Doug Alderson - A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions

To create an Old Florida style roadside attraction,

Start with a cauldron of cool Silver Springs water.

Add camellia petals from Maclay Gardens,

Hair from a Weeki Wachee mermaid,

An alligator tooth from Gatorland,

And a blank bullet from Six Gun Territory.

Infuse the brew with the vibration of Bok Tower bells,

A Seminole stomp dance,

Screams from a Miracle Strip roller coaster,

And a Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan yell.

Stir in a handful of Emerald Coast beach sand,

A brick from St. Augustines oldest house,

Beer from Sloppy Joes,

And spray from a Marineland dolphin.

Mix thoroughly with a dose of Ross Allen entrepreneurship,

A dose of hucksterism,

And a sprinkle of good fortune.

Bake in the Florida sun,

Pray for a cold northern winter,

And watch it grow.

Doug Alderson furthers his lifelong love for classic Florida in this second edition of his popular guide, one in which he adds several new attractions and both vintage and contemporary photos. His first edition was honored by the Florida Writers Association as one of the top five published books of 2017. He has also won four first-place Royal Palm Literary Awards for travel books and several other state and national writing and photography awards.

Aldersons other books include Americas Alligator: A Popular History of Our Most Celebrated Reptile, Wild Florida Waters, The Great Florida Seminole Trail, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Floridas Endangered Wildlife, and Spooky Stories from the Swamp: Tales from the Florida Back Country. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in magazines such as Sea Kayaker, Wildlife Conservation, Native Peoples, American Forests, Sierra, Mother Earth News, and A.T. Journeys. He is also an adventurer, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, coordinated a group walk across the United States, backpacked through Europe, and mapped a 1,500-mile sea-kayaking trail around Florida. He received the inaugural Environmental Service Award by Paddle Florida in 2015 for conspicuous commitment, unflagging dedication and love of Floridas natural environment. For more information, visit www.dougalderson.net.

Underwater thanksgiving at Rainbow Springs taken by Harvey Slade in 1953.

Courtesy of Florida Archives

Part of the joy of journeying through the golden age of Florida tourism has been meeting people with similar passions. Their eyes light up when you mention certain attractions and experiences, and they often share personal stories. In addition, they might point to something you have missed because the Florida tourism road map contains many layers and twists. One such helpful person has been Florida native Tracie Schneider of Tallahassee. She and her two daughters share a website (3florida girls), where they sell classic Florida souvenirs. Tracie was the first person to read a draft of this book, and she did so with enthusiasm. Her feedback was invaluable. Thank you, Tracie!

My family and close friends have been ever supportive as well, especially my dear wife, Cyndi. She gives me space when I need it, helps me lug books to promotional events, and laughs at the right moments during presentations. I am indeed fortunate. A writers life can be lonely at times, but her warm face and many others are there to greet me when I emerge from my cocoon.

Id also like to thank the folks at Pineapple Press. Ive always enjoyed working with them and appreciate their efforts to maintain quality, distribute my books, and keep retail prices reasonable.

Taking in the sights in Florida postcard, circa 1906.

Published by H. & W. B. Drew Company, Jacksonville

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