Spook Hill

[Diznyqt]

Anyone who watches the Travel Channel has probably seen this at some point in time...Spook Hill.

We got really bored the other day & somehow ended up driving down to Lake Wales to check out Spook Hill. First, let me say, the surrounding residential area is so breathtakingly beautiful, with the hills, the lake...it's just gorgeous. We're following signs all over town (ended up driving about 2 hours to find it) & FINALLY found Spook Hill Elementary (with Casper on the school signs LOL). Spook Hill is right next to the school. There's a sign that first sets the mood for the whole scenario...it gives some background info on it & all & then tells you to pull ahead to the white line in the road. When you get there, you put your car in neutral & do nothing. The car then rolls UPHILL! Wild!!!!

OK, so I have NO life whatsoever, but being in the area now, I'm finally getting to see all the stupid little things that make Central FL so unique. This was really very cool. Anyone else been here yet?

 

[tink2dw]

My Dd wants to do this when we go to WDW. How did you get there??

 

[Diznyqt]

If you get into the downtown area of Lake Wales (off of the 27 alternate, 17), there are signs for it everywhere. It's a bit of a run-around to get to it, but it's cute. We went through it 3 times. LOL

 

[montessori]

We went to Spook Hill years ago. It WAS fun! We have it on video and even on there it seems like the car is rolling UP the hill!
I think it is interesting to take a drive away from the Orlando area if you have the time. There are many unique attractions and so many beautiful areas to discover. People so often have no idea what Florida is really like. Of course, it's different from one area to another..South Florida is SO different than Central Florida. I always get a kick out of seeing some hills, the tallest hill we have is the landfill at the dump! Ha! I love South Florida and I love exploring other parts of Florida too.
Spook Hill is cool and it would be a fun side trip for anyone!

Mary Ann

 

[Diznyqt]

I never could get into South FL. I really hated the area, with the exception of the drive-in, Sawgrass Mills Mall & Lox Rd. Central FL really is a beautiful, scenic area & there is SOOO much here outside of Disney! I really like having the chance to live here & see so much of the whole area.

 

[montessori]

Hi Dawn,
I'm glad you are happy living in Kissimmee. I am sure there is more to it than what the tourists see, congested roads, low-quality restaurants and $1.99 T-shirts shops.
I think that your HATRED of South Florida may come from a lack of exposure.
"I really hated the area, with the exception of the drive-in, Sawgrass Mills Mall & Lox Rd."
The Drive-in... I guess it's cool that we have a drive-in, there aren't many left. The Drive-in is also the largest Swap Shop in the nation, it's open 365 days a year. We haven't been there in over 10 years.
Sawgrass Mills Mall... a GIANT mall. I went there once many years ago and vowed never to return. That's all it is, a huge mall built on the very edge of The Everglades. Not South Florida at its best.
Lox Rd... I guess you mean fishing, air-boat rides, nature walks? The Everglades are great for all these things. There is no ecosystem like the Everglades anywhere else in the world. Everglades National Park is a fantastic national resource. We go there quite often and enjoy it more each time.
We have many beautiful State Parks here too, some of them are directly on the ocean.
Although, it's not NYC or Chicago, our cultural scene is always improving. At any given time, we can go to a Broadway show or see a concert, be it classical, rock, country, alternative, whatever you want. We've seen lots of big name comedians here too.
There are HUNDREDS of absolutely fantastic restaurants to choose from here in South Florida. Lately, we have been treating ourselves to the new (for us) tastes of authentic Cuban cuisine. There's a diverse population here, that can make things quite interesting!
There are too many tourists attractions, historical sights, glorious gardens, museums, stately mansions etc... to mention by name.
The Florida Keys and Key West!! Need I say more?
I am well aware of the beauty of Central Florida. I am aware of the beauty of Northern Florida and the West Coast too.
It's true that we have to drive to see many of the places I have mentioned, as you do from Kissimmee too.
But, I am so happy that, with coffee and bagels in hand, we can take a leisurely stroll to the beach, sit under a few palm trees, watch the majestic Florida sunrise, then take an invigorating morning swim in the ocean.
It doesn't get any better than that!

Mary Ann in beautiful South Florida