Cheryl's View // Solomon's Castle - Ona, Florida

So, what is the last thing you would ever expect to see in the middle of nowhere in Central Florida? A castle, that's what! Way out in the middle of orange groves, cow pastures and hay fields, there sits a "Medieval Tin Castle". Solomon's Castle is the creation of Howard Solomon.

The tale is that he purchased property to build a home and work on his projects, unfortunately the property he bought ended up being swamp land.  After discovering the truth about his purchase he had to change his building plans. Instead of building out, he decided to build up.

The castle is pretty amazing, a bright and shining masterpiece. It is covered by old aluminum plates discarded from the newspaper, you can still read some of the print on the plates. Guarding the castle doors are two armored knights, known as "Night and Day". The windows are stain glass depicting a medieval dragon, nursery rhymes and the zodiac among many other things. The pathway leading up to the castle is a stamped "Yellow Brick Road". This place is a folk art lovers dream!  He really does amazing work and has a great sense of humor and is quite "punny".

All of Solomon's art is made from everyday discarded and recycled items.  He uses most anything he seems to be able to find. Some of his biggest and most impressive are a lion and an elephant made from old oil drums.



There are so many unique, cute, and funny things to see such as his self portrait, his flower bed, the purple dragon, and cats with hearts on their chests.

 Our tour guide was great! He was very funny.  The tour moved very fast and you got to see many of the rooms in his castle.



                                                                                                                                                                              

 A castle isn't complete without a "Boat in the Moat"!  Solomon has created a boat which serves as a restaurant. He says that the boat is a 60 foot replica of Portuguese galleon.  Most all of the windows on the galleon are stained glass and are unique and beautiful.  The restaurant is ran by other family members and the food was good.  Solomon has also added a lighthouse on the outside dining area for the restaurant because if your going to have a ship you must have a lighthouse.  I think it was definitely worth the trip.  I would like to go back again.