MAITLAND FLORIDA ROTARY ART FESTIVAL 2023: EXPLORE ART, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

MAITLAND FLORIDA ROTARY ART FESTIVAL 2023: EXPLORE ART, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Lake Lily fountain in Maitland. ARt under the Stars theme. Duke sponsorship.Are you a discerning traveler seeking an enriching weekend getaway? Nestled within the charming town of Maitland, Florida, Thurston House Bed and Breakfast invites you to embark on a captivating journey into the world of art, culture, and community spirit. The Maitland Florida Rotary Art Festival 2023, has been captivating Central Florida residents and visitors since 1976. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Maitland, Florida, this event has evolved into a grand celebration of the arts, showcasing exceptional talents and giving back to the community.

“Art Under the Stars”

The 47th Annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival, aptly named “Art Under the Stars,” will take place from November 10-12, 2023, at the scenic Lake Lily Park in Maitland, one of Orlando’s most affluent suburbs. With a full weekend format, this juried art show promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and those looking to make a difference in the community.

Fountain in Lake Lily with lily pads and birds on a fence.Set against the backdrop of Lake Lily Park, this festival offers a unique and inviting atmosphere, especially with the cooler November days. As you explore the festival, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, displays, and demonstrations from cultural partners, as well as captivating student art exhibits from local schools. The event kicks off Friday evening at 5 PM, and then runs Saturday 10AM-9PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM.

Limited Spots, Maximum Quality

Only 145 artists have been selected for this juried show, ensuring that you experience the best of the best in the world of art. It’s an opportunity to connect with artists, immerse yourself in their creative processes, and perhaps find that perfect piece to adorn your home.

Diverse Artistic Categories

Prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer variety of art styles and mediums at this event. The Southeast’s finest artists will converge in Maitland to showcase their talents in ten distinct categories, including Fiber/Leather, Fine Crafts, Glassworks, Graphics & Drawing, Jewelry & Metalwork, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Pottery/Ceramics, and Sculpture & Woodworks. Each artist undergoes a rigorous jury process to ensure the highest quality of artwork.

Festival tents at night.Community Giving and Patron Program

The Maitland Rotary Art Festival is not just about art; it’s about community. This event thrives on public and private partnerships, allowing Maitland Rotarians to give back to their community. With artist awards totaling $14,000, your support directly contributes to local causes and artists. Play a vital role in promoting the arts and community development.

Mark Your Calendar

The Maitland Florida Rotary Art Festival 2023 is a must-attend event for art and culture enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life and believe in the power of giving back. Plan your weekend getaway now and book your stay at Thurston House. Our historic bed & breakfast offers a peaceful retreat just minutes away from the festival’s vibrant hub. After a day filled with art and culture, you can relax in our comfortable accommodations and relish a gourmet breakfast to start your day. Hope to see you there!

LIKE MUSICAL THEATER? DISCOVER THE WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE!

LIKE MUSICAL THEATER? DISCOVER THE WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE!

Winter Park Playhouse logoCentral Florida’s only professional musical theater is nestled right here in our neighboring City of Winter Park, Florida. The Winter Park Playhouse is a hidden gem that’s been delighting audiences for over 20 years. If you’re searching for a place where the magic of live theater meets the joy of music, look no further. This cozy playhouse has a rich history of bringing toe-tapping tunes and heartwarming stories to life, and the 2023-24 Mainstage Musical series promises to be a musical extravaganza like no other. It’s one of the top things our guests like to do when staying at Thurston House, our Orlando area bed and breakfast.

A Glimpse into History

Founded in 2002 by Roy Alan and Heather Alexander, the Winter Park Playhouse has become a beloved institution in Central Florida. This intimate, 123-seat theater, with its comfortable seating and friendly atmosphere, offers an up-close and personal experience that’s perfect for musical enthusiasts of all ages.

Over the years, the Playhouse has progressively broadened its reach, and today, the Playhouse presents six main stage musical productions, monthly cabarets, quarterly special events, the Florida Festival of New Musicals, and numerous community outreach programs each season.

Affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers, Winter Park Playhouse maintains high artistic standards and proudly employs professional actors, musicians and technicians. Offering a diverse range of shows, from classic Broadway hits to lesser-known gems, all while showcasing the immense talent of local and visiting performers, the Playhouse is not just a theater; it’s a place where memories are made and musical dreams come true.

2023-24 Mainstage Series Schedule

If you like musical theater, discover the Winter Park Playhouse and prepare to be entertained, moved, and thoroughly enchanted by their exciting lineup of shows. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a newbie looking for a great night out, there’s something for everyone. While there are a variety of other great series, here are highlights from the 2023-24 Mainstage Series:

“Ruthless” September 22-October 15, 2023~Judy, a naive 1950s housewife, and her adorable 8-year-old daughter, Tina, will do ANYTHING to get the lead role in her school play “including murdering the leading lady!” This fun spoof has its twists, turns and killer laughs!

Christmas show with Tony Bennett picture“A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett” November 10-December 16, 2023~Ring in the holidays with this unforgettable evening of quintessential Tony Bennett songs! Featuring eighteen classic holiday tunes plus the standards that made Bennett famous, like his signature “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Grab your friends and family and celebrate the season Tony Bennett style! (WPP)

“Breaking Up is Hard to Do” January 19 – February 17, 2024~ This nostalgic musical comedy celebrates the timeless songwriting of the legendary Neil Sedaka! Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, this humorous and heartwarming musical follows two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. Featuring twenty of Sedaka’s most popular songs.

“Five Guys Named Moe” March 15 – April 20, 2024~A high-energy Broadway musical set to Louis Jordan’s iconic rhythm and blues/jazz score! After Nomax’s world is turned upside down, he finds comfort and joy through five guys named Moe, stepping out through his radio! With dozens of whimsical hit songs, this musical fantasy delivers exuberant entertainment!

“George M. Cohan Tonight!” May 10 – June 9, 2024~ Meet “The Yankee Doodle Boy” himself in this high-energy, one-man journey through the life, music, and artistry of this legendary entertainer. This off-Broadway musical features a plethora of tap dancing and hit songs including “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “Over There,” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

Make it a Weekend Theater Getaway!

Winter Park Playhouse Musical Theater from entranceDon’t miss out on these fantastic shows during the Winter Park Playhouse’s 2023-24 season. With only 123 seats, shows sell out fast! Here’s an idea…make it a weekend getaway! Thurston House is just a quick 10-minute drive to the Playhouse.

Check out our specials on our website. We offer a theater package from time to time with special ticket prices! That makes things simple! After checking in to our historic Central Florida B&B, you can head out to the theater (with many dining options nearby). It’s a lineup filled with diverse musical experiences (and cozy accommodations) that promise to entertain and enchant! We can’t wait to see you!

ROLLINS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

ROLLINS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

wall art in lobby

If you’re an art lover and exploring art in the Orlando area, you’ll definitely want to include the Rollins Museum of Art on your itinerary. The museum, located on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park, is a hidden gem with more than 5600 works in its collection.

Central Florida attracts many adventurers looking for art, culture and entertainment. If you are one, numerous art collections are worthy of your attention, including the Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando Museum of Art, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, to name a few.

The Rollins Museum of Art ranks high among this list featuring rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection that spans centuries. Its holdings include a sizable American art collection and the only European Old Master paintings in the Orlando area. Fortunately, for guests of Thurston House, these discoveries are all within a few miles of the inn.

group sitting at table looking at artwork

The museum’s mission is to be “a teaching museum that stimulates transformative encounters with works of art while integrating art learning into daily life for campus and community.”

With education at its core, RMA, the only campus art museum in the greater Orlando area, offers numerous programs that allow visitors to engage with art, not just view it. Programs are designed for K-12 and college students as well as adults and families in the Central Florida area. There are docent-led tours, workshops, films, and hands-on activities available on an ongoing basis.

A CERTAIN FUTURE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Rollins Art Museum was one of Florida’s first college museums to be accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1981, and it continues as one of only four AAM-accredited museums in the greater Orlando area. With committed support of the College and its friends, the Museum will dramatically expand the scope of its influence in the next few years when it breaks ground on a contemporary 30,000 square-foot future home. This $25 million project will offer the museum the much-needed space to curate its rapidly-growing collection and expand its outreach and teaching programs.

VISITING ROLLINS MUSEUM OF ART

wall with art displayed

Visitors to the museum will discover a broad range of media, periods and styles. Exhibits include its permanent, but rapidly-growing, collection of more than 5600 works and its limited seasonal exhibitions. Collection strengths lie in European, American, and contemporary art from the Renaissance to today.

Rollins Museum of Art in Winter Park offers docent-led museum tours on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 & 3:00 PM. These tours highlight works from their current exhibitions.

The museum is open to the public year round (except Mondays and a few holidays) and admission is free thanks to RMA members. Be sure to stop by the Museum Shop which helps support the Rollins Museum of Art.

GETTING THERE

front of art building

The Rollins Museum of Art is located on the Rollins College campus in the city of Winter Park at the east end of Holt Ave. There are a limited number of designated museum visitor parking spaces adjacent to the Museum on Holt Ave. Free parking is also available at the Truist Parking Garage at Lyman Avenue with a validated ticket from the Museum and at the Rollins Parking Garage, located at the corner of Fairbanks and Ollie Avenues.

The heart of the Rollins College area in Winter Park is home to a symphony of experiences to enjoy. Within a mile’s radius, you can take in the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum to name a few. The area is also home to the well-appointed Park Avenue with its cozy cafes, luxurious shops, fine art galleries, and popular restaurants.

Spend the day indulging in art and exploring the Orlando area before heading back to your quiet room at Thurston House. You might even have time to sneak in a nap in the hammock before your local dinner reservation. It doesn’t get better than this!

Visit Rollins Museum of Art online at www.rollins.edu/rma/.

 

Adopt Manatee Gift Idea

Adopt Manatee Gift Idea for that last minute – What to get for someone who has everything??? Adopt a real manatee and help protect an endangered species at the same time. Funds from the Club’s Adopt-A-Manatee program go toward efforts to help protect manatees and their habitat.

Unlike other animal adoption programs, the manatees in the adoption programs are real, living manatees with known histories. You even have the opportunity of seeing your adopt manatee gift idea at one of three locations in Florida. The closest to Thurston House Bed & Breakfast our Central Florida lodging accommodation is Blue Springs Park. Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water related activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 15.

The park is just a short 30 minute drive from Thurston House our Winter Park area bed & breakfast lodging, and truly a world away. The natural old Florida setting is a wonder. There are walking paths, boardwalks, viewing areas and even an historic home to tour – Thursby House. Learn about the history of this former busy shipping port. With the Adopt Manatee Gift Idea your recpient can actually head to the springs and try to pick out their adoptee from the many swimming around in the warm waters.

New Years Eve North Orlando

In  3 weeks it will be the end of the year 2013. Wouldn’t you like to celebrate in some manner? First, book your room at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast, the perfect place to spend New Years Eve North Orlando Maitland. Don’t worry, we do offer a later breakfast New Years Day!egg cups and potatoes

Next, decide how you want to spend your evening. Are you up for a wonderful dinner out? How about a fabulous dinner at Flemings Steak House? Would you rather order up a wonderful brick oven pizza from Antonio’s Cafe and sit on the porch staring at the moon and the stars? You could drive over to Park Avenue in Winter Park and stroll around, stopping in at a variety of places for a bite here and a sip there. People watching is a favorite thing to do along the avenue! And it is only a short drive from our North Orlando Bed & breakfast!

James Bond is back at the Enzian Theater, a movie and a party too, just in time for New Years Eve North Orlando! You can stroll over to the theater from Thurston House in 10 minutes. Have a blast, enjoy the show, then end your evening back at our secluded small Central Florida bed & breakfast.

November North Orlando

November is the perfect weather month for  the crinum lily by carla to bloomNovember North Orlando is the perfect weather month to be at our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Thurston House. The weather starts getting down to the 50’s in the evening, and doesn’t usually go over 80 degrees in the daytime. The yard starts to become more lush now that it is cooler, and fall colors start to show. Mums add a bit of color to the landscape, along with the usual penta’s, blue daze, crinum lilies and even the Golden Rain trees. We note that there are many buds on the 40+ camellia bushes and keep watch for that first one to pop open.

November is the perfect weather month for sitting on frontPorch

5pm brings guests to gather on the porch, a place where we like to joke that we solve all the problems of the world. Of course it depends on who is there and where they are from, so it can get very interesting! November in North Orlando is also the perfect time to stroll along our walking paths and residential streets, meandering past beautiful houses, parks and lakes. Come let us show off for you…book now! We are minutes from Winter Park, Rollin’s College, and downtown Orlando too.

November is the perfect weather month for the Golden Rain Tree at Maitland B&B
Golden Rain Tree at Maitland B&B

Art & History Together North Orlando

Yes, Art & History together north Orlando. Three new exhibits just opened at the fabulous Art & History Museums – Maitland.  Just minutes away from our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Thurston House , you can  hop in your car or take a short stroll over there. Yes, Art & History together here in Central Florida!

Exhibit #1 – The Maitland Art Center continues to honor the legacy of founder Andre Smith by bringing back the Artist-In-Residence Program. The first artist who has spent 6 weeks living and working on the grounds is Josette Urso. She worked primarily in the gardens making oil paintings, watercolors and drawings.

Exhibit #2 – Heavy Metal – No, not music but abstract arrangements of painted metal and found remains, innovative works by Rocky Bridges.

Exhibit #3 – Family Ties – No, not the TV show! With this interactive exhibition you can learn how to trace your own ancestry while you explore the history of Maitland’s founding families.

Such a unique and wonderful facility, a place where you could easily spend a few hours just enjoying the gardens and gallery. There is even an outdoor chapel and courtyard with wonderful Mayan themed artwork. Don’t forget about the fabulous gift shop too!

Remember, that is Art & History together, here in beautiful Maitland Central Florida!

 

 

 

North Orlando’s Rollins College Family Weekend!

Announcing North Orlando’s Rollins College Family Weekend!  School is back in session at Florida’s oldest continually running college, Rollins College in Winter Park. Once the students are all settled in for the school year, the college hosts a Family Weekend. This years dates are 11/1-11/3. This fun filled weekend bring families from all over the world, to share in all the festivities. Remember, that is North Orlando’s Rollins College Family Weekend!

Thurston House our North Orlando Winter Park Bed & breakfast is just minutes away from campus, but a nice and quiet intimate accommodation. Our 8 acre wooded location is perfect for a quite read in the upstairs hammock, or grab a colorful rocking chair on the downstairs wraparound porch overlooking Lake Eulalia.  Late afternoon snacks are offered, and the full breakfast each morning is world class! Rollins students have been known to join their family for breakfast, or even for a sit on the porch in the afternoon, a nice respite from their busy college life. Book now as rooms are sure to go fast!hammock with afternoon sun by carla

North Orlando Lodging Special!

North Orlando Lodging Special – For a very limited time, enjoy accommodations at Thurston House, our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Inn, for only $185 nightly plus tax! This is for any room, from now through 9/3. BOOK NOW for best choice of room and dates.

hammock with afternoon sun by carla

north Orlando lodging special Thurston House hammock

There is so much to do and see in our Central Florida area, from visiting the Audubon Birds of Prey Center 2 streets away, to enjoying tapas and music at Jazz Tastings just a short stroll up the street. Maitland is also host to several wonderful museums, including the Maitland Art Center, the Maitland Historical Museum, and the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Top off your day at a wonderful restaurant such as Antonio’s la Fiamma, SoNapa or Rangetsu, all sure to please. This north Orlando lodging special won’t last long so be sure to book your room soon!