点评:We were in town to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Among the destinations we wanted to visit were Sunken Gardens since we are intrigued with "Old "Florida" which is rapidly disappearing. It was officially opened as "Turner's Sunken Gardens" in 1903 when George Turner, a plumber and gardener, "drained a shallow lake which had filled an ancient sinkhole and dropped 15 feet below street level to provide a rich soil to grow fruits and vegetables from all over the world."
One of Florida's oldest family-owned roadside attractions is now a restored botanical garden. After three days of being downtown and "museumed-out," we spent our last day in this quiet, shaded oasis not far from the noise of downtown. We had a B1G1F coupon from the Discover Downtown Guide and Map which when combined with a senior discount we paid $12 for both of us. After three museum days, this was the most reasonably priced attraction we visited. In 1924, visitors paid $.25 for a stroll through the lush gardens.
Check-in is efficient; you are given a map of the gardens with the number of stickers attached to the back of the guide indicating how many are in each party. I would suggest using the restrooms at check-in before heading out. No restrooms are available in the 24-stop self-guided tour. Educational programs, workshops, special events, and tours are available. The gardens are also a favorite setting for weddings and receptions.
The map shows shaded ADA accessible paths and picnic tables. Some of the meandering walkways are uneven; good walking shoes are recommended. Lots of benches are available for sitting.
Plants and trees from around the world grace the gardens. Madagascar, Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Africa, New Guinea, South America, Australia and other countries are represented. Geriatric exotic birds have a safe haven at Sunken Gardens when their owners can no longer care for them. Among them are macaws and an endangered Umbrella Cockatoo. The Chilean Flamingos were having a grand time finding morsels in the water while squawking at each other; they are identified by their pink joints and unusual, black-tipped bills. We waited for a few minutes for the Laughing Kookaburra from Australia to call but he wasn't having it.
Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Sunday Noon-4:30 p.m. Parking is free in the large lot also shared with Carrabba's Italian Grill. We got takeout after our visit. Win-win!
翻译:我们来这里是为了庆祝我们的五十周年结婚纪念日。我们想去的目的地之一是下沉式花园,因为我们对正在迅速消失的“老佛罗里达”很感兴趣。1903 年,水管工兼园丁乔治·特纳“排干了一个填满古老天坑的浅湖,并将其降到街道水平面以下 15 英尺,以提供肥沃的土壤来种植来自世界各地的水果和蔬菜。”
佛罗里达州最古老的家族路边景点之一,现已成为一座修复后的植物园。在市中心“逛博物馆”三天后,我们在这个安静、阴凉的绿洲度过了最后一天,这里离市中心的喧嚣不远。我们有一张来自探索市中心指南和地图的 B1G1F 优惠券,加上老年人折扣,我们两人只花了 12 美元。在博物馆参观了三天后,这是我们参观过的价格最合理的景点。1924 年,游客只需支付 0.25 美元即可漫步在郁郁葱葱的花园中。
办理入住手续很高效;您提供花园地图,指南背面贴有贴纸数量,表明每组人数。我建议在出发前办理入住手续时使用洗手间。24 站自助游不提供洗手间。提供教育计划、研讨会、特别活动和旅游。花园也是举办婚礼和招待会的热门场所。
地图显示了阴凉的 ADA 无障碍小径和野餐桌。一些蜿蜒的人行道不平整;建议穿着舒适的步行鞋。有很多长椅可以坐。
来自世界各地的植物和树木为花园增色不少。马达加斯加、菲律宾、印度尼西亚、巴西、非洲、新几内亚、南美洲、澳大利亚和其他国家都有代表。当主人不再照顾年迈的珍奇鸟类时,它们在下沉式花园里有一个安全的避风港。其中包括金刚鹦鹉和濒临灭绝的金刚鹦鹉。智利火烈鸟一边在水中寻找食物,一边开心地互相叫着;它们以粉红色的关节和不寻常的黑色喙尖为特征。我们等了几分钟,等着澳大利亚的笑翠鸟叫,但它没有回应。
营业时间为周一至周六上午 10 点至下午 4:30,周日中午至下午 4:30。停车场很大,免费,还与 Carrabba's Italian Grill 共用。我们参观后买了外卖。双赢!