It’s time to search for something different. Luckily, the Sunshine State has a number of unique museums and spots that are a refreshing break from the average field trip. From U.S. Presidents to Burt Reynolds and everything (and everyone!) in between, you’ll experience some pretty interesting things. Here are our picks.
Consider it a national treasure. The Presidents Hall of Fame was founded as a wax museum House of Presidents in 1960, but it has expanded to include much more. You’ll step inside a model version of the White House (this one features a giant mural of Ronald Reagan on the side) and be greeted by all the presidents, ranging from life-size to knee-high to doll and miniature scale versions. In addition, the Hall of Fame has mannequins displaying First Lady dresses. Also on display are replicas of White House china, election memorabilia, a replica of Lincoln’s face and even a tray of cookies from an actual 2007 White House holiday reception. The Presidents Hall of Fame is located at 123 North Highway 27 in Clermont, Florida. For more information, visit www.presidentshalloffame.com.
Like the Taj Mahal, Coral Castle was built to pay tribute to a lost love. In 1923, after his fiancée canceled their wedding just one day before the ceremony, Edward Leedskalnin set out to create a monument to his lost love, sculpting over 1,100 tons of coral rock into a castle. What’s amazing is the fact that Edward – just over five feet tall and only 100 pounds – did all the work himself, from the sculpting to moving the monument to its present location. Today, you can tour this amazing structure by using a state-of-the-art audio tour. Stop by the gift shop and pick up copies of pamphlets that Edward wrote. Coral Castle is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida. For more information, call (305) 248-6345 or visit www.coralcastle.com.
Who won the People’s Choice award for Favorite Male Motion Picture Actor for six straight years? Yup, Florida’s own Burt Reynolds! Celebrate one of our greatest film stars at the Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum. Inside, you’ll discover plenty of photos – from Burt with presidents to Burt with stars of both sports and entertainment. Posters, film memorabilia and awards (including the People’s Choice awards) can be found throughout the building. You’ll see gifts from friends, such as a jar of slick-em from Hall of Fame football receiver Fred Biletnikoff and even former girlfriend Chris Evert’s Virginia Slims women’s professional tennis trophies. The Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum is located at 100 North US Highway 1 in Jupiter, Florida. For more information, visit www.burtreynoldsmuseum.org.
Ready for some gravity defying fun? Okay, it isn’t a museum, but it’s truly a unique spot. Spook Hill, located in Lake Wales, Florida, is a gravity hill, an optical illusion that makes it appear as though cars are rolling uphill. Legend has it that an Indian town was raided by a huge alligator, and the town’s great warrior chief and the gator were killed in a final battle. So what do you have to do to experience Spook Hill? According to the nearby sign, all you have to do is stop your car on the white line, place it in neutral and let it roll back.
Want more places to visit? Just do a quick Internet search or ask around – you’ll uncover some unique places and stories!
