Travel South Magazine Travel South low (kasey daleo's conflicted copy 20 | Page 153

The Venetian
Pool
lake
Wales
THE BEST OF
FLORIDA
The Sunshine State is all about fun in the sun, especially during
the spring and summer months. Enjoy a dip in the waters of
this beautiful state, from rivers, bays, and surrounding oceans, to
naturally-filtered swimming pools? – Yes, we meant to say that.
Head to the world’s largest freshwater
swimming pool, located in Coral
Gables. The Venetian Pool is unlike
any other water feature anywhere.
The pool is emptied and refilled every
single day. The pool is able to be con-
servatively drained and refilled every
day due to the natural aquifers. The
local aquifers filter the pool water
once it is drained back into them, thus
allowing the refilling system to pull
clean water from the same natural
source repeatedly.
Along with the natural aquifer, there
are also grotto caves that are con-
nected to the pool, and they’re just
begging to be explored. This peaceful
place gives off that cool, Mediter-
ranean vibe, without having to spend
a fortune to get it.
If you’ve ever visited Lake Wales, you
may have heard of Spook Hill. If not,
now’s your chance to visit the wacky
site. Legend has it that many years
ago, an Indian Chief battled a terrify-
ing alligator that plagued the land.
The fight was one to be remem-
bered, and so great that both oppo-
nents died atop the hill. Now the real
question today is, which spirit is
haunting the hill and why does grav-
ity seem to not exist here? Case in
point, drive there, put your car in neu-
tral, and watch it roll backwards, up-
hill.
It was first noticed when soldiers
were trying to get over, and saw their
horses struggling to walk downhill.
While it may be noted as a simple but
peculiar optical illusion, it is still a
sight that many scratch their heads
over, again and again. Small road
trips like these are encouraged by
Florida natives, as it will get you ex-
ploring the less commercialized side
of the sunshine state.
Travel South | Spring 2018 | 151