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!

One of our favorite local places, Leu Gardens is 50 this year! Located only 15 minutes from Thurston House B&B in North Orlando, it is a guest favorite too!

Harry P. Leu Gardens features paved scenic walkways for a self guided, self paced visit that takes you through fifty acres of southern styled gardens including:

• America’s third largest Camellia collection

• Three acres of idea gardens for weekend projects

• The largest formal rose garden in Florida. 

• A National Historic House dating from the 1880′s. 

• Two acre Tropical Stream Garden

• Vegetable and Herb Garden

• Butterfly Garden

• Palm, bamboo and cycad gardens

The Mission of Harry P. Leu Gardens is to inspire people to appreciate and understand plants, the environment of Central Florida and the Gardens’ historic significance.

The Leu House Museum is open 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. with tours every thirty minutes on the half hour.  The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.  The Leu House Museum is closed in July

Classes and symposia on landscaping, horticulture, fine arts, crafts and children’s classes are available with pre-registration.  Click on “Education” in the column on the left for more information.

Hours:  Gardens open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas day. Last Garden admission at 4:00 pm.

This is a must see for those venturing into Central Florida!

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!