Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

Field Trip to a Tea House

By Diane M. Loeffler

On August 10, four local friends visited the Lavender and Lace Tea Room in Lake Alfred. Andrea Olson and I live in Sun City Center’s Community Association, Annette Rawlinson lives in Kings Point, and Pam Click in the Little Manatee Springs Community in Wimauma.

The ambiance was very much what you would hope to have in a tea house. The decor was lace, flowers, white woodwork, lavender placemats and a view of lovely gardens. The staff was friendly and attentive and the surroundings were beautiful. A charming gift shop was just outside the restaurant. When Christmas is near, a separate holiday shop is open as well.

The menu included 16 types of tea, but it did not offer the scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and little desserts I had come to expect in tea rooms in southwestern Tennessee and northern Mississippi.  On that day, the menu offered eight entrees, two salads, three sandwiches, and seven amazing desserts. For the current menu, visit “lavendernlacetearoom.com or call 863-956-3998. Reservations are recommended.

According to my map program, getting there should take one hour seven minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. However, we took the back roads to go to Lavender and Lace. Our scenic route took longer but we enjoyed seeing the countryside. The address is 30 N. Lake Shore Way, Lake Alfred, Florida. If you would like to dine in a relaxing atmosphere offering tasty homemade foods and desserts while sipping on tea, it is well worth the trip.

IN THE PHOTO: Left to right: Annette Rawlinson (Kings Point), Andrea Olson (SCCCA), Pam Click (Little Manatee Springs, Wimauma) and Diane Loeffler (SCCCA) enjoy an August afternoon at Lavender and Lace.

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Palatka – A Deliberate Detour

Palatka – A Deliberate Detour

Palatka – A Deliberate Detour

By Kai Rambow

Nestled peacefully along the St. Johns River is Palatka. This historic Florida town is off   the beaten path, but not too far. It is a deliberate detour with rewarding scenic surprises. Palatka is known for its murals, and they are quite impressive. Most who drive through Palatka, never see the murals because they are located one street over from the main artery.

Here’s a great way to tackle the murals. Park at the Hampton Inn by the river. Go inside and ask for a mural map. If you mention this article, I’ll deny I ever steered you with these instructions. The map not only shows you where the murals are located, but gives a brief explanation of each one.

Some of the murals reflect how Palatka was once a popular destination with swanky hotels and a total of over 6,000 rooms. Babe Ruth even visited the town. One mural depicts an expedition discovering a Native village located here in 1774. Another shows the train arriving a little over 100 years later.

Annie Oakley brought her show here, and other shows such as high wire acts followed.  Musicians from the area made it big during the Jazz Age, and they returned bringing top musical shows to the town.

As you explore the murals, you may also get a feel for the town’s heyday as the county seat. We’re so used to modern Florida, it’s nice to see some history of the state’s early years. It is an interesting way to catch some art, some history and feel for the past.

 

Tips for a Great Trip

When to Go: I do not recommend this as a stand alone trip. This can be a great addition to any road trip especially if you’re heading to St. Augustine or farther north. You could also make the detour from a road trip heading up I-75. It will take about one hour from each side.

You could do this as a short detour or you might want to stay overnight at the Hampton Inn by the river. One reader talked with me before this article came out and started their road trip one day early to have a short drive and activity on day one. This is a very scenic and quiet spot and you can easily take short walks along the river.

Unfortunately I cannot recommend any restaurants as I ate before reaching the town.

When to Walk: Recommend after sunrise or before sunset. You’ll have plenty of light to see the murals and can beat the heat. You can also beat the sun because you’re sure to find shade on one side of the street.

The total distance is 10 short, city blocks. It was an easy walk to the end and back allowing me to resee those murals that interested me most.

Do remember your sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and a hat, if desired. A bottle of water might be a good addition.

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