Micanopy, a Small Town in Florida
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Micanopy is the oldest inland settlement in Florida. In 1774 the American naturalist, William Bartram, discovered a Seminole Indian Village called Cusgowilla. A settlement was established there soon after Florida became a US territory. An Edward M Wanton was hired to promote it and in 1823 Moses Elias Levy set up a trading post named Wanton, after Edward Wanton and not due to the proclivities of the residents! In 1834 the name was changed to Micanopy after a Seminole Indian Chief.
To visit Micanopy is to step into a serene corner of Florida. With its antique shops, the oak trees dripping Spanish moss and giving plenty of shade, it is a delight to stroll and browse. As well as antiques, the shops have a wide variety of collectibles, folk art and decorative wares. There is also a small Town Museum which is situated in what was originally the Thrasher Warehouse (open 1 pm - 4 pm daily. $2 donation suggested). The warehouse was built in about 1890 and was a stop for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad until the 1950s, when the line closed.
For a romantic stay in Micanopy, the Herlong Mansion is recommended. It looks like a typical "Deep South" plantation house, complete with balconies and pillars, and is set in a lovely garden. The accommodation include rooms, suites or a cottage in the garden. Originally it was a simple farmhouse built in about 1845 by the Simonton family, who were among the original settlers. In 1910 Natalie Simonton married Zeddy Clarence Herlong who was a prosperous entrepreneur and rich enough to remodel the original house into the present day mansion.
Although the outside of the house looks like a model for "Tara", inside it is of the Arts and Crafts style with leaded-glass windows, wood panelling and beautifully patterned floors in various woods. When Natalie died in 1950 she left the house to their children with the proviso that their father was to be allowed to live there until his death, which occurred ten years later. The house fell into disrepair, none of which was helped by the ensuing 18 year feud until Inez Herlong Miller inherited her husband's estate and was able to buy out her brothers and sisters. The money also allowed her to restore the house to its former beauty.
Unfortunately Inez was a diabetic and died at aged 68. She was found in a coma in her childhood room and died a month later. It is rumoured that her ghost haunts the house and legend says that Inez is welcoming presence, which is exactly what is needed in such a wonderful B&B.
British Airways fly daily from London Gatwick to Tampa International.
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Herlong Mansion
Micanopy
British Airways
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British Airways
Micanopy
The Herlong Mansion
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