Farewell to a Brooksville Icon

by Adele Woodyard

‘Try to see the world/with your heart/and everything will/ look like Christmas’ inscribed in the entrance stoop greeted guests to Rogers Christmas House and Village, for almost 40 years. Seven days a week, except on Christmas Day, the door opened to five buildings filled with holiday magic. What were once an unpretentious home, a carriage house, a stable, a garage were filled with gifts, not just for Christmas but year-round giving.

I finally succumbed to its lure while writing a regular Florida travel column for a now defunct magazine in the early 90s. Here’s some of what drew thousands of visitors from around the nation and other countries:

‘A map of the village leads you through rooms filled with German nutcrackers, nested figures, Steiff bears and Byers carolers; dolls of all shapes, ages and sizes; miniatures, holiday china, glass and linens; each room trimmed with at least one tree and swags of decorated greenery.

The enchanted world of children can be found in Storybook Land. Characters from Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wizard of Oz, help illustrate those inside the books shelved in an Old-English Shoppe. There’s Santa’s workshop, whimsically trimmed trees, tiny dancing dolls, even a dark and scary corner devoted to Halloween.’

Other stops were the Country Cottage, more formal Magnolia House and a Little House Under the Oak Tree. Altogether they made for a delightful day trip even if you never purchased a thing. It all came to an end in this week’s four-day auction. The unique store had been in a downward spiral ever since founder Margaret (Weenie) Rogers Ghiotta died in 2006. There will always be shops that specialize in Christmas and Brooksville has other tourist attractions. But as one woman at the auction said, “People will still be talking about the Christmas House years from now.” .

Tampa “freebies” for the Memorial Day weekend

Florida Aquarium :Sat-Mon: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Two FREE tickets for Active duty, retired, National Guard with military ID. 50% off admission for up to four family members.
http://www.flaquarium.org 813-273-4000.

Henry B. Plant Museum: Sun. noon-4 p.m.. FREE admission for active and retired military and their families. http://www.plantmuseum.com 813-254-1891.

SS American Victory Ship:Sun. noon-5 p.m. All veterans FREE with one paying adult.
http://www.americanvictory.org

Lowry Park Zoo: Mon. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE admission for active, retired, National Guard with photo ID. Up to three direct dependents included. http://www.flaquarium.org 813-935-8552

Florida’s Fountain of Youth?

by Adele Woodyard

When Ponce de Leon landed in Florida in 1513, he was reputedly seeking “Bimini”, a tiny Bahamian island that was said to have a “fountain with waters of marvelous curative power”. Considering he was already governor of Puerto Rico, his navigation wasn’t very good. He not only missed an island that’s practically on Miami’s doorstep, but didn’t step foot on the mainland until near what is now St. Augustine. Although that historic city claims they have his *Fountain of Youth, it didn’t work for him. He was 61 when he died, and that was OLD back then.

Ponce de Leon should have sailed to Florida’s West Coast. In particular, Pinellas County. Florida has long been a retirement haven, and for years, St. Petersburg struggled with being called, among other things, “God’s waiting room”. May is “Older American’s Month” and around here, we are living longer When I moved from Tampa. to Pinellas five years ago, I was struck with the number of people celebrating their 100 plus birthdays. It seemed there was a picture and/or announcement of at least one in the paper, every week. No wonder. According to an article in the May 7, 2010 issue of the St. Petersburg Times, Pinellas County has about 300 centenarians. And 18 of them, aged 100 to 111, had made it to a special party held in a Clearwater community center in either a wheelchair, or on their own two feet.

Is there something in the water?
The county doesn’t have a fountain, per se, but it does have mineral springs that the Tocobaga Indians claimed had healing powers. Hernando De Soto, who believed he’d found the Fountain of Youth on Old Tampa Bay, thought its waters cured his sick soldiers. In the mid-1940s, these springs became the basis for the *Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

Perhaps together with a never-grow-old outlook?
St. Petersburg is home to the Three-Quarter Century Softball Club, better known as the Kids and Kubs. Begun in 1930, men had to be 75 years or older, to join. By 1985 similar clubs had started up around the country . Instead of “just for fun” the “old men” began to play against these other teams in the U.S. and Canada. When I wrote an article about the Kids and Kubs in 1994, the oldest St. Pete member had just turned 102. Though no longer an active catcher, this spry centenarian had married his second wife just short of his 96th birthday. I ended the piece with “Could be Ponce de Leon missed the right place to look.”

Should you want to try your luck with the water:
*Safety Harbor Resort and Spa 104 N. Bayshore Dr. 727-726-1161

*Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park 11 Magnolia Ave. St. Augustine. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $8 adult, $7 senior, $5 ages 6-12. 800-356-8222, 904-829-3168..

Florida Salutes the Military

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum

by Adele Woodyard

When the Armed Forces Day weekend arrives May 15-16, active and retired servicemen will have FREE entry to a variety of events around the state. But first I must start with a salute to a military museum that’s FREE, not only to our men and women in uniform, but to every citizen. Opened in1998, Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Museum is filled with memorabilia donated by rapidly disappearing veterans, or their families, from around the country. Located in the little Panhandle town of Carrabelle, Camp Gordon Johnston was built in 1942 to train soldiers and their support groups in amphibious landings. A quarter of a million men had left their mark on the Gulf and its beach before it closed in 1946. Video, oral and written records of their personal wartime experiences add to the large collection of WWII artifacts representing each branch of the U.S.armed services. 850-697-8575; http://www.campgordonjohnston.com

Another museum that features WWII , although it includes wars through Vietnam, is the Armed Forces Military Museum, in Largo (1/8/09 blog). Opened in August, 2008, it, like the Carrabelle museum, is an effort to preserve its heritage after founder John Piazza found his granddaughter didn’t know who Hitler was. Vivid dioramas, real tanks, troop carriers, and other vehicles, a realistic attack on Pearl Harbor, a French church that has a paratrooper stuck on its spire, a D-Day landing on Utah Beach, are some of the 3-D scenes that fill the 35,000 sq. ft. building. You know the people are mannequins, yet they breathe life into a history that should never be forgotten. 727-539-8371. http://www.armedforcesmuseum.com

May 1-31 is a whole month of FREEBIES for active, retired and reserved military at the Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. A valid ID will admit you to a museum of 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many restored to flyable condition. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
863-984-3500; http://www.fantasyofflight.com .

Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum is FREE for everyone and honors all branches of the Armed Forces. It’s over 30,000 artifacts and military memorabilia goes back to the Spanish-American War up to the mideast conflicts. The Museum will celebrate Armed Forces Day from 1-3 p.m., Sat. May 15. Located in Fishermen’s Village, a waterfront mall, you can also spend a day shopping, dining, even take a boat ride. 941-575-9002; http://www.mhaam.org

During the Armed Forces Day weekend, Naples Zoo welcomes active and retired military with ID for FREE. Enjoy a day with the animals, historic garden, shows, exhibits, and take a boat ride. Your family will have $2 off the regular price of $19.95 adult, $11.95 ages 3-12. 239-262-5409; http://www/napleszoo.org

Saturday, May 15: from 1-3 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales presents special carillon concerts to celebrate Armed Forces Day. FREE to active, retired or disabled military with ID. 863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org

Specials for a Special Mom

by Adele Woodyard

What are you doing for your Mom on Mother’s Day? Looking for something different? Here’s a few ideas that may fit the bill:

Tampa
Cracker Country has something very different for Mom—they’ll fill a gift basket with items you pick out at the Cracker County General Store. No extra charge for the service, but you .must be there on Saturday, May 1. While you’re on site. check out the Discover the Past program at the museum. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $6 adult, $5 seniors and ages 6-12. Florida State Fair Grounds. museum@crackercountry.com

Mom gets in for FREE at the Lowry Park Zoo, on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9, with your paid admission. Can be child ($15.95 ages 3-11) or adult ($20.95) ticket, but must be purchased that weekend only. Open 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. 813-935-8552. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com

St. Petersburg
Was your Mom a flower child? Does she remember—and sing Aquarius—but never saw the show HAIR? You have until May 16 to take her to the American Stage in the Park performance at Demen’s Landing. Shows are 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. But hurry, even if you want blanket seating, $11-$21. Reserved chair $27, is mostly sold out for all performances. 727-823-7529. http://www.americanstage.org

Orlando
If shopping’s her thing, Mom will welcome a Shop and Slumber weekend on a combo package offered by the Mall at Millenia and the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort from May 1-16, 2010. The $239-$289 per room per night includes one night accommodations, breakfast in Solaris, 10 % discount at all on-site restaurants, spa, and retail shops at the hotel. Mall at Millenia’s complementary services include 30-minute make-over, personal shopping at Gucci, Godiva chocolates and more. For information, call 888-999-6753, ask for SHO rate code. http://www.marriottworldcenter.com; http://www.mallatmillenia.com
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Mom like Gospel music? The 25th anniversary of the Stellar Awards brings a Mother’s Day Gospel Music Festival to Orlando, May 7-9. Along with music artists, are cultural and recreational activities, and a Mother’s Day brunch and fashion show. Admission: $55 to $200. 888-627-7060; http://www.thestellarawards.com

Wakulla Springs
A 25 year tradition is the Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch at the Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge. May 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m; for prices and reservations (required), call 850-926-0700. http://www.floridastateparks.org

Santa Rosa Beach
If Mom’s an outdoor lover she’ll really go for a two-night stay at Topsail Hill State Park, even if it can’t be over the Mother’s Day weekend. Tuesday and Wednesday nights up to May 26.are the specials for a bungalow ($220) or cabin ($270). Either one includes day trips to Camp Helen and the southern plantation at Eden Gardens State Parks. In between the trips, are white sand beaches with giant dunes, and freshwater fishing on coastal lakes. 850-267-0299. http://www.floridastateparks.org

More ideas on our web site. Click on: http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/bargains

More Than Mickey

by Adele Woodyard

When you say “Orlando”, the simultaneous visuals from Walt Disney, Universal and SeaWorld theme parks make you think that Mickey and friends are what the city’s all about. So the Orlando press trip that featured culture several years ago, came as a pleasant surprise. Bach, Ballet, Opera, Shakespeare and plenty of Art, filled the immediate area to such an extent I realized here, culture was spelled with a capital C. Looking for something new for your Fine Arts fix? Culture now comes in packages, as well as in individual presentations. Save 20% and make it a true weekend getaway with participating hotels. http://www.visitorlandoarts.com

April 24-25: is a weekend getaway where 4 events and a 3-course lunch are wrapped up in a tidy package at $75 per person. You start with Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art Exhibition at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave. Winter Park. A docent led tour takes you through an exhibit on loan from Tallahassee’ss Museum of Florida History. Then it’s on to lunch at 30 Park South. (call 407-647-7277 for reservations).Tours run on the hour between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.
Next three events are in Loch Haven Park:
Orlando Museum of Art , 2416 N. Mills Ave. Open weekends, noon-4 p.m. Over 100 paintings and the black & white photography of the West Everglades by Clyde Butcher show Changing Landscapes, Changing Visions.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. Open Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A comprehensive collection of early 20 century paintings and drawings are on display.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St. Open weekend 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Four floors of hands-on exhibits, a giant-screen film and a planetarium are under one roof.

May 1-2 weekend package is $85. Same as above except it begins Saturday, May 1 with a 3-course dinner at the Winter Garden Pizza Company (407-877-1930) followed by the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. Winter. Garden. Show starts 8 p.m. so give yourself plenty of time for dinner beforehand.
NOTE all packages: Your event and museum tickets, and meal certificate are held at will call at stated restaurant, for pick up

April 30-May 16: 8th Annual Cabaret Festival celebrating Mad Cow Theatre’s musical theatre. More than 40 evening and lunchtime performances in downtown Orlando. Tickets from $12-#28. 407-297-8788. http://www.orlandocabaret.com

May 1: 20th Annual Concert Under the Stars features the Imperial Symphony Orchestra at Bok Tower Gardens. $10 adult, $3 ages 5-12, under 5 Free.863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org

Riding the Rails

by Adele Woodyard

Tampa Bay’s talks on a high-speed rail system may eventually amount to more than just words. I’m not holding my breath for it to happen anytime soon. However, it has made me wonder how many people under 50, have actually ridden on a train instead of a car, a plane, or a bus? Just to get from Point A to Point B, in the U.S.

The rails that opened up the country back in the late 1800s now carry more freight, than passengers via Amtrak. But some tracks left to rust are resurrected into rails-to-trails for foot and bike, railroad depots become museums, and rolling stock that lure tourists with the conductor’s call. “All Aboard!” As a travel writer, I’ve ridden a coal driven locomotive chugging up Colorado mountains, interviewed passengers returning to Florida on Amtrak, and enjoyed gourmet meals on board the American Orient Express (now the GrandLuxe). Here are some nostalgic train rides you can take in the Sunshine State.

The Florida Railroad Museum in Parish offers one and a half hour train trips at 11 a.m and 2 p.m. on weekends. Or you can swing for a Murder Mystery Dinner ride where the train stops for a barbeque meal half way through the trip. A Train Robbery and Civil War weekends are scheduled in May. This month kids especially will love a Day With Thomas and Friends and 25-minute train rides with the little engine that could. Live music, storytelling and pictures with Sir Topham Hatt are part of the fun in this Special Event that runs from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this weekend, April 17-18.12210 83rd St. E. Call 941-776-0906; http://www.frrm.org for full details.

It’s a five-course gourmet dinner along with the murder on the Seminole Gulf Railway, five nights a week. The three and one half hour trip leaves Fort Myers Colonial Station at 6:30 p.m. Wed. through Sat., 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The 1930s-40s vintage rail cars are air conditioned, fun to be on, and you might win a prize if you solve the mystery. Reservations strongly recommended. Shorter daytime excursions with snack bar leave at 11 a.m. Wed, and Sat., 1:30 p.m. on Sunday through April. 2805 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers; 239-275-8487, 800-736-4853. http://www.semgulf.com

Little kids (and big adults) have a great time on the miniature Largo Central Railroad train in Largo Central Park , 101 Central Park Drive. FREE (donation accepted) rides run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first full weekend of every month. If weather is questionable, call 727-587-6775. http://www.largo.com

Want to ride up with the train engineer? It’s possible to do just that on weekends at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami. Number of people that fit in the diesel engine cab are limited, so call ahead for availability. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. There’s also 20 minute rides for kids on the Edwin Larks Children’s Railroad at 1 and 3 p.m., on weekends. While you wait, the museum has a wide variety of all scales of model trains on display that interest all ages. 12450 SW 152nd St.; 305-253-0063, 886-608-7246. http://www.gcrm.org

The L&N West Florida Railroad Museum in the Panhandle does not offer rides. What it does have is a FREE outdoor display of full-size dining, baggage-dormitory, box and flat cars spread around the yard. Of course there’s a caboose as well as a bridge tender’s house and plenty of RR memorabilia inside the station museum. Fri-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5003 Henry St., Milton; 850-623-3645 http://www.wfrm.org

Easter Morning Memories

by Adele Woodyard

Chocolate bunnies, colored eggs, baskets with “green grass” waiting to be filled.

You live it again watching your kids from the time they dip the first hard boiled egg into a cup of dye, to their scramble for Easter goodies hidden in real grass nests around the yard.
(Will I ever forget the last time I actually did that? All dressed up in a brand new outfit, forced to “hunt” in my grandparents garden with my younger cousins, until my date drove up with another couple. I was a junior in high school, for crying out loud!)

Waking in darkness to attend a Sunrise Service on a hill above a sandy beach.

We watched the sun rise above the horizon and lay a golden blanket over gentle Atlantic Ocean waves. Around us the small crowd greeted the dawn with the graceful moves of tai chi.
(A lovely moment to always remember, for it was the only Sunrise Service I managed to get up early enough to attend.)

Those who do rise at daybreak in Central Florida can greet the dawn at the 84th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Newly green trees and plants in a burst of color will reach for the sun, to the music of the Lake Wales Chorale and the 60-bell carillon. 863-676-1408; http://www.boktowergardens.org

Sitting in a Lake Wales outdoor amphitheatre to watch a 3-hour Passion Play.

The almost 400 year old play depicts the last days of Jesus Christ from Palm Sunday to Easter. Massive in size, the sheer number of players and animals overwhelm me. The emotionally powerful drama originated in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany, and that cast no longer plays in the United States. However, it can be seen on European tours, and other actors have taken the stage in this country.
In Wauchula, Florida the Passion Play is currently being presented as The Story of Jesus in the vast Cattlemen’s Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, from Good Friday, April 2, to April 24. 863-375-4031. http://www.storyofjesus.com

Two Ways to Preserve a Peoples’ Past

by Adele Woodyard

Next Monday is Passover, one of the most important holidays in Jewish history, for it commemorates their Exodus from Egypt, after 400 years of slavery. Thanks to Hollywood, and Charlton Heston, this Gentile is familiar with the story of Moses, from his discovery as an infant in the bulrushes to the man behind the parting of the Red Sea. I even vaguely remember the 10 plagues, at least the one about the locusts. But in researching this blog I found the story actually began over 3000 years ago. http://www.theholidayspot.com/passover and Exodus, Chapters 1-14.

When Canaan suffered from a devastating drought, a .Hebrew named Jacob and his 12 sons were allowed to settle in Goshen, a section of Egypt. Succeeding generations were fruitful and multiplied to such an extent, it scared a not-so-nice Pharaoh. Afraid they’d overrun his people, he not only enslaved the entire Hebrew population, but ordered all their newborn baby boys thrown into the Nile River. It was then Moses mother set him afloat in a little boat made of rushes to be saved by one of the Pharaoh’s daughters.

Once Moses was an adult, God commanded him to deliver his people from slavery. Among His orders was Plague #10: kill every firstborn Egyptian. To save themselves, the Israelites anointed their doorposts with the blood of a spring lamb, so God “passed over” their houses. The Jews have celebrated Passover, in one form or another, ever since.

A second way to preserve the past, is through museums. For Hebrews and Gentiles alike, Holocaust Museums are memorials to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during WWII. The reason? Adolph Hitler ordered this mass genocide to “purify” the German race. Many of our states have one or more Holocaust museums. The following are four of those in Florida.
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Maitland:
As the name suggests, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, emphasizes middle and high school student and teacher groups. The library with over 5000 volumes, and 500 videotapes, the majority on the Holocaust, place it in the tops for research. It’s also the only one I’ve been to, so far. Museum displays are divided into 12 segments featuring photographs, artifacts (I remember two little dolls made by camp inmates) short film presentations and overview history of the Holocaust. A current exhibit, In Fitting Memory, photographs by Ira Nowinski, texts by Sybil Molton, runs from April through June, 2010. FREE. Mon-Thurs. 9 a.n.-4 p.m. .Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Library same Mon-Fri, closed weekend. 851 N. Maitland Ave. http://www.holocaustedu.org

St. Petersburg
The Florida Holocaust Museum ‘s permanent exhibits, History, Heritage and Hope, display relevant photos, text and original artifacts on the first floor. The railroad box car from the Treblinka Killing Center held more than a 100 men, women and children at a time, in such close quarters, and abominable conditions, many died during the journey. Temporary exhibits are on the 2nd floor; currently Icons of Loss: the Art of Samuel Bak, through April 4, 2010. Open Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission 3:30 p.m.). $14 adult, $12 (65+), $10 college student, $8 under 18. Military, USF students with ID, and kids under 6, FREE. Children under 16 must be with adult. 55 5th St. South. http://www.flholocaustmuseum.org

Naples
The Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida actually began as a middle school student-teacher classroom exhibit. In 2001 it became a museum and educational center that focuses on school groups. Open to public Tues-Sun, 1-4 p.m. $8 per person. Not recommended for children under 12. 4760 Tamiami Trail, Suite 7, Sandalwood Square http:/www.hmswdl.org

Miami Beach
The Holocaust Memorial was created as a large environmental sculpture by Sculptor Kenneth Treister. Twelve outdoor spaces flow in a visual, historical, and emotional procession surrounding a 200 foot diameter memorial water lily garden. Open daily , 9 a.m.-9 p.m. FREE. 1922-1945 Meridian Ave. http://www.holocaustmmb.org

A 19th Century Female Physician

by Adele Woodyard

You can learn a lot when you’re a travel writer, interesting stories about people that don’t get into a guide book that features the places they inhabit. The historic Safford House in Tarpon Springs is a case in point. The house itself, now a museum, is a town attraction mentioned in my book, 100 Florida “freebies” and “cheapies” Vacation fun for $5 or less; the story behind a woman who lived and worked there, is not. March being Womens’ History Month, I’d now like to introduce Dr. Mary Jane Safford, Florida’s first female doctor, as played by Dr. Elizabeth Coachman, during a holiday event.

Dressed in a long black shirtwaist, her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun, “Dr. Safford” stands before a group gathered in her office. An occasional Christmas decoration accents the paneled walls, the few tools of her trade on shelves and a table. Her concern on the effects of a corset on a woman’s body leads her to admit, “Dress reform is one of my major movements at this point. I think it’s so important for women to dress properly,” she says, “and not with 14 pounds of undergarments. Can you imagine? But that’s what it’s been and we are making progress as to what women have been wearing.”

Born in 1834, Safford had volunteered in a military hospital during the Civil War. She was one of 14 female classmates who trained as a homeopathic doctor in the New York Medical College for Women. Following her graduation in 1869, Safford went on to study at the General Hospital of Vienna and at the University of Breslau, Germany. “When I first went over there,” she says,” it was with the ambulance service in Vienna. The Strauses were writing their waltzes, and it was a marvelous place to be at the time.”

Upon her return to the United States, Safford practiced in Chicago and Boston, where she was on the faculty of the Boston University School of Medicine. When the northern winters became too much for her health, she gave up teaching and retired to Florida, to live with her brother, Anson P.K. Safford, and his wife, Soledad. Author of several books on women’s health, Safford goes on to say she’d been raising his daughter, Margarita now 8, since her mother died two months after her birth.

“Of course I don’t have as many patients here as I had in Boston,” Safford says, “but I try to get people convinced about proper exercise—we have a much more leisurely life over here.” To her claim that dysentery, typhoid, and some malaria are the major health problems, she adds, “Consumption is a terrible disease. We probably have more of that than any other place.” In fact Anson’s prior wife had died of it when they lived in New York City.

Dress reform was not her only concern. Safford was also active in women’s suffrage, a universal kindergarten, and unfair working conditions. Dr. Mary Jane Safford died of fever in 1891. She was 56.

NOTE: Dr. Elizabeth Coachman, who took the part of Dr. Safford, is a retired pathologist. She served as medical director of the pathology dept. in Tarpon Springs Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital from 1988 to 1998. I’ve based this story on my taped transcript of her heavily researched role, and an article by Jill Ann Perrino in the St. Petersburg Times, Feb. 11, 2006.

Visiting Palm Beach County

by Adele Woodyard

Florida’s east coast was pretty much unknown territory to me until my folks retired to a condo in Boynton Beach. Mom had taken up a paint brush to while away her golden years, so the first attraction I remember seeing was the Norton Museum of Art. Later on we drove through the Lion Safari where the big, beautiful beasts roamed freely and we were the ones caged inside a car. Eventually I saw, and wrote about, the delightful Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. Here are some I missed:

Jupiter
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum was closed each time I was there, so I never did make the tour to the top, or explore the historic museum, Yet the image of that tall, barn red tower rising from a hilltop remains in my mind. Open Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., last tour 4 p.m. $7 adult, $5 ages 6-18, and military with ID. Intersection Hwy 1& Alt. Rte 707. 561-747-8380. http://www.jupiterlighthouse.org

West Palm Beach
Along with numerous animals , the Palm Beach Zoo sports an interactive fountain kids love to run through, and a Carousel. A 2004 addition, Tropic of the Americas exhibit, turned 3 acres into a rainforest with South and Central American animals, Mayan pyramids and sculptures. Daily shows feature Wings Over Water and Wild Things Show, and every month there is a special event, e.g. Save the Florida Panther Day, Sat. March 20, 2010. Open daily (closed Thanksgiving and Xmas) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $14.95 adult, $10.95 (60+), $9.95 ages 3-12. Carousel $2. 1301 Summit Blvd.; 561-547-9483.
http://palmbeachzoo.org

Palm Beach Maritime Museum features tall ships, a former U.S. Coast Guard station, boathouse and president John F. Kennedy’s command post/bomb shelter built on Peanut Island, during the Cuban Missile crisis.
The H.M.S. Bounty, docked at the Riviera Beach Marina, will be open for tours until April 1, 2010. The 1812 Privateer Lynx Tall Ship docked at Peanut Island offers education and Adventure sailing through March. Both ships leave for the Great Lakes United Tall Ships Challenge during the summer of 2010. Bounty tours are open Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $9 adult. $5 student. Assorted combo tickets for tours including ferry to Peanut Island range from $17 and $11, to $22 and $16. Adventure sails on the Lynx are from 2-4:30 p.m Sat. Sun.. $75 adult, $42 (age 5-12) Dockside tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $17 adult, $11 (5-12). Wind and weather mean subject to change. Call 866-446-5969 or 561-881-9757. Ferry dock is at Currie Park, 2400 N. Lagoon Dr .WPB; 561-832-7428; 561-848-2960, Peanut Island.
http://pbmm.org

Delray Beach
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum opened in 2001. The African-American early history and culture are housed in a 1926 two-story Mission Revival building. Members say the Ride and Remember Trolley tours are one of their most popular events. Museum open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. $5 adult, $3 senior, students FREE. Trolley tour 2nd Saturday each month Sept-May. $15 adult, $10 student 10 a.m.-noon. Reservation suggested. 170 NW 5th Ave.; 561-279-8883. http://www.spadymuseum.com