Florida boasts many popular attractions, including beaches, theme parks, natural springs and historic towns; however, some of the most unique attractions can be discovered outside the traditional tourist path. One such attraction is Solomon's Castle – an interesting and unique attraction located in Ona, Florida, which provides visitors with an experience totally untypical for the state of Florida.
Located close enough to the city of Arcadia, Solomon’s Castle offers a nice day trip option to travellers who visit the town. The attraction, boasting a reflective metal structure, stained glass windows, artistic creations, gardens, moat, and a restaurant in a boat, provides much more than just a quick photo op.
What Makes Solomon’s Castle So Unique?
This is not the type of castle that is expected to be found in Florida. Unlike castles built from stone towers and walls in the medieval period, this castle was designed by Howard Solomon, who used his artistic talents to build a great structure surrounded by the forest in Florida.
More than 80 interpretive stained-glass windows can be found at the castle, together with many sculptures and works of art. Visitors can tour the residence of the owner, the galleries and the workshops.
This is what makes the tour exciting. One is not simply visiting an ancient castle but rather seeing how the unique castle has been developed from ordinary materials.
A Castle Made from Creativity
Solomon's Castle is notable for many things; however, one of the things that catches the attention is its construction. The castle is made of used printing plates, which is why the facade is quite reflective. As for the inside of it, visitors will be able to see sculptures and other artwork made out of all kinds of weird stuff.
This place will suit all those travellers interested in arts, architecture, history, and weird roadside attractions because there is always something new to see, and it is a much more personal experience than visiting a museum.
Take a Guided Tour of the Castle
The guided tour would be the best means to enjoy Solomon’s Castle. For example, on the official website, there is a 45-minute guided tour of the traditional castle, during which the visitor goes through Howard Solomon’s castle, his house, and the galleries. In addition, there is a second tour named Howard’s Encore, which has more works by Howard.
This tour would make the visit even more interesting because one would learn about the background of the pieces of art that are exhibited there.
For those visitors who like sites that have some stories, this one would be one of the rare attractions in Florida that would be as interesting as a castle itself.
Explore the Artwork and Galleries
Art lovers will find many items to explore in Solomon's Castle. The castle includes sculptures, paintings, metal art, stained glass art and other kinds of artworks, including even those of strange transport objects.
This variety of the arts makes the castle very attractive. Each room of the castle creates a totally different atmosphere compared to another room, and it makes a person feel that they are in a place full of creative surprises, not in a museum.
It is also worth noting that the castle can be a good destination for tourists who like taking photos, as there are a lot of visual aspects there.
Enjoy the Peaceful Natural Surroundings
While the castle is indeed the main highlight of the location, the surroundings should not be ignored as one of the features that contribute to making the place unique. Solomon’s Castle is located in the picturesque countryside of Florida among oak trees, gardens, and the tranquil surroundings of Horse Creek.
This is a good way to create a contrast between the extraordinary architecture of the castle and the nature surrounding it. One can explore the artistic exhibits inside the castle and then step outside into an entirely different environment.
Make Solomon’s Castle Part of Your Arcadia Itinerary
Solomon's Castle reminds one that there are times when the most interesting places to visit during travel are not those which are the most popular. The architecture, artistic handiwork, stained glass windows, peaceful atmosphere, and the extraordinary floating restaurant make this place absolutely different from any other travel destination in Florida.
If one is staying in Arcadia, one may want to visit this unusual travel destination. It is even possible to combine the visit to this place with other things like, for instance, exploring the downtown area of Arcadia, visiting some of its antique stores, and relaxing at the Peace River. As per Visit Florida, one can easily begin exploring Southwest Florida from this historical and outdoor-oriented city. Oak Tree Hotel will be a nice place to return to after the long day.
Plan Your Arcadia Stay
Looking for something different about Florida? Base yourself in Arcadia and see the sights that aren't on your usual tourist trail. From the quirky Solomon’s Castle to outdoor activities and local attractions, there is a lot to see around here. To get some more ideas for things to do, read about the best photography spots in and around Arcadia, Florida, and start planning your holiday in Arcadia.
