U.S. 19 running between Atlanta and St. Petersburg is an alternate route for road trippers who prefer to slow down and experience the country they are driving through rather than whiz past it on I-75. Dubbed the Magnolia Highway, due to the prominence of the Southern magnolia tree in the region the highway runs through, RVers will find U.S. 19 enticing because it is now mostly four lanes all the way to St. Pete. If off-beat and old-school roadside attractions are more appealing than jockeying with big rigs and speed demons on the interstate, the Magnolia Highway may be the route to central Florida for you. You'll also come across many state parks, museums and historic sites in the countryside and small towns along this route. Here is a roundup of just a few of the highlights that can be found along this stretch of Americana blacktop.
Andersonville National Historic Site
The Andersonville National Historic Site contains the National Prisoner of War Museum, Andersonville National Cemetery and the site of the infamous Andersonville Prison (Camp Sumter) where more than 45,000 Union soldiers were held as prisoners in unbearable conditions during the Civil War. Nearly 13,000 died from disease and sickness due to poor sanitation, malnutrition and overcrowding. Today, while strolling the undulating green grounds of the prison site, the irony of so much human suffering occurring in such a pretty locale is not lost on visitors. www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm
Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge
Originally built in 1892, and rebuilt by the state in 1997 after it was heavily damaged by major flooding, the covered portion of this lattice truss bridge spans 96 feet. The bridge is closed to vehicular traffic but a parking and picnic area are nearby. To reach this picturesque spot, take U.S. 19 south from Thomaston and turn left onto Allen Road. The bridge is located a mile on the left, running adjacent to the road. The Auchumpkee bridge may also be referred to as the Hootenville or Zorn's Mill bridge.
Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
It claims to house the largest collection of antique telephones and telephone memorabilia in the world, so a stop at the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum in Leslie should take between one and two hours of your time, depending on how long you care to linger over the extensive and fascinating collection. Highlights include an early liquid transmitter from 1876, 1880s-era switchboards, early pay phones, booths, transmission lines, novelty phones from the 20th century and a couple of 1970s switchboards used by Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign (Carter attended the opening of the museum in 1995). 135 North Bailey Ave., Leslie. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Drag Racing
Even those who don't normally consider themselves racing fans would probably get a thrill from encountering a bona fide drag racing strip on a trip through rural America. Along the Magnolia Highway in Georgia a couple spots exist where you can see amateurs, pros and semi-pros on the short-track circuit rev their engines and burn some rubber. In Albany, the U.S. 19 Dragway is home to a quarter-mile strip of asphalt that hosts racing events each weekend. The Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds has a professional racing strip with a 3,000-foot-long "shutdown area" to ensure that racers at the highest speeds have adequate space for stopping.
Silver Dollar Raceway: www.silverdollarraceway.com
U.S. 19 Dragway: www.us19-dragway.com
Weeki Wachee & Homosassa Springs
Two of Florida's oldest tourist attractions, Weeki Wachee Springs and Homosassa Springs, are located on the Magnolia Highway. Weeki Wachee is a combination of natural wonder mixed with campy tourism. Famous for its "mermaids," who since 1947 have been frolicking in the waters bubbling up from an underground cave system, these springs have been celebrated in song and on screen. Weeki Wachee is also home to a water park, Buccaneer Bay, with many thrill slides and a float river fed by the natural spring water. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a good place for an unparalleled look at the manatee. The park has an underwater viewing platform that allows visitors to see these gentle giants up-close in their spring water habitat. Other wildlife visible at the park include river otters, alligators, black bears, waterfowl, birds of prey and lots more on guided and self-guided tours.
Weeki Wachee Springs: www.weekiwachee.com
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The soaring Sunshine Skyway Bridge that crosses over Tampa Bay marks the southern terminus of the Magnolia Highway. This 5.5-mile-long bridge is distinctive for its high cable-stayed suspension span that can be seen from miles away. It has become an icon for the Tampa Bay area since opening in 1987. I-275 and U.S. 19 join together for the lofty trip across the bay. Stopping on the bridge is not allowed, but rest areas and parks are on either side.
Stay
Steinhatchee Landing Resort. Riverfront retreat with fully-equipped cottages nestled among the moss-draped oak trees near the Gulf of Mexico. Cottages start at $140 (minimum stay may be required). 203 Ryland Circle, Steinhatchee. 352-498-3513, www.steinhatcheelanding.com.
The Windsor Hotel. The crown jewel of accommodations along the Magnolia Highway might be this circa-1892 red brick wonder in Americus. Even if you don't stay here, stop in for a peek at the Victorian-era atrium lobby and a drink and a meal at the restaurant and pub. Rates start at $90. 125 W. Lamar St., Americus. 229-924-1555, www.windsor-americus.com.
Eat
Mama's Italian Family Restaurant. A real-deal Italian family restaurant on U.S. 19 in Perry, Fla., serving pizza, subs and specialty pasta dishes. 2275 S. Byron Butler Pkwy., Perry. Dinner entrees start at $10.95. 850-223-1109, www.mamasitalianonline.com.
Lenny's Restaurant. Longstanding greasy spoon diner in Clearwater known for its breakfast and New York-style deli lunch options. Under $10. 21220 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater. 727-799-0402.
Visitor information
Magnolia Highway road trip planning website with travel info and interactive maps: www.magnoliahighway.com.
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