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!

 

 

Farmers’ Markets Near Orlando: Three You Must Visit

FARMERS’ MARKETS NEAR ORLANDO: 3 YOU MUST VISITbrown bag with purchase at market

With a growing number of Floridians interested in locally-sourced ingredients and organically grown produce, Central Florida’s farm market scene is especially vibrant. With Florida’s temperate climate, guests of Thurston House, our Orlando area bed and breakfast, can visit several local farmers’ markets year round. On any given weekend, you could find 20 markets within a half-hour drive of the inn.  Here’s three you must explore that are just a few quick minutes away.

Florida farmers’ markets are a great showcase of local products because many markets stipulate that vendors grow, make, or process the ingredients in the products they sell. This means the honey, fruit, bread, herbs, or jam you buy is likely from Florida. And most are as fresh as a few days old. Also, farm stands are usually represented by the farmer or the farm workers, meaning you can ask questions firsthand about how the food was grown or made.

chicken pot pies being sold at market

WINTER PARK SATURDAY FARMERS’ MARKET

In particular, the Winter Park Saturday Farmers’ Market is the number one produce and plant market in Central Florida. Every Saturday morning from, over 50 vendors gather to sell their fresh produce, plants, baked goods and more. Mason, of Winter Park Urban Farms, is one of our favorite farmers, cultivating gardens in back yards around town and offering seasonal produce harvested just the day before market. Set up in the Central Park West Meadow, across from the old train depot, the Winter Park Saturday Farmers’ Market is a popular gathering place for locals, and their dogs, on the weekends.

MAITLAND FARMERS’ MARKET

On Sunday mornings, the Maitland Farmers’ Market is a fun place to spend a few hours. Located in downtown Maitland on Independence Lane, nearly 25 vendors are excited to greet you. Shop fresh produce and fruit, plants and flowers, crafts, food, and more. Get a croissant or made-to-order crepe from Chez Vincent Bakery before stepping across to Blessed Bean Coffee for a fresh cup of java. There’s live music provided courtesy of Performing Arts Matters and kids always enjoy inflatable slides and games in the park.

ORLANDO LAKE EOLA MARKET

The proximity of our Central Florida B&B to Orlando makes it an easy 10-minute drive south to another local market on Sundays. The Orlando Farmers’ Market, in its 35th year, is held at Lake Eola Park near Downtown Orlando, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. More than a traditional farmers’ market, you will also find crafts, gifts, wine and jewelry in addition to fresh produce and baked goods. Always family friendly, take the kids and dogs for a great afternoon on the banks of Lake Eola.

Here’s a list of other Central Florida markets to explore if time permits: “Top 10 Farmer’s Markets in Central Florida”   You’re sure to find a tasty snack or the perfect souvenir at one of these Orlando-area Farmers’ Markets when you stay at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast near Orlando.

CENTRAL FLORIDA SUMMER GETAWAY 2023

CENTRAL FLORIDA GETAWAY NEAR ORLANDOExterior view of Thurston House

Who says you can’t vacation in Central Florida in the summertime?

Summer is the perfect time to explore Orlando’s numerous museums—inside luxuriously air-conditioned surroundings. Make Thurston House Bed & Breakfast your home-away-from-home for a few days while you discover art, history, and theater—all less than five miles away.

Thurston House is set on eight park-like acres in Maitland, just north of Orlando’s city limits. Built in 1885, this Queen-Anne Victorian has its own story to tell, with gleaming pine woodwork in relaxing parlors and modern hotel comforts in our three unique guest rooms. Set your personal room thermostat as cool as you’d like!

What to Do to Stay Cool in Central Florida Summers

Once you’ve settled into your Thurston House home-away-from-home, head over to the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, held by the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. Browse the Museum Shop where you just might find Tiffany-designed jewelry you can’t live without! Then, step outside for just a moment to discover one of dozens of cool bistros or bars for lunch or dinner.

The Orlando area boasts many other art venues where you can continue your cool end-of-summer getaway. The Rollins Museum of Art, also in Winter Park, is featuring several new exhibitions running throughout the summer. A short mile’s drive to Loch Haven Cultural Park (Orlando) is the Orlando Museum of Art, and it’s large permanent contemporary collection.

The intimate Mennello Museum of American Art, also in Loch Haven Park, primarily displays the permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. As you approach, don’t miss the 350-year-old sprawling live oak tree draped with Spanish moss called “The Mayor” in the Mennello Sculpture Gardens. Art’s not your thing? Stay cool at the Orlando Science Center or the Orlando Fire Museum …yes, also in Loch Haven Park.

Perhaps you’d like to beat the heat with some dramatic entertainment in a cool theater setting. We have that too! The Orlando Shakespeare Theater is only a few miles from Thurston House, and the Winter Park Playhouse is even closer. In August, the Playhouse opens Two for Murder, a new production combining “classic musical comedy and madcap mystery.” This should be fun!

Front of theater for end-of-summer getaway near Orlando

Last but not least…Enzian Theater, right here in Maitland, is another fabulous strategy for a cool getaway during the last hot days of summer. Enzian is a single-screen cinema café and prides itself on being Central Florida’s only alternative cinema offering independent, foreign, and classic films.

Who says you have to stay home to endure Central Florida’s summer heat? Summer won’t last forever…check availability now!

 

Make The Most Of A Valentine’s Day Getaway to Winter Park Florida

Make The Most Of A Valentine’s Day Getaway To Winter Park Florida

Raise the bar of your Valentine’s Day getaway to Winter Park, Florida with our popular Romance Package lodging special!

Treat yourself and that special someone to the peaceful charm and idyllic lakefront setting of our historic 1885 Florida bed and breakfast. Thurston House is nestled on 8 wooded acres with the best of Winter Park, Florida just minutes away.

The timeless historic culture and natural beauty of the Winter Park area in Central Florida makes it the perfect destination for any Valentine’s Day romantic getaway. Mild temperatures and hundreds of lakes set the backdrop for classic architecture filled with shops, restaurants, museums, theaters, and romantic lake cruises.

When it comes to romantic adventures, Winter Park, Florida will not disappoint. From scenic canal tours, art walks, wine tastings, and live music to French bistros, handmade chocolate shops, and massage, we have it all!

No matter what form your romance takes, Winter Park, Florida remains the perfect place to express it, and Thurston House can help with our romantic lodging packages and specials!

Couples MassageValentine’s Day Getaway Romantic Packages and Special Add-Ons

Visit our Special Luxury Enhancements page to discover a diverse offering of fun and romantic options to make your Valentine’s Day Getaway in Winter Park, Florida even more delightful.

Our popular Romance Package, for example, includes:

  • Bedside bouquet (or upgrade to a dozen roses)
  • Charcuterie Snack Box waiting in your room (surely to include chocolate-covered strawberries)
  • Two 60-minute massage sessions
  • Telegraph Hill robes to use during your stay
  • Delicious home-cooked breakfast each morning

Looking to completely unwind with your sweetie? What better way than to fall asleep in a hammock made for two after a fragrant bath in our clawfoot soaking tub.

You’ll surely win the prize with our All-Inclusive Romantic Package. We’ve thought of everything for you! You’ll have all the features of our Romance Package above, but unwind and rejuvenate from the Hirsch Room including private, exclusive use of the adjacent screened-in sleeping porch with romantic two-person hammock. The Hirsch Room has our only deep-soaking clawfoot tub, original to the house. We’ll even include a supply of bath salts and bubbles to wash all your stress away!

Luxury Enhancements to Your Valentine’s Day Getaway To Winter Park Florida

Customize your Valentine’s Day Getaway with any number of add-ons to make your stay even more special. Choose hand-made local chocolates, fresh fruit, roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, and so much more! Looking for something we’ve not listed? Ask us! We’ll do our best to make it happen.

Couple ShoppingOh, but you’re thinking you might need a little extra time to really explore all that Winter Park has to offer?

In that case, why not take advantage of our Free Tuesdays Weekday Special. With this lodging special, you can enjoy your home away from home for a little longer with a free Tuesday! An extra day in Winter Park, Florida is an opportunity to take a scenic canal tour, explore the Tiffany Collection at the Morse Museum, or just soak up the peaceful views of Lake Eulalia from the porch at Thurston House. How you spend your extra time is up to you, we just want you to be at home here in Central Florida.

At Thurston House, we’re dedicated to helping make your Valentine’s Day Getaway to Winter Park in Central Florida the best it can possibly be. It’s just around the corner!

Find all the details you need to book your stay at our Specials & Packages page. We hope to see you soon…Happy Valentine’s Day!

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zora Festival 2020

The Zora Festival 2020 was first presented in 1990. ZORA!™ is a multi-day, multi-disciplinary, intergenerational event composed of public talks, museum exhibitions, theatrical productions, arts education programming, and a 3-day Outdoor Festival of the Arts. The event takes place primarily in Eatonville, Florida (10 miles north of Orlando) and throughout Orange County. Thurston House is just minutes down the road from this renowned event!

The historic Town of Eatonville is the oldest Incorporated Black Township in the United States and dates to 1887. Attending this Zora Festival 2020 will give you a glimpse of just how unique their history is, and how important it was in the growth of this area of Central Florida.

Eatonville Sign

Zora Festival 2020

Imagine back in 1885, Mr. & Mrs. Thurston sitting on their porch amid their 160 acres of groves and woods. In their imaginations, they were probably trying to see what would become of this beautiful land. And now we know. It has been a long journey, with ups and downs for the people of Eatonville & Maitland. But I think they would be proud.

26 Years – WOW!

Let me just say – 26 years – WOW!

This week marks 26 years of being in business for Thurston House. Who would have ever thought that we would be here so long, after totally renovating this beautiful property and starting up the business from nothing? We have hosted guests from all the far reaches of the planet – 33 countries, every state, and even 6 territories, so far. As we see our busy season starting in the very near future, we wonder where they will come from next.

sunset view of pond

Overlooking Lake Eulalia – 26 years WOW!

Our location is such a unique one, hidden away in a quiet suburb only 5 miles from downtown Orlando and next to Winter Park. Guests come to this area for the fine dining, world-class museums and wonderful shopping found here. Many use us as a base for a few days, heading one day to Disney, another day to Cape Canaveral, and the rest of the time seeing all the wonderful attractions right in our backyard. Just in Maitland, we have the Audubon Birds of Prey Center, the Maitland Art Center & History Museums and more.

Owl

A Thurston House resident owl – 26 years WOW!

When we tell guests it has been 26 years, they do say 26 years – WOW! Come to see for yourself soon. Book your room now.

Getdown Downtown – New Event!

With the completion in October of the City of Maitland Downtown area, a new monthly event will be starting – Getdown Downtown! On the first Friday of each month, this pedestrian friendly area will be filled with live music, vendors, food and drink. We have waited a long time for this wonderful new addition to our city. The downtown area is just over 1 mile from us here at Thurston House. Take a stroll through our beautiful neighborhoods and arrive at the event ready to enjoy a fun evening.

So book your room now and plan for a great start to a fabulous weekend in beautiful Central Florida!

New City of Maitland event – Getdown Downtown 2018