Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited and hiked the Starkey Park Short Loop in New Port Richey, Florida — an easy nature route through the sprawling Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Covering approximately 3.9 miles, this scenic loop offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in western Pasco County. With pine flatwoods, wetlands, prairie habitats, and quiet forested sections, the trail showcases a side of Florida that many visitors never get to see. Despite being located just minutes from growing residential areas and busy Gulf Coast communities, much of Starkey Park feels wonderfully remote and untouched. 🌲 Exploring Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is one of the largest protected natural areas in the region. The park preserves thousands of acres of native Florida habitat and provides opportunities for: - Hiking - Biking - Wildlife watching - Nature photography - Equestrian recreation Its extensive trail system attracts outdoor enth...

Simba and I visited Hong Kong Willie’s in Tampa, Florida — one of the city’s most colorful, unusual, and unforgettable roadside art attractions. Some places are difficult to describe because there’s simply nothing else quite like them. Hong Kong Willie’s is one of those places. Part art installation, part roadside attraction, part recycling project, and part creative wonderland, this remarkable property transforms ordinary discarded objects into an explosion of color, imagination, and personality. Everywhere you look, there’s something unexpected waiting to be discovered. For anyone who enjoys quirky attractions, outsider art, and hidden gems, Hong Kong Willie’s is a must-see stop in Tampa. 🎨 Meet Hong Kong Willie The creative force behind the attraction is Tampa artist Joe Brown, better known as Hong Kong Willie. What began as a fishing-related business gradually evolved into something far more unusual. Over the years, Brown developed a unique artistic vision centered around: - Reusi...

Simba and I visited the Cuban Pirate Graves in Tampa, Florida — two mysterious burial sites tucked inside historic Oaklawn Cemetery. Hidden among the many historic graves in Tampa’s oldest public cemetery are two markers that have sparked curiosity, debate, and local legends for generations. Identified as the graves of Cuban pirates, these unusual monuments stand out not only because of their inscriptions but also because of the questions that continue to surround the men buried beneath them. Whether the stories are fact, folklore, or something in between, the Cuban Pirate Graves remain one of Tampa’s most intriguing historic landmarks. ⚰️ Hidden Inside Tampa’s Oldest Cemetery The Cuban Pirate Graves are located within Oaklawn Cemetery, a site that holds a special place in Tampa’s history. Established in 1850, Oaklawn became the city’s first public cemetery and served as the final resting place for people from all walks of life. Today, the cemetery preserves the stories of: - Early set...

Simba and I visited and walked along the Tampa Riverwalk in Tampa, Florida — one of the city’s most scenic and popular waterfront destinations. Stretching 2.6 miles through the heart of downtown, the Tampa Riverwalk offers a fantastic way to experience the city from a completely different perspective. Following the Hillsborough River and portions of Garrison Channel, this vibrant waterfront path connects parks, museums, restaurants, hotels, public art installations, and some of Tampa’s most recognizable attractions. Whether you're visiting for a quick stroll or spending the entire day exploring, the Riverwalk showcases the best of Tampa’s urban waterfront. 🌊 Following the Hillsborough River One of the biggest draws of the Tampa Riverwalk is its continuous access to the water. As Simba and I explored the pathway, we enjoyed: - Beautiful river views - Waterfront promenades - Passing boats and watercraft - Scenic bridges - Reflections of the downtown skyline The combination of city l...

Simba and I visited the Lake Lindsey Dinosaur in Brooksville, Florida — one of the strangest and most memorable roadside attractions in Hernando County. Hidden along a quiet stretch of Lake Lindsey Road, this giant unfinished dinosaur has been surprising motorists for decades. Unlike the polished dinosaur attractions found at theme parks and museums, this weathered concrete giant feels more like a forgotten dream frozen in time. With its missing head, exposed interior framework, and unfinished appearance, the Lake Lindsey Dinosaur has become one of Florida’s most unusual roadside oddities and a favorite destination for curious travelers, photographers, and lovers of quirky Americana. 🦕 The Dream of a Life-Sized Dinosaur The story of the Lake Lindsey Dinosaur begins in the 1960s. Inspired by the popular Dinoland exhibit at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, local resident August Herwede decided to create a giant dinosaur of his own. His vision was ambitious: - A life-sized prehistoric cre...

Simba and I visited the Spirit Tree in Spring Hill, Florida — a peaceful and meaningful roadside landmark also known as the Wind Chime Tree. Some places stand out because of their size, history, or beauty. Others leave a lasting impression because of the emotions they inspire. The Spirit Tree is one of those places. What appears at first to be an ordinary live oak quickly reveals itself to be something much more. Hundreds of wind chimes hang from its branches, each one representing a memory, a loved one, or a personal tribute. Together, they create one of the most unique and heartfelt landmarks in Florida. 🌳 The Story Behind the Spirit Tree The Spirit Tree began in 1998 as a personal memorial. After losing his mother, a local resident hung a wind chime in the tree as a tribute to her memory. Over time, others were inspired to do the same. What started as a single act of remembrance gradually grew into a community tradition. Today, the tree is covered with hundreds of wind chimes left ...