As we’ve traveled Florida, we’re coming across more and more places that are worth stopping by on your way to somewhere else. These are some of those stories.
Nalcrest (en route to Orlando)
We start with Nalcrest, a tiny retirement community in the middle of nowhere that was created solely for retired mail carries. Look at the acronym of the group mentioned above (NALC), and then add ‘rest’ to the name. You get it. Built in the early 1960’s, my understanding is that it’s open to retirees from any occupation nowadays. It’s genuinely a quiet, peaceful place, which is what happens when the nearest populated area is more than 5 kilometers away. A small pond, community center, and even a mini golf course are around (the first obstacle, naturally, is a mailbox).
We came here out of curiosity, and it was an interesting stop. There’s no other reason for any tourists to come here, however.
Betsy the Lobster (en route to Key West)
Meet Betsy the Lobster – at about 13 meters long and 9 meters tall, she’s easily spotted from the Overseas Highway on Islamorada. Park, take a few pictures then take in the touristy artist’s village if you like.
Bats, anyone? (en route to Key West)
Another of those ‘stop-by’ sort of destinations – the Sugarloaf Bat Tower. In 1926, Dr. Charles Campbell built this tower to attract bats. The theory was that a larger population of bats would eat the insects carrying malaria. After one night, supposedly, they flew away and never came back. Plenty more details are online, though sadly there’s nothing on-site.
The church that looks like a chicken (en route to Daytona Beach)
This is a perfect example of a ‘stop-by’ – a quirky or oddball sort of destination that’s worth a few minutes while you’re in the area, but not worth going too far out of your way to enjoy. Call it the Church by the Sea on Madeira Beach, FL, or just the ‘Chicken Church’ if you like. You’ve gotta admit… it may not have been intentional, but it definitely looks like a chicken from multiple angles…
A creepy Celebration? (en route to Disney)
If you’ve watched a TV in the past few decades, you’ve probably heard of this little Florida attraction called Disney World. You’re forgiven for being unfamiliar with one of Disney’s other projects, a nearby town called Celebration. The two most common descriptions for this area alternate between ‘utopian’ and ‘creepy’, though ‘master-planned community’ would also be appropriate. The early 20th century architectural styles were conceived and planned before the town broke ground in 1994, and it feels as planned and controlled as things are at an amusement park.
While it’s worth a brief visit, we didn’t feel the need to spend more than half an hour here. It’s not creepy, but your Spidey Senses should be tingling.
Work out some anger issues… (en route to Orlando)
The picture above says it all: in the state of Florida, you can pay to shoot a machine gun inside a carefully-managed location (the place is careful not to give off the feel of a gun range). What are described as ‘full-immersion simulators’ are alongside real machine guns – and anyone 12 years or older can partake in this distinctively American event. That’s not a typo – here in Florida, you can’t smoke until you’re 18 or drink a beer until you’re 21, but dadgummit you can shoot a full-auto machine gun at 12. Ain’t ‘Murica great?!
It’s right next door to a large flea market, and around back is room for a number of food trucks. Found in Kissimmee.
See the Tupperware your parents owned (en route to Orlando)
The Tupperware World Headquarters is a great example of an ‘only needs 10 minutes’ type of destination. After arriving, step inside, grab a ‘guest’ sticker, and enjoy the small lobby-type space. Some products from previous decades are on display, but the main focus is corporatespeak, highlighting how the company has aimed to change people’s lives. It’s far from a complete look at the company’s offerings over the decades, but if your parents (or grandparents) had any in their houses, there’s a fair chance you’ll spot something familiar. A worthy shop is worth a few minutes, if only to see some of the specialized Tupperware offerings available around the world.
The world’s weirdest monument? (en route to Kissimmee)
Weird seems an understatement, but here goes. Described as a 50 foot high, irregular quadrilateral pyramid, this ‘Monument of the States’ contains rocks from all 50 states and 22 countries. There’s also a human skull, a map of Holland, a meteorite, a cannonball, and plenty of other Easter Eggs throughout the many-ton monument. It’s located near a roundabout, and a bit of street parking is nearby.
To be sure, it’s hard to see all this stuff for yourself – especially if the sun glaring down at you. Stop by, however, and say you’ve been.
Want to go swim with some manatees while you’re in Florida! Go check out Jack and Jill Travel’s post about it.
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