Howard Solomon is an sculptor, woodworker and creative recycler. His castle house, which he built himself, is covered in discarded offset aluminum printing plates. Take a guided tour of the inside to see many of his pieces made from old machinery, beer cans, oil drums and coat hangers. Be prepared for some very corny puns. Visitors may also take a walk on the road past the castle to see a perfect, small scale replica of the Alamo. A short nature trail starts from the RV parking lot. If you’re hungry (we’ve heard that the food is very good) walk up the gangplank to the 60’ replica of the Santa Maria that Solomon built to house his restaurant.
The main display rooms of the castle are accessible but the tour continues through part of the living quarters which isn’t accessible due to steps. Visitors in wheelchairs are escorted to the front entrance and may rejoin the tour again for the outside section which includes a small garden and the Santa Maria. The gangplank to the Santa Maria is very steep and wheelchair users may need to have some help. The nature trail is not accessible due to steps and a narrow bridge. The road to the Alamo has a short, steep hill.
A RV parking lot is located before the car parking lot. It may be necessary to back in because there isn’t room to turn around when other RVs are parked in the lot. Castle
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That looks like such a fun stop! Hope you guys are well and happy.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we love this stuff! If you ever make it back to Florida you'll have to go see it. We're all warm and happy down here in the sun. Hope you, Paul and all of the furry guys are doing well too!
DeleteHi Karen and Tony, just getting back to blog reading. Missed all the wonderful blogs. See you are enjoying FL. No sure if you were following are blog but we purchased a home base in Cocoa FL and have been "off the road" for about two months. We do enjoy all your wonderful blog updates and information and informative maps. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteBrings back memories! Found his castle in 1991 while scooting around on my motorcyle from St. Pete Beach. Only 2 buildings then, the main one and another that he had a rental motel room above. He said for anyone renting for a night, he'd be glad to dress up in a French maids outfit and serve coffee in the morning. Humorous character with tons of talent! At the time, he had started to build a moat and had plans to build a replica Spanish galleon in it. Did he ever do that? Great write up!
ReplyDeleteYes, he did build the galleon. It's a restaurant run by his daughter. He's a very energetic guy! You were lucky to meet him. He was on the grounds the day we went but he wasn't mingling with the visitors.
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