Suggested Itinerary For a 14 Day Holiday

Having done a good number of holidays to Florida we realise that having a rough idea of what you want to do on each day is a good way of making sure you get time to do all the amazing things you want to do. I am not saying it is something that needs to be stuck to regardless but having a rough idea we find makes things easier.

The below is a possible Itinerary for a 14 day holiday:

Day 1: Arrival. Other than arriving, finding your car hire then finding your villa, that will be pretty much it for that day. If you do get the time then take a trip to your local supermarket to get some supplies so that you can start tomorrow feeling fairly organised.

Day 2: Orientation/Recharge. Quite often tour reps organise orientation meetings on your first day in Florida. We haven’t actually attended one of these meetings but I think Continue reading “Suggested Itinerary For a 14 Day Holiday” »

Black Hammock Adventures Orlando Florida

Tired of conventional travel destinations? Well, you can have the adventure of a lifetime with an airboat ride and gator hunt at Black Hammock Adventures outside Orlando Florida. This destination is a well known tourist attraction in Central Florida for airboat tours sightseeing and nightlife. 

An airboat is an ideal vessel for getting around lakes and wet lands. This type of boat is unique because it has the ability to move into narrow creeks and shallow wetlands. Each airboat captain U.S. Coast Guard Certified, licensed and insured.  Black Hammock Adventures airboats can accommodate both large and small groups.

Fortunately, you will be under the care of a travel guide who is very experienced in the wild.   . Leaving the Black Hammock Marina your airboat will travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, exploring the lake and enjoying the natural wildlife with your guide and companions 

A 30 Minute airboat tour is Continue reading “Black Hammock Adventures Orlando Florida” »

Celebration – The Town That Disney Built

Celebration is a planned community developed by a Walt Disney Company which commissioned leading architects to lay down a master plan and design the buildings. It reflects the style of small American towns from the early 1900’s. Work was begun in 1994.

There are about 2,500 homes set in among several lakes. The downtown area of Market Street and Main Street is a small, pedestrian-friendly shopping centre where you will find retail shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a town hall, post office and cinema. Main Street is a wide promenade circling the main lake. Disneys Celebration Town story continues …..

St Augustine, Florida – the US does history

Most people think of Florida and all the modern day things like the theme parks but if you go to St Augustine, just off the I 95  on the Atlantic Coast you will discover the roots of America. It was a Spaniard who named Florida “La Florida” meaning Land of Flowers in 1513. In 1545 when another Spanish expedition landed it was the Feast of St Augustine and so the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US was named after the saint. They also gave thanks with a feast and so it could be said that the first “thanksgiving” was held in Florida.

Luckily a lot of the old buildings have been preserved – many given to the local historic society by past owners and the whole area looks much more Spanish than American. The cobbled narrow streets (many pedestrianised) are a real shock after the wide highways. The streets are filled with antiques shops, art galleries and places to eat as well as bed and breakfast establishments if you need more than a day. You really could be in any old european settlement. St Augustine grew with the arrival of the railroad and became “the place” for the rich to spend their vacation – and a whole near era of building began.

There is good signage to car parking just on the edge of town and the easiest way to see the whole area is on a road train that allows you to get on an off at the various spots. These include the oldest home, the oldest wooden school and the authentic jail house. Other highglights include Flagler College – once a swanky hotel for the rich – which has some magnificent stained glass windows – book the tour as that is the only way to see beyond the entrance lobby. The Lightner Museum is housed in another former hotel. The Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse (climb to the top for fantastic views)- plus they have a Fountain of Youth (no guarantees on that). There is also a local winery so you can taste their latest vintage. It is really a case of deciding what you can see in the time you have.

If you fancy a change from the theme parks it is really worth the trip – check out the “whats on” on the various dedicated web sites. It really shows that the US can do history.

Jean

Moorgate Villa 4 bed, Highgate Park, Florida

Winter Parks Farmer Market

Winter Parks – Farmers Market

 The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is held at the old train depot, located at 200 West New England Avenue, that has been restored into an historical landmark that hosts this NUMBER ONE produce and plant market in Central Florida. The market takes place every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a popular community gathering place that provides fine produce, plants, baked goods and so much more.

Note: The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is closed each year on the third Saturday in March due to the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

We go every year on the first Saturday after we arrive in Florida, it’s such a lovely morning out. They sell freshly baked goods, lots of fruit and veg and unique stalls with quirky bits & pieces. Also there are lots of stalls selling plants, we purchased some for the pool deck and they are a bargain compared to the big stores.There’s an outside area where you can sit with a coffee and piece of cake and enjoy the ambience.

Winter Park Florida – See The Millionaires Homes

For a break from the theme parks, try a visit to Winter Park. (Just a few miles East on the I4 from Orlando) Take a boat ride on the lakes past all the millionaires homes. (This is a short hourly trip) Visit the Tiffany museum or just enjoy browsing the shops and botiques. Enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Children can have a run in the park and watch out for the very long trains passing through!

Information submitted by Susan owner of the – “Great Value Home Near Disney“ 

Historic Mount Dora – A Quite Day Out

Take a drive to Historic Mount Dora abour 40 mins drive North west of Orlando.
Take the Mount Dora trolley from the Lakeside Inn to find out all about the area or take a boat ride on the lakes and see some of the wildlife.
There are lots of gift shops and boutiques to explore and restaurants and cafes for anything from a light snack to fine dining.
I believe they also have lots of festivals through out the year for music and the arts.

This article was submitted by Susan – The owner of the “Great Value Home Near Disney“