The Hotel Jacaranda

Last night we drove to Avon Park for dinner at the Hotel Jacaranda. The Jacaranda opened in 1926 and has been in continuous operation since. It claims famous guests ranging from Babe Ruth to George Burns and Gracie Allen. During World War II, it housed servicemen who had come to the area for pilot training. In the 1970’s it was home to Jill’s brother-in-law, Mark Henderson.

In 1988 it was purchased by the South Florida Community College Foundation. Renovated, it now serves partially as a dormitory for the college and partially as a hotel open to the public. During the winter season, SFCC culinary students work in the hotel's kitchen preparing and serving buffet lunch and dinner.

Jill proclaimed the fried chicken among the best she has ever eaten and Glenn proclaimed the chocolate pie “world-class.” After dinner we had a ride on the original 1926 elevator and strolled on the veranda overlooking Main Street.