solomon's castle

Travelchick712

We've had a number of people tell us that Solomon's Castle is fun and interesting and worth the 1 hour drive from our home in Florida. I have no idea what their definition of fun and interesting is because this is just a tin "castle" mildew house. From the moment we walked up to it I wanted to leave, but my husband thought we should at least look around and have a snack in the ship wrecked boat restaurant. When we walked into the "castle" the mildew odor was overpowering and we immediately left and skipped the tour of the interior. We did walk around the ramshackle property and ate in the air conditioned section of the restaurant and the BLT I had was actually ok. To pay the bill you must enter the "gift shop" that is filled with chintzy nick nacks. Before we left I stopped at the bathroom.....oh boy....had I stopped there before, I wouldn't have eaten in the restaurant. It was like going into a gas station toilet. Skip this and spend your extra time an hour away at one of the area's beautiful beaches.

1516EFL

Saw the sign and decided to check it out. Should have kept on driving. Castle is made of plates of what appear to be tin and for all intensive purposes a child could have done it. Charge is $10 to get in for a tour. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The restaurant is a period ship wrecked boat and may be ok, we did not go in. Our intention was to have lunch there but a stop in the restrooms was a deciding no factor. It was so dirty I would have preferred an outhouse. I actually held my purse in my teeth and straddled the stool. Forget touching the handles on the sink to wash hands. I am one of these people that if the rest facilities are dirty I imagine everything else is too. Nature trails were good and they do not charge for parking

puffkitten

We visited Solomon's Castle March 4 and had a really good time. It is an unusual structure filled with unique things, all created by Howard Solomon, a 79 year old with a very creative and imaginative mind. Art work is created from wood, metal, stained glass, car parts, cans and many other items. The tour is humorous as Howard has named all his art pieces and each has a story. The tour ends in the living quarters of Howard and his wife. There is a restaurant on the grounds run by Howard's daughter. The food is fresh, delicious and reasonably priced so don't miss lunch at the Boat in the Moat. There is also a short nature trail leading you beside Horse Creek.

969ald

Solomon's Castle is worth the stop if you enjoy whimsy, fun art, corny jokes (super funny) and interesting buildings. Out in the country with a pleasant cafe available The castle is a real treat. Very entertaining art work and our guide, Mrs. Solomon, had her patter and timing down to a spot on comedic science - truly humorous. What an interesting place both inside and out. Don't pass it by.PS: Beware of the benches on the castle walk - many rotted slates - a bit dangerous.

DMDavis723

We took my mom here for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. We really enjoyed the tour and the "comedy"! Had no idea this place even existed, but really glad we found it. The restaurant was great! My mom has asked several times when we're going back.

annesZ9031ZY

Solomon's Castle is such a unique place to visit in Florida. Every building and the 1000s of pieces of artwork have been created by one artist, Howard Solomon. He uses recycled wood, metal, steel, and has even created beautiful stained glass windows. His daughter has a restaurant on the property and offers wonderfully yummy home cooked food. You can eat in the ship, the lighthouse, or outside patio which was also created by Howard Solomon. He is always around his guests when not creating more artwork. We are definitely going to make a return visit!

frankw867

First, I would not recommend this for young adults. If you enjoy viewing a castle made of metal and the objects inside the castle made of scrap metal, plus other things, you will greatly enjoy this place. Howard Solomon is almost 79 yrs old and is still making things. He built/made over 90 percent of those things that you will see. Paying 10 dollars for the tour is well worth it. In addition, the family run restaurant has excellent food and i am sure you will enjoy it

bevchar

The imagination of Howard Solomon is hard to match as he has fashioned carvings, sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows, and his whole castle of metal. Titles of his work glimmer with humor. The nature walk is pleasant. The restaurant is very good.

smiley6377

went to see this castle in the middle of nowherewas disappointed it is falling down on the maintenance the ladies room was awefull there was a bus load of people so the wait time for a tour was one and a half hours they only take cash !!!! no credit cards!!!!!!the walk to the restaurant was scarey the planks over the pretend moat were crookedthe tables were full of people waiting for their meals and oak leaves were falling in the drinks and food and there was not enough wait staff

lynnd185

We thought this was a great find! Very interesting and fun. Met the artist, who is intriguing, creative and humorous. We will be taking our family and visitors to this site. A good place to have lunch, inside the boat or sit out and enjoy a local musician under the trees. Must do the humoris and informative guided tour through the art museam and the artists living quarters, both in the castle.

ALB63

For years I have been wanting to visit Solomon's Castle in Ona, FL. It's a good hour and forty-five minutes from Naples where we spend the winter, but I finally convinced my husband to go. What an unusual and delightful place! Solomon's Castle is in the middle of nowhere but well worth the drive. Solomon's Castle and all the metal sculptures and the 80 stained glass windows of the castle were built by Howard Solomon who lives in the castle and has his workshop on the premises. The Boat in the Moat is a restaurant at the castle that serves lunches. The food was good, but the service left a lot to be desired. They needed more wait staff since there were a lot of people visiting the castle that day. Also there is a gift shop and a nature trail. After you pay your admission to the castle, you are given a time when your tour will take place. The tour guides are interesting, well informed and humorous. Although a lot of the art is funky, it is a unique place and thoroughly enjoyable.

LowellB620

Well the artistic talent of the creater is a bit overshowded by the hype for the castle consturciton, but the tours are 45 minutes long and details his wide range of talent in wood and metal. Great for Jr high + kids, can eat there and stay there. Well worth the drive, might go to Arcadia for lunch and antiques when in the area.

dorisg682

After several years osvisiting Florida we finally made a much awaited visit to the castle and had a good time. The flowers were in bloom and we had a bit of wait before our group went in but there was much to see on the grounds. Very interesting to see how every day iteams are turned into a funky type of art, this man had a talent to see things differently then most of us and put it to good use. Took a bunch of pictures and have sent them home. Well worth it.

976stevek

Combine an artist and a quirky sense of humor and you get Solomon's Castle. Everything seems to have a hidden joke in it's construction. Little figures with swords, standing in a line are called "fencing". Very clever and an interesting and unusual destination in the middle of nowhere. Also surprising was the Boat in the Moat restaurant. The menu offered a lot of wonderful choices and when our orders came we were delighted with great food. There was entertainment consisting of a couple who sang and played guitar. Nice and with modest amplification. The outdoor setting was perfect. This gem is surrounded by central rural Florida so don't expect to see anything else in the area. So pick a nice day and be sure to be hungry and enjoy the drive. There is a charge for the tour but if you just want to park and walk around or eat, there is no fee.

I3917BHmikeg

We had no preconceived ideas but enjoyed the entire 4 hours we were there...includes a good, modestly priced lunch. We will bring friends later this month.