A friend recommended that we check out Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida on Sarasota Bay, and we're so glad we did!
Located just south of Sarasota and north of Venice, Florida, Spanish Point is a special place that combines a beautiful setting with lots of history. Easy walking trails meander along the bay, through lush tropical landscape, over a footbridge, past a gorgeous sunken garden, and bring you to several pioneer buildings and an archeological dig.
This place is a rare combination of an indoor and outdoor museum that is peaceful, relaxing, educational and inspirational.
You can take a guided walking tour, a tram tour (open air vehicles like oversized golf carts that carry about 10 people - for those who would have difficulty walking), or you can just take your own self-guided tour. We chose self-guided, because, well, because we are independent-minded free spirits who like to move at our own pace. They give you a map and it's very easy to find your way - the trails are wide and every intersection is marked with clear signs. The whole trail is only about a mile and half - a very pleasant and easy stroll.
During the holidays, the buildings are decorated for Christmas and the thick foliage along the trails is strung with lights for evening events . We went on Saturday morning, but I can imagine that it's just magical walking those trails lit with twinkling lights at night.
Come along with us and check the place out:
Starting up the trail through dense foliage
First stop: Mary's Chapel
The chapel fell into disrepair and had to be reconstructed in 1986,
but it still has that pioneer feeling to it. And, there is a pioneer cemetery just outside.
Inside the chapel, decorated for Christmas.
Many weddings are held here at the chapel, and I can see why!
The trail continues, bringing us into the light as we come alongside the bay
It was chilly, which was perfect for a morning walk - made it feel like the holidays!
RVPainter enjoying the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the setting
That's me
The trail continues over a footbridge
Guptill House - a pioneer home in a spectacular setting
Giant, old trees dripping with Spanish Moss
It's winter, so there aren't a lot of things in bloom, but still there were a few:
A beautiful setting for garden parties or weddings. Part of the Palmer estate - the Palmers were a wealthy family that owned the land for a period of time. This portico was built a little before 1920. Can't you just see a crowd of socialites having a garden party here?
Mrs. Palmer's spectacular sunken garden - another popular wedding spot.
The biggest lily we've ever seen!
A close-up, in case you didn't believe us.
Not shown here is the remarkable archeological dig. At the exhibit called "Window to the Past," you'll go inside a building to see an actual hillside that is made from shells and earth that have congealed to form a solid wall. It's called a "midden" and it's actually a kind of prehistoric landfill - which for modern day archeologists is a treasure-trove of information! If you want to learn about the lives of a people, study their trash!! The site dates to indigenous people who lived here during the Late Archaic Period - 5900 to 3200 years ago!! There is a video that shows what life was like for these early residents, as well as what archeologists have discovered at the site and learned from their discoveries.
There's lots more to know, but that's why you need to go yourself and check it out.
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