Yeehaw Junction, Florida…As Quirky As It’s Name

Yeehaw Junction, Florida is as quirky as it’s name. And when it comes to names…Yeehaw Junction could be worse. You see, the “town” used to be called Jackass Crossing or Jackass Junction! I even found proof…painted right on the side of the building.

Located in Oceola County, this census-designated “wide place in the road” is said to boast a population of 240 hardy souls. And it’s historical significance is undeniable. 

We were driving back to Fort Lauderdale from Tampa, and as soon as I saw this place I knew there had to be a story to go with the buildings. And I was right.

The restaurant is still in business, but the motel is shuttered, although the locals are working to raise funds to reopen the motel. But since it was previously a brothel I’m guessing that won’t be the case in the future!

The sign says…

“The Desert Inn was founded as a trading post in the late 1880s. The present building dates before 1925 and served as a supply and recreational center for cattle drovers, lumber men and tourists during the era when much of Osceola County was still undeveloped wilderness. Cowmen working the free ranging cattle on the palmetto prairie and lumber men cutting timber in the nearby pine lands came to the Desert Inn to eat, drink and dance at this “oasis” where they could enjoy some relief from their arduous labors. Local patrons of the trading post and restaurant included African Americans and Seminoles, who had separate dining facilities in the era of segregation. The construction of roads in the 1930s brought tourists to the area, and a set of overnight cabins were erected behind the original building. Today the Desert Inn continues to be a popular destination for tourists and local residents. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.”

Even though we had already eaten, I asked Peepaw to give me time to walk into the restaurant to look around. And the interior is as quirky as I expected it to be.

 

One of the “locals” assured me that the Fried Green Tomatoes are the best he’s ever tasted. And since fresh produce is grown within eyesight of the building I can see why “Fresh is Best” in Yeehaw Junction!

I was really, truly sorry we arrived AFTER we had already eaten, since I know I could have devoured an entire plate of those tomatoes by myself!

After looking around, I decided to make a “pit stop” before hitting the road once more. And I passed this family on the way to the restroom. 

And let’s just say I had quite a scare when I opened the bathroom door…

I’m not used to having a man point me in the direction of a toilet!

After the shock wore off, I noticed how visitors have signed their names on “his” shirt and hat. And since I don’t carry a magic marker with me when I visit a restroom I did the next best thing…I stuck my business card in his pocket!

Nico, the waitress, was very friendly and happy to answer my questions as I was leaving.

I noticed a “tip” jar on the counter. The restaurant asks for a donation of a dollar per car if using the restroom. The money will go toward the fund to refurbish and reopen the Desert Inn Motel…so I was happy to make a donation.

And judging from the number of dollars already stuck to the ceiling, it looks like Yeehaw Junction is well on their way to make that motel dream a reality.

Darn…If only I could have ordered a plate of those Fried Green Tomatoes…