Taking the stress out of every day living and showing you the life you have been dreaming of.
It’s Halloween and it’s a fun time to be in Orlando. Some of our residents have done crazy things to their homes and I thought I’d spend an hour or two wandering around and create you a fun video showing you what’s going on. One Celebration resident has gone completely OTT with his Halloween tribute and wins my award as “Best in Town.” Simply amazing.
Have fun tonight…stay safe!
The Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team made a special appearance at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 26 as they flew their famous delta formation over Cinderella’s Castle and the theme park’s main street. It was one of numerous events scheduled as part of Air Force Week Cocoa Beach.
The theme of this Air Force Week is Honoring Hometown Heroes. During the week, which runs from Oct. 23 through Oct. 31, there will be free concerts, ceremonies, static displays and demonstrations.
Air Force Weeks were established in 2006 by the chief of staff of the Air Force. Air Force Week objectives were to bring together a mix of Airmen, numerous platforms and recruiting assets to provide the big picture of the Air Force mission and its way of life. The first Air Force Week was held in St. Louis in 2006.
It all started with a dream that was fulfilled in 1969 and today it’s one of Central Florida’s best kept secrets…only it’s not really that secret…if you are in the know!
I’m talking about the dream of Ednamay Wales back in the 60′s and her vision for opening an antique shop. In 1969 Ed, her husband, fulfilled that dream when he built a small tin roofed building on the family ranch in rural Polk county, about 45 mins to an hour drive from Orlando.
Today, The Barn Antiques is still a Wales family business and, while holding true to Ednamay and Ed’s original philosophy, the venue has been expanded to much larger quarters. In short, it’s a real family story and essentially a story that America laid it’s foundations on… people and families having dreams and then turning those dreams into reality through damned hard work and being prepared to sacrifice a little to get to where they wanted to go. It’s something we need to remember and a quick trip to The Barn is essential for everyone, no matter whether doing some seasonal shopping or wanting to study a real family business.
The Barn is made up of several different areas; The Barn Antiques, the Stable Family of Shops featuring “The Stable – Home Decor”, “The Seasons Gift Shop”, “The Back Yard Garden Shop” and The Back Porch Tearoom.
Each area will take some time to explore as every available space is filled with something interesting or exciting to look at. During regular trips abroad, the people at the Barn hand-pick the best pieces for their showrooms from their wide network of well-established contacts and it really shows as you’ll often find numerous pieces of merchandise you’ll never see elsewhere here.
The Stable
In the Stable, every nook and cranny is filled with a lovely array of designer wreaths, flower arrangements, swags, and baskets. Avid shoppers are pleasantly overwhelmed by our wide range of items both quaint and sophisticated, including brass, prints, lamps, potpourri, and many other lovely accessories for their home. The Stable’s “SEASONS” gift shop changes with the holidays, FALL, HALLOWEEN, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, SPRING, and EASTER. All are celebrated with many special and unique decorations and themed items.
The Back Porch Tearoom
The Back Porch offers a sunny break for hungry lunchtime shoppers. Shoppers, browsers, and the hungry make their selection from a menu and find a table hand painted with wild flowers. Lunch is delivered in wooden picnic baskets, filled with soup, salad, sandwich, and dessert from the Wales Family’s favorite recipes and you can choose whether to sit indoors or out. Further, children have not been forgotten here as they can enjoy a “Teddy Bear Picnic” is available.
The Back Yard Garden Shop
The Back Yard offers a wide selection of garden and lawn accessories in the latest styles, ranging from stepping stones all the way up to twelve-foot trellises and handsome lawn furniture. You can choose to shop or just to relax under the lush canopies of Confederate Jasmine, as the sound of trickling water mixes with the light tinkle of wind chimes to sweep your stresses away.
The web site for The Barn is www.barnantiques.biz and you and your family really should make the effort to visit during the upcoming holiday season… it’s a real treat.
Here’s a video I shot earlier in the week…
Yesterday I showed you the latest attraction in the Kissimmee area with Fantasy Surf’s Flowrider so today I thought I’d stay on a water sport theme and take you to the Water Ski Museum and Hall of Fame. The museum is located near exit 44 on Interstate 4 and is difficult to miss… but somewhat difficult to find! Sound odd?
Many times I’ve driven down I4 and seen the AWSEF Water Ski Experience situated a stones throw from the interstate highway but never really given it much thought. Well, yesterday I decided to take a step further and on my way back from a business meeting in Tampa I decided to take a look at the place. Getting to it is something of a pain however, as the venue apparently isn’t allowed any road signage by those in power. Utterly crazy.
So, if you do decide to go… and you should… be warned….you’ll see the building very easily but then you have to work out how to get to it! It sort of adds to the challenge… but here’s the secret: Exit 44 on I4 and head south on SR. 557. Head south for about 4 miles and then take the 557A by the The Barn Antiques (another place you should visit while out this way) and then go back the 4 miles you’ve just come. As you cross over I4 the facility will be on your right and you’ll need to make a sharp hairpin turn right to take “Holy Cow Road” (I love that name!!) that leads to the museum.
Now that I’ve got you there, what’s it all about? Well, Central Florida is the World Capital for Water Skiing and you’ll soon learn more about the sport and its history as the museum has over 1200 relics from the past for you to look at.
The American Water Ski Association states that water skiing began in Lake City, Minnesota in 1922, when Ralph Samuelson used two boards as skis and a clothesline as a tow rope on Lake Pepin. The sport remained a little-known activity for several years, as Samuelson began taking his “stunts” on the road, performing around the United States. Numerous claims began to surface as to who was the first water skier, however, in 1966 the American Water Ski Association formally acknowledged Samuelson as the first on record and hence he became known as the “Father of Water Skiing”. Samuelson has also been credited as the first ski racer, first to go over a jump ramp, first to slalom ski and the first put on a water ski show.
There is an interesting timeline wall depicting the history of the sport and you can actually see the first skis (pictured above) that Samuelson used …and they make for interesting viewing as not only are they very long, but effectively they are two planks of wood that he simply bolted to his feet!
Pioneer Hall is the official name for the museum and it’s here you get to learn more about the sports history and see pictures of some of the early stars. The Perpetual Trophy Room is also interesting as it is home to all the trophies the sport presents to its winners of the major nine disciplines.
Further, the library and audio visual theatre is believed to be the most complete library and resource center devoted exclusively to water skiing in existence. You are welcome to browse through files, books, magazines, news clippings and to view films and tapes depicting water skiing in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Also, as you stroll through the museum, make sure you pay special attention to the statue of a certain George A. Blair. “Banana” George was born on January 22, 1915 in Toledo, Ohio and he enrolled at Miami University, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He graduated in 1937
He was not exposed to water skiing until 1955, when he was in Florida recovering from a fusion operation on his back. Already a successful businessman from New Jersey, Blair observed the local waterski school, and it was not long until they convinced him to try waterskiing himself. He instantly fell in love with it, and he and his family returned to the Northeast and opened two ski schools, which they successfully owned and operated for over 20 years.
What’s remarkable is that Blair learned to ski on his bare feet when he was 46 years old and since then, he has won many awards and holds numerous records, including several entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. Today, he continues an active lifestyle barefoot waterskiing and snowboarding at the age of 95!
Naturally, the venue has a full water ski school with experts to teach you how to water ski. No matter whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro you’ll enjoy taking to Lake Grew, situated alongside the museum, to test your skills.
The cost to visit the museum is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and $3.00 for those under the age of 12 with those 5 and under going free. All money goes to help defray the expenses of running this multi-million dollar facility and not-for-profit corporation. It’s well worth supporting and you’ll see some unique stuff!
Central Florida is not known for surfing but now it really is possible to enjoy catching a wave even when you’re landlocked and nowhere near the ocean. Fantasy Surf is an indoor surfing facility in Kissimmee, just down the street from Walt Disney World, that opened last week and is now ready for adventurous waveboarders and surfers of all experience levels to hit the waves.
The new 14,000 sq. ft. building features a 49 foot long, 32 foot wide double FlowRider. The FlowRider uses high-pressure pumps to create as much as a 35 MPH three-inch sheet of water… although it appears to be a lot lot faster! The water flows from a 55,000 gallon tank and uses a high pressure pump to simulate an ocean wave. Some describe the FlowRider as having the look of surfing / wakeboarding, the ride of snowboarding and the tricks of skateboarding.
Fantasy Surf ‘s official address is Kyngs Heath Road but you’ll find it easier to find if you simply remember it’s located between US 192 and SR535 on Poinciana Blvd. Fantasy Surf also includes a surf shop called, appropriately enough, “Offshore Surf Shop“, an American grill style restaurant called “The Lull” and an area with large, flat-screen TVs for parents to watch their kids.
Thirty-minute sessions, including the rental of the specially designed FlowRider board and a lesson on how to surf, start at $25. Fantasy Surf offers a safe environment to catch a wave and beginners are welcome as the ride features padded floors, walls and benches for the inevitable tumble.
You must be at least 42-inches tall to body board on the FlowRider and 52-inches tall to flow board. The FlowRider is available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Fantasy Surf can be contacted at 407-396-RIDE.
So now riders really can experience the thrill of surfing without the sunburns and the sand of the beach as the climate-controlled Fantasy Surf is open year-round. Here’s a short video :
Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular comes to an end this weekend and there’s still time to visit and dance with an ice DJ, learn from a school of fish or play with a sea fairy. There’s also lots of candy to be had as more than 2 million pieces of trick-or-treat sweets are being handed out during this Halloween extravaganza.
One of Seasame Street’s favorite residents, The Count, along with his friends from Sesame Street, even gets into the Halloween spirit, with Count Von Count’s Spooktacular character breakfast. Little ones can sing, groove and mingle side-by-side with Sesame Street characters, while listening to Halloween-themed music and enjoying a special breakfast “boo”-ffet.
Spooktacular Highlights
Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets: Using their Spooktacular maps, costumed youngsters can search for hidden “fantasea” treasures at more than a dozen different stations, all featuring an array of sweet treats.
Frozen Fun Zone: An ice DJ will melt the ice during a Spooktacular celebration sure to heat up the area with interactive games and activities.
Strolling Entertainment: Gummy Worm Wanda, Salt Water Taffy and Swedish Fish Suzy are among the 35 fanciful sea creatures that will once again join the “Spook-tastic” fun, welcoming trick-or-treaters as they stroll through colorful, playful schools of pumpkin fish.
Wild Things at Seafire Inn: In this show, guests will gain a new appreciation for nature’s most misunderstood creepy creatures as they take center stage at Seafire Inn.
Here’s what Misty, the High Point University and Florida Leisure Summer Intern, had to say:
“We visited Sea World Orlando and had an absolutely wonderful time. As a college student, sometimes Sea World gets overlooked when planning a trip to Florida. However, I am very glad that we were able to stop by and check it out for a while. The lines were very reasonable and we were able to hit all of the attractions, including seeing EVERY show and ride every ride we wanted to without a huge wait! The hot Florida heat was no match for the splash zones at Shamu Stadium and The Whale and Dolphin Theatre, along with getting to watch some amazing shows we were able to cool off by the huge splashes the animals made while performing.
Manta, in my opinion one of the best roller costers of any theme park in Florida, had a 10 minute wait when we arrived at the park and we were able to ride it several times. We also got to enjoy Sea World’s Halloween Spooktakular which was an absolutely wonderful experience. We got to walk around and get candy and just enjoy the scenery and exhibits of Sea World.”
15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Continues Through Nov. 14
Food and wine aficionados not to mention music fans who like to “eat to the beat” have just two weeks at the beginning of November to get their fill of “delicious discoveries” before the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival comes to a close on Nov. 14.
Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each of the 27 international marketplaces along the World Showcase promenade. The festival also includes live regional entertainment, daily wine and beer tastings, a series of special culinary programs, and the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series.
November’s six-act lineup for Eat to the Beat! music concerts includes three artists who will be playing the event for the first time – Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp), Hanson and Rick Springfield.
Here’s the full November schedule (artists subject to change without notice):
Nov. 1-3: Boys II Men (“End of the Road”)
Nov. 4-5: Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp) (“Give a Little Bit”)
Nov. 6-7: Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)
Nov. 8-9: Hanson (“MMMBop”)
Nov. 10-11: Rick Springfield (“Jessie’s Girl”)
Nov. 12-14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, take place nightly at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Just recently I made a trip to a place that is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity… your chance to actually live on Disney property!
As legend goes, a young Walt Disney would lie underneath the expansive branches of his ‘dreaming tree‘ in Missouri. It was here that Walt developed his passion for storytelling and it was also the birth place for some of the worlds most beloved Disney characters.
Many years later, Disney’s scenic Placerita Canyon ranch served as the backdrop for segments of The Mickey Mouse Club TV show. The reserve of more than 900 acres was purchased by Disney in 1959 to serve as a quiet vista for TV and movie productions. Walt and his family also spent time relaxing and playing on the ranch. What was the name of this ranch?
Golden Oak, in honor of a storied tree there which was said to have had actual golden nuggets found at its base in 1842.
Golden Oak at Disney, Florida is going to be a magical place with a unique address (Golden Oak, Florida) that comes with exclusive access and privilege. The community will eventually include some 450 homesites on 980 acres within the Walt Disney World resort situated near Bay Lake.
Walt Disney Imagineering handled the master planning for Golden Oak in conjunction with aclaimed design firms. Great efforts were taken to provide areas of sanctuary within the community to provide homes to the native songbirds, osprey and wood storks.
Golden Oak will initially be divided into 3 arranged neighborhoods. Each one designed to complement the Golden Oak community and the names include Carolwood, Silverbrook and Kimball Trace. Within these three neighborhoods are 81 homesites. Kimble Trace – “The Village”, has 37 1/4 acre lots and prices will range from $1.5M to $2M in this area. Over at Silverbrook are 19 “Estate” homesites featuring 1/2 acre lots at a price range of $2M to $3.5M while Carolwood sees 25 “Grand Estate” homesites with approximately 3/4 acre each. Prices here will begin in the $3.5M range.
Luxury Homes
Here are some of the proposed home styles that will be available to build at Golden Oak:
A Special Kind of Disney:
An abundance of pleasures and pastimes will be yours at Golden Oak. There’s nothing quite like a day in the theme parks at Walt Disney World® Resort but adding an even more magical dimension to your Disney experience will be the privileges created expressly for families at Golden Oak:
Your Golden Oak Concierge
There’s something rather delightful about being able to hand over your “Want To’s” and “Must Do’s” to someone who can orchestrate them into “Well Done’s.” And here, that special someone is your Golden Oak Concierge, just a call or click away. It will be their pleasure to take care of such arrangements as:
Summerhouse Private Clubhouse
Summerhouse, a Private Proposed Clubhouse
A destination experience close to home, the Summerhouse is envisioned to be a casually elegant gathering place for families and friends. Imagine the possibilities for finding your ideal blend of social, leisure and quality time enjoying:
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
Also to be located at Golden Oak is a proposed 445-room Four Seasons hotel. Residents of Golden Oak will have access to select amenities at the proposed Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort including:
Here’s a clip from local news about the new community:
Here’s a short video I made on my visit… it’s short as Disney won’t allow us to show too much just yet!
What is the first step?
Get on the list! The first step is to get on the Priority Reservation List. A limited amount of home sites are being released in 2010 so timing is everything. 25 deposits have already been placed since the opening announcement a couple of months ago and your place will be secured upon receipt of a fully executed Lot Release Priority Agreement and a refundable $25,000 deposit. If you are interested then Florida Leisure Vacation Homes and it’s sister real estate company, Total Real Estate Solutions will be pleased to assist in lot and builder selection. Do note, however, vacation rentals are not allowed in the community but long term lets are permitted.
Last night we were privileged and honored to be able to attend the 2010 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction at the Ballroom at Church Street in Orlando. The evening was opened by Event Chair, Chris Hurn and proved to be a great success as several of the areas leading chefs prepared many special dishes for guests to sample. In fact, some of the gourmet food was so good that many folks returned time and time again to their favorite tables to get yet more of the delicious offerings… and I have to confess, I had a big weakness for the chocolate strawberries!
Heidi Hatch & Nigel Worrall
Nick Anderson & Nigel Worrall
In addition to the Signature Chefs, each table saw the addition of a Celebrity Sous Chef who was added to the mix to make wandering around the ballroom all the more special. The local news channels were covered well as Fox 35′s Heidi Hatch (above left) and Tom Johnson joined Wesh 2′s Martha Sugalski, Tony Mainolfi, Guy Rawlings and Jim Payne for the evening. Other local celebrities were Orlando Magic legend Nick Anderson (above right), author Sally Hogshead and Harris Rosen while local radio was covered with personalities Jayde Donovan from XL 106.7, Adam Alexander from 1059 Sunny FM and Daniel Dennis from Monsters in the Morning Show who completed the line up.
The main function of the night, however, was to raise as much money as possible for the March of Dimes cause. Auctioneer extraordinaire Jim Ferrell (above left) did a magnificent job, despite losing his voice at times, and we saw some great bidding on both silent auction and the main auction items. All in all, a great deal of money was raised to help families like the Hoffman’s of Weston, Florida (above right) who were introduced to us all as the March of Dimes National Ambassador Family and the Campbell’s who are Central Florida’s Ambassador Family.
The evening was rounded off as Executive Chef Larry Sinibaldi of The Palm Restaurant ran out as the favorite chef of the night and collected the Bob Mervine Award in the process. Enjoy the video…
Last week this blog (click here for last weeks blog) covered the news that Busch Gardens is developing a new area, Cheetah Run and Cheetah Hunt, at its famous Tampa theme park, so I decided to trek the hour journey from Florida Leisure Vacation Home land to see what was going on.
Here’s a couple of videos to whet the appetite:
Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle
