A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions

by Doug Alderson

Mermaids still perform in the clear waters of Weeki Wachee Springs as they have for decades. The Bok Tower's carillon bells, installed in 1929, continue to echo across Iron Mountain near Lake Wales. Monstrous reptiles are ever abundant at Gatorland, Gatorama and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Dolphins continue to leap at Marineland. St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens is fully restored to its former grandeur, complete with flamingos. You can still drive through a pride of lions at southeast Florida's Lion Country Safari. And nothing speaks of Old Florida like the giant concrete statues at Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach. Many of Florida's classic attractions still exist―and even thrive―in the shadow of mega-theme parks and interstate highways. A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions takes you to these places and more on an unforgettable journey across the Sunshine State. Discover what Florida's golden age of tourism was, and still is, all about― magical, beautiful and fun!First place winner of the 2017 Royal Palm Literary Award for published travel book and top five finalist for book of the year by the Florida Writers Association. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, History, American History

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2016

About the author

Doug Alderson prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife in their natural environment. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include America's Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida's Endangered Wildlife and A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. His latest book, Discovering Florida’s Coast, was the fourth runner up for 2023 book of the year by the Florida Writers Association. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in numerous magazines such as Native Peoples, Sierra and Mother Earth News.

Doug received the inaugural Environmental Service Award by Paddle Florida in 2015 “for conspicuous commitment, unflagging dedication and love of Florida’s natural environment.” For several years, he coordinated Florida’s designated paddling trail system and helped to establish the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He is currently the Outreach and Advocacy Director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper.

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just what it says, including a history of early Florida and all the attractions tourists found when they arrived. I need to plan a long weekend trip to the Lake Wales area to see Bok Tower and Solomon's Castle. Legoland, incorporating the former great Cypress Gardens, would also be worth a visit. Nice photos and information. I purchased the second edition.

[Deb Tkacz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscing my childhood. 💘 Florida

[Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little look back and guide for today. Doug’s guides on Florida never fail to please.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little book that I really enjoyed. I honestly wasn't expecting much because of the small publishing company and the low price of the book - but I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out much better than I thought. The entire book is done with glossy, full color pages, which makes the older photos of the Florida attractions really delightful. I read on the copyright page that all of the photos from this book were either personally taken by the author or were from vintage postcards, which gives it a personal feel. This book not only gives interesting history about old Florida attractions, but there is an entire section devoted to these "old school" attractions you can still visit today. I especially liked reading about the places I remember visiting as a kid. Doug Alderson did a fantastic job with this charming little book. Highly recommend!