Originally a sugar plantation, this now garden has had many lives and stories to tell.
The land was first granted to Patrick Dean in 1803, eventually passing through hands and sold to Charles and Joseph Lawton. Sarah Petty Anderson, maiden name Dunn, purchased the property in 1832 under the fictitious name Dunlawton. With the use of a mill, they produced sugar and molasses. Unfortunately, the mill was wrecked during the Seminole Wars and was never able to return to its former glory. A portion of the mill stands today, which is truly magnificent considering nowadays you are lucky if your smartphone lasts four years.
In the 1950s, it became the theme park known as Bongoland. Created by Dr. Perry Sperber, displaying dinosaurs made of concrete. It was named Bongoland after the baboon that lived on the premise. Many of the dinosaur statues have weathered away, but there are still a few standing.
Towards the left side of the park, where all the dinosaur statues are, is a little bit of the trail. You will also happen upon an outdoor staging area. And where there is a stage I must dance!
If you didn't know where they Keebler elves lived, well apparently it is in Florida.
Towards the right side of the park are a few themed gardens. Fluttering among the flowers, I spotted a hummingbird.
There is a human sundial that is super cool! It is set up in the shape of an anchor, and it was totally spot on!
On this side of the park is where you can see the remnants of the sugar mill. Stalks of sugarcane can be seen growing next to the mill.
You can't miss the incredible sight of a giant oak tree that has been around since the Civil War.
A fellow park go-er let me on a little secret. Artists will paint illustrations on rocks and hide them throughout the park. A fun game of "I spy" to play.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden is located in Port Orange and is about 15 minutes away from Daytona Beach. There is a small parking lot across the road from the garden entrance.
So take a detour from the beach and walk through the tales this garden has to tell.
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