While I was resting and researching something about our future trips, I stumbled across a website that offers day trip tours. It piqued my interest, and I suddenly remembered hearing about it a few years ago. It turned out to be exactly what I had been looking for, and the day trip sounded so interesting. So why not?
Ace had enjoyed riding shuttle and airport buses over the past several months, so why not partake in a day trip for one full day?
I came across an offering about Solomon's Castle in Ona, Florida. While on the way down south, I noticed very smoky fog. Yes, that's a three-letter city—Ona. Ona is just a few miles east of Bradenton, Florida, and it is very remote and country. I can't imagine living there without transportation. It would be many miles to walk to the nearest store. It was fascinating to learn that the castle is well hidden and not visible from any highways or rural roads.
Ace gawked at the metal-covered castle, which was repurposed from scraps the artist had found in junkyards and scrap yards. The castle was built by Howard Solomon, a self-taught artist who began constructing it in 1974. He used discarded aluminum printing plates and salvaged materials to cover the structure, transforming what others had thrown away into a remarkable artistic sanctuary. He lived and worked there, dedicating his life to creating sculptures and structures from repurposed objects, quietly building his vision in the middle of remote Florida.
Once we got inside the castle, it was an exhilarating sight. I could not believe how much time and devotion Howard Solomon had invested in building his masterpieces and centerpieces. I really admired the life he chose—where you work, focus on art, and live quietly without outside drama. It was hard to believe that we were able to feel and experience everything that had been created from repurposed scraps.
Ace navigated very well, even with the unique open slotted wooden stairs—old pieces that someone had once tossed away as trash. Everything that had been discarded was given new life, and Ace experienced it all through the rich scents of the repurposed materials.
We had an enjoyable lunch on the boat in the moat. It was so unique, and the lunch was super delicious and authentic.
Afterward, we explored the scenery around the castle. It was gorgeous, the weather was pleasant, and Ace confidently knew the way back to where we had been dropped off.
It was such a wonderful trip, and we will definitely keep up with more day trips so we can continue to enjoy new experiences away from home. It was another phenomenal experience under Ace's belt.
Here's a video that features several photos woven throughout the clip.
Next up, we will have another day trip—this time to somewhere in Orlando, Florida. Keep your eyes peeled for it in a few weeks!