50s ROADSIDE FLORIDA

Like to see what Nana & Gramps saw in circa 1950s Florida?


Then this could be your place:

Ok - you eagle eyed readers - Tom's wasn't around in the 50s, but it has all of the spirit of a typical long gone Mom & Pop that dotted Fl roadsides from Jacksonville to the Keys during the Eisenhower decade.

And at 42 years old, it obviously wasn't born yesterday.

Located just south of the St. Augustine Lighthouse on A1A, Tom's has 99.9% of the stuff that you can find in any souvenir shop. But - all under 1 roof - it adds a few things that have not been seen for many a year.

I mean, when was the last time you could shop for a decent alligator head...

... while choosing the best piece of coconut monkey art? 


Hey, my great aunt Viola actually sent me one of these 'treasures' around 1959 - & 'no', we didn't know quite what to do with it then either - but, besides being a dust collector for my mom, it was a great piece of innocent fun for this 10 year old mind. 


And - believe it or not - somehow I still have it sitting in a quasi-place of honor in my closet.

How about that giant clam shell that you cannot possibly live without?

Or that piece of 'southern lawn sculpture' that adds a smile while telling your neighbors a bit too much about your decorating taste?


But the 'piece de resistance' of Tom's is not 1 - but 2 - cheesy 'Florida Photo Ops':

Who could resist the chance to shoot a pic of the whole family in the mouth of jaws?

And where else could you get a shot of your 'deep sea diving' honey...

... with a 'close up', to boot?


This place is priceless, fun & free. 


And you might even learn a bit more about Fl history than in a $10 per person museum.


Or at least pick up a $4.99 fine piece of Fl art...

...that your kids - or grand kids - may treasure forever.