A Journey into the Past...Arcadia, Florida

Arcadia, Florida.....a journey into the past

A recent journey to the quaint town of Arcadia, Florida, located along the southern ridge of US 17 in DeSoto County, revealed just how wide open and diverse this tropical land is. 

Agriculture is the key to this region, the drive, just over an hour from the Lakeland area, is picturesque. The color green, every possible variation of this color, is evident and where the brilliant blue sky and the horizon meet.......it's stunning! Massive fields, a few scrub palms along the roadside and lazily roaming cattle define the area.

The straightest road we've ever driven since a four hundred mile plus trek across Kansas a number of years back, we marveled at the remoteness of this place, only ninety minutes from the major theme parks in Orlando and just over an hour from Lakeland.  Passing through Fort Meade, Bowling Green, Wauchula and Zolfo Springs, we reach the small town of Arcadia, Florida.  With a population of seven thousand plus residents, Arcadia is best known for its numerous antique shops in the historic downtown area.  

The fourth Saturday of each month antique hunters pour into this small former agricultural town, searching, buying and selling their precious pieces from the past. Everywhere you glance, antiques are cleverly displayed, shops are overloaded, every nook, cranny and converted closet, is bursting at the seam with memories from the past.  Whatever you fancy, you'll find.......bartering for a fair price is an art unto itself.  Much like a card shark.......a "poker faced" consumer will reap rewards!

Choices for hungry bargain hunters abound. Unless your famished or "hangry", shop around for local fair, some great choices await.  Many dealers have set up mouth to mouth advertising for their favorite bistro, sweet shop, coffee or tea shop and local food truck. We tried Myshelly's Kitchen on W. Oak Street.  Relatively new to the Arcadia food scene, the place is quaint, super friendly and outgoing, they've got great plans for their little shop. First impressions.....fantastic coffee.  For me, that speaks volume.  A quick bagel, we were on the "hunt" again.....we will return to this little place, hopefully they'll be firmly established in the Arcadia food scene.

As for antiques.....we spent most of our day at the Old Opera House.  Creaky old stairs leading up to the second floor shops, reveal a treasure of........old, older and more old "stuff" from days gone by.  This place, a lesson into the history of the region. Photos line the hallway walls, no space is wasted.  Beware, if you find a "must have" piece of memorabilia, grab on, someone else might find it just as interesting.  Changing your mind is always an option......just lay it down along the way, someone else will take notice!  The art of the find: pace yourself and know what you are looking for.  Return often, the place beckons, as do the Cast of characters that are willing to share their treasures and knowledge of a time gone by.








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