b'PhotosNtravel(continued from page 47)A few steps from the Inn, stands a lighthouse and a gazebo, both of which overlook a wildlife refuge. There are fish and birds, and even a small alligator or caiman, a viewing, which is a must for a trip to central Florida.When you have thoroughly exhausted your stay, continue west to St. Armands, located outside of Sarasota on Floridas gulf coast. Like Mount Dora it is another must see destination, especially if you want to escape the tourist bustle for which Florida is so famous.A little more popular than Mount Dora, St. Armands is also quite a bit larger. The central part of the city, which caters to tourists, is divided into four quadrants, each of which centersOne of the many picturesque staircases in Charleston.around the fountain. During severe rainstorms, the centre area floods, however, this does little to distract from making your visit a fun experience.Depending on your tastes, the shops of St. Armands should fulfill everyones desire. There are many clothing stores, most of which, cater to sunshine patterns of brightly coloured floral designs. Mens shops carry the latest fashions to look your best on the golf course or on the beach (no, I did not buy a Speedo).I continued south, bypassing Miami but stopping at the Coral Castle, near the town of Homestead. Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant, who built it to entice his sweetheart to marry him, constructed the castle. Sadly, she was not interested, and never made the trek to be with him.The structure is made of numerous large stones, each weigh- One of the many coral buildings in the Coral Castle.ing several tons. They have been painstakingly sculpted into a variety of shapes, including walls, tables, chairs, a water foun-tain and a sundial.Coral Castle is noted for legends surrounding its creation that claim Leedskalnin using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities, to move and carve the stones, built it single-handedly.It took more than 28 years to build, and was finished in 1920. Visiting will take an hour or two, but the uniqueness of the site makes it well worthwhile.JonathanvanBilsensphotosNtravelTVshowcanbe watched on RogersTV and YouTube. The March episode fea-tures Savannah, Charleston and Florida. To follow Jonathans travel adventures visit photosNtravel.comThe famous porch at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora.Celebrating our 39 year Anniversary!TM905.985.2268TICO #4577532158 Casimir Street, Port PerryJanet Jean Virginia Colleen www.marlintravel.ca/123448FOCUS - MARCH 2023 TM'