Micanopy, Florida

Micanopy, Florida, described as "the little town that time forgot", is just twenty minutes away from Gainesville and is home to about 650 residents.

Hollywood has filmed two movies in Micanopy: "Doc Hollywood", starring Michael J. Fox, and "Cross Creek", starring Mary Steenburgen., and with good reason. Micanopy is a gorgeous and breathtaking backdrop of sultry, southern charm.

Micanopy's historic district is lined with beautiful buildings from the past, many of them antique shops and quaint diners, and you will feel like you have stepped right out of a time machine!

Things to do in Micanopy:

*Visit during the annual fall festival! The 35th annual Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival will be held October 31st and November 1st this year. Cholokka Boulevard will host over two hundred displays of arts and crafts, as well as food, music, and activties!

*Check out "The Shop"!- "The Shop" is located on Cholokka Boluevard and boasts 3500 square feet of rooms filled with antique and modern home furnishings and decor. There is something here for everyone!

*Visit the state parks! - Paynes's Prarie Preserve State Park and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park both offer memorable experiences!

*Visit The Micanopy Historical Society Museum - Located on Cholokka Boulevard in what was once the Thrasher Warehouse, this museum is a thrilling trip into days gone by. You will love exploring the antique treasures on display here!

Where To Eat:

*Blue Highway Pizzeria - Located at 204 N.E. Highway 441, the pizzeria is a local favorite and offers sandwhiches, subs, and, of course, fabulous pizza! The restaurant is family owned and serves nine different specialty pizzas made with inhouse fresh dough and a huge variety of toppings. I was told by the manager that folks who have just come from Italy tried the pizza here and said that it was better than the pizza in Italy! Enjoy!

*Cafe Risque - Open twenty-four hours a day, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a daily lunch special every weekday.

Where To Stay:

*The Herlong Mansion Historic Inn and Gardens - Located at 402 N.E. Cholokka Boulevard and listed on the Nationl Register of Historic Places, the Herlong Mansion is stunningly beautiful and has a friendly, yet elegant southern atmosphere. The rooms at the inn are adorned with antique furnishings and decor, and included in the rates are not only a full breakfast, but also snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and evening wine and cheese!

FYI

Weird Laws in Florida:

*A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.

*It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.

*Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.

*It is considered an offense to shower naked.

For lots more great information about the town of Micanopy, Florida, visit them on the web at http://welcometomicanopy.com

Forget about time in the town that time forgot! Have fun in Micanopy!

Announcement

Since my blog is read by people all across America, I have decided to use this site as a platform for spreading the news of missing persons cases. As you visit my site, please take a moment and look at the links under "Missing Persons" in the sidebar. You never know when you might have seen something that could be important. If you have a missing persons case you would like me to link to here, please contact me at ltdbook@yahoo.com and let me know. I will be glad to do that. Thanks for looking!

Chestertown, Maryland

Chestertown, Maryland is a historical town on the Chester River, situated in Kent County, Maryland. Submitted to me by a reader, I found that Chestertown was established in 1706 and has a population of around 5,000.

Chestertown is rooted deeply in an early American legacy and still proudly reflects that legacy today. With a historical downtown, over a dozen art galleries and shops, beautiful colonial style homes and buildings, quaint restaurants, and relaxing views of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay, Chestertown offers not only a trip into the past, but also a rich and rewarding modern day getaway.

Things to do in Chestertown:

* Visit the Farmer's Market - Located on Park Row in downtown Chestertown, the market allows only vendors with home grown or home produced products and is open every Saturday from April through Christmas. For more information you can phone 410-639-7217.

*Stop by the Artist's Market - On Fountain Park across from the Farmer's Market, the Artist's Market features works from local artists and craftsmen.

*Visit the Schooner Sultana - Based in the port of Chestertown and launched in 2001, the Sultana is an educational replica of a real British Royal Navy schooner. Open from April through November, there are programs available for students and teachers, as well as for the general public, on board the Sultana.
*Have fun on the river - There are many boat, yacht, and kayak charters available on the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. A few to check out are the Bessie L, Haven Charters, and The Gratitude Yachting Center. Have fun!

Where To Eat:
*Andy's Pub - This is a local favorite for dinner! With a great variety of food, Andy's has a relaxing lounge with evening entertainment.

*Blue Heron Cafe - The Blue Heron offers a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and pasta and bakes their own bread. Located in the historic division of Chestertown, you will find a casual atmosphere and yet a fine dining experience. Reservations are recommended on the weekend.


*Crossfire Cafe - In historic Chestertown, the Crossfire Cafe offers a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with a wide variety of delicious food and a casual and friendly atmosphere.




Where To Stay:
*April Inn - Not far from the historic district of Chestertown, the April Inn offers three different room with private baths and your stay includes a continental breakfast.
*Widows's Walk Inn Bed & Breakfast - The Widow's Walk is located in the historic district within walking distance of the Chester River. Beautiful suites with private baths await you here and your stay includes a continental breakfast.
*The Imperial Hotel - The Imperial offers 11 deluxe rooms and 2 suites, has its own restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, and is conveniently located in the historic district of Chestertown.

FYI

Weird Laws in Maryland:

*It’s illegal to take a lion to the movies.

*It is a park rule violation to be in a public park with a sleeveless shirt.

*No person who is a “tramp” or “vagrant” shall loiter in any park at any time.

*You may not curse inside the city limits.

The town of Chestertown has a wondeful webiste with lots more information. Visit them at http://chestertown.com , and enjoy your trip to beautiful, early American Chestertown!

Beaver Island, Michigan

Beaver Island, Michigan, "America's Emerald Isle", is the largest island in the Lake Michigan area. I have never been here, but this town was submitted to me by a reader and when I began to research it I immediately took a liking to it. This will definitely be on my family's list of places to see!

Beaver Island is only about thirteen miles long and six miles wide, and boasts a population of around 600. Making up part of Charlevoix County, Michigan, the island is a little over thirty miles from the city of Charlevoix on the mainland and is only accessible by boat or airplane.
There are two airways servicing the island with daily flights from Charlevoix, Fresh Air Aviation and Island Airways, or you can get to the island by ferry via the Beaver Island Boat Company.

The charm of this little island town is created by both its remoteness and its preserved history, a history that includes an Irish heritage still being embraced today. With a wonderful variety of shops, pleasing restaurants, and beautiful lighthouses to visit, Beaver Island sounds like the perfect little hideaway!

Things to do on the Island:
*Take an EcoTour - Take a guided tour and learn all about the island's natural inhabitants! Visit EcoTours on the web for more information.
*Charter a boat and spend an adventurous day exploring the island - Bonadeo's Beaver Island Boat Charters offers half and full day guided tours with lots of exciting activities.
*Experience a kayak adventure- Inland Seas School of Kayaking offers full or half day adventures, as well as overnight trips and an on-land stargazing night!

Where To Eat:
*Paradise Bay Coffee Shop - Located at 34230 Donnell Mors Lane, Paradise Bay offers coffee, espresso, and specialty drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch items.


*The Shamrock Restaurant & Pub - The island's oldest pub is a local favorite for lunch and dinner.



Where To Stay:
*Beaver Island Lodge - The lodge has been providing accomodations since 1950 and has beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Their phone number is (231)448-2396.
*Enerald Isle Hotel - One block from the beach and open all year, the hotel offers efficiencies and suites, as well as a large conference room.

FYI

Weird Laws in Michigan:

*Cars may not be sold on Sunday.

*A woman isn’t allowed to cut her own hair without her husband’s permission.

*There is a 3 cent bounty for each starling and 10 cent bounty for each crow killed in any village, township, or city in the state.

*Any person over the age of 12 may have a license for a handgun as long as he/she has not been convicted of a felony.

I hope that you get to visit Beaver Island! For more information, you can visit their Chamber of Commerce on the web at http://www.beaverisland.org/

Ripley, Ohio

A unique, little village, Ripley, Ohio is located east of Cincinnati, on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, and is home to around 2,000 residents.

Talk about history! This town is absolutely filled with history, with influence from the Tecumseh and Shawnee, and also a past that is connected to the Civil War and was very active in the Underground Railroad.
The town boasts a 55 acre historical district that is registered with the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to do in Ripley:
*Visit historical landmarks - Among the many there are The Parker House, home of John Parker, former slave turned abolitionist, who helped many slaves through the Underground Railroad. Visit also The Rankin House, where Reverend John Rankin and his wife, Jean, sheltered passengers of the Underground Railroad, as many as 2,000.
*Take a tip to the Ripley Museum - The Ripley Museum exists in a home built in the 1850's and displays antiques dating back to the 18th century.

Where To Eat:
*Rockin Robin's Soda Shoppe - Cute little burger joint and if you have never had fried pickles you are in for a treat!


*Cohearts Riverhouse Restaurant - Great food and views of the Ohio River!


*50's Diner - This is a great little place where you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner and they have the best homemade desserts!


Where To Stay:
*The Signal House Bed & Breakfast - Located at 234 N. Front Street, this gorgeous home was built in the 1830's and features suites that overlook the Ohio River. Rates include a full breakfast for two. You will feel like you have stepped back in time when you stay here! Their phone number is (937)392-1640 and you can visit them on the web at http://www.thesignalhouse.com/ - Enjoy your stay!

FYI

Weird Laws in Ohio:

*It is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday.

*No one may be arrested on Sunday or on the Fourth of July.

*If one loses their pet tiger, they must notify the authorities within one hour.

*Power Wheels cars may not be driven down the street.



For more information, check out the town of Ripley on the web at http://www.ripleyohio.net/ .
Visit days gone by in Ripley, Ohio!

Sweetwater, Tennessee

Referred to as "the sweetest town in Tennessee", Sweetwater really is a charming place.
My husband I visited this quaint, little town recently and we really enjoyed our trip.
Talk about nostalgia! This town is full of history and has beautifully preserved its heritage. With a historic shopping district bursting with antique shops, lots of friendly folks to greet you, and beautiful Tennessee scenery, you will agree that Sweetwater is a small town favorite!

Things to do in Sweetwater -
*Take a walk through the shopping district - With shops ranging from antiques and collectibles to home furnishings, there is something here for everyone! You can view a list of some of the shops there at http://www.visitsweetwater.com/uniqueshops.html.
*Visit the Sweetwater Flea Market - Located at 121 County Road-308, this is Tennessee's largest indoor flea market and has a huge variety of items to offer.
*Mayes Avenue - This is a residential area where you can see streets lined with beautiful, Victorian style homes.
*Visit The Lost Sea - This is America's largest underground lake and you can take a boat ride across the lake, take a tour through mysterious caverns, and enjoy lots of other activities. See them on the web for more information at http://www.thelostsea.com/ .
*Take a Tour of Sweetwater Valley Farm - This is a farm that produces what they call "Farmstead Cheese", which means no artificial ingredients or processing. They offer tours of the farm and have a wonderful selection of cheeses for you to purchase while you are there. For more information, see them on the web at http://sweetwatervalleyfarm.net/index.shtml .

Where To Eat:
*Hunter's Bakery & Cafe - You have to eat here! This place comes highly recommended. My husband and I dined here, and there is such a sweet, friendly atmosphere, and great food. Their signature dish is a mouth watering chicken salad, but they also have fantastic burgers. Everything here is fresh, nothing processed, and they do not fry any of their food. They also have scrumptious, southern desserts! They are located at 101 E. Morris @ Main Street. They also operate the Tack Room Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor right behind them, which is an outdoor, sidewalk cafe. You can visit their website at http://www.huntersbakeryandcafe.com/

*Walker Family Restaurant - Down home, southern cooking! Located at 1021 N.Main Street, their phone number is (423)351-9900.

*Where To Stay -

I could not find any Bed & Breakfasts, but there is a Sweetwater Hotel and Covention Center located at 180 New Highway 68, off of I-75. Their phone number is 423-337-3511. There are also several national chains that have accomadations in or around Sweetwater. A few to check out are Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Days Inn.

The town of Sweetwater has a great website you can visit for lots of information. See them at visitsweetwater.com .

Have a great time in Sweetwater!

Carthage, Tennessee

Hometown of former Vice President, Al Gore, Carthage was where I spent my childhood summers.
My grandparents lived in Carthage, and my grandmother wrote a column for the local newspaper.

Carthage is located in Smith County, Tennessee and is about an hour's drive from Nashville. A historical town with a little over 2,000 residents, Carthage is still the same as I remember it as a child. My grandfather called everybody he met "Friend", and that seems to be the attitude of just about everyone in Carthage.
Carthage is such a peaceful and comforting place, with the gorgeous countryside views that are typical of Tennessee, and the beautiful Cordell Hull lake, a person visiting here might not ever want to leave. In fact, that is just what Smith County's Chamber of Commerce says on their website, "When you visit Smith County - you may never want to leave." I know I never wanted to be anywhere else when I was a child, and my husband and I plan on going back there someday to raise our little boy.

Things to do in Carthage:
*Take a walk through the downtown area. - There are Civil War monuments to see, an antique mall, and cute little shops and diners. Relax, and enjoy the history and friendly people!
*Visit the Smith County Heritage Museum - The museum is located on 3rd Avenue North, and displays a WWI exhibit, as well as agriculture, industry, and textile exhibits. You may visit them on the web for more information at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tnsmith/heritage/ .
*Have some fun at Defeated Creek Marina - The marina is surrounded by the gorgeous Cordell Hull Lake and has cabins and campsites, trails, a beach and picnic area, and even has its own restaurant. They are located at 160 Marina Lane and their phone number is (615)774-3131.

Where to eat:
*Brenda's restaurant - Located at 29 Dixon Springs Highway, Brenda's offers a cozy atmosphere and homemade, southern meals!

*The Restaurant - This is the restaurant at Defeated Creek Marina, and the residents say they have the absolute best catfish! Their phone number is (615)774-3935.
*Lavilla - Located at 67 Dixon Springs Highway, Lavilla serves a variety of pizza, steaks, and more and has an all-you-can-eat catfish day!

Where To Stay:

*Dreaming By The River Bed & Breakfast - Located at 136 Gibbs Landing, Dreaming By The River is a beautiful bed & breakfast with stunning views of the Caney Fork River. All rooms have gorgeous views and full baths, and accomaodations include a complimentary hot breakfast. The Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful choice for your stay in the Carthage area.

FYI

Weird Laws in Tennessee:

*You can’t shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile.

*Driving is not to be done while asleep.

*It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish.

*It is legal to gather and consume roadkill.

It has been a pleasure to write about Carthage! I hope that you get to visit this charming, little town someday. See you there!