The Florida Secrets Story

In 1988 Ron and Patty Wilson (right)
were looking for something different
to do one weekend. Ron suggested
to his wife that they travel to the
Ocala area from their home
in Sarasota.

Patty was not enthused with the idea,
but kept an open mind. Before the
weekend was over the couple had
discovered many "Secrets" that
Florida has to offer. Among their
findings on that first trip were:
Micanopy, "The little town that
time forgot"; Marjorie Rawlings
Cracker Homestead; the majesty
of horse country and
Rainbow Springs.

For the next several years Ron &
Patty criss-crossed the state on
weekend trips, staying in Bed &
Breakfasts and historic hotels. On
an excursion to the Tallahassee
area they were told about caverns
located about one hour west. The
visit to the Florida Caverns made
up their minds to write a book
about the lesser-known
"unique destinations"
in the state.

Various names were considered for the
guide book, including Florida Pathfinder,
Florida Adventurer, and Florida Companion.
Florida Secrets Bed & Breakfast & Beyond
(right) was produced in 1997 and published
in 1998 with the help of graphic designer
and artist Alec Trapheagen. Alec created
a "Treasure Map" that folded out of
the back of the book with captivating
artwork and a quick-find reference.

The book was picked up by Barnes &
Noble and other bookstores. With this,
the Wilsons began giving lectures
and doing book signings. The book
sold out in one year. At that time 
it was decided to create a
Web site www.floridasecrets.com

The Wilsons again called on Alec T.
  for the graphic design and set-up
of the Web site which was rolled out
in 1999. Later that year the Florida
Secrets Journal, a printed quarterly
was introduced as well.

In 2000 Phil Lieberman (right) brought
his talents and enthusiasm to the
project and became our editor. Like
the Wilsons, Phil and his wife Rosalind
have a wanderlust that is a
prerequisite for anyone involved
with the "Insider's Guide to Florida".

The book is now out of print but it
may have a second issue in the
future. Alec T. has moved on;
Kevin Bodo is now providing the
Web site graphics.

  Florida Secrets continues to seek out
those interesting and unique gems
that are just around the
bend in the road.

Mission Statement

Best friends: Suzanne, Darsie & Charlotte
                        Strothers

   

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