My fiancée and I made a trip out to the ruins to finally see them after many, many other road trips where we’d pass the signs to it. We went there with higher expectations though, so we were somewhat let down when we saw it was just a roadside attraction. But, when you read the cards describing what it did, you can then visualize how much different Florida used to be in that era, and just how much different that area used to be. It’s such a shame that the river next to it looks like toxic runoff, but the park across the street seems like a nice little place to get away for a bit. Definitely an interesting stop nonetheless. But, I certainly wouldn’t set aside a whole day to go see them; If you’re in the area and have some time to kill, then definitely, go check it out.
Gave this place a shot yesterday to get my wife and I outta the house, so we made the hour drive north. Only to be ignored by three young women/teenagers gossiping amongst themselves for a couple minutes until I interrupted them and asked if we should seat ourselves? I was ignored by one to the point she wouldn't even look at me, one asked if I had reservations and said if not sorry they're closed, and the other one said to have a seat at the bar. So we did.
And we sat for 10 minutes before someone finally asked if we had been helped, we said no, they said hold on and had another person come over, who also said they'd be back. It'd be another 10 minutes (literally) before another waitress asked if we'd been helped, and then SHE grabbed someone else again. Finally drinks were ordered, another 20 minutes later my wife got her Bloody Mary (that was mainly vodka). They didn't have our original appetizer on hand, so we went with a backup, which was never made. My burger was undercooked, and my wife's lobster for her mac n' cheese was overcooked.
When it was time to pay, we were handed the bill, and we handed them the card. Our total was $45.63, after another 8 minutes passed we were told the terminals were down, but just another few minutes. We offered cash to simplify the situation because we just wanted out at this point. The cash payment was appreciated and accepted, but our waitress tried to make off with a 30+/-% tip and didn't even offer the change; she literally opened the billfold saw the three bills and started walking backwards saying bye. When we asked for change back, her attitude/body language changed, she didn't remember the bill total suddenly, and somehow managed to throw out/lose our slip (which she never did find, I remembered the total. But when we asked her, she said "I think it was just $40 flat"...it wasn't). Won't ever be going back to here again, worst hour road trip ever. We honestly thought we were on a hidden camera show, that's how terrible the service was. They kept blaming it on Mothers Day, there was maybe 8 tables occupied in the whole two story building, and outdoor seating. With at least 4 different waitresses walking around at any given moment. Not counting the busboys/busgirls.
One of my favorite parks to stop by in the area. Just because of the variety of views to take in. You can either walk along the beautiful beach, or get dirty and hit the trails.