.

Pizzas, salads, subs, and pasta are all on the menu. I suggest starting with an order of meatballs in teriyaki sauce while your pizza is cooking.

Specialty pizzas have rock ‘n roll associated names; Simple Man, Dr. Feelgood, Whole Lotta Love, Ace of Spades, White Wedding; well you get the idea. The specialty pizzas are on the designer side so creating your own may be recommended. On the other hand, how about try the “Pizza Flight”; pick four specialty options and make a single large pizza.

Gluten free pizza is available in the personal size pie for those who need this option. You can still get all
the great specialty pies.

Wine and beer are available.

If you still have room, end the night with the Stairway to Heaven, a hot chocolate chip cookie served
with homemade vanilla ice cream. DELICIOUS!

Be sure to check out Panheads on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives starring Guy Fieri.

Be sure to take a look at all things Flavortown by clicking the highlighted link. Here you will find Guy’s books, sauces, shirts, toys, novelties, and more. There’s something for everyone!

Planet Pizza NSB

634 E. 3rd Avenue

UPDATE 6/12/2022

This restaurant appears to be closed! It has possibly been reopened as Perfecto Pizza NSB (see below).

ORIGINAL POST

The owners began their restaurant career in Orlando and patrons can now get hand tossed, New York
style pizza at this conveniently located beachside restaurant.

Dine in, take out, and delivery are all available. The restaurant is child friendly and prices are average.
Pizza, subs, and salads are on the menu.

Online reviews are pretty mixed and my experience was average at best. The pizza and service were nothing special and hardly worthy of a return visit. It is what I might expect at a beachside pizza place geared toward one time visitors. It has been a couple of years since I have been so it is possible things have improved.

Find the Best Pizza in New Smyrna BeachClick the link to be taken to Amazon and the book Mastering Pizza, written by Marc Vetri.
MASTERING PIZZA:                               Pizza remains America’s favorite food, but one that many people hesitate to make at home. In Mastering Pizza, award-winning chef Marc Vetri tackles the topic with his trademark precision, making perfect pizza available to anyone.

Stavro’s (Original Stavro’s Pizza)

800 N. Dixie Freeway New Smyrna Beach

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach Stavros Pizza NSB
Stavro’s Pizza
Image courtesy Stavro’s Pizza Facebook page

This local culinary icon has been in New Smyrna Beach for more than thirty years. Pizza, pasta, subs, wings, salads and more are all on the menu. A children’s menu is available. Be sure to check the daily specials and consider the Monday and Wednesday 1/2 off plus $1 on large pizzas. It’s a great way to feed the family and save a few dollars. Dine in and take out are available.

The Greek Salad is just one of the things they are known for. This recipe can be produced vegetarian style for those who prefer that option.

While the pizzas are good, I often find myself going for the hot meatball grinder. For less than $10 you will leave full. If you want to go with pizza, I can recommend the bbq beef. Loaded with cheese, bbq sauce, sliced beef, and onions, this is a pleaser. There are plenty of specialty options or build your own. Prices are good for a family, the restaurant is child friendly, AND there is a Dairy Queen right across the street that I highly recommend.

Tiano’s

1000 Wayne Avenue (located at the golf course) New Smyrna Beach

Born in Naples, Vittoria Tiano visited central Florida on vacation and that was all it took for him to decide
to take up residency here.

Open for lunch or dinner Tiano’s is a great option if you have just played a round of golf at the New
Smyrna Beach Golf Club. The cold beverage selection is good and you can get your lunch at the
separate bar area if you would like. Televisions with sports, mostly the golf channel are available in the bar. There is a good pizza slice and salad combo or try the chicken parmesan sandwich. Lunch prices are budget friendly.

Dinner portions are of course larger. The options are wider as well with pizza, pasta, and seafood all
available. The lasagna is a winner in my opinion. If you want pizza, there are specialty options or you can
make your own. Cauliflower crusts are available in the 10” size for those watching carbs.

For me, Tiano’s has a weird vibe. The food has always been good. Usually way above average. I guess it’s
the décor and the musical entertainment that I have issue with. It screams dated. On weekend nights,
they usually have live entertainment that when we have been consists of modified karaoke with an
older man on a Casio keyboard and some backing music belting out Barry Manilow and similar tunes. If you look around at the diners, you will understand the appeal.

My suggestion is to skip entertainment nights or order pick up. The food is worth the visit. I would not
visit with children as the ambience isn’t really meant for them. The prices are good and as I have said,
the food is good.

Touch of Italy

4198 S. Atlantic Avenue New Smyrna Beach—Beachside south

You are only a stranger at Touch of Italy once as Sal the owner will no doubt recognize you and probably
remember your favorite order. If you are beachside, this is a strong candidate for dinner. It is a bit of a
hike if you are on the mainland. Dine in and take out are available. Limited free delivery is available from
5p-9p.

Touch of Italy is open for lunch and dinner with the lunch menu being available until 4pm. The menu
offers plenty of seafood, traditional Italian fare, and delicious pizza. The chicken parmigiana is a personal
favorite. Give the square Sicilian pizza a try if you like deep dish.

This is a family restaurant and children are welcome. I am not sure I would bring kids there myself as it
can get a bit crowded. Good value pricing and you’ll leave full. One of my favorites if we feel like having dine in pizza.

Read my more in depth review of Touch of Italy.

Other pizza restaurants in that area that I have not tried include:

Caffé Vesuvio’s

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach Cafe Vesuvio's
Caffe Vesuvio’s
Image Courtesy Caffe Vesuvio’s Facebook page

 

 

701 E. 3rd Avenue New Smyrna Beach—Beachside south

Dine in, delivery, pick up

New York style pizza, salads, sandwiches, dinners, kids menu

 

Manny’s Pizza Beachside

UPDATE February 2024–Manny’s has closed for business.

Perfecto Pizza NSB

634 E. 3rd Avenue (formerly home to Planet Pizza NSB)

I am unsure if this is really a new restaurant or just a rebranding of Planet Pizza NSB. The similarity of the name gives me pause to be honest. The website is completely generic and provides no insight into the local restaurant. I have to say this impression is not making me rush to order.

Delivery, take out

Closed on Tuesday.

Prima Pizza Cucina

Find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach--Prima Pizza Cucina
The Prima Pizza Cucina team
Photo Courtesy Prima Pizza Facebook page

112 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach

Dine in, take out

Pizza, salads, sandwiches

Editorial comment–This place must be REALLY GOOD. It is packed every time I drive by so I haven’t been able to get in yet.

That’s Amore

103 S. Pine Street—Beachside north

Dine in, take out

Pizza, pasta, seafood, salads

 

I hope this post has helped you to find the best pizza in New Smyrna Beach for your family. Do you know of a pizza restaurant that is not included or is there more information I should include? Please let me know and I will update the post. Please feel free to drop reviews in the comments. As long as the review appears to be honest and respectful (even if you didn’t like the food) I will let them show.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small
commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided
are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products. I did not
receive complimentary food in return for any restaurant being listed in this post.


Wine Enthusiast

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Do you want to pair up a delicious wine with your pizza? Be sure to get your subscription to Wine Enthusiast and learn all you need to know to pair wines and foods and be the hit of your party.

Click the link or the cover image to subscribe at exclusive discount prices.

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Book Review: Don’t Make Me Pull Over

Book Cover-Don't Make Me Pull Over by author Richard Ratay

Ratay, Richard. Don’t Make Me Pull Over!: An Informal History of the Family Road Trip. New
York: Scribner, 2019. 288 pages, ISBN 978-1501188756. $17.00.

I picked this book up at the recommendation of my social media friend Stephanie Stuckey. If you are not familiar with the Stuckey’s story, I recommend following their brand on Twitter.
Stephanie is doing amazing things toward bringing this American standard back to life.

Well, anyway, I thought this would just be a fun read and had no real intention of reviewing it.
By the time I was ten pages in, I realized I was on to something more than a casual read and I grabbed my notebook in order to make notes and take down page numbers.

In a book that is equal parts memoir, history, sociology, humor, and travel writing, author
Richard Ratay tackles the quintessential American vacation; the “road trip.” Immortalized in one
of my all-time favorite movies, National Lampoon’s Vacation, the road trip is that much looked forward to vacation
while also being that dreaded cooped up with the family in a car for long hours event. Ratay uses
this event to display family love and strife while highlighting changes in American life. Has
progress really been that great or have we lost something along the way that may never be
recovered?

While not being a history book per se, readers will learn about New Deal construction projects
and the blueprint for the 1956 passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which helped create
more than 41,000 miles of interstate highways.

The end of World War II led to a boom in travel fueled by an increase in disposable income, the
accrual and usage of vacation time, returning soldiers who were bitten by the travel bug, an
increased birthrate, and finally, an increase in personal automobile ownership.

This travel boom fueled developments such as the rise of the gas station, increased attendance at
national parks, and the creation of large-scale destination amusement parks leading to the decline
of the old-fashioned roadside attraction.

Readers take a veritable walk down memory lane throughout as Mr. Ratay recounts family trips
and things we all probably remember. I can distinctly remember two memories that the author
recalls in the text. The first being the idea of “making time.” This is described as “progressing
toward the day’s destination as quickly as we could.” The other is his father not wanting to stop
for gas until the last possible minute, as this would slow down our “making time.” I can
remember these times vividly as well.

Throughout, the book is filled with forgotten memories of things such as cb radios, fuzz busters,
billboard ads, playing family games on the road, budgeting candy and souvenir money, Howard
Johnson’s, arcades at hotels with games such as Space Invaders, 8-track tape players, wood
paneled station wagons, the rise of the mini-van, and I am sure you will find many more.

For me, I did not feel the editorializing about the failure of the 55 mile per hour speed limit to
either save gas or save lives really needed inclusion. It seems out of place and not something that
furthers the story. However, the author does show how his family turned the low speed limit into
a game by having the family be on high alert for law enforcement in order to avoid a potentially
costly and time wasting ticket. There is nothing worse when you are trying to “make time” than
having to explain to an officer why you were driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.

The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 is seen as the beginning of the end of the road trip as
Americans knew it. Ratay frames this Act as democratizing air travel, bringing flight prices
within the grasp of the average American. In addition to lower fares, new routes opened up
allowing travelers to either arrive at, or near, their final destination hours, or in some cases days,
before they could while driving. “Making time” took on a completely new meaning.

However, in our haste to arrive at our destination in a timelier manner did we lose something
along the way? Instant gratification became more engrained in our lives. The focus became the
destination and the journey was no longer important. As the author points out, we now miss the
“curious sights and amazing views, the unexpected delights and unanticipated dangers, the
colorful characters and unforgettable people who could only be encountered when travelling the
highways of America.”

This, I feel, is the most important idea you will take from this book. I can’t recommend this book
highly enough.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small
commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. All views and opinions provided
are my own and are never influenced by affiliate programs or sponsors providing products.

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Historic Lake Monroe Bridge in Sanford, Florida

Marker with the bridge in background
Lake Monroe Historic Marker
The front side of the Lake Monroe Bridge in Sanford, Florida Historic Marker
Lake Monroe Bridge marker
The backside of the Lake Monroe historic marker
Marker with the bridge in background
The old Lake Monroe Bridge with the historic marker showing in front.

 

Marker Text

The Lake Monroe Bridge was the first electronically operated swing bridge in Florida. In 1932-1933, the
state used Federal assistance to build the bridge, which replaced a wooden toll bridge that was manually
operated. The construction of the bridge provided economic relief for an area hurt by the economic
collapse of the Depression era. The bridge was fabricated by Ingalls Iron Works of Birmingham, Alabama;
the swing machinery manufactured by Earl’s Gears and Machine Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and it
was erected by W. W. White Steel Construction of St. Petersburg, Florida. Kreis Contracting Company of
Knoxville, Tennessee was the general contractor for the Florida Department of Transportation. The
Florida Department of Transportation and Seminole County cooperated in preserving the swing span as
a fishing pier when the new Benedict Bridge was completed in 1994.

The Lake Monroe Bridge had historic impact on the communities of the area, but also is of historical
value as an example of a branch of bridge engineering.

The Lake Monroe Bridge was 627 feet, and included a 235 foot swing span. It carried the main route
linking Daytona Beach and Tampa, via DeLand, Sanford, Orlando, and Lakeland. It could pivot 360
degrees on its curved rack and two spur pinions.

The Warren-type through truss construction had a central panel section peaked to accommodate the
drive machinery. The Warren-type truss is considered the most economical type of construction for
continuous spans. It is characterized by diagonals that alternate in direction. The first diagonal beam
starts at base level and goes up to the top. The next level diagonal starts at the top and goes down to
the base level. The diagonals are in tension and compression in alternate panels. To meet the heavy
stresses of the swing span operation the bridge arms were heavily reinforced and had riveted
connections at all stress points. The harbor for Lake Monroe Park in Volusia County was created by fill
taken from the approaches to the Lake Monroe Bridge.

Seminole County Board of County Commissioners

This marker is not part of the State of Florida historic marker program.

Lake Monroe Bridge dedication April 6, 1934
The April 6, 1934 Lake Monroe Bridge dedication. Image courtesy Florida Memory n028431

 

Local newspaper reports state that dedication of the $75,000 Bridge took place at a 3 p.m. ceremony on
April 6, 1934. Participants included Florida Governor David Sholtz and the Stetson University band. An image of the dedication is shown above.

Lake Monroe Bridge Sanford, FLSee some beautiful early images of Sanford, FL in this title from the Images of America Series. From its days as a leading river town, to being the Celery Capital, to being the home to many incredible mid-century modern homes, Sanford has an incredible history.

Also recommended is African Americans of Sanford, which recognizes and applauds those who have helped to preserve Sanford’s history as well as those who have participated in making it.

 

 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This commission does not affect any price that you pay. Affiliate programs or sponsors  providing products do not influence the views and opinions shared in this blog.

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Book Review: Florida Roadside Attractions History

Florida Roadside Attractions

Breslauer, Ken. Florida Roadside Attractions History: The Complete Guide to Florida Tourist Attractions Before Disney. N.P., 2018. ISBN 9781532363337. Hardcover, 208 pages, color and b/w photos. $32.

Florida Roadside Attractions
Relive all the fun and cheese of Florida Roadside Attractions.

For those who long for the days of getting in the car and driving, only stopping at at a Stuckey’s for a pecan log roll and a Coke and at every roadside attraction along the way, I have the book for you. Ken Breslauer has compiled a large collection of these often times cheesy and yet classic locations that were located in the state of Florida. In an easy to use A-Z format armchair travelers will be taken back to the days before Disney, Sea World, and Universal ruled the tourist market of Florida.

In his introductory chapters the author outlines Florida tourism in the years before the invasion of Walt Disney World. Early Florida attractions tended to focus on natural resources. Gardens, animals, and water were the standard draw. By the 1870s glass bottom boats were already attracting visitors to Silver Springs. Attractions held several things in common no matter the location or subject. Colorful billboards, mass distributed brochures, and a well stocked gift shop selling souvenirs and postcards to entice the folks back home were a standard.

Florida was somewhat an isolated area until water and rail transport opened the state to wider visitation. The belief in the medicinal benefits of sunshine and warm weather drew northerners by the thousands in the late 1800s. Wealthy northerners help line the pockets of men like Henry Flagler who built grand hotels up and down the east coast of the state. His Florida East Coast Railway would deliver tourists practically to the hotel doorstep.

By the 1920s travel by car was exploding and “tin can tourists” took over from the rail lines. The Florida Land Boom/Bust helped push the state into depression several years ahead of the country and the state was able to recover in a quicker fashion due to tourism and the coming of World War II. While the war was a disaster for roadside attractions as people were not travelling and millions were drawn into the service, the ending of the war was a boom time and returning soldiers and their families visited and often moved to the state.

So great was the recovery that in 1949 the Florida Attractions Association was born in an attempt to develop standards and weed out attractions that did not live up to their advertised promises to visitors.

At this time attractions were built close to the major roadways in the state; US1, US41, and US27. Changes were coming to Florida tourism however as interstate construction drew road travelers away from the prior routes and previously successful attractions. A second trend was corporate ownership. No longer were family owned attractions the norm. Many of the smaller attractions could not keep up financially and their offerings became less interesting. This is certainly coupled with the third change which is the increase in expectations of visitors. Tourists were becoming harder to please and expected more. They wanted to be entertained and not just see nature. A fourth change is the increase in land values and developmental pressures. For many owners the chance to sell their land at large profits was too great to pass up and many attractions fell to the wrecking ball only to be replaced by strip shopping centers and fast food restaurants. A fifth change is the increase in air traffic. As flying became a more accepted travel expense tourists would fly directly, or very close to, their destination. The era of the road trip was declining. A final change was the arrival of Walt Disney and his mammoth Walt Disney World. The Magic Kingdom became the destination and was not just a stop in a larger vacation. Kids were more interested in seeing the animatronic Country Bears rather than an alligator farm and parents were happy to oblige.

While there are some of these incredible attractions sill in operation the vast majority are only memories; available to us today in photos, postcards, and surviving souvenirs. In this book Mr. Breslauer introduces us to more than one hundred of these beloved locations. Each location receives one to four pages including a brief text and several amazing images. Some, such as Bok TowerGatorland, and Six Gun Territory may be familiar, the majority such as Musa Isle, Seville Peacock Farm, and Pirate’s World are unknown to most of us.

Breslauer appears to be missing an opportunity by not selling his book on Amazon. Rather, visit his web page for further information or purchase the book by going to ebay where you can order a signed copy. Highly recommended for travel enthusiasts, Florida historians, or those looking to relive a simpler time before the days of $100 admission prices and $15 cheeseburgers.

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