Note from Karen: I posed a challenge to my friend and guest blogger Irene Moore: to come up with different, fun ideas for long weekend getaways, road trips from Miami. Not only did she come up with neat ideas, but they’re built around special, one of a kind events that are sure to help end the “off season” on a high note. This is the first of a two part series for October. Watch for more ideas for November and December.
By Irene Moore
FOR ANTIQUE LOVERS
And Other Things to Do:
Antiquing: Famous as “The Antique Capital of Florida,” Mount Dora’s walkable downtown area boasts a wide variety of antique stores, retail, gift & specialty shops and boutiques; great restaurants too. whattodoinmtdora.com
Take a Train Ride: Ride the train that has been in countless Hollywood movies such as 3:10 to Yuma, O’ Brother Where Art Thou?, True Grit and many more. Mount Dora is home to the Orange Blossom Cannonball Steam Train, America’s #1 movie train. It’s the only wood burning locomotive operating in the United States and Florida’s only standard gauge tourist steam train. orangeblossomcannonball.com
Hot-Air Ballooning: Experience the euphoria of soaring high and free on nothing but the air currents with an expert pilot to guide the ride of your life. orlandohotairballoons.com
FOR TIFFANY GLASS AND ART NOUVEAU LOVERS
Louis Comfort Tiffany Exhibit
Orlando (3 hrs. 45 min.)
October 18 and Ongoing
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art opened a wing in 2011 to exhibit its collection of art and architectural objects from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s (1848–1933) celebrated Long Island home, Laurelton Hall, built between 1902 and 1905. Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Life and Art examines Tiffany’s diverse work in the decorative arts over the course of his lifetime through art objects, archives and artifacts. You’ll love the suite of six leaded glass Wisteria transoms.
Other Things to Do:
Learn more about Tiffany glass: As the museum approaches its 75th anniversary, Pathways of American Art at the Morse opens on October 18, celebrating the collection assembled by Hugh and Jeannette McKean, granddaughter of philanthropist Charles Hosmer Morse. Objects include Tiffany art glass made for the wealthy, as well as elegant cast glass made for the middle class and iridescent carnival glass that was pressed and sold for pennies to the masses.
FOR NATURE LOVERS
Leesburg (4 hrs. 20 min.)
October 14-16
Lake County is home to thousands of acres of preserves and passive parklands. Located in one of the best birding areas in Florida, birders find a little piece of heaven here. Discover Red Cockaded woodpeckers, Scrub Jays, Star Blooms, carnivorous plants and other Florida wonders. Held at Venetian Gardens, Wings and Wildflowers Festival is a series of workshops, field trips and hands-on experiences. This tribute to native birds and plants is fascinating for both curious beginners and experts. The festival offers more than 100 activities and programs over the course of three days and features more than 25 birding, wildflower and nature experts. wingsandwildflowers.com
Other things to Do:
Fishing: Surrounding the community are more than 1,400 lakes. Nearby is the 14,000 acre Lake Harris, considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in Central Florida. There are numerous recreation areas to enjoy your favorite water sports.
Golfing: Golfers can enjoy the great outdoors on more than two dozen outstanding public and semi-private golf courses only a half-hour drive away. These courses include some of the finest in Florida, offering challenges for every play level. Many offer lessons for golfers who want to improve their game.
FOR FOOTBALL FANS
Jacksonville (5 hrs. 30 min.)
October 26-29
Jacksonville plays host to one of the most coveted rivalry games in college football—Georgia vs. Florida. Kickoff is 3:30 pm on Saturday, October 29 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.
Other things to Do:
Participate in games and activities: On Saturday, you’re invited by the City of Jacksonville to Touchdown Showdown—it’s near the stadium in the Sports Complex—from 10 am till the end of the game. It’s the largest free, interactive attraction during Georgia-Florida weekend. You’ll find games, activities, jumbo screens, your team merchandise for sale, food, beverages and much more.
Don’t miss the BBQ Tailgate Party: It’s in Metro Park on Saturday before the game, featuring the UGA Pep Band, UGA Georgettes, UGA Cheerleaders, Hairy Dawg, Spike Squad and live entertainment by the River Band. jaxhappenings.com/Florida-vs-Georgia-Weekend
Visit the Hall of Fame: There will be a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday as well (11:30 am). The Georgia Florida Hall of Fame will be on display starting Saturday, October 29 at the Jacksonville Memorial Arena from 9am–3pm.
Entertainment: The Avett Brothers will be kicking off GA-FL weekend with a performance on Friday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Go to the Zoo: See other forms of wildlife besides rabid fans. Open daily, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the only walking safari in Northeast Florida, where you can see the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. jacksonvillezoo.org
Stroll through the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market. It’s open daily and has been a fixture in North Florida since 1938—“Visited by 1 million visitors a year.” You’ll find great eats, fresh fruits and vegetables and local items. Located at 1810 W. Beaver St. jaxfarmersmarket.com
Watch for Part 2 of Road Trips from Miami.
