Meet Alison, a part-time beekeeper from Florida

Meet Alison, a part-time beekeeper from Florida who came to visit us today. Back in the summer of 1991, Alison worked here as a tour guide and trained under our longtime Tour Manager, Brian. Now, 34 years later, she’s back—drawn home like a bee to honey.

Originally from this area, Alison made the trip with her daughters, Alexandra and Susan, along with Susan’s husband Mark and Alison’s best friend, Becky. Though she moved to Florida decades ago so her daughters could spend more time with their grandfather, Alison said she’s always held fond memories of her time as a guide.

“The kids were young, so they don’t remember being here,” she said, noting that Alexandra was just three at the time. “I thought it would be cool for my daughters to see—you’re not able to go just anyplace and go into a cave.”

Down in Florida, Alison tends two beehives. “The honey is different in the spring—it has a very light, flowery taste. In the fall, it’s amber and has a strong honey flavor,” she explained. With 10 frames in each box, and about a quart of honey per frame, her first harvest yielded seven quarts. “Bees are most interesting—they’re such amazing little creatures.”

In a nod to the past, Alison said her favorite part of guiding was sharing knowledge about the cave—especially explaining the differences between stalagmites and stalactites. “Seeing people’s expressions was such a joy—most people have never been in a cave.”

The biggest challenge? “Pushing the boats,” she said. “Those boats are heavy, especially when loaded with people… but it was very rewarding, and I’ll tell you, I was in great shape after that summer!” She also noted the unique experience of spending the sunny summer months mostly underground as a perspective not many get.

Alison did notice a few changes since the early ’90s. “We didn’t have the Lester Room,” she said, referring to the pre-show area featuring an animatronic Lester Howe sharing the story of the cave’s discovery. She also remarked on additions to the tour experience: “The end of the River Styx used to be completely barricaded, and that room at the end of the Winding Way—it was never open like it is now.”

Still, the visit stirred something deep and familiar. For Alison, coming back was more than a visit.

“It was nostalgic,” she said. “Like coming home.”

Thank you so much for visiting