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.
@elianesuding37358 ай бұрын
Nice video! I was working in my woodshop when you visited Otter Creek- thank you for complimenting our work-in-progress mural!
@joannehiiro11118 ай бұрын
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.
@rachellestuart79368 ай бұрын
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.
@elianesuding37358 ай бұрын
Are you talking about Bob and Clea (not sure I spelled that right)? She has passed but he still lives in town.
@rachellestuart79368 ай бұрын
Yes I am. I was wondering whatever happened to them. How is he doing after all these years?
@rachellestuart79368 ай бұрын
And sorry to here about is wife, she was a really nice woman
@averybryant69978 ай бұрын
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.
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
That’s some awesome history I didn’t know about! Thank you!! Appreciate ya much ahead
@jrbass625 ай бұрын
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
@paulw43102 ай бұрын
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.
@jrbass622 ай бұрын
@@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
@lizgibson5266Ай бұрын
@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.
@paulw4310Ай бұрын
@@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.
@jrbass62Ай бұрын
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!!
@Chrisss21128 ай бұрын
That tree with a Pepsi sign imbedded in it was cool to see.
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thought that was awesome thank you
@kirdot20118 ай бұрын
Ive seen a whole bycicle imbeded like that as well as a bumper of a car
@Luv2tickt8 ай бұрын
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.
@Crossfirepyro28 ай бұрын
Love these old roadside attraction and abandon places videos. The one thing I miss about Florida & Georgia the most is all the trains.
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you appreciate you
@roneddy8158 ай бұрын
The Yearling. I will never forget my brother and I crying half the night after watching.
@louisviscardi15018 ай бұрын
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...
@itzbp99498 ай бұрын
Sad to see these awesome places of history just wasting away forgotten
@ImBradCrites8 ай бұрын
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.
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
It’s like when people go to Indiana and try to pronounce Wabash. I’ve never laughed at them tho
@ImBradCrites8 ай бұрын
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.
@robertk49378 ай бұрын
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.
@littledabwilldoya9717Ай бұрын
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!
@TheGatlinburgHussey8 ай бұрын
Good morning from Gatlinburg TN Mr Jay ... Next time you're in Gatlinburg, you should do something like THIS in the Smokies 🌄🏞️🏔️
@cindypowel75178 ай бұрын
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
@lindablair9198 ай бұрын
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!
@philliprizer7751Ай бұрын
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
@charlesroberts69658 ай бұрын
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.😎🍊☀️🐊🇺🇸⛱️
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you ! Appreciate you
@leearmstrong27438 ай бұрын
Mornin Jay!! Love these videos!!
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Morning Lee thank you!
@tylerjones26958 ай бұрын
Love these, a whole different world if you get off the interstate
@leospring62648 ай бұрын
That Pepsi thermometer in the tree was wild. Florida backroads are amazing.
@philiprife555621 күн бұрын
Hey Jay, thanks for showing us around. I like your "thinking-out-loud" commentary and I'll be watching more of your content.
@trish55568 ай бұрын
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.
@DustyPawPaws4 ай бұрын
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.😪
@scarystardust51758 ай бұрын
The Pepsi tree is my favorite thing for today. Very cool explore.
@jenwright97018 ай бұрын
YOUR BRAVE FOR WALKING THROUGH ALL THE BRUSH AND WHATNOT I WOULD BE AFRAID OF SNAKES AND ALL THAT FUNK IN FLORIDA
@Jsteng088 ай бұрын
I absolutely love these videos You never know what you’ll stumble on when you do these adventures 👍👍🦩🦩
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you
@BlackCat-aka-Jewels8 ай бұрын
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 🖤🐈⬛
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you both! Appreciate y’all
@sandman4384Ай бұрын
Nice going restaurant was fantastic
@386ghosthost28 ай бұрын
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
@rogue2920118 ай бұрын
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.😊😊😅
@daniM36368 ай бұрын
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!
@MadRiverHomesteadАй бұрын
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.
@andyokus57358 ай бұрын
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.
@aaronaaron41378 ай бұрын
So classic place 😮😮 and creepy too
@JK-dp6ye8 ай бұрын
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!
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you appreciate you!
@juliogonzales54418 ай бұрын
Great 👍 video..Mr Jay thanks 😊
@thecoolestdad8 ай бұрын
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.
@bradbarefoot29868 ай бұрын
The old house you walked around in reminds me of the house used in Porky's #1.
@craigmonteforte61112 ай бұрын
Very cool video loved the old gas station train and the structures
@Living_EDventures8 ай бұрын
Lots of drama in Otter Creek according to a channel I came across.
@missy1838 ай бұрын
Thanks for Sharing. ❤😁
@MoviemaniaNick8 ай бұрын
Awesome Roadside Attractions and abandoned places.
@Rev.RatsRides8 ай бұрын
G'mornin Jay!! Love your videos
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you friend!
@Rev.RatsRides8 ай бұрын
@TampaJay if you'd like to know more about the caddy and pawn shop in the intro, hit me up 😊
@BensHalloween8 ай бұрын
Really nice places you found!
@corissa19608 ай бұрын
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!
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
That’s so awesome! Thanks for subbing and sharing that with me. Appreciate ya. much ahead!
@trish55568 ай бұрын
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.
@OffRampAdventures8 ай бұрын
We really like when you're out on the road like this!
@roseanneweyrauch28868 ай бұрын
My husband and I love these shows, I was born in Florida, and never heard of some of these towns, keep it up😃
@garybryant61488 ай бұрын
Tampa Jay a very good video, I enjoyed it very much, looking forward to the next one.
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Appreciate you Gary! Thank you! Much ahead
@katherineray46852 ай бұрын
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!
@techmonkey975816 күн бұрын
Love your video about Otter Creek.....i used google maps and found they even had an own race track right on the road side.
@robinlee62958 ай бұрын
"Earl's Dead, Cadillac for Sale". Your opening reminded me of that Jimmy Buffet song! Love the old abandoned places in Florida!
@BlackCat-aka-Jewels8 ай бұрын
Willie Green videos of his music at the Yearling is definitely available . Hubby looked him up. He was exceptional. RIP WILLIE❤
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you! Wish I could have met him
@BlackCat-aka-Jewels8 ай бұрын
@@TampaJay ❤️
@hhoufek12 ай бұрын
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
@RoadTripsWithYogi19686 ай бұрын
Very interesting episode Jay. Lots of abandoned, and The Yearling looked pretty neat. Thank you for sharing.👍🙂
@user-ru6om1qb3q29 күн бұрын
i just found you and you're amazing. I've lived in pompano beach fl for 47 years and this is awesome. thanks
@maketrax17 ай бұрын
The Yearling is a great restaurant. While all the food is great, they have the best venison I've ever had!
@gilbertgranby93395 ай бұрын
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 😎✌️
@joycemaxwell63998 ай бұрын
This was one of my favorites!! Loved reading the Yearling and Cross Creek when I moved to Florida. Keep up the good work!
@user-yq6xp9qq4w3 ай бұрын
WILLY Instrument was Dobro , this place open the year I was born 😂 I've enjoyed this video
@joangravel24368 ай бұрын
Thanks for another awesome video
@Rossturnerphoto8 ай бұрын
I love driving through that part of Florida. That’s some really awesome stuff you found.
@noellesimagination78138 ай бұрын
The yearling is a good story. Thanks for sharing. Get some rest.
@btim508 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing this with us i sure enjoyed it
@user-df4vw3il7t7 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing i really enjoyed this video! I hope to see more !!!!
@henryf.ky.34158 ай бұрын
Thank ya kindly. Good video. Love the Yearling restaurant.
@karenpatterson16912 ай бұрын
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.
@karenpatterson16912 ай бұрын
I meant read not bread 😂
@vickys73708 ай бұрын
I’ve got a list going of things to check out between you and Cris 🤗love all you both film , Thankyou 🤗
@pistolpaulie48712 ай бұрын
I miss Willie!! Good friend of mine he was!
@garyhooks4457 ай бұрын
The Yearling was my Dad's favorite movie.
@roneddy8158 ай бұрын
TAMPA JAY watch the original movie. It will bring a tear to your eye. Excellent movie.
@gilbertgranby93395 ай бұрын
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 😎✌️
@jasonschannel13158 ай бұрын
@Tampa Jay cool video man.
@CristheGirl8 ай бұрын
I love you!❤️
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
I love you!
@seanpendergast12838 ай бұрын
Great blog you blog is a lot of fun keep it up my friend 😊
@asullivan40472 ай бұрын
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). 🌈🎉💵😉
@kimberlylyerly22078 ай бұрын
Wow, amazing find. I remember "The Yearling". 😊
@robertpace91858 ай бұрын
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!!!!!
@JoeysAmazingThings8 ай бұрын
Hey Jay! Glad you went out that way. There sure are some crazy cool abandoned places out here! Run into you again soon!
@sonnyrivera3693Ай бұрын
luv this episode... Sonny from the Philippines
@kimberlylyerly22078 ай бұрын
Please be careful, Jay. You've seen enough horror movies to know what I mean. 😲
@jennrat29828 ай бұрын
That's what I was thinking..lol...that one joint looked like it might be housing some squatters..😐
@josephcorriveau91138 ай бұрын
Hey Tampa Jay Good video today roadside strategic 👍
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you
@josephcorriveau91138 ай бұрын
@@TampaJay your very welcome
@wayneberry82268 ай бұрын
I like this.......
@austinglen356824 күн бұрын
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.
@GilbertNichols8 ай бұрын
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.
@BitterDemoАй бұрын
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.
@jonnyg123ful8 ай бұрын
Hey! Tampa Jay welcome to my neck of the woods always enjoy you Chris the girls videos be safe out there
@rachellestuart79368 ай бұрын
Doc Hollywood was also filmed in Micanopy and Rip Torn used to visit the area often
@eugenedimitrov8 ай бұрын
Jay hey!!! What's up? Another awesome Roadside attractions video as always! Was really looking forward much ahead !!!
@seramarie763 ай бұрын
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!
@markdraskovics19628 ай бұрын
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
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you my friend!
@mathewhephill86868 ай бұрын
Thanks. I injoyed
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@tomriley43168 ай бұрын
Very awesome video jay great coverage and interesting
@sharonsiegrist71838 ай бұрын
Thanks Jay I really enjoyed this video. Your sandwich looked amazing!
@suburbjorn6 ай бұрын
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
@kevinsandells99338 ай бұрын
One of your best videos. Really enjoyed watching. Would like to visit that area. And do some camping. Thanks jay. Stay safe.
@MikeRuh018 ай бұрын
3rd.. Morning TJ
@TampaJay8 ай бұрын
Morning! Thanks Mike
@Ronaldl23508 ай бұрын
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-Tampa8 ай бұрын
My husband ate turtle while we were in Grand Cayman. It was green. Eeeeeeeew! He liked it.
@shawnmeyer27888 ай бұрын
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.
@MattTheLizard8 ай бұрын
Jay, this is a great series. You gave me some ideas for PCB. Thank you for filming this.