Eatonville, a small town just to our west, is the oldest Incorporated African American Municipality in the United States. It was home to the writer Zora Neale Hurston for many years. Her books were often based on her experiences here. Maitland was even mentioned in the book Their Eyes Were Watching God, made into a movie by Oprah Winfrey and starring Halle Berry. There is a museum open to the public all year round, and a self guided historic walking tour. Stay at Thurston House in January to attend the yearly festival held in Zora’s honor. The weekend street festival ends the festivities, and is only a short walk down the street.