Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
950 Old Sugar Mill Rd., Port Orange, FL
www.dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org
While terribleness and hatred still swirls all around, we have to just keep on keeping on. Talking to The Big Guy while holding tight to loved ones and friends in dark times makes it possible to find smiles in unexpected places. These times are made easier for all involved by just picking up the phone and let someone know you love them.
My intrepid adventure buddy and I have visited many ancient ruins in our area - (to my offspring…ancient meets ancient… jokes will not be well received) - but I believe this may be the best so far. There’s a cute little house close to the entrance gate offering brochures and more information especially about what the Eagle Scouts have completed and what they are presently working on. It was closed when we visited…we may or may not have peeked in the windows.
They have left most of the ruins themselves as they were found and added informational plaques in various places on the well-kept boardwalk that surrounds the massive cauldrons and machinery. Along with details of how everything worked and who ran which piece was really interesting histories of the various families who lived and worked on the land. Indications of old food gardens are backed up to sugar cane just as in time past.
What sets this site apart from other ruins is the garden surrounding it. We visited shortly after the freezing weather and saw damage to some of the foliage and flowers, but for the most part, the beauty abounds. Seemingly miles of cute little pathways meander through and around natural Florida foliage and some of the biggest, tallest live oaks I’ve ever had the privilege of hugging.
Kids will enjoy the maze-like pathways leading over babbling brooks and under half caves highlighting various types of ferns.(Evidently a fern is not just a fern.) One of the best parts was turning a corner and coming face to face with a dinosaur! The second-best part was listening to the laughter of a couple of kids playing Marco-Polo around and under the bushes.
Judy was the eagle-eye who spotted the human sundial set up, but I found the herb garden shaped like Florida.
Spending an afternoon is well worth the short drive and stopping at a very unique chicken salad restaurant is a great way to wind down and discuss the day. Just do not glance to the right of the cash register, (are they still called that?), where the huge crispy rice S’mores will preclude any smidgen of self-control.
There is no charge for entrance, but donations are welcome. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or dawn to dusk. Tours are self-guided, only service dogs are allowed and they must be leashed at all times. I would recommend sun and pest protection.
As usual, please take only pictures and leave only footprints.
