SPRING COOKING CLASS GETAWAY: URBAN FARM TO TABLE

tomatoes, plums, produce at farmers market stand, b&b hotel near OrlandoSPRING COOKING CLASS GETAWAY: URBAN FARM TO TABLE  APRIL 12-14, APRIL 15-17, or APRIL 19-21

Spring into Florida! Explore the surprising variety of produce farmed right here in Central Florida backyards. Come for the fun of making great food with others! While at Thurston House, we’ll cook together and have scrumptious conversations around food. You’ll also visit a local urban farmer, select fresh ingredients together, and just maybe learn a little something new in the process!

Upcoming Spring 2024 Dates:

  • Friday, April 12-14
  • Monday, April 15-17
  • Friday, April 19-21

Spring Package Cost: Just $100 (per room) plus the cost of lodging (a 2-night stay in your choice of available rooms at our Best Available Rate for those dates).

Here’s what’s included:

  • Early (3:00pm) check in on your date of arrival.
  • Two nights’ accommodations in our best available room.
  • Evening welcome reception w/house-made hor’dourves (BYO wine).
  • $25 gift card (per room) to Antonio’s gourmet food market (around the corner in Maitland).
  • Visit to local farmer’s market for locally-grown fresh produce for a “create-on-the-fly” dish during cooking class.
  • Personally meet Mason, our favorite local urban farmer, and hear about his regenerative farming methods and CSA project.
  • On the second night of your stay, we’ll cook together in the Thurston House kitchen.
  • Then enjoy communal dinner together in the dining room.
  • Recipes for everything we have made during your stay.
  • As always, a full gourmet breakfast each morning.

ROLLINS COLLEGE GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND 2024

graduates throwing caps into air b&b hotel near OrlandoROLLINS COLLEGE GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND, MAY 11-12, 2024 

Congratulations to graduating students and their parents! A degree is quite an achievement! Parents and grandparents, stay at Thurston House for Commencement Weekend, May 11-12, and escape from a little of the hustle and bustle of downtown Winter Park! At the end of the day, wind down in the quietness of this peaceful 3-room oasis set on eight park-like acres just minutes from Winter Park and the Rollins’ campus.

We’ll happily accommodate that 10AM Sunday ceremony time and adjust breakfast as needed to get you there on time!

Mention that you’re coming for graduation and get our “Friends of Rollins” discount.

Here’s more information for your graduation planning.  https://www.rollins.edu/parents-families/commencement/

SPRING 2024 ART SCHOOL at HISTORIC MAITLAND ART CENTER

ART WORKSHOPS AT HISTORIC MAITLAND ART CENTER:

(VARIOUS DATES in APRIL, MAY and JUNE)

crusty paint tubes art center school workshop, b&b hotel near OrlandoCalling all artists! One-day art workshops for all interests! The Maitland Art Center, a National Historic Landmark, offers short, easily accessible workshops in drawing, bookbinding, printing, silk painting, marbling, paint making, stenciling and more! Draw on the extensive knowledge of a curated group of local artists to build your own skills and enjoy your favorite pastime! Less than 15 minutes from downtown Orlando.

Browse upcoming workshops and register directly with the Art School at www.artandhistory.org/education.

When you come for your art experience, book a stay at Thurston House, another historic gem. We’ll treat you to a peaceful oasis only 5 minutes from the Art Center…and a few perks!

THURSTON HOUSE/ART WORKSHOP PACKAGE: 

  • Stay the night before OR after your workshop (1-night) at Best Available Rate, and we will give you a credit for the amount of the “materials fee” required for your chosen workshop. (one credit per room)
  • If you book two nights (before AND after your workshop), in addition to covering your materials fee, you will receive, with our compliments:
    • a ticket for admission to tour the Maitland Art & History Museums
    • a snack pack to tide you over on your workshop day
    • a copy of “Maitland Art Center: Andre’ Smith and the Research Studio”, a new publication by Danielle Thomas, A&H Maitland, Executive Director
    • admission to a second art experience—either the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens or the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park
  • As always, you’ll enjoy a full gourmet hot breakfast each morning of your stay

Spring Art Workshop Dates:white stucco museum buildings with pond in forefront

  • Tuesday, April 9: Bookbinding
  • Sunday, April 14: Bookbinding
  • Saturday, April 27: Lego Block Relief Printing
  • Wednesday, May 8: Intro to Silk Painting
  • Wednesday, May 8: Marbling on Paper & Silk Scarves
  • Sunday, May 12: Automatic Drawing
  • Saturday & Sunday (2 days), May 11 & 12: Traditional Materials/Contemporary Practice (making your own custom paints)
  • Saturday, May 18: Kitchen Lithography Printing
  • Saturday, May 25: Paper Stencil Printing
  • Saturday, June 8: Accordion Bookmaking

Step 1-Register for your art workshop directly with the Maitland Art Center.

Step 2-Book your lodging retreat at Thurston House and let us know you’re coming!

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sizzling Summer Rates

Just now Sizzling Summer Rates were posted for the rest of the summer. Take advantage of a more quiet time here in Central Florida. There is still lots to do, everything from museums and great shopping to antiquing and all types of fabulous restaurants. The posted rates are never lower than they are right now so book early for your favorite room. Enjoy the peaceful Hirsch Room with its original claw-footed tub, our largest room. Wake up in the O’Heir Room with the sun coming up over Lake Eulalia, the only lakefront room. Or enjoy the calm of the Cubbedge Room that overlooks the side garden with its variety of casual flower areas and a patio.

Porch and Cider

Everyday snacks are offered along with Sizzling Summer Rates

All guests are welcome to enjoy the 3 porches. The hammock in the upstairs sleeping porch is a very popular place to read. The many rocking chairs and other seating areas on the front wraparound porch are great places to sip a glass a wine while watching the birds chase each other from tree to tree. You’ll probably see an owl or two! The side porch has a cozy swing overlooking the gardens.

And if it is just too warm for you, the two parlours give you areas to just relax, something that is missing in most peoples everyday lives these days!

You will still be able to enjoy our famous savory breakfast each day regardless of the weather. So book now with our Sizzling Summer Rates before it is too late!

Sizzling Central Florida Summer

Sizzling Central Florida Summer Overlooking Lake Eulalia

Sizzling Central Florida Summer Overlooking Lake Eulalia

Yes, it is time for a Sizzling Central Florida Summer. This one is a bit more sizzling than usual. You still want to get away but the beaches and the attractions area are just too hot. How about a place where fine dining, wonderful museums and great shops are plentiful?  There is even a local historic theater, the Enzian, where you can watch indie films comfortably while enjoying your dinner and a glass of wine while sitting in a comfy chair at a real table.

Thurston House has been serving guests for almost 25 years now, through 24 years of Sizzling Central Florida Summer. The building has wonderfully cool central air conditioning and your guests room has its own thermostat! Start off your day on the porch while it is still cool, enjoying a cup of our fabulous Organic dark roast Peruvian coffee. Lake Eulalia is beautiful in the morning with the sun coming up behind it. The birds will entertain you too, singing and hopping around from bush to tree.

Let the aroma of your breakfast being made entice you into the dining room at your agreed upon hour. Enjoy your bountiful breakfast offering while planning your fun filled day. There are so much many activities to choose from, and lots of it located in well air conditioned buildings.  The innkeeper can help plan your museum visits, give you brochures and even help you decide where to eat, a difficult task as there are so many great choices very close by.

North Orlando Sizzling Central Florida Summer

North Orlando Sizzling Central Florida Summer

So, if you are staying home this Sizzling Central Florida Summer because you don’t know what else to do, make a reservation and come see what this beautiful area has to offer to you. We have an unheard of low rate just for you right now – any room the Sizzling Central Florida Summer rate of $199! This does include a complimentary beverage and cheese time from 5-6pm, a full breakfast each morning, complimentary safe free parking and even 2 Tesla charging stations. What are you waiting for?

Thurston House Celebrates 25 Years!

As they say, time does fly. In 1992, September 15 to be exact, Thurston House opened its doors to bed & breakfast customers. After a slow start trying to get the word out, there was no internet back then, of course, we eventually have become known to a worldwide audience. Featured in many publications over the years, including the New York Times and USA Today, we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish here. At last count, we have enjoyed guests from 32 countries, every state, and 6 territories!

Thurston House Celebrates 25 years!

Thurston House Celebrates 25 years!

Guests from a variety of different and interesting backgrounds have found their way to us. Their reasons to stay have ranged from everything such as wedding nights, vacations, business, birthday’s, family holiday visiting, to just wanting to run away from home. We have many who we consider “guest friends”, those who come back over and over again. I cannot count how many hours we have spent with guests on the porch solving all the problems of the day. It has all been extremely rewarding!

So, in honor of our upcoming 25th anniversary, we are offering special rates for multiple night stays from 7/5/17 through 9/10/17. 

Stay for two consecutive nights and receive $25 off per night. Stay for three consecutive nights and receive a 25% discount! Go to our “specials” page for all the fine print.

Thank you all, our past and future guests, as Thurston House Celebrates 25 years! We have had a wonderful time.

Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn!

Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn! We have 2 for your use.

Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn! We have 2 for your use.

Keeping up with the latest trends, Thurston House Bed & Breakfast Inn in the Maitland Winter Park area has just installed two Tesla charging stations. Experience the newest in technology with your car hooked up for the night, while enjoying the ambience of the true old Florida. Entering our property is like stepping back into time. We are surrounded by 8 acres of lush land overlooking little Lake Eulalia. Sit rocking on the wraparound porch and watch the birds chase each other from tree to tree, note the many varieties of butterflies fluttering from flower to flower, stroll around the yard enjoying  the natural landscape, then end up at the tucked away covered swing…

Your bed & breakfast stay provides complimentary use of the Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn, a beautiful room to stay in overnight, free Wi Fi throughout the building, a cheese & beverage snack at 5pm every day and a bountiful breakfast each morning.  Minutes away you will find great restaurants, shopping, antiques, parks  and museums. There is even a Tesla Showroom only one mile away! Don’t you need to book now?

So far we have had a white Tesla, a silver Tesla and a black Tesla. Is yours the next one?

Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn - in use on the first day!

Tesla Charging Stations at North Orlando Inn – in use on the first day!

Spring Fun Central Florida Style

Spring Fun Central Florida Style at Thurston House

Spring Fun Central Florida Style at Thurston House

Spring Fun Central Florida Style means lots of sun, birds and beautiful flowers. Gardens awaken with beautiful colorful blooms. Birds are in their active nesting season and spend a lot of time entertaining us with their antics in the yard. The sun is up longer and more beautiful each day too. There is so much to do in Central Florida, and just minutes from Thurston House boutique bed & breakfast.

The City of Maitland proudly announced that the Maitland Art Center was designated a National Historic Landmark – what an honor! This unique and wonderful facility was built by Andre Smith in 1937 as an artist’s colony. Through many twists and turns in its’ history, it has come full circle with onsite artists in residence once again. Come stroll their grounds, including a beautiful chapel. The gallery inside also features ongoing collections and exhibits to enjoy.

Spring Fun Central Florida Style historic Waterhouse Museum

Spring Fun Central Florida Style historic Waterhouse Museum

The Waterhouse Residence Museum and Carpenters Shop is another wonderful Maitland attraction. View how an average family might live in 1884, and how the Dad would make a living an area home builder.

The Audubon Birds of Prey Center is on the Florida Birding Trail, and just a few minutes away from Thurston House. Well known for their rehabilitation of these magnificiant birds, they also have an extensive collection of research materials to share.  Resident birds, ones who just cannot be released back to the wild, enjoy being set on their teethered posts daily where all visitors can get an up close view of them.

You can also enjoy Spring Fun Central Florida Style by just staying at Thurston House, a small boutique style bed & breakfast. Situated in the middle of 8 acres of sanctuary type land overlooking Lake Eulalia, yet minutes from many dining options, museums and lots of shopping, it is the perfect escape for you – Book now!