Ben's Tribute To The Kapok Tree Restaurant Presents... Going Back

So you're thinking about going back for a visit? Start with a map by entering "923 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL" into your favorite mapping website. Bring your camera and about an hour of spare time. The photos on this page are mine, taken in 2005 and 2007. As you approach, you will spot the enormous kapok tree on the east side of the road. Turn in and drive past the old entrance doors (now sealed) to arrive at the parking lot in the back. Go inside the Sam Ash Music store to see the old Entrance Mall, former gift shops, Gallery Dining Room, and Patio Room. It's a fascinating mix of old and new.

Entrance off McMullen Booth Rd. as it looks in November

The old mall and cashier's booth inside Sam Ash Music

The former Gallery Room

After leaving Sam Ash, walk to the ivy-covered arch marked Players School of Music at the end of the parking lot. If no events are scheduled, behold the well-preserved formal gardens and wall of fountains. This is the North (Italian) Garden and East Garden. The walkway along the wall (see East Garden photo, below right) leads to the South Garden.

Enter the gardens here

The original Italian fountains as seen in late January

The East Garden as it appears in November

From here you will see the two glass doorways to The Players School of Music and Kapok Special Events. The music school mostly occupies the former headquarter offices of the Kapok Tree Inn. Kapok Special Events is home to the old Chandelier Room, Grand Ballroom, Florida Room, and other former dining rooms and lounges. The South Garden can be seen from the window-wall of the Grand Ballroom. In 2007, a nice lady with Kapok Special Events let me inside to look around. On my 2008 visit, I was told they needed $500 and one week advance notice, and turned me away.

The former Florida Room with statue wall in the distance

The Grand Ballroom is still a breathtaking space

View of the South Gardens from the Ballroom

Before you leave the grounds, park near the former restaurant entrance. Now you can explore the former West Garden and the impressive kapok tree itself. With the fountain dry, this garden looks a little rough. The round windows used to illuminate the gift shops along the mall. The tree blooms in late January into February, but it's an incredible sight any time of year.

The great tree and former garden in front of the old "mall"

Inside the fountain under the kapok tree

The colorful blooms of the red silk floss (kapok) tree

Here's an album of 36 shots from February 2008. Taken and donated by Bill Evans. Thanks Bill! Bill Evans' Album

RETURN TO HOME PAGE