“Southern splendor at its finest, charming, and elegant describes the historic Withers-Maguire House located in Ocoee, Florida. Built in 1888, the house is of a Gothic Stick Style with beautiful Florida Heart-pine floors throughout the interior of the home which is encompassed with an inviting wrap-around porch. The house was purchased in 1979 by the City of Ocoee and meticulously restored to its current beauty and charm.”
I spent a perfect Friday afternoon strolling the scenic boardwalks of Lake Lotus Park in Altamonte Springs and enjoying some rare Florida fall colors. I didn’t view much wildlife, but – just as I was wrapping up my hike – I spotted this beautiful alligator grabbing some sun on a log along the creek. What a treat!
That’s right! If you’re nostalgic for fall foliage, one of the best places to get an admittedly small glimpse of fall colors is a stroll along the scenic boardwalk at Oakland Nature Preserve. The boardwalk winds its way to Lake Apopka. Check it out!
“In the first contemporary book about this American Heritage River, Bill Belleville describes his journey down the length of the St. Johns, kayaking, boating, hiking its riverbanks, diving its springs, and exploring its underwater caves. He rediscovers the natural Florida and establishes his connection with a place once loved for its untamed beauty … River of Lakes weaves together the biological, cultural, anthropological, archaeological, and ecological aspects of the St. Johns, capturing the essence of its remarkable history and intrinsic value as a natural wonder.”
One of my favorite places to wander in Central Florida, 212-acre Gemini Springs Park is located in the charming town of DeBary. It’s peaceful (no swimming in the springs allowed), there are some scenic hiking trails and you will almost always get a glimpse of wildlife here.
Nothing beats an energizing hike in magnificent Split Oak Forest on a crisp fall morning. I hiked the northern portion of Split Oak Forest and viewed two deer right off the trail. A great way to start the day!
If you ever get the opportunity to explore the amazing Tibet-Butler Preserve in Orlando, make sure you pay a visit to Darwin, a friendly Sulcata Tortoise that resides in a habitat located directly behind the Vera Carter Environmental Center.
“Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.” – Steven Wright
My favorite animated version of A Christmas Carol, this hidden gem actually features the voices of Alastair Sim as Scrooge and Michael Hordern as Marley’s Ghost – both reprising their roles from the definitive filmed version of A Christmas Carol in 1951. Directed by Richard Williams and first broadcast on ABC on December 21, 1971, A Christmas Carol deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The innovative animation is simply outstanding (reportedly due to “Master Animator” Ken Harris) and a pleasure to watch! A Christmas Carol also features narration by Michael Redgrave and veteran animator Chuck Jones served as executive producer. This amazing version of A Christmas Carol makes the most of its abbreviated, 25-minute running time, although I wish it had been given the full feature-length treatment! For the definitive guide on A Christmas Carol film and TV adaptations, visit my article Celebrating Dickens: The 25 Days of A Christmas Carol Challenge.
Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors in Clermont just minutes from downtown? Look no farther than Lake Hiawatha Preserve! Ideally located adjacent to Lake Hiawatha and Lake Minneola, 220-acre Lake Hiawatha Preserve features hiking and biking trails, picnic pavilion, two dog parks, a playground and plenty of shady trees to relax under and enjoy a good book. In addition, the Lake Minneola-Clermont Scenic Trail runs right through Lake Hiawatha Preserve. Check it out!
