There’s something quite wonderful and charming about vintage Florida kitch. If I ever find a true vintage Florida souvenir tablecloth in a thrift store, I may cry. Despite what people might think, Sarasota still has a few places that seem slightly frozen in time and you can experience a little piece of old Florida tourism.
Today was a special treat because I got to visit a dreamy little piece of vintage Florida heaven: Warm Mineral Springs. My incredible hairstylist, Jennifer Perez of Shipwreck Dandy, freshened up my middy cut for the summer weather, and since we were nearby, we stopped by this historic and legendary spot. Not only is it on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s the only warm mineral spring in the state of Florida.
When you arrive, you’re greeted by The Three Graces fountain, created by Sophie Johnstone in 1958. The fountain is in need of dire restoration, and the community seems strongly interested in preserving it. Even in its current state, it’s still magical.
Driving down Ortiz Boulevard, you don’t suspect to stumble upon an important archaeological and geological landmark. But when you spot some amazing midcentury architecture, including a round building with repeating triangular roofline, you know you’re in for something special. The round building was designed by legendary Sarasota School architect, Jack West in 1959, and is dubbed the “Cyclorama”–depicting Ponce de Leon’s discovery of the springs.
The springs itself is very old-school Florida. It’s easy to forget that it’s basically a sinkhole that’s been around for over 30,000 years–particularly watching people bob around in the water on their pool noodles. Divers back in the 1950s discovered artifacts and human bones, which likely date back over ten thousand years. While many believe the springs hold special healing properties (heck, you can get some pretty nice spa services on site), the historical value is far greater. Thanks to efforts beginning in the early 70s, the artifacts discovered in the springs are being cataloged and preserved for future generations to learn from.
While public swimming spots usually give me the heebee-jeebees, I do believe this is one locale that’s worth checking out. To swim, it’s $15 for Florida residents, but the staff are kind enough to let you walk through the entrance and look around. If you’re working on your Sarasota bucketlist (all locals should have one!) Warm Mineral Springs should surely be one to add.
Love,
Love love love! WMS is an international destination with visitors from every corner. Local residents forget it’s there, mostly, and concentrate on the new developments further south, but WMS is a special place that needs special care. It has been in nearly constant flux, never really settling on one owner for long enough to really made any major historically accurate improvements. Definitely check it out sooner rather than later, and don’t forget to pop in to the motel next to the Graces to see their totally amazing original desk! (Also, take 41 south a like ways and visit K&K Bakery, an amazing organic Ukrainian bakery that reflects the local eastern European population).
I completely agree! It’s such a historic and geographical landmark that we must make more efforts to preserve it. Next time I’m there I’ll totally go inside the motel. I love that the North Port area has such a high number of Eastern Europeans that the street names can be tricky for Americans 😉