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Florida’s First and Only Authentic Artifact Experience!
DIG THIS! Now you can leave your shovel at home and let us do all the heavy lifting! Our skilled equipment operators bring the artifact-laden soil to you on custom screen tables, where you can sift through the sands of time for the relics of Florida’s ancient Native American history.
- Select locations known to produce quality Florida artifacts
- Lunch is included for screen and shaker table guests, and cold bottled water is available to all guests throughout the day.
- Private digs and large party buyouts available
- Free hand-digging for children 12 and under with paid adult entry
Own property or know someone with a potential ancient artifact site?
Property surveys/evaluations performed by our knowledgeable team.
CORAL! CORAL! CORAL!
Coral Dreams
Coral Dreams
Coral Dreams
One of the most sought after lithic materials on the planet is agatized coral from the Pasco County area, and we have plenty of it at our newest and most epic site - The Buddy Lake Site. Renowned for the exquisite quality of the projectile points and tools fashioned from this amazing stone (the Florida state stone), The Buddy Lake Site promises to produce the artifacts of your dreams!
Apex Relics
Coral Dreams
Coral Dreams
Well known in the artifact collecting community, The Buddy Lake Site is famous for the abundance and quality of materials found there, making them the absolute pinnacle of every ancient lithic relic hunters' collection!
Experience Dade City Dining and Lodging
On Q Smokehouse Grill
The Locke Inn - Where History Meets Hospitality
On Q Smokehouse Grill
Our Chef and Staff
With 10 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, our chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us.
Seasonal and Local
We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets.
Why Dade City?
The Locke Inn - Where History Meets Hospitality
On Q Smokehouse Grill
Dade City, 40 miles north of Tampa, is a city full of rolling hills and Old Florida charm, from its many historic buildings and cultural sites to its antique stores and Southern-style eateries. As the county seat of Pasco County, known as Florida’s Sports Coast, Dade City offers a host of family-friendly attractions and festivals, outdoor adventures, golf resorts, and sports events.
In Dade City’s historic downtown, visitors will find a variety of antique stores, boutique shops, and independent restaurants. Local favorite eateries include Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant, the Farmhouse Market & Cafe, Angel Tea Room & Heavenly Treasures Gift Shop, and award-winning Kafe Kokopelli, which is housed in a building constructed by Ford Motor Company in 1916. History buffs can learn about the area’s past at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum and the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, and the self-guided Historic Dade City Walking Tour brings participants on a journey to see dozens of the town’s historic buildings. In January, the downtown area fills with vendors and amusements during the annual Dade City Kumquat Festival.
Outdoor adventurers will find no shortage of places to explore in Dade City and the surrounding areas. The paved, 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail offers virtually uninterrupted long rides for experienced cyclists as well as a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly surface for young families and users with disabilities. At Withlacoochee River Park, visitors can explore the scenic river, camp, fish, and hike 13 miles of trails. Just east of Dade City, the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, which protects a total of 560,000 acres of flatlands, wetlands, and ridges, has opportunities for birding, biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, and camping.
https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-west/dade-city/
The Locke Inn - Where History Meets Hospitality
The Locke Inn - Where History Meets Hospitality
The Locke Inn - Where History Meets Hospitality
Discover the history of The Locke Inn. The old Pasco County Jail, built in 1893 in Dade City, Florida, holds a fascinating chapter of the county's history. As one of the city’s oldest brick structures, it initially served as a crucial hub for maintaining law and order during a period of rapid growth and change. The jail was home to countless individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences, providing a glimpse into the area's rougher past. Notable sheriffs, such as I. W. Hudson, who oversaw the infamous 1918 hanging of Edgar London, helped shape the jail’s legacy through their enforcement of justice—even during turbulent times like the Prohibition Era, when illegal moonshine operations surged across Florida.
This historic building is also known for eerie folklore, likely stemming from its past as a place of confinement and punishment. The jail saw two legal hangings and housed figures entangled in local crime, which has contributed to its reputation as a potentially haunted site. Community members and past jail visitors alike often share stories of ghostly encounters, making the site a unique attraction for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
Today, The Locke Inn, a meticulously renovated rental home and event space, preserves the jail’s unique history while offering an unforgettable experience for guests. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to reflect different elements of the building’s storied past, blending historical charm with modern comfort. Guests can immerse themselves in the lore of Dade City while enjoying luxurious accommodations—a perfect choice for wedding parties, families, and history buffs seeking a unique stay. By transforming the old jail into a charming home away from home, The Locke Inn not only safeguards the history of Pasco County but also invites visitors to be part of it, adding their own stories to this captivating landmark.