Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States(70,000 worldwide). 

I know all too well how devastating this disease can be. A friend of over 50 years has a son fighting for his life and awaiting a double lung transplant. The financial burden is tremendous and could end up costing as much as $100,000! Dominic Quagliozzi is 30 and an accomplished artist who is just finishing his Master of Arts Science Degree. He is engaged and plans to wed in August of this year. When he was diagnosed 30 years ago they were told to not expect him live to his 5^th birthday. He has proven them wrong and now awaits a life saving double lung transplant. Without this he will die.

For every reservation this month, Thurston House is donating $5 towards Dominic’s fundraising efforts. Guests will be made aware of this and can donate additional funds if they care to. HelpHOPELive is a non-profit organization who will manage these funds and will make them available when they are needed. They have been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years now!

Book now, come stay and help Dominic!

Please make others aware of this disease. It is likely that someone in your life has someone or knows someone with Cystic Fibrosis. Our nephew is also fighting this and we will collect and donate for him when the time is appropriate.

Maitland is known as the birthplace of the Florida Audubon Society. It is also known for it’s wonderful rehabilitation center, started here in 1979.

Since its founding, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey has treated over 12,000 injured or orphaned birds of prey (raptors), releasing more than 40% of these former patients back into the wild. The Center handles the largest volume of eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and kites east of the Mississippi River–averaging more than 650 admissions, or injured or orphaned birds of prey, each year—and is a leader among all North American rehabilitation centers for specialized eagle care.

The Center also provides environmental education programming to over 20,000 local students, teachers, and visitors annually, while promoting a culture of conservation towards birds of prey and their habitats. A nationally renowned research institute, the Center is an influential voice in the ongoing fight to save endangered and threatened birds of prey.

The center is just a short stroll from Thurston House, a north Orlando bed & breakfast accommodation. Staying at Thurston House, one could imagine being in a mini-raptor center. While rocking on the wraparound porch, or swinging in the upstairs porch hammock, one can see everything from owls to osprey to hawks and more. They live peacefully amid our wooded 8 acres overlooking Lake Eulalia. Sharing their location are many other types of  birds such as cardinals, sparrows, woodpeckers and tiny timouse, to name just a few. A stroll around the lovely streets of  Maitland will bring you to several lakes, home to a variety of ducks and geese. Book your room, pack your binoculars, and come enjoy our little bit of paradise in Central Florida, Maitland.

This year’s Florida Film Festival features a record breaking 168 films respresenting 31 countries. Running from April 13-22, films will be shown at the following venues – Enzian Theater, Regal Winter Park Village 20, Winter Garden Theater, and Central Park on Park Avenue.

   Every year the Florida Film Festival premieres the best in current independent and foreign cinema. And this year they are saluting their 21st anniversary by bringing you more of the best. With cutting-edge films, 100 visiting filmmakers, plenty of special guests, and non-stop events, this festival will do everything to ensure 10-days of Film, Food, and Fun.

Thurston House, North Orlando’s only bed & breakfast accommodation, is just a short stroll away from the Enzian Theater, the major hub of all the activity. Book now!

With a MissionStatement like this -

“We engage the public by educating, collecting, preserving, interpreting, exhibiting, and promoting art and history reflective of the American experience inspired by Maitland’s heritage and the legacy of André Smith’s Research Studio.

Through our multidisciplinary collections, unique architectural environment, and inspirational programming, we stimulate thought, spark the imagination, enrich the spirit, and foster appreciation in art, historical research, and preservation.”…..

you can be assured this organization – Art & History - Maitland – is truly something special.

The organization boasts 5 museums, everything from an 1884 Carpentry Shop & Waterhouse Residence, a Mayan themed Artist Colony, to an Antique Telephone Museum and much more. Ongoing art and history exhibits fascinate and delight the senses. Culture & Cocktail programs offer another unique view of what this organization is about. Couldn’t you use a bit of CULTURE right now?

All museums are a short stroll or drive from Thurston House, North Orlando’s finest bed & breakfast accommodation.

Warren

What do you get someone who has everything they need? How about an eagle, osprey or even an owl? At the Florida Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland there are many birds just waiting for a family to adopt them. Click on their website link and start shopping for that perfect bird gift. Then, plan a trip to Thurston House Central Florida B&B to visit your bird. We are just a short stroll away!

Art & History - Maitland, Culture & Cocktails

Culture & Cocktails Join us for the not-to-be-missed social event for art lovers! Our first event of the 2011-2012 arts season takes place on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, both inside and outside of the Maitland Art Center’s Germaine Marvel Building. Guests are sure to enjoy this evening of art, music, poetry, food and fun! The Germaine Marvel Building will be filled with the artwork of esteemed artist Yatin Patel, from his series entitled SUTRA. The artist writes, “SUTRA – an ancient sanskrit (historical Indo-Aryan language 1500 AD) translated as ‘a thread or line that holds elements together.’” In this collection, Yatin reveals the beautiful textural fibers that are woven into the environments of present-day urban India, evocative of its ancient society and civilization at large. The evening also features music by Gruda & Yoho , a 2-man band born in early 2011. Gruda plays guitar and sings. Yoho beatboxes and plays bass guitar. Additional objects and electronics also utilized to create their unique sound. Their mostly original material fuses funk, rhythm & blues, jazz, psychedelic rock, and hip-hop (beats), into one sonic blend. Music is generously sponsored by Performing Arts of Maitland. Renowned poets Terry Thaxton and Elaine Person from Maitland Poets and Writers are also featured in the evening’s festivities, and will be performing poetry readings at select times during the evening. Additionally, artists from the Art & History Museums – Maitland’s Sketch Club will show off their talents as they sketch outside in the courtyard throughout the evening. Patrons will not leave hungry, either, as Big Wheel Provisions will be on hand with their popular Food Truck. Big Wheel Provisions is a catering and charcuterie company located in Orlando, and owned by Chef Tony Adams and a group of people dedicated to creating amazing food. Admission to this artistically fun event is $5, and includes one drink ticket. Guests who sign up for a membership to the Art & History Museums – Maitland, which will be offered at half price that evening, receive free admission and a complimentary drink ticket.

Golden Rain Tree at Maitland B&B

When you mention Fall, those from up north picture colorful maple leaves over vast hilly areas. We in the North Orlando Maitland Winter Park area also experience Fall, but in a different manner. The days are cooler and less humid, the yards are greener and the beautiful Golden Rain Tree shows off it’s spectacular colors. They start with their green leaves, then beautiful little yellow flowers in clusters, then last are pink pods everywhere!

Butterfly on penta plant

The birds and other wildlife seem to notice the change too. Just the past week I have noticed so many more birds flying around, along with many beautiful butterflies trying out our landscape. It is glorious here! Aren’t you due for a visit to our North Orlando bed & breakfast soon?

For a really special deal, check out our latest Living Social Escape deal that just went live today. It’s available for only a limited time so hurry!

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!

Thurston House yard overlooking Lake Eulalia

Thurston House Bed & Breakfast in Maitland is a beautiful place, but alas we cannot host special events. That’s OK, because it means that our fabulous setting amid 8 lakefront acres will be a quiet oasis for your getaway. 

Maitland Art Center Main Garden

Just minutes away from us there are five inspirational venues for your celebration or meeting . At the Maitland Art Center you find – The Chapel & Mayan Courtyard, The Main Garden, and The Germaine Marvel Building. At Lake Lily you find – The Cottage at Lake Lily and The Waterhouse Residence Museum Lawn. They all have unique characteristics, and I am sure one will be absolutely perfect for your needs! Contact Lauren Murphy to discuss your needs and plan your event – lauren@artandhistory.org or #407-539-2181 ext. 253.

Then, don’t forget to book your room or rooms at our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast, Thurston House!