Heritage Village

Heritage Village is made up of several different historical sites, including the one-story, wood-framed H.C. Smith General Store, dating to 1915. Courtesy of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Located next to the Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village is a living history complex made up of several different real-life sites, from an old service station and garage to a school, barn, log cabin, caboose, and church, featuring hundreds of historic artifacts.

Follow the Shirley McPherson nature trail throughout the village grounds, then buy a bottle of Coke from a vintage fridge at the H.C. Smith General Store. This grocery store and meat market, dating to 1915, originally stood on the corner of 6th Avenue and 5th Street South in St. Petersburg.

The Sulphur Springs train depot is representative of the depots that dotted much of Florida during the emergence of the state’s rail system. A covered wagon, vintage cars, antique signs and books, kerosene lamps, and lots of vintage furniture can all be found throughout the complex.

Throughout the year for special events, the village presents live demonstrations in the smokehouse, sugar cane mill, and blacksmith and woodworking, so visitors get a first-hand feel for how these craftspeople once worked.

Know Before You Go

Heritage Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and on county holidays. Admission is free. Dogs are permitted on a leash.