Fairies Strut Stuff at Sacred Lands

Any other day of the year, showing up dressed as a fairy will elicit bewildered reactions and raised eyebrows— but on Halloween, the traveling fairy flock doesn’t seem out of place. Garden Fairy Lisa commented when we stopped to buy supplies on the way to St. Pete, “We might get some anomalous looks”. Barely, did one eyebrow lift, we were viewed as nothing more than archetypal Halloween characters.

At Sacred Lands on Halloween

We arrived at Sacred Lands in the late afternoon dressed as magical fairies. As we toured the property, Dappled sun shone through our wings and the lush canopy. We kept taking lots of pix until we lost the light.  >View slideshow of Fairies and Peacocks

Like good old hippies, we shared a communal feast, drank a bit of wine, met new people. We were serenaded with live music by classically trained violinist and versatile musician, Rebecca Zapen.

Our outing at Sacred Lands was both invigorating and enchanting.  Sacred Lands’ landscaping is so dense you might drive right by the spot, but that is the point, it blends beautifully into the surroundings. The first thing that grabs your attention once you enter the gates, is the lush flora and parading peacocks. It as if time stood still in this Shangri-La laid back estate, nestled in the Jungle Prada historic neighborhood. Sacred Lands is located on the west side of St. Petersburg on Park Street, bounded by waterfront mansions. Unfortunately, many of Florida’s trees have succumbed to chain saws, but Jungle Prada is an exception, where the abundance of beautiful hardwood trees promotes the appeal of a tropical jungle.  Sacred Lands is reputedly the landing site of the Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez‘s Florida expedition.

Dappled sun shone through our wings and the lush canopy

Many people have asked, “What is Sacred Lands?”

It’s hard to define in one sentence because it ‘s many things and a very unique place. So here’s a description, posed as a question, “How many people open up their family’s estate as a place to basically, commune.”   Sacred Lands is like stepping back in time, you can see what Old Florida looked like and learn about ancient Florida. Garden Fairy Kiaralinda has visited Sacred Lands many times and commented she loves this magical spot, home to a 500 year old oak tree and site of an ancient Tocobagan Indian Village featuring an Indian shell or midden mound.  It is home to Doris and Erik Anderson and the site of Erik’s childhood home which sits directly on Boca Cieaga Bay in St. Petersburg Florida. Doris and Erik Anderson luckily for us keep the faith, seemingly ol’ hippies who never walked away from peace, love and community.

You were a Phantom of Delight

Kiaralinda remembers seeing Erik’s father Harold, a decade or so back, infirm from age, in his early 90s placing flowers, which he did every day, next to the memorial made to honor his wife. Harold lived to age 92 and went by the name “Happy”. He made a lovely memorial for his wife which reads “Lovely Frances: You were a Phantom of Delight. When first you gleamed upon my sight. A lovely Apparition. A Spirit yet, a perfect woman; Nobly planned, a Gentlewoman. And yet a Spirit, still and bright, Bathed in an Angelic Light.”

The first thing that grabs your attention once you enter the gates, is the lush flora and parading peacocks

Today, Sacred Lands Preservation and Education, Inc. is a nonprofit organization

It is dedicated to preserving land that has historical and archeological significance, programs range from history of the site, environmental issues, nature and spirituality including an upcoming workshop on permaculture. Erik gave us a fascinating tour of the property, answering questions about his parents, who shared a special connection to the land. They were some of Florida’s earliest environmental stewards and life long conservationists. Erik and Doris are continuing the legacy to preserve this small piece of precious history.  Events at Sacred Lands are supported by tax deductible donations— Sacred Lands is a 501C-3 organization.

More info about the Anderson Family and Sacred Lands

If you visit you will need to park in the lot  located at 1700 Park Street  at  Elbow Lane.

Info about the musician, Rebecca Zapen  www.zapen.com

View the slideshow of Fairies and Peacocks with pics from both Sacred Lands and a stop in Dunedin to see a host of creatively-costumed characters vying for prizes.