Herlong Mansion

My first stop on my 5 day book tour was the Herlong Mansion, in Micanopy, Florida.

Originally a 1845 pine farm home, and transformed to it's grandeur by Natalie and Zeddy Herlong in 1910. The Herlong's had 6 children who lived there. Eventually the house went to Inez Herlong who had an 18 year fight with her siblings over ownership.

When I arrived in Micanopy, the rain had started to drizzle and the electric storm put on quite the show when I checked in and found myself alone in the house. This has happened the last couple times I have arrived at the inn's. It reminded me of a scene out of a horror movie. But I just smiled enjoying myself immensly.

I stayed in the Magnolia Room, which was originally Mae and Inez Herlong's childhood room.

I got a very peaceful vibe in the room, until I tried to watch Ghost Hunter's via the internet. The room didn't have television so I tried to watch t.v. on my laptop in bed. As soon as I tried to download an episode, my wireless wi fi was cut off. It had been using wi fi all afternoon and most of the night.

So I retired to bed, and tried to log on again in the morning several times. Only to be cut off again and again. Carolyn the owner, didn't know what to think since all guests have access anytime. She only laughed and said that it was Inez test of my patience. Earlier Sunday evening my digital camera batteries suddenly were drained causing me to go on a hunt for batteries.

The highlights of the mansion were the mysterious brick room under the house that might have been used in the underground railroad and the ivy ridden water tower in the backyard that Zeddy had built in the 1900's.

The Herlong Mansion stands out as Micanopy's jewel. For more information go to: http:www.herlong.com