EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

Explore the Morse Museum: A Winter Park Gem

Tucked away in the charming city of Winter Park, Florida, just a few miles from our historic Thurston House bed and breakfast, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a hidden gem that beckons art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike. This remarkable museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American decorative and fine arts, particularly its unparalleled holdings of works by renowned artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Let’s uncover the Morse Museum’s offerings, its rich history, and exciting events to look forward to during the 2023 holiday season.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection

The Morse Museum boasts a diverse and awe-inspiring array of American artistry spanning several centuries. Its centerpiece is the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), the celebrated artist known for his exquisite stained glass creations. Visitors are transported into a world of shimmering beauty as they explore Tiffany’s intricate glass lamps, windows, jewelry, and other decorative arts. The Morse Museum also houses an exquisite chapel interior designed by Tiffany for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, known as the “Tiffany Chapel,” which is a breathtaking sight to behold.

Architectural objects and art from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall, are also on display.In addition to Tiffany’s creations, the museum features a wide range of American art, including pottery, paintings, and decorative objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes pieces by prominent artists and designers such as John La Farge, Alice Gouvy, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

A Glimpse into the Morse Museum’s History

The Morse Museum has a history as rich and captivating as the art it houses. It was founded in 1942 by Jeannette Genius McKean, who named the museum after her grandfather, Winter Park philanthropist Charles Hosmer Morse. Together, she and her husband, Hugh McKean, who directed the Museum for many years, dedicated their lives to preserving Tiffany’s legacy and promoting American art. The McKeans built the collection over half a century, and today, their vision has resulted in a museum that stands as a testament to their passion and commitment.

Originally housed on the campus of Rollins College, it opened on North Park Avenue in 1995, today occupying over 42,000 square feet of gallery space. The Morse is owned and operated privately by foundation and receives no public funds.

Christmas Holidays at the Morse Museum 2023

One of the most exciting events to look forward to during the holiday season in Central Florida is “Christmas in the Park” in Winter Park. Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch this festive season when they light up Tiffany windows in Central Park and present the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. This year, the 45th annual celebration of Christmas in the Park, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 starting at 6:15pm. The Museum’s website tells the touching history of the event and the significance or the windows.

Another beloved holiday tradition at the Morse Museum is the “Friday Nights at the Morse” series, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the museum after hours in a special and engaging way. Each Friday night during the series, the museum comes alive with a variety of activities, including live music, art demonstrations, and special tours. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of American art while enjoying a vibrant and social atmosphere.

The 2023-2024 season series coincides with the holiday festivities in Winter Park and kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 24, 2023, with a lively jazz quartet.  Holiday Friday Nights will continue every Friday night through the end of 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a fun and cultural night out, “Friday Nights at the Morse” is an event not to be missed.

Visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Museum is located at 445 N Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. Free parking is available behind the Museum and on several levels of the Park Place garage across from the Museum. The Museum and Museum Shop are open every day except on Mondays, and visitors can make appointments on the Museum’s website: https://morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit/. Several  orientation videos are offered online as well, and the Museum provides complimentary audio tours of the galleries via cell phone.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida, is a cultural treasure that invites visitors to explore the beauty and history of American art. It’s remarkable collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works and its dedication to preserving American artistry make it a must-visit destination.

Plan a weekend getaway to Winter Park during this Christmas season and include “Friday Nights at the Morse” in your plan. The Museum, and Central Park are just a quick ten minutes from our historic bed and breakfast, Thurston House. Who knows, but very likely the Morses and the Thurstons attended the same social events while wintering in Central Florida in the late 1800s. And surely, both families offered comfortable and gracious accommodations to their friends and family visiting during the holidays.

Certainly today, the Morse Museum promises an enchanting and immersive experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the museum’s offerings. Mark your calendars, book your stay at Thurston House, and prepare to be captivated by the area’s artistry and history this Christmas season!

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!

2021 At Our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Home

Our Central Florida Bed and Breakfast…Reflections on 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, we look back over the year and reflect on all the good times and warm memories we have. Hosting guests at our Central Florida bed and breakfast, Thurston House, continues to reward—this year was no exception.

Front view of Central Florida B&B Thurston HouseWe feel so fortunate, not only living here in the heart of Central Florida with its year-round lush flora and lakes at every turn, but also being able to share our home with so many others. Each guest who stays at our Orlando-area bed and breakfast, people like you, brings along a unique story to tell, and we look forward to making this the most comfortable “home away from home” during your stay.

Since 1885, this charming house has always been a home—to the Thurston, Cubbedge, Hirsch, O’Heir, and Ballard families. Thurston House, celebrating 30 years of hosting guests from all around the world and all 50 states, undergoes a significant transition this year. As veteran innkeepers, Carole and Joe Ballard, retire to their beloved Maine, we welcome a new family—a new innkeeper. As of the fall, Beverly Fuller has moved from Texas to make Thurston House her home and to continue the legacy of helping you have the best possible stay in Central Florida.

Admittedly, it’s easy to find plenty of things to do for an Orlando-area vacation. The cities of Maitland and Winter Park alone offer days of the best shopping, dining, museums, gardens, lakes and theaters that Florida has to offer. In fact, some of Central Florida’s most popular attractions—Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Morse Museum of American Art, Enzian Theater, Leu Gardens, Art & History Museums—Maitland, and more are all just minutes from Thurston House. In addition, there are numerous festivals, farmers markets, and live music events spread throughout the year.

Our goal here at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast is to make you feel at home during your vacation stay in Central Florida. This region is active and flourishing year round, and we love sharing our history and natural beauty with our guests. Reviews from guests, like the ones below, remind us why we love what we do!

 

From Our 2021 Thurston House Guest Book:wicker seating on porch overlooking Lake Eulalia in Central Florida

“What a wonderful three days! You will be a huge success, we are sure. Your attention to detail is awesome….” ~Liz & Vince, December 2021

“Beverly, so many thanks for being such a gracious, caring and hospitable hostess. You have found your calling! We were honored to be your first guests.” ~Jody & Kevin, November 2021

“Beautiful place, wonderful innkeeper, clean, cozy, great breakfast, and an incredible front porch!” ~Melissa, November 2021

 

Looking Ahead to 2022 for Our Bed & Breakfast Home:

Is a vacation in Central Florida in your 2022 future? We’ve all experienced seasons of change—some more wonderful than others. A new innkeeper for Thurston House brings fresh vision and an exciting new vibe. A wonderful buzz about room updates, locally-sourced breakfast ingredients, a backyard urban garden, and free Tuesdays builds anticipation of exciting things to come in 2022. From where—and with what interesting stories—will our guests come this year?

image of innkeeper at Thurston House bed & breakfast in Central FloridaFor those of you who have stayed with us in the past, we say “thank you” and invite you to return! If you’ve never vacationed in Central Florida, you don’t know what you’re missing! We do hope you will join us and share in the great things unfolding in 2022.

Beverly can’t wait to meet you…especially on a Tuesday! Happy New Year from Thurston House!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 years for Maitland B&B – WOW!

Come sit on our porch!

In two weeks, Thurston House will mark another milestone – 18 years providing wonderful accommodations to guests from all around the world. So far we have enjoyed guests from 21 countries, every state and even 3 territories! It has been a wonderful place for us to live, and we hope that we have many more years here at  Thurston House in beautiful Maitland, Central Florida.

We have seen our guests, marry, divorce, die, move away, move back, visit family, celebrate life events, stay for business, retire, etc. It has been very interesting to be a part of their lives. Some guests have been staying with us for over 10 years now! We are blessed.

House before renovations - January 1990

We have seen Thurston House start out as an empty and unloved house, to be completely renovated becoming the “Gem of Maitland”. Even the guest rooms started out one way, but have been fine tuned much during that time. Rooms have  different size beds now, and colors have changed – green to gold, pink to ruby red and yellow to tan. We have evolved too, starting with phone reservations and brochures to now offering online reservations and printable brochure on our website. You can even find us on Twitter, FaceBook and Trip Advisor too! 

Keep tuned for Fall & Winter Specials!

Maitland is Celebrating 125 Years!

Incorporated as the Town of Maitland in 1885, the City of Maitland in Central Florida, is celebrating 125 years this year! To help celebrate this momentous occasion, the City of Maitland and its cultural partners will be hosting a number of different events throughout the year, until the actual founding day celebration – Party in the Park on 7/17.   

The Thurston Cottage, circa 1897

Thurston House is also celebrating 125 years this year and offers a special, running from 4/1 through Founder’s Day Week, 7/18/10. See our website for more details. “My Mr. Thurston” would be most happy that we are celebrating his beautiful home!

Thurston House Times – Winter begins!

Yes, today is the first day of Winter in Central Florida. No, there is no snow here, but temperatures have been in the chilly range. The sky is crystal clear though! This is the weather we need for our oranges & tangerines to become ripe, and for the camellia’s to really start popping open. A few camellia’s have opened so far, but by the end of the week they’ll be beautiful all over the yard!

tangerine tree

tangerine tree

 Come step away from your busy times and relax here at Thurston House bed & breakfast. Rooms are still open through the end of the year…book now!

One of the first!

One of the first!

Thurston House Times – Dressed to Kill!

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.

Enzian New Years Party

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!

Thurston House Times – Another gift idea!

Doesn’t your special someone deserve a unique gift? How about a manatee? That’s right, the Save the Manatee Club based here in Maitland offers an adoption program. The recipient will receive adoption papers, a photo and other information about this wonderful creature. What fun to give and receive! Come to Thurston House bed & breakfast when it is cold out and head a short distance to Blue Springs Park. There they count hundreds of manatees coming in to the warm waters.

manatee swimming in spring

Thurston House Times – Gift Idea!

What to do, what to get…. Always a big challenge this time of year. How about a very unique gift from Maitland’s own Audubon of Florida Center for the Birds of Prey? You can chose what type of bird to adopt, from eagles to owls. There is a photo and information sent about the adopted bird, as well as an official certificate. When in town they can even visit “their” bird! The center is right around the corner from Thurston House bed & breakfast.

This is a perfect gift solution for anyone who really doesn’t need anything, but would appreciate this donation to a good cause. Think about it!

Thurston House owl couple

Thurston House owl couple