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

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!

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 Times – Special Things!

At the holidays it is always special to come upon something that you have long time wonderful memories of. I am fortunate to have a few Christmas ornaments from long ago when I was growing up on Montana Drive in Holden, MA. Christmas time was a big deal at our house and in the entire neighborhood. People all had their houses decorated inside and out. A good many of our neighbors were of Swedish decent, so we learned a lot about those traditions too. My Mom learned how to make a mean Pepperkokar, and got so hers’ were even thinner than the Swedish neighbors cookies…something every baker aspired towards. Well, those times are long past and most of the adults in the neighborhood then have since passed away. The memories and stories still linger in all of our hearts, especially as I put out my few precious items…some shown here. Thurston House bed & breakfast is especially wonderful this month…come see!

special ornaments from my childhood

Thurston House Times – Car BYE-BYE!

Porsche 914

Those of you who have been coming here for years know of Joe’s love of cars. He had been restoring a Porsche 914 for about 6 years and just finished all the mechanicals. That’s the fun part for him so he put a for sale ad up at a local parts place. Lo and behold, Alan is now the proud owner of this great car. He is very excited and will bring it by Thurston House bed & breakfast when he has it all done. Joe waved BYE-BYE!

Thurston House Times – Enzian!

Thinking “what to do?” this week? The Enzian Theater is just minutes from Thurston House bed & breakfast. Continuing this week is Coco Before Chanel. This movie has gotten rave reviews. So, book your room at Thurston House, head over to the theater a little early and enjoy a drink at the Eden Bar, then head inside to watch the movie and have a great dinner. This is the only way to enjoy a movie!

Coco Before Chanel

Thurston House Times – Holidays!

The holiday decorating is almost done here at Thurston House. Come stay and get into the spirit of the holidays. There is lots going on in this area the next few weeks. It starts with Tiffany in the Park celebration this Thursday in Winter Park, then Maitland’s Season of Light this Saturday, then on and on…. Start it all with a reservation at Thurston House bed & breakfast in Maitland!

Thurston House dining room mantle

Thurston House Times – Camellia’s!

The first of our wonderful old camellia’s are showing their color. These 40 or so bushes, some small, some huge, all were planted by Mr. Clarence Cubbedge back in the 40’s. There all different types and colors, making a beautiful show in our yard from now until February. Come to Thurston House bed & breakfast to stroll our yard to see these gorgeous plants.

beautiful camellia