Weeki Wachee still exists, though. Sign up for the River Boat Cruise early. We lined up for the 10AM Wonders of Weeki Wachee show and were pretty quickly let into the theater when it opened at 9:30. ), but the show lasts about 30 minutes and theres probably half a dozen different songs/performances (maybe more?) This also adds an incredible realness to the show which is how the mermaids became so popular! Like everyone else, they came to see the famous mermaidsin actuality, highly trained swimmers and divers. Youre just standing out in the sun the whole time. Newton Perry, former U.S. Navy soldier, and stunt swimmer had a crazy idea in the 1940ies - to create an underwater show in the springs. What Mermaid Ashley enjoys most is hanging out with her animals. Someone who looks comfortable underwater or someone who doesn't look panicky when you're underwater and you're breathing compressed air, it can become dangerous, Athanason said. Until she saw a note about a call for synchronized swimmers, that is. In 1982, Buccaneer Bay opened with waterslides and a white sand beach. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. And when the mermaids recreated the adagio pose she created 75 years ago as they do in each performance, McDonalds face lit up. The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. We found to our surprise a retreat that was set atop one of Floridas highest elevations, 267 feet, and part of the Chinsegut Hill Manor House, originally built in the 1850s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1 of 2. The latest news and how to stay informed. We dont have to clean an oven Courtesy 4 of 4 Weeki Wachee Kristy__Amanda___Cheyenne_Sep27_19_8715 WEEKI WACHEE Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week . Nestled among magnificent oaks, magnolias, and cabbage palms, we felt that wed found the old Florida, a peaceful place without a sound of the outside world. plus the mermaids narrate a lot about the history of Weeki Wachee springs, how the mermaid show started and give a few not so subtle pitches about protecting the springs, making good environmental choices, etc. The prices aren't too high and the quality is good. Flowing from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River winds its way 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. I mentioned that we arrived about 30 minutes before the park was scheduled to open and it was PACKED. Weeki Wachee Springsthe deepest naturally formed spring in the United Stateswas first explored in 1946 by former Navy sailor Newton Perry. Drawing on extensive archival research as well as interviews with dozens of mermaids and other park employees, Vickers traces the park's rise to prominence. However, after a couple of emails back and forth with Christie Williams, the Retreat Manager of the Chinsegut Retreat and Conference Center, we were granted to rent a bedroom with a private bath in 1 of their 4 bedroom cottages. One performer, Kylee Troche, who started swimming at Weeki Wachee at 16, has posed during her off hours at mermaid conventions as "Mermaid Kylee, the International Mermaid." (She does not. Submitted by switzarch on Fri, 08/23/2013 - 7:50pm. WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. -- Eight women from all across the country came to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park this weekend for their chance to become a world famous mermaid. In 1946, Newton Perry, a former U.S. Navy man who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War II, scouted out Weeki Wachee as a good site for a new business. Dianne is third from the right. The Weeki Wachee River, named by the Seminole Indians means little spring or winding river, and is well protected, therefore they only allow a limited number of kayaks to launch per day. This wasnt running when I visited and that was disappointing because it wouldve been a great way to see the river. As the prince struggles to save the Little Mermaids beautiful voice, a fierce battle ensues between him and the evil sea witch. These cookies do not store any personal information. The shows have been dazzling visitors for decades. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. We were excited like children when the curtains finally rolled up. Privacy Policy. You knowfor research ; ), RELATED: Tarpon Springs: Floridas Greek Town, Everything You Need to Know About Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island State Parks. Rhonda Nienhuis, the owner, brewed us a fresh cup of coffee and accompanied by one of her delicious sweet creations our High Tea habit was saved. courtesy of Dianne's daughter Debbie McDonald, I love to see the show and see the girls, says McDonald. Weeki Wachee mermaids take on a challenging job. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. If thats not enough, you can marvel at Weeki Wachees old Cypress trees (by way of the River Boat Cruise or your own kayak), or head next door to Buccaneer Bay, Floridas only spring-fed water park. Since 1947, mermaids have entertained visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill. He invented a method of breathing underwater from a hose supplying oxygen from an air compressor, rather than from a tank strapped onto the back. Discount code: WEEKI . If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). And theres legendary siren Vicki Smith, now in her 80s and who, Athanason said, swam for Elvis Presley when he visited the park in 1961. he developed a method of breathing underwater from an air hose attached to a compressor (instead of a tank strapped to your back), built a small 18 person underwater theater and began recruiting young women whom he trained to breathe from the hoses and perform underwater tricks (like drinking a soda or eating a banana). The theater is air conditioned and it felt DIVINE to sit and wait for 30 minutes. Some of the mermaids lived in the mermaid cottages out behind the attraction. As the mermaids sing in The Little Mermaid show: Were not like other women, Being a mermaid is a magical job. On November 1, 2008, Weeki Wachee Springs became Florida's 162nd state park. To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. The Ranger Experience is offered daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. More alligators and black bears lived in the area than humans. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We made it to the front of the line and purchased our tickets (you cant buy tickets in advanceyou have to wait in the line) and we were surprised it was only $13/adult ($8/child ages 6-12 and free for children under 5). www.weekiwachee.com, And as if our time on Floridas Adventure Coast wouldnt have been already precious enough we got to experience that evening a breathtaking sunset at Hernando Beach, on the tip of Pine Island. All sorts of people stopped to see the mermaids, even Elvis Presley, Don Knotts, Esther Williams and Arthur Godfrey came to Weeki Wachee. June 16, 2017. This isnt Disney and there arent misters and shade. This park celebrates the natural beauty of Florida's springs, which are so clear they were once a popular spot for filming underwater scenes in movies. Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Medieval Villages, Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Mokele-Mbembe, Accidental Discoveries: A Celebration of Historical Mistakes, Antiques and Their Afterlives: Stories from the Collection of Ryan and Regina Cohn, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Satanists, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing With Anca Szilgyi, Gourds Gone Wild: Growing and Crafting Gourds With Gourdlandia, Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher, Secrets of Tarot Reading: History & Practice With T. Susan Chang, Why 18th-Century Scots Performed Mock Human Sacrifices Over Cake. Since opening its doors in 1947, Weeki. Claudia R. Buzby of Madison, Alabama, remembers visiting Weeki Wachee with her grandmother on a roadtrip from her hometown of Thomasville, Georgia to Lakeland in the early 1960s. He taught them to drink Grapette, a non-carbonated beverage, eat bananas underwater and do aquatic ballets. As of September 2022: Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. on weekends. Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger, Award-winning TV Host, Publisher, Travel Writer, Ambassador for www.Seven-Stars.com & 15 Emmy awards, Florida Governor William Sherman Jennings, University of South Florida (USF) development. Weeki Wachees heyday began in 1959, when the spring was purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) and was heavily promoted. Introducing the Mermaid Tail Trail The attraction received worldwide attention. We were going to experience for ourselves the natural spectacular that amazes visitors since 1947. After the mermaid part of the morning was over, I felt pretty satisfied. Since opening its doors in 1947, Weeki Wachee has attracted thousands of roadside visitorsand aspiring mermaidsfrom all over the world. It takes place inside of an actual water spring which automatically eliminates the need for any props or set design. Perry was also an all-star swimmer and coach, so it was easy to bring his idea to fruition when searching for the perfect business venue. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Twenty-six of the statues can be found on the brand new, public art Mermaid Tale Trail that winds through Hernando County. These simple structures are living monuments to the fishermen who built this community over a century ago. See. Weeki Wachee Springs is a tourist attraction in Weeki Wachee, Florida. The show also includes several musical numbers. Im still not sure how many people they let in, but there was a steady stream of people getting in line behind us the whole time we waited and I think they announced on social media that they stopped letting people in around 11AM. Im not saying all of this to complain, but to give you a heads up. In 1946, Newton Perry, a former member of the U.S. Navy who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War II, came upon Weeki Wachee and had an idea for a business. We were excited like children when the curtains finally rolled up. Related: Tigertail: Florida's Most Beautifully Underrated Family Beach. In 1982, Buccaneer Bay opened with waterslides and a white sand beach. Its free, but availability is limited so you have to sign up when you get to the park and theyll tell you when to come back for your cruise. Now, after a full year of clos. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Movies like Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid were filmed in the spring. First published in The Montauk Sun December Issue 2021. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. On Jan. 12, 2023, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will unveil 28 mermaid statues to celebrate its anniversary, in an exhibition called Destination Mermaid: The Tail Trail. In the 1840s when Florida was opened up to settlers a few brave and hardy families had come to take advantage of 160 acre plots and we were looking forward to taking photos of some of their still existing, beautifully restored, old homes and walking along their brick-paved, live oak tree-lined streets. For centuries, these mythical creatures have captured the imagination of sailors and landlubbers alike. IT WAS CROWDED. The mermaids are still the main attractions at the state park. It was just wonderful.. In this campground there is a pool, and in the pool, mermaids dwell. A model floating in the water at Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida. See how Weeki Wachee has changed over time in the following pictures. Offer subject to change without notice. Weeki Wachee became part of the Florida Parks Service in 2008. Also, this was on a Thursday, so on Saturdays and Sundays you definitely want to get there plenty early. Ruins of an old sugar mill sitting quietly next to a park in rural Florida. In addition to that, the Weeki Wachee mermaids perform shows including the beloved Hans Christian Anderson's story, The Little Mermaid. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Combined with Dionne's arrangement of 250 photos, the resulting work shows what it was like to be a mermaid at Weeki Wachee in its heyday. Former mermaids Barbara Wynns, then 63, left, of Weeki Wachee and Bonnie Georgiadis, then 76, of Tarpon Springs were among the first inductees in the Weeki Wachee Springs Hall of Fame. The park draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year for kayaking, to see manatees, and, of course, the live mermaid shows. The mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs have delighted visitors since 1947. The former mermaids motto is: Once a mermaid, always a mermaid.. Its crystal-clear blue spring waters draw about 420,000 visitors annually. Weeki Wachee's mermaids were the fever dream of Newt Perry, a trainer of Navy frogmen during World War II. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. THE SHOW WAS SO GOOD. Weeki Wachee mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis is pictured on this postcard as she looked during the early days of her 37-year Weeki Wachee career. In 1997, the popular Former Mermaid shows began, bringing former mermaids back to Weeki Wachee Springs to swim in the Mermaids of Yesteryear shows, which play to standing room-only crowds. They have several TV screens set up and theres a full pre show where they show video clips from the Mermaid Show throughout the years, behind the scenes training for how to be a mermaid, an interview from a former mermaid about the time she performed for ELVIS, and also part of a Jimmy Buffet concert. We were extremely lucky to visit when the 'Former' mermaids all between their 50's and 60's, who have long retired, come once per month (voluntarily) and do a show. Make sure you have cold drinks and a little shade because it is HOT waiting out there. From here we got to explore Floridas Adventure Coast. Athanason said Weeki Wachee Springs is Hernando Countys biggest tourist draw. . Weeki Wachee Springs employed 35 mermaids who took turns swimming in the shows and captivating the crowds by playing football and having picnics underwater. Although the parks popularity peaked in the 60s, todays Mermaid Shows are equally whimsical, offering a glimpse into the old charms of Floridas rich heritage. Your email address will not be published. Yep, MERMAIDS. Lot/Land. Women performers show various stunts and performances by wearing fishtails and stylish outfits. She was a teenager and vividly remembers her visit. We actually ended up pretty close to the front of the line considering all of the people that were behind us so it would be pretty brutal if you had to be out there for 1 hour+. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Sights at the park included the mermaid shows, orchid gardens, jungle cruises, and Indian encampment and a new beach. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. A network of underground water channels that dates back to the Middle Ages. The water slides, lazy river and kiddie pool will be open Saturdays and Sundays. At the time, U.S. 19 was a small two-lane road. And you have to do it in advance. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). I am sure that yall remember my latest travel piece about Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney!? Well, my thing has always been the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. The prince prevails, proving that love conquers all.. In the 1950s, Weeki Wachee was one of the nations most popular tourist stops. Underwater performance at the theme park in Weeki Wachee, Florida, on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008.. McDonald was the co-creator of a certain pose that is depicted in "Adagio," one of the statues that can be seen in front of the park. "He envisioned beautiful women performing underwater ballet," said John Athanason, Weeki Wachee PR manager. About two or three days after school started I saw a note from The Spa (an indoor saltwater pool in St. Pete) that said any girl that would like to become a synchronized swimmer to come down, McDonald tells Southern Living. You can pack a full size cooler (no alcohol), but they also have full concessions on site. This is also a great way to see the wildlife and natural flora of the surrounding area. With a lifestyle driven from the roots of Old Florida, and the Florida Cracker Culture where everyone is treated like family with true southern hospitality! We couldnt agree more. However, the shows were not originally as popular as they are now. The water is clear and cool and theyve got plenty of fun built up around it (slides, a jumping platform, a lazy river) plus a River Boat Cruise or kayak rentals to explore the winding Weeki Wachee River. Guests will be turned away when the park is full. www.weekiwachee.com/kayak-rentals, Everyone wed asked about a unique place and good food for lunch had mentioned the Silver Dolphin, a restaurant and country store nestled in the heart of Hernando Beach. New themes, music, and storylines were created for shows. Later this month, Weeki Wachee will be holding auditions for new mermaids. I personally would go to the Mermaid Show first and then head to Buccaneer Bay and try to find a spot thats a little further away from everything (the ones closest to the springs are the ones that will go first). What do you get when you combine underwater fantasy with SCUBA technology? It means little spring or winding river. The spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found. The spring was named Weeki Wachee by the Seminole Indians (it means little spring or winding river) and the spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found. In 1956, the American Broadcast Co. (ABC) bought Weeki Wachee and built a new, 400-seat theater in which todays audiences still watch the mermaid shows. Though the natural pumping system keeps the water at a cool 74 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the current at the depth of the theater is a steady 5 miles per hour, making it difficult for the mermaids to swim in one place! Mermaid Paisley loves to indulge in half-baked ice cream and play with her pet hedgehog. To mark seventy-five years of such memories, Weeki Wachee is throwing an anniversary party this week. Required fields are marked *. Weeki Wachee 60th Anniversary, performers in lycra mermaid fins. Those who have seen the show have likely noticed the tubes that dangle down into the water tanks. Theyre absolutely gorgeous.. Weeki Wachee is home to North America's deepest natural spring, which is also where visitors can find the world's only 'real' mermaids. Weeki Wachee might be famous for its mermaid shows but that's not the only thing visitors should experience there. And dont expect anything less charming in the surrounding town of Weeki Wachee; with a population of 12, its known as one of the nations smallest cities and, of course, is proudly run by a mermaid-turned-mayor. The Wonders of Weeki open 365 days a year! On that day, the mermaids performed synchronized ballet moves underwater while breathing through the air hoses hidden in the scenery. And thats the kind of swimming we did. As one can imagine, this makes performing somewhat challenging, but one would never know it from the ease of its mermaid's movements! Inhospitable caverns just beneath this island paradise offer insights into alien worlds. These tubes were his creation; the air flowing through the tubes allows performers to breathe underwater while giving them mermaid-like qualities. It was the most beautiful sight I think I ever saw. www.floridacrackerkitchen.com. Each day, 117 million gallons of water - a perfect 74-degrees Fahrenheit - flow from the spring and fill a 100-foot wide limestone basin. We're thrilled to announce the unveiling of The Mermaid Tale Trail! He just thought the pose was beautiful, and then I guess Newt Perry decided he liked the pose, too, and the next thing you know theyre making a statue of it.. Visiting Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Cost: Park entry costs $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kayak rentals have to be reserved in advance. But alsowe did not rush for a spot at Buccaneer Bay and set up camp before we got in line for the show. It was created in 1947 by swimmer and attraction promoter Newt Perry. I had read when the shows initially reopened during COVID that the capacity was limited so you had to sign up for all the days shows when you first got in the park and that you might only get into one of the later shows or not at all depending on demand. So the park must hold a lot of people! The park itself is home to more than 530 acres, and visitors are free to explore it on their own with a paddleboard or kayak rental. On my to do list were Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks, historic downtown Dunedin, the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks (Floridas Little Greece) and seeing the WEEKI WACHEE MERMAIDS. Weeki Wachee Springs is the only place in the world where you can see live mermaids performing right before your eyes. Chinsegut owner Raymond Robins, along with his wife Margaret, had the ears of four presidents and numerous political advisors as well as being the only US or Allied representative to have direct discussions with Nikolai Lenin during the Russian Revolution and the emergence of the Soviet regime. They also trained to hold their breath underwater for up to a minute and 30 seconds at at time. The original anniversary observance was to be held on Oct. 13, 2022, but it was pushed back after Hurricane Ian ravaged the southwest Gulf Coast near the end of September. Honestly, I couldve called it a day then (I came to see the Mermaid Show not to swim), but I wanted to check out the rest of the park. We lined up for the 10AM Wonders of Weeki Wachee show and were pretty quickly let into the theater when it opened at 9:30. The significance of the Chinsegut Hill Manor House cannot be overstated in its connections to local, national and even international events through the many people that lived and worked at the property. Fact: Weeki Wachee is home to the deepest known natural spring in North America, and the 'stage' is built a full 20 feet below the surface of the spring. At 82-years young, mermaid Vickie Smith is the oldest performing Weeki Wachee mermaid. Deep in the spring, the surge of the current is so strong that it can knock a scuba divers mask off. www.silverdolphinrestaurant.com. America's strange has sunk to the bottom and settled in these Floridian places. And on October 13, 1947, the first show at the Weeki Wachee Springs underwater theater opened. One of the newest shows is Wonders of Weeki, dedicated to Perry. [1] Weeki Wachee Springs opened 75 years ago in October of 1947. . Those interested in getting a glimpse at some of Florida's most beloved animal species can also do so at Weeki Wachee. Pine Island Park is Hernando County's only public beach. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Therefore perhaps today the best-known symbol of yesteryears Florida tourism is Weeki Wachee. In 1997, the popular Former Mermaid shows began, bringing former mermaids back to Weeki Wachee Springs to swim in the Mermaids of Yesteryear shows, which play . They start by introducing themselves, and their absolute love and deep . An author's private collection of quirky travel-trinkets and oddities has become a rotating mini-museum in the window of a local bookstore. The notion of a humanoid-like creature having the ability to live underwater for extended periods of time is somewhat of a dream for many, and in Florida, also a reality. First I thought she was kidding, but quickly realized that her dream of this magical place where these legendary mermaids swim in sparkling, bubbling springs really exists. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. The mermaids have been swimming in these waters for over 60 years. A Florida classic since 1947, Weeki Wachee's mermaid show is the creation of Newton Perry, a former U.S. Navy man who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War II. She can be reached at lianna.t@thetravel.com, Mermaids have intrigued sailors and land-dwellers alike for centuries, Why Neptune Memorial Reef Is So Much More Than An Ecosystem, Tigertail: Florida's Most Beautifully Underrated Family Beach, Manatee Watching: When & Where To See Florida's Gentle Giants. Kids 5 and under are free. Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Something that seemed so fantastic and wonderful as a child and as an adult you know its probably pretty silly but you just cant let go of it? Several times each year, Weeki Wachee Springs puts on the 'Legendary Sirens' show, which brings former mermaids back to the underwater theater to perform alongside their current-day counterparts. And we never will grow old, Weeki Wachee Springs is a tourist attraction in Weeki Wachee, Florida. I love creating & composing history articles and lists. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Newt scouted out pretty girls and trained them to swim with air hoses and smile at the same time. Prince Anthony is from Springhill, Florida, and loves to eat pineapple on pizza. ABC built the current theater, which seats 400 and is embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface. And no, this is not the first time Ive waited in line to meet a mermaid. We were going to experience for ourselves the natural spectacular that amazes visitors since 1947. In addition to that, the Weeki Wachee mermaids perform shows including the beloved Hans Christian Anderson's story, The Little Mermaid. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, last visited in January 27, 2019 . These 18 Magical Photos Of Florida's Live Mermaid City Will Leave You Speechless Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a must-see attraction for any Florida bucket list. Weeki Wachee is home to mermaid shows that dazzle and amaze its visitors, especially those who are enchanted with the idea of a real-life Ariel. . The mermaids are swimming in a natural spring; the 500-seat theater is embedded in the side of the spring 16 feet below the surface. Weeki Wachee was named by the Seminole Indians. Nostalgic Snapshots of Manchester in the 1990s, The Blizzard of 1978: Photos Show the Historic Storm That Slammed the Northeastern United States, People Living with a Normal Life with Mummies in Venzone, Italy in 1950, Fascinating Historical Photos Show Street Life of Victorian London in the 1870s, Karen Carpenter's Last Photo and the Tragic Consequences of Anorexia, Young Michelle Phillips: Gorgeous Photos Of Californian Dreamgirl From 1960s and 1970s. . FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Amphitheater, Interpretive Exhibit, Concession and Restaurant. Silly meI thought that when they said arrive early because its really crowded in the summer and sells out quickly they meant dont show up at noon ; ). The waterpark is three slides (hey theyre great slides but thats all thats there) plus you can pay an extra $7 to rent a tube for the lazy river. The lazy river involves floating through a roped off area of the springs and maybe 50 yards down the Weeki Wachee River. Yes, I waited in line to meet Mermaid Ashley. You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. Theyve recently changed how they handle kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River and now you have to book through the state park. The Mermaid Shows are the most crucial part of the Weeki Wachee Springs. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. The Mermaid Show is performed four times a day and there are two different shows: 1) Wonders of Weeki Wachee and 2) The Little Mermaid. In celebration of 75 years of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and its mermaid shows, in January the park unveiled 28 mermaid statues that were hand-painted by juried artists. Isnt that just the greatest thing youve ever heard?? So if you find yourself driving down US-19, keep an eye out for the sirens maybe you should follow them underwater, despite what the myths say.