Kay and Leonard Higley have been Florida residents since 1989. They came to Florida from Vermilion, Ohio, where they owned a historic house that Kay converted into Teddy Bear Gardens. You will find many of these teddy bears in the Historic Parker House Bed & Breakfast today. From Ohio, they moved to Englewood, where they operated a waterfront restaurant and paddlewheel dinnerboat. They relocated to Venice, remaining in the food service industry, and then to Arcadia. They have owned and operated the Historic Parker House Bed & Breakfast since 2004.

Originally a frontier gateway to Southwest Florida, Arcadia has survived the range wars of the area's turbulent early days, the disastrous fire of 1905, and the boom and bust of the 1920's. Within Arcadia's 58 block historic district are some of Florida's best examples of early 1890's and "boomtown" architecture. Many of the buildings and homes are virtually unchanged from their original appearance.

In Arcadia, enjoy the tranquil pleasures of a canoe trip down the Peace River, a walking tour of the historic downtown district, or you may choose to take a short walk to the very popular downtown antiquing district. The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Takes place in March and July, and the Watermelon Festival celebrates the harvest each May.

Directions

Arcadia, Florida is conveniently located at the Intersection of State Road 70 and Highway 17, just 50 miles from the West Coast. Historic Parker House is located 6 blocks west of the intersection of Highway 17 on State Road 70 West.

Approximate Driving Times

Tampa - 2 hours, Sarasota - 1 hour, Orlando - 2 hours, Naples - 2.5 hours, West Palm Beach - 2.5 hours, Fort Lauderdale - 3.5 hours.

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