Florida Roadside Attractions & Abandoned Places - GHOST TOWN IN THE WOODS & The Yearling Restaurant

[@TheAveryusmc]

The 2 story building on the corner in OC was the old train station. Most of the town was built in and around 1915. It housed workers for the old pencil plant in Cedar Key. The small building was the post office back then. We have approximately 100 residents in Otter Creek. The building next to woodworking shop was a general store. The house at 17:53, he passed away about 10 years ago. I live in the house across from it.

[@elianesuding3735]

Nice video! I was working in my woodshop when you visited Otter Creek- thank you for complimenting our work-in-progress mural!

[@joannehiiro1111]

I lived in Gainesville/Williston for 25 years and had somehow never heard of Otter Creek. This video and your quaint wood shop building with the mural make me want to take a drive! My daughters enjoy taking photos in front of murals.

[@rachellestuart7936]

Quick question for you a man named Bob lived there in otter Creek back in the 90's and owned the old historic school and turned it into a church/auction house. By any chance do you know what happened to him and his wife.

[@elianesuding3735]

Are you talking about Bob and Clea (not sure I spelled that right)? She has passed but he still lives in town.

[@rachellestuart7936]

Yes I am. I was wondering whatever happened to them. How is he doing after all these years?

[@rachellestuart7936]

And sorry to here about is wife, she was a really nice woman

[@averybryant6997]

i live in the Gainesville area, and have been to the Yearling twice, the food is awsome, and the History never fails to teach you about the area, FUN FACT: Gregory Peck stayed in that actual house while filming the yearling movie, very good friends with the author as she held swank parties for friends in California, and people associated with her book writtings. she was the first to have indoor plumbing in that area,...ok no more spoilers sign up for the tour and bring Chris with you there are farm animals.

[@TampaJay]

That’s some awesome history I didn’t know about! Thank you!! Appreciate ya much ahead

[@jrbass62]

10:57 I moved to Starke Fl in 1996 from Tampa. I love it here! No constant traffic jams and crime. There is so much more in these areas! I ride my motorcycle exploring a lot. There are tons of back/dirt roads. I ride my motorcycle find abandoned houses,grave yards,businesses. I know of a church in the woods with hitching posts people still ride there horses to church

[@paulw4310]

Starke seems really laid back. I've driven through it many times over the years when visiting the Carolinas. I have to to tell ya, I was really glad when they put in the bypasses; there and in Baldwin. I'm thinking Starke businesses don't share my opinion of the bypass, though.

[@jrbass62]

@@paulw4310 a lot of people thought it would really hurt business. Surprisingly we are getting new businesses! Wawa, Zaxbys,Racetrack and several new mom n pop restaurants

[@lizgibson5266]

​@paulw4310 It took getting used to but now you can go down town and conduct business and get back out. No more 20 or 30 minute wait to get through town.

[@paulw4310]

@@lizgibson5266 Yep...I know for me, avoiding all of those lights in Starke and several more in Baldwin knocked a nice bit of time off of my average time en route.

[@jrbass62]

A lot of us thought the same. But we have added a lot of new businesses. Racetrack gas, Zaxbys, Blue Line BBQ, Wawa, 5 Below,TJ Max, Funzone.. We're doing great!!

[@Chrisss2112]

That tree with a Pepsi sign imbedded in it was cool to see.

[@TampaJay]

Thought that was awesome thank you

[@kirdot2011]

Ive seen a whole bycicle imbeded like that as well as a bumper of a car

[@Luv2tickt]

If you like venison, may I suggest Elk and Bison! Those are actually my favorite game meals! My wife will make lasagna with Elk or Bison, which ever we have in the freezer. Actually, she'll substitute anything "beef" with that as it's so much better. Watch it if you do get it at the store that it's may be 85/15 to give the meat a bit of fat since most people don't know how to properly prepare it. Looooooooow and sloooooooow or you'll end up with a hockey puck the Bolts won't even want to use. That Willie Green memorial is so friggen COOL, and what a nice thing to do in his memory! Well done all around.

[@Crossfirepyro2]

Love these old roadside attraction and abandon places videos. The one thing I miss about Florida & Georgia the most is all the trains.

[@TampaJay]

Thank you appreciate you

[@roneddy815]

The Yearling. I will never forget my brother and I crying half the night after watching.

[@louisviscardi1501]

I love just south in OCALA FL I remember as a kid traveling from Boston to Miami seeing all these places when they were up and running...There is so much History in America that schools don't teach..Thank God my Mom and Dad showed me everything this Country has...Made me the Man I'm today...Thanks for the VIDEO BROUGHT BACK MANY GREAT MEMORIES... GOD BLESS LOU...

[@itzbp9949]

Sad to see these awesome places of history just wasting away forgotten

[@ImBradCrites]

I live in Tampa now, but grew up just north of there in Dixie County. I know that area well. But the locals would laugh you off prounouncing Levy County. Lee-Vee is how it is pronounced.

[@TampaJay]

It’s like when people go to Indiana and try to pronounce Wabash. I’ve never laughed at them tho

[@ImBradCrites]

if you ever want to travel up a bit further north, there is lots of abandoned and some other interesting places to see. Putnam Lodge is a refurbished hotel. The old Air Force Base is now where the High School and a prison are located, far enough apart though.

[@robertk4937]

Thanks for posting. My wife and I take these roads when we go visit our daughter in the panhandle area. Always drive by these places never stopped, you answered a lot of questions we always thought about them.

[@littledabwilldoya9717]

First time I’ve found your channel, Jay. I love seeing these old places, and imagine how life was back in their heyday. My town has the site of an old CCC camp(Civilian Conservation Corp), and acquired an old army tank, put it next to the old town bar/restaurant/saloon, and we have trouble with people vandalizing it, unfortunately. I read The Yearling way back in my younger years. I remember parts of it made me cry. Probably would still, if I were to read it again today! I just really remember enjoying it. They don’t write enough books like that anymore. Thanks for the video!

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Good morning from Gatlinburg TN Mr Jay ... Next time you're in Gatlinburg, you should do something like THIS in the Smokies 🌄🏞️🏔️

[@cindypowel7517]

What an amazing journey! I bet that catfish at the Yearling would have been on point. Also, 2 be able 2 restore that roadhouse at Otter Creek. What a great place to live. As always, stay away from the Water! & thx 4 taking us all along on your adventure

[@lindablair919]

You and Cris should go there and take the tour of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings house. Her life was very interesting. I bet Cris would love it!

[@philliprizer7751]

I was born and raised in Williston. Levy county. I have family in Gulf Hammock and Otter Creek. We eat at The Yearling quite often and really enjoy it. Love your channel. Keep em' coming

[@charlesroberts6965]

You never disappoint my friend...an amazing journey today and ending at the yearling restaurant and truly some amazing history throughout. Absolutely amazing content and appreciate you sharing your adventure with us.😎🍊☀️🐊🇺🇸⛱️

[@TampaJay]

Thank you ! Appreciate you

[@leearmstrong2743]

Mornin Jay!! Love these videos!!

[@TampaJay]

Morning Lee thank you!

[@tylerjones2695]

Love these, a whole different world if you get off the interstate

[@leospring6264]

That Pepsi thermometer in the tree was wild. Florida backroads are amazing.

[@philiprife5556]

Hey Jay, thanks for showing us around. I like your "thinking-out-loud" commentary and I'll be watching more of your content.

[@trish5556]

You need to watch the movie The Yearling as well. And, back when we lived in Ocala in the 90's they filmed the Cross Creek movie with Mary Steenburgen in that area. They strewed leaves all over the roads in Micanopy to cover the pavement because back in Ms. Rawlings days it was dirt roads. I am glad you shared the restaurant because I had forgotten my husband and I ate there in the 90's and I tried gator the first time. We went to the Rawlings house many times and they had a lady who would cook in the kitchen and share the goodies. I am not sure if they still do that, but the house and grounds are cool. There used to be an orange grove there.

[@DustyPawPaws]

Oh No! I have gone to MK Rawlings home many, many times over many years. I just love so much of Florida history. Have lived outside of Ocala for many years so I am close to Cross Creek etc. I was so down 2 years ago when we stopped at Ms. Rawlings homestead once again I love it so much..and I was heartbroken. We were the only 2 people there as it was later in the afternoon. I wanted once again to walk through the home and it is not free anymore. I did not really care about the money but the young girl that is working there now said we could not go in without her, that she gives a tour. But she was closing up to come back another time. There always was a lady that watched over the house in all the years past. You could walk around in the house and bunkhouse, barn and property and feel you were there so many years ago when MS. Rawlings was there. We started walking to the path we came in on and we stopped a second to look at the chickens. I have chickens myself, and the gal put them in a small falling apart rustic coop and I said .." any fox or ,what not. ever kill them and she was so insulted and said roughly, No and you just jinxed my chickens!!! Well dang ! I had to make a Fort Knox out of a stall in the barn because of small predators! Anyway I was bummed out for months and have not gone back. I stick to Micanopy only now on a Sunday. Anyway maybe there have been those that were stealing things from Ms. Rawlings home and property. Things never stay the same.😪

[@scarystardust5175]

The Pepsi tree is my favorite thing for today. Very cool explore.

[@jenwright9701]

YOUR BRAVE FOR WALKING THROUGH ALL THE BRUSH AND WHATNOT I WOULD BE AFRAID OF SNAKES AND ALL THAT FUNK IN FLORIDA

[@Jsteng08]

I absolutely love these videos You never know what you’ll stumble on when you do these adventures 👍👍🦩🦩

[@TampaJay]

Thank you

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

I totally loved this Jay! Hubby and I always look for abandoned and historic when ever we travel! You inspire me to start a channel....people appreciate adventures by others filming Not everyone can travel and see the country....this is so much fun to watch! Thanks Jay! Julia and Bill Aka Black Cat 🖤🐈‍⬛

[@TampaJay]

Thank you both! Appreciate y’all

[@sandman4384]

Nice going restaurant was fantastic

[@386ghosthost2]

Love the yearling good food lots of taxidermy of Florida critters our family graveyard is in cross creek use to have big family reunions in the 70s 80s and started fading out in the late 90s

[@rogue292011]

Cool thanks for this video. I never knew there was a restaurant in Otter Creek called the Yearling. I love that old movie with Gregory Peck. I remember as a child watching it so many times with my grandpa. He was into old movies from the 50s, 60s, 70s family movies like the Yearling, Daniel Boone, Davey Crocket, Disney family movies back then like Swiss Family Robersons, The Wilderness Family trilogy. But enough about the classic I grew up on. Thank you for revisting old towns like that and just sharing your adventures with us Tampa Jay. I have try visit Otter Creek myself now.😊😊😅

[@daniM3636]

I live in Tampa Bay area now but this gives me my old roots from moving here. Started in Mango, Brandon, Chiefland, Old Town, Trenton, Gainesville, Interlachen, Orange Park and Jacksonville and now back to Tampa area. This is some old school Florida for sure! Not what people think of from Florida. Also, I’ve said before, always be careful and should have someone with you!

[@MadRiverHomestead]

Cool video! My mom was born and raised in Gulf Hammock, and I have many memories of going there as a child. In fact, I fished in the creek next to the white building at around 5:50, while my mom and uncle visited the people who ran the store.

[@andyokus5735]

In the 60's my family used to eat there. It was much simpler. An old gentleman used to walk around the tables playing the violin. He had the greatest smile. By the way I played with Wille Green many times in the Blues Club in Palatka. Everyone loved Willie. Eating at the " Cross Creek" ( Original name in the 60's, I may be wrong) was one of the few good memories of my childhood. Thanks Jay.

[@aaronaaron4137]

So classic place 😮😮 and creepy too

[@JK-dp6ye]

I LOVE these videos you do!!! We've done similar road trips and I've hiked to many old areas. Great job on these and this is mostly an area I've yet to explore and new to me. Thanks for sharing 💯, good stuff!

[@TampaJay]

Thank you appreciate you!

[@juliogonzales5441]

Great 👍 video..Mr Jay thanks 😊

[@thecoolestdad]

Jay, I remember having to read The Yearling back in school. I don't remember not one thing about it though. I really like this series of your vids. I have told you that before. After I can get a new truck, hopefully next year, I am thinking about venturing out on day trips here in my state of Georgia and doing some vids as these are. They are quite interesting.

[@bradbarefoot2986]

The old house you walked around in reminds me of the house used in Porky's #1.

[@craigmonteforte6111]

Very cool video loved the old gas station train and the structures

[@Living_EDventures]

Lots of drama in Otter Creek according to a channel I came across.

[@missy183]

Thanks for Sharing. ❤😁

[@MoviemaniaNick]

Awesome Roadside Attractions and abandoned places.

[@Rev.RatsRides]

G'mornin Jay!! Love your videos

[@TampaJay]

Thank you friend!

[@Rev.RatsRides]

​@TampaJay if you'd like to know more about the caddy and pawn shop in the intro, hit me up 😊

[@BensHalloween]

Really nice places you found!

[@corissa1960]

Hello! I just watched your video and subscribed. I watched several over time and enjoyed them. I used to live in a little place called Citra some years back. When you mentioned the Yearling and Cross Creek, my ears pricked up. I visited Marjorie Keenan Rawlings homestead when I lived there. I was just out driving one day and saw the sign and made the turn. I'm glad I did. I don't know how they conduct business now but back in 2000-01 there were folks there that dressed according to the Era and gave a sort of tour and talked about her and her life there. Please, go back and check it out!

[@TampaJay]

That’s so awesome! Thanks for subbing and sharing that with me. Appreciate ya. much ahead!

[@trish5556]

I remember going through Citra on our way from Ocala to Jacksonville in the 90's. I guess all the citrus packing plants are gone now. We used to visit the Rawlings homestead in the 90's also. There was a woman cooking cornbread that was so yummy one time when we went.

[@OffRampAdventures]

We really like when you're out on the road like this!

[@roseanneweyrauch2886]

My husband and I love these shows, I was born in Florida, and never heard of some of these towns, keep it up😃

[@garybryant6148]

Tampa Jay a very good video, I enjoyed it very much, looking forward to the next one.

[@TampaJay]

Appreciate you Gary! Thank you! Much ahead

[@katherineray4685]

There's also a movie about her life called Cross Creek. It's a great story. Marjorie is one tough cookie. Part of the movie was filmed at silver springs too!

[@techmonkey9758]

Love your video about Otter Creek.....i used google maps and found they even had an own race track right on the road side.

[@robinlee6295]

"Earl's Dead, Cadillac for Sale". Your opening reminded me of that Jimmy Buffet song! Love the old abandoned places in Florida!

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

Willie Green videos of his music at the Yearling is definitely available . Hubby looked him up. He was exceptional. RIP WILLIE❤

[@TampaJay]

Thank you! Wish I could have met him

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

@@TampaJay ❤️

[@hhoufek1]

Totally enjoy your videos, efforts, and time spent with your hobby. People never look back to the past and think of history. It's after the fact and self imposed, wish I would of spent more time with my grandma's ( widows ) and learned about my heritage. Always liked the old farmhouses and would sometimes stop and walk inside hoping the walls could speak to me about years past. Thank You Sir and be safe in your travels..Harold 32563 Gulf Breeze and Pensacola

[@RoadTripsWithYogi1968]

Very interesting episode Jay. Lots of abandoned, and The Yearling looked pretty neat. Thank you for sharing.👍🙂

[@user-ru6om1qb3q]

i just found you and you're amazing. I've lived in pompano beach fl for 47 years and this is awesome. thanks

[@maketrax1]

The Yearling is a great restaurant. While all the food is great, they have the best venison I've ever had!

[@gilbertgranby9339]

I Wish we could get Yuengling in IL. I enjoyed some at a Bar & Grill with My Brother and his GF at the time. Many, Many Years Ago. Classic Old School Beers. Nice Place. Stay Safe in Your Travels 😎✌️

[@joycemaxwell6399]

This was one of my favorites!! Loved reading the Yearling and Cross Creek when I moved to Florida. Keep up the good work!

[@user-yq6xp9qq4w]

WILLY Instrument was Dobro , this place open the year I was born 😂 I've enjoyed this video

[@joangravel2436]

Thanks for another awesome video

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I love driving through that part of Florida. That’s some really awesome stuff you found.

[@noellesimagination7813]

The yearling is a good story. Thanks for sharing. Get some rest.

[@btim50]

Thanks for sharing this with us i sure enjoyed it

[@user-df4vw3il7t]

Thank you for sharing i really enjoyed this video! I hope to see more !!!!

[@henryf.ky.3415]

Thank ya kindly. Good video. Love the Yearling restaurant.

[@karenpatterson1691]

Jay, I love your travels but you blew this amazing piece of history. Marjorie kinnan Rawlings was an amazing woman. Lived in a hostile place, gators mosquitoes. Write impressive books. Her book Cross Creek caused a huge rift in the community. Her neighbors thought she was talking about them. Marjorie was a hero. I have her Cross Creek cook book. You love Florida,bread a little bit more. This place is an amazing piece of history.

[@karenpatterson1691]

I meant read not bread 😂

[@vickys7370]

I’ve got a list going of things to check out between you and Cris 🤗love all you both film , Thankyou 🤗

[@pistolpaulie4871]

I miss Willie!! Good friend of mine he was!

[@garyhooks445]

The Yearling was my Dad's favorite movie.

[@roneddy815]

TAMPA JAY watch the original movie. It will bring a tear to your eye. Excellent movie.

[@gilbertgranby9339]

During Hurricanes and Tornadoes; it's Not that the Wind is Blowing. But, What the Wind is Blowing. And, there ya go; Pepsi sign imbedded in a tree 😎✌️

[@jasonschannel1315]

@Tampa Jay cool video man.

[@CristheGirl]

I love you!❤️

[@TampaJay]

I love you!

[@seanpendergast1283]

Great blog you blog is a lot of fun keep it up my friend 😊

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting/informative/entertaining.A wonderful way to spend Saturday afternoon ( 6-8-24 ). Baking my infamous banana/cherry bread. Viewing this presentation sweating over the old wood oven-!!!😉. Currently residing along the " Space Coast " 🚀of Cape Canaveral Florida🐊🐊🐬🐬. Wishing viewers a safe/healthy/prosperous (2024). 🌈🎉💵😉

[@kimberlylyerly2207]

Wow, amazing find. I remember "The Yearling". 😊

[@robertpace9185]

I love your hoodie!!!! I used to go to the Kersey Valley Spookywoods every year. I'm from NC but live in South Florida now. Love that place. One of the best Halloween attractions EVER ANYWHERE!!!!!

[@JoeysAmazingThings]

Hey Jay! Glad you went out that way. There sure are some crazy cool abandoned places out here! Run into you again soon!

[@sonnyrivera3693]

luv this episode... Sonny from the Philippines

[@kimberlylyerly2207]

Please be careful, Jay. You've seen enough horror movies to know what I mean. 😲

[@jennrat2982]

That's what I was thinking..lol...that one joint looked like it might be housing some squatters..😐

[@josephcorriveau9113]

Hey Tampa Jay Good video today roadside strategic 👍

[@TampaJay]

Thank you

[@josephcorriveau9113]

@@TampaJay your very welcome

[@wayneberry8226]

I like this.......

[@austinglen3568]

Always so enjoy your uploads @TampaJay. This one is truly fascinating! I do still photography as a hobby and would love to photograph (in High Dynamic Range) some of your finds. Not to worry, I never watch without leaving you a BIG THUMBS UP!!! -oxO( 😊 )Oxo- Ps. We live in Clearwater, Florida our neighbor.

[@GilbertNichols]

KZbinr Jeremy Hales (What the Hales) from Ohio has purchased land in Otter Creek. Unlike Mr. Hales tendency to disrespect the community of Otter Creek, I appreciate how you describe the community with respect.

[@BitterDemo]

The Yearling was the very first movie I seen as a Boy that walked five miles one way with my Mother and older brother and two sisters in the 1940's in 1945 if I am right. It was the very first movieof it's type at the Old Regal Theater in St. Joseph, Missouri.

[@jonnyg123ful]

Hey! Tampa Jay welcome to my neck of the woods always enjoy you Chris the girls videos be safe out there

[@rachellestuart7936]

Doc Hollywood was also filmed in Micanopy and Rip Torn used to visit the area often

[@eugenedimitrov]

Jay hey!!! What's up? Another awesome Roadside attractions video as always! Was really looking forward much ahead !!!

[@seramarie76]

Loving your videos. Near my hometown Greenwood, Fl here in the panhandle are a few little old places with some history. Consider checking out Two Egg, Malone, Bascom, and Graceville, Fl. And the outskirts. Near the Al. And Ga line. Several other small towns around. Quite a few relics. Go Rays!

[@markdraskovics1962]

HEY,.. TAMPA JAY Well YA ! I Really Appreciate and Enjoy theses type Of Videos Just Cruising around The back roads And just Checking out Some old Abandon places And who knows What Else you might See In theses videos OK JAY Take care and stay safe

[@TampaJay]

Thank you my friend!

[@mathewhephill8686]

Thanks. I injoyed

[@TampaJay]

Thank you!

[@tomriley4316]

Very awesome video jay great coverage and interesting

[@sharonsiegrist7183]

Thanks Jay I really enjoyed this video. Your sandwich looked amazing!

[@suburbjorn]

This is so weird I was thinking about otter creek but couldn’t remember the name of the town the other day and looking at my map for it and couldn’t find it at all. Then your video popped up on my feed and this was exactly what I was looking for hahaha Thanks

[@kevinsandells9933]

One of your best videos. Really enjoyed watching. Would like to visit that area. And do some camping. Thanks jay. Stay safe.

[@MikeRuh01]

3rd.. Morning TJ

[@TampaJay]

Morning! Thanks Mike

[@Ronaldl2350]

Even though it would take a lot of time and money. It would be cool to fix up that Caddy. You are correct Jay, there is a website and videos of Willie Green playing at the restaurant on that chair. He was a real good musician!

[@Shelly-in-Tampa]

My husband ate turtle while we were in Grand Cayman. It was green. Eeeeeeeew! He liked it.

[@shawnmeyer2788]

Great video content! You came up randomly and I subscribed. We visited The Villages in July. I wish I knew about the Yearling restaurant as we was it that area. Maybe next time.

[@MattTheLizard]

Jay, this is a great series. You gave me some ideas for PCB. Thank you for filming this.