Golden Lariat Travel Plaza
Grand Ridge, FL
Two more from on down the road a bit...
November, 2017
November 23, 2017
One of the best kept secrets in Florida is the Putnam Lodge. Unless you are a regular traveler on Florida's Highway 19 along the central West Coast you will probably never see this hidden gem. Originally built in 1927 by a lumber company, it has gone though several owners and some long periods of abandonment. Now fully restored, it sits in Cross City as a wonderful stopping place. The 25 rooms have been redone but retain a lot of their old charm. The restaurant and bar, including live music, normally only open Thursday - Saturday evenings is an excellent experience- great food and service.
This isn't one of the chain properties we all have gotten used to so don't expect the "amenities"- internet is iffy, breakfast is a Keurig and do-it-yourself pastries, central heat and air, real metal room keys and it takes two hands to get the door open, one electrical outlet in the room, and if you wander down at an odd hour there probably isn't someone at the front desk. BUT if you like somewhat quirky lodging with big chunks of old Southern hospitality and grace, its a wonderful place to get away to and kick back.
November, 2017