Summer Project: Time to Explore Florida's Historic Places
Although our wonderful time together at our Florida Preservation Conference in St. Petersburg wrapped up in May, the good news of our award winners continues to travel around the state.
The Herald-Tribune in Sarasota ran an article on the Newtown Alive project, The Palm Beach Daily News (also known as the “Shiny Sheet” because of the paper used) ran an article on Casa Marius beautiful rehabilitation, while "The St. Augustine Record" detailed the various awards the City and community residents received. It is so important for us to share these great projects and recognize the achievements not just amongst our preservation community at the annual conference awards ceremony, but also with the general public. Each year our Awards committee selects the winners, but you can vote for your favorite historic project year-round through your support and visitation.
Every summer my daughters create a summer bucket list – oh to have long summer vacations again! So as summer begins to wind down, I thought it would be fun to challenge ourselves to do one, too. As you ponder your Florida staycation or perhaps have a summer weekend to spare while the crowds are minimal, go explore some of Florida’s extraordinary historic places. If it’s possible for you, include a stop at one of the historic and cultural places that received a 2017 Florida Preservation Award as part of your summer travels.
Wondering where to start? I created a list of locations, in no particular order, to inspire your historic summer travel plans. I’ve included our 2017 preservation winners marked with an asterisk, but there’s also some additional travel ideas to get you going. Please call the Florida Trust office if you need more information on a specific project or location. And remember, in many places, a little historic exploration is possible even during your lunch hour. Not quite as exciting as an entire summer off, but a great way to celebrate summer and Florida history!
Happy exploring and please share your visits with us via social media! The Florida Trust is on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Florida Summer Travel Inspiration:
Hotel Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine
George Adderly House, Crane Point, Marathon
Walk or drive over a historic Florida bridge (perhaps the "Bridge of Lion’s" in St. Augustine
Visit your local Historical Society or history museum such as the Palm Beach County Historical Society or the
Government House, St. Augustine
Keys Energy Services building, Key West
Stroll through a historic cemetery, like
Miami’s Woodlawn Cemetery at SW 8th Street
Oesterreicher-McCormick Cabin,
Take in the art like the
A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce,
or the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale
The Grove Museum, Tallahassee
Observe a traditional ceremony of the many cultures we have around the state
St. Augustine archaeological exhibit at the visitor’s Center and marker’s throughout the City Newtown Conservation District, Sarasota
Watch the Tidally United summit online
Participate in a festival celebrating crops or aquaculture from our state-
Cape San Blas Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
Throw a penny into a historic fountain
Take a stroll through a historic neighborhood or Main Street
Enjoy one of our historic lighthouses, beach communities or hidden gems (like Lichgate on High Road in Tallahassee)
Friederike Mittner is the Board President of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.