In 45 trips
City
Winter Garden, FL, United States
Mon Jun 23 4:00pm - Mon Jul 28 2:00pm
Notes
Here to visit my grandparents and father.
Florida Trip 2008
Here to visit family and do some exploration around central … More
Here to visit family and do some exploration around central Florida, WITHOUT visiting anything Disney!!!
Trip Tags
Added by Bobby
Architecture, Clermont, Dining, Family, Florida, Gay & Lesbian, Lake Mirror, Lakeland, Museums, Oakland, Orlando, Outdoor Activities, Sightseeing, St Petersburg, Summer, Tampa, Winter Garden, Winter Park
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Location:
Day:
06/23/2008 to 07/28/2008
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Mon 06/23/08 (day 1) - Winter Garden
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Tue 07/01/08 (day 9) - Ocoee
Great cafe in Ocoee, Florida.
Restaurant
10730 W Colonial Drive
Ocoee, Florida 34761
USA
(407) 656-7676
Ocoee, Florida 34761
USA
(407) 656-7676
Tue Jul 1 12:00pm - Tue Jul 1 5:00pm
Notes
For a cafe you really can't go wrong at the House Blend Cafe. I've been coming here many times since visiting Florida for a month, and I've been very impressed. The cafe offers delicious sandwiches (I recommend the pulled pork), teas and coffees and side dishes to satisfy anyone craving a little edible goodness. The service is friendly and prompt, with no attitude that sometimes plagues some other small independent cafes. There is also free wi-fi, which in itself is invaluable, and clean, spacious restrooms. Plenty of power outlets too if you don't want to run down your laptop battery. There's a couch to lounge on and the atmosphere is spacious but cozy at the same time (thanks to the low lighting, which can make typing difficult if you're in the way back). The cafe is tastefully decorated with local artwork.
I would like to see a larger tea selection, though the one they do have is very good quality. This is the first cafe I have been to that actually gives you the entire tea press itself to serve yourself out of. It's not as messy as using tea bags, and allows the tea to steep more as it should (Yes I love my tea).
They advertise that 100% of their net profits are returned back to the community, and though I do not know the details or have a way to verify this, it's an interesting gesture, and makes you feel a little less guilty about eating that 500 calorie brownie or cookie.
This is one of only two cafes (outside of Panera Bread) that offer free wi-fi in the Winter Garden/Ocoee area, so check it out on your next visit! You won't be disappointed...
I would like to see a larger tea selection, though the one they do have is very good quality. This is the first cafe I have been to that actually gives you the entire tea press itself to serve yourself out of. It's not as messy as using tea bags, and allows the tea to steep more as it should (Yes I love my tea).
They advertise that 100% of their net profits are returned back to the community, and though I do not know the details or have a way to verify this, it's an interesting gesture, and makes you feel a little less guilty about eating that 500 calorie brownie or cookie.
This is one of only two cafes (outside of Panera Bread) that offer free wi-fi in the Winter Garden/Ocoee area, so check it out on your next visit! You won't be disappointed...
Thu 07/10/08 (day 18) - Orlando
In 14959 trips
City
Orlando, FL, United States
Thu Jul 10 11:00am - Thu Jul 10 4:00pm
Notes
Finally made it to downtown Orlando for some picture taking!! I spent the afternoon around Lake Eola and downtown, snapping as many photos as I could with two different cameras in an attempt to take some great Orlando photos.
Fri 07/11/08 (day 19) - Winter Park
In 105 trips
City
Winter Park, FL, United States
Fri Jul 11 11:00am - Fri Jul 11 4:00pm
Notes
Today I took a walking tour around Winter Park. I started at the Winter Park Historical Museum, which is staffed by a very helpful and knowledgeable crew. With their help I learned quite a bit about Winter Park's history, as well as where to go to take some great photos. Definitely stop here first if you plan to make a trip to Winter Park.
I walked the grounds of Rollins College, explored the streets of downtown, and even went on a fun scenic boat tour, which I will review in my next post.
I walked the grounds of Rollins College, explored the streets of downtown, and even went on a fun scenic boat tour, which I will review in my next post.
An informative and relaxing tour of 3 lakes and two canals around Winter Park.
Thing to Do
312 East Morse Boulevard
Winter Park, Florida 32789
USA
(407) 644-4056
Winter Park, Florida 32789
USA
(407) 644-4056
Fri Jul 11 2:00pm - Fri Jul 11 3:00pm
Notes
I thoroughly enjoyed this one-hour tour through three of the lakes and two of the canals that surround Winter Park. The tour guide was very friendly and informative, and the mansions along the tour were nothing short of spectacular. My favorite and most enjoyable part of the tour was the travel through the canals itself. It was very relaxing and surprisingly cool - a nice reprieve from the sweltering heat of central Florida! The cost is $10 for adults, and $5.00 for children aged 2 - 11. Tours leave every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day except Christmas. If you're going to be in or around Winter Park, this is a must-see, and well worth the $10. Go check it out and bring your camera!
Mon 07/14/08 (day 22) - Clermont
In 85 trips
City
Clermont, FL, United States
Mon Jul 14 2:00pm - Mon Jul 14 4:00pm
Notes
Went to Clermont to check out the Citrus Tower. Clermont itself is a sprawling shadow of it's former Citrus-oriented history. The tower was interesting, but Clermont isn't very scenic anymore.
The Citrus Tower stands unrivaled as a majestic and monumental tribute to central Florida's famed citrus industry …More
Thing to Do
141 North Highway 27
Clermont, Florida 34711
USA
352-394-4061
Clermont, Florida 34711
USA
352-394-4061
Mon Jul 14 2:00pm - Mon Jul 14 3:00pm
Notes
The Citrus Tower in Clermont, Florida at one time was a premier central-Florida attraction, complete with a restaurant, gift shop, motel, and wax museum next door. Freshly picked citrus could be purchased (often from the very groves the tower provided views of), and the views from the top could only be described as breathtaking.
Unfortunately, this is the conclusion one can only come to after looking at the old black and white photos of what the Citrus Tower used to be. Though still a relative bargain at only $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 2 - 15 (2 and under are free), the tower is but a shadow of its former glory. Nowadays, it provides views mostly of unchecked urban sprawl, a legacy of the city of Clermont's lax urban planning.
First, some facts: Erected in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida's ridge region, this splendid landmark contains 5 million pounds of concrete and 149,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. The original plans specified a height of 75 feet, but when completed, the tower rose to the lofty height of 226 feet (equivalent to 22 stories), the tip of its highest antenna piercing the sky at a point around 500 feet above sea level. It was constructed to withstand winds of more than 190 miles per hour.
Now, sprawl, office buildings, strip malls and pavement blight the once magnificent views afforded by the Citrus Tower. I guess one could now call it the "Tower of Sprawl." What were once beautiful fields of citrus groves, now have all been paved over. It is this disgusting, auto-oriented, cookie-cutter travesty of development that has motivated me to study Urban Planning in college! Only a small, overgrown stand of citrus trees can still be seen, but development is quickly encroaching and soon, I am sure this final testament to Florida's once proud citrus industry will be paved over.
If anything, the views from the tower open one's eyes to the devastating effects of urban sprawl on what was once a pristine landscape of thriving citrus groves. Black and White photos at the top show what used to be. For the eye-opening experience alone, it's worth the price, because though the citrus groves are long gone, the lessons that can be learned make the trip worth while for future generations.
Unfortunately, this is the conclusion one can only come to after looking at the old black and white photos of what the Citrus Tower used to be. Though still a relative bargain at only $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 2 - 15 (2 and under are free), the tower is but a shadow of its former glory. Nowadays, it provides views mostly of unchecked urban sprawl, a legacy of the city of Clermont's lax urban planning.
First, some facts: Erected in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida's ridge region, this splendid landmark contains 5 million pounds of concrete and 149,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. The original plans specified a height of 75 feet, but when completed, the tower rose to the lofty height of 226 feet (equivalent to 22 stories), the tip of its highest antenna piercing the sky at a point around 500 feet above sea level. It was constructed to withstand winds of more than 190 miles per hour.
Now, sprawl, office buildings, strip malls and pavement blight the once magnificent views afforded by the Citrus Tower. I guess one could now call it the "Tower of Sprawl." What were once beautiful fields of citrus groves, now have all been paved over. It is this disgusting, auto-oriented, cookie-cutter travesty of development that has motivated me to study Urban Planning in college! Only a small, overgrown stand of citrus trees can still be seen, but development is quickly encroaching and soon, I am sure this final testament to Florida's once proud citrus industry will be paved over.
If anything, the views from the tower open one's eyes to the devastating effects of urban sprawl on what was once a pristine landscape of thriving citrus groves. Black and White photos at the top show what used to be. For the eye-opening experience alone, it's worth the price, because though the citrus groves are long gone, the lessons that can be learned make the trip worth while for future generations.
Wed 07/16/08 (day 24) - Winter Garden
An excellent Thai restaurant in the heart of historic Winter Garden.
Restaurant
99 West Plant Street
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
USA
407-905-9917
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
USA
407-905-9917
Wed Jul 16 2:00pm - Wed Jul 16 3:30pm
Notes
While doing some photography of downtown Winter Garden I happened to walk past this restaurant and grabbed a menu to take back with me. I used to live across the street from the best Thai restaurant in Boston, so I was curious to see how this place would compare.
Having just opened in June, Thai Blossom has a lot to offer. The menu is quite extensive, with an excellent variety of noodle, rice, seafood, and curry offerings. Prices are moderate (expect between $8 - $10 for lunch including non-alcoholic drinks, and $15 - $20 for dinner per person), and there is a lunch menu for those looking for a smaller bite to eat in the afternoon.
Impressed by the menu, my family and I all decided to check it out for lunch. We were not disappointed. We each had a different meat: chicken, pork, and beef, and all three were well-prepared and tasted great. The lunch comes with a small soup and salad as well, and the entree is serves with Jasmine rice. The service was overly friendly, with the lovely waitress even offering to boil the vegetables for my grandfather's dish to make them easier for him to chew. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the Jasmine rice was not too sticky or too dry. The food was brought out quickly, so if you're looking to stop in on your lunch break, you won't have to worry about returning to work late.
There are four levels of spiciness offered: Mild, Medium, Hot, and Thai Hot. We ventured in to the medium and hot range, and I will admit the "hot" was certainly enough to make me tear up a bit (though I am a light-weight!). If you order "Thai Hot" you better be sure you can take the heat!! Hot sauce and peppers are provided for those who desire a little extra "kick" to their meal.
Best part of all, for all of this, four people came out to UNDER $40, including drinks (of the non-alcoholic variety). For that price, you can't beat this restaurant. Great food, great service, at a reasonable price? I hope Thai Blossom is open for a long, long time.
Having just opened in June, Thai Blossom has a lot to offer. The menu is quite extensive, with an excellent variety of noodle, rice, seafood, and curry offerings. Prices are moderate (expect between $8 - $10 for lunch including non-alcoholic drinks, and $15 - $20 for dinner per person), and there is a lunch menu for those looking for a smaller bite to eat in the afternoon.
Impressed by the menu, my family and I all decided to check it out for lunch. We were not disappointed. We each had a different meat: chicken, pork, and beef, and all three were well-prepared and tasted great. The lunch comes with a small soup and salad as well, and the entree is serves with Jasmine rice. The service was overly friendly, with the lovely waitress even offering to boil the vegetables for my grandfather's dish to make them easier for him to chew. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the Jasmine rice was not too sticky or too dry. The food was brought out quickly, so if you're looking to stop in on your lunch break, you won't have to worry about returning to work late.
There are four levels of spiciness offered: Mild, Medium, Hot, and Thai Hot. We ventured in to the medium and hot range, and I will admit the "hot" was certainly enough to make me tear up a bit (though I am a light-weight!). If you order "Thai Hot" you better be sure you can take the heat!! Hot sauce and peppers are provided for those who desire a little extra "kick" to their meal.
Best part of all, for all of this, four people came out to UNDER $40, including drinks (of the non-alcoholic variety). For that price, you can't beat this restaurant. Great food, great service, at a reasonable price? I hope Thai Blossom is open for a long, long time.
Sun 07/20/08 (day 28) - Lakeland
In 283 trips
City
Lakeland, FL, United States
Sun Jul 20 11:00am - Sun Jul 20 4:00pm
Notes
Spent the day in Lakeland taking photos and touring this beautiful city about 60 miles southwest of Orlando. Most of the antique shops were closed (as correctly advised by one of my readers!), but it was still interesting nonetheless.
Thanks to amy9r422 for the great suggestion!
Thanks to amy9r422 for the great suggestion!
Wed 07/23/08 (day 31) - St. Petersburg
In 908 trips
City
St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Wed Jul 23 12:00pm - Fri Jul 25 4:00pm
Notes
Here to visit my aunt for a few days.
A great local restaurant with excellent burgers and friendly service.
Restaurant
358 22ND Ave S
St. Petersburg, Florida 33705-3245
USA
(727) 823-1594
St. Petersburg, Florida 33705-3245
USA
(727) 823-1594
Wed Jul 23 12:00pm - Wed Jul 23 1:00pm
Notes
This was the first place I stopped when I arrived in St. Petersburg and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed my lunch here - the burgers are excellent the the drinks large. Prices are reasonable as well, and service was fast and friendly. It is still cash-only, but that is a small inconvenience for what you get. There is a large area for outdoor seating in an intimate, garden-like atmosphere. You can't miss the numerous converted bath tubs around the place, which now hold a variety of plants and flowers. Burgers come in two sizes (if I recall, it was 5oz and 8oz, but it could have been 6 and 9) and was one of the best burgers I have had in a long time. They actually made my fries extra-well done at my request (I love my fries to be very brown and crispy!). That alone impressed me. So, if you're wandering around St. Pete, definitely make a stop here for lunch or dinner. I will definitely be back.
Fri 07/25/08 (day 33) - Tampa
In 5079 trips
City
Tampa, FL, United States
Fri Jul 25 5:30pm - Fri Jul 25 8:00pm
Fri Jul 25 5:30pm - Fri Jul 25 8:00pm
Notes
I was bumped from my bus in Tampa and so spent a couple of hours exploring the downtown area.
Sun 07/27/08 (day 35) - Orlando
A great vegan restaurant close to downtown Orlando.
Restaurant
1235 North Orange Avenue, Suite 101
Orlando, Florida 32804
USA
407-228-3899
Orlando, Florida 32804
USA
407-228-3899
Sun Jul 27 12:00pm - Sun Jul 27 1:00pm
Notes
My friend and I stopped here for Sunday Brunch and I really did not know what to expect. I had never had a vegan brunch before, but was really pleasantly surprised. I had pancakes, home fries, and sausage, and the pancakes were the best I have ever eaten - seriously!! The home fries were a bit soft and soggy, but tasted good. The sausage wasn't bad either considering it was vegan (then again, a little maple syrup makes anything taste great!). My friend also had a really attractive bowl of fruit which he enjoyed. All together the Brunch came to around $10/person, which includes beverages - not bad by my standards!
Not only is the food reasonable and delicious, but the decor is very lovely. There is a very spacious outdoor seating area (where we ate), and also a nicely decorated indoor seating space as well. Our server was very friendly and attentive, and though we did not meet with the manager or have to lodge any complaints, we were overall very satisfied with our visit.
For something different on a Sunday, I would highly recommend Ethos for Brunch. It's right across from the beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, and conveniently located off of I-4. I will definitely be back.
Not only is the food reasonable and delicious, but the decor is very lovely. There is a very spacious outdoor seating area (where we ate), and also a nicely decorated indoor seating space as well. Our server was very friendly and attentive, and though we did not meet with the manager or have to lodge any complaints, we were overall very satisfied with our visit.
For something different on a Sunday, I would highly recommend Ethos for Brunch. It's right across from the beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, and conveniently located off of I-4. I will definitely be back.
Its a very nice place to visit.