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The two RV Gypsies visited Solomon's Castle
in Ona, Florida
May 14, 2013

The two RV Gypsies visited Solomon's Castle, the home and studio of internationally known sculptor, Howard Solomon. The Castle was built by the artist's own hand and has a gallery of his art and more than 80 interpretive stained glass windows. The Boat in The Moat, also built by the artist, is a replica of a 16th century Spanish galleon and houses the Castle's restaurant. The two RV Gypsies also walked along the magnificent nature trail by the picuresque Horse Creek. This was a very interesting place, and worth the $10 each of the two RV Gypsies paid for the tour.

the outside of Solomon's Castle
the outside of Solomon's Castle

Two "men-at-arms", one clad in black and the other covered in white (Knight and Day) stand guard at the castle doors.

the outside of Solomon's Castle

A stone pony on the grounds outside the castle

stone pony

The Flower Bed (get it?)

The Green House
(not a greenhouse)

The Flower Bed at Solomon's Castle
The Green House  at Solomon's Castle

Solomon's Castle covers 12,000 square feet and stands (at the moment) three stories high. It's impossible to photograph in the blinding Florida sun, as Solomon has covered every exterior surface with discarded aluminum printing plates. The broad sweeping brick walkway that leads to it is impressive, until Solomon points out that the "bricks" have simply been painted on poured cement.

a metal dragon at Solomon's Castle

The tour guide said that after Mr. Bok saw The Alamo in Texas, he built his own Alamo - a Salamo on his property. Notice the holes in the "cannon balls".

cannon and cannon balls
Karen Duquette at the Salamo

Rooms To Go - and it has nothing to do with the furniture store.

Rooms To Go at Solomon's Castle
Rooms To Go at Solomon's Castle

The famous Boat in the Moat (that does not float). It is a restaurant. The Boat in the Moat Restaurant is run by Howard's daughter, Alane, and her husband Dean. Dean is also the friendly voice on the phone when you call for information, directions or to book a group for a castle tour and lunch, or a night's stay in The Blue Moon Room. All of the food in the restaurant is prepared in their own kitchen. All meals are homemade the old fashion way, using real food! You can dine inside the Spanish Galleon, or weather permitting, on the outside patio under the magnificent live oak trees. You might even be entertained by local musicians who like to drop by and play for your pleasure.

(quoted from http://www.solomonscastle.org/restaurant.htm)

Boat in the Moat sign

The two RV Gypsies did not eat in this restaurant. The tour guide ended the tour at this point.

Boat in the Moat restaurant at Solomon's Castle
Boat in the Moat restaurant at Solomon's Castle
Boat in the Moat restaurant at Solomon's Castle
Boat in the Moat restaurant at Solomon's Castle

The below photos were taken while walking around the grounds at Solomon's Castle byHorse Creek.

Horse Creek at Solomon's Castle
Lee Duquette liked this big tree at Solomon's Castle
Lee Duquette on a bridge at Solomon's Castle

Below: Some of the eighty (80) plus interpretive stained glass windows at Solomon's Castle - planets,
fairy tales and more

stained glass windows at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle

The two stained glass windows shown below are the Nino and Pinto, the boat in the moat is the Santa Maria.

a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
a stained glass window at Solomon's castle
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continue on to see the inside of Solomon's CastleThe Two RV Gypsies went on a guided tour through the galleries and part of the home of Howard Solomon. The two RV Gypsies saw over three hundred pieces of art by Howard Solomon, created with discarded materials; oil drums, broken appliances, car parts and the old steel style drink cans and things most people wouldn't imagine! There is a cost (credit cards not accepted). This was well worth the price in the opinion of the Two RV Gypsies.