Thurston House, the only North Orlando bed & breakfast accommodation in Maitland Winter Park celebrates 19 years! Guests have been from far reaching places, coming from 24 countries, every state and even 4 territories.

NBC News filming with Matt Lauer

One claim to fame was when Florence Henderson – yes Mrs. Brady – stayed with us for several nights while filming a local ad. Our other claim to fame was more recent when NBC news arranged for Matt Lauer to film an interview on our porch. It was lots of fun!

Come see why everyone loves staying at Thurston House, many coming back over & over again!

Full Sail University

The real-estate arm of the area’s fastest-growing digital-arts school, Full Sail University, has acquired a $17.5 million office park with nine buildings near the school on Semoran Boulevard in Winter Park. Silver City Lakeview LLC purchased Lakeview Office Park, with 225,550 square feet of office space, about a half mile from the University Boulevard campus.

Full Sail students

This school has grown with amazing speed, and now graduates students every single month! Recently there have been Full Sail graduates involved in two high profile movies – Thor and Transformers. Two years ago students even filmed here at Thurston House – Murder at Lou’s Bed & Breakfast…what fun!

Our North Orlando Maitland Winter Park Bed & Breakfast accommodation is just a short drive from campus, making us a perfect accommodation for friends and family coming into town to visit students or to attend a graduation.

Thurston House Bed & Breakfast North Orlando

Thurston House, the only North Orlando bed & breakfast accommodation in the Maitland/Winter Park area, has partnered with local businesses and attractions to provide a LivingSocial Escape deal – “Summer Solace on Lake Eulalia“. This Escape deal went live at 5am, July 13^th.

Open for business for almost 19 years, innkeeper Carole Ballard keeps up with the latest in marketing tools. Always active on FaceBook and blogging, Carole reaches out to past, present and potential new customers constantly, working hard to attract guests to this area. Thurston House guests enjoy all the amenities of a fine accommodation facility, but also appreciate this areas wonderful local attractions, shopping and restaurants.

 Partnering with Thurston House in this LivingSocial Escape are the Art & History Museums – Maitland and Bosphorous Turkish Restaurant in Winter Park. What a deal and it is almost over. The special runs until midnight tonight!

Thurston House front porch

Our Central Florida bed & breakfast announces SIZZLING rates for the month of July & August. Enjoy a stay that is two or more consecutive nights and automatically get a 20% discounted rate! Just use the coupon “Summer Sizzle” when booking online.

There is lots to do in the Maitland Winter Park area of Central Florida, and Thurston House B&B is right in the middle of it all. Before or after your wonderful breakfast enjoy our nice & cool porches, then head out to tour museums or step into fabulous shops. At lunch there are so many choices, most with Al Fresco dining options. Come back to your beautiful guest room for a short rest and cool down, then enjoy the porch again at 5pm for a snack while trying to decide which of the many restaurants to go to that night. Our location amid 8 acres of lakefront land assures you of a peaceful nights sleep!

Leu Gardens Publishes New Book!

To celebrate 50 years of community education and inspired gardening, the Gardens’ Board of Trustees has released Florida Oasis: A Photographic Tour of Harry P. Leu Gardens (Cool Springs Press, November, 2010).

The title is a fully illustrated tour through the history and botanical collections of the Harry P. Leu Gardens, beginning with a rich account of the private gardens of Harry P. Leu and ultimately its transition into a public place of year-round beauty and education.

Those who cherish the shade of the grand old live oaks, the exotic tropicals that pop and amaze and the mature natives of Central Florida, will treasure the behind-the-scenes history and surprises found in Florida Oasis.  

Florida Oasis is now available in the Gardens’ Gift Shop! Leu Gardens is located just 15 minutes from Thurston House, our Central Florida bed & breakfast.

Thurston House, the only bed & breakfast lodging in Maitland and Winter Park, had some excitement here this week.

NBC News with Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer, of NBC’s Today Show,  interviewed a local family on our beautiful front porch. The setting was peaceful but the story is unsettling. This is the story of the Dad who got fed up with his special needs daughter being bullied on the school bus. Matt did interview them in NYC last month and this was a followup to the story. The Dad, James Jones,  has been chosen one of NBC’s People of the Year for 2010! Tune in on Thanksgiving evening to see this – NBC’s People of the Year With Matt Lauer, November 25 – 9pm. See if you recognize the porch!

Carole Ballard the Innkeeper with Matt Lauer

This was the first time I had met Matt. He was very gracious, interested in everything, a very calm interviewer, and he loved my banana bread! What more could I want???

This is a Central Florida woman’s recount of why her Dad was an unsung hero in WWII, The Battle of the Bulge.

Growing up, we always heard a bit about WWII and a little thing called a Silver Star. Dad died way too early, at 61 in the year of 1980. He never spoke to me about his amazing  journey. The Library of Congress has been the recipient of all his personal letters and photos, but the stories remain mine. It is my proud duty to tell this story. Here is the official recount of why he earned a Silver Star, one of the highest honors awarded to military personnel.

Thank you all for your service!

Citation For The Silver Star

Albert H. Webber, Corporal Scout, 196th Army

Corporal Albert H. Webber, 196^th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. For gallantry in action against the enemy on 18 December 1944, in Germany. When a field observation party of the 196^th Field Artillery Battalion became surrounded by the enemy during an attack on 18 December 1944, it was decided to defend the post, which was a three story house, and to call for artillery fire on their own position in order to render maximum support to the Infantry. Corporal Webber from Battery A, of the Battalion, who was a member of the party, and his companions, while subjected to their requested and directed artillery fire which blew gaping holes in the building, knocked them down time and time again, relayed radio messages and with their small arms fire inflicted severe casualties upon the enemy as they defended their position. Corporal Webber alternated with another in relaying messages to the second floor radio, which was the only means of communication. After some eight hours of defense from the third floor of the house, Corporal Webber exposed himself many times as he delivered small arms fire to protect approaching relief columns, and to inform them of enemy locations. The gallant courage, devotion to duty and heroic action of Corporal Webber, and his companions, which contributed immeasurably in repulsing the enemy attack, reflects the highest credit upon themselves and upon the traditions of the United States Army. Entered military service from Holden, Massachusetts, 1943.

Thurston House entrance sign

Thurston House bed & breakfast in Maitland/Winter Park just announced fabulous summer rates. These rates start May 16th, and run through September 2nd. Excluding holidays, weekday rates are now $160, and weekends are $170. You still will get the fabulous pampering that we are well known for, you just will be paying less. Come and let us show off for you! Book your room now….

Do You Have What It Takes To Become An Innkeeper?

The B&B Team announces Central Florida

Aspiring Innkeeper Class!

There is no substitute for real life experiences! With The B&B Team’s combined knowledge and experience in acquisition, valuation, financing options, staffing, innkeeping and hospitality you will be fully immersed in an intensely informative three day seminar. You will leave with an understanding of why so many innkeepers establish long term relationships with The B&B Team^® from education to acquisition to retirement.

We have been working with Aspiring Innkeepers since 1993 locally, regionally, and nationally and are pleased to offer innkeeping seminars for those who are seriously considering this wonderful profession.  In 2010, The B&B Team is offering seminars  for aspiring innkeepers from Florida to Maine. Spend an informative and fun weekend with us!

Your inn seminar guides will be founding partner Peter Scherman and his wife, Peggy; partners and former innkeepers, Janet and Rick Wolf; and affiliates and former innkeepers, Scott and Marilyn Bushnell. On a lighter note, you will enjoy the conversation and camaraderie with different experienced and successful Innkeepers both evenings. 

OUR UPCOMING SEMINAR
January 22-24, 2010, held at the beautiful NightSwan Bed & Breakfast in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Click for more information. Hurry, as room is limited!

Thurston House sign

Make it a real vacation and book a night or two at Thurston House bed & breakfast, before or after the seminar. Book your room now!

The Enzian Theater and the Eden Bar have just announced their New Years Eve plans. Their party, starting at 9pm, has a James Bond theme.

Secret Agents, Bond Girls and Villains – celebrate the New Year with a bang at Enzian and Eden Bar. Come “Dressed to Kill” as your favorite James Bond character and party into the New Year with drink specials (shaken or stirred) and a DJ spinning until 2AM. The countdown to 2010 culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at midnight. Costume contest begins 10:45PM with the most impressive character winning a VIP Table package and an Enzian Dinner for Two gift certificate.

General Admission - $5 includes one complimentary Peroni
V.I.P 2-Top Table - $50 includes 1 Bottle of Champagne
V.I.P 4-Top Table - $100 includes 2 Bottles of Champagne

Party begins 9PM
Costume Contest 10:45PM
FREE Fireworks Show Midnight

This great theater and bar is only minutes from Thurston House, an easy walk too. Book your room, head to the Enzian, and sleep in late on the 1st. Great way to start a new year!