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!

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/.

 

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!

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adopt Manatee Gift Idea

Adopt Manatee Gift Idea for that last minute – What to get for someone who has everything??? Adopt a real manatee and help protect an endangered species at the same time. Funds from the Club’s Adopt-A-Manatee program go toward efforts to help protect manatees and their habitat.

Unlike other animal adoption programs, the manatees in the adoption programs are real, living manatees with known histories. You even have the opportunity of seeing your adopt manatee gift idea at one of three locations in Florida. The closest to Thurston House Bed & Breakfast our Central Florida lodging accommodation is Blue Springs Park. Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run are closed to all water related activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 15.

The park is just a short 30 minute drive from Thurston House our Winter Park area bed & breakfast lodging, and truly a world away. The natural old Florida setting is a wonder. There are walking paths, boardwalks, viewing areas and even an historic home to tour – Thursby House. Learn about the history of this former busy shipping port. With the Adopt Manatee Gift Idea your recpient can actually head to the springs and try to pick out their adoptee from the many swimming around in the warm waters.

New Years Eve North Orlando

In  3 weeks it will be the end of the year 2013. Wouldn’t you like to celebrate in some manner? First, book your room at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast, the perfect place to spend New Years Eve North Orlando Maitland. Don’t worry, we do offer a later breakfast New Years Day!egg cups and potatoes

Next, decide how you want to spend your evening. Are you up for a wonderful dinner out? How about a fabulous dinner at Flemings Steak House? Would you rather order up a wonderful brick oven pizza from Antonio’s Cafe and sit on the porch staring at the moon and the stars? You could drive over to Park Avenue in Winter Park and stroll around, stopping in at a variety of places for a bite here and a sip there. People watching is a favorite thing to do along the avenue! And it is only a short drive from our North Orlando Bed & breakfast!

James Bond is back at the Enzian Theater, a movie and a party too, just in time for New Years Eve North Orlando! You can stroll over to the theater from Thurston House in 10 minutes. Have a blast, enjoy the show, then end your evening back at our secluded small Central Florida bed & breakfast.

November North Orlando

November is the perfect weather month for  the crinum lily by carla to bloomNovember North Orlando is the perfect weather month to be at our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Thurston House. The weather starts getting down to the 50’s in the evening, and doesn’t usually go over 80 degrees in the daytime. The yard starts to become more lush now that it is cooler, and fall colors start to show. Mums add a bit of color to the landscape, along with the usual penta’s, blue daze, crinum lilies and even the Golden Rain trees. We note that there are many buds on the 40+ camellia bushes and keep watch for that first one to pop open.

November is the perfect weather month for sitting on frontPorch

5pm brings guests to gather on the porch, a place where we like to joke that we solve all the problems of the world. Of course it depends on who is there and where they are from, so it can get very interesting! November in North Orlando is also the perfect time to stroll along our walking paths and residential streets, meandering past beautiful houses, parks and lakes. Come let us show off for you…book now! We are minutes from Winter Park, Rollin’s College, and downtown Orlando too.

November is the perfect weather month for the Golden Rain Tree at Maitland B&B
Golden Rain Tree at Maitland B&B