See a 20th Century Masterpiece at the Clewiston Inn

Clewiston Inn, home to the Everglades Lounge

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 I discovered a couple of things on my Old Florida adventure. First, there’s a gathering place for monster truck fans at a venue called the “Redneck Yacht Club” (no kidding, this is the actual name). Next, a stop at the classical revival style Clewiston Inn (circa 1938) in hopes of a late lunch, resulted in an interesting bit of trivia and a chance to see extraordinary 20^th Century art. Although the kitchen was closed for renovation, the young lady at the front desk was happy to take me on an impromptu tour. The Inn’s Everglades Lounge was the highlight. There’s an eye-popping mural covering the room’s walls (360-degrees), painted by famed artist and former Palm Beach resident, J. Clinton Shepherd. Commissioned by U.S. Sugar in the 1940s, it’s almost hard to believe that this not-to-be-missed work of art resides in a cocktail lounge. This homage to Florida's wildlife — from snowy egrets to bobcats — coupled with the beauty of the Everglades' flora depiction is well worth a visit. The lounge itself is Old Florida retro and a kitschy place to have a cocktail.

As for the mural — there’s a hidden bit of trivia within it. Out of all the wildlife pictured, there’s one creature that is not indigenous to the landscape and doesn’t belong in the scenery. You’ll have to visit the lounge and study the mural to find the answer. Finally, because the kitchen wasn’t open, the front desk clerk sent me to a Mexican joint at 842 E. Sugarland Highway. The Sunrise isn't fancy, but they're serving some of the best authentic Mexican food I’ve tasted since a Tex-Mex meal I still remember while traveling in El Paso, Texas. And that’s the truth.

The Clewiston Inn is about 65 miles west of Palm Beach. The Everglades Lounge and some fab Mexican grub is the perfect excuse for a road trip.  

Tags: Clewiston Inn | Everglades Lounge | J. Clinton Shepherd | Lake Okeechobee | State Route 80/U.S. 27 | Sugarland Highway