Spectacular Leu Gardens…

Leu Gardens is in the City of Orlando, and only 15 minutes drive from Thurston House. Roaming around their many acres of lake front park is the perfect way to while away a day. You can even escape the heat by taking the Historic Leu House tour. An interesting fact is when I worked in corporate life, my “other life” in Massachusetts, I worked for a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. Harry P. Leu was one of it’s biggest distributors at that time. When you are in the house, his office desk has a copy of his industrial tools offerings, with Norton Company prominantly displayed…small world. There is always something new blooming at the gardens, from roses to camellia’s and lots of butterfly loving plants…just beautiful!

Leu Stroll Time almost upon us!

Next weekend is one of our favorite events – The Leu Gardens Spring Jazz Stroll. Book your room at Thurston House, pack your picnic basket and head to this spectacular event. This year, as usual, there are three groups including Beautiful Bobby Blackmon. Advance tickets are a must! Book your room now as it is also the Rollin’s College Graduation weekend….2 night minimum.

What else is there to do?…….

We are very fortunate to have a spectacular garden only 15 minutes away from us – Leu Gardens. This is just one of a group of many reciprocal gardens associated with the American Horticultural Society. Experience the largest camellia collection in the south, the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a butterfly garden and many other types of gardens spread throughout the over 50 acres.

Events are held throughout the year…date nights, movie nights, camellia shows and plant sales. Our favorite things to do is attend the jazz strolls, held Spring & Fall. The garden closes early to ready for the nights event. Three jazz bands set up in various corners of the gardens for your listening pleasure. Pack your picnic food & drink, grab your chairs and pick that special person to come with you…fabulous evening under the stars! This is a ticket only event and is usually sold out. The next one is the Spring Jazz Stroll and is held May 10….PLAN AHEAD!!! A stay at Thurston House would be a perfect end to this great evening.

If you can’t make it to any of the annual events, just go to the garden any day. It is open most every day of the year. I had the pleasure of taking Joe’s parents there recently. It was just perfect!