If you lived in Florida in the 60s, 70s or 80s, you might have fond memories of one of the most impressive restaurants that ever existed. In its heyday, the Kapok Tree Inn was one of the top restaurants in the country, and real attraction in its own right. There were actually three locations (Clearwater, Davie, and Madeira Beach), but the Clearwater location was the most well-known. Greek and Roman-style statues, cascading waterfalls, magnificent fountains, grand chandeliers and exotic plants filled the restaurant’s 12 dining rooms and expansive gardens.
It welcomed thousands of visitors and reportedly made millions of dollars a year, right up until it shocked the public by abruptly closing its doors in 1991.
Though the beloved restaurant is long gone, many elements have been preserved at the Kapok Special Events Center & Gardens and inside the Sam Ash music store that now occupies the once impressive entrance. Below are some photos of the Kapok Tree Inn in its heyday and today.
Entrance to Kapok Tree Inn
Entrance foyer
State Library & Archives of Florida
Tree at Kapok Tree Inn
State Library & Archives of Florida
Statues and fountains
State Library & Archives of Florida
The exotic Italian Gardens
State Library & Archives of Florida
Emerald lounge
State Library & Archives of Florida
Garden wall
State Library & Archives of Florida
Fountain
State Library & Archives of Florida
15th century Renaissance inspired fountain
State Library & Archives of Florida
Patio room
State Library & Archives of Florida
The Florida room
State Library & Archives of Florida
Kapok Tree Inn’s Grape Bar
State Library & Archives of Florida
Chandelier Room
State Library & Archives of Florida
The Grand Ballroom
State Library & Archives of Florida
East Garden
State Library & Archives of Florida
Interior view
State Library & Archives of Florida
Interior view
State Library & Archives of Florida
Kapok Gardens today is used for special events.
It still makes a beautiful venue for weddings.
Many elements of the restaurant can still be seen here and in the Sam Ash music store.
Flickr/Tom Gill
Even if you’re not planning a special event, you can still stroll through the gardens and take a walk down memory lane.
Flickr/Tom Gill
Call ahead to make sure no events are being held at the time you’d like to tour the grounds.
Flickr/Tom Gill
The Kapok Event Center & Gardens is located at 923 N. McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m,and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 727-725-8733 for more information on the best time to visit.
State Library & Archives of Florida
Flickr/Tom Gill
Did you ever visit the Kapok Tree Inn? Are there any other bygone attractions you wish would come back to Florida?
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