Bragabond.Net

VISIT: Snow White's Cottage - Port Orange, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:33:00 +0000

Disney isn't the only place in Central Florida that you're likely to run into Snow White. Just outside Port Orange is the 175-acre Spruce Creek Preserve. This hidden Florida gem is a popular recreation area for locals. On any given weekend, you'll find visitors canoeing on Spruce Creek or taking a leisurely stroll amongst the cypress trees. On the property also sits a cracker-style home built in 1907 by James Gamble of Proctor & Gamble fame. The Ivory Soap inventor came to this area in the late 1800s and purchased the land as a winter retreat. Guided tours of the house are normally available on the weekends.

But Gamble Place isn't the only structure people come to see. Tucked away in a shaded area along the water is a curious sight. At first glance, it looks like a log house that's somewhat out-of-place just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. But venture a little closer and you'll soon realize it's something out of a storybook.

Actually, more like out of a fairy tale.

Gamble's daughter Maud and her husband Judge Alfred K. Nippert were seasonal residents of the Daytona Beach area for years. The couple inherited a portion of the Spruce Creek property upon Gamble's death in 1932. When Maud passed away a few years later in 1937, Judge Nippert continued to visit the property and decided to build his own version of a winter retreat.

For inspiration, Nippert turned to an unlikely source. Not long after Maud's death, Disney's classic film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released. Nippert fell in love with the movie and shortly after designed a fantasy playhouse similar to the Black Forest-style cottage that he had seen on the big screen. Originally, the structure was intended to be for children who visited the property. But over the years, Nippert's vision grew and so did the cottage. By 1938, the building was a full-size replica of Snow White's cottage.

Today, visitors to the property can take a guided tour of the cottage most Fridays and Saturdays. If you're lucky, you might just catch Snow White herself during story time or special events. In addition to the cottage, Nippert built a two-story Dwarfs' Mine Shaft and a Witch's Hut, both of which still stand.

Gamble Place and Snow White's Cottage are located just over a mile west of Interstate 95 at 1819 Taylor Road. For more information, call 386-255-0285.

Dwarfs' Diamond Shaft.

Snow White greets visitors at the front door.

Witch's Hut.

Judge Alfred K. Nippert built this full-size replica of Snow White's Cottage near Port Orange, FL in 1938.

VIDEO: Buttercup Bakery - DeLand, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:32:00 +0000

PHOTOS: Daytona Beach, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Lifeguard stand, Daytona Beach, FL

Main Street Pier, Daytona Beach, FL

Ferris Wheel, Daytona Beach, FL

VIDEO: The Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:25:00 +0000

TIP: Howard Park & Saint Joseph Sound, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:53:00 +0000

Pristine white sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, dolphins playing in the water. Picture-perfect. That's the best way to describe Fred Howard Park near Tarpon Springs, Florida. This 155-acre recreation and nature area is one of the best kept secrets on Florida's Gulf Coast. Dedicated in 1966, the park is named to honor one of the city's former mayors. A mile-long causeway offers spectacular views of the area and links the mainland to the park's beach area. This is where swimmers, sunbathers, bicyclists, fishermen and kayakers congregate on the weekends. In addition to a gorgeous beach, the park also offers a number of picnic areas, playgrounds and public restrooms. When you visit, be sure to keep your eyes open. The park is home to several endangered and threatened species from gopher tortoises to fox squirrels. You might also see a manatee or two depending on the time of the year.

Fred Howard Park is located at 1700 Sunset Drive in Tarpon Springs. If you're traveling northbound on U.S. 19, make a left on Klosterman Road to Carlton Road and turn right. At the stop sign, turn left onto Curlew Place. At the next stop sign, turn right onto Florida Avenue. Travel two miles to the red flashing light and turn left onto Sunset Drive. Sunset Drive will dead-end into the park.

PHOTOS: Clearwater Beach, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:22:00 +0000

Spent the day relaxing at Clearwater Beach. Gorgeous weather and the beach was oil-free!

REVIEW: Ground Chuck's - DeLand, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:30:00 +0000

I'm starting to think this might be the reason I wanted to move back to Florida so bad. Just before we moved to Tennessee last summer, we tried this little hamburger place in DeLand that had opened up in an old 7-Eleven building. It hadn't been open long and decided to give it a try. That day haunted me for 12 months while residing inTennessee. Through all the snow, all the rain, all the days the temperature didn't rise above freezing. I just couldn't get that Ground Chuck's burger out of my head.

So our first full weekend back in Florida, the trek to DeLand was on. Straight to Ground Chuck's we went. The place hadn't changed one bit since our last visit. Fake cows were still outside...the "barnyard" decor was everywhere you turned inside.

The restaurant was hopping. Word must have gotten around about this hamburger joint. We placed the same orders as we did last time. We both got hamburgers with a side of seasoned fries for me and onion straws for her. The food came out in silver dog bowls, just as it had all those months before. The first bite was critical. Would it live up to what our taste buds experienced in the summer of 2009?

I was skeptical. Rarely does a good meal translate over 12 months. But I'm happy to say this one did. The burger was cooked to perfection, the Swiss cheese was melted just enough and the bacon was crisp, but not overdone. And the bun...you know how unique and tasty a Fuddrucker's bun is? Well, this one is kinda like that, just better. The fries were actually better than I remembered them. You could tell they were freshly cut. The seasoning had a little kick without being overwhelming. Yes, I had a taste of my girlfriend's onion straws. Okay, more than a taste. I had a few.

Outside Ground Chuck's on Woodland Boulevard in DeLand, Florida.

My burger came with bacon and Swiss with a side of seasoned fries.

Udderly Good Burgers.

VIDEO: The Chocolate Bear - Waynesville, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:06:00 +0000

PHOTOS: French Quarter In New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devastation on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Here are some Bragabond.Net images of the Crescent City, which has been through more than its fair share of bad stuff in recent years. Let's never forget what happened.

PHOTOS: Lincoln Memorial, Site of "I Have A Dream" Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:34:00 +0000

It was 47 years ago that civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Here are some Bragabond.Net images taken at that awe-inspiring landmark.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Sunset In Port Orange, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:19:00 +0000

PHOTO OF THE DAY: West Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:45:00 +0000

West Texas

VIDEO: Sweet Pea Garden Gifts - Knoxville, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:44:00 +0000

PHOTOS: Move Back To Daytona

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:51:00 +0000

Today was our first full day back in Daytona. For the most part, the move down Interstate-75 went well...with the exception of some pesky storms in Georgia. After unpacking the U-Haul this afternoon, we spent the evening on the beach. Ahhhhh. How I've missed it! Then we had dinner at one of our favorite hangouts...Miller's Ale House on International Speedway Boulevard. The Zinger Mountain Melt was devoured in less than 15 minutes!

Archway at Sunsplash Park, Daytona Beach, FL.

Pier on the Halifax River, Daytona Beach, FL.

Outside Daytona Ale House on International Speedway Boulevard.

The famous Zinger Mountain Melt from Ale House.

NOTE: Moving Back To Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 04:23:00 +0000

I've been taking a break from Bragabond.Net the past few days as I prepare for my move back to Florida. I'll return with new travel posts in a few days. Meanwhile, here are a few old posts you might have missed.

Ernest Hemingway House - Key West, FL
http://www.bragabond.net/2010/07/visit-ernest-hemingway-house-key-west.html
Ancient Spanish Monastery - North Miami, FL
http://www.bragabond.net/2010/06/visit-ancient-spanish-monastery.html
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand - Homestead, FL
http://www.bragabond.net/2010/04/tip-robert-is-here-fruit-stand.html
The Morikami - Palm Beach County, FL
http://www.bragabond.net/2010/06/visit-morikami-palm-beach-county-fl.html

WEIRD: Two Santas and 68 Degrees In The Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 03:28:00 +0000

One week to go before we're living in sunny Florida again. Since we'll be unpacking and hitting the beach next weekend, we decided to spend this weekend in the mountains of western North Carolina. Today we visited Waynesville, Dillsboro and Cherokee. After spending most of the day in Waynesville and Dillsboro, we stopped briefly in Cherokee and then headed back across the mountains to Knoxville. But somewhere along the way we must have gotten transported into an alternate universe of some type. It all started when we made a pit stop at a shopping village in Cherokee. We were about to enter one of the kitschy tourist shops when we spotted an elderly gentleman with a long white beard decked out in red. We watched him as he crossed the parking lot. He entered the shop next door and quickly came out with his friend...another elderly gentleman dressed all in red with a long white beard. It was like a Kris Kringle Convention had just let out. They were later joined by their wives, neither of whom favored the real Mrs. Claus at all. (Hey...I've seen pictures. I know what she looks like.)

About an hour later, we crossed the state line back into Tennessee. We stopped at Newfound Gap for a bathroom break. While it might have been 90-plus degrees in Knoxville, it felt more like a chilly fall day on top of Ole Smoky. As we walked around outside, the wind was blowing, heavy fog was hanging over the ridges and everything just seemed damp. It actually felt chilly outside. In that moment, I could have used a light jacket. We got back in the car and the temperature read 68-degrees. That reality caused some mild goose bumps to form. I looked at my girlfriend and she looked at me. She said, "Two Santas and 68 Degrees...Yeah, it's time to go back to Florida alright."

ABANDONED: Etowah Motel - Etowah, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:56:00 +0000

The Etowah Motel on Highway 411 was abandoned more than a decade ago. The town of just over 3600 is known for its L&N Railroad station that now houses a museum. Etowah is not a tourist destination by any means and never has been. But the Etowah Motel apparently catered to travelers who came through the area on their way to Georgia. In addition to rooms, the property boasted a full-service restaurant and mini-golf. I love the place for its cool retro sign. Oh, to see this baby lit up at night!

VIDEO: Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen - Gatlinburg, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 01:46:00 +0000

Amid all the bright neon signs and kitschy tourist shops along Gatlinburg's Parkway sits a store that's been around for more than five decades. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in the center of town draws a crowd every day of the year. Folks of all ages have to stop for a few minutes and watch expert candy makers churn out taffy the old-fashioned way. A machine might do most of the work, but it takes an employee to feed the ingredients into the machine and keep it going from open to close. Once a basket is full of wrapped taffy pieces, you might be lucky and get a fresh sample that's barely had time to cool. While taffy logs are the shop's claim to fame, you'll find all types of candy sold here from candy apples to homemade fudge. Believed to be the longest standing original store in Gatlinburg, the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a must-see when visiting the area.

PHOTOS: Camelback Mountain - Phoenix, AZ

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:56:00 +0000

Rising more than 2700 feet above the Phoenix valley is Camelback Mountain. The most prominent natural landmark in the metropolitan area, the mountain got its name by its unusual shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Surrounded by luxury homes, golf courses and resorts, Camelback Mountain is a surprisingly serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the nation's fifth largest city. With its strenuous and rugged trails, it provides some of the best urban hiking recreation in America. More than 300,000 people climb the mountain every year. From Camelback's summit, you can view the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley and nearby Scottsdale. The views are not to be missed if you're in the Valley for a few days and have a few hours to spare. Be sure to take plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. And don't forget your camera. You'll want to remember this one!

PHOTOS: U.S. Supreme Court Building - Washington, DC

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Elena Kagan is sworn in today as the U.S. Supreme Court's 112th justice and fourth female justice in the high court's history. Kagan joins Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor as the third woman currently sitting on the court. Kagan's confirmation hearings had just wrapped up when we visited Washington, DC last month. The U.S. Supreme Court Building at 1 First Street NE sits on the block immediately east of the Capitol. The structure rises 92 feet above the ground and has a facade made from Vermont marble. Much of the building's interior is made from marble quarried in Alabama with the exception of the courtroom itself, which is lined with Spanish ivory vein marble. Opened in 1935, the Supreme Court Building's west facade bears the motto "Equal Justice Under the Law." As of May 2010, the building's main entrance has been closed to the public due to security concerns. Tourists are still allowed in the building when the Court is not in session. Visitors must enter through ground-level doors located in the building's plaza area. Cameras are permitted, but recording devices are not. To find out the latest information about visiting the Supreme Court Building, follow this link.

The Supreme Court maintains its own police force. Created in 1935, the Supreme Court Police continually guards the building, the justices and visitors.

Western facade facing the Capitol. The seated figure seen here is called "Authority of Law." A statue called "Contemplation of Justice" is seated on the other side of the steps.

The marble steps leading to the main entrance of the U.S. Supreme Court Building.

REVIEW: Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro - Washington, DC

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Rarely does a restaurant live up to its hype. When we embarked on our search for the best pizza place in Washington, DC, it started and ended at Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro in the heart of Chinatown. My girlfriend had heard glowing reviews about Matchbox and couldn't leave DC without trying it.

We went on a Friday night. Chinatown was buzzing with thousands of locals and tourists. When we arrived at Matchbox, we were told it would be a thirty-minute wait. After standing outside in the heat and humidity for exactly half-an-hour, our name was called and we were seated on the third floor. The old slender building is deceiving from the outside. The designers of the restaurant's interior have managed to pack dozens of tables and booths into the interior without sacrificing comfort and style. The space is ultra-modern with a dark and cozy warehouse feel. A steady techno beat is piped through the sound system which adds to the hip ambiance.

Even with every table in the building occupied and dozens more lined up outside to get in, the service was smooth and highly efficient. Our water and beverage glasses were continually filled at the first sign of them getting low. And our server was on his game despite juggling multiple tables on two different floors.

Matchbox is famous for two items...pizza and sliders. Yes, that's not a misprint. Sliders are a specialty at this uber pizza place. We ordered them both...sliders as the appetizer and a pizza for the main course. When the sliders arrived, we almost couldn't find them on the plate. That's because when you order sliders from Matchbox, they're presented completely covered by a mountain of onion straws, which were the best I've ever tasted and an unexpected bonus. After tasting the sliders, I now understand why they're the most popular item on the menu. Just by looking at them, they might seem plain. A miniature piece of beef between a small toasted bun. But once you pop them in your mouth, there's no need to add anything. No mustard, no ketchup can add to perfection. The sliders are actually topped with a healthy sprinkling of Parmesan...the right amount to give them a little something extra without detracting from the flavor of the meat and the bun. Like I said...they are perfection.

As soon as we finished with our sliders, the pizza came to the table. Not since my beloved Mario the Baker Pizza in Miami have I seen pepperonis this small and, as my girlfriend would add, this "adorable." We got a combination of pepperoni and spicy sausage. Unlike most pizza places, when this pie was placed in front of us, it was ready to eat. There was no sitting around for five minutes waiting for it to cool so you don't burn the roof of your mouth. The Matchbox team obviously knows when to take it out of the brick oven and present it at the table.

The pizza wasn't abundantly greasy, just how I like it. The mini pepperonis were baked just enough to have a little curl to them. And while I'm not always the biggest fan of sausage, the spicy sausage bites on this pizza were amazing. They had enough kick to keep you drinking, but not so much as to leave a bad aftertaste.

The brick oven crust was one of the best I've ever tasted. Not too thin, not too thick. And done just right with a slight blistering on the edges. It was topped by a light and sweet oregano sauce and mozzarella cheese. Each bite got better as I went along and the small pie was gone by the end of the night, a rarity for us since we always have leftovers.

The check was given to us promptly and we were off to explore the rest of Chinatown. While it may sound weird to go to a pizza place in the middle of Chinatown, Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro is not to be missed when visiting the nation's capital. And for once, a restaurant has lived up to the hype.

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro is located at 713 H Street NW. Another location has recently been added on Capitol Hill at 521 8th Street SE. For more information, visit their website.

One last look at the famous Matchbox slider.

PHOTOS: White House - Washington, DC

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Here are a few beauty shots from outside the White House in Washington, DC. Until 1901, the White House was primarily known as the "Executive Mansion" and the "President's House." It wasn't until President Theodore Roosevelt's administration that the name was officially changed to the White House.

More photos after the jump.

The iconic North Portico of the White House.

Detail of the White House windows.

Fountain on the North Lawn of the White House.

The South Lawn of the White House is often the scene of ceremonial arrivals and special celebrations like the Easter Egg Roll each spring. This shot was taken just after Marine One landed with President Obama.

TIP: A. Schwab Dry Goods Store - Memphis, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Velvet Elvis paintings, voodoo supplies, hamburger-shaped hats and the largest granny panties you've ever seen. You can find everything you're looking for (and everything you're not) at A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store in Memphis, Tennessee. In business at the same Beale Street location since 1876, A. Schwab's has become a local institution and a popular tourist stop. While you won't find high-quality merchandise here, you will have a few laughs and walk away with some good memories. It's an authentic general store right down to to the creaking hardwood floors and nickel candy. And speaking of authentic...don't miss the store's little museum between the first and second floors. There's all types of memorabilia from A. Schwab's early days and a variety of antiques collected by the owners over the years. The great thing is...none of it is under glass. You're welcome to touch, as long as you don't break anything. A. Schwab's is open 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday.

A. Schwab's in Memphis is one of the best examples of an old-time general store I've seen located in an urban area.

Between the first and second floors is a little museum about the store. This register was used during the early years.

Move over Pringles. Here's Lay's Potato Chips in a can.

A. Schwab's collection of antiques.

Main floor of A. Schwab's as seen from above.

VIDEO: Thomas Tavern Gifts and Smoke Shop - Dandridge, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 +0000

VISIT: Sun Studio - Memphis, TN

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Goodman) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:44:00 +0000

Roy, B.B, Jerry Lee, Johnny and Elvis. Just some of the music legends who have recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Producer Sam Phillips opened the studio in 1950 and it became the "birthplace of rock-n-roll" a year later when Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner recorded "Rocket 88." But it's Elvis Presley's 1954 recording of "That's Alright, Mama" that put the studio at 706 Union Avenue on the map. For 12-bucks, visitors can take a short, informative tour of the facility and learn why Sun Studio was so important to the evolution of music. Many of the young tour guides are recording artists themselves and provide an interesting perspective on the National Historic Landmark. Following the tour, you can grab a milkshake and a Moon Pie in the cafe or purchase a souvenir t-shirt. Sun Studio is open daily and tours are offered every hour. Young children are not allowed on the tour.

Giant guitar hanging above the door to Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

Windows at Sun Studio are covered in large photos of the performers who have recorded there.

The section of Union Avenue in front of Sun Studio has been renamed Sam Phillips Avenue in honor of legendary record producer.