WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL 2023: CELEBRATING FLORIDA ARTISTS!

WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL 2023: CELEBRATING FLORIDA ARTISTS! 

📅 Date: October 7-8, 2023 📍 Location: Central Park, Winter Park, Florida

Are you an Art Enthusiast? Mark your calendar and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration at the 2023 Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. This spectacular event promises to be a celebration of Florida’s rich artistic talent, and you simply can’t afford to miss it!

Picture a crisp autumn weekend (we can dream) in the charming city of Winter Park, where the lush foliage provides a breathtaking backdrop to the exceptional talents of Florida’s most gifted artists. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or just looking for a delightful way to spend your weekend, this festival has something for everyone.

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival booth with paintings and patrons.

INTERACT WITH FLORIDA ARTISTS

Stroll through the picturesque Central Park, located along the historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, where vibrant colors and intricate designs will adorn the booths of 186 Florida artists chosen this year. From stunning paintings and sculptures to unique ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, you’ll discover a treasure trove of artistic expressions that capture the essence of our Sunshine State.

As you explore the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the artists themselves, gaining insight into their creative process and the stories behind their works. It’s a chance to connect with the creators, forging a deeper appreciation for the art that surrounds us.

ALL YOUR SENSES WILL THANK YOU!

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival logo with captial letters AAFThe Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, celebrating Florida artists, isn’t just about visual art; it’s a multi-sensory experience. You’ll savor delicious culinary delights from over a dozen local food vendors while enjoying live music that sets the perfect ambiance for your day. There’s a great line-up of entertainment on the main stage from 9AM-5PM each day.

And for our younger art enthusiasts, there are engaging activities to nurture their own budding creativity. The Crealde School of Art will hold workshops for kids in the Children’s Tent both days.

This year, we invite you to become a part of a vibrant artistic community, where talent meets passion, and creativity knows no bounds. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Florida’s artistic scene at the 2023 Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, October 7-8, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Need a home base for the weekend? Thurston House, our historic bed & breakfast, is just 5 minutes from all the fun in Winter Park. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and open hearts! Save the date and let the art adventure begin! 🍂🎨

GUIDE TO 30 GREAT THINGS TO DO NEAR ORLANDO THIS SEPTEMBER 2023

GUIDE TO 30 GREAT THINGS TO DO NEAR ORLANDO THIS SEPTEMBER 2023

 

JAZZ & BLUES CONCERT

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Saturday, September 9, 2023

Get ready for  an amazing evening of jazz, blues and a little bit of everything in between from some of the most popular bands in Central Florida. Pack a picnic of your favorite foods and bring seating, alcohol is permitted.  

Concert Map

How it works: 3 bands in 3 locations in the 50-acre gardens. Bring chairs or blanket and sit wherever you like on any lawn area or find a nice spot in a gazebo. Stroll around to the bands and enjoy the gardens. Tickets are only available online, not sold at Leu Gardens. The gardens will open at 6:30 p.m. for guests with tickets. 

Presented By: Harry P. Leu Gardens

Dates: September 9, 2023

Price: $20-30

Time: 7 p.m.

 

 

ART’S THE SPARK!

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Through interactive tours of the Museum’s exhibitions, Art’s the Spark gives those living with memory impairment, or any other neurological impairment, such as early stage Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and their healthy caregivers a fun experience, an expressive outlet and an opportunity for adult discussions. The program strives to provide a rich and satisfying experience for all participants. FREE, pre-registration is required. Please call 407.896.4231 ext. 262 or email education@omart.org to register.

Dates: 9/2/2023, 10/7/2023

Price: Free

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: QUEEN ‘A NIGHT AT THE OPERA’

Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

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Classic Albums Live: Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’ comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando.

Presented By: Hard Rock Cafe & Live Orlando

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $21 – $36

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

MAITLAND STAGE BAND

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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The Maitland Stage Band is supported by PAM (Performing Arts Matter). This 16-piece big band performs modern arrangements, as well as hits from the legends of the big band era. They have played all over Central Florida under direction of trumpeter Rick Ingoglia.

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $25

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

WILD FLORIDA 5K

Lake Baldwin Park 4990 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814

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RUN WILD FOR FLORIDA WITH CONSERVATION FLORIDA!

This Summer, you’re invited to RUN WILD with Conservation Florida! Join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at our annual Wild Florida 5k at Lake Baldwin Park in Orlando, Florida! The run supports our mission to save natural and agricultural landscapes for future generations. Participants will receive a branded 5k t-shirt, medal, and lots of good vibes knowing they are saving land and creating a healthier future for Florida! After the 5k, join Team Conservation Florida for light refreshments and conservation conversations.

Dates: September 2, 2023

Price: $45

Time: 8 a.m.

 

CAMPING WORLD KICKOFF: FLORIDA STATE VS. LSU

1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805

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The Florida State Seminoles and LSU Tigers will face off in Orlando to open their 2023 seasons. The 2023 game is the fourth in a multi-year agreement between Florida Citrus Sports and ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, to host a major neutral-site college football game in Camping World Stadium during the opening weekend of the college football season.

Dates: September 3, 2023

Price: Varies

Time: 7 p.m.

 

JAZZPRO SERIES PRESENTS: JOHN REDFIELD TRIO

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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John Redfield is an innovative, virtuosic pianist. His rapid-fire playing technique is dazzling, but he also plays melodically and with sensitivity. In John’s playing you can hear the influences of masters like Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly, and also stride piano legends like Art Tatum. John will be joined by Doug Mathews on bass and Walt Hubbard on drums for a concert featuring jazz standards and John’s original compositions.

Dates: September 6, 2023

Price: $20

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Orlando Shakes

812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

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Set during the revelries of Mardi Gras and featuring New Orleans Jazz, Zydeco and Delta Blues music, Shakespeare’s non-stop hilarious farce of love, mistaken identity, and two sets of twins separated as babies – gets swept up in the carnival celebrations. Bring your Mardi Gras beads and let the good times roll!

Presented By: Orlando Shakes

Dates: September 6, 2023 – October 1, 2023

Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Price: Varies

Time: Varies by Date

 

 

 

CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT

The Abbey

100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801

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Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Orlando. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at The Abbey under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Dates: 9/7/2023, 11/30/2023

Price: $35 – $55

Time: 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.

 

BLUE BAMBOO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023 KICKOFF PARTY

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Join us for the Blue Bamboo Jazz Festival 2023! Four concert events September 14th-17th. This kickoff concert will feature Chris Cortez and Friends in the first set, and the Alain Bradette Quartet in the second set. Admission is free for this event, but reservations are strongly suggested. To purchase tickets for all 4 events at a 20% discount, please call Melody Cortez at 407-636-9951.

The Blue Bamboo Jazz Festival 2023 is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dates: September 14, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2023

Festival Park

2911 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

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The International Food and Drink Festival 2023 at Downtown Orlando is back! Enjoy the best restaurants from Central Florida, exotic drinks, food eating contests, giveaways and more!

Dates: Sunday, September 17, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

21ST ANNUAL GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL

400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

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Continuing its mission to use creative media as a catalyst to inspire and educate people to initiate positive change in their local communities and worldwide, the Global Peace Film Festival (GPFF) celebrates its 21st anniversary this year.

The Festival’s opening night film to be screened at Enzian Theater on Tuesday, September 19 at 6 p.m. is The League, a film that celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. A complete list of films can be found online at peacefilmfest.org.

Dates: September 19, 2023 – September 23, 2023

Recurrence: Recurring daily

Price: Varies

Time: Varies

 

COOKING WITH AMY: 30 MINUTE ITALIAN MEALS

Maitland Public Library,501 Maitland Avenue South, Maitland, FL 32751

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Join Amy as she demonstrates how to make some quick and easy Italian meals. Space is limited for this class and registration is required. Ages 14 and up. RSVP on our website beginning September 1st.

Dates: September 19, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

 

RUTHLESS!

The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 North Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Ruthless! September 22 – October 15, 2023

Previews: Sep. 21 at 7:30pm & Sep. 22 at 2:00pm

This outrageous hit musical comedy garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run.  Meet Judy, a naive 1950s housewife, and her adorable but sociopath 8-year-old daughter Tina.  Encouraged by her manager, Sylvia, 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!  “A wonderfully smart and funny send-up of every Broadway brat… loaded with campy with and charm.” –Variety.  Book & Lyrics by Joel Paley / Music by Marvin Laird

Presented By: The Winter Park Playhouse

Dates: 9/21/2023, 9/22/2023, 9/23/2023, 9/28/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023, 10/1/2023

Price: $20 – $46

Time: Varies by Date

 

 

ORLANDO SALSA FESTIVAL

Amway Center, 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801

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The Orlando Salsa Festival is coming to Amway Center on September 22, featuring the legendary Willie Colón and El Gran Combo! Prepare to dance the night away to the electrifying rhythms of salsa and experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.

Dates: September 22, 2023

Price: Varies

Time: 8 p.m.

 

 

TERRY MYERS QUINTET FEATURING JAIMIE ROBERTS

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Terry Myers is pleased to present the talented and dynamic vocalist Jaimie Roberts! This afternoon will feature jazz standards alongside a selection of Jaimie’s popular material, cabaret numbers, and fresh new songs and surprises! Jaime is a multi-faceted vocalist and comedienne, who has worked professionally in the Central Florida area for many years. Her repertoire is extensive, and performs across all genres from Big Band jazz, comedy and parody songs, Country, Broadway, and more. If you are not already a fan, prepare to fall in love with Jaimie’s larger-than-life stage presence!

The Terry Myers Quintet is: Terry Myers – saxophone, Jaime Roberts – vocals, Randy Morris – piano, Jay Mueller – bass, and Paul Parker – drums.

Terry has had a storied career in Central Florida, including being a band leader at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, the band leader at Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Jazz Emporium, and as an original member of Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band. Terry is the director of the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and has appeared at many jazz festivals across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Dates: September 24, 2023

Price: $20 – $35

Time: 3 – 5 p.m.

 

 

HAPPY FRIGHTS

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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Gather the entire family for a fun, family-friendly Halloween adventure throughout Orlando’s Leu Gardens featuring exciting immersive worlds, live characters, food and trick-or-treating.

Presented By: Creative City Project

Dates: Begins Sept. 29, 2023

 

 

LAKE NONA ORLANDO VEGFEST

USTA National Campus 10000 USTA Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

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This completely vegan festival will have over 60 vegan vendors including local businesses and special guests from out of town. You can expect live music, speakers, dance classes, yoga classes and other entertainment all free. This is a family and pet friendly event where all are welcome.

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

 

OKTOBERFEST

Lake Nona, 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

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Oktoberfest is returning on Saturday, September 30 at Lake Nona Town Center with live music, German food from Park Pizza, German themed entertainment, photo-ops, games, and our annual Stein Hoisting competition. This event is free and open to the public, no ticket needed!

Presented By: Lake Nona

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Free

Time: 4 – 10 p.m.

 

 

RICKY SYLVIA & THE BUZZCATZ: 70S GOLD

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

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Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: $20 – $35

Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

 

WISDOM OF WORDS: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF WRITING

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

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When you see a painting, what do you feel? When you look at a photograph, what memories surface? Tap into your creativity with the use of paintings, photographs, and objects as award-winning writer Elaine Person prompts you to write original stories, poems, and essays. Learn writing tools and techniques. Different genres of writing and reflection will be discussed.

Dates: September 30, 2023

Price: Members $27, Non-members $30

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

 

 

 

RECIPE: BLUEBERRY BREAD PUDDING

RECIPE: BLUEBERRY BREAD PUDDING

ramekins of bread and blueberries baked in puddingMany of you have requested the recipe for the breakfast bread pudding you enjoyed while staying at Thurston House. I use croissants in this because I like the texture and because they fit the breakfast theme. You could certainly use challah bread or leftover waffles if you prefer.

And what about those fresh blueberries…that seem sweeter when they’re warm and bursting in your mouth. As with most things, if you can time everything to serve this right out of the oven, then even better!

On the other hand, you could simply come back to our Central Florida bed & breakfast, and I’ll make it for you! Either way… Bon Appétit!                                 

 

4 servings/ Bake at 360 degrees

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or half & half
  • 1 T. vanilla
  • 1 T. orange juice (optional)
  • 2 T. brown sugar (or regular white)
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • 2-3 large croissants (or 5-6 small)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Garnish (optional):

  • sliced almonds
  • sliced pear
  • maple syrup

Preheat oven. Coat baking dishes with non-stick cooking spray. You can use four individual ramekins or a medium casserole dish depending on the presentation you want. The method is the same.

Combine the first six ingredients and whisk together until the sugar seems dissolved. Tear croissants into small pieces and layer about half into dish. Sprinkle about half of the berries and repeat with remaining bread and berries. Pour the custard mixture over the layers and press the bread down with fingers until all bread is wet.

Before baking, I like to add a few slices of pear on top along with a sprinkle of almonds. Before putting in the oven, let dish sit for 5 minutes to allow bread to soak up as much liquid as possible. Bake at 360 degrees for 20-30 minutes depending on the size of dish you chose. The middle of the bread pudding should seem baked but still moist. Drizzle just a little real maple syrup on top and serve.

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/.

 

ART GALLERIES NEAR ORLANDO WINTER PARK IN CENTRAL FLORIDA…VISIT THESE 3

water fountain winter park flART GALLERIES NEAR ORLANDO WINTER PARK IN CENTRAL FLORIDA…VISIT THESE THREE.

Florida is known for its scenic beauty, from its multitude of lakes and white-sand beaches to the wildlife-rich everglades and tropical paradise of the Keys. So it’s no wonder that there’s a prolific artist community ready to capture this beauty, and as many tourists intent on taking pieces of it home to enjoy all year long. Many art galleries in the Central Florida area showcase our local artists. On your next stay at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast near Orlando, visit these three art galleries near Orlando Winter Park FL to check out their collected beauties.

 

THE GALLERY 32789, 515 N. PARK AVE, STE 114, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

The Gallery 32789 is set in downtown Winter Park near the Morse Museum in Brandywine Square, steps from Central Park and its fine dining, upscale shops, and world-renowned museums. Representing professional artists who work in oil, acrylic and mixed-media paintings, sculpture, jewelry, clay and photography, The Gallery 32789 hosts monthly by-invitation-only art events.

 

scene storefronts along park avenue winter parkPARK AVENUE CONTEMPORARY ART, 348 S. PARK AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

After finding a cozy lunch spot along the avenue, be sure to stop in at Park Avenue Contemporary Art, featuring contemporary artwork from over 25 Florida and national artists. Founded by Denise Autorino, an avid 20-year art collector, the gallery opened at the Park Plaza Hotel in 2020. Its new location on Park Avenue offers generous space for larger paintings, sculptures, artist talks, events and more.

 

STELTENKAMP FINE ART, 126 S. PARK AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

Another art gallery near Orlando Winter Park caters to lovers of fine art. Steltenkamp Fine Art offers a private gallery in an historic second floor setting overlooking downtown Winter Park. Bill and MaryAnn invite you to appreciate art in a new way in a sophisticated, but casual venue. They feature unique pieces from a variety of genres and countries. Whether you are a novice or seasoned collector, you will find something of interest. Ask the Steltenkamps about upcoming art lectures and private artist exhibitions when you visit.

 

Spend the day soaking up art galleries near Orlando Winter Park FL. then head back to your comfy room at Thurston House. You might even have time for a nap in the hammock on the sleeping porch before venturing out to a fabulous dinner. Ah…life is good!

 

 

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