Archive for the ‘Central East Florida’ Category

Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival May 17-19, 2013

Thursday, May 16th, 2013
Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival

Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival

Mount Dora is the perfect place to visit and enjoy a weekend of rocking blues in downtown Mount Dora with some of the most original and raw American Blues artists from throughout the South, including Blues Brothers Revisited, Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists.  It wouldn’t be a wine festival without an ideal selection of wines for your tasting as you stroll around town!

Mount Dora is one of the easiest towns to stroll around in to visit their many shops, restaurants and Bed and Breakfast Inns.  It epitomizes the quaint charm of a southern town with friendly and welcoming people.   This Blues and Wine Festival sounds like a great line up of entertainment and a fun way to spend the weekend.   Farnsworth House  and the Magnolia Inn are downtown Bed and Breakfast Inns for your convenience to stay; and the Cinnamon Inn is located in a rural setting.

The Blues and Wine Festival kicks off at Elizabeth Evans Park with the poignant vocals and unique guitar style of Charlie Morris and his rock-steady rhythm!  Followed by Mount Dora’s own Blues Brothers Revisited Show and featuring Andrew Mullen as Jake, T. Scott Walker as Elwood, Jacqueline “Queenie” Jones as Aretha! and the “Eustis Horns”. The Nightly Blues Band will follow with their mix of Southern Blues.  Then Miss Jacqueline “Queenie” Jones will wrap up the evening with her unique soulful blues style.

 

Saturday activities begin with a Wine Stroll and Tasting at Maggie’s Attic.  You can sample wines from vineyards around the world.  Enjoy the blues sounds of Brad Catron and Albert Bashor.   Entertainment begins at Lakeside Inn with a FREE Concert featuring  David Oliver Willis , a Mount Dora native and a Season 12 Top 25 Contestant on American Idol. David gives us his unique style of folk/blues.  Following David you will enjoy Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists.  Franc Robert brings us a stripped-down raw and powerful blues sound!  After the show, make your way down to Elizabeth Evans Park for the feature show at Elizabeth Evans Park, opening with Jerry J’s Triple Shot, “Southern Fried Outlaw Blues” and followed by: Thomas Wynn and the Believers “Southern Soul Rock with Muscle” – Orlando Sentinel.   “Soulful, gritty tunes, some as sweet as honeysuckle and others ferociously jagged … reminiscent of Levon Helm, Neil Young and the Allman Brothers, but they still boldly radiate a sound and southern charm all their own.” – Metromix Orlando.   The headline act is Chris Simmons and Royal Blue
Chris Simmons spent the last five years touring the world as guitarist with Leon Russell. He is an extraordinarily talented blues man that will make you feel his emotion and heart with every note. He’s now out there with his own band, sharing his music.

 

Sunday at the Community Center begins with great BBQ from Black Bear Smokehouse. BBQ sold separately and can be added to Blues ticket order.
Sunday’s show features the Beautiful Bobby Blackmon followed by Little Jake and The Soul Searchers

 

Have a great weekend of Blues and Wine at a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Murder City Pinup Photo Shoot, March 10, 2013

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

A young woman employee of North American Aviation, Incorporated, working over the landing gear mechanism of a P-51 fighter plane, Inglewood, Calif. The mechanism resembles a small cannon  (LOC)Danville Bed and Breakfast, Geneva, Florida is hosting photographers for a once in a lifetime photo shoot of pinup models on various sets with vintage weaponry, military vehicles and more.  This unique event will raise funds and awareness for the Raise Your Weapons Project, a traveling art photography exhibit that depicts scenes from four American Wars, using actual weapons and uniforms from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, with hopes of bringing the shocking realty of war much closer to audiences across the country.  Photographers will shoot vintage style pinup girls using authentic props and sets. All models are provided by Murder City Photography and all proceeds raised will benefit local VFW’s (Veterans of Foreign Wars)  and their charities.  Any donation made toward the $35,000 project cost will create a traveling fundraiser for VFWs and their charities in each host city. Veterans’ groups have expressed an early interest in “Raise Your Weapons,” with several offering their uniforms, patches and equipment for use in the photos (some have referred to this as a way for their patches to serve again).
When:  Sunday, March 10, 2013
Time:    1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost:     $30  per photographer and  $5   General Public
Where:  Danville Bed and Breakfast, 232 N Jungle Road, Geneva, Fl  32732

During the event attendees will be able to take in the pristine surroundings of Danville Bed and Breakfast.

 

A Festival of the Arts IMAGES in New Smyrna Beach Florida January 25-27, 2013

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

Swimming Song, pastel on paper by Jacqueline Roch, 2012

The 37th annual “IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts” in New Smyrna Beach Florida will be held on January 25th through the 27th, 2013, at Riverside Park, 105 Riverside Drive.  Over 35,000 visitors are expected to enjoy artwork by the 200 plus artists from across America.  “IMAGES” is presented by the Atlantic Center for the Arts and the event is free to the public.  Presented by  the Atlantic Center for the Arts which has progressed into one of the most important artists-in-residence communities in the world; its innovative program is recognized internationally. Since 1982, Atlantic Center’s residency program has provided artists from all artistic disciplines with spaces to live, work, and collaborate during three-week residencies. What a fun way to enjoy a weekend!

Night Swan Bed and Breakfast

When planning your weekend at the arts festival, you may want to consider visiting the Night Swan Intra-coastal Bed and Breakfast Inn located at 512 Riverside Drive on the same street as the IMAGES Art Festival.   It’s open to the public and they serve homemade desserts, cappuccinos or coffee that you can sit on the large front porch, dock or lobby, along with the free WIFI and enjoy the delights.  Built in 1906, proprietors Martha and Chuck Nighswonger of the Night Swan Bed and Breakfast welcome you to experience this romantic lodging with 15 guest rooms, sweeping porches and gracious guest rooms with views of the river.  The Night Swan’s 2-story dock, which extends 160-feet into the majestic Indian River, is perfect for boat, bird and dolphin watching, sunbathing, or just daydreaming.  This is the perfect place to stay for the arts festival!

Myth Busters

Friday, December 7th, 2012

Myth Buster about Bed and Breakfast Inns
B&Bs are expensive. FALSE.
As with any other lodging category, there is a range among Bed and Breakfast rates. Many innkeepers pride themselves on offering personal service and a good value for the price. When comparison shopping, don’t forget to factor in that breakfast is always included. There’s an entire section of our web site devoted to specials and packages to sweeten the deal.

2012 Blues Festival and Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL

Sunday, September 2nd, 2012
Saxophone and Guitar

The 2012 Daytona Blues Festival brings some of the hottest national blues acts to Daytona Beach, FL

October brings the sound of the blues and thundering motorcycles to Daytona Beach, Florida. Book your Central East Florida B&B now to enjoy the best Florida hospitality during these great events.

October 5-7, 2012 Daytona Blues Festival
By October, the hottest of the summer weather has passed and it’s a natural time to bring on the blues in Daytona. Nationally acclaimed and up-and-coming blues talent will be playing all weekend at Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E. Orange Ave.) in downtown Daytona Beach. From the funky sounds of Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots to the trance blues Otis Taylor, 16 blues acts will entertain blues lovers from all over.

Not only is this a great music festival with great acts, but it’s also a good cause. Proceeds benefit women’s and children’s health at Halifax Health. To purchase tickets online and see the full schedule of performers, please visit AnnualDaytonaBluesFestival.com.

The Blues Festival in Daytona Beach is a perfect way to ease into the excitement that is Daytona’s Biketoberfest…

Daytona Beach FL Biketoberfest 2012

Photo courtesy of Biketoberfest®. It’s hot rides and hot times at Daytona Beach’s annual Biketoberfest.

October 18-21, 2012 Biketoberfest® in Daytona Beach
Why have a regular ol’ Octoberfest when you can experience Biketoberfest® in Daytona Beach. This is a roaring good time throughout Central East Florida, as bikers come from near and far to participate. There’s nothing like being on the road, enjoying the freedom and feeling that Florida sun. Ride the Loop, meet your fellow riders and enjoy fun events all four days. Even if you’re not on a bike, you won’t want to miss the glorious sound and vision of gleaming motorcycles by the thousands and the characters who ride them.

Events will be happening throughout Daytona Beach, but Riverfront Park on South Beach Street will be hopping with vendors and food. DJ Ronnie will be keeping the music going from 10 am – 7 pm. Hourly giveaways and Beach Street Riverfront Beauties serving drinks spice up the action at the park.

For more information including helpful ride maps and a full schedule, visit Biketoberfest.org. Find your Central East Florida lodging near Daytona Beach by clicking here.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Epcot flower garden festival

See Toy Story Topiaries at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival..

Everything is in bloom right now at Epcot Center, and the blossoms are being celebrated with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. If you like flowers, you’ll find that May is an excellent time to plan a trip to an Orlando, Florida Bed and Breakfast.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is hosting several special events.

  • Flower Power Concert Series. See the New ELO Orchestra May 4-8, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone May 11-13, and THE MONKEES lead singer Micky Dolenz, May 18-20.
  • Special Displays and Topiaries. Themes include Sustainable Beauty; Haiti: Garden of Many Colors; English Tea Garden; Epcot Gardens of the World.
  • HGTV Designers Shows will take the stage Fridays through Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. See Antonio Ballatore give The Antonio Treatment on May 4-6, Carter Oosterhouse and Million Dollar Rooms on May 11-13, and Genevieve Gorder on May 18-20. Additional shows take place throughout the month of May.

What with live music, special events, and more than 100 topiaries, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is not to be missed. Find a room in an Orlando Bed and Breakfast, pack your bags, and head to Epcot as soon as you can.

Ride the Orange Blossom Cannonball

Monday, April 30th, 2012

You may not recognize the name, but you’ll probably recognize the train. The Orange Blossom Cannonball is a historic steam train in Central Florida. It’s also a movie star.

Historic Steam Trains.

Ride the historic Orange Blossom Cannonball the next time you're in Central East Florida.

This little train has been featured in more than 20 films, such as “True Grit”, “Appaloosa”, 3:10 to Yuma, and “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”.  Folks who ride in it sit in seats once occupied by the likes of George Clooney and Jodi Foster. That’s cool.

The Orange Blossom Cannonball dates from 1907, and when you ride it, you really feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The wooden passengers cars are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Travel 16 miles along Lake Dora and through the Florida countryside to Lake Jem, then back. The scenic trip lasts two hours. Passengers are encouraged to stretch their legs at Lake Jem while the train is being prepared for the return trip.

The Orange Blossom Cannonball departs from Tavares, which is less than an hour from most Orlando, Florida Bed and Breakfasts. Mount Dora Bed and Breakfasts are just minutes from the historic train.

Riding the Orange Blossom Cannonball is a fun addition to any trip to Central East Florida. Additional information may be found at Orange Blossom Cannonball.

Central East Florida Nature Tours

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Some folks travel to Central East Florida for Disney World. Some come here for Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. Still others come here for the nature. This blog is for the outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Florida kayaking

Imagine yourself on a paddling adventures in Central East Florida.

Kayak tours are a fantastic way to explore both coastal waters and inland waters. Try a romantic sunset paddle, or a moonlight cook-out and paddle. Consider an afternoon of kayak sailing; it’s a great way to cover more distance and pick up a little speed. Kayak the Jack Island Preserve area of the Indian River Lagoon or the quiet Sebastian river. Explore Blue Cypress Lake, home to many wonderful birds, or paddle around the Barrier Islands, home to dolphins and manatee. Any time in a kayak will be fun. See Tropical Kayak Tours for more possibilities.

Stand up Paddle boarding is a fantastic way to feel fit and have fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re experienced or a novice–if you fall in, the water is warm. See what it’s like to walk on water in the company of dolphins and manatee. It could be one of those life-changing experiences. Please see Super Eco Adventures for specifics.

Honest John’s Fish Camp is a local treasure. The legacy of an honest man who loved to fish lives on here, run by his grandchildren. This is a good place to rent a fishing boat and learn about the local waters and fish. You’ll also see wonderful wildlife.

Come explore the quiet side of Florida. Get out in nature. Keep it real by lodging in a Melbourne Beach, Florida Bed and Breakfast.

 

 

Explore Central East Florida

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Central East Florida is known for its beaches, Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Daytona. For many people, that’s where Central East Florida begins and ends. Yet there is much more to this region.

Lake Maitland

Lake Maitland

Many of our member Central East Florida Bed and Breakfasts are located inland, either on tranquil, spacious estates or in quaint, historic towns. They offer peace, romance, and room to breathe. Their porches provide shelter on rainy days and shade on sunny days.

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Celebration, Florida

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Market Street in Celebration, Florida

If you’ve been to Orlando, Florida, there is a good chance you’ve been to Disney World and Epcot. These places are, after all, internationally renowned. Many guests of Central East Florida Bed and Breakfasts spend at least one day during their vacations exploring the world of Disney.

Celebration, Florida, is less well known than Disney World, but it is also the result of Walt Disney’s vision. It is the first master planned community created by The Walt Disney World Company, and it is thriving. (more…)

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