Took a Sunday Drive from Tampa South to see what we could see. Lovely countryside – actually, more like continuous, sparsely populated suburbs and industry. Came to the little community of Auburndale and walked around a bit.

 
On the corner of Main and W. Park St., is the Baynard House, built in 1894. It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was the home of Ephraim M. Baynard, a prominent real estate developer in the area and owner of one of the first citrus packing plants. It’s beautifully restored. You can imagine the owners sitting out on the porch sunning themselves on a warm spring day.

 

We were still somewhat intrigued by the moss that seemed to cover most the oak trees in the Southeast.

 

Then moseyed over the Shake Shop – hanging onto the 50’s.

 

Across the street is the Downtown City Park, where a rail line runs parallel to it and, as we saw, is an active line, running directly into the Cutrale Citrus Juices USA plant (see next post).

 

Further down the road is Bartow. We stopped by the Polk County History Center, a beautifully kept building with a magnificent silver metal cupola and clock tower fronting a plaza with reflecting pool. Fun little town to wander around.

 

So, more to come. Love to hear what you have to say about our travels.