Florida on a Tankful

14/04/2018

CRANES ROOST SUNSET CINEMA

Bring your chairs and blankets to the plaza area at Cranes Roost Park for family movie night! Hosted by St. Stephen Lutheran Church, this is the 1st of 3 "Sunset Cinemas" - tonight's featured movie is Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Be sure to arrive early to check out the park's amenities, with a picturesque 1 mile walkway around the lake, with covered benches along the way. Be sure to check out the choreographed fountain show.

When: Tonight at 8pm.
Admission is free. Food and beverages available for purchase. No coolers, glass or pets are permitted

Upcoming Sunset Cinema Events:
May 12 - Despicable Me 3
June 9 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

More about Cranes Roost Park:
Cranes Roost is one of favorite city parks in the area! It's conveniently located, in Uptown Altamonte, just east of I-4, and adjacent to the Altamonte Mall

Park Hours:
Sunday–Thursday 7 a.m. –11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 7–12 a.m.

274 Cranes Roost Boulevard
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

07/10/2017

Chocolate Kingdom, the Factory Adventure Tour

This is an interactive journey that uncovers how chocolate transforms from the bean into the creamy, dreamy chocolate bar. Our Personal Chocolate Tour Guide joins forces with a handsome Prince and his Dragon sidekick to take guests through a Cacao Tree Greenhouse, a one-of-a-kind Chocolate Museum, a Mystical River of Chocolate and a Micro Batch Bean-to-the-Bar Factory utilizing old world machinery.

There's also an opportunity to customize your own chocolate bar for an additional cost.

Tours last approximately 45 minutes.

Located at 2858 Florida Plaza Blvd.Kissimmee, FL 34746

Times and Admission Info:
Monday - Sunday: 10:30 am - 6 pm
Factory Tours Begin at 11 am and are scheduled every hour on the hour until
5 pm. Please call ahead for availability.
407-705-3475. Walk-ins welcome.
Adults $16.95
Kids (4-12 years old) $12.95

22/09/2017

As the summer comes to a close and fall begins to bring us shorter days and cooler temperatures, it also brings with it a full calendar of church and community festivals and events that bring families, friends together to celebrate and keep alive our various traditions and an opportunity to have some fall fun in Central Florida!

Start filling your calendar, for this weekend head on over to the Green Meadows Petting Farm, Corn Fest.

Sept. 23 & 24, 2017, 9:30am-4:00pm
1368 South Poinciana Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34746

Savor all you can eat FREE roasted corn (with paid admission), cheer at our pig races, laugh with our MOOgician, and see our monster tractor, Big Allis. Enjoy country music and have your children play in our large corn box!!

Enjoy a guided tour of Green Meadows Farm. Your admission includes a two-hour guided tour which is always led by one of our happy farm hands! Their last tour starts at 2:30pm

More about Green Meadows Petting Farm :
Enjoy a day of fun and hands-on learning experiences with plenty of activities that will delight and amaze people of all ages! There are guided tours to educate children and adults about farm animals by touch, sight, smell and sound; it is truly a sensory learning experience with our friendly animals as your teachers.

http://greenmeadowsfarm.com/events-green-meadows-farm/

Since they are an outdoors facility, Green Meadows Farm might be closed due to inclement weather. Please call to confirm their operating hours.

17/09/2017

It’s been almost a week since Hurricane Irma pummeled the state of Florida, the worst of it, occurring in the Keys and Miami wreaking havoc as it made her way up the coast to Tampa and eastward through Central Florida. Many of those in her direct path heeded the warnings and evacuated only to start coming home now to find they don’t have their home it makes our situation feel insignificant. Yes, we are without power, and like millions have been inconvenienced, but through it all, realize that at least I have a home to go back to, as there are so many that will go back to find rubble where there house once stood. As well, my wife’s family and our friends that now call this home –like so many of you, it was their first hurricane and what we all can hope for our last one that we’ll experience. However, we know that living where we do, we are susceptible to nature’s fury. But, one doesn’t have to look far, but to our neighbor’s in the south part of Florida, to the east and west coasts and know that when we do, and it’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”, that we find ourselves bracing for our next hurricane, only for us to realize that many our distant neighbors may not be coming back to a home….I feel blessed that I’ll always come back to ours.

A word of thanks for all of our family, especially to my parents where we’ve been able to once again enjoy all the amenities that come with having power. To our friends who offered us a safe haven and to our neighbors, whom we got know better during this difficult time. It is through times like this, that one can truly see the kindness of others. Here is just one of many of those acts of kindness, again showing that through the worst of times, bring out the best in people.

http://www.wesh.com/article/good-samaritan-gives-up-generator-to-woman/12194488

Perhaps you’ve been so fortunate to witness one of these acts of kindness, I’d like for you to share with us that experience and the impact that Hurricane Irma has made on your life.

Neighbors are helping neighbors at a time when many need it most. Hadas Brown reports.

18/03/2017

Heading out to the THE 58TH WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL, in Central Park and along Park Avenue in Winter Park.The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. This festival isn’t just for professional artists. Just like in many years past, there’s a special Children’s Workshop Village in the Central Park West Meadow. In the Village kids can create their own art, featuring easel painting and local art centers and museums that feature a variety of fun, hands-on art activities for children. Admission is free and participants may take home their artistic creations. There's always a full day of entertainment and food and merchandise vendors to fit any taste.

When: March 17, 18, and 19, 2017
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
Driving Directions
http://www.wpsaf.org/about/directions.html
About the Festival
http://www.wpsaf.org/about/about.html

The Festival features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts in the following categories: clay, digital art, drawings & pastels, fiber, glass, graphics & printmaking, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media 2D, mixed media 3D, painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood as well as our Emergin...

04/03/2017

Be sure to come out the 30th Annual Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts, tomorrow, 9am-5pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm, at the Oval Park, next to A.A.A. (683 Business Center D, Lake Mary 32746). Art enthusiasts from Florida, the US and around the world visit this festival to view fine art and craft exhibits, enjoy the entertainment and appetizing treats from local restaurants and food trucks. http://www.lakemaryheathrowarts.com/

26/02/2017

We love going to Crane’s Roost Park, it’s one of area’s premier parks, and located in Altamonte Springs, in Uptown Altamonte, is only a short drive from Orlando. It’s no wonder that Crane’s Roost park is so popular with the local residents and visitors, with its mile-long walkway that encircles a beautiful lake, picturesque landscapes and relaxing music, to be enjoyed by walkers and runners alike. There are benches and covered seating areas to take in its natural beauty. Birds of all kinds, especially ducks and cranes have found this to be a perfect spot also! This is a wonderful, safe and clean environment for people of all ages to enjoy, and dog friendly as well! Be sure to check out the many events that take place there throughout the year.
http://www.altamonte.org/index.aspx?nid=367

17/02/2017

Head on Down to Lake Eola, 512 East Washington Street
Orlando, FL 32801

Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Lake Eola remains an unchanging emblem of Downtown Orlando. It is surrounded by the dining and shopping of Thornton Park, South Eola District and the Central Business District, truly making Lake Eola the center of Downtown. With a majestic fountain, known as the "official icon of the City of Orlando, the swan paddle boats help make this a very popular for local and tourists alike. But what makes this a truly special place are the many species of birds, ducks and swans that are abound on the lake.

The sidewalk that circles the lake is just under mile in length, making it easy for you to keep track of your walking or running distances. Other activities available to park visitors include renting swan-shaped paddle boats, feeding the live swans and other birds inhabiting the park, seeing a concert or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater, grabbing a bite to eat at Relax Grill on Lake Eola or relaxing amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline.

Although the park is a wonderful place to visit at anytime during the week, there are various events and activities that you won't want to miss that only take place on the weekend.
www.cityoforlando.net/parks/lake-eola-park/

The Eola Sunday Market has gained a reputation of being one of the best in Central Florida. The market features fruits and vegetables, home-made breads, an assortment of local cuisines, beer, wine and a variety of artwork and entertainment.
www.orlandofarmersmarket.com for more info.

Upcoming events include:
Arab American Festival
Sunday February 19, 12 - 7
Ten statewide festivals later and we are recreating the fun filled day with talented performers, assorted vendors, delicious food and an enlightened atmosphere! Visit www.aaccflorida.org

Downtown Food and Wine Festival
Saturday February 25 12 - 9 p.m.
Sunday February 26 12 - 7 p.m.

The tradition continues as more than 30,000 foodies and wine lovers experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe. www.downtownfoodandwinefest.com

05/02/2017

Having a great time at the Mount Dora Art Festival

04/02/2017

One of our most favorite places to visit this time of year is located about 45 miles NW from Orlando, Mount Dora.

Situated an easy drive from Orlando, the coasts and so many places tourists, travelers and locals like to go. Mount Dora offers the perfect peaceful retreat, a great small town atmosphere and close proximity to everything there is to do.

This weekend feature's the 42ND ANNUAL MOUNT DORA ARTS FESTIVAL, February 4th & 5th, 9 AM to 5 PM

Downtown Mount Dora, with its New England architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Dora is the backdrop for this event. In addition to the endless rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park.

You'll sure to enjoy beautiful Mount Dora, if not this weekend, definitely put it on your list of places to visit!

What to do in Mount Dora, the Central Florida vacation destination.