Friday, February 20, 2009

OLD FLORIDA BOOK

A visit to the lush gardens, magnificent mansions, glamourous swimming pools and kitschy gems of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This book brings together for the first time an array of the architectural treasures, vintage attractions and tropical landscapes that still exist in this totally fascinating state.

"Perusing the pages of Old Florida, a compilation of wondrous photographs, one realizes that our state is not getting any younger- and that it is aging gracefully." said Palm Beach Illustrated.

"Although often overshadowed by more commercially appealing tourist attractions, Florida's distinctive historical landmarks, many dating to the 19th century, provide a medley of exquisite architectural and interior design ideas. " Better Homes and Garden Magazine

"Old Florida takes readers on a visual tour to private, rarely seen places as well as the sites frequently visited by residents and tourists." Florida Magazine





The Raleigh Hotel's curvaceous pool in Miami Beach where Esther Williams filmed many swimming scenes.




These vintage beach cabins in Daytona Beach were built in 1939 and appealed to families traveling by car.



The Lightkeeper's House in St. Augustine has been protecting sailors since 1874.


The very vintage Orange Shop in Citra still offers fresh juice and souvenirs to motorists.

The main court of Ca D'Zan, the Italian Renaissance-style palace of Circus King John Ringling and his wife Mabel graces Sarasota's waterfront.


St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens is one of Florida's oldest roadside attractions.


One of the shell-lined grottoes in the formal gardens of Vizcaya estate in Miami.


The elegant Venetian Pool in Coral Gables was known as the "world's most beautiful swimming hole" and has been frequented by celebrities since the 1920's.


The Bonnet House was the Ft. Lauderdale estate of two artists and is open to the public, complete with an orchid house and bamboo barroom.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawling wrote The Yearling and a cookbook while living in this Cracker- style farmhouse.

The Tampa Theatre has been described as an "Andalusian bonbon" and is still used regularly for films and concerts.
The stunning Biltmore Hotel was the centerpiece of Merrick's original plan for Coral Gables, part of the City Beautiful movement in the 1920's.

The epitome of Palm Beach glamour for many years, Mar-A-Lago was the home of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post and now serves as a private club.

The interior of the Historic Bok Sanctuary Tower in Lake Wales has a staircase and bridge made by master metalworker Samuel Yellin.


A Weeki Wachee mermaid at the world famous attraction near Tampa.